Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1910 (part 14 of 32)

It was during the one season spent in traveling through Michigan, that Mr. Richmond met in Saginaw, at her father's home, Clara McLellan, to whom he was married May 25, 1881. She is a daughter of Benjamin and Emeline (Palmer) McLellan and was bom on the 26th of November, 1854, in Saginaw. She was educated in the Saginaw high school, was two years a student at the Michigan State Normal school at Ypsilanti and studied one year at Wellesley College, Massachusetts. While in the east, she visited the birthplace of her father in Thornton, Grafton county. New Hampshire. He was born October 18, 1813, the youngest son of John McLellan (1742-1817), a native of Perthshire, Scotland. On coming to America in 1774, John McLellan settled in Thornton and continued a respected citizen of the old Granite state till his death. He married Dorothy Varnum, of Dracut, Massachusetts, a descendant of George and Sarah (Langton) Varnum, who came from England about 1635, and settled at Ipswich, (Agawam), Massachusetts, and whose descendants served with distinction in the Revolutionary war. Dorothy Varnum's mother was Sarah Cobum, five of whose relatives participated in the siege of Boston. Mrs. Richmond's father, Benjamin McLellan, went to Michigan in 1834, Saginaw then being but an Indian trading post, and he lived to see it develop by means of the lumber and. salt industries into the third city in the state, surrounded by a rich agricultural country. He married February 12, 1845, Emeline Palmer, of Livonia, New York, a descendant of the John Palmer, who received a grant of land in

1667 at Greenwich, Connecticut, many of whose descendants served in the Revolutionary war and their sons likewise being patriots in the war of 1812.

After their marriage and a short visit at Niagara Falls and Watkins Glen, Mr. and Mrs. Richmond began housekeeping at Prospect Hill, which has ever since been their home. They have two children : Mildred Ella Richmond, born October 21, 1888, a graduate of the Geneseo high school of the class of 1907 and a student at the University of Michigan of the class of 191 1; and Warren McLellan Richmond, born July 5, 1895, a member of the Geneseo high school of the class of 1913.

Mr. Richmond has always been interested in horticulture and is a local authority on matters pertaining to fruit and plant industry. He is a member of the National Association of Nurserymen. He has always been a republican, following in the political footsteps of his father, but has never been an office seeker. Like his father, he has also advocated the cause of temperance throughout his entire life, and in the nursery business has always taken the stand that he did not care for the trade that had to be bought with whisky or by treating. He is a member of Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M. He has led a busy and useful life, has ever been found honorable, reliable and progressive in business and courteous and genial in his social relations, and he thus enjoys in large measure the confidence and regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact.

Edwin Adelbert Richmond

Edwin Adelbert Richmond, for fifteen years a partner in the business at Prospect Hill Nursery and a respected citizen of Geneseo, was a son of Isaiah and Eliza A. (Fenner) Richmond and was bom at Scituate, Rhode Island, October 4, 1842, He came with his father's family to Illinois in 1844 ^^id to Geneseo in 1854, which continued to be his home until his decease in December, 1880.

At the outbreak of the Civil war, the spirit of patriotism inherited from Revolutionary ancestors asserted itself and he enlisted as a private in Company B, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Ransom Harrington, captain, Colonel Bpackett's regiment, his older brother, Jeremiah, being a member of the same company. He was afterward transferred to the commissary department.

After the close of the war, he married on the 28th of November, 1868, Juliett Pratt, a daughter of Jared Pratt, of North Middleboro, Massachusetts, bringing his bride to the home at Prospect Hill, where their three children were born: Mabel Pratt, born August 6, 1870, who married Adoniram Faunce, of Brockton, Massachusetts, and has one daughter, Ruth ; Ray R., born December 19, 1873, who married Mabel Florence Gammons, of Brockton, Massachusetts, and has one son, Warren; Edwin, Jr., born in April, 1876, who married Sadie Church, and has one son, Stanford Church.

Mr. Richmond was associated with his brother Joseph in conducting and extending the business of Prospect Hill Nursery, he managing all local affairs till his death on the 13th of December, 1880. After her husband's decease, Mrs. Richmond returned with her little family to North Middleboro, her girlhood home, and there her children were educated. Mr. Richmond was a stirring, progressive, business man of strict integrity, and his genial nature made him a favorite among his fellow citizens. He was a member of Stewart Lodge, A. F. & A. M.

Francis Eugene Richmond

Francis Eugene Richmond, the youngest son of Isaiah and Eliza Angel! (Fenner) Richmond, of Geneseo, was born at Groveland, Illinois, August 17, 1847. He came to Geneseo with his father's family in December, 1855, and here pursued his education, continuing his course until he became a high school student. He afterward engaged in teaching school for several years in the vicinity of Geneseo and in December, 1880, on the death of his brother Edwin, became a partner in the nursery business with his brother Joseph. Two years later, however, he withdrew from the firm.

On the 29th of January, 1881, Francis E. Richmond was married to Miss Mary Amelia Hopkins, of Woodstock, Connecticut, who was born November 25, 1853. They lived for two years at the Prospect Hill nursery and then removed to the Richmond homestead on Oakwood avenue in Geneseo. They became the parents of four children, Winnefred Eliza, Abbie Louise, Leila May and Francis Eugene, Jr.

Mr. Richmond was a member of Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M. He was highway commissioner for about ten years and at all times was interested in the welfare and progress of the community. He met death by accidental drowning, June 23, 1898.

The Union National Bank

The Union National Bank of Kewanee was organized December 29, 1880, and began business February i, 1881. It was organized with a capital of fifty thousand dollars and a surplus of one thousand dollars. Its first directors were : Thomas P. Pierce, William H. Lyman, Stephen Bull, Rollie F. Wiley, Michael C. Quinn, William W. Stevens and Andrew F. Bigelow ; while from that number the following were chosen as the first officers : Thomas P. Pierce, president ; William H. Lyman, vice president ; Hosmer L. Kellogg, cashier ; and Rollie F. Wiley, assistant cashier. In January, 1884, the capital stock was increased twenty-five thousand dollars with five thousand dollars surplus. The present directors are : Thomas P. Pierce, William H. Lyman, N. W. Tibbetts, Fred Gunther, John Bowen, Thomas F. Oliver and B. F. Baker. The present officers are : Thomas P. Pierce, president ; William H. Lyman and N. W. Tibbetts, vice presidents; W. W. Calhoun, cashier; L. L. Priestman and W. T. Pierce, assistant cashiers.

The Union National Bank owns its business block at the corner of Tremont and Second streets. This is a two-story, brown-stone structure, twenty-one by seventy-five feet, with basement, and was erected in 1899. In connection with the commercial business they conduct a savings department on which interest is paid at the rate of three per cent. The report of the bank made September 15, 1909, showed:

Olaf Allgren

Olaf Allgren successfully follows farming on eighty acres of land, which he owns in Weller township. As the name indicates, he is a native of Sweden, his birth having occurred in Helsingland, August 25, 1847. His parents, Lars and Christine (Olson) Allgren, the latter a daughter of Eric Olson, spent their entire lives in that country. The father, who followed farming as a life work, died when seventy-two years of age, and the mother passed away some twenty years ago.

Olaf Allgren was reared on the home farm and attended school in his native land. About the time he attained his majority in the spring of 1868, he set sail for America, believing that he might enjoy better advantages in the new world than could be had in Sweden. He worked at farm labor in Henry county until 1882, and during these years prospered, so that he was then enabled to purchase eighty acres in Weller township, located two miles southeast of Bishop Hill. He has placed his fields in a good state of cultivation and annually gathers rich crops while in 1894 he erected a nice country home and he has built substantial barns and other outbuildings on his place so that it is one of the best improved tracts in this section of the county.

Mr. Allgren was married in Bishop Hill on the 8th of August, 1874, to Miss Mary Bloom, a daughter of Peter N. Bloom, who came here in 1847 with a colony of his countrymen There are one son and three daughters of this marriage: Lillie E., the wife of Fred Spiegel, a farmer of Cambridge township; Elnora O., the wife of John Spiegel, also farming in that township ; Gilbert E.,

Mr Allgren is a stanch democrat, believeing firmly in the principles of that party and taking an active interest in all public affairs. While not accepting some of the dogmas of religious bodies and uniting with no church, he nevertheless lives an upright life, basing his actions and conduct upon the principles of the Golden Rule.

Otis W. Hoit

Otis W. Hoit needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for as the president of the First National Bank of Geneseo and also as a representative farmer of the county, he is well known. Through the long years of his residence here he has been active in cooperating in many movements for the public good and his business affairs have largely been of a character that have contributed to general development and improvement.

Mr. Hoit was born on section 24, Edford township, Henry county, May 24, 1857, the only child of Levi Wilson and Sarah E. (French) Hoit, and was reared in his father's home. He has spent his entire life in Henry county and the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculutrist early became familiar to him. His preliminary knowledge of books was acquired in the district schools and he afterward attended the Geneseo high school, from which he was graduated in the class of 1875. ^^ the fall of the same year he entered the University of Illinois, where he pursued a four years' course and was graduated in 1879. Thus well equipped by liberal education for life's practical and responsible duties he began farming in partnership with his father and the association was maintained for a year. His father then removed to Geneseo, and Otis W. Hoit continued to operate the home farm. He is still actively engaged in the development and further improvement of a valuable property of four hundred acres, which in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates his careful supervision and practical methods. He also owns other land in this county, together with farm land in Iowa. For the past seven years he has made his home in Geneseo, but yet supervises his agricultural interests, although he is now acting as president of the First National Bank.

On the nth of September, 1879, Mr. Hoit, was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Elizabeth Stewart, a daughter of John P. Stewart, of Champaign county, Illinois. Their only child died in infancy and Mrs. Hoit passed away May 19, 1885. On the nth of October, 1888, Mr. Hoit was again married, his second union being with Miss Henrietta M. P. Schroeder, a daughter of Henry Schroeder. There is one son of the second marriage, Maurice, who was born June 23, 1893. Mrs. Hoit was born in Edford township, Henry county, but her parents were natives of Germany. They became early settlers of Rock Island county, Illinois, and also established their home in Henry county when there were but comparatively few residents within its borders. They now live in Geneseo.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Hoit hold membership in the Congregational church. He is earnest in his advocacy of the principles of the republican party and has?

served as chairman of the county central committee. He was mayor of Geneseo for one term, and was township supervisor for eight or ten years. Over the record of his official career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. His course has been characterized by unfaltering fidelity to duty, and his sense of commercial honor is equally strict and exacting.

Hiram Towsley Lay

Fifty-five years ago Hiram T. Lay became connected with the mercantile interests of Kewanee and almost continuously throughout the intervening period he has been identified with the business interests of the city. His record is such as any man might be proud to possess, for he has never made engagements that he has not fulfilled nor incurred obligations that he has not met. In the legitimate channels of trade he has sought his success, placing his dependence upon the substantial qualities of industry, perseverance and the wise utilization of opportunities.

Mr. Lay was bom in Southport, now Kenosha, Wisconsin, on the i6th of January, 1839, his parents being Nelson and Maryette Lay. At the usual age he entered the common schools of his native city, which has the right to boast of having the first free schools organized west of the New England states. In the fall of 1854 he came to Kewanee, being then a young man of sixteen years, and entered the mercantile establishment of his father as clerk. Since that time he has been active in commercial lines. His clerical experience was with his father, who conducted a dry-goods store at the corner of Main and Second streets. He was afterward with the firms of Lay & Tenny; Howard & Tenny; Tenny, Hardy & Company; Little, Perkins & Company; and R. A. Tenny, the assignee of C. N. Cutter; Lay & Mclntyre; and of Parker, Galloway & Company. In the winter of 1858-59 he pursued a business course in the well known Bryant & Stratton Business College.

After a brief experience in connection with mining interests in Colorado in i860, Mr. Lay returned to Kewanee and joined his father in the grain business, and in the spring of 1864 entered the service of the United States as first lieutenant of Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the expiration of his term. On his return from the army he entered the employ of H. C. Parker, and in January, 1865, accepted a clerkship in J. R. Payson's general insurance agency, in Chicago, there remaining for a short time. In February, 1865, he entered the employ of Elias Lyman and in March, 1867, was admitted to a partnership in the business, the firm name becoming Lyman & Lay. W. H. Lyman was taken into the firm known as Lyman, Lay & Lyman in 1874. The name was changed to Lay & Lyman in 1883 when the senior partner retired. This business is the outgrowth of the pioneer dry-goods house of Willard & Morse, who were succeeded by Parrish & Faulkner, while later the business was owned by Willard & Lyman, then by Lyman & Trask, and afterward by Elias Lyman. Mr. Lay disposed of his interests in the mercantile firm now Lyman-Lay Company in January, 1905, to his two sons, Frank M. and

Henry H. The various real estate interests of Lay & Lyman remain intact, to which Mr. Lay gives his personal attention. The business of the present is now of an extensive and important character, a large and well selected line of goods being carried, while the business methods of the house have secured to them an extensive patronage. Mr. Lay was one of the organizers of the First National Bank and was also one of its directors for two years. He also assisted in the organization of the Union National Bank and his initiative spirit has been a valuable element in the business development of the community.

In November, 1861, Mr. Lay was united in marriage to Miss Martha Morrill, of Danville, Vermont, the wedding being celebrated at Maiden, Bureau county, Illinois, and unto them have been born the following named : Corliss W., Maryette, the wife of R. C. Morse; Frank M., who is manager of the Boss Manufacturing Company; Louise, the wife of Xenophon Caverno; and Henry H., all residents of Kewanee.

For many years Mr. Lay has been an active worker in the Congregational church, his energy as well as his money having been given liberally for the promotion of its interests. He is justly accorded a place among the prominent and representative men of Kewanee, for he belongs to that class of men whose enterprising spirit is used not alone for their own benefit. He also advances the general good and promotes public prosperity by his ably managed individual interests. He has excellent ability as an organizer, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution. This enables him to conquer obstacles which deter many a man and it has been one of the salient features in his success.

Carl Edward Swanson

Numbered among the younger citizens of Munson township who are seeking their fortunes in agricultural lines is Carl Edward Swanson who, since his father's retirement in 1908, has been operating the homestead farm, his efforts in this line of activity being crowned with most gratifying success. Bom in Atkinson township, Henry county, Illinois, on the 17th of August, 1881, he is the son of Andrew and Christina (Swanson) Swanson, both natives of Sweden who are now living retired in Geneseo. Further mention is made of them on another page of this volume.

Coming to his present home when a little lad of six years, Carl Edward Swanson has therefore spent almost his entire life within the borders of Munson township, the period of his boyhood and youth being devoted to acqiuring an education as a pupil in the district schools and assisting his father in the work of the home farm, while he later benefited by two terms of study at the Geneseo Collegiate Institute. When twenty-one years of age he began working for his father by the month and continued in that capacity until he was about twentyfive years of age, when his father retired from the active duties of business life, at which time the son took full charge of the home farm, in the capable operation of which he has since been engaged. The farm consists of five hundred and ninety acres all in one body and all under an excellent state of cultivation.

Well equipped for the responsible and practical duties that devolved upon him when he took up the work laid aside by his father, he has since applied himself with a diligence and industry that has already gained him rank among the progressive and enterprising young farmers and augurs well for a most successful future.

In politics Mr. Swanson is a republican, giving stalwart allegiance to that party at the polls but never seeking nor desiring public office for himself as a reward for party fealty. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church and is a young man whose sterling traits of character and honorable and upright manhood have gained him the respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. Having passed almost his entire life in this township, he has become widely known and his circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

Andrew Swanson

Among the residents of Geneseo whose well directed efforts in agricultural lines during former years now make it possible for them to live in retirement, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of their many years of labor, is Andrew Swanson. As the name indicates, he is of Swedish origin, his birth having occurred in Jonkoping, Sweden, on the 24th of July, 1847, The father passed away when the son was but six months old. The first eight years of his life were spent in the land of his nativity, and then in 1855 he accompanied his mother, two sisters and a brother-in-law to the United States, where settlement was made near Cleveland, Henry county, Illinois. This continued to be his home for several years, when he started out on an independent business career as a farm hand, working out by the month. He was thus engaged for some time and* later carried on general agricultural pursuits for several years in the capacity of renter. In the meantime he labored diligently and industriously, his efforts being actuated by the laudable ambition to some day own a farm of his own, and through close application and economy he was eventually able to enjoy the fulfillment of his desire. With the money which he had carefully saved he purchased five hundred and ninety acres of land in Munson township, located on section i, and at once began its further improvement and development. During the former years he had made a close study of agriculture and had gained a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting, so that when he entered upon an independent venture of his own, he was well prepared to carry it forward to successful completion. His farm became one of the highly improved properties of the township and as the years passed he prospered in his undertaking, his labors being crowned with a most substantial success. In 1908 he put aside active business duties and removed to Geneseo, where he erected a beautiful residence, equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories. He has now attained the sixty-second milestone on life's journey and in the evening of life is enjoying all the comforts made possible by the possession of a handsome competence.

On the 23d of October, 1873, Mr. Swanson was united in marriage to Miss Christina Swanson, a native of Sweden, who in 1871 came to the United States, with two sisters, Anna and Mary, locating in Geneseo. Anna Swanson passed away in Ottawa, while Mary became the wife of Axel Parson and now makes her home in Pueblo, Colorado. The parents of Mrs. Swanson were Swen Parson and Keise (Peterson) Swanson, both of whom died in Sweden, the father in 1905 when past eighty years of age, and the mother in 1908 when eighty-six years of age. In their family were nine children, six of whom still survive, namely: Andrew, Christina, Mary, Emma, Carl and Gust. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Swanson were born eight children, four sons and four daughters, as follows: Nellie Cecelia, who resides on the old homestead with her brother; Anna E., still at home; Lillie Amelia, the wife of Charles Larson, of Geneseo township; Carl Edward, operating the home farm; Arthur LeRoy and Eva Caroline, who are yet under the parental roof; and two who died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Swanson hold membership in the Lutheran church of Geneseo, in the work of which they are deeply interested and in which Mr. Swanson is serving as trustee. Politically he is a republican, giving stalwart support to that party which in his opinion is best adapted to conserve the public welfare. For a number of years he served as school director, but otherwise never sought nor desired public office, preferring rather to concentrate his energies upon his private business affairs. He has never been remiss, however, in the duties of citizenship and in spite of the fact that he was born across the waters he has ever been most loyal to the interests of his adopted country. His has been a life of continuous activity in which industry, thrift and enterprise - common characteristics of his race - have been salient elements. His success has been honestly won, however, having ever been honorable and upright in his dealings with his fellowmen, and the principles which have been the guiding influences of his life have been such that now, in the sixty-second year of his age he can look back upon the past without regret and forward to the future without fear.

Michael Sharp

One of the farms in Colona township which enjoys the distinction of being called a model one in its appointments for the caring of stock and in its facilities for carrying on successful farming is that known as the Wayside farm, of which Michael Sharp is the proprietor. It was the place of his birth, which occurred December 22, 1871. He is a son of William J. and Anna (Bowman) Sharp, the former a native of Hawkins county, Tennessee, where he was bom April 17, 1832, the latter a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where her birth occurred June I, 1838. The families of both came to Illinois about 1841 and settled in Rock Island and Henry counties, and on April 27, 1856, the young people were married and Mr. Sharp brought his bride to the farm on which his son still lives in Colona township. He here pursued general farming and became identified with the best interests of the locality. A democrat in his political views, he filled the offices of school trustee, road commissioner and school director for many years, while as a member of the Methodist Episcopal church he gave his best efforts to promoting its interests. All his life he was closely identified with its work, being for a number of years a class leader and superintendent. He died February ii, 1906, and was buried in the Western cemetery. His widow still lives on the home farm. They were the parents of seven children, namely : Sarah H., who has remained unmarried; Henrietta, who is the wife of Joseph Charles, of Rock Island; Rachel, deceased; George, who is married and lives in North Dakota; Matilda, who is the wife of Edward Brown, of Moline; Michael, who is the subject of this sketch; and Stella, who is deceased.

Michael Sharp grew to manhood upon the farm on which he now resides, participating in its work and receiving his education in the public schools of Colona township. In his early manhood he married and brought his bride to the home place, which he has since operated. While he has engaged to some extent in diversified farming, he has given the greater part of his attention to stock raising, making a specialty of red polled dual purpose cattle, American Hampshire or thin rind hogs and mules. The mules are sent to the market. His hogs and cattle are used for breeding purposes and, being thoroughbred animals, command good prices throughout the country. His excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres is a model in its equipment for handling stock, for there are adequate barns and stock sheds, affording shelter and feeding facilities in bad weather, so that every animal has the best housing and protection from the elements. He exhibits nearly every year at the Chicago International Fat Stock Show, almost invariably being a successful competitor for prizes. Not infrequently he exhibits also at the Illinois State Fair, from which he also receives numerous medals and ribbons. The results of his thoroughgoing method have thus won him wide recognition as a breeder and feeder of the best stock.

On the 8th of January, 1896, Mr. Sharp was united in marriage to Miss May Washburn, a daughter of Benjamin F. and Maria (Williams) Washburn. To that union have been born two sons. Homer L. and William F. A republican in his political views, he is always interested in public questions but has taken little active part in local government. He has, however, served as road commissioner and is still a member of the board of education. Although he finds little time to devote to matters outside his private concerns, he is public spirited, ever giving his support to improvements which are calculated to advance the welfare of his fellow citizens. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Interested in his business and unsparing of eflfort for its advancement, he has placed the Wayside farm among the most paying in this county.

George Evans

George Evans, who in his sixty-fifth year is still active in the world's work as a prominent and successful representative of agricultural interests, is the owner of valuable farm property in Henry county, where he makes his home on section 21, Phenix township. Bom in this township on the 4th of October,

1844, he is a son of James and Lydia (Spaid) Evans, natives of Pennsylvania, the former's birth occurring in Luzerne county and the latter's near Sugargrove, Warren county. The parents were married in the Keystone state and came west to Illinois about the year 1838. locating in Phenix township, Henry county, where the father purchased eighty acres of land from a Mr. Browning. Here he reared his family and spent the remainder of his life. As the years passed he prospered and was able from time to time to add to his realty holdings until at the time of his death he was the owner of five hundred acres of land. When he left home at the age of twenty-one years to seek his own fortune he had but enough money to buy his dinner, and from that humble beginning he worked his way upward until he ranked among the substantial and prosperous farmers of his part of the township. He was a stalwart republican in politics, but never sought nor desired office for himself. In his family were nine children, of whom George Evans is the fourth in order of birth. Sabine, the eldest, became the wife of Joseph Hanney and passed away in Phenix township. John C. married Emeline Fritz and had three children. He moved west, since which time all trace of him has been lost. Thomas Evans was united in marriage to Christina Hershman and passed away in Geneseo, leaving three children. Frank, who is also deceased, married Sabina Spaid, by whom he had one child. Elizabeth died in infancy. Freeman married Emma Graft and makes his home in Geneseo. Millard Fillmore passed away when about twenty-one years of age. Lydia, the youngest, is the wife of Gilbert and resides in Oklahoma. The subject's grandfather, Thomas Evans, came to Henry county some years after the arrival of his son. He was then an old man and he made his home with one of his daughters in Cornwall, where he and his wife both passed away. Their remains were interred in the old Geneseo cemetery.

George Evans, whose name introduces this review, spent the period of his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm and at the usual age was sent as a pupil to the district schools, where he acquired a good knowledge of the common branches of the English language. He also obtained much experience in agricultural lines under his father's direction, for the periods of vacation were spent in the work of the fields, and he remained under the parental roof until 1 wenty-five years of age, when he was united in marriage. After this event ) e remained with his mother for two years operating a portion of his father's land, and then removed to his present farm, which he had previously purchased from his father. He has since directed his energies to its further development and has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, while he has made many modern improvements upon the place which constitute it one of the valuable farming properties in the township. As he has prospered he has been able to purchase additional property and he now owns, aside from the sixty acres in his home place, another farm of one hundred and twenty acres and a tract of timberland in Phenix township. Progressive and up-to-date in his methods, he is meeting with substantial success, his agricultural interests proving a source of gratifying remuneration to him.

On the 28th of September, 1869, in Cambridge, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Martha Adeline Santee, of Loraine township, who was bom near Reading, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Martin and Mary (Henry) Santee. She benefited by good common school education and came to Illinois with her parents when about nineteen years of age. By her marriage to Mr. Evans she became the mother of five children: Carrie, the widow of Edwin Claypool, who has one child, Julia, and makes her home in Geneseo; James Martin, living on the home farm; George Francis, a farmer of Phenix township, who married Stella Thompson and has two sons, Howard James and Floyd Raymond; Mary Estella; and Christina, who passed away in infancy.

Fraternally Mr. Evans is a member of the Yeoman of America and in politics he gives stalwart allegiance to the republican party, but is not an office seeker. He has never been unmindful of his obligations to his fellowmen, and that he has never intrenched upon their rights and privileges is indicated by the fact that he has never been involved in any law suit. He is always the same honorable and upright gentleman in whatever relation of life he is found and his salient characteristics are such as have gained him the respect, confidence and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.

Albert A. Sedgley

Albert A. Sedgley, who carries on general farming on section 17, Geneseo township, first became a resident of Henry county in 1855. His business activities, however, afterward carried him into various sections of the country, but in 1892 he turned to Geneseo and through the past seventeen years has continuously remained in the county.

His birth occurred in Broomfield, Maine, September 7, 1840, his parents being Levi and Martha (Johnson) Sedgley, who were likewise natives of the Pinetree state. The former was a son of William Sedgley, a farmer by occupation, who lived at Limington, Maine, where he died at the venerable age of eighty-four years. His wife also spent her entire life in that state. In their family were eight children including Levi Sedgley, who took up the mason's trade in early manhood and became a skilled workman. While still living in New England, he wedded Martha Johnson, a daughter of Daniel and Mary Johnson, who were natives of Maine and there reared their family of thirteen children. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Levi Sedgley began their domestic life in Maine and in 1855 removed westward with their family, settling first in Geneseo, where the father erected the first gristmill of the town. Following his trade, he erected many buildings in Geneseo, thus becoming closely associated with its material improvement. He was also active in public affairs, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to several local offices. For many years he served as supervisor of Geneseo township, was also a member of the school board and was a well educated man. His services in the state militia of Maine won him the rank of major, by which title he was always known. He held membership in the Unitarian church while his wife was a member of the Freewill Baptist church. His death occurred in this county in 1890 when he was seventy-eight years of age, while his wife passed away in 1872 at the age of sixty years. They were the parents of three sons, namely: Albert A.; Charles W., of Mount Vernon, Illinois; and Benjamin L., of Chicago. The eldest child, Charles William, was a soldier of the Civil war.

Albert A. Sedgley arrived in Geneseo when a youth of fifteen and spent the succeeding six years of his life in that city. He supplemented his publicschool course by study in a commercial college, after his return from the war. In the opening year of hostilities between the north and the south he espoused the cause of the Union, enlisting as a member of Company B, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, with which he served for three years and seven days, holding the rank of corporal. He was in the battles of Stewart Farm, Cash River and a number of other engagements.

When peace had crowned the Union arms Albert A. Sedgley received an honorable discharge and after the war turned his attention to railroading, remaining in the train service for nineteen years, acting as conductor during the greater part of that time. Subsequently he went to Los Angeles, California, where he resided for five years and during two years of that time conducted a dairy. In 1892 he returned to Geneseo where for five years he worked at the carpenter's trade and then purchased his present beautiful farm of thirty acres on section 17, Geneseo township, where he is now comfortably situated in life. In addition to his home place he is financially interested in business enterprises of the county, being a stockholder in the First National Bank of Geneseo, and one of the organizers and now president of the Edford Star Telephone Company.

On the 17th of November, 1885, occurred the marriage of Mr. Sedgley and Miss Mary E. Scott, who died in 1894, leaving a son Sherman Levi, who is now a resident of Colfax, Illinois. On the 17th of April, 1901, Mr. Sedgley was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Julia Ann Beck, the widow of Elias Beck and a daughter of Eli and Eleanor (Jackson) Allen. Mrs. Julia A. Sedgley was born in Ohio, while her father was a native of Pennsylvania and her mother of Indiana. Her paternal grandfather, Solomon Allen, was likewise a native of the Keystone state and devoted his life to farming. Unto him and his wife, Mrs. Sarah Allen, there were born a son and two daughters. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Sedgley were William and Julia (Cooley) Jackson. The former was born near Brookville, Indiana, and followed the occupation of farming to provide for his family, which numbered eight children. Both he and his wife died in Indiana at an old age. Mr. and Mrs. Eli Allen, the parents of Mrs. Sedgley, removed to Iowa, settling on a farm near Ottumwa. There they lived for a time but afterward sold that property and took up their abode in the city, where Mrs. Sedgley was reared to womanhood. Her father is deceased but her mother is still living in her eighty-ninth year. Their family numbered fourteen children, nine sons and five daughters : Solomon ; William J. ; Ephraim Thomas ; Sarah Charlotte Helen ; Julia A. ; James Edward ; Mary Ellen, the widow of Benjamin Huddleston; Harriet Jane, who died in early childhood; Charles Franklin; David Eli; Warren Olondo; Samuel Siegel; Matilda Josephine, the wife of Daniel Kinney; and Theodore Hercules. Of this family William J., Ephraim Thomas and James Edward Allen, served as soldiers of the Civil war.

In his political views Mr Sedgley is a republican, giving stanch allegiance to the party, for he believes its principles are most conducive to good government. He has served as a school director for several terms, and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. That he is prominent and popular in E. J. Jenkins Post, No. 452, G. A. R., is indicated in the fact that he has held various offices in the organization and is a past commander. His religious faith is that of the Unitarian church, while his wife is a member of the Methodist church and both are highly esteemed in this community^,

James S. Hadsall

For more than half a century James S. Hadsall has been identified with the history of Burns township and is now numbered among its most honored and respected citizens, not only by reason of his age but also for the character of his life and those things which he has accomplished in the world of business. He is now living practically retired, but in the past farming, building and carpentering interests in this section of the state profited by his ability, good judgment and enterprise.

He was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, September 26, 1822, and is descended from an English family, some of whose members crossed the Atlantic at an early day and were numbered among the first settlers of the Wyoming valley. They secured a large tract of land at the mouth of Sutton's creek, five miles up the Susquehanna river from the head of the Wyoming valley. There the great-grandfather of Mr. Hadsall, together with his negro servant, was killed by Indians while hoeing corn in 1776, the day before the Wyoming massacre. His brothers, Stephen and John Hadsall, were serving in the Colonial army and were then located at Wyoming, but their lives were spared by reprieve. To the former was given the task of carrying to Connecticut the keg of paint which was used to paint the reprieved prisoners every morning.

At the time of the massacre Edward Hadsall, the grandfather of James S. Hadsall, by a fortunate circumstance was in New England, whither he had gone to procure cattle, but subsequently he returned to the original Hadsall farm at the mouth of Sutton's creek, making it his home until 1805, when he sold his property and with other members of the family removed to Martinsville, Ohio. He located just across the river from Wheeling and there passed the remainder of his life. He was twice married and reared a large family. By his first union he had three sons: James, Edward and Benjamin. The last named, a physician by profession, came west at an early day and built the first tavern in Rock Island, Illinois, at which place he later erected a hotel. He resided in that city until after the death of his wife, when he removed to CaHfornia and there passed away.

James Hadsall, the father of our subject, was born in Connecticut, March 20, 1787, and spent his youth in the Wyoming valley. When his father removed to Ohio, he remained in Pennsylvania, being engaged in farming in Luzerne county. When about twenty-three years of age, on February 4, 1810, he wedded Miss Elizabeth Smith, who was born in Connecticut, December 29, 1795. For seventy-five years they traveled life's highway together and both died in 1885. All of their fourteen children were born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. Of these the two eldest died in infancy and Edward, born January 26, 181 3, married Jane Diamond, of Luzerne county, and in 1856 removed to Michigan, where he still resides.

Reared in the county of his birth, James S. Hadsall attended the public school near his home and subsequently learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1896. In 1852 he came to Henry county, Illinois, for the first time, entering the southwest quarter of section 34, Burns township, but he did not locate here permanently until 1856, spending the four intervening years in Pennsylvania. In 1857 the year following his return, while he was erecting buildings upon his property, he discovered a coal bank on the southern part of his farm. He opened the vein at that time and worked it intermittently for the next thirty years, at one time operating three mines to their full extent, but of recent years has done little along that line, although the whole farm is underlaid with coal, some of which is in very deep veins. In connection with his mining interests and his farming he has engaged in carpentering and contracting, doing a great deal of building in Burns and adjoining townships, as well as in Nebraska and Iowa, and building many of the bridges in this and other localities. This was his principal occupation through the summer months, durin which time he employed from four to eight men. He also thoroughly improved the home farm, upon which several new buildings have been erected recently, and at one time he owned a tract of land in Saunders county, Nebraska, which he later gave to his daughter.

On the 13th of January, 1848, Mr. Hadsall wedded Miss Malinda Brace, the ceremony being performed in New Troy, now Wyoming, Pennsylvania. Her parents, William and Anna (Munson) Brace, were natives of New York state. Unto the couple were born five children, as follows: Medora, who died in infancy; Anna E., who is the wife of Edgar Kimerling, of Nebraska; Henry, who was born September 23, 1855, and was killed by falling from a building December 3, 1882; one who died in infancy; and Smith, who is engaged in farming in Burns township. He was born September 12, i860, and married Miss Julia Zeigler, of Kewanee

In the spring of 1864 Mr. Hadsall enlisted at Chicago in the Union army for service in the war of the Rebellion and was honorably discharged in the fall of the same year. Now he belongs to the Grand Army post and is also connected with the Masonic fraternity. He cast his first presidential ballot for Henry Clay and was a stanch supporter of the whig party until its dissolution, when he allied himself with the republican party, with which he has been since identified. Since coming to Henry county he has taken a deep interest in public afifairs and has frequently been honored by the people by being chosen to different offices. For long periods he served as school director and commissioner of the highways, for sixteen years acted as justice of the peace, to which position he was elected first in i860 and then refused to serve longer, and for twenty-two years he was postmaster at Hawley. He was appointed to that office June 16,

Until 1906 Mr. Hadsall was still active in the work of his farm and in supervising his other interests, but since then he has not been able to accomplish much and has rented his land to his granddaughter's husband, William R. Kramer. Yet he is in fairly good health, save for being a sufferer from rheumatism, by which he was confined to the house during the past year, and at the venerable age of eighty-nine years still has a bright outlook on life. His wife is also very active, despite the fact that she is now in her eighty-third year. Few men have led a more active life, and few have directed their energies so well or for so long a period in channels that have brought them a gratifying measure of prosperity, and at the same time the unqualified esteem of a large circle of friends. He is a man who has made the most of each opportunity, but also one who has not swerved from the principles of upright manhood.

Allan Byron Cady

Allan Byron Cady, secretary and treasurer of the North Side Cemetery Association of Geneseo, was born about a mile and a quarter northeast of the city on the old homestead of the Cady family, July 8, 1845. His ancestors were among the early settlers of New England. His grandfather, John Cady, removed from Connecticut to Genesee county. New York, carrying with him a red handkerchief, which was all he possessed. He began life there literally empty handed, but gradually worked his way upward. He married Anna Johns, who came from Wales when twelve years of age, and both lived to advanced years. The death of Mrs. Cady occurred in Geneseo, after which her remains were taken back to Genesee county, New York, for burial. In their family were nine sons and a daughter: Dwight, Hiram, Austin, Boardman, Miles, Silas, John, Thomas, Philo and Emily, who married Elijah Burt.

Hiram Cady, the father of A. B. Cady, was a native of the Empire state and devoted his life to farming. In the fall of 1837 he removed from Genesee county. New York, to Illinois, settling on a tract of land a mile and a quarter east of the Geneseo postoffice, which his father had entered in 1836. The place comprised about four hundred and eighty acres ; and the land was wild prairie, not a furrow having been turned nor an improvement made thereon. At that time Hiram Cady was twenty-one years of age. V/ith resolute purpose he bent his energies to the task of cultivating the fields and improved one hundred and sixty acres of the land. He had also added thirty-one acres to the tract. In his latter years he retired from active life, and removed to Geneseo, where he passed away March 15, 1888, at the age of seventy- four years. In early man- Viood he wedded Mary Bartlett, also a native of New York, and a daughter of Cromwell K. and Catharine (Kess) Bartlett. Her father was born in the state of New York and for some years engaged in teaching, while later he followed farming. His wife was a native of the Mohawk valley, and they were among the colonists who settled Geneseo, but Mr. Bartlett died soon after their ar- rival in Henry county. His widow survived him for a long period and lived to be about ninety-four years of age. In their family were eight children, who reached maturity: William; Mary, who became Mrs. Cady; Hiram; Amanda, the wife of Carl Taylor; Lucinda, the wife of William Austin; JuHa, who married Silas Cady; George; and Martha, the wife of Horace Smith. Mrs. Cady, the second of that family, was but twelve years of age when she accompanied her parents on their removal to Henry county, Illinois. They made the trip with wagon and horses, and after their arrival the men of the party built their log cabins, chinking the spaces between the logs with mud and prairie hay, while the roofs were made of canvas. They found, however, that the rooms were cold when thus covered, and they later roofed with "shakes," which were thinly split but were thicker than the regular shingle. Amid such pioneer surroundings Mrs. Cady spent her girlhood days. She survived her husband for three years, passing away July 19, 1891, while on a visit in Tallapoosa, Georgia. Her remains were then brought back to Geneseo and were buried in the North Side cemetery. She was then sixty-seven years of age, her birth having occurred March 8, 1824. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cady were zealous members of the Congreg^ational church, and he was an earnest champion of the cause of education. He served as school director and in other township offices and gave a portion of his orchard as the site for a schoolhouse. Unto him and his wife were born three children who reached mature years: Allan B., Monroe Carroll and Nellie Catharine, the last named being the wife of Mark A. Green, of Tallapoosa. Georgia.

Allan B. Cady has lived in Henry county throughout his entire life. Being reared upon his father's farm he attended the district schools, the Geneseo Seminary and the Commercial School of Davenport. After he had reached adult age his father gave him fifteen and a half acres of land and, purchasing forty acres additional, he began farming. Each year thereafter he carefully plowed his land, planted the seed and cultivated his crops, gathering in the autumn rich harvests. After owning the tract for a few years he sold his original place of fifty-five and a half acres and then bought eighty acres south of the town, adding to this from time to time until he was the owner of two hundred and eighty-six acres, constituting one of the valuable and productive farms of the county. He carefully, systematically and sucessfully carried on general farming until 1900, when he retired and removed to Geneseo, where he built a good house, that he now occupies. He is still the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land, and this returns to him a substantial income, which enables him to enjoy many of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.

On the 30th of October, 1871, Mr. Cady was married to Miss Ella J. French, a daughter of Oliver and Jane (French) French. Mrs. Cady was born in Michigan, while her parents were natives of Coventry, Connecticut. They lived for many years in Henry county, Illinois, and when called to their final rest their graves were made in Oakwood cemetery. They had two children: Sarah, who became the wife of Levi Hoit, and Mrs. Cady. The paternal grandfather was Eleazer French, a native of Connecticut and of English descent. He was a shoemaker by trade and followed that pursuit throughout the greater part of his life. He married Fannie Woodard, and died in Connecticut, when more than eighty years of age, while his wife also reached an old age They had four sons and three daughters: Eleazer; Oliver; Daniel; Nathaniel; Ann, who became the wife of Henry Gooding; Mary, who married Charles Lee; and Abbie, the wife of RoUand Clark. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Cady was Aaron French, who engaged in driving a stage from Avon to Hartford, Connecticut, but died in early manhood. His wife, Mrs. Avis French, lived to an old age. They were the parents of two sons and four daughters, five of whom reached mature years, namely : Mrs. Jane K. French, the mother of Mrs. Cady ; Adelia, who married William Clark; Juliette, the wife of Ephraim Woodford; John R. ; and Aaron.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cady was blessed with two sons: Guy M., and Walter F., whose history is given below. The parents are members of the Congregational church, and their fidelity to its teachings has developed in them a character worthy of the highest esteem and regard. In his political views Mr. Cady is republican and is well known in Geneseo as the secretary and treasurer of the North Side Cemetery Association, which position he has filled since 1888. His business record has been characterized by a progressive spirit, by close application and undaunted energy, and the success which he has enjoyed is attributable entirely to his own labors.

Guy M. Cady

Guy M. Cady, conducting a profitable business as a general farmer and breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle, is living on section 28, Geneseo township, where he has one hundred and sixty-six acres of land that partly extends onto section 29. His entire life has been devoted to general agricultural pursuits, and he purchased his present farm in 1894, since which time he has continuously made it his home. It presents a neat and attractive appearance, indicating the enterprise of the owner, whose methods are practical and progressive.

Mr. Cady was born in Geneseo township, east of the city of Geneseo, April 24, 1873, and is the son of Allan B. and Ella J. (French) Cady, who are now living on East Main street in Geneseo and are mentioned in the sketch prect Jing. They had but two children, the younger son being Walter F. Cady, who also lives in Geneseo township.

In his youthful days Guy M. Cady divided his time between the work of the fields, the duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground. He was provided with good educational advantages and completed his course by graduation from the high school at Geneseo with the class of 1893. At twenty-one years of age he began the cultivation of the farm upon which he now resides, and in 1894 he purchased the property and has since owned, occupied and cultivated it. He has greatly improved the place by erecting thereon all of the buildings, with the exception of the house, and this he has rebuilt and remodeled. In commodious barns and outbuildings there is ample shelter furnished to grain and stock, while well maintained fences divide the place into fields of convenient size. Modern farm machinery is used in planting, cultivating and gathering the crops, and everything about the place indicates the progressive spirit of the owner.

On the 3d of May, 1899, in the city of Geneseo occurred the marriage of Mr. Cady and Miss Albertina Johnson, who was born in Atkinson township and is a daughter of Gunner and Elna Johnson, both of whom were natives of Sweden, in which country they were reared and married. After coming to the new world they established their home in Henry county, and the father died in Geneseo, but the mother is still living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cady have been born five children: Leala, who was born December 2, 1900; Ima, born May 18, 1902; Burton, born January 31, 1904; Florence, June 3, 1906; and Ralph, August 2, 1908.

Mr. Cady was reared in the faith of the republican party but is now independent in politics, preferring to exercise his right of franchise as his judgment dictates. He has never sought nor desired office, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs, while he and his wife belong to the Congregational church. His life is upright and honorable, his many good qualities winning for him the high regard of all who know him.

Walter F. Cady

Walter F. Cady is one of the enterprising young farmers of Henry county, living on his father's farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which is situated on section 28, Geneseo township. He was born January 9, 1875, about a mile east of Geneseo and is a son of Allan Byron and Ella Jane (French) Cady. He was about a year old when his parents removed to what is now the old homestead farm, which had been purchased the previous fall, and here Walter F. Cady has resided continuously since. He was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, as he assisted his father in the cultivation and improvement of the fields. He acquired his education in the public schools of Geneseo, passing through consecutive grades until he became a high school student and was graduated with the class of 1894. In the eleven years his attendance was so regular that the record has rarely been equaled. He failed to attend a session less than a dozen times in the entire period in which he was pursuing his education. He remained with his father until he was twenty-one years of age and then began farming on his own account by renting the old home place. He won a companion and helpmate for life's journey in his marriage, on the i8th of March, 1897, to Miss Myrtle Lamont, of Prophetstown, Illinois, who was born in Yorktown township, Henry county, October 22, 1875, and is a daughter of Jesse L. and Mary J. (Pritchard) Lamont. Her education was acquired in the district schools and in the city schools of Geneseo, and by her marriage she has become the mother of four children: Neva M., who was born December i, 1900, and has completed the second grade work in the schools,

At the time of his marriage Mr. Cady brought his bride to the home farm. He has met with varied success in the cultivation of the place, for there have been seasons when the crops were poor. However, he is persevering and energetic, and these qualities eventually win in the end. In connection with the tilling of the soil he is engagd in the breeding of thoroughbred Chester White hogs, for which he finds a ready sale on the market. In politics he is a republican where national questions and issues are involved but casts an independent local ballot. He and his wife are members of the First Congregational church and it its work take an active and helpful interest, Mr. Cady serving as assistant superintendent of the Sunday school and as an usher of the church. He is a worthy representative of a family long and prominently known in this county.

J. Walfred Okerstrom

J. Walfred Okerstrom gives his attention to one hundred and thirty-one acres of land in Weller township, which he rents. As the name indicates, he is of Swedish birth and parentage, born in Alfta, Soken, Helsingland, October 5, 1878. The father, Jonas Okerstrom, was born in Ofvanoker, Soken, Helsingland, Sweden, and is a watchmaker by trade. He was married in that country to Miss Cathrine Wansburg, who was born in Soderala, Soken, Helsingland, April 4, 1856. They emigrated to the new world in 1882, arriving in Bishop Hill on the 3d of July of that year. The father opened a jewelry establishment in this city, where he did a general retail and repair business. He continued his business in Bishop Hill until 1894, when he removed to Cambridge and spent four years, subsequent to which time he went west, locating in Mendon, Kearney county, Nebraska, where he opened a similar establishment and is still engaged in business, in which he is meeting with excellent' success.

J. Walfred Okerstrom was less than four years of age when brought to America by his parents, so that he was practically reared in Henry county and acquired his education in the public schools of this district. When he started out on his own account he worked at farm labor in Weller township for six years and at the age of twenty found employment in the lumberyard of Reynold Johnson, with whom he remained five years. Farm life, however, seemed to offer more inducement to him and when he found himself able to engage in business independently he leased eighty acres of land in Weller township, three and a half miles northwest of Bishop Hill, making his home thereon for three years. He then removed to another farm of ninety acres and made his home there for one year. On the ist of March, 1909, he sought another location and took up his abode on one hundred and thirty-one acres in Weller township. He planted his seeds in due season and in the summer and fall of that year harvested good crops.

Mr. Okerstrom was married February 26, 1902, in Bishop Hill, to Miss Hilda E. Peterson, a daughter of Charles M. Peterson, a retired farmer of

Bishop Hill. Their home has been blessed with three interesting children, two daughters and a son: Lenore G., who at the age of six years is attending the district school ; Kathryn H., two years of age ; and Karl J., nine months old.

A republican in politics he always votes for republican candidates at presidential elections but at local elections does not bind himself to party ties. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp at Bishop Hill, in which he held the office of clerk two years, while for a similar period he acted as escort. He is numbered among the representative Swedish-American citizens of Henry county, possessing the characteristics of energy, honesty and perseverance, so strong in the people of that race.

George Garland, Sr

Among the successful agriculturists of the older generation in Colona township, whose well tilled fields bespeak the careful methods and good management of the owner, is George Garland, Sr. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Perry county, March 15, 1837, his parents being Samuel and Mary Ann Garland, both of German ancestry, although born in the Keystone state. In 1 85 1 they moved their family to Illinois, locating in Peoria county, where they remained for about fifteen years, and the father followed the occupation of farming. From that county they removed to Marshall county, Illinois, where they lived for a few years and then went to Indiana and later to Nebraska, where the father's death occurred. His first wife had died in Marshall county, but before he made his last move he married again. Of this first union seven children were born : Mary, Jane, Caroline, Elizabeth, Hannah, William and George. All are living except Jane and Elizabeth.

George Garland was reared under the parental roof and remained at home until after the death of his mother. He received his education in the public schools of the township, and obtained his practical experience for the responsibilities of life upon the farm, for from the time he was able to handle a plow he assisted in the work that was carried on there. When he started to make his own way in the world he found employment in a livery barn in Henry, Marshall county, and after about two years spent there went to Rock Island, where he worked for another two years. Then he engaged in agricultural pursuits, working for James Glenn, of Colona township, for eleven dollars a month and board. His employer enjoyed the distinction of having been the first man to plow a furrow in this county, and the plow which performed that work is now on exhibition in the courthouse. While he was in the employ of Mr. Glenn during the greater part of three years, but during the threshing season he was employed by William Killing to assist in operating a thresher and in the winter months he hauled coal, in this way eking out the meager wage he received in the summer. Later he worked for George Sibley, a farmer of Colona township, from whom he received fifteen dollars a month, the highest pay he ever got for farm labor. While he was still toiling for Mr. Sibley, he married, shortly after rented a tract of land and later bought the place on which he lives today, for he had saved money and was able to purchase eighty acres. While this is not one of the largest in its locality, it is certainly one of the richest, is well improved and maintained under a high state of cultivation so that it renders large returns for the time and thought spent in tilling it. Mr. Garland no longer actively participates in the actual work of operation, but the ideas which he fostered and the methods which he initiated have been carried out by his son George. In addition to purely agricultural interests, they have given considerable attention to raising and feeding hogs, finding this a most profitable adjunct to their business.

In 1864 Mr. Garland wedded Miss Catherine Hunt, a daughter of Anthony and Catherine Hunt, of Colona township, to which Mr. Hunt came with the early pioneers. All of the five children born to the couple are living. They are Clarence A., who has married and is a farmer of Colona township ; John, who has married and is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Rock Island county; George, who operates the home place; Minnie, who is the wife of William Williams, a farmer of Colona township; and Mabel, who married Hugh McGraw, of Western township. Mrs. Garland passed away in December, 1899. George was married, January 21, 1904, to Miss Clara Hollins, a daughter of Charles and Sarah (Morgan) Hollins, of Colona township.

Mr. Garland has always been a stanch believer in the principles of the republican party, but while ever interested in public matters could never be persuaded to accept any office within the gift of the people. Nevertheless he is a man to whose support the citizens would quickly flock, for his career has been distinguished by acts of a strong character, evincing the sterling integrity of his thoughts and deeds, and he enjoys the respect and confidence of all who have come in contact with him.

Albert F. Johnson

Albert F. Johnson is well known as a representative of the business public of Cambridge as a member of the firm of Johnson & Record, lumber dealers, and also as the manager of the Citizens Mutual Telephone Company. He is, moreover, numbered among the public-spirited citizens whose devotion to the general good has been manifest in many tangible ways. He was born in Andover on the 12th of July, 1867, and is one of eight children, whose parents, Charles E. and Christine Johnson, were natives of Sweden. The father was a carpenter by trade and after following that pursuit in early manhood turned his attention to farming. With the hope of bettering his financial condition in the new world, he came to America in 1866 and settled in Cambridge, purchasing a farm of fifty-six acres in Andover township, to which he afterward added thirty acres. Upon that farm he reared his family and made his home for many years, but has lived in the town for six of seven years, enjoying now in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. His wife passed away at the age of sixty-seven years in the faith of the Lutheran church, to which Mr. Johnson also belongs. Their family numbered four sons and four daughters: John S.;

Charles A. ; Huldah H., the wife of Charles Buck ; Albert F. ; Frederick ; Tillie, the wife of William O'Neill; Norine; and one who died in infancy.

Albert F. Johnson spent his youth in the usual manner of farm lads, the routine work of the fields and the duties of the schoolroom largely occupying his time and attention. He continued under the parental roof until he had reached adult age, after which he worked by the month as a farm hand for a year, but, thinking to find other pursuits more congenial and profitable, he then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for about seven years. In 1894 he became connected with the lumber business as a partner of Peter S. Peterson, who afterward sold his interests to A. J. Record, and since 1895 the firm has been Johnson & Record. They conduct an extensive business, carrying a large line of all kinds of lumber and builders' supplies, and their patronage makes their business one of substantial proportions. In addition to his interests in the lumberyard Mr. Johnson has acted as manager of the Citizens Mutual Telephone Company for six years and puts forth efifective effort to give the patrons of the line satisfactory service.

On the i6th of July, 1891, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Minnie A. Swanson, who was born on the 8th of July, 1867, in Sweden, where her parents, Charles D, and Helen B. Swanson, still live. She is one of a family of six children, two sons and four daughters, namely: C. Otto; John L. ; Augusta C, the wife of John Grann ; Minnie A., now Mrs. Johnson ; Anna M., the wife of Mr. Hanson; and Emma C, who died in early childhood. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born five children: Mamie, Jessie, Max, Francis and Natalia.

The parents hold membership in the Lutheran church and are highly esteemed in the community, where the hospitality of the best homes is freely extended them. Mr. Johnson belongs to Cambridge Lodge, No. 49, A. F. & A. M., and is a thirty-second degree Mason, holding membership in Peoria Consistory, S. P. R. S. He also belongs to Cambridge Lodge, No. 199, I. O. O. F., and to the Mystic Workers, No. 54, in which he has been treasurer since the organization of the lodge His political endorsement has been continuously given to the republican party, since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and he is now serving as a member of the village board of trustees, in which connection he is doing effective work to further the welfare of the community His life has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor, and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of the county.

Levi Wilson Hoit

Among those men who, while active factors in the world's work, contributed to the growth and development of Geneseo and Henry county was Levi Wilson Hoit, whose life record began in Canaan, Grafton county, New Hamshire, November 15, 1827. His parents, Bartlett and Prudence (Wilson) Hoit. were also natives of Canaan, and unto them were born two sons, but the younger Nathan W., died when only eighteen months old. The paternal grandfather was John Hoit, also a native of Canaan, New Hampshire. He was descended from the old Puritan stock that settled in New England. The first of the name of whom we have record was John Hoit, who was one of the founders of the town of Salisbury, Massachusetts. He was born in England in 1610 and, crossing the Atlantic to America, became one of those who aided in planting the seeds of civilization on the soil of the new world. When the country became involved in war with England John Hoit, the grandfather, espoused the cause of the colonists and fought for independence. He married Miss Hannah Rogers, also a native of New Hampshire.

The maternal grandfather of Levi W. Hoit was Robert Wilson, who was born in Gilmanton, New Hampshire, in January, 1767, and died in April, 1847, when eighty years of age. His entire life had been devoted to general agricultural pursuits. He was twice married and his first wife was the first person buried in the Canaan (New Hampshire) cemetery. Robert Wilson was the son of Captain Nathaniel Wilson, who won his title by valorous service in the war for independence.

Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett Hoit, the parents of Levi W. Hoit, removed from New England to Henry county, Illinois, and became farming people of Edford township where they spent their remaining days. They were closely associated with the early development of this part of the state and were especially well known in connection with agricultural life. The death of Bartlett Hoit occurred November 3, 1864, when he was sixty-six years of age, while his wife passed away June i, 1875, ^^ the age of seventy-seven years.

Levi Wilson Hoit was a carpenter and carriage-maker in the east, working with his father. Seeking the opportunities of the growing west, he made his way to Henry county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres lying in Edford township. This he improved from the raw prairie, transforming it into highly cultivated fields, and as time passed and he prospered in his undertakings, he purchased much other property. At his death there were about four hundred acres in the farm. He had lived upon the farm for a quarter of a century and about 1881 he removed to Geneseo where he erected a fine home at the corner of Maine and Henry streets. There he lived until his death. He always kept up his interest in the farm, giving to it his general supervision and he was, moreover, a director in the First National Bank. He was always a busy man, for idleness and indolence were utterly foreign to his nature, and even after he retired from the farm he occupied his time with business or other interests. While living in Edford township he served as supervisor for many years and community affairs always found in him a stalwart champion if he felt that a measure or movement instituted was one which would promote the general development and progress.

On the 22d of May, 1856, Mr. Hoit was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. French, a daughter of Oliver B. and Jane K. (French) French. The son of that marriage, Otis W. Hoit, married Miss Henrietta M. P. Schroeder, and they have one son, Maurice Elon Hoit. Mrs. Levi W. Hoit was born in North Coventry, Connecticut, November i, 1836. Her parents were natives of Tolland county, Connecticut, and were early settlers of Henry county, Illinois, tak- ing up their abode in Geneseo township east of the town. In this locality they spent their remaining days and as people of the highest respectability were widely and favorably known. They had two sons and two daughters: Mrs. Sarah E. Hoit ; Ella Jane, the wife of Allan B. Cady, of Geneseo ; and two sons who died infancy. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Hoit was Eleazer French, a native of Connecticut and a shoemaker by trade. He wedded Fannie Woodward and they lived to old age, rearing a large family of children, namely : Eleazer ; Oliver B. ; John ; Ann ; Nathaniel ; Abbie and Daniel. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Levi W. Hoit was Aaron French, who was born in Connecticut, and at the time of his death was the owner of the line of stages between Hartford, Connecticut, and Albany, New York. He passed away at the comparatively early age of thirty-five years, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Avis Dart, lived to advanced age. They were the parents of five children : Jane K., Adelia, John R., Aaron and Juliet.

The death of Mr. Hoit occurred May i, 1892, when he was sixty- four years of age. He and his wife attended the Congregational church, and though he was a member of no religious denomination he was a friend to all and always advocated that which is right and just between the individual and his fellowman. In his business transactions he was thoroughly reliable and his enterprise won him success which was most creditable and desirable. He possessed too, many social qualities which endeared him to those with whom he came in contact and his memory is yet treasured by those who knew him. Mrs. Hoit still survives and makes her home in Geneseo. She is in comfortable financial circumstances, and throughout her entire life she has displayed sterling traits of heart and mind which have brought to her warm regard.

Robert Calfe Morse

Robert Calfe Morse, who since 1900 has engaged in the practice of law at Kewanee, was born near Tremont, Tazewell county, Illinois, September 11, 1859, his parents being Enoch Garrish and Elizabeth (Edes) Morse, the former a farmer by occupation. The father came from New Hampshire to Illinois in the fall of 1835, and settled near Tremont, where he lived until his death in 1896. The mother was born near Tremont, March 12, 1836, and still lives in that village.

While spending his early life in his boyhood home Robert C. Morse attended the country schools and also the village school of Tremont, while later he was a pupil in Knox Academy and College at Galesburg, completing his course there by graduation in 1884, when he received the degree of A. B. He afterward entered the Yale Divinity school at New Haven, Connecticut, pursuing a course in theology, and when he had devoted three years to that study he was graduated from Yale, in 1887, with the degree of Bachelor of Divinity. For three years he engaged in preaching in the Congregational church, spending two years of that time at Westmoreland, Pottawatomie county, Kansas, and one year in Fairfield, Clay county, Nebraska. He afterward went to Iowa City, Iowa, and was pastor of a Unitarian church for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period he took up the study of law in the state university of Iowa, where he spent a year and received the Bachelor of Law degree. He completed a course in the Harvard Law School in the spring of 1893 and at that time passed the examination required for admission to the Illinois bar. Immediately afterward he located in Chicago, where he practiced until the fall of 1895 when, on account of his wife's health, he removed to Phoenix, Arizona, where he spent four years.

In January, 1900, Mr. Morse returned to Illinois and, settling in Kewanee, became identified with the legal profession of this city. He has since given his attention to general practice and has been connected with much important litigation tried in the courts of the circuit. In January, 1909, he formed a partnership with Nicholas J. Demerath under the firm name of Morse & Demerath, and they now represent a number of the leading corporations of this locality. Mr. Morse has won for himself very favorable comment for the careful and systematic methods which he has followed. He has strong powers of concentration and application, and his retentive mind has often excited the surprise of his professional colleagues. As an orator he stands high, especially in the discussion of legal matters before the court, where his comprehensive knowledge of the law is manifest, and his application of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of his professional acquirement. The utmost care and precision characterizes his preparation of a case and has made him one of the most successful attorneys in Kewanee.

On the 31st of July, 1889, Mr. Morse was united in marriage with Marietta Lay, a daughter of Hiram T. Lay, and unto them have been born three children, Robert Lay, Martha Elizabeth and Sidney Gilbert. The parents are members of the Congregational church and are widely known in the social circles of the city, having many warm friends here. Mr. Morse is active in the public life of the community and for four years served as city attorney. Gifted by nature with strong mentality and using his opportunities to good advantage he has made steady progress in the profession of the law, and his course at the same time commends him to the confidence and good will of his fellow townsmen.

Henry H. Lay

Henry H. Lay occupies a prominent position in the commercial circles of Kewanee as a partner in the Lyman-Lay Company. He is one of the most progressive of the younger business men of the city. His birth here occurred July 20, 1876, his parents being Hiram T. and Martha (Morrill) Lay. He is indebted to the public-school system for the early educational privileges which he enjoyed and following his graduation from the high school entered Morgan Park Academy and was graduated therefrom in 1895. He is also a Harvard man, having completed a four years' course within the classic halls of that institution in 1899. Returning to Kewanee, he entered as clerk in the general store of Lay & Lyman and was admitted in January, 1905, member of the Lyman-

Lay Company, as a junior partner and has since taken active part in the management and control of this leading commercial enterprise of his native city. He is also active in matters of public concern, being a member of the library board and also a member of the Congregational church.

Martin Luther

Martin Luther has been a resident of Geneseo for eighteen years and has been so closely and prominently connected with educational and moral interests of the town during this period that no history of the community would be complete without the record of his career. It is a widely acknowledged fact that the most important work to which a man can direct his energies is that of teaching, whether it be from the pulpit, from the lecture platform, or from the schoolroom. Its primary object is ever the same - the development of one's latent powers that the duties of life may be bravely met and well performed. It is to the work of instructing the young that Martin Luther has devoted his time, energies and thought with good results and that his record as a teacher was altogether satisfactory is indicated in the fact that in 1892 he was elected county superintendent of schools and is now serving the third year of the fourth term in that position of responsibility.

Professor Luther was born in Waukegan, Illinois, December 27, 1849, and is a son of John J. and Mary Ursula (Fehlman) Luther, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume in connection with the history of Clinton F. Luther. Martin Luther was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal from Lake county to Henry county, Illinois, and upon his father's farm he was reared to manhood. His early education, acquired in the district schools, was supplemented by study in the Northwestern College of Naperville, Illinois, and at the age of eighteen years he began teaching. He is still connected with school work, although in the meantime he engaged in farming for two years. He was first connected as a teacher with the district schools but afterward was chosen principal of the public schools at Paton, Iowa. Subsequently he became principal of the north side public school of Geneseo, where he remained for two years, after which he filled out the unexpired term of J. B. Russell as county superintendent of schools. He has since been chosen to the office by popular suffrage for four successive terms and has now entered upon the third year of the fourth term. His frequent reelection indicates most clearly the confidence reposed in him and the excellent service which he is rendering in connection with the cause of public education.

On the 27th of December, 1877, Mr. Luther was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Louisa Ringel, a daughter of John and Georgianna Matilda Frederika (Voigt) Ringel. Mrs. Luther was born in Peoria, Illinois, but her parents were natives of Germany and were still single on coming to America. They settled in the state of New York and were married there. In 1855 they removed westward to Illinois and took up their abode in Peoria, where Mr. Ringel engaged in broom-making for a time, while subsequently he turned his attention to farming in that locality. In 1867 he came to Henry county, taking up his abode in York township, where both he and his wife died. In his native land he had served as a soldier in the regular army. His death occurred in 1901 when he was more than seventy-nine years of age and his wife died in 1907 a't the age of seventy-seven years. They were members of the United Evangelical church. Their family numbered eight children: Henry J.; Mary, the wife of John W. Brown; Augusta L., now Mrs. Luther; Wilhelmina, the wife of Reuben Ott; John, who died at the age of eighteen years; William P.; Rebecca, the wife of George W. Urban ; and Emma, who died at the age of fourteen years.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Luther was blessed with four children : Bernice May, the eldest, is the wife of Anderson Berriman Gee and they reside in Madison, New Jersey; Jessie Irene, Edward Le Roy and Mary Georgiana are at home, the family residence being on College avenue.

Professor and Mrs. Luther are members of the United Evangelical church and their influence is always on the side of progress, improvement and advancement. Mr. Luther belongs to Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M., and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He served as police magistrate in Paton, Iowa, and for seven years was a member of the board of supervisors in this county from York township, before elected to his present position as county superintendent of schools. He has always held to a high standard in educational work both as a teacher and county superintendent of schools his labors have been directly beneficial in promoting the intellectual progress of the community.

Bernhard L. Deem

Among the many qualities which have been conspicuous in advancing Bernhard L. Deem to the esteemed position he holds in the agricultural community of Colona township, are an indefatigable industry and a high ideal of honor and trustworthiness. He has attained a pronounced success in the pursuits to which he has devoted his attention and has played no inconsiderable part in the political life of the township.

He was born in New York city, February 9, 1854, a son of Jacob L. and Mary A. (Schernann) Deem. The parents were both natives of Germany, but came to the United States as young people, and in New York became acquainted and were married. In that city the father followed the trade of a drapery manufacturer, until 1858, when he came to Colona township and bought the southeast quarter of section 36, township 18, range i, east of the fourth principal meridian. There he engaged in agriculture, while he also opened a coal bank that was situated upon his place. In the course of years he sold this, which he and his brother Louis, with whom he had come west, had operated, and devoted himself entirely to farming. During the Civil war, the latter enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving throughout the war, but as he was a carpenter he was frequently detailed to follow his trade; in the building of bridges and other army necessities. After the culmination of hostilities, when he was discharged from the service and returned to Illinois, Jacob Deem joined him in the prosecution of his carpentry and millwright business, until advancing age incapacitated him for active work. He was a democrat in his political views and was active in party affairs. For many years he was the Colona township delegate to the democratic county central committee and he filled the offices of road commissioner and assessor for a number of years. For another long period he was the Colona township member of the county board of supervisors, for he was widely recognized as a man who was deeply interested in public improvements. His judgment was always rendered in accordance with what he believed to be right and just, and many times he was called upon to act as administrator of estates. Whatever his work or his occupation, he was ever found to be a man of high standing and sterling integrity, so that when his death occurred, January 23, 1898, he was mourned as most noble citizen. His widow still survives and is in fairly good health, despite the fact that March 16, 1909, she celebrated the seventy-ninth anniversary of her birth.

Jacob Deem and his wife were the parents of nine children. Of these, Bernhard L., the subject of this sketch, is the eldest; Mary L., became the wife of George W. Taylor, of Burlington, Iowa; Matthew L., who was a farmer of Colona township, died April 17, 1893; Henry H., is married and lives in Chicago; Margaret K., is the wife of Henry Gottsche, of Hanna township; Frank J., is married and resides in Cleveland, Henry county; Charles F., is married and lives in Chicago; and two died in infancy.

Bernhard L. Deem was about four years of age when his parents came to Colona township and until he became seventeen was reared upon the farm here. During those years he attended the public schools, receiving his final instruction under Professor Comstock, who was then superintendent of the Colona schools. At the age of seventeen be began to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed until he was thirty-five, for it was not until 1886 that he took up his residence upon the farm which is now his home. It lies just upon the outskirts of the village of Colona and is a fine tract of eighty-four acres, upon which he pursues general farming and stock feeding. He also gives considerable attention to bee culture, some years having as much as five tons of marketable honey. In the twenty odd years that he has been a member of the farming community of Colona township, he has won a success that places him in the front rank of those who are pursuing the same line of work. His fields are cultivated by methods that render large returns for the expenditure of time and labor, and his stock is always equal to the best placed upon the market.

On the 25th of August, 1880, Mr. Deem was united in marriage to Miss Anna Dennhardt, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Jensen) Dennhardt. Shortly after their marriage her parents came to this country, settling in Rock Island county, Illinois, where Mr. Dennhardt became a prosperous farmer. He and his wife are still living in Hampton township, that county. To Mr. and Mrs. Deem have been born seven children: Charles H., Mary E., Andrew W., Minnie M., Florence A., and Burl L., who are still living, while Arthur J., the third in order of birth, died in infancy. The younger children live at home, but Mary E., is now the wife of Charles Johnson, of Osco township.

Mr. Deem has always been a stanch democrat in his political views, as was his father, and like him has taken an active part in public and party matters. He has frequently been a delegate to democratic county and district conventions, and has for many years past been the Colona township member of the central committee. As a member of the Colona township school board his influence was ever exerted in behalf of better educational facilities, for he is a man of progressive ideas, from which his fellow citizens benefit, in the way of good roads, substantial bridges and in other ways which are calculated to promote the public welfare. In every way a splendid member of the community, he is held in high esteem by his friends and neighbors.

John Soderquist

Among the many men who have contributed to the reputation of Bishop Hill as being the home of industrious and progressive agriculturists must be included John Soderquist, one of its native sons. He was born November 21, 1850, a son of Lars Soderquist, who came to Bishop Hill with the original colonists. The father was a carpenter by trade and left his native Helsingland, Sweden in 1846. After locating here he followed his chosen vocation during the existence of the colony, and then, when it was incorporated into a village, he continued in his chosen line of work, although he had also considerable agricultural interests. He passed away in 1903, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years and nine months. His wife, whose maiden name was Barbara Peterson, came to the colony in 1847, and died here July 25, 1901.

John Soderquist attended the public schools here, deriving a good education, and later continued his instruction under the tutelage of Mr. Randall of Cambridge. His schooling completed he engaged in agricultural pursuits and about 1870 bought of his father one hundred and twenty acres of land west of Bishop Hill. On this he built a house, barns and the necessary outhouses to make the place one of the well equipped farms in the locality. Until within a few years ago he engaged in general farming, but recently he has devoted considerable attention to the raising of broom corn, finding it a most profitable adjunct to his other farm interests. Hardworking and industrious, careful in his methods, it is but natural that he should have attained a high degree of success in his vocation. He has added twenty acres to the original tract of land and the returns from his labor thereon are large and gratifying.

On the 22d of August, 1871, Mr. Soderquist was united in marriage to Miss Mary Blomberg, a daughter of P. O. Blomberg, a blacksmith of Bishop Hill. Her father came from Helsingland, Sweden, with the second band of colonists who settled at Bishop Hill, and he took a very active and prominent part in the affairs of the colony. He was one of the party sent to California in search of gold and he also assisted in the construction of the old town clock, which still keeps good time. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Soderquist, six of whom are living. They are : Minnie Evalina ; Laura Elmira, who died in infancy; Laura, who is the wife of Victor Tillman, of Galva township; John