Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1910 (part 15 of 32)

Peter O. Blomberg Lars Soderquist

Since old enough to exercise the franchise right of a citizen of this republic, Mr. Soderquist has given his support invariably to the candidates of the republican party, feeling the greatest confidence in the tenets it presents for the government of a nation. While he has not been an aspirant for office, he has served as school director for a period of eighteen years and is ever interested in matters which concern his fellow citizens. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, being an active member of the Galva lodge. The men who have come into close contact with him at the meetings of the society have but corroborated the reputation he has gained of being a man of principle and strong character and well worthy of the respect he enjoys.

Charles W. Lager

Charles W. Lager, who is identified with the business interests of Geneseo, Illinois, as the proprietor of a dry-goods and shoe store, was born in Sweden on the 23d of October, 1873. His father, Alfred Lager, was also a native of Sweden who, on coming to the United States, located in Geneseo, Illinois, in 1882. He had been a soldier in the Swedish army and in his native country was a furniture manufacturer by trade, but after his arrival in the new country he became identified with the carpenter and carriage-maker's business. He passed away in Geneseo in 1903, at the age of fifty-five years. His wife, whose maiden name was* Amelia Anderson, still survives, her parents having both passed the ninetieth milestone on life's journey before passing to their final rest. She was the mother of eight children, which number included : Alma, the wife of Charles Anderson ; Charles W. ; Oscar; Hilma; Emil; Martin; Arthur; and Jessie.

Charles W. Lager, whose name introduces this review, was but eight years of age when he accompanied his parents to this country so that he is indebted to the school system of Geneseo for the educational privileges enjoyed. He attended the public schools of this city, passing from grade to grade until in due course of time he was graduated from the high school. After putting aside his text-books he served as a clerk in a general store for a number of years, and then, at the age of twenty-two years, engaged in the mercantile business on his own account in Atkinson, Illinois, in partnership with Frank Cook. This relation continued for seven years, at the expiration of which peripd Mr. Lager withdrew from the concern and returned to Geneseo. where he purchased the interest of Mr. Mc- Broom in the firm of Lambert & McBroom, dry-goods merchants. The business, which is now conducted under the style of Lambert & Lager, has reached gratifying proportions, being accorded a liberal patronage which is constantly increasing. The house deals in general dry goods and shoes and carries an extensive line of goods which has been carefully selected with the view of meeting and satisfying popular demand. The business methods employed have always been honorable and upright and have gained for the firm the trust and confidence of the entire community.

It was on the 14th of May, 1903, that Mr. Lager was united in marriage to Miss Emma Vermere, who was born in Moline, Illinois, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Vermere, both natives of Holland. They were early settlers in Moline, where the father passed away in 1903 at the age of sixty years, while his wife still survives. By her marriage she became the mother of three children, all of whom grew to maturity, namely : Emma, now Mrs. Lager ; Nettie, the wife of Frank Styvant; and Edward. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Lager has been blessed with two children, Carol Lillian and Wilbur.

The family are members of the Lutheran church, while in politics Mr. Lager gives stalwart support to the republican party. He is public-spirited in his citizenship and although born across the waters, has the interests of this country at -heart as truly as does any American born citizen. He has made good use of his opportunities, prospering from year to year, and has conducted all business matters carefully and successfully, his close application to his affairs and his excellent management having brought to him the degree of prosperity which is today his. Having spent almost his entire life in this community, he has gained a wide acquaintance while his many sterhng traits of character have won for him the regard, esteem and good will of all with whom he has been associated.

Cyrus B. Arnold

The agricultural interests of Henry county find a worthy and successful representative in Cyrus B. Arnold, who is the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres on sections 28 and 29, Cambridge township. He was born in Windsor county, Vermont, on the 28th of August, 1835, his parents being William A. and Mary (Brooks) Arnold, likewise natives of the Green Mountain state. The paternal grandparents, Amos and Amelia Arnold, reared a family of sixteen children and passed away when well advanced in years. Amos Arnold was a farmer by occupation. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Solomon Brooks, who was a native of Vermont and likewise carried on general agricultural pursuits as a means of livelihood. In young manhood he wedded Miss Amelia Fisher and they became early settlers of Peoria county, Illinois, taking up their abode there in 1842. Both died in Peoria county when about eighty years of age. Their children were five in number, namely: George, Cyrus, Mary, Martha and Elvira.

William A. Arnold, the father of Cyrus B. Arnold, was a carpenter by trade. In 1844 he made his way to this state, settling in Brimfield, Peoria county, where he was killed by lightning about three months later. His wife, long surviving him, was called to her final rest in March, 1889, being at that time almost ninetytwo years of age, for she was born June 13, 1797. She was a devoted and consistent member of the Congregational church. By her marriage she had become the mother of eight children, four sons and four daughters, two of whom still survive, as follows: Mariette, the wife of T. J. Owen, of Cambridge township; ar-d Cyrus B., of this review.

The last named, who was a little lad of eight years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois, grew to manhood on the home farm in Peoria county. He attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education and, as he was the youngest son in the family, was the last of the children to leave the parental roof. When twenty years of age he started out in life on his own account as an agriculturist and in 1868 established his home in Henry county, this state, purchasing the farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Cambridge township on which he still resides. He has since extended the boundaries of the place by the additional purchase of an adjoining tract of eighty acres and his farm now embraces two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land. His property has been developed in keeping with the most progressive ideas of modern agriculture and he annually gathers bounteous harvests. He is likewise the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Roosevelt county, New Mexico.

Mr. Arnold has been married twice. On the i6th of November, 1857, he wedded Miss Ellen S. Owen, a daughter of Easton and Sarah (Gilbert) Owen. She passed away in 1859 and on the 6th of October, 1861, Mr. Arnold was again married, his second union being with Miss Mercy Miranda Fuller, a native of Windham county, Vermont. Her parents, Martin Luther and Edna (Converse) Fuller, were also born in the state of Vermont. They had six children, three sons and three daughters, four of whom grew to maturity, namely: Martin Luther, Edna Selina, Lucina and Mercy Miranda; Charley H., Mary Edna and Lily are deceased. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Arnold was Bartholomew Fuller, who fought in the war of 1812. By his second marriage, Mr. Arnold had three children, Charley H., Mary Edna and Lily, but the daughters are both deceased.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Arnold has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party. In religious faith both he and his wife are Baptists. He is a man whom to know is to respect and honor, for in every relation of life he has manifested those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime command confidence and awaken regard. The period of his residence in this county now covers more than forty years and he has a wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders.

William Morris

William Morris, numbered among the representative farmers of Munson township, his home being located on section 34, is now the owner of a very extensive tract of land of six hundred and fifty-five acres. This constitutes one of the most valuable farms in the county, and its improvement has been carried on along the most modern and progressive lines of agriculture. Mr. Morriswas born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1832, and has therefore passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey. He is undoubtedly one of the heirs of Robert Morris, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, who, during the Revolutionary war, loaned the government one million, four hundred thousand dollars, which has never been repaid. Without the aid of this timely loan, it is said, George Washington would not have been able to capture Yorktown. At five per cent interest this sum would now amount to about sixtyseven million, two hundred thousand dollars, which the government will pay when proper proof of the heirs is submitted.

William Morris is the son of Augustus and Hannah (Elston) Morris. The father was born in Connecticut and was a son of Andrew and Polly (Frost) Morris, who removed from New England to Pennsylvania during the boyhood of their son Augustus, and there both passed away. Both Andrew and August Morris were farmers and lumber manufacturers, and in his boyhood days William Morris worked in one of the lumber mills through the winter seasons, while in the summer months he engaged in farming. He received but a limited education in the public schools but through reading and observation, possessing an observing eye and retentive memory, he picked up much knowledge and throughout life has kept well informed on all matters of general interest. Seeking a home in the west, he came to Henry county, where his brother Julius had previously located. He made his way to his brother's home but soon afterward rented land from a Mr. Mascal. He brought with him to Illinois a little money which he had saved from his earnings after he reached the age of twentyone years, but it was not enough to purchase land, and for a long period he continued to rent a farm. Eventually, however, he saved from his earnings a sum sufficient to justify his investment in property.

On the 7th of May, 1857, in Munson township, Mr. Morris was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Jane Cochran, a daughter of William and Lydia (Moriarty) Cochran. Mrs. Morris was born in Knox county, Ohio. Her father was a native of Ireland and when sixteen years of age started on the voyage to the new world. While the family were enroute the father of William Cochran died on the ocean, and the mother with her children afterward settled at Zanesville, Ohio, where William Cochran was reared. Having arrived at years of maturity, he wedded Lydia Moriarty, who was born in Virginia, but in her girlhood days accompanied her parents to Ohio. Mrs. Morris was less than nine years of age when her people drove across the country from Ohio to Fayette county, Illinois^ and after three years came to Henry county, arriving in 1853 - the year before Mr. Morris reached this district.

As soon as possible after he came to Henry county Mr. Morris purchased forty acres of land. He also cut logs which he hauled to Cambridge that they might be converted into lumber. When this was done a little house was erected therefrom, and it is still standing upon acres that yet belong to him. After a few years he and his brother purchased forty acres more, which they divided, and by successive purchases Mr. Morris has extended his landed interests until he is now the owner of six hundred and fifty-five acres all in one body. This is one of the largest farms in the county and one of the best improved, giving every evidence of the careful supervision and progressive methods of the owner.

As the years passed by eight children were added to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Morris, namely : Mary E., who is the wife of James Taylor and resides in Munson township ; George, who married Tina Walker ; Charles H., who married Blanche Henwood and resides in Britt, Iowa; Lettie, who died at the age of twenty- four years; Frank, at home; Ida, the wife of Lester Crouch, a resident

Mr. Morris has been a stalwart republican since the organization of the party but not an office seeker. He has served, however, for many years as school director and for one term as road commissioner. For more than a half century he has lived in Henry county, witnessing many changes here as its wild land has been converted into fine farms, in the midst of which have sprung up thriving towns and cities, so that industrial and commercial as well as agricultural interests are well represented here. His success is due entirely to his perseverance and well directed energies, and in all of his business methods he has been found equally reliable. His worth is widely acknowledged and Munson township proudly claims him as one of its leading farmers.

Nils August Carlson

Nils August Carlson, who since 1899 has acted as manager for the firm of J. C. Simpson & Company, lumber dealers of Galva, was born in Ystad, Sweden, on the 22d of December, 1863. His parents, Carl and Anna (Rasmussen) Carlson, were likewise natives of that country. The paternal grandfather, Carl Johann Rosenberg, who was born in Sweden, was a millwright by trade and built wind flouring mills. He lived to attain an old age and reared a family of three sons. Rasmus Martinson, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a farmer by occupation and died in Sweden when about seventy years of age. The demise of his wife likewise occurred in that country. Unto them were born five sons and a daughter, namely: Peter, John, Hans, Martin, Nils and Anna.

Carl Carlson, the father of Nils A. Carlson, was a carpenter by trade and worked as such throughout the greater part of his life. He crossed the Atlantic to the United States in the fall of 1883 and came direct to Galva, this county, assisting his son Olaf in the coal mine. He died in Galva when seventy-two years of age, passing away in the faith of the Lutheran church. He was twice married, and the three children of his first wife are as follows: Olaf; John; and Mary, who is the wife of Nils Anderson and resides near Kewanee. His second wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna Rasmussen, still survives at the age of eighty-one years and is a faithful and devoted member of the Lutheran church. She was the mother of three children, namely: Andrew, of Kewanee, Illinois; Nils August, of this review ; and a daughter who died in infancy.

Nils A. Carlson obtained a common-school education in Sweden and worked on a farm there until a little past eighteen years of age. It was in the spring of 1882 that he emigrated to the United States, wishing to take advantage of the opportunities which the new world afforded. After landing on the shores of this country he made his way at once to Galva, Henry county, where he worked as a farm hand for a time and for one summer was employed on the railroad. Subsequently he labored in the coal mine during the winter season and in 1888 commenced work in the lumberyard of the E. W. Houghton Lumber Company, with which concern he remained until 1897. In that year he accepted a position with the firm of J, C. Simpson & Company, and that he soon gained the trust and confidence of his employers is indicated by the fact that in 1899 he was made manager of the company. He still holds this responsible position, and his sound judgment and excellent executive ability have contributed in no small degree to the success which has attended the enterprise.

On the 28th of November, 1899, Mr. Carlson was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Anderson, a daughter of John Anderson. She passed away in March, 1902, when but twenty-six years of age. Mr. Carlson is a stanch republican in his political views and capably served his fellow townsmen as a member of the city council for two terms. He also acted as township clerk for four years, ever discharging his official duties in a most prompt and efficient manner. He is a member of Galva Lodge, No. 408, I. O. O. F., in which he is serving as lodge deputy, and also belongs to the Encampment and to the Rebekahs He is likewise identified with the Independent Order of Svithiod, an insurance and sick benefit society, and has served as its president since the time of its organization. He is a man of literary attainments and is especially gifted as a poet. A number of years ago he published a book of poems called "Hoppets Behag," meaning "The Pleasures of Hope." He is well educated in both the Swedish and English languages and translates from the Swedish to the English and vice versa. The period of his residence in this county now covers more than a quarter of a century and he has an extensive circle of warm friends within its borders. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in America but on the contrary has found here the business opportunities he has sought and in their utilization has won a goodly measure of success.

Fred H. Brown

Fred H. Brown is a leading grocer of Geneseo with a large establishment and a fine stock of goods, and his success has resulted from his progressive methods. A native of Illinois, he was born at Wyanet, August 6, 1870, and is a son of Constant and Annie M. (Wilcox) Brown, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. He remained a resident of Wyanet until thirteen years of age and during that period attended the public schools. In the summer of 1884 he came to Geneseo and was graduated from the high school of this city with the class of 1887. His education completed he began clerking in the grocery store of George T. Wilkinson and afterward entered the employ of the Rock Island Railroad Company, which he served in various departments, acting as a fireman for several years, or until 1897, when he purchased a half interest in the Ramsey grocery store of Geneseo, forming a partnership with William Lowes. This association was maintained with mutual pleasure and profit until 1905, when Mr. Brown purchased his partner's interest and has since been sole proprietor of the store. He has developed a fine business, employing several clerks, while his stock is always fresh and contains a full line of staple and fancy groceries. His store, too, is neat and tasteful in its arrangement and judicious advertising is also a feature of his business.

On the 20th of June, 1894, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Sargent, a native of Geneseo and a daughter of Daniel F. and Abra (Dunning) Sargent. Mr. and Mrs. Brown now have two children, Dorothy and Constant. The parents and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The. family occupies a pleasant home on Stewart avenue, which is the abode of hospitality, its doors being ever open for the cordial reception of their many friends.

H. J. Stewart is a prominent and successful member of the medical profession, now specializing in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat in Kewanee. He has also taken prominent part in the public interests of the city, advocating, supporting and cooperating in all measures for the upbuilding and development of Kewanee along the lines of material, intellectual, aesthetic and moral progress. He was born in Warren county, Illinois, March 21, 1868, and is a son of David B. and Sarah E. (Pilkington) Stewart, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers of this state. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, died in May, 1902, but the mother is still living and makes her home in Kewanee.

On the homestead farm Dr. Stewart spent his youthful days, while his early education was obtained in the district schools. He afterward attended the high school at Alexis, Illinois, and in the preparation for his profession pursued a course in the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago, from which he was graduated with the class of 1893. He devoted several months to hospital work, his broad experience in that connection proving an excellent equipment for the duties which devolved upon him when he entered upon private practice. In June, 1893, he opened an office in Viola, Mercer county, Illinois, where he remained until his removal to Kewanee on the ist of March, 1900. In the meantime in 1899 he took a post-graduate course on diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He has since specialized in this department of practice and has done excellent work in this connection, carrying his investigations and researches far and wide into the realms of scientific knowledge, whereby his efficiency is increased and his work is rendered of greater value to his fellowmen. He is also chief of stafif of St. Francis Hospital, is oculist and aurist there and for two years, by reason of his position as chief of staff, was at the head of the St. Francis Hospital Training School for nurses, which was organized during his incumbency. He is a member of the Henry County Medical Society, the Illinois State and the American Medical Associations, and for two years was president of the Physicians Club of Kewanee.

In 1894 Dr. Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Adelaide H. Frazier, of Viola, Illinois, a daughter of H. B. Frazier, who was one of the leading merchants of that place, where his death occurred July 11, 1898. Dr. and Mrs. Stewart have become parents of two daughters, Florence Verl and Louise Ruth.

Dr. Stewart is a member of the Presbyterian church and of the Masonic fraternity, finding in those organizations the principles which constitute the guiding forces of his life and in 1893 was president of the building committee of the former. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs, giving his aid and his influence for the benefit of the community at large. While living in Warren county he served as school trustee for a time and was president of the village board of Viola for six years and a trustee and chairman of the village council. He also acted as township school trustee for three years. He was elected to those positions on the democratic ticket but at the present time is not an advocate of modern democracy and gives his political support to the republican party. Called to the school board of Kewanee he has done active work to further the interests of education here and the present high-school building was erected, during his administration as president of the board. In the building of the schoolhouse the financial interests were managed by a committee of which Dr. Stewart was made president, and the building was completed at a cost of one hundred and fourteen thousand, one hundred and ninety-five dollars and twenty cents. After serving one year Dr. Stewart was again elected. He belongs to the Kewanee Club and has been honored with its presidency, being now the incumbent in the office, and is vice president of the Commercial Club. Again and again called to official preferment, the honors that have thus been conferred upon him indicate clearly his high standing and the regard entertained for him by those who know him most intimately.

James McBroom, who came to the United States after being liberally educated in Ireland under a private tutor, manifested keen perception in determining the value of opportunities which were presented and as the years passed by made for himself a position most creditable and honorable in the business circles of Geneseo. He was very active in managing his affairs and became one of the leading grain merchants of this part of the state. Prompt, energetic and notably reliable, he made for himself an honored name and one which deserves to be perpetuated on the pages of Henry county's history. He was born in County Armagh, Ireland, on the 5th of October, 1827, and his parents, William and Jane (Harrison) McBroom, were also natives of the same country. The father was a farmer and stockman there and conducted business for many years, passing away at an advanced age. In the family were three sons and three daughters but only one is now living, John McBroom, who resides on Mamboo Island, Australia, near Sidney, and owns nearly the entire island.

James McBroom spent the first eighteen years of his life in the place of his nativity and about 1845 crossed the Atlantic to America. He settled first in New York where he remained for a time and in 1854 came to Illinois where he and Andrew and James Crawford, entered the employ of a railroad company, building fences. Soon afterward, however, James McBroom went to work for Mr. Van Winkle, owner of a grain elevator and later he formed a partnership with I. N. Wilson. They operated the elevator for many years, beginning in 1857 and were widely known as prominent and successful representatives of the grain trade. A man of resourceful business ability, Mr. McBroom extended his ef- forts into other fields and became the first president of the First National Bank of Geneseo. His name was long an honored one on commercial paper in this part of the state and his business activity, keen discernment and sound judgment made him regarded as one of the foremost men in Geneseo.

On the 6th of October, 1855, Mr. McBroom was united in marriage to Miss Margritha Kaiser, a daughter of John and Maria (Simmons) Kaiser. Mrs. McBroom was born in Leuzingen, Oberamt, Bueren, Canton Berne, Switzerland, June 28, 1830, and when a young girl of thirteen years came with her parents to America in 1843. They settled first in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where they lived on a farm for eleven years and then removed to Henry county, Illinois, taking up their abode here in 1854. They settled on a farm in Annawan township and a short time prior to their demise removed to Shabbona Grove. Her father had been a teacher in Switzerland and was ever a great student, reading broadly and thinking deeply. He held various local offices and was a prominent figure in the home locality. His death occurred in 1871 when he was seventy-five years of age, while his wife survived him until 1873 and passed away at the age of seventy-six years. They had a family of eight children who reached mature years : Elizabeth, who became the wife of Stephen Hanni ; Marian, the wife of John Walter; John S. ; Frederick; Mrs. McBroom; Alexander; Albert; and Jacob.

The paternal grandfather of Mrs. McBroom was Ursus Kaiser who died in Switzerland at the age of eighty-four or eighty-five years. His wife bore the maiden name of Maria Offolter. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. McBroom was John Simmons, who was a farmer and died in Switzerland when well advanced in years. His wife bore the maiden name of Maria Loeffel.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McBroom was blessed with a family of six sons, Alexander K., now deceased, married Jennie Remington of Geneseo, who is now living in Spokane, Washington. They have one son, Cassius Remington HVIcBroom. William John, the second son, now vice president of the First National Bank of Geneseo, married Myrtle Angell and they have two sons, William J. and James Henry. Frederick K., living in Spokane, Washington, wedded Margaret Mae Ryder and they have one son, Roderick J. Charles Emmett, who has been cashier for a number of years in the Exchange National Bank of Spokane, Washington, married Florence Homer Green. Isaac Newton, who is engaged in farming, married Laura M. Drehmer and they have three daughters, Irene Genevieve, Grace D. and Margaret Charlotte, James Herbert, the youngest son, married Emma Moore, of Joliet, Illinois, and is now deceased. There was one daughter of that marriage who died at the age of five years.

The death of the husband and father occurred in 1895 when he was in his sixty-seventh year and he is still survived by Mrs. McBroom. They attended the Unitarian church and were very prominent in the social circles of the city, having many warm friends who esteemed them highly for their genuine personal worth. Mr. McBroom was not only regarded as a substantial and reliable business man but also as a citizen of public spirit whose efforts constituted a forceful factor in the substantial growth of the community. For two years he served as mayor of Geneseo and gave to the city a public-spirited and business- like administration characterized by substantial reform, improvement and progress. He was not easily discouraged, sought ever to accomplish his ends by honorable means and never sacrificed truth or justice to policy. Mrs. McBroom is an intellectual lady, well preserved, naturally refined and of noble mind and bearing. She has reared a family of whom she has every reason to be proud. She has also done good work in connection with the philanthropic movements and charities of the city, responding readily to any tale of sorrow or distress.

Victor L. Hedman

With tireless energy, keen perception and ability to devise the right thing at the right time and with power to plan and to perform, Victor L. Hedman has come to be recognized as one of the representative business men of Genesee where, as the senior partner of the firm of Hedman & Anderson, he is engaged in the lumber business. Henry county has a large percentage of citizens who are of Swedish birth or parentage. To this number belongs Victor L. Hedman, who was born in Gysinge, in the province of Gestrekland, Sweden, March lo, 1861. He was the younger of the two sons of Jonas and Christina (Sodestrom) Hedman, both of whom were natives of Sweden. The other son was Carl Johann. The paternal grandfather was Mats Hedman and his wife was Anna Du Hon, a lady of French lineage. Both lived to advanced age and the grandfather followed the occupation of farming that he might provide a good living for himself and his family, numbering his wife and two sons, Jonas and Lars. The maternal grandfather of Victor L. Hedman was Charles Sodestrom, who was employed in different smelters in Sweden. Both he and his wife, Mrs. Caroline Sodestrom, died in that country at an advanced age. They were the parents of two daughters : Christina and Sophia.

Jonas Hedman worked all his life in the iron smelters and died from illness which was brought on by becoming overheated in 1867 when he was forty-six years of age. His wife died six months before at the age of forty-five years and both were members of the Swedish Lutheran church.

Victor L. Hedman was reared and educated in Sweden and spent his youthful days on the farm. At the age of nineteen years he came to the United States and settled near Cambridge, in Henry county, where he worked by the month at farm labor. He then engaged in cultivating rented land for two years, during which period he lived alone, attending to the household affairs himself as well as to the duties of the fields.

On the 13th of March, 1888, however, Mr. Hedman completed arrangements for having a home of his own in his marriage to Mrs. Gustava Greenlee, the widow of James Greenlee, and a daughter of Swan Wallin and Christina Wallin. Mrs. Hedman was born in Falkoping in the province of Westergotland, Sweden, and in 1866 came to the United States, while in 1869 her parents also made the voyage across the Atlantic to the new world and settled in Munson township, Henry county, Illinois. In 1870, however, they removed to Page county, Iowa, where both died. Mrs. Wallin, however, lived for sixteen years in Henry county after her husband's death and passed away at the venerable age of ninety-eight years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hedman were born two children, Hilda and Harold.

The parents are members of the Swedish Lutheran church which is indicative of the attitude which they also maintain towards vital questions. Their influence is ever on the side of right, progress, justice and truth and in many ways they seek the good of the community. Politically Mr. Hedman is a republican and is now serving as a member of the city council from the fourth ward, being elected on the temperance ticket. Although he started out in life a poor boy, by industry and good management he has won success and is now one of the leading business men of Geneseo. His wife has always been a most faithful companion and helpmate to him since they started on life's journey together and her good counsel and help have encouraged him in every way. They have a beautiful home in Geneseo and other property which has been accumulated through their honest toil and industry and they enjoy in unlimited measure the respect of the entire community. Theirs is a most hospitable home and the circle of their friends is almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance.

John F. Soderburg

One of the prominent farmers of Osco township is John F. Soderburg, who operates a three hundred and twenty acre farm on sections 33 and 34, which he rents from Mrs. Delia Andrews. He is rapidly making a reputation for himself as a breeder of pure blooded Shire and Clyde horses, and as a feeder and shipper of cattle and hogs. He was born in Sweden, September 19, 1875, and is a son of Jonas and Charlotte (Peterson) Soderburg. He was about eight years old when his parents came to the United States and he grew to manhood in the town of Orion, in which they located upon their arrival in Illinois. He received a fair education in the common schools there, though he was only fourteen years of age when he began the serious business of life as a farm hand in the employ of a man in the vicinity of Orion. When he attained his manhood he and his father together engaged in agriculture on land in Colona township, and then removed to the place where Mr. Soderburg now Hves, taking a lease for sixteen years. In the eleven years that it has been his home he has had no cause to regret his venture, for he has found that the soil produced richly and he has met with success in the stock business, in which he has engaged extensively and to which he will devote more and more of his attention.

Mr. Soderburg was married in Andover, March 9, 1904, to Miss Annie Fredericson, who was born in Osco township. Her parents, John and Louisa Fredericson, were natives of Sweden and are now living in Cambridge, Illinois. Three children - Gladys, Dorothy and Frederick - have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Soderburg.

When he became of age, Mr. Soderburg chose the republican party as his guide in political matters and since casting his first presidential ballot for its candidate McKinley, in the election of 1896. has given to it its unswerving allegiance. He has taken an active part in the local affairs to Osco township, for in 1906 he was elected collector, and upon the expiration of his term was, in 1908, elected highway commissioner, in which capacity he is serving his second year. During his incumbency of the office contracts have been let for the construction of concrete bridges which will be the first to be built in the township. Fraternally he is connected with the Mystic Workers of Cambridge and witK" the Osco Camp of the Modern Woodmen of America, and plays a conspicuous part in the meetings of these bodies. He and his wife were both reared in the Methodist faith and are devout members of the church at Andover. Progressive in his ideas and conscientious in his performance of duties, Mr. Soderburg enjoys the respect and confidence of the citizens of Osco township and can look forward to a life which should be crowned with the success that comes inevitably as the result of hard work.

Dante Milton Stamm

Dante Milton Stamm, of the firm of Clouse & Stamm, druggists of Genesee, was born in Dover, Bureau county, Illinois. His parents were Martin and Emeline (Clouse) Stamm, the former a native of Canton Schafifhausen, Switzerland, and the latter of Ohio. She was, however, of Pennsylvania German descent. The ancestry of the Stamm family can be traced back to Martin Stamm, who was born in 1675 ^"d was mayor of Schleitheim, Switzerland, during a part of his residence there. John Stamm, the grandfather, was born at Schafifhausen, Switzerland, November 11, 1805. He became a master cooper and manufactured wine vats of five thousand gallons capacity, in the district where wine-making was the chief industry. He had an equity in some real estate there,, which he lost after leaving Schafifhausen by reason of non-payment. In the year 185 1 he came to America with his family in consequence of the revolutionary movemenet of 1848. They settled first in New York, where they lived until 1858, and then went to Kankakee, Illinois, where John Stamm passed away in 1883 at the age of seventy-eight years. For a long period he had survived his wife, Mrs. Barbara (Wanner) Stamm, who died in 1867 at the age of sixty years. They were the parents of eight children, five of whom came to America: Agnes, Vincent, Anna, Martin and Christian. The last named served three years in the Civil war, in Company G, Twentieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and his discharge papers show he was a faithful soldier.

The great-grandparents of D. M. Stamm in the maternal line were Michael and Anna Maria (Bonewitz) Clouse. Michael Clouse was only a year old when his parents came from Alsace to America in 1791 and in the years of his manhood he became a well-to-do farmer of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. His wife's father was Jacob Bonewitz, who received an honorable discharge after having faithfully served in the Revolutionary war. He was a son of Conrad Bonewitz, who left Strassburg, Germany, prior to 1743 for his son Jacob was bom in America in that year. They settled in Reading, Berks county, Pennsylvania, and Conrad Bonewitz was the founder of this branch of the family in the United States. The maternal grandfather of D. M. Stamm was Jacob Clouse, who was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and was of German lineage. He went to Ohio when that state was covered with the native growth of timber and there he assisted in clearing farms, but by trade was a shoemaker. It was then customary for a shoemaker to go from family to family and make shoes for the different members of the household according to measures which he took. After a time, as the result of his industry and economy, Mr. Clouse acquired a farm of his own in Wayne county, and removing there carried on shoemaking, his trade being sufficient to justify his employment of two men. He resided there until 185 1, when he came with relatives to Illinois, settling at Dover, Bureau county. There he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he improved. He died, however, in i860 when forty-seven years of age, on the day on which he had expected to vote for Abraham Lincoln. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Byers, was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1820 and died in 1891. They had a family of five children: Matilda, who became the wife of Jesse Henney; Emeline, now Mrs. Stamm; Eliza D., the wife of John N. Knoblaugh, who served in the Civil war as a member of Company B, Ninety-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry; George Newton, formerly a member of the drug firm of Clouse & Stamm; and Esli H., who is living in Topeka, Kansas. The ancestry in the maternal line can be traced back to a still more remote period, for Sarah Byers was a daughter of David Byers, who was the son of David Byers, born 1755 and died 1831, a native of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, who was born in a two-story log house that was built in 1669 on the old homestead of the family about four miles west of the town. The wife of David Byers was Elizabeth Stambaugh, whose father, Philip Stambaugh, was one of the humble heroes of the Revolutionary war. His father, too, was a member of the same company. Both father and son bore the name of Philip and belonged to the York county militia. The father came to America from Alsace in 1741. It was from him that Sarah Byers was descended. She was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1820 and gave her hand in marriage to Jacob Clouse, whom she survived, passing away in 1891.

Martin Stamm, the father of D. M. Stamm, remained a resident of Switzerland until 1851, when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. After living for seven years in New York the family home was established in Kankakee, Illinois, and Martin Stamm has since resided in this state. About the time of the outbreak of the Civil war he took up the work of the ministry and for forty years was connected with the Evangelical Association. He has been most zealous and earnest in his labors in behalf of the church and has not been denied the liberal harvests nor the aftermath in that his influence and his diligence have been a most potent factor for good in the lives of many with whom he has come in contact. He and his wife now reside in Chicago and several of their children are with them there. Their household numbered six children, namely : Dante Milton, of this review ; George C, of Chicago ; Carlton, who died in infancy; Flora Lula, living in Chicago; Charles Raphael, who is in Douglas, Wyoming; and Wallace Martin, of Chicago.

D. M. Stamm, whose name introduces this record, came to Geneseo in 1881 and his since been twenty-eight years in the drug business. He was reared in Illinois and he is indebted to its public-school system for the educational privi- leges which he received and which qualified him for the practical duties of the business world. In 1892 he became associated with George N. Clouse and they continued together in the drug trade for seventeen years under the firm style of- Clouse & Stamm. On June i, 1909, Mr. Stamm became sole proprietor and now has a well appointed store, supplied with excellent fixtures and most attractive in its arrangement. He carries a large and well selected line of goods and his success is due to honorable methods, earnest efforts to please customers," judicious advertising and an attractive display of the drugs and druggists' sundries which he handles.

Mr. Stamm belongs to Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M.; Geneseo Chapter No. 275, O. E. S., Geneseo Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M.; Rock Island Commandery, No. 18, K. T ; and Kaaba Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Davenport He is now acting as senior warden of Stewart Lodge. He was married September 5, 1909, to Miss Eliza Harper Shaw, a daughter of George W. Shaw, of Geneseo.

Hugh Hutchinson

Hugh Hutchinson, pleasantly located in Munson township, where he has a farm covering the southwest quarter of section 10, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, May 2, 1867. His parents were Robert and Jane (Livingston) Hutchinson, who left the Keystone state about 1869 and came with their family to Henry county, Illinois. The father secured a farm in Munson township, and thereon established the family home. With characteristic energy he began the cultivation and development of the fields and as the years passed by transformed the place into an attractive tract, from which he annually gathered good harvests for many years. He continued to reside there until about 1899, when he went to Geneseo, where he is now living retired, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former labor.

Hugh Hutchinson was only about two and a half years old at the time of the removal of the family to this county, and on the old homestead he was reared, working in the fields from the time that he was old enough to handle the plow. Broad practical experience therefore well qualified him for farm work when he started out in life for himself. He had also acquired a fair education in the schools of the neighborhood. On attaining his majority he rented land for a year and at the end of that time purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Cornwall township, there making his home until 1890, after which he rented that farm. He bought two hundred and eighty acres east of Cambridge but has never lived on that property. He next purchased one hundred and sixty acres on the northwest quarter of section 2, Munson township. He removed to his present home from Cornwall township and has here made good improvements in keeping with the modern ideas of progressive farming. He has good buildings upon the place, and the latest machinery facilitates the work of the fields as he plows and plants his land and gathers his harvests.

Mr. Hutchinson was married March 27, 1890, in the city of Geneseo to Miss Hattie Swiger, a daughter of Carl and Theresa (Mueller) Swiger, both of whom are living in Geneseo. They have a family of four children : Carl, who was born in Cornwall township July i, 1892; Gale, born February 24, 1895; Mina, born October i, 1897; and Dean, born October i, 1901.

In politics Mr. Hutchinson is an independent republican and has served as school trustee and school director. His fraternity relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He prefers, however, to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and is now one of the prosperous farmers of the county. He raises, feeds and ships stock and is well known as a leading live-stock dealer, while in the cultivation of cereals best adapted to soil and climate he is also meeting with success.

Albert Peterson

Albert Peterson is one of the substantial and enterprising agriculturists of Cambridge township, owning a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 36. His birth occurred in Wethersfield township, Henry county, Illinois, on the 27th of September, 1880, his parents being John and Anna (Garey) Peterson, natives of Sweden and Pennsylvania respectively. The parental grandfather passed away in Sweden when well advanced in years. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Isaac Garey, was of German descent and was born in Pennsylvania, where he followed merchandising. He made his way to this county at an early period in its development and turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, operating a farm near Kewanee. He was well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as a most respected and worthy citizen, and his death, which occurred when he was seventy years of age, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret.

John Peterson, the father of Albert Peterson, crossed the Atlantic to the United States about 1874 and took up his abode in Kewanee, Henry county, Illinois. He first worked as a farm hand for a number of years and then purchased a tract of eighty acres in Galva township, where he resided for five years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the property and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 36, Cambridge township, on which he made his home until 1902, when he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Moline, where he has since lived retired. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. He was twice married, and his first wife passed away in 1884, when about thirty-one years of age. They had two children, as follows : Albert, of this review, and Anna, who is the wife of Albert Burke and resides near Hedrick, Iowa. Subsequent to the death of his first wife John Peterson was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Anna Gabrielson.

Albert Peterson was reared on the home farm in this county and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He then rented the old homestead farm from his father and operated it for four years, on the ex- piration of which period he bought the property and has since devoted his time and energies to its further cultivation and improvement with excellent success. The farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land, and the well tilled fields annually yield golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor which is bestowed upon them.

On the i8th of February, 1904, Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Edith Anderson, who was born in Cambridge township, this county, on the 30th of August, 1882, her parents being Olof and Mary (Elm) Anderson, natives of Sweden. On coming to the United States they took up their abode in Henry county, Illinois, among its early settlers. Their children were four in number, namely: Olive, the wife of Andrew Rapp; Elmer; Mrs. Peterson and Maude Amelia. Olof Anderson has been twice married. His first wife bore the maiden name of Celia Nasberg, and they had one son, Charles. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Peterson was John Elm, a native of Sweden. After making the ocean voyage to this country he located in Cambridge township, Henry county, and gave his attention to the work of farming. He passed away at the ripe old age of seventy-six years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have been born three children, the first being twin daughters, one of whom died when only a day old. The other is Anna Helen, and their son is Milford Lester.

At the polls Mr. Peterson casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Swedish Methodist church at Bishop Hill. The young couple have an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the county in which they have always resided, having won the kindly regard and esteem of all with whom they have come in contact.

Elijah Storey

One of the prominent men of Henry county, who has won distinction in the stock-raising business and through the exhibition of numerous prize horses, is Elijah Storey, of Kewanee. He was born in this city, October 29, 1851, a descendant of one of the respected pioneer families of the county. His father, Jarius Storey, was a native of Oneida county, New York, where his birth occurred March 18, 1828. He attended the common schools of that locality until his twelfth year, when with his parents, Elijah and Louise (Wheeler) Storey ,also natives of Oneida county, he removed to Canada. There he worked for a man who was in the employ of the English government as Indian agent and trader, remaining with him for about five years. Two years later, when he was nineteen years old, he came alone to Illinois, reaching Kewanee June 18, 1847. His father died about three years after his arrival here and his mother did not long survive. Her parents were natives of Dutchess county, New York, which was their home throughout life.

Upon coming to Henry county Jarius Storey, who was just entering the period of his manhood, obtained forty acres of land on section 4, Kewanee township, and later acquired two other forty acre tracts from the government. It was an entirely wild country that met the gaze of the pioneers at that day.

Then there was not a single building on the present site of the city, the country being covered with tall prairie grass, while Indians were still not infrequently seen and deer and other wild game abounded. The nearest market in those days was either Peru or Lasalle on the Illinois river, and about four times a year Mr. Storey would go to one of these places to obtain provisions to last for months. Nor were those journeys the only hardships, for in those days before the invention of the many farming implements, Mr. Storey was compelled to cut his grain with a cradle and thresh it with a flail. Nevertheless, he engaged in agriculture with pronounced success throughout his active life, making his home on the land which he had entered from the government. He has now retired and lives on North Lexington avenue, Kewanee.

In 1850 Jarius Storey wedded Miss Nancy Dingman, who was bom in Canada and came to this county with her parents but the year before her marriage. She was the seventh in a family of eleven children. Mary became the wife of James Bradford, a blacksmith of Annawan, who during the Civil war enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. As he was confined to the hospital during the greater part of his services he saw Httle active warfare. He and his wife have both died but are survived by three children, Lucy, Lovina and Josephus. David married Mary Showers, of Kewanee, and removed to Kansas, where he pursued farming. He and his wife have also died, leaving a family. William married Miss Hodge and they are survived by four children, who are residents of Dayton, Iowa. Joseph wedded Jane Rockey and made his home in Kewanee until the outbreak of the Civil war. In 1864 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois Infantry and after being discharged removed to Kansas, where he engaged in farming until his death. He is survived by three children. Jennette became the wife of George Minord. They have both died and are survived by nine children, who are living in Iowa. Margaret married George Mesker. They died, leaving four children, Merritt, Hattie, Elizabeth and George, who live in Kewanee. Nancy became the wife of Jarius Storey and the mother of our subject. Eliza married James McNeal. They, too, have passed away, leaving two children, William and John, of Alba township. James and his wife died in Iowa. Lawrence also married and lived in Abingdon, Illinois, where he was killed during the erection of a building. He left a family. Frank enlisted in 1861 in Company I, Twentyseventh Illinois Infantry, was wounded in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Chattanooga and was mustered out in 1865. He was twice married and now with his family resides in Iowa.

Mrs. Nancy Storey died December 30, 1865. She was the mother of seven children. Elijah, our subject, is the eldest. David L., born in 1853, died at the age of eleven. Josephine was only four months old when she passed away. Three others died in infancy. Jane, who was bom in 1861, became the wife of George Ditto and now lives in Canyon City, Texas, where they are rearing their three children, Dora, Jarius and Laura Pearl. Jarius Storey was again married April 25, 1867, his second union being with Mrs. Elizabeth Swyhart. Two children were born of this union. The older died at the age of two months, and Tessa, whose birth occurred October 4, 1872, is the wife of Fred Riley, who is in charge of one of the departments of the National Tube Company of

Kewanee. He at one time owned Urbin, which is now in the possession of his brother-in-law, EHjah Storey. Mr, Storey has always been identified with the republican party, having cast his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln, and has been prominent in local affairs, having served as overseer of highways and as school director. He enjoys a high reputation among the citizens of Kewanee and surrounding country.

Reared to the life of a farmer, Elijah Storey has followed it as his vocation, but while he tills with success a tract of land in Kewanee township his especial attention is devoted to the stock business. In this he has achieved such success that he is accounted one of the important stock raisers in Illinois. Almost from the very beginning his horses have won distinction, his first colt having received the first premium at Cambridge in 1876. He owned the French draft horse. Sultan, which won many prizes and sweepstakes every time he was exhibited during the years he was in Mr. Storey's possession. Arimus, a Percheron, his next horse, won twenty-four first prizes in Henry county, besides obtaining premiums at various state fairs. Urbin, a French coach stallion, which is now in his possession, won a gold medal at the World's Fair in 1893. Another celebrated horse, Voltaire, which was considered the best of its class in the state, was also in Mr. Storey's stables. It is to the breeding of Percheron, Clydesdale and French coach horses and of registered cattle and hogs that he has given his attention and is recognized even beyond the boundaries of Henry county as a man who is cognizant with every detail of this important business.

It was on the 27th of February, 1872, that the marriage of Mr. Storey and ;Miss Lavina McClennan was celebrated. She was born in Kendall county, Illinois, September 23, 1852, and is a daughter of David and Resinda (Call) Mc- Clennan. Her father, who was a native of Niagara county. New York, where his birth occurred September 5, 1820, came to Henry county, Illinois, in 1855. He settled first in Annawan, but later moved to Alba township, where he died December 9, 1898. His wife, who was born in Canada, November 2, 1826, preceded him to the grave many years, for her death occurred December 29, i860. Through their marriage, which had been solemnized August 29, 1844, they became the parents of four children: George, who died in infancy; John, who married Retta Blake and after her death wedded Miss Sabina Benson and now lives in Ruthven, Palo Alto county, Iowa; Lavina, who is the wife of Mr. Storey; and Ella, who married George Andrews and after his death married Chris Jorgensen, of Pipestone, Minnesota.

Mr. and Mrs. Storey are the parents of five children. Nellie, who was bom September 19, 1874, died October 5, 1875. Jarius L., born July 12, 1876, and Clarence L., born October 7, 1882, are at home. Ida is the wife of WiUiam Bing, a farmer of Kewanee, and they have four children. Ada, a twin sister of Ida's, married James Gash, a farmer of Annawan township.

Mr. Stone has been a stanch supporter of the republican party and has been very active in its affairs in this county for during the past six years he has been the township's representative on the central committee and has served as judge of election on several occasions. He is also assistant supervisor of the township, now serving his fourth term. It is to be remarked, however, that when his name was first placed upon the ticket as a candidate for the office he received the largest majority of votes ever polled in his township. As president of the Kewanee Agricultural Fair, of which he has also been director during the last six years, and as director of the Henry County Telephone Company he has shown a most trustworthy interest in advancing the welfare of the community. He is equally prominent in the church of the United Brethren, for he was president of its board of trustees, and upon his shoulders devolves the care of the parsonage. In short, while he has given his first attention to his private concerns with a success that has already been specified, he has not cramped his interests by confining them to few matters. On the contrary, his breadth of sympathies and his broad viewpoint are among the many things that make him such an esteemed citizen of the city, the township and the county.

Israel G. Heaps

Israel G. Heaps, a resident of Kewanee, came to Henry country in 1848, when his father, the late William G. Heaps, cast his lot with that of the early pioneers of this part of the noble prairie state. Mr. Heaps was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, November 13, 1839. On the paternal side the ancestral line can be traced back many generations to the time when the Scotch Presbyterians removed to the north of Ireland from their native country. In the middle of the seventeenth century they came to this country, settling in the Maryland colony, whence the younger generation scattered out in the western states. On the maternal side - the Green family - Mr. Heaps traces the ancestry back to Germany, whence representatives of the name went to England and afterward came to this country with the early settlers of Pennsylvania, In 1844 William G. Heaps came to Illinois, taking up his abode in Adams county, but two years later removed to Wisconsin, hoping to better his financial condition. He did not find as congenial a climate as he expected, however, and another removal was made in the autumn of 1848, at which time he settled on a tract of government land in Annawan township, Henry county, which became the old family homestead. It was there the father and mother both died and from there the children departed to build up homes of their own. The youngest son, J. P. Heaps, still resides upon that farm. By unfortunate investments in Wisconsin the father became in straitened circumstances and had a large family of small children to support. He possessed, however, strong arms and a brave heart but had nothing else to assist him when he settled in Henry county. Israel G. Heaps well remembers that in the winter of 1848-9 twelve cents was the postage which had to be paid on the delivery of a letter and on occasions they had to wait some time before the money could be obtained to "lift it." The tract of land on which the family settled was in its natural condition, not a furrow having been turned and there was no shelter for the family until a cabin could be erected. For a few years the struggle for a livelihood was severe but both parents worked hard, practiced the strictest economy and soon succeeded in placing the family in comfort.

In early life Israel G. Heaps had small opportunity for obtaining anything like what would at this day be considered a fair education. He learned to read, however, and was fond of books, eagerly perusing those which he could obtain. The schools were either non est altogether or were of the same primitive character as the other surroundings, and if there had been the best schools and the best opportunities he could not have availed himself of them for in summer he had to drive five yoke of oxen to a breaking plow and in winter had to haul rails from the woods to fence the farm, although he was not yet twelve years of age. If he could get a day off he would drive a breaking team for some of the neighbors, for which he would receive the munificent sum of twenty-five cents a day. For three winters after reaching his fifteenth year he attended the country schools and by extra exertion succeeded in securing a knowledge of the English branches taught in the district schools that had been established in the neighborhood. Having learned the way to study he made considerable progress in the higher branches. In 1858 he entered the preparatory department of Lombard University, at Galesburg, Illinois, and for several years he taught school and attended that institution alternately. Notwithstanding the interruption in his course he was able to keep his standing in his classes and often acted as tutor. In i860 he was admitted to the junior year and looked forward confidently to the time when he should complete his course and enter upon the study of law and personally take a part in the work of the world. But the dark clouds of war had been gathering around the horizon of the beautiful sunny south-land and their rumblings were abroad in the ears of the people of the north. On the I2th of April, 1861, the shot was fired upon Fort Sumter that caused the patriotic wrath of the northern people to blaze forth. On the 22d of that month a great war meeting was held in the Baptist church in Annawan, at which speeches were made by Elder Hiram Petteys, J. M. Allan and Elder McDermond, who reviewed the causes leading up to the outbreak of hostilities and in the language of Webster declared "that the Union shall and must be preserved." The call had been made for troops and at the close of the meeting it was decided to raise a company for the war and Mr. Heaps was the first man to put his name on the list of enrolled volunteers, thus being the first man to enlist in Henry county in the great Civil war. He was quickly followed by fifty-three others and when the election for officers of the company was held he was unanimously chosen captain, with H. C. Carroll as first lieutenant and Richard Linnehan as second lieutenant. When the company offered its services to the government it could not be accepted as the six regiments called for were full, and after repeatedly trying to get into the services without success the company was partially disbanded, but on the second call for three hundred thousand more men most of the men went to Camp Butler and joined Company I, of the Twenty-seventh Regiment, which had a full complement of officers of all grades but not enough men. At that time Mr. Heaps was helping to raise Company H, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and as soon as it was full joined his old boys of the Twenty-seventh, with whom he fought for nearly four years, and the history of that grand regiment is part of his war history.

The regiment received its first baptism of fire at Belmont, November 7, 1861, - the first battle in which Grant, Logan, McClernand and others who wrote their names high upon the roll of fame, took an active part. Mr. Heaps, reenlisting as a veteran, voluntered to serve three years more before his first en- listment expired and most of the old boys who had not been killed who had enlisted in that first company at Annawan, remained with him. He was always at the front and took an active part in sixty-six battles and heavy skirmishes, among which were Belmont, Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Rocky Face, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Franklin, etc. At the battle of Stone River he was severely wounded in the right arm near the shoulder, the bone being shattered. The surgeons wanted to amputate the arm but he refused to let them and as he was young and healthy his wound did nicely and he was ordered to join the invalid corps. This he refused to do and he was then told that he would be discharged from the hospital, but slipping away he joined a party who were being sent to the front and on March i6,

1863, he joined his company at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. At Chickamauga, when Sheridan charged Longstreet's corp, he was shot in the breast and left upon the field for dead, but when the wounded were gathered up it was found he was still alive and he was sent to the hospital at Chattonooga and recovered sufficiently in time to join his company and go with Sheridan on the grand storming and capturing of Missionary Ridge. He then went with his command to East Tennessee to relieve Burnside. The months of January and February were spent among the mountains of Tennessee in fighting Longstreet. In March,

1864, he was granted a veteran's furlough for thirty days and for the first time since entering the service returned to his home to see his mother and the other loved ones he had left when he went to the front.

At the expiration of his furlough Mr. Heaps joined the army which was being massed for the great advance on Atlanta by General Sherman and took part in that glorious campaign, sharing in the hardships, dangers and toils of that "one hundred days of battle." At the battle of Resaca his brother, John B. Heaps, a member of Company A, One Hundred Twelfth Illinois Regiment, was killed and after the shadows of night had drawn a curtain over the bloody work and the fighting had ceased, and only the crack of the rifle of the skirmisher and the moanings of the wounded could be heard, Mr. Heaps received permission to go to the field where the dead had fallen to find the body of his beloved brother. He went alone to the scene of carnage where the forms and faces of those who had died that the nation might live were lying in bewildering confusion, and by the feeble glimmer of a single candle peered into the faces, cold in the awful silence of death, until the one he sought was found, and there in the darkness of the midnight hour the living brother dug the grave for the dead one, wrapped his own blanket about the still form and carried it in his arms to its final resting place beneath a large tree near by. But few more lonely and pathetic scenes were enacted during that long four years struggle than this one on that dark and somber night amid the murmuring pines. How aptly and fittingly can the poem of "The Burial of Sir John Moore" be paraphrased to apply to this event:

"Not a drum was heard nor a funeral note, As his body to the grave he carried. Not a soldier discharged his farewell shot O'er the grave where his brother he buried.

He buried him darkly at dead of night, The dirt with a shovel turning, By no struggling moonbeam's misty light And only a candle dimly burning.

No useless coffin enclosed his breast Nor in sheet nor in shroud he wound him; But he lay like a soldier taking his rest With an army blanket around him.

Lightly they'll talk of the spirit that's gone, And o'er his cold ashes upbraid him ; But little he'll reck if they let him sleep on In the grave where a brother has laid him.

Slowly and sadly he laid him down. From the field of his fame, fresh and gory. He carved not a line, he raised not a stone, But left him - Alone with his glory !"

At the battle of Peach Tree Creek, July 20, 1864, Israel G. Heaps was sent with his own and two other companies to guard a crossing of the creek to keep the Confederates from flanking the Fourth Corps, and although the small band was attacked several times by overwhelming numbers the position was held during the entire afternoon and for the grand and heroic defense made the command was congratulated and thanked in a general order by the division commander. When Sherman swung his army around Atlanta his command was heavily engaged at Jonesboro and rough and ready in driving the enemy from their stronghold, thus forcing the evacuation of Atlanta - the prize for which forty thousand brave soldiers went down in action. When General Sherman decided to cut loose and march to the sea the Fourth Corps, to which Captain Heaps' company belonged, was sent back with the Twenty-third corps to take care of General Hood, who, with the Confederate army, had marched north to invade Tennessee. On November 29, 1864, the armies met at Spring Hill and on the next day at Franklin. Then the hardest and bloodiest battle of the war was fought. While Captain Heaps was on the advance skirmish line in front of the army the enemy flanked him and got in the rear and captured him and his company. They were sent to Corinth, Jackson, Selma, Cahaba, and finally landed in that death hole, Andersonville. In March, 1865, they were passed through the lines at Vicksburg and from there were sent to St. Louis where the captain was placed in command of three companies in the parole camp and where he remained until his mustering out, June 22, 1865, on account of the close of the war. He was promoted from private to first lieutenant on June 27, 1864, for gallantry at the charge of Kenesaw Mountain, and was afterward mustered into the service as Captain to date, December 15, 1864, by the war department, "for faithful and meritorious service during the war."

Returning to Annawan, Captain Heaps was married to Miss Rhoda A. Petteys to whom he had long been engaged. They settled on a farm belonging to Mrs. Heaps' father and he engaged in teaching school in the winter months, but soon devoted his entire time to farming and stock raising. For many years he was traveling correspondent for the Drover's Journal, of Chicago, and in that capacity visited all the states and territories in the west and also Mexico. His letters describing the resources and wonders of that great west and the habits and lore of the ancient inhabitants of that vast district attracted wide attention and comment, not only in this country but in Europe as well. In politics and religion he is independent, not being tied to any party or creed. He was supervisor of Annawan township for ten years and also served as assessor.

Mrs. Heaps was born in New York but came with her parents to Illinois in early girlhood and was educated at Knox College, in Galesburg. Her father was the Rev. Hiram Petteys, a minister of the gospel, and her mother was Susan Brand, of New York. Mrs. Heaps is of Revolutionary stock, her ancestry on both sides taking an active part in the war for independence. Mr, and Mrs. Heaps have had six children, five of whom are living: Irvin P., who resides on his farm in Annawan township ; Lilian, who died in early childhood ; Clarence E., who is living in Moline and is a contractor and builder; Merrill B., a builder of Moline, now acting as superintendent for his brother; Ross D., who resides in Chicago ; and Warren T., a practicing physician and surgeon of Kewanee.

Mr. Heaps has taken an active part in agricultural and live-stock affairs and has been a frequent contributor to the leading agricultural and live stock journals on those subjects. He has also been a speaker of wide repute at farmer's institutes and live-stock associations, and was for several years editor of the Farmer's Tribune, of Des Moines, becoming known as one of the most forceful and able writers in that state. In 1892 he left the farm and removed to Kewanee in order that he might better educate his children, and since has devoted his time to looking after his agricultural interests and the welfare of his children.

When the battleship Maine was blown up in the harbor of Havana and two hundred and fifty-seven American sailors were lost on the 15th of February, 1898, Mr. Heaps, knowing the strained condition between this country and Spain believed that war was inevitable and each day more fully confirmed him in this belief. Thinking that a call would soon be made for troops, on March 23, 1898, he wrote a letter to the governor tendering his services in any capacity in which they could be used in the event of war. In replying he received the following letter :

I am directed by the Governor to acknowledge your favor of recent date and* to thank you for your patriotic offer in the event of war. Your letter will be placed on file in the Adjutant General's office for future reference in the event of a call by the President for troops.

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your tender of service in the event of war. Thanking you for the same I beg to say that your letter has been placed on file for consideration in the event that war should come.

J. N. Reese, Adjutant General." Notwithstanding the early tender of his aid Mr. Heaps was unable to get into the service and take part in the Spanish-American war. He very much regretted this and no reason was ever given for refusing his offer of service in any capacity in which he could be of use to the state and nation.

Glaus H. Anderson

No resident of Osco holds a more responsible position in business circles nor a higher place in the esteem and regard of his fellowmen than does Claus H. Anderson, the president and cashier of the Farmers Bank of Osco. He belongs to that class of representative American citizens who claim Sweden as the land of their nativity, his birth there occurring in i860. His parents were John and Mary (Larson) Anderson, both natives of Sweden, the former born in 1814 and the latter in 1817. The family came to the United States in the fall of 1865, settlement being made in Andover, Henry county, Illinois, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits up to the time of his demise. His death occurred in 1903 while his wife passed away in 1895, both being interred in Andover township. Their family consisted of five children: August, a retired farmer of Red Oak, Iowa; Alfred, a farmer residing in Nebraska; Ephraim, also a retired far- mer, making his home in Nebraska; Qara, the deceased wife of C. G. Johnson, of Linn township, her death occurring in 1895 ; and Qaus H., of this review.

Claus H. Anderson is indebted to the public schools of Linn township for whatever educational advantages enjoyed during the period of his early youth, continuing his studies until thirteen years of age, when he put aside his textbooks and thus early in life crossed the threshold of the business world, earning his own livelihood as a farm hand, being employed by the month, in which capacity he continued for a number of years. He then rented a farm in Linn township, which he operated for fifteen years, at the end of which time he had accumulated sufficient means with which to purchase a farm of his own. He invested in one hundred and twenty acres of land in Osco township and at once directed his entire energies to its further cultivation and improvement. As the years passed he became very successful, his fields yielding rich harvests that proved a source of very gratifying remuneration to him. He still makes his home upon the farm although its active management is left to his son and daughter, his time and attention being fully occupied with his duties as president and cashier of the Farmers Bank of Osco, in which capacity he has served since the inception of that institution in 1908. He is proving himself an excellent official and one in whom his fellow citizens have implicit faith. He is thoroughly identified with the affairs of the institution of which he is chief executive and yet at the same time is true to the interests of each depositor. His opinions are frequently sought by the patrons of the bank and he has become very popular because of the careful consideration and courtesy which is universally extended to the largest and smallest depositor alike.

It was on the 14th of March, 1884, that Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Johnson, a native of Sweden, born in 1862. The parents of Mrs. Anderson were Peter and Molina Johnson, both natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1868 or 1869, settling near Andover, Illinois. They were farming people who at the time of their death were living retired, the father passing away in 1903 and the mother surviving until 1907. In their family were six children, namely: Christine, the wife of Victor Hultgren, residing in Andover township; Emily, who married Charles Eckman of Nebraska; Frank, of Andover township; Tilda, the wife of Bengt Anderson, of Andover; Otto, residing in Andover; and Maggie, who married the subject of this review.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were born four children, namely : Ada, born on the I2th of December, 1886, who attended school in Minnesota and is now at home with her father; Anna, born March 24, 1887, the wife of Elmer Gustafson, of Andover, by whom she has two children, Lester and Chester, twins; Jesse, born December 14, 1889, who is at home and operates his father's farm; and Benjamin, who passed away at the age of two years and was interred beside his mother. Mrs. Anderson was called to her final rest on the 30th of January, 1896, and was buried in Andover township cemetery. She was a most estimable woman, a loving wife and mother and a true friend, and her death was the occasion of deep regret on the part of her many friends.

The religious faith of Mr. Anderson is indicated in his membership in the Swedish Lutheran church of Andover, in which he is serving as deacon. His political affiliations are with the republican party to the principles of which he gives stalwart support. He has served as collector both of Linn and Osco townships and also as a member of the school board in Linn township, and he is recognized as a public-spirited citizen whose influence and activity are always upon the side of progress, reform, improvement and advancement. Starting out in life to earn his own living at an age when other lads are still busy with their textbooks, Mr. Anderson has worked his way steadily upward through the intervening years until, entirely through his own energy and well directed efforts, he has reached a foremost place among the substantial and well-to-do residents of the township. He not only occupies one of the most responsible positions of trust in the town of Osco, but is also the owner of a very valuable farming property and a fine dwelling in town which he rents, his various interests returning to him a most gratifying annual income. And yet his efforts have not been devoted to his own advancement entirely but have been potent factors in the growth and development of the community at large, the consensus of public opinion according him a high place among the honored and valued citizens of Osco township

R. Augustus Little

A life beautiful in its purposes and honorable in its activities was closed in the death of R. Augustus Little. He belonged to a family who were the first white settlers to establish a home in the village of Wethersfield, and there, in a little log cabin, his youthful days were passed while the county was emerging from pioneer conditions and taking on the evidences of a progressive civilization. He was the representative of one of the old New England families. The first of the name in America came to Newbury, Massachusetts, from Unicorn street near London bridge in the city of London in 1640. This was George Little - a man of ability, notable for his fairness in all business transactions. He had four sons, the youngest of whom was Moses Little, who was born in March, 1657, and married Lydia Coffin. They lived in Newbury, Massachusetts, and had three sons and three daughters, of whom Tristram Little, the second child, was born December 9, 1681, and passed away November 11, 1765. He had been married on the 30th of October, 1707, to Sarah Dole, who was born February 12, 1690, and died in 1780. He was a farmer and built in part the house now occupied by William Little of Newbury, Massachusetts - the building having now stood for more than a century and a quarter. The next in line of descent was Henry Little, the seond child and eldest son of Tristram and Sarah (Dole) Little. He was born December 31, 17 10, and died in November, 1786. His marriage was celebrated December 7, 1738, on which date he wedded his cousin Lydia Little, who was born August 25, 1717, and died February 4, 1798. Henry Little was a man of great physical strength and was noted for his liberal and warm-hearted hospitality and open-handed style of living. He became the father of eleven children, five sons and six daughters, of whom his namesake, Henry Little, Jr., was the fifth child. His birth occurred November 26, 1747, and his death April 27, 1807. In June, 1770, he married Elizabeth Bailey, of Salem, New Hampshire, who was born June 6, 1752, and died September 21,

1803. Henry Little U was a farmer and made his home in Salem, New Hampshire. Unto him and his wife were born six sons and two daughters, including Bailey Little, the grandfather of R. Augustus Little. He was born in Salem, New Hampshire, February i, 1774, and died September 8, 1863.

Abner Bailey Little, the representative of the family in the sixth generation in the direct line of descent to R. Augustus Little, married Miss Nancy Tenney, a daughter of William and Phebe (Jewett) Tenney. Mrs. Nancy Little was bom at Hollis, New Hampshire, January 29, 1782, and died July 9, 1847. While in New England Abner Bailey Little resided in Salem, Goffstown and Hollis, New Hampshire. A native of Hollis, New Hampshire, R. A. Little spent his early boyhood days there and at the age of eleven years started with his parents and three sisters for the west. They left their New England home October 4, 1836, and traveling after the slow and difficult manner which the pioneers knew so well, over roads which at times were almost impassable and at times led through dense forests, at length reached Peoria, Illinois, on the 3d of November. From that point they proceeded a shgrt distance to French Grove, where they spent the winter of 1836-7. On the ist of March of the latter year the little party arrived in Wethersfield and made their home in a small log cabin at the edge of the woods. There was no settlement at Wethersfield as yet, the site of the town being marked only by a few poles tied together at the top that had been left by the Indians, and seventeen years were added to the cycle of the centuries before Kewanee was founded. The Black Hawk war had occurred only five years before, and there were many traces of Indian occupancy yet to be found in this part of the state. Nature was lavish in her resources, however, for the rich soil responded readily to the care and labor bestowed upon it after the first arduous work was done in breaking the prairie. The Little family lived in the primitive log cabin until the township was surveyed, a short time later, when Abner Bailey Little, the father, being the oldest man in the colony, through the courtesy of the other members was given the first choice of farms and chose that desirable location which was in the possession of his son, R. A. Little, for sixty-two years and is still owned and conducted by the family as a dairy and stock farm. In the fall of 1837 there was erected upon the place a substantial log cabin which is still in a state of good preservation. It contained but one room with a loft above, yet in the winter of 1837-8 it sheltered sixteen persons. Many were the happy family reunions held within its walls and on Sunday it was frequently the meeting-place of those who gathered for divine worship. This log cabin has now been enclosed that it may stand for many years to come, it being the oldest log house in this section of Illinois at the present time. Abner Bailey Little continued a resident of this county until his death, September 8, 1863, the years of his active life being devoted to farming. He was the father of twelve children, of whom Rodney Augustus Little was the eleventh in order of birth.

As his father was unable to do manual labor R. Augustus Little, though but a boy of twelve years, took upon himself the care of his parents as he was the only remaining son, the other brothers having their home and families to care for. The hardships and privations of pioneer life were a part of his daily lot, and his labors were too severe for one of his years, yet he never faltered nor complained. He spent many a day following behind a wooden plow and driving a team of oxen in order to break the sod which was hitherto uncultivated by the white man. He was ambitious to secure an education and utilized every opportunity toward this end. He paid for his schooling - as there were no public schools at that time - by work which was done on farms, often by moonlight at night, or on an occasional day that he might spare from other duties. He told of walking eight miles on one occasion carrying a basket in which were two iron wedges, an ax and a maul' With his implements he felled the trees, cut them into ten-foot lengths and split them into rails to the number of one hundred as one day's work to pay for school privileges. In the early days markets were far distant, the farmers having to go to Peoria or Chicago with their produce. It was a thirteen days' trip with a lumber wagon, and they received only thirtyseven and a half cents per bushel for the best winter wheat. It cost at that time twenty-five cents to send a letter through the postoffice, and it is no wonder that correspondence was not very vigorously kept up between the pioneers of the western prairie and their old friends in the east. The early settlers, however, gave from their scanty earnings sufficient means to erect a schoolhouse and support a school and also to build a little church.

Mr. Little's love for music and desire to benefit by its refining influence led him to take his earnings to Chicago where he received instruction under such talented teachers as Lowell Mason, William B. Bradbury, Frank Lombard and others. Later he purchased a violoncello, this being the first musical instrument of any kind in the township. With this to sustain the singing at the age of eighteens years he began his long career of service in the church as chorister, covering a period of over forty years with no remuneration but the satisfaction of having done his duty. He led the singing in the old log schoolhouse that was used as a church on Sundays, afterward in the first log church, and later in the First Baptist church. He subsequently acted as chorister in the Wethersfield Congragational church and in the Congregational church at Kewanee and was chosen as the leader of the choir at the dedication of the present Methodist church of Kewanee. When the Presbyterian church was organized he acted for many years in the same capacity, being also president of the board of trustees at the time his death. If he could assist the cause of Christ he made no distinction in denominations. He taught music, not only to his family, among whose members an orchestra was maintained for many years, but also gave instruction in music in Saxon, Elmira and surrounding villages.

On the 8th of April, 1852, Mr. Little was united in marriage to Miss Lavantia Irwin, who was born in Courtright, New York, May 6, 1832. They became parents of ten children : Ralph I., Walter A., Frank E., Clarence F., Clara, Louis H., Mary A., Nancy E., Roy A. and Charles T. The death of Mr. Little occurred August 29, 1899, and on the occasion of his burial, on the 31st of that month, a large concourse of neighbors and friends joined to pay their last tribute of honor and respect to one whose life was largely blameless, whose purposes were honorable and whose good deeds were manifold. Mr. Little was never too busy to aid a fellowman, to speak a word of kindly counsel or encouragement or to extend a helping hand if such were needed. It is fitting, therefore, that one of the finest monuments in the Wethersfield cemetery has been erected to his memory and will live to tell through future generations that the community lost one of its most valued and prominent citizens when he was called to the home beyond.

Albert William Weimer

Albert William Weimer is one of the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of Henry county and in the management of his business affairs displays keen discernment, unfaltering enterprise and sound judgment. He now makes his home in Geneseo, from which point he superintends his extensive interests. He was born in this county, August ii, 1865, and is a son of William and Susanna (Heller) Weimer, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. He is associated with his father in his business enterprise and further mention of the family is made in connection with the sketch of William Weimer on another page of this work.