Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1910 (part 17 of 32)

A native son of Illinois, Mr. Pierce was bom in Kane county, October 3, 1838, his parents being Thomas and Ruth (Powell) Pierce. The father was a native of Wales and in his youthful days came to America, settling first in the state of New York, where he made his home from 1817 until 1835. He was there engaged in contracting and building, having learned the carpenter and joiner's trade upon coming to America. In 1835 he came to Illinois by way of the great lakes and established his home near Aurora, in Kane county, where he purchased and improved land, devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits for about two decades or until 1854, when he removed to Aurora, where he lived retired throughout his remaining days, his death occurring in 1872. His wife passed away twenty years later, dying in 1892.

In the period of his boyhood Thomas P. Pierce was a pupil in the district school of Sugar Grove township, Kane county, and subsequently continued his education in the high school of Aurora. In the spring of 1859 Mr. Pierce came to Aurora, where his eldest brother, William W., was engaged in the hardware business. He made his initial step in a humble capacity, devoting his time to learning the tinner's trade, but this qualified him for the conduct of business on his own account and in the fall of 1863 he opened a tinshop in Kewanee and later embarked in the hardware business. He prospered in his undertaking and three years later he admitted his brother John H. Pierce to a partnership in the business under the firm name of Pierce & Brother. Later O. J. Brown became interested in the business under the firm style of Pierce & Brown, but this association did not continue long on account of Mr. Brown's health. Mr. Pierce was then alone until he disposed of the business about 1883. He was known for a number of years as one of the leading merchants of Kewanee, having a well appointed establishment and winning a large trade by reason of his fair prices and his honorable, straightforward dealing. In December, 1880, he became connected with the banking business. The Union National Bank secured its charter at that time and Mr. Pierce has been one of the directors and the president since its organization. He has given his energies to the successful solution of banking problems and has been an important factor in making this one of the strongest financial enterprises of this part of the state. He was also further connected with the business interests of the city as a member of the board of directors of the Kewanee Boiler Company at one time and was one of its original stockholders.

In September, 1864, Mr. Pierce was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte L. Talcott, formerly of Michigan. Her father, Joseph Augustus Talcott, was a native of Wethersfield, Illinois, but subsequently gave his attention to the insurance business. He passed away in 1891, while his wife survived until 1895. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pierce were bom two children: a daughter who died in infancy; and William T., who is now in the Union National Bank of this city. The parents are members of the Congregational church and are prominent in the social circles of Kewanee. In Masonry Mr. Pierce has attained the rank of Knight Templar and is ever loyal to the teachings and purposes of the craft which is based upon the principles of mutual kindliness and the brotherhood of man. Politically he is an ardent republican and was a member of the state board of equalization from 1884 to 1900, having refused the renomination in 1900. He has served on all important committees. He has also been honored with other official preferment, having for several terms been president of the village board while for a number of years he was a member of the county board of supervisors and was a presidential elector in the fall of 1900 at the time of McKinley's election. His entire life has been passed in Illinois and has now covered more than the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten. It has been characterized by orderly progression, by the masterful solution of business problems and by unfaltering enterprise in the labors that have come to him as his share of the world's work. He is a man of unflinching integrity and commercial honor and enjoys in the highest measure the respect of all who know him.

William Clark

One of the valuable pieces of land in Munson township is that lying in section 13, owned by William Clark. He was born in February, 1834, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and is the son of William and Deborah (French) Clark. When he was about six months old his parents moved to the village of Cedarville, Washington county, Ohio, where his father followed his trade as a shoemaker. About seventeen years later the family came west to Illinois, and after living for a time in Burns and Atkinson townships, removed to Munson township, where the father had bought eighty acres. On this he passed the remainder of his days. Nine children were born to the senior William Qark and his wife. They were Jacob, who died at the age of three ; Joseph, who went to California about 1852 and of whom nothing has been heard for forty years ; Ellen, who is the widow of James Adams and lives in Idaho with her two children ; William of this Sketch ; Ruth, the wife of William Richardson, of Nebraska, and the mother of a son ; Deborah, the wife of James Sporleder, who died in Kansas, leaving five children; John, of Henry county; Lydia, who married Charles Mooney, of Kansas, and is the mother of seven children ; and John, of Atkinson Township.

At Cedarville, Washington county, Ohio, William Qark received a fair common-school education. He came west with the family, and assisted his father in his work in every way that lay in his power. Until he became of age the results of his toil went to the family support. On attaining his majority, however, he began to work for himself. Upon the death of his father, Mr. Clark bought from the other heirs their interest in the home farm and has since conducted the work on it. It is now a valuable tract worth very much more than the price originally paid for it, which seems but little more than nothing beside the amount it would bring were it placed upon the market today.

On the 2d of September, 1871, Mr. Gark was married to Miss Martha Shakespeare, who was then living in Munson township. She was born in England and was about seven when her parents, William and Sarah (March) Shakespeare, came to the United States. It was before the day of the fast ocean liners, and six weeks were consumed in crossing the sea that separates the two continents. The father was a coal miner and on coming to Illinois located in Kewanee where he bought ten acres and followed his line of work. He lived to enjoy this new life but two years, however, but his wife survives him to the present and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Clark.

Mr. and Mrs. William Qark have become the parents of six children. Sarah, married Samuel Wigant and they have five children. Nora married Custer Bismark, of Munson, and they have four children. William married Miss Clara Lane and they have two children: Grace and Harold. Martha married Fred

Mr. Clark cast his first ballot for John C. Fremont in 1856, and has since supported the candidate of the republican party, which w.as the defense of the Union in the days of the great struggle and which, Mr. Clark believes, stands for the best form of government. He is not an office-seeker, however, and takes but comparatively slight interest in public matters.

Morris A. Boltenstern

In none of her citizens can Lynn township be accounted more signally fortunate than in Morris A. Boltenstern. The son of William and Mary (Anderson) Boltenstern, he was born November 16, i860, in the very township in which he now resides. His father, a native of Germany, and his mother of Sweden, severed their association with Europe about the year 1852 and, coming directly to Illinois, were led by the very evident resources of Lynn township, Henry county, to settle here. Fortune smiled upon their undertakings, the father eventually becoming a large landowner and cultivator. Five sons came to bless their home, as follows : Theodore, now postmaster at Cambridge ; Morris A., the subject of the sketch; Edward, deceased; Henry E., who is married and in business in Galesburg ; and Victor F., who is married and resides in Cambridge. The father was a trained agriculturist, having held the position of supervisor of farms when in Germany, and being educated along that line, was especially well fitted to make the most of the resources of a newer country. He was a man of large natural endowment, entitled to take a prominent place in public affairs. The republican party possessed his allegiance, and he was a devoted churchman, Presbyterian in belief and a deacon in his church. He died July 29, 1892, and was buried in the Andover cemetery. His widow is still living.

The surest "open sesame" to success or prominence seems to be to have spent one's younger days upon a farm and such was the lot of Morris A. Boltenstern. He received a thorough education, supplementing his early training in the district schools of Lynn township and the public schools of Andover by a course in Geneseo Academy. Five years of his young manhood he spent in farming in Andover township, and then came back with his family to the old homestead in Lynn township (section 24, township 15, range i). This splendid farm is six hundred and twenty acres in extent, and Mr. Boltenstern has additional interests which give him the management of no less than one thousand acres of land. It would be difficult to find anywhere a more progressive and scientific agriculturist, his success extending to every branch of the pursuit. Stock raising and cattle feeding is one line in which he is extensively engaged.

The marriage of Mr. Boltenstern to Miss Amelia J. McKillop was celebrated January 20, 1887. Her parents were Malcomb and Catherine (Cook) McKillop, both natives of Scotland, who as young people emigrated to Canada and were there married. They came to Henry county, Illinois, in 1855 and the father became a well-to-do farmer. They were upright citizens and devout Christians, the father holding the office of deacon in the Scotch Presbyterian church. In their family were eight children, as follows: Mary, now Mrs. L. H. Mumau, of Nebraska ; Donald, at home ; Archibald, deceased ; Malcomb, at home ; Catherine, at home; Marjorie, now Mrs. M. L. Eaton, of Lincoln, Nebraska; Flora, now Mrs. S. G. Empey, of Oklahoma, and Amelia J., now Mrs. Morris A. Boltenstem. The father died in April, 1884, and his widow followed him in August, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Boltenstern's union has been blessed by four children - Alberta, Florence, Dorothy and Clifford, all of whom are at home.

Mr. Boltenstern's convictions are with the republican principles, and he is active in party affairs and in the fostering of better conditions. He has been a member of the county central committee and a delegate to the county, district and state conventions. He has filled the office of school director and for fourteen years represented Lynn township on the county board of supervisors, being relieved of this responsibility only because he declined to serve longer. His abilities have naturally recommended him for the chairmanship of various important committees, and he has been a director of the Henry County Agricultural Association for a number of years, as well as a director of the First National Bank of Cambridge. He and his family are Presbyterian in their church association. "Forward" is Mr. Boltenstern's watchword in regard to any matter which effects the public welfare. He believes particularly in the importance of good schools and is willing to do all in his power to secure them. He has an intimate knowledge of educational affairs, having been president of the board of education for many years, and to those of his fellow citizens who by chance may be less progressive in their ideas he is setting an example by giving his own children the advantages of higher education. He is potently assisted in his high endeavor by his wife, who is a woman of marked refinement and good breeding, devoted to her family and home. The household rejoices in an atmosphere of culture and altruism.

John Johnson, Jr

John Johnson, Jr., one of the most prosperous of Osco township's agriculturists, who is intimately connected with its farming and stock-raising interests, was born in Sweden, March 24, 1850. His parents were John and Johanna (Hanson) Johnson, both of Swedish nativity, who came to this country in 1856. They were seven weeks in crossing the ocean, a journey which can be made in that number of days now, and before they were finally established in Swedonia, Mercer county. Illinois, where they located first, thirteen weeks had elapsed since they had set forth from their old home. Two children endured the hardships of that journey with them - August and John, of this review. Mr. Johnson had left his native land with some means, but they had dwindled on the way so that when he arrived in Illinois he had to start at the beginning to win a competence for himself and family. He bought first one hundred and sixty acres, but on account of failure of crops he was compelled to sell the greater part of this until he had only fifty acres left. About nine years after his arrival in this state, he moved to Andover township, this county, where he secured one hundred and sixty acres, and as his agricultural ventures prospered he was able to add to this tract from time to time until he had large landholdings in several townships of Henry county. In 1885 he built the first brick store erected in Osco and engaged in mercantile business, keeping up an active trade in grain and especially in broom corn at the same time. Later, having won a pronounced success and a large income, he retired from active life, taking up his residence in Cambridge, where he passed away in 1902. In his family were five children, namely : August, who died unmarried ; John, the subject of this review ; Edd, who is now living in Cambridge ; P. A., also a resident of Cambridge; and Carl B., who was the only child by his second marriage.

John Johnson, Jr., was about six years of age when his parents came to the United States and about fifteen when his father came to Henry county. He attended the common schools of his locality, and at home he acquired a practical knowledge of farming. At the age of twenty-five he left the paternal roof, for he had married and was naturally desirous to establish a home of his own and started in life for himself, receiving from his father a team of horses, a wagon, two cows and two pigs. The latter also rented him a tract of land, on which he lived for about ten years. At the end of that period in 1891 he purchased the farm he now occupies, paying sixty-seven dollars an acre for it. It is a fine tract, embracing two hundred and eighteen acres on section 33, Osco township, from which Mr. Johnson gained such rich returns for his labor that he has been able to add extensively to his landholdings. He owns one hundred and sixty acres in Merrick county, Nebraska, and after that purchase bought one hundred and sixteen acres in Clover township, this county, at the rate of sixty-five dollars per acre, obtaining one hundred and four dollars for it when he sold it in 1907. Next he procured the Tyson farm, of two hundred acres, on sections 16 and 17, Osco township, for twenty-five thousand dollars and in 1909 contracted for the Manguson place of two hundred and forty acres, on sections 18 and 20, the same township, for thirty-seven thousand dollars. From his father he had inherited one hundred and sixty acres and is the administrator of the three hundred and twenty acres which his father bequeathed to his son Carl B. Other investments which he has made include two houses in Cambridge and stock in the Farmers Bank and State Bank of that village and in the bank at Osco. In 1872 he assisted in the organization of the Swedish Insurance Company, of which he was for a number of years an appraiser. In short he is a man who through foresight, united with a great industry exercised in the most effective manner, has been able to derive from his agricultural pursuits and his extensive stock business a position in the community in which he lives that might be enviable were it not so inspiring as a record of what may be accomplished if one but make the best use of the opportunities at hand. His father had received but a very limited education, and he himself obtained one which would be accounted very meager were it placed alongside of such a one as boys acquire as a matter of fact today, yet both father and son won a fortune that came not from books but from the employment of those qualities which belong to men of strong character and determined purpose.

On the 2ist of August, 1872, Mr. Johnson wedded Miss Matilda Hanson, also a native of Sweden, who came to this country in 1869. To their union four children have been born : Anna, who married Enoch Swanson and is now the mother of two daughters - Clarice Ethel and Mildred Leona; J. Albert, who is at hoii^e with his father ; Amanda Otelia and Nellie, who are also at home.

Mr. Johnson is a republican in his political views but is not an office seeker, although he has served as school director for a number of years. He and his family are members of the Swedish Lutheran church at Andover as was his father during his lifetime. Indeed, in 1867, when the church was rebuilt, the latter took an active part in the work, contributing generously to the fund raised for the purpose. Mr. Johnson, Jr., has also been lavish in supporting the congregation and for some time has served on the board of trustees.

William R. Reherd

William R. Reherd is well known in Geneseo, his native city, where he has an office while reading law and is also a notary public. His birth occurred December 13, 1869, his parents being Jacob K. and Lucy L. (Ware) Reherd, the former a native of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, while the latter was born in Geneseo county. New York. The paternal grandfather, William Reherd, was a Pennsylvania German and died in Virginia at a very advanced age. The maternal grandfather was Joel Ware, a native of New Hampshire, who married Lucy Crossett. He followed farming as a life work and both he and his wife died when more than eighty years of age.

Jacob K. Reherd devoted his life to general farming. He came to Geneseo just prior to the outbreak of the Civil war and after the close of hostihties he was married here and engaged in farming in Geneseo township. His original tract of land comprised one hundred and sixty acres but he subsequently increased its boundaries to include two hundred and forty acres. In his business affairs he was capable and enterprising and his success was the merited reward of his labor. He died in Geneseo in 1903 at the age of sixty-nine years and is still survived by his widow. Both were charter members of the First Presbyterian church of Geneseo, which was organized in 1868, and Hr. Reherd served as one of its elders. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and his personal popularity was indicated in the fact that he served for twelve or fifteen years as assistant supervisor in a republican county. He was also a member of the library board and a member of the first board of directors of the Geneseo Collegiate Institute. His cooperation in public afi^airs was of much benefit to the public at large, for his services were actuated by unfaltering devotion to the best interests of the community. Unto him and his wife were born five children: WiUiam R, Herbert W., Harry A., Mary Louisa and Fannie F.

William R. Reherd has spent his entire life in Henry county, his youthful days being passed upon his father's farm, where he early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He mastered the preliminary branches of study in the district schools and afterward attended the Collegiate Institute, subsequent to which time he engaged in teaching for five or six years. He was then engaged in the newspaper business for several years as owner and publisher of the Henry County Arena and, after purchasing the Geneseo News, con- solidated the two papers, which he conducted until 1904. He then sold out, and turned his attention to the study of law, to which he devoted three years. In December, 1907, he purchased the law library and office fixtures of his brother Harry, who had died in October, 1907, and since that time Mr. Reherd has been preparing himself for the bar.

In June, 1903, Mr. Reherd was married to Miss Belle Fleming, who was born in Cornwall township, Henry county, and is a daughter of John and Mary (Johnson) Fleming. Both Mr. and Mrs. Reherd are members of the Presbyterian church, their lives being in consistent harmony with its principles. Politically Mr. Reherd is a democrat. That many of his stanchest friends are numbered among those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time is an indication that his has been an honorable, upright life and one worthy of the esteem in which he is uniformly held.

David T. Dickey

On the roll of Henry county's honored dead is inscribed the name of David T. Dickey, who was for a long period closely identified with the agricultural interests of Cornwall township. He was born in Grayson county, Kentucky, December 19, 1835, his parents being Samuel A. and Elizabeth A. (Cooper) Dickey. The former was a native of Oxford, Pennsylvania, his birth having there occurred August 18, 1802, and when a young man he went to Louisville, Kentucky, where he met and wedded Miss Elizabeth Cooper, the marriage ceremony having been performed August 16, 1832. She was also of Pennsylvanian nativity, having been born in Washington county, that state, September 22, 1801, and had gone to Kentucky with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Dickey lived in the latter state until 185 1, when Mr. Dickey, Sr., removed his family to Fulton county, Illinois, where he secured some farm land. In 1855 he came to Henry county, locating in Cornwall township, where he followed farming with good success and, as he saw opportunity, invested in real estate, until at one time he owned several hundred acres here. He lived in Cornwall township for more than a score of years and then removed to Kewanee, where his death occurred June 12, 1892, when he lacked but a few months of reaching the ninetieth milestone of life. On his father's side he was descended from a line of Presbyterian ministers and to that faith always gave unfaltering allegiance. His wife also lived to a ripe old age, although she died several years before him, her demise having occurred July 16, 1887.

David T. Dickey was reared in the county of his birth, upon a farm which was in the vicinity of the Mammoth cave, and his preparation for life was derived almost entirely in the hard school of experience, for he had none of the educational advantages enjoyed by youths today. He accompanied his parents when they came to Illinois and assisted in cultivating the home farm in this county. Later, in 1861, he married and purchased from his father eighty acres on section 35, Cornwall township, to which he added subsequently the eighty acres adjoining. Then, as his financial resources increased, he bought the one hundred and sixty acres on which his widow now lives, a well improved farm on section 27, of this township, and continued to add to his landholdings from time to time until he owned five hundred acres. He spent two years in Iowa, where he had secured some property, and three years in Nebraska, but the remainder of his life was passed in Cornwall township. His life was one of continuous activity, he had enjoyed few advantages when a boy, but through indomitable energy, tenacity of purpose and loyalty to high ideals of manhood he attained a conspicuous success which placed him among the substantial men of Henry county. He was always closely identified with its interests and at all times ready to lend his aid to any movement to benefit this section of the country or contribute to its wonderful development.

On the 4th of April, 1861, Mr. Dickey wedded Miss Eliza Peterson, who was bom in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, September 18, 1836, a daughter of Amos and Lydia (Ridle) Peterson. She was nine years of age when her father died and eleven when her widowed mother brought her seven children to Illinois and settled upon a small piece of land given to her by her father, who was then living in Fulton county. Mrs. Peterson was a woman of great courage and ability, for not only did she manage the little farm profitably, but she reared her family, the oldest of whom was only twelve when she came to this state, and gave them all a good education. Five of the children became teachers, and one son, Clinton, enlisted in the One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He served about three years and although he participated in many important battles was never wounded nor taken captive. After her children were grown Mrs. Peterson married Aimer Hoig and lived in Monmouth, Illinois, until her husband's death, after which she made her home with Mrs. Dickey during the rest of her life. She was about ninety-five years of age when called to her final rest.

Mr. and Mrs. Dickey had three children. Alice Addie died in infancy and a sketch of xA-rthur J. appears elsewhere in this work. Grace Lillian was born September 4, 1866. She received a good education, being a graduate of the Northwestern Normal School of Geneseo of the class of 1886, and taught for one year in the school near her home. On the 2d of October, 1888, she gave her hand in marriage to Edgar Loren Macomber, who had come to Henry county in 1886. He was born in southern Ohio, May 29, 1865, a son of Jonas P. and Sarah (Mc- Millen) Macomber. The former was born in Gallion county, Ohio, January 13, 1840, and the latter, also a native of Ohio, was born January 17, 1834. Jonas P. Macomber enlisted in the Sixtieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, becoming a member of Company K, on the loth of August, 1862. He was in a number of important battles during the war, including the engagements at Winchester, the battle of Shenandoah valley, Antietam and Bolivar. In the last named he was taken a prisoner and held for nine weeks. He was then exchanged and immediately rejoined his regiment, serving thereafter to the close of the war. He was honorably discharged at Alexandria, Virginia, December 18, 1865. He was married September 24, 1859, to Miss Sarah C. McMillen, a native of Ohio. They had five children, of whom two were living, Samuel, a resident of Columbus, Ohio; and Laurin of Atkinson, Illinois ; Myra, Louisa and Jonas have all passed away. The mother, who was commonly and affectionately called Aunt Sarah throughout the neighborhood, was a life-long Christian, uniting with the church when seventeen years of age. She held membership in the Free Baptist church at the

Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Macomber have one daughter, Lillian Dickey, who was born April 17, 1893. She received a diploma for eighth-grade work and is now a sophomore in the Geneseo high school.

Mr. Dickey was a stanch republican in his political views, and while never remiss in any of the duties of citizenship was not an aspirant for public office. At the time the Free Will Baptist church of Cornwall became the Liberty Union Congregational church he and his wife became members of it, and he was loyal to its teachings to the time of his death, October 14, 1903. His was an earnest and consistent Christian life, characterized by stern integrity and honesty of purpose, and he left to his family the priceless heritage of a good name, for his record was not sullied by any unworthy or questionable act.

Smith Hadsall

That the life history of Smith Hadsall is a record of success is due to the persistent effort and intelligently directed industry which he has displayed through the many years of his connection with the business interests of Burns township. One of Henry county's native sons, he was born in Burns township on the 12th of September, i860, a son of James S. and Melinda Hadsall, extended mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. No event of special importance came to vary the routine of life for him during the period of his boyhood and youth, which were spent on his father's farm in this township, and the district schools near his home afforded him his early educational privileges, while amid the busy activities of rural life he learned lessons concerning the value of industry, energy, integrity and perseverance. In January, 1878, he went to Kewanee, where he secured employment in the shops of the Haxtun Heater Company, with whom he remained for five years. At the expiration of that period he returned to his father's farm and assisted him in the cultivation of his fields for about four years, and then, in the fall of 1886, desiring that his efforts should more directly benefit himself, he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres located on the northwest quarter of section 27, to the further development of which he has since directed his energies. By reason of his careful management he has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, while as he has prospered he has made many improvements upon the place. He has erected all new buildings, including a comfortable and attractive residence and substantial and commodious barns and outbuildings, has thoroughly tiled the land, has installed a telephone and all other modern conveniences which go to make up a model farm, and today his ranks among the most valuable and desirable properties in the district. He also owns another tract of five acres located on section 24, all fine timber land. In addition to general farming he gives considerable attention to the raising and feeding of stock, making a specialty of Chester White hogs, while he also raises some shorthorn cattle and a number of high grade horses each year. His stock interests, which have reached most creditable proportions, are an important branch of his business affairs and form a most gratifying source of remuneration.

The raising of grain and the raising of stock, however, have not absorbed Mr. Hadsall's entire attention, for he has found time to direct his energies along other channels, making his a very busy and active life. Each year since 1882 he has operated a thresher, corn sheller and baler, having a complete outfit in these Hues, and by reason of his long connection with this line of activity and the excellent character of his labor, he now holds the greater part of this business in his locality. His first five years in this connection were spent in Iowa. He was also engaged in the carpentry business for about seven years. Public-spirited in his citizenship, he is interested in all matters which have for their object the progress and upbuilding of the community, and has cooperated in many measures for the general improvement. He is a director and also local lineman for the Henry County Telephone Company, and is also a director in the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. The latter organization commenced business on the 9th of July, 1875, and is made up entirely of and controlled by leading farmers of six townships in Henry county, namely, Kewanee, Galva, Burns, Cornwall, Wethersfield and Annawan. In the conduct of his various business affairs he has manifested sound judgment, close application and unfaltering industry, qualities which have proved salient elements in the gratifying measure of success which he today enjoys, while perseverance, diligence and integrity have constituted the guiding posts of his life, bringing him to the honorable position which he now occupies among the successful, substantial anl valued citizens of Henry county.

It was on the 2d of May, 1883, in Kewanee. that Mr. Hadsall was united in marriage to Miss Julia A. Zeigler, a daughter of Gottlieb and Marie (Hoffman) Zeigler, both natives of Hamburg, Germany, who came to Illinois, locating in Kewanee, early in the '50s. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hadsall have been born four children, namely : S. D., who is engaged in business for himself in Galesburg; Cleora Melinda, the wife of William Kramer, operating the old Hadsall homestead ; Clara T., fourteen years of age, who is attending high school in Kewanee ; and Ruby Genevieve, a little maid of six years who is attending common school.

Although the affairs of an exceedingly busy and active life make heavy demands upon his time and attention, Mr. Hadsall nevertheless takes time to keep up his interest in things municipal, and is a public-spirited citizen, always taking an active part in all local affairs. In his political views he is a stalwart republican, and while he has no desire for preferment along political lines, yet his fellow citizens, recognizing his ability and worth, have called him to fill various public offices, the duties of which he has performed in an efficient and highly satisfactory manner. For three years he served as township assessor, was assistant postmaster of Hawley, Burns township, for a period of four years, and for three years served as school director, the cause of education finding in him a stanch champion. He is also popular in fraternal circles, holding membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Kewanee, which organization he joined when twenty-one years of age, and is likewise identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, also of that city. He is a representative of that class of citizens whose lives are conspicuous for ability, diligence and determination, and success has come to him as the legitimate and logical result of intelligence and well directed labor. He has lived his life to good purpose, recognizing and utilizing each opportunity as it has come to him, while the methods which he has ever pursued have been such as inspired the trust, confidence and good will of all with whom he has been associated.

Solomon E. Edgerton

In the twilight of their lives Solomon E. Edgerton and his wife find nothing in looking back over their married relation of sixty years to regret, for, while there have been privations and sorrows, the joys have far outbalanced them and they set an example of marital confidence and love equaled by very few in the country. Solomon E. Edgerton, now living retired at Woodhull, was born November 6, 1818, in Essex county, New York, a son of Jacob and Mary (Stoddard) Edgerton. The family is descended from Lord Edgerton, royal keeper of the seals. The founder of the family in this country first settled in Connecticut but later removed to Vermont, from which state Jacob Edgerton removed with his family to Essex county, New York.

Jacob Edgerton served as captain in the war of 181 2 and gained consid -arable distinction by his bravery. In 1836 a colony of Essex county people started for Knox county, Illinois, but on the road Jacob Edgerton and his family found that they had relatives in Granger county, Ohio, and stopped to see them. For four years they all remained there with the exception of Solomon E. Edgerton, who after three years proceeded to Galesburg, Illinois, where he had relatives, reaching that place in the spring of 1836. At this time Galesburg was only a small, scattering village, which had been established by the Essex county colony, and among them Mr. Edgerton found former acquaintances. His father having been a carpenter, Solomon E. Edgerton had learned to be "handy with the tools" and he found employment in building houses for the newly arriving inhabitants. For fourteen years he made Galesburg his home and there, April 6, 1842, he married Martha Belding, a daughter of Stephen J. and Martha (Stephens) Belding. The Beldings were from Vermont, the father being a native of Connecticut who had removed to Vermont, where the mother was born. Mrs. Edgerton's grandmother, Abigail (Greene) Stephens, was a sister of General Greene of Revolutionary fame.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Edgerton lived in Galesburg until 1855, when they removed to Henry county, settling on some new land four miles north of what is now Woodhull, where Mr. Edgerton began farming. He erected his own house and other necessary buildings. As an illustration of the values existing when he first came to Henry county the following incident is entertaining. Needing some corn for his horses, he went to the home of Peter Frantz, then sheriff of Knox county, who told him to go into the field and husk a dollar's worth, what he had asked for. Going back with what he thought was a fair equivalent for his money, Mr. Edgerton was ordered back to the field to fill his wagon. As this had a capacity of twenty-five bushels, he paid four cents a bushel for the corn. As a result of his first year's farming in Clover township, he had eighty hogs which he killed, dressed and sold at Geneseo for one dollar and a quarter per hundredweight. He continued living on his farm for twenty-eight years but December 30, 1879, moved his family to Woodhull, and since then he has lived retired although superintending his farming property.

Mr. and Mrs. Edgerton have had three daughters: Mary, who married Sidney Durton, of Mercer township; Ethel A., who is the widow of Tyrus Hurd; and Ida, who is the deceased wife of Manning Spooner, an attorney of Wooster, Ohio. Mrs. Hurd is a physician of Minneapolis and has a daughter Anna, who is also engaged in the practice of medicine. A grand-daughter. Miss Frances Spooner, has been admitted to the bar and is now living with her grandparents.

Mr. Edgerton is a republican but was formerly a whig, casting his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison in 1840. He has always been active and interested in public matters and while living in Clover township served as a member of the board of education for years. The first school in his district was held in a room of his house before the schoolhouse was built. He worked on some of the most substantial buildings in Galesburg, erecting the first building of Knox College, which was burned soon after it was finished. Although he had only two dollars when he first reached Galesburg, he found work at once and soon was in comfortable circumstances. On April 6, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Edgerton celebrated the sixty-seventh anniversary of their marriage and as this was an event of importance to the family and one that seldom occurs in the lives of any married couple, a large number of relatives and friends gathered to offer congratulations and to do honor to the noble old couple who have been central figures in Henry county for nearly the same length of time the Psalmist gives as the allotted life of a man. They have always been liberal to their neighbors, devoted to their children and proud of what they have accomplished. In sickness or in trouble these two have always been ready with sympathy and material help, and the people of Henry county never neglect an opportunity of showing them distinguished honor. Hand in hand they have braved the storms of life and are now enjoying the serenity that closes useful and well spent careers.

Julius N. Westerlund

Julius N. Westerlund, an active and energetic agriculturist of Osco township, was born in the house where he now resides on the 17th of February, 1872, his parents being Erick and Christine (Anderson) Westerlund. He was reared on the home farm and obtained his early education in the covmtry schools, while subsequently he pursued his studies at Cambridge and later spent four years in Augustana College, completing the commercial course with the class of 1892. He was then engaged in the hardware business at Cambridge for about a year and a half, on the expiration of which period he sold out and returned to the home farm. His time and energies have since been devoted to the cultivation of a farm of two hundred acres on section 28, belonging to his father, and under his careful supervision the land has become very productive and valuable, the well tilled fields annually yielding abundant harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. He owns a quarter section of land in South Dakota and also has a one-fifth interest in three thousand six hundred acres in western Nebraska.

On the 28th of February, 1895, in Cambridge, Mr. Westerlund was united in marriage to Miss Etta A. Samuelson, a native of Osco township and a daughter of August and Tilda (Anderson) Samuelson. Unto them have been born six children, namely : Grace Almeda ; Franklin Dewey, who died at the age of nine years ; Wallace N. ; Evangeline, Irene and Gilbert.

Politically Mr. Westerlund is a stanch republican, casting his first presidential ballot for William McKinley. He served as town clerk in 1893 ^^'^ in ^9^7 was elected supervisor, which office he still holds, having been reelected in 1909, He was formerly a member of the purchasing committee and is now on the fuel committee. Since 1892 he has been a member of the Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 2248, at Osco, in which he served as clerk for four years and as venerable consul for two years. He also attended the state camp at Decatur. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Swedish Lutheran church at Andover and he is now acting as a teacher in the Sunday school. They have always made their home in this county and are widely and favorably known within its borders, having ever displayed those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken regard and esteem.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Virgil McHenry are descended from families who played no inconspicuous part in the early life of this county, and representatives of the family were valiant soldiers in the great conflict between the north and south. In times of peace their influence has been great for the development of the resources of this section of the state, and wherever known the family has been accorded great respect.

Virgil McHenry was born in Phenix township, February 23, 1863, and is a son of Thomas J. and Amanda (Anderson) McHenry. The father settled in that township in 1837 and there engaged in farming until he retired to the city of Geneseo. His life has been one of great activity and he has had many experiences, for he responded to the second call for troops during the Civil war. He saw three or four years of service and in the battle of Vicksburg was wounded. His wife was a daughter of William and Ann (Stadden) Anderson, both natives of Licking county, Ohio, where the birth of the former occurred in the year 1807 and that of the latter in the year following. In 1835 Mr. Anderson came to Illinois, settling in La Salle county, where he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1846. He was a farmer all his life and a stanch member of the Methodist church. His wife survived him more than half a century and when, in 1898, she too was taken from this world she ^i/zs buried by him in the Dayton cemetery situated on the banks of Fox river in La Salle county. They were the parents of six children: Samantha, the widow of C. P. Browning, of Phenix township, and the mother of Orville, Lorette; Edward; Charles; Elizabeth, who is the wife of

William Joles and lives in Colorado Springs; and Carrie. Elizabeth is the wife of George Anderson and lives in Montana; Amanda is the wife of T. J. McHenry and is the mother of the subject of this sketch; Jane married J. F. Gibson and lives in Denton, Texas ; W. S. is a resident of Abilene, Kansas ; Lucy is the wife of James Lawrence, of Iroquois county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mc- Henry had six children, four of whom are living; Luella, who is the wife of Benjamin O'Breight, of Geneseo; Virgil, of this review; Ada, who married Robert Rose, of Geneseo; and Francis, who lives in Phenix township.

Virgil McHenry received his education in the district schools of Phenix township and after his training was completed remained with his parents until he became of age, when he embarked in life for himself. For a number of years he rented land, on a small scale at first, later increasing his responsibilities as he felt able. In 1905 he purchased the land in Phenix township on which he now makes his home. It comprises two hundred and eighty acres, two hundred and forty of which lie on section 34 and the other forty on section 35. His fields are well suited to diversified farming, and he has also found them valuable as a feeding ground for stock. The farm is improved to a high degree as the result of his labors, for he erected the house and barns which are substantial structures and constructed in accordance with modern ideas.

Mr. McHenry was united in marriage in 1892 to ]\Iiss Nora Darin, who was born in Phenix township, November 13, 1863, and was a daughter of John Jackson and Eleanor (Clark) Darin, a sketch of whose lives appears in another part of this volume. Three children have been born to them: Bessie Helen, who is attending the Geneseo high school ; Telia Ada, who has just finished the course in the district school; and Albert Burdette, who is still a pupil in the local schools.

Mr. McHenry is entirely self-made, for from his early manhood he was compelled to rely upon his own efforts. He has still some of the best years of his life before him, but even now he has attained to a position in which he may enjoy many of the comforts of life. This progress has been made possible through the habits of industi7 and economy, in which his wife has aided him greatly.

Mindful that one of his uncles on his father's side, William McHenry, was shot down in the ranks of the Union army during a severe battle, and that another uncle, on his mother's side, Stadden Anderson, was also in the Civil war, he has given his support in political matters to the republican party but not being a seeker for office has served the community only as a member of the school board.

William O. Allison

Oxford township takes justifiable pride in William O. Allison, who stands in the forefront among her estimable, substantial and representative citizens. He was born January 28, 1855, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. His parents were Andrew and Susanna (Dible) AlHson, the father being of Scotch ancestry and the mother of German, but both born in America. The father, who enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, saw some of the hardest service of the Civil war. He was with Grant at Appo- mattox and witnessed the surrender of Lee at the close of the conflict. In his three years' service he escaped, either wound or prison, although participating in a number of hard fought battles and was present at the grand review in Washington, D. C, at the close of the war. He was a farmer by vocation and his success therein reflected his intelligence. He died in August, 1907, but the mother of our subject is still living on the old homestead in Pennsylvania.

William O. Allison spent the first twenty-one years of his life amid the interesting surroundings of his father's estate in Pennsylvania and received his education in the district schools of Westmoreland county. In 1876, however, he decided to visit new scenes and came to Alpha in Oxford township, Henry county, Illinois, where he found employment with various farmers in the locality. Two years later he married and removed to the property of his wife's father, an unusually valuable farm of two hundred acres adjoining the village of Alpha, where he has ever since resided. He is a very extensive landholder for he has one hundred and sixty acres additional on the Knox county border, and six hundred and forty acres in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. The soil of the latter is particularly fitted for the raising of wheat and in fact, for every crop raised in Illinois with the exception of corn. It would be difiicult to find anywhere a more enlightened agriculturist or one more alert to acquaint himself with every successful new experiment in his line. His prosperity is by no means an accident but the natural result of the application of good sense and brain power to the matter in hand. Mr. AUison was also one of the promoters of the Woods Broom Company, which for some years did a large and prosperous business in the manufacture of brooms. He was president of the foregoing and has been active in the promotion of other industries and ever a valuable adjunct to the progress and development of the community. He is now retired from all active business affairs except the supervision of his real-estate interests.

The marriage of Mr. Allison and Miss Phylinda J. Patterson was celebrated December 17, 1878. Her parents were O. H. and Margaret (Taze) Patterson of Oxford township. The former came from New York state in the early days, and upon locating in Illinois, was first engaged in the manufacture of carpenter tools, but later turned his attention to farming. He was extremely fortunate in coming when he did for he bought land for one dollar and a quarter an acre that is now worth two hundred and twenty-five. The Taze family, of which the mother was a member, were originally of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, but came west in pioneer days. Both of these estimable people have now passed on to their reward, the mother dying in 1893 and the father two years later. They had but one child - Mrs. Allison. Five sons have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Allison. Ira D. is married and resides on the home farm ; Harry O. is a professor in the State University at Urbana, Illinois; Fred G. is a biological chemist, also in the State University, both of these hold state appointments; Raymond A. is a graduate of the high school at Alpha and now a student in Knox College. The youngest, Merritt W., is in attendance at the Alpha high school. The three eldest sons all received their early education in the Alpha schools, and after a course at Knox College at Galesburg, entered the State University and graduated together in the class of 1906. Ira D. married Miss Edna Hofif, of Chicago Heights, a daughter of Thomas Hoff. Also a graduate of the State University, she held a place in its faculty for two years as instructor in German and taught for a time in the schools of Chicago Heights. Their marriage was celebrated in June, 1906, and it is in the plan of these young people to live upon the home farm and devote their attention to scientific farming.

Mr. Allison gives unfaltering loyalty to the republican party and, although never an office seeker, is a man thoroughly posted on current events, whose opinion in public affairs is reverenced by his associates. That he is a firm believer in the best education possible is manifest from the training of his sons. It is consequently a matter for general congratulation that for years Mr. Allison has been willing to give his time and service as the president of the Alpha school board, which office he at present fills. He has been instrumental in securing for Alpha one of the best and most thoroughly equipped school buildings in the country. The Allison family hold membership in the Baptist church, in which the head of the house has for twenty years or more held the office of deacon, while he acted as superintendent of the Sunday school for fifteen years The Baptist church, one of the finest edifices in the county, was built while Mr. Allison held the office of trustee, and it is to be seen that his Christianity is by no means of the passive sort. He is supremely fortunate in the possession of a life companion whose aims are akin to his own. Mrs. Allison is a woman of cultivation, devoted to home and family, but finding time for outside duty. She also has been for many years a valued Sunday-school worker.

In short Mr. Allison is a splendid exponent of progress, as for instance in his own employment of crop rotation and fertilization which has made his land as productive today as it was thirty years ago. His sons share in this spirit. The second, Harry O., is recognized as an expert judge of stock, his opinion being greatly sought. He was one of the three experts selected from the state of Illinois to judge stock at the St. Louis Exposition, and also at the International Stock Show in Chicago. The Allison farm is not only one of the best in the country as far as soil and productiveness are concerned, but it is also one of the most highly improved to be found in any locality whatsoever. It is well drained and well fenced, and the residence, barns and other farm buildings are all modern in arrangement and completeness, the handsome residence possessing all the modem conveniences. This is in truth a model farm with a place for everything and everything in its place, an ornament and object of pride in Oxford township.

Paul Lawrence Johnson

Paul Lawrence Johnson is one of the prominent men of Bishop Hill whose business methods in the conduct of a hardware store of which he is proprietor commend him to the confidence and support of the general public. Energetic and enterprising, he seeks success along well defined lines of trade and commerce, A native son of Bishop Hill, he was born June 22, 1861. His father, John B. Johnson, long known as the giant of the colony, was bom in Obgermanland, Sweden, in 1814, and came to this country with a band of Jansenists who established the

Bishop Hill colony. While the colony existed in its original form he engaged in wagon making, but when village organization was adopted he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, continuing in the work of the fields until his death, which occurred in 1891, when he was seventy-seven years of age. His size and physical strength when he was in his prime won him large renown, for he was six feet four inches in height and it is chronicled that at one time he lifted a dead weight of thirteen hundred and sixty-five pounds. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Brita Johnson, was born in Bolnas, Helsingland, Sweden, in 1827. She crossed the Atlantic at the same time as did Mr. Johnson, becoming a member of the Bishop Hill colony, and died in this village in 1903 at the age of seventysix years.

Paul L. Johnson was educated in the Bishop Hill schools and through private instruction in the higher branches, especially in mathematics. He worked upon the home farm until 1882, when he married and at the same time started in business life for himself. Taking up the occupation to which he had been reared, he at»first rented a tract of land but later purchased a farm. For eight years he carried on general agricultural pursuits and in that time cultivated three hundred and twenty acres. In 1890, however, he sold his farm property and removed to Bishop Hill where he opened a blacksmith and general repair shop, for the success which he had previously enjoyed in conducting a repair shop while engaged in farming led him to the belief that he might win a still larger measure of prosperity if his entire attention were given to the work. A short time after his removal to the village he extended the scope of his business by adding a small line of tinware and gradually increased his stock to include hardware, stoves and kindred lines until today he has one of the best equipped stores of the kind in the county, carrying an extensive stock of farm implements, heavy hardware, tinware, clocks and silverware. Acting upon his motto "What you don't see, ask for," he has usually been able to supply the wants of his customers and the business, established upon a small scale, has gradually developed in the past two decades until his sales are estimated at fifteen thousand dollars a year.

In addition to his store and business property Mr. Johnson also owns other real estate including two dwellings in the village. His own home, in the midst of spacious grounds on the south side of the village, is frequently pointed out to visitors as being one of the handsomest in this part of the township. Mr. Johnson, displaying marked skill in cabinet-making, has designed and constructed many of the admirable and attractive pieces of furniture and the interior decorations which adorn his home. The dining room in particular is worthy of note, being entirely finished in black walnut which was taken from the pews and gallery of the old Colony church. The house is equipped with all modern conveniences, even to a private gas plant which Mr. Johnson installed, and its location is a most attractive one.

Mr. Johnson is also well known because of the merit he has displayed along literary and musical lines. For a number of years he was the Bishop Hill correspondent for the Galva Standard, and his contributions to that paper, which are well remembered for their fearless, plain-spoken style, greatly increased its subscription list in his section of the county. Ever a lover of music, he plays several instruments, principally for his own amusement. For some years, however.

he was organist of the Colony church and has been musical director of the Swedish Methodist Episcopal church, leading its choir on special occasions.

]Mr. Johnson has been married twice. In 1882, at Bishop Hill, he wedded Miss Amanda Johnson, a daughter of IMartin Johnson, who in his day was one of the leading residents here. Mrs. Johnson died in 1887, at the age of twenty-four years, leaving three sons, Roswell M., Clarence R. and Leroy F., who are now twentysix, twenty-four and twenty-two years of age, respectively. In 1890 Mr. Johnson married Miss Emma A. Olson, a daughter of Olaf Olson, now deceased, who was a farmer of Henry county and one of the veterans of the Civil war. He was born in Alfta, Sweden, July 13, 1843, ^^^ died at his home south of Bishop Hill, April 19, 1904. He came to America with his parents in 1849, the journey from the old country taking four months. Mrs. Mary Olson, the mother of Mrs. Johnson, was born December 27, 1846, and was the first white child born at Bishop Hill. Both Mr. and Mrs. Olson were long members of the Bishop Hill colony. Mrs. Johnson was born May 19, 1868, and acquired her education in the common schools and in the Galva high school. She afterward engaged in teaching for several years prior to her marriage, being employed as primary teacher in the Bishop Hill school for three years.

Politically Mr. Johnson is allied with the democratic party, being strongly opposed to the tariff. In 1888 he made a strong race for the position of county clerk. Henry county is normally republican by a majority of three thousand, but on the occasion of his candidacy he was defeated by a majority of only four hundred and fifty votes, his large support being an indication of the high regard in which he is held, even by those who differ from him in their political sympathies. He has held all of the village offices, including that of president of the board, and is now one of the trustees, having continuously served on the board, with the exception of two years, since becoming a resident of the town. He is also school treasurer of Weller township at the present time. In all the relations of life, business, political or social, he has maintained such a high standard of honor and integrity that he has won the respect, good will and confidence of those who, through daily intercourse with him, have come to know him well.

Hon. Charles C. Wilson

Hon. Charles C. Wilson has for fifty years been a member of the bar and at one time was chief justice of Utah. He became identified with the Kewanee bar in i860 and has been continuously a resident of the city since that time. He is the dean of the legal profession in Henry county, and still engages actively in the practice of law, his clear judgment enabling him to give sage advice to younger members of the profession. Mr. Wilson is a native of Massachusetts, bom on the i8th of September, 1827. His parents were Enoch and Abigail (Richardson) Wilson, the former a native of Wrentham, IMassachusetts, and the latter of Portland, Maine. Judge Wilson was reared to manhood in the state of his nativity and in its schools acquired his early education. He came to Illinois in 1850 and purchased land in Stark county, after which he took up the occupation of farming, devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits until 1854, when he abandoned the plow and began preparation for the bar. He continued the study of law until 1859 and was then admitted to practice, after which he located in Bureau county, Illinois. In a few months, however, he removed to Kewanee, then a small village, and has since regarded it as his home, although for a brief period he was in the west. In 1864 he was elected district attorney for the fifth judcial district and served for four years. He was then appointed chief justice of the supreme court of Utah and sat upon the bench there until the latter part of 1870, when he resigned and returned to Kewanee. Judge Wilson has great respect for the dignity of judicial place and power and no man ever presided in a court with more regard for his environments. As a result of that personal characteristic the proceedings were always orderly upon the part of every one - audience, bar, and the officers from the highest to the lowest. His opinions are fine specimens of judicial thought, always clear, logical, and as brief as the character of the case will permit. He never enlarged beyond the necessity of the legal thought in order to indulge in the drapery of literature. His rtiind during the entire period of his course at the bar and on the bench has been directed in the line of his profession and his duty.

In 1850, just prior to his removal to Illinois, Judge Wilson was married to Miss Maria N. Benham, a native of Vermont and a daughter of Judge Benham, of Chittenden county, that state. The marriage was celebrated in Massachusetts and was blessed with seven children: Jennie M., Abbie, Laura M., Charles E., Cora, George and Edward.

On the organization of the republican party Judge Wilson became a stanch champion of the cause and has since been loyal thereto. He has always been interested in municipal affairs, giving his aid and cooperation to every movement for the general good and for one term he served as mayor of Kewanee. He was one of the organizers and the first to give financial backing to what has since become the Kewanee Boiler Company and branch of the National Tube Company in Kewanee. He was also one of the organizers of the Boss Manufacturing Company in this city. Throughout the long period of his residence in this city he has ever enjoyed in the fullest degree the respect and confidence of his fellowmen and his worth as a man and citizen are widely acknowledged.

The home farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 6, Annawan township, makes constant demands upon the time of James P. McLaughlin, and the neat, attractive appearance of the place is patent evidence of the skillful and thorough methods of farming pursued by him. He was born south of where he now lives, on the same section, June 20, 1872, a son of Patrick and Bridget (Hayes) McLaughlin. The former was a native of Ireland and was about nineteen years of age when he came to this country. For a few years he worked in New York and there was married to Miss Bridget Hayes, who had come from Ireland as a young woman, in company with her brother Cornelius Hayes. The latter is now a resident of Rock Island, Illinois, but formerly made his home in Geneseo. In

1866, just after the Civil war, Patrick McLaughlin and his wife came to Illinois. He was a poor man at the time but was able to make the first payment upon eighty acres of land in Annawan township, and from his first wheat harvest obtained enough to complete the purchase. Later he became the owner of two hundred and forty acres on section 6, the same township, and subsequently bought five hundred and twenty acres in Cerro Gordo county, Iowa. He was a man of great industry, enterprise and perseverance, and was endowed with rare good judgment, which played an important part in his success. He was also an exemplary citizen, and when, on the 27th of January, 1907, his life was brought to a close, he was deeply mourned by a large circle of friends. His wife had preceded him to the grave by several years, for she died January 21, 1903. They were the parents of six children. John, who is now about fifty years of age, was engaged in railroading in Rock Island for a time but is now a resident of Chicago. He wedded Miss Agnes McLaughlin, who is not related to him, although having the same name, and they have eight children. Alice died at the age of twenty-five. Mary became the wife of Frank Goodell and they live upon her father's land in Cerro Gordo county, Iowa, where they are rearing their four children. William lives near Ivanhoe, Minnesota. He married first Miss Anna Stowers, by whom he had one child, and there are three children by a second marriage. James P., is the subject of this sketch. Lawrence died at the age of fifteen. Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McLaughlin were devout members of the Catholic church.

In the district schools of Henry county. James P. McLaughlin received a fair education, which was supplemented by practical training on the farm, for he was reared at home and there lived until he was about eighteen years of age. He then undertook to provide for his own support, working for others and traveling until 1892, when he secured employment as brakeman on a railroad. In 1894 he married and worked 'on a farm in Annawan township until 1896 when he removed to Cerro Gordo county. Iowa, where he again worked by the month. Later he went to Cameron. Iowa, where for a year and a half he found employment in an elevator, and then engaged in draying in Rockwell, Iowa. In 1899 he returned to Henry county, Illinois, and after working for his father for a time, located in Kewanee, where he was employed as a switchman on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad for the next year. The next twelve months he spent in the employ of the Fuhe Company, after which he removed to Geneseo. living there until the spring of 1908, when he located on the farm where he now resides. It is a tract of one hundred and twenty acres, which was willed to him by his father, is well improved and maintained under a high state of cultivation, so that excellent results are obtained from tilling the soil. Mr. Mc- Laughlin has been energetic, industrious and persevering, and in consequence has obtained a gratifying success, not only from growing cereals but also from raising stock, a phase of his business activities to which he is giving more and more time.

On the 15th of May. 1894, in Atkinson, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. McLaughlin and Miss Alberta Heath, of the village of Annawan. She was bom there May 22, 1872, and is a daughter of James Darsie Heath. The former is a retired painter and decorator of Annawan and was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, June 8, 1844, his parents being Edward and Margaret (Snively) Heath.

Edward Heath was probably a native of the same county, but he died when his son was about five years of age. His wife was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, received a good education in English and German and later taught school, being so engaged when she became acquainted with Mr. Heath. To them were born two children, but the other, Christopher, died in childhood. James Darsie Heath continued to live with his mother in Pennsylvania until he was fifteen, when, his mother having married Samuel Galley, he came to Illinois with her and his stepfather, locating in Stark county, which was Mr. Galley's home. There he lived until July 24, 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The company was sent to camp at Cottage Grove, Chicago, and as the regiment was recruited largely from the Board of Trade of that city, it was commonly called the First Board of Trade throughout the service. From camp it was sent to Cairo, Illinois, thence to Paducah, Kentucky, which it reached September 6, 1862. There Mr. Heath was taken ill and was confined to the hospital there and also in Columbus, Kentucky, whither the regiment had been sent. When he was recovering he was transferred to the convalescent camp at La Grange, Tennessee, which he left December 11, 1862, to join his company at Holly Springs, for he believed he was ready for duty, although in reality he was not. After his return to the scene of activity he was in Grant's command and did guard duty for a provision train, participated in some skirmishes, guarded train into Memphis and part of the way back and then watched the railway a few miles east of Memphis. He was in the battles of Raymond, Mississippi, Champion's Hill, Big Black, took part in the expedition along the Yazoo Pass and was in the siege of Vicksburg. He then went to Natchez, Mississippi, and back to Vicksburg, where he remained until October 29, 1864, when he was sent to Nashville, Tennessee. The regiment at one time was ordered to join Sherman on his march to the sea, but the troops were unable to connect with him because they met Hood at Columbia, Tennessee, and then went to Nashville, which they left on the second day of the fight in order to follow Hood to the Tennessee river. Then they took ship to Eastport, Mississippi, thence went to Mobile, Alabama, participated in the siege of Spanish Fort, in the battle of Fort Blakeley, and were sent to Montgomery, Alabama, and later to Union Springs. In August they returned to Vicksburg and later went to Chicago, where Mr. Heath received his honorable discharge with the rank of corporal. When he left the army he took up his residence in Stark county, Illinois, where he began to serve an apprenticeship as a painter and decorator. A year and a half later he was able to take contracts, and in 1870 he came to Henry county, locating in the village of Annawan, where he has since resided and where he is well known, for he was police magistrate for about twenty-two years and in 1880 took the census of the township. He is also a notary public.

On the loth of May, 1870, Mr. Heath wedded Miss Maria Louise Sturm, who was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was about sixteen years of age when she came to Illinois with her parents, Isaac Sturm and his wife. She had received a good education and was a devoted wife and mother, whose loss was deeply mourned by her family and friends, when, on the 23d of June, 1903, she was called to her final rest. She is buried in Annawan. Six children were born to her and her husband, namely : Alberta, who married Mr. McLaughlin ; one who died in infancy; Nellie, who makes her home with Mrs. McLaughlin; Edward, who died unmarried at the age of twenty-two ; Jennie, who is the wife of Grant Kendrick, a well-to-do blacksmith of Annawan; and John, who died at the age of fourteen.

Mr. Heath is a republican in his poHtical views and cast his first ballot for Grant in 1868. He is a charter member of T. T. Dow Post, No. 290, G. A. R., at Annawan, of which he has served as adjutant commander, and has attended the national reunions at Galesburg, St. Louis, Denver, Chicago and Salt Lake. As he was a brave and patriotic soldier, so he has been an exemplary citizen, and when advancing years and a competence suggested the wisdom of retiring from active work, the good will of a large circle of friends and acquaintances accompanied him for he has lived in Annawan for two score years and the record of his life has been one which commands unqualified respect.

In the family of ]\Ir. and Mrs. McLaughlin there are seven children living and two have passed away. Blanch Irene was born in the village of Annawan, November 21, 1894, and is now a student in the public school there. Edward Earl was born in Cerro Gordo county, Iowa, January 22, 1896. James Darsie was born in the village of Rockwell, Cerro Gordo county, August 15, 1898. Alice Ruth was born in Annawan, June 7, 1900. An infant died at birth and Ada Marie died at the age of six weeks. Nina Louise was born in Kewanee, November i, 1904. Agatha Lucile was also born in that town, October 3, 1906. Alberta May, the youngest, was born on the home farm, May 13, 1908.

Mr. McLaughlin was reared in the faith of the Catholic church but his wife is a Congregationalist, and both in their lives exemplify the real meaning of Christianity. They are highly respected, for the circle of their friends is almost coextensive with that of their acquaintances.

William W. Stickney

William W. Stickney, now living on the fine old Stickney homestead of three hundred and twenty acres in Clover township, was born March 15, 1871, on his present farm, being a son of William C. and Ida (Clarke) Stickney, a full sketch of whom is given elsewhere in this history. He received an excellent education in the district and Woodhull schools and the Western Commercial College of Galesburg. He has kept up with current events by reading and in his pleasant home are to be found magazines and papers which show that the family is interested in mental development. After leaving school he assumed the care of his father's farm and is keeping it up to the high standard of excellence that has always characterized it.

On March 22, 1893, Mr. Stickney married Miss Nellie Gamble, a daughter of Wilson and Margaret (Elder) Gamble. Her father was a prominent farmer of Oxford township and the family are numbered among the pioneers of Henry county as are the Elders, both coming from Pennsylvania. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stickney, namely: Wilson W., Ida M. and Clarke G.

Mr. Stickney has taken quite a prominent part in politics and is now a member of the county republican central committee. He has also served as a member of the county board of supervisors for eight years and at present is a member of the bridge committee, which is one of the most important, and during his incumbency some of the best bridges of the county have been built. Since he was old enough to serve Mr. Stickney has been a member of the board of education and, being a man of intelligence, is one of its most valued officials. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and is as active in his lodge as he is in other lines. Mrs. Stickney is a member of the Presbyterian church and is very active in church and Sunday-school work.

The Stickney homestead is one of the most pretentious and modem in the county, convenient in its arrangements and equipped with the latest improved appliances, while Mrs. Stickney 's good taste is shown in the beautiful furnishings. The residence is surrounded by a beautiful lawn, shaded with stately trees. Even the barn and stableyards resemble a well kept park and there is nothing there to mar the landscape. The entire farm is maintained in the most exquisite order, and the sleek stock show the effects of excellent care, Mr. Stickney being a model farmer who conducts his property according to scientific methods. He is a leading citizen of Clover township and his wife is a refined, intelligent lady, devoted to her home and family. The visitor here is always welcomed and hospitably entertained and no one is sent away without being made to feel that at the Stickney homestead the old time neighborly feeling prevails.

Samuel Arnett, Sr., has passed the seventy-third milestone on Hfe's journey and is now enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. He was bom in Warren county, Pennsylvania, July 6, 1836, and is a son of Louis and Mary Clara (Shelty) Arnett, both of whom were natives of France, having been born near Strassburg. The paternal grandfather was John Arnett, who devoted his life to farming and died in France at the comparatively early age of fortysix years, his son Louis being his only child. The maternal grandfather was Christian Shelty, who was born in France and was serving in the army at the time of the Russian invasion. He probably lost his life at that time for he was never heard from afterward. Unto him and his wife, Mary Clara Shelty, there were born four daughters.

It was in the year 1826 that Mr. and Mrs. Louis Arnett came to the United States, and after living for a time in Waterford and in Buffalo, New York, they removed to Warren, Pennsylvania. Northern Illinois was still a frontier region when in May, 1837, they came to Henry county. So few had been the settlements made ift this portion of the state that the land was not yet placed on the market. Mr. Arnett settled upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and after the government placed the land in this district on sale he purchased adjoining tracts, improved the property and there reared his family. As time passed he developed one of the best farms in what is now Loraine township, but later he sold that place and removed to a farm three miles farther west, continuing to make it his home until 1868 when he passed away at the age of seventy-eight years and ten months. His wife died in 1866 at the age of about seventy-two years. They were the parents of twelve children, all of whom reached adult age, but only two are now living, George and Samuel, both of Geneseo.

Samuel Arnett was reared in Loraine township on his father's farm and lived at home until twenty-one years of age. His first schooling was received under private instruction from a man whom his father employed to teach the children. He built a partition in his log cabin, thus forming a little schoolroom, after which he employed the teacher, for he desired that his sons and daughters should have the best advantages in that direction that he was able to secure. The first district school in the neighborhood met in the Evangelical church, which was a little log structure. There he learned to write, he and the other pupils standing on the rostrum, each practicing ten minutes at a time, one giving way to the other. While the methods of instruction in those days were primitive and the branches of learning taught were few, the work done was usually quite thorough and proved an excellent foundation on which to build the superstructure of further knowledge as the pupils went out in the world and began to learn the lessons in the school of experience.

In 1859 Mr. Arnett made a trip to Pike' Peak, traveling overland with an ox-team. The Indians were then numerous, and the buffalo and deer were thick upon the prairie, the former at times having to be driven away from the camp. Air. Arnett traveled westward with a company of about fifty men in search of gold. He spent two and a half years in the mines near where the city of Alanitou, Colorado, now stands, after which he returned to Henry county and for two years engaged in the cultivation of rented land. He first bought a farm of one hundred and forty-seven acres in Loraine township, making his home thereon for thirty years, and finally he improved the farm with a new house, new barn and other modern accessories. In 1895 he rented his farm and took up his abode in Geneseo, where he built an attractive and modern residence which he still occupies. He had added to the farm in the meantime, and when he sold that property in 1906 it contained one hundred and eighty-six acres.

On the 15th of November, 1863, Mr. Arnett was married to Miss Catharine Urich, a daughter of Rudolph and Catharine (Rapp) Urich. They became parents of five children: Annie, the wife of Samuel Spath, a resident of Audubon county, Iowa, by whom she has two children - Chester and Helen Libbie; David W., a farmer of Loraine township, who married Emma Deener and has one daughter, Sylvia; Edwin Solomon, who resides on the old homestead in Loraine township and married Annie Myers, by whom he has two sons - Glenn and Dale; Libbie L., who is the wife of William H. Wait, living near Fort Morgan, Colorado; and George W., who resides at Bozeman, Montana. Mrs. Catharine Arnett died May 22, 1906, at the age of fifty-nine years and nine months. On the 1st of August, 1907, Mr. Arnett was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary E. Crouch, the widow of Royal G. Crouch and a daughter of Gardner and Mary P. (Ford) Hunt. Her paternal grandfather was John Hunt, who was the twelfth John in the line of direct descent. He wedded Clarinda Green. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Mary Arnett were Olivet and Mary P. (Post) Ford. Mrs. Arnett was born in Rutland, Vermont, and was there married to Royal G. Crouch, By that marriage she had four sons and a daughter: Mary Edna, who died in infancy; George Henry, of Bangor, Michigan, who married Ada Sniff and has two sons - Raymond and Lloyd; Herbert Royal, of Abingdon, Illinois, who married Augusta Guild and has two children - Harry and Florence; David Wilbur, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, who married Alice Booton and has two sons - Victor and Kenneth; and Merritt Gardner, of Moline, Illinois, who wedded Etta Smith. Mrs. Arnett belongs to the Grace Evangelical Association. Mr. Arnett is a member of Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and he has been active in its local ranks while his fellow townsmen, appreciative of his sterling worth, elected him to the office of supervisor for three years, while for twenty-three years they continued him in the position of highway commissioner. His official record has been a most creditable one, characterized by unfaltering fidelity to duty, and in business affairs his probity has never been called into question. He has made an excellent record, both as a citizen and business man, and the high place which he holds in the regard of his fellow citizens is well merited.

Peter A. Johnson

Among the prominent and prosperous business men of Cambridge, who from a small beginning in the commercial world have achieved success entirely through their own innate powers and persevering efforts, is Peter A. Johnson, a manufacturer and dealer in agricultural implements, buggies, carriages, automobiles, etc., having resided in this city for the past fourteen years. He was bom in Swedonia, Mercer county, Illinois, December 15, 1859, a son of John and Hannah (Hanson) Johnson, both of whom were natives of Sweden. Peter A. Johnson was one of four children born to this union, the others being: August, who is now deceased; John, Jr., residing in Osco township; and Edward, a resident of Cambridge.

John Johnson, the father of our subject, was a carpenter, builder and agriculturist in Sweden. He emigrated to the United States in 1854, and, coming to Illinois, settled in Swedonia, Mercer county, whence he removed to Andover township, Henry county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land. For some time he devoted his time and energies to its further development and improvement, and that his labors were rewarded is indicated in the fact that he finally became the owner of over a section of land in this locality. At different times he lived in Osco and Cambridge, his death having occurred in the latter place in the fall of 1902, when he had reached the advanced age of eightytwo years. He survived his wife for several years, she having passed away when about sixty-five years of age. Both were members of the Swedish Lutheran church and people of the highest respectability, whose honorable and upright lives commanded for them the esteem and warm regard of all who knew them.

Peter A. Johnson has lived in Henry county since he was six years old and during his boyhood spent most of his time on the farm in Andover township, attending the district school during the winter months and learning the more valuable lessons in the great school of experience. He assisted his father in plowing, planting and harvesting, working industriously in field and meadow from the early spring until the crops were garnered in the late autumn. His father, wishing to encourage his efforts, gave him some land to cultivate on his own account and the son engaged in farming in Andover township for a number of years, being now the owner of a good tract of land containing one hundred and sixty acres, which was a part of his father's estate. Subsequent to this time he engaged in the further development of a farm near Cambridge and also conducted an implement business in the town for six years before locating there in 1902. Since then he has conducted a business which, under his capable control and active management, has been developed into substantial proportions. In the year of his arrival in Cambridge he bought his first automobile and at present he engages extensively not only in buying and selling automobiles but all kinds of agricultural implements, buggies, carriages, etc. He owns three business buildings and a foundry where wagons are manufactured and occasionally an automobile.

In April, 1883, occurred the marriage of Peter A. Johnson and Miss Emma E. Young, of Swedonia, Ilinois, who is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Young, both of whom were natives of Sweden and early settlers of Mercer county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have three children: Alfred E., who formerly was in partnership with Fred Cook, the firm engaging in the manufacture of gasoline engines ; Lillie E. ; and Herbert S. Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Swedish Lutheran church, and he gives his political support to the republican party. Although he started in the business world almost empty-handed, he has built up a business of large proportions, which is not only a source of gratifying income to himself but also a credit to the city, and he is, indeed, a worthy representative of commercial interests in the city wherein he is numbered among the men of affluence.

The remarkable progress of dental science has almost revolutionized dental surgery and made the work of the dentist almost perfection. Day by day new discoveries are being made, better processes invented not only for the replacing of teeth or their preservation after decay commences but for the prevention of trouble of any kind. For these and many other reasons the dental surgeon of today ranks with any other member of the learned professions and in order to gain his degree has to pass through a strict and long course and much practical experience. Kewanee is fortunate in having in its midst so excellent a dentist as Dr. George B. Humf reville, whose work is of such a character as to gain him the confidence of all his patients. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, May 29, 1871, and is a son of Harry and Hannah (Teachout) Humfreville. Soon after his birth, the family renioved to Ohio, where they resided until 1880, the father being engaged in the practice of medicine. In the latter year removal was made to Waterville, Kansas, and there George B. Humfreville attended high school.

After finishing his course in high school, the Doctor entered a general store as clerk and thus continued until 1896, when he began the study of dentistry, towards which profession he had long inclined, at the Kansas City Dental College and was graduated from that institution in 1900. Immediately thereafter he began practicing at Waterville, Kansas, where he remained three years and then, in 1903, he came to Kewanee, where he has since remained with profit to himself and to the benefit of the community.

On October 17, 1905, Dr. Humfreville married Anna E. Henry, of Kewanee, a daughter of George and Elizabeth Henry, farming people. Both the Doctor and his wife are members of the Methodist church and Mrs. Humfreville is superintendent of the primary department of the Sunday school.

Dr. Humfreville belongs to the Knox County Dental Society and the Illinois State Dental Society. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the Commercial Club of Kewanee and is very popular in his fraternal and social connections, while in his professional societies his pronounced skill and knowledge are of service to his fellow members. He is one of the best dentists of Henry county and enjoys a large patronage from some of its best people.

Thomas C. Cowden

Among the residents of Burns township who are now living retired, their present comfortable financial position being the direct result of former activity and enterprise along agricultural lines, is numbered Thomas C. Cowden, who is also widely known throughout the township by reason of the active and helpful part he has taken in community afifairs. Born in Millwood, Guernsey county, Ohio, on the 8th of August, 1847, he is a son of William and Mary (Rogers) Cowden. The father, who was born in Ireland in 1798, came to America in boyhood and, landing at New York city, remained in that place for a short time. He then made his way west to Guernsey county, Ohio, where he secured employment as a farm hand, continuing in that capacity until his marriage. He then purchased a farm to which he removed with his young bride, and there eight of their nine children were born. In 1854 he brought his family to Burns township, Henry county, Illinois, and here purchased a tract of eighty acres of land on section 17. He also took up six more tracts, each consisting of eighty acres of government land near his original purchase, paying for the same one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. Here he reared and educated his family, which had been increased by the birth of one child since the removal from Ohio. The eldest son, William Washington, was killed while serving in the Civil war. Mary became the wife of George Davis, a minister of Hillsdale, Michigan, and they were the parents of two sons, William and John. After the death of her first husband she wedded S. I. Mathews, a farmer who formerly resided in Annawan township but subsequently removed to Westerfield township, where her dem.ise occurred. Joseph, a member of the Union army during the Civil war passed away while home on a furlough, after being confined to the hospital at Nashville for thirteen months. Deborah Ellen married J. G. Walker, a farmer of Burns township who later removed to

Missouri. There the wife passed away when about forty-five years of age. David L., who was also a soldier of the Civil war, is a retired farmer making his home in Cambridge, Illinois. John H., who followed farming, passed away at the early age of twenty-three years. Thomas C, of this review, is the next in order of birth. Jacob G. is also a retired farmer residing in Oklahoma. Matilda Jane, who completes the family, became the wife of Louis Deets, a farmer of Kearney, Nebraska, and passed away in early womanhood. William Cowden, the father, continued to devote his time and energies to agricultural pursuits in Burns township until called to his final rest in 1891. For more than four decades he had survived his wife, who was also a native of Ohio, her death occurring in 1850.