Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1910 (part 19 of 32)

Ira Sherman Sellon

Ira vSherman Sellon, owning and operating a well improved and highly productive farm of one hundred and twenty-two acres on section 21, Galva township, was born in Round Grove, Henry county, Illinois, on the 9th of August, 1867, his parents being Henry and Mary (Stoddard) Sellon. The father's birth occurred in the vicinity of London, England, while the mother was a native of Con- necticut. Nothing is known of the paternal grandfather save that he was a prominent minister in London. Israel Stoddard, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Connecticut and followed farming as a Ufe work. He came west when quite well advanced in years and peddled clocks, making his home in Fraker's Grove, Stark county, Illinois, where he passed away when more than eighty years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Irene Frisby, had attained the age of ninety-six years at the time of her demise. They reared a family of five children, namely: Marcus, Phoebe, Mary, James and Esther.

Henry Sellon, the father of Ira S. Sellon, was a sailor for a number of years. After taking up his abode in the United States he first followed farming at Fraker's Grove near La Fayette, Stark county, Illinois, and in 1844 came to Round Grove in Burns township, Henry county. There he was actively and successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits for a quarter of a century, owning a fine farm of three hundred and forty acres. In 1869 he disposed of the property and spent the remainder of his life in Galva, his demise there occurring in 1874 when he was about fifty-five years of age. He was well known and highly esteemed throughout the county as one of its worthy and respected pioneer settlers and had an extensive circle of friends within its borders. He was twice married, his first wife being Phoebe Stoddard, by whom he had one child, Lucy M., now the widow of John Johnston, of Kewanee. After the death of his first wife he married her sister, Mary I. Stoddard, who became the mother of our subject. She was called to her final rest on the ist of June, 1902, being at that time seventytwo years of age. Unto them were bom eight children, four sons and four daughters, as follows: Lottie, the wife of J. H. Decker, of Callaway, Nebraska; Alice, the wife of J. D. Nelson, of Orr, North Dakota; Edward and Charles, both of whom are deceased; Benjamin, who died when but a small child; Lydia, deceased, who was the first wife of J. D. Nelson; Phoebe, the deceased wife of Thomas Johnson ; and Ira Sherman, of this review.

The last named was reared in this county and was two years of age when brought by his parents to Galva, where he subsequently pursued his education in the public schools. After putting aside his text-books he went to work on a farm, receiving his board and clothes in remuneration for his services. He was but seven years of age when he lost his father, and after he had worked as a farm hand for a time his mother sold their home in Galva and rented a tract of eighty acres in Galva township, about two and a half miles north of the town. He operated this farm for a year and then he and his mother and grandmother all took up their abode on a farm of eighty-five acres one mile north of Galva, which had been purchased by a niece of our subject. When the niece died she left a will bequeathing the proceeds of this farm to Mr. Sellon's mother and when the latter passed away the property came into possession of our subject. He has since extended the boundaries of the place by the purchase of thirty-seven acres and has built thereon a commodious and attractive residence, as well as all necessary outbuildings. The property is lacking in none of the equipments and improvements of a model farm of the twentieth century and, with the exception of a period of two years spent in Galva, Mr. Sellon has lived on the place continuously since 1885. He follows progressive and modern methods in the con- duct of his agfricultural interests and is widely recognized as one of the substantial, enterprising and representative citizens of the community.

On the I2th of September, 1892, Mr. Sellon was united in marriage to Miss Mattie E. Frazier, a native of Cornwall township, Henry county, Illinois, and a daughter of Robinson and Nancy (Woods) Frazier, both of whom were born in Ohio. They were numbered among the early settlers of this county and reared a family of six children, namely: Rose; John; Winifred, the wife of M. R. Uhl; Frank; Mrs. Sellon; and Bert. Mrs. Sellon's paternal grandparents were John and Mary (Cassidy) Frazier, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, while her maternal grandparents were Hugh and Katherine (De Bell) Woods. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sellon have been born four children : Raymond F., Ira B., Rolland H. and Lois M.

Politically Mr. Sellon is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, with which his wife is also identified. Having spent their entire lives in this county, they are widely and favorably known here and the circle of their friends is almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.

Herman Seefeld

A well developed and highly improved farm on sections 22 and 23, Burns township, and comprising one hundred and sixty acres, is the property of Herman Seefeld, who has spent the greater part of his life in Henry county. He was, however, born in Potsdam, Germany, September 17, 1858. His parents, Louis and Wilhelmina (Graaf) Seefeld, were likewise natives of that country and the year 1867 witnessed the arrival of the family in the new world. The father made his way to Henry county and purchasing land on section 11, Burns township, there made a home for himself and family. His farm contained one hundred and sixty acres, which he cultivated from that time until his death in 1905, when he was seventy-six years of age. The mother, however, still survives, and is now living in Kewanee, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years.

Herman Seefeld was a little lad of nine years when he was brought to America, and his education, which was begun in the schools of his native country, was continued in the district schools of Burns township. During the periods of vacation he assisted his father in the work of the home farm and after putting aside his text-books gave his entire time to the work of the fields. He remained on the home farm until the time of his marriage, when he was given forty acres of land by his father. He then purchased forty acres adjoining, located on section 16, Bums township, and this land he operated for nine years. He erected good buildings on the place and made other improvements, which increased its value. Having the opportunity of disposing of that farm to good advantage, he then sold it and invested his money in his present home farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on sections 22 and 23, Burns township. He erected a new residence, built a bam and other outbuildings, and fences, put up a windmill, tiled the land and altogether has made it a valuable property. The land is all under cultivation and owing to the richness of the soil and the proper drainage which is afforded by tiHng, Mr. Seefeld each year gathers good crops. He raises Poland China hogs to considerable extent and raises horses and cattle for his own use, keeping only the thoroughbred shorthorn and Hereford cattle. Mr. Seefeld also raises considerable fruit, having an orchard that contains every variety of fruit with the exception of apricots. He likewise owns a house in Kewanee and owns stock in the Henry County Telephone Company.

Mr. Seefeld has been married twice. He was first married February 5, 1882, near Kewanee, to Miss Louisa Wetzig, of German descent and a native of Kewanee township. This union was blessed with two daughters : Emma, the wife of William Statz, a resident of Kewanee township ; and Lorine, the wife of Ed Kuster, of Bums township. For his second wife Mr. Seefeld chose Louisa Schulz, their marriage being celebrated on the 17th of May, 1891. She is a daughter of Carl and Wilhelmina (Frank) Schulz, natives of Germany, whence they located in Henry county in 1890, having come here several years after the arrival of their daughter in the new world. They established their home in Wethersfield township and there both passed away, the mother being called to her final rest in 1892, when she was sixty-seven years of age, while the father died two years later, in 1894, at the age of seventy-two. Of the second marriage of Mr. Seefeld there are two children, a daughter and son : Helene W., a young lady of eighteen years and still at home ; and Edward H., thirteen years old, attending school.

Mr. Seefeld is a republican where national issues are involved but at local elections he casts an independent ballot. Although he takes a deep interest in public affairs he is not an office seeker, preferring to devote his time to his individual interests. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Lutheran church of Kewanee. Mr. Seefeld is a successful man. Starting out in life in possession of forty acres of land, the gift of his father, he has added to this and has sold and bought to advantage, thus improving each opportunity for making a profit, until today he is the owner of as fine a farm of one hundred and sixty acres as can be found in Henry county and this gives him place among the substantial citizens of this section of the state.

Professor Fred U. White

Fred U. White, who has acted as superintendent of the Galva public schools for the past two decades, was born in Geneseo, Henry county, Illinois, on the loth of June, 1858, his parents being Benjamin and Margaret (Bacon) White, natives of Connecticut and New York, respectively. His paternal grandparents were Samuel and Cynthia (Trowbridge) White, both of whom were of Puritan descent, the former representing one of the earliest families of Massachusetts and the latter tracing her ancestry back to Devonshire, England, in the time of Edward the First. The New England Trowbridges, of whom there have been over thirty-six hundred, descended from Thomas Trowbridge, who settled at Dorchester, Massachusetts, probably in 1634. Samuel White, whose birth occurred in Connecticut, carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout his business career and passed away at Pomfret, Connecticut, when well advanced in years. His wife there died in middle life. Their children were seven in number, as follows : William T. ; Susan E., the deceased wife of Remuel Pearson ; George, Lewis, Elizabeth J., Benjamin and Sarah F., all of whom have passed away. Subsequent to the death of his first wife Samuel White was again married, his second union heing with Miss Phoebe Baker, by whom he had two children, Jared B. and Charles H.

Benjamin White, the father of Mr. White, was born at Pomfret, Connecticut, December 14, 1825. Puritan discipline prevailed in Samuel White's household, giving its tinge of rigid self-accountability to all the children. Benjamin White's schooling was very limited but he was fond of reading and quick in observation with inquiring and thoughtful mind. At the age of twenty-one he left home and apprenticed himself to a mason and builder of Danielson, Connecticut. After serving his apprenticeship, he followed his trade for several years at Waterbury, Connecticut, where he married Margaret Bacon, September 17, 1854. To them were born four sons : Charles, who died in infancy ; Frank- Oscar, who became a resident of New Orleans and died October 3, 1909 ; Fred U., whose name initiates this review and who is a twin brother of Frank O. ; and WilHam T., a resident of New Orleans. In April, 1856, the family removed to Geneseo, Illinois, where Benjamin White continued the business of a mason and contractor until the fall of 1889, when he superintended for the board of education, of which he was then a member, the construction of the present high school building. On the 3d of January, 1863, his wife died after a protracted illness, leaving him with three little boys. On the ist of January, 1868, he married Miss Alary Jane Messenger and unto them were born two daughters, Fannie M. and Flora, both of Geneseo. In the spring of 1890 Benjamin White suffered a severe attack of the grippe which put an end to his active work. From that time on his health steadily failed until his death, which occurred on the 24th of May, 1909, when he had attained the venerable age of eighty-four years. Born of New England stock, he was always positive and forceful. The new town to which he came at the age of thirty gave the opportunity for work which he desired. The following partial list of buildings put up by Mr. White speaks for itself:' The Collegiate Institute, built originally for commercial purposes; the old Geneseo House - (1864); the Anderson Building, Main street; the four buildings north of the Farmers National Bank; the Schuck and Hippler buildings; the Blackiston block ; the Wright block, except the Wright and Cann buildings ; the George Singleman building; the addition to O'Bryan's and Rastede's stores; Freeman's Hall; the Clause and Stamm building; the Berner building; the Hosford building; the Geneseo House - (1877) ; the Engdahl building; the Taylor building; the Methodist church; Zion church; the Hammond hospital; the Swedish Lutheran church ; and the first brick schoolhouse at Cambridge. In addition to his building operations in Geneseo Mr. White did much work in the surrounding country and towns and in Chicago after the fire. He was much interested in educational matters and was an attendant and supporter of the Unitarian church of Geneseo from its establishment.

Mr. Fred U. White was reared in the place of his nativity and obtained his preHminary education in the public schools, being graduated from the Geneseo high school in 1875. During the following three years he was engaged in teaching and subsequently entered the University of Illinois, while later he spent one term in the School of Languages at Burlington, Vermont. Afterward he again took up the profession of teaching as an instructor in the public schools and was thus engaged until 1882, when he took up his abode in Galva. Here he taught in the grammar room for two years and then became principal of the high school, continuing in that position for three years. During the following two years he acted as principal of the Cambridge schools and in 1889 entered upon the duties of his present position as superintendent of the schools of Galva. Mr. White also was teacher of history at the Illinois State Normal University during the summer terms of 1907 and 1909. The progress made by the schools has been of a substantial and practical character, bringing results that are manifest in the efficiency of those who leave the schools to enter upon the active work of life.

On the 5th of August, 1891, Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss Eliza R. Curtiss, a native of Galva and a daughter of Flavins J. and Alvena (Minor) Curtiss, both of whom were born in New York. Her paternal grandparents were Amasa Sawyer and Rebecca (Gilson) Curtiss, the former a Baptist minister. When Flavins J. Curtiss was only a year old the family removed to Hastings, New York, where he lived until he was thirteen years of age. He then worked at South Butler for two years at a salary of five dollars per month. He next went to work for J. W. Arnold, of Fulton, New York, a carpenter, with whom he remained for three years during which time he learned the trade. His first important work was building the Presbyterian church in conjunction with a Mr. Sage, at Watertown, New York. He afterward worked for one year at his trade in Ogdensburg, New York, and then removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended business college. The following year he became bookkeeper for a milling firm at Birmingham, Ohio. At the age of twenty-five he acted as brakeman and soon afterward as freight conductor from La Porte, Indiana, to Toledo, Ohio. After two years' experience as clerk in dry-goods and grocery lines Mr. Curtiss went west to Rock Island, Illinois, and engaged as salesman for Hoyt & Avery, of Milan. On January 30, 1854, he married Alvena Eliza Minor and in the following March they removed to Galva, where he has since resided. To them were born eight children : Byron Fay and Cyrus Yale, who died in infancy ; Ella Josephine; EHza Rebecca, now Mrs. F. U. White; Frankie Adalade, now Mrs. Lee G. Kratz; Byron Minor; Lora Bell, who married J. W. Wood, now deceased; and Leon Homer, who died July 10, 1900, at the age of twenty-seven years. At Galva Mr. Curtiss engaged in the furniture and undertaking business which he continued until 1882, passing through the ordeal of being burned out, an experience common to many of the early business men of Galva. He was Galva's first village clerk, which office he filled continuously with the exception of one year for the period of sixteen years. His faithfulness and strict integrity may be known from the fact that it was during the Civil war period and the issue of the American Railway bonds, when the office was one of especial responsibility. His wife passed away in 1895 at the age of sixty-four years and nine months. Mr. Curtiss maintains his interest in public afifairs, though advanced years now prevent active participation therein. He still resides in Galva and has

In his political views Mr, White is a stanch republican, being convinced that the principles of that party are most conducive to good government. He is now serving as president of the Galva library board and is also the chief executive officer of the Henry County Historical Association.

Eric Westerlund

Eric Westerlund is now living retired at his country home in Osco township, Henry county, Illinois, where for many years he was closely identified with agricultural pursuits, still owning two hundred acres situated on sections 33 and 28, and ninety acres in Andover township. As the name indicates he is a native of Sweden, having been born June 16, 1836, in Hassala, near Berge Byb Nora, Helsingland, a son of Eric A. and Elizabeth Westerlund, who with six of their children started for America about 1850. The mother and the youngest child, who was three years old, never reached their destination, having died en route and were buried at sea. On the same vessel a brother of our subject's father brought his wife and three children to the new world. They were eleven weeks and three days crossing the Atlantic and landed in New York. Although they had intended to make their home in Pennsylvania, through the influence of a Swedish minister who had a brother in Knox county, Illinois, they were persuaded to continue their journey westward. They traveled as far as Andover township, Henry county, where their possessions were unloaded, for the father's financial resources were exhausted and he was compelled to seek immediate employment, which he secured by renting a farm. In the family were the following children. Andrew, the eldest son, remained in Sweden and his descendants are now living in that country, Margaret married William Stolt, by whom she has seven children, their home being at Odebolt, Iowa. Jonas resides in Lynn township, Henry county, Illinois, and has four children. Eric is the next in order of birth. Peter lives in Orion, Illinois. Hans became a soldier of the Civil war, during which time his health became impaired and he died near Woodhull, leaving three children. The father married a second time and before his death had become the owner of eighty acres. He passed away about 1867 or 1868 and his remains were interred in Andover cemetery.

Eric Westerlund of this review, having been born and reared on his father's farm in Swedfen, received the advantages of a common school education in his native land, continuing his studies there until he was fourteen years of age, at which time he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States. Later, however, he had the privilege of attending school in Henry county for two winter terms. Having been reared to the occupation of farming, he worked out for one year, after which his services were required on the home farm. Thus he remained in his father's employ, his persevering efforts proving effectual in the further cultivation and development of the property, until he became of age.

On the 7th of February, 1858, occurred the marriage of Mr. Westerlund and Miss Christine Anderson, of Andover township, a daughter of Jonas and Christine (Anderson) Anderson, both of whom were natives of Sweden. Mrs. Westerlund was born on a farm near Hille Socken, Obygeby, Sweden, January 30, 1843, and when she was about six years of age came with her father and mother to the United States, they having been induced to take up their abode in Andover township, this county, on their arrival in New York, She was the third in a family that numbered five children. Andrew, her eldest brother, was taken ill with cholera and was left in a hospital in Chicago, where he died. In the spring of 1850 Mr. Anderson journeyed overland to California, where he met with fair success, but in the following year he returned by the ocean route to Illinois, having decided in favor of the Prairie state.

In 1863 Mr. Westerlund bought eighty acres of his present farm, paying ten dollars an acre for land that is now worth two hundred. Unto him and his wife have been born six children, namely : Sarah E., the wife of A. E. Anderson, of Andover township, Henry county, by whom she has thirteen children; Emma C, who became the wife of Charles Peterson and died leaving six children; Sophia Josephine, who wedded Ferdinand Lonner, living near Shields, Kansas, their family now numbering eight children; John O., residing at Elliott, Iowa, who is married and has five children ; Annie M., now Mrs. Haggland, who resides at Essex, Iowa, and in whose family are five children ; and Julius N., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.

Mr. Westerlund has been a republican in politics since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in i860. He was elected on the republican ticket and served as road commissioner for a number of years. However, he is not a politician in the sense of office seeking, having refused to run for supervisor on the democratic ticket, though urged to do so by his fellow citizens. A school director for many years, his cooperation and substantial aid can always be counted upon to further any movement for the benefit of public school instruction and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. Aside from his farms in this county, his landed interests also include property in North Dakota and Colorado, and he is numbered among the prominent and successful agriculturists, whose labors have not only contributed to their individual prosperity but have also been active factors in the development of the state. Mr. Westerlund is accounted one of the esteemed and honored pioneer settlers of Henry county. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.

Guy Elmer Smith

One of the best known firms of Henry county engaged in the breeding of high grade stock is that of Henninger Brothers & Smith, and of it Guy Elmer Smith, of Phenix township, is the junior member. He is a native of that township, bom January 24, 1888, and like his partners is still a young man but he brings to the business and its details an enthusiasm that helps to make the results successful;

He is a son of Allen E. and Tillie (Henninger) Smith. His father was born near Green river in Henry county, April 21, 1861, being a son of Darius and Margaret (Englehof) Smith. Darius Smith was a soldier during the Civil war and during his service contracted rheumatism, from which he died when only thirty-five years of age. Allen E. Smith died when his son, our subject, was only sixteen years of age, leaving a widow and this one child.

Guy Elmer Smith attended the common schools of his district, but about a year after his father's death he began living on section 30, Phenix township, with his maternal grandfather. His mother is still living. He was taken into partnership with his uncles, and the three young men have built up a good business. Mr. Smith takes charge of the exhibits at the various states fairs. In 1908 he took forty head of stock to the South Dakota state fair and had full charge of them.

In politics he is a republican, but like his partner, C. Arthur Henninger, does not take any active part in pubHc affairs, for business makes too heavy claims upon his time and attention. All three young men are sturdy and reliable, and they have not only profited themselves by their operations, but they have taught stockmen what can be accomplished along the lines they are pursuing.

James Sadler

James Sadler, whose demise occurred on the loth of January, 1907, was for many years a prominent representative of the farming and stock-raising interests of Henry county and at his death left an estate comprising three hundred and sixty acres of valuable and productive land on section 18, Wethersfield township. He was born in Yorkshire county, England, on the 14th of April, 1830, his parents being William and Hannah Sadler, who came to this county in 1853 and remained residents of Wethersfield township until called to their final rest. They reared a family of fourteen children, of whom four sons and two daughters yet survive.

James Sadler, who was the seventh in order of birth in his father's family, obtained his education in the schools of his native land. When nineteen years of age he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and, coming direct to Henry county, Illinois, here worked as a farm hand for three years. Subsequently he devoted his attention to the operation of rented land for a few years or until he came into possession of a farm of his own by purchasing a tract of one hundred acres on section 18, Wethersfield township. As time passed and his financial resources increased, owing to his well directed energy and capable management, he gradually extended the boundaries of the place by additional purchase until at his death his landed holdings embraced three hundred and sixty acres, which estate is still intact. On this property he erected a handsome residence, and in addition to cultivating the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate he was also engaged in the raising of stock on an extensive scale. He was a large breeder of thoroughbred horses and cattle and made extensive shipments, this branch of his business proving a gratifying source of income to him. Alert, enterprising and energetic, he carried forward to successful completion what- ever he undertook and gained an enviable reputation among the leading and respected citizens of the community. He was financially interested in the Kewanee Street Railway Company.

On the 13th of November, 1861, in Jefferson county, New York, Mr. Sadler was joined in wedlock to Miss Margaret E. Cassidy, whose birth occurred on board ship enroute from Galway, Ireland, to the United States. Her parents, Michael and Susan Cassidy, took up their abode at Alexandria Bay, Jefferson county, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Sadler became the parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, as follows : Hattie L., the wife of Isaac Morgan, of Kewanee; Myron E., who is engaged in the botthng business at Peoria; Arthur C, an electrician residing in Earlville, Illinois ; Anna I., the wife of Freeman May, of Chicago ; George E., a real-estate agent of Peoria ; Walter T., who is superintendent for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway Company at Galesburg, Illinois; Emory C, who passed away on the 13th of May, 1905; Mary E., who is the wife of Fred Christman and makes her home in Minneapolis, Minnesota; NelHe J., the wife of Walter B. Crawford, of Galva, Ilhnois; Wilham J., a fireman on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway, who lives in Aurora; Eva, the wife of G. A. Sassadeck, of Chicago; and Florence M., at home.

In his political views Mr. Sadler was a stanch republican and, being very fond of reading, always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He served as a school director for several terms and also acted in the capacity of road commissioner, discharging his official duties in a prompt and capable manner. In religious faith he was an Episcopalian. His loss was deeply and sincerely mourned by an extensive circle of friends and came as a great blow to his immediate family, for he had ever been a most devoted and loving husband and father. Since his demise Mrs. Sadler has leased the old home farm but still resides on the place with her youngest daughter, Florence. She is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community, her many good traits of heart and mind having won her the regard and friendship of those with whom she has come in contact.

Rev. Donat Lowery Crowe

Few members of a community have a larger opportunity of exercising a wider influence for good than have those ordained ministers of the church whose lives are 'devoted unselfishly to the alleviation of the sorrows of others, with physical means or through the solace of the divine word. Among those of Kewanee. whose beneficent work has spread to the representatives of many nationalities here and whose energies have been instrumental in promoting some of the institutions which make for a kindlier care and feeling of man for man is Rev. Donat Lowery Crowe, the pastor of the Visitation parish. He was born in West Troy, New York, June 2, 1862, a son of Donat and Ellen (Burns) Crov/e. The father was a native of County Clare, Ireland, and was a civil and topographical engineer by profession, holding the position of superintendent of the Watervliet Arsenal, in Albany county. New York, at the time of the birth of his son, the subject of this sketch. His wife was a daughter of William and Ellen (Riordan) Burns, originally from County Cork, Ireland, but highly regarded among the old and wealthy settlers of Oswego county. New York. There Mrs. Crowe's birth occurred April 14, 1832. Among the several children born to her five have devoted themselves to the religious life. Of the sons, besides Father Crowe, Very Rev. Dean J. W. Crowe, M. A., is in Jacksonville, Illinois ; and Rev. J. B. Crowe is associated with St. Stephan's, Chicago. One daughter, Mary, is known as Sister Camilla, of the Order of St. Joseph and resides in St. Louis. The other, Alice, was called Sister Alice Theresa, as a member of the CarmeUte order. She died in St. Louis, Missouri, July 16, 1905.

Father Crowe received his early education in the public schools of Oswego, New York, after which he entered upon the long and thorough training that prepared him for the priesthood : first at De La Salle Institute, at Toronto, Canada, then St. Joseph College, Teutopolis, Illinois, from which he went to St. Meinrad's College, Indiana, and finally to Grand Seminary, at Montreal, Canada, at which he was ordained a priest of the Catholic church. May 30, 1885. He was assigned to the diocese of Peoria, of which Bishop Spalding was then in charge, reaching his post of duty, July 16, 1885. He was then sent temporarily to Brimfield, Illinois, where he remained six weeks, after which he was appointed assistant priest to the church of the Immaculate Conception at Streator, Illinois. After having spent eighteen months there he was transferred to Chatsworth, Illinois, and in 1888 was appointed pastor of Piper City and Cullom. At both of those places his was the arduous and difficult task of gathering his congregations together and building churches. But in the two years or so that he had charge of those parishes he accomplished more than that, for he erected a parochial residence at Piper City, and started his parishioners well along upon an independent life. On the i6th of July, 1890, Father Crowe was made pastor of Utica, Illinois, where he remained seven years, in that period building a parochial school and greatly improving the church property. It was on the i6th of September, 1897, that he came to Kewanee, which has since been his charge.

At his advent the church of the Visitation was heavily laden with debt. This he has been able to pay, was instrumental in building St. Francis' Hospital and has maintained a parochial school under the charge of the Dominican sisters, with now an enrollment of four hundred pupils. This undertaking is one of which he may well feel a pardonable pride, for it has attained to a standard of scholarship comparing favorably with that of the public schools, affording the children who attend it thorough instruction in the rudimentary English branches and also training in the fundamental truths of their religion. Partly through donation and partly through wise purchase. Father Crowe has added considerably to the church property, thus making the congregation one of the financially stable bodies of the city. His endeavors, however, have not been confined to this English speaking community, for he it was who suggested the wisdom of establishing new parishes for the Belgians and the Poles, and he has been instrumental in procuring the property for the erection of a Catholic church for the benefit of the Lithuanians. Assistants have of course aided him in his work. Rev. M. S. Gildea holding that position at present, and Revs. Pooster, Egan, Fremcken, Heideman, Lyons and Conrads having been his aids in previous years.

Father Crowe is an accomplished gentleman as well as a noble and efficient pastor, for he speaks the French and German languages as fluently as he does the EngUsh, while he is a fine Greek and Latin scholar. Like a true follower in the footsteps of his Master he is devoted to the poor and laboring classes, although he is fitted for and endeavors to minister to all. Essentially a churchman, he works without ceasing to spread the faith and practice of the Catholic church in Kewanee, and not alone his parishoners but the citizens at large have felt his beneficent influence and been the better for it.

William M. Stewart

The name of Stewart is well known in connection with the financial interests of Geneseo and he, of whom we write, is a worthy representative of banking, occupying the position of cashier in the Farmers National. He is one of the native sons of Geneseo, born April 25, 1872. His father was John P. Stewart, for many years one of the most prominent and representative citizens of Henry county. He was born in Rensselaer county, near Albany, New York, November 3, 1835, and he remained a resident of the Empire state until 1856, when, at the age of twenty-one years, he sought the opportunities, freedom and appreciation of the new and growing west, becoming a resident of Geneseo. For several years he was closely and helpfully associated with the educational interests of the county as a teacher in the public schools. He afterward became bookkeeper in the First National Bank when it was located on Main street and when the Farmers National Bank was organized in 1876 he was chosen its first cashier and filled that position of responsibility until his death. He became recognized as one of the most promient representatives of financial interests in the county, was thoroughly conversant with the banking business in every detail and his uniform courtesy to the patrons of the institution made him one of the most popular cashiers of this part of the state. The only interruption to his business career came through his military service as a Union soldier in the Civil war. He belonged to Company B, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, with which he served from the fall of 1861 until February, 1863, when he was honorably discharged on account of physical disability. He had held the rank of corporal and was most loyal in his allegiance to the cause which he espoused. He was widely recognized as a man of superior culture and refinement, being especially talented in music and taking an active part in promoting the musical organizations in Geneseo for a number of years. He was also prominent as one of the leading vocalists of the city and was a valued member of the Congregational choir for a long period. In other ways he was also accounted one of the most promient citizens of Geneseo, where for forty years he was closely identified with the commercial and material affairs of the city. He was a man of great strength of character and nobility of purpose and his career was one of the strictest honor and integrity. His example constituted an inspiration for those about him and in his death Geneseo lost one of its most highly respected and honored citizens. In various positions of public trust he proved his loyalty to the community, serving as a member of the school board, also as township and city treasurer for a number of years. He died December 8, 1906, lacking but a month of being seventy-one years of age. Mrs. Stewart still survives and is well known in the social circles of the city. She attends the Congregational church and like her husband shares in the high regard of all who know her. By her marriage she became the mother of three children, the daughter being Anna Louise, the wife of J. A. Bradley, while the younger son is John P. Stewart, Jr. The father of Mrs. Stewart, Steward Morton, a pioneer merchant, lived for many years in Geneseo. He married Miss Alvira Pomeroy and they became the parents of two daughters and a son, who are still living - Charles M., William A. and Helen L.

In taking up the personal history of William M. Stewart we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Geneseo, where his youthful days were passed and his early education was acquired. After attending high school he pursued a business course in the Northwestern Normal and later entered the Farmers National Bank as assistant bookkeeper. There his ability and close application won him recognition in successive promotions and at his father's death he became his successor in the office of cashier, in which he has since continued. His understanding of modern banking methods and his diligence and progressive spirit constitute him a valued factor in the successful control and promotion of this enterprise.

On the i6th of October, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Stewart and Miss Florence Van Valkenburg, a native of Ohio. Mr. Stewart belongs to Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M., which was named in honor of his greatuncle, Roderick Stewart. He likewise belongs to Geneseo Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M., Rock Island Commandery, No. 18, K. T. and Kaaba Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Davenport, Iowa. He is in thorough sympathy with the teachings and purposes of the craft, which is based upon mutual helpfulness and recognizes the useful brotherhood of mankind. His political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party but, while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, he does not seek office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his constantly increasing business cares, which are of a most onerous and important nature.

Samuel E. Robb

The dealer in real estate is a public benefactor for through him are the greater portion of improvements inaugurated and because of his efforts new capital is attracted to the community in which he is interested. Perhaps no one man has done more to advance the material interests of Kewanee and Wethersfield than Samuel E. Robb, now of Kewanee, which has been his home since 1899. ^is birth occurred five miles south of the city, February i, 1859, and he is a son of Joseph and Martha (McLaughlin) Robb. His father was born in Ireland in 1825 and came to America when but eleven years old, landing in New York city, which continued his home until he was twenty-one. At that time he came west to Henry county, Illinois, and operated a sawmill for some time, but later took up govern- ment land and farmed it until his demise at the age of seventy-two years, April 4, 1897, in Knox county, to which he had retired. His widow still lives in that county.

Samuel E. Robb was educated in the public schools of Kewanee township and the Wethersfield high school and engaged in farming until 1899 with the exception of two years, when he was engaged in a butchering business in Kewanee. Upon locating permanently here, he engaged in the insurance business for a year and then embarked in the real-estate business. Almost immediately he began to see the possibilities of a street railroad and later promoted the line running from Kewanee and Galva. He wrote the first article that appeared in a financial paper to attract capital and later was very active in developing the street-car system of Kewanee and the interurban service. Later he was made vice president of the company and held the office for three years, when the line was sold. For a long time he was the only Kewanee man officially connected with the Kewanee & Galesburg Railway Company. The first dirt for the line was dug August 23, 1903. It is now a paying line and will form the basis of an interurban system with Kewanee as headquarters. While his business interests are in Kewanee, Mr. Robb's home is at Wethersfield and he was one of the board of trustees and worked hard for the village system for the place.

On September 20, 1882, occurred the marriage of Mr Robb and Carrie Anderson, of Kewanee, a daughter of the late Robert Anderson and his wife Margaret. Her father was proprietor of a large flourmill, but died in 1874. His widow survives, making her home in Kewanee. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Robb, namely : Mabel, who married Charles Hill, of Kewanee, assistant manager of the pipe department of the National Tube Company; Lalla, who married John T. Ellis, a son of Captain John Ellis ; Edward E. ; and Clair J.

Mr. Robb is a member of the Congregational church. He is a keen, shrewd business man, who possesses remarkable foresight and more than the average executive ability. Public-spirited, he has always had the interests of Henry county at heart and is proud of his locality and very confident as to its future.

George D. German

George D. German, the owner of a valuable and well improved farm of four hundred acres on sections 5 and 8, Burns township, in the operation of which he is actively engaged, is also serving in the capacity of township supervisor at the present time. He was born in Peoria county, Illinois, on the 25th of April, 1863, his parents being George S. and Sarah Ella (Carl) German, who are mentioned at greater length on another page of this work. He was still but a child when brought to this county by his father and mother and obtained his early education in the district schools of Burns township, while later he spent a year in Knox College. After putting aside his text-books he worked on his father's farm for a period of three years and then purchased a tract of eighty acres on section 32, Cornwall township, devoting his time and energies to its further cultivation and improvement for ten years. At the end of that time, owing to his father's retirement, he took charge of the old homestead farm of four hundred acres on sections 5 and 8, Bums township, and subsequently purchased the property. It has since remained in his possession, and he has placed many substantial improvements thereon, remodeling and adding to the house and barn and also erecting a new barn and corn crib on his land just across the road. His home is one of the most attractive in Burns township, and he has recently set out an orchard of about sixty trees, including the various fruits grown in this part of the country. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he raises a few shorthorn cattle and in the past has raised many hogs, both Poland China and Jersey Red. In the spring of 1909 he bought some Berkshire hogs and now has a number of thoroughbreds. He likewise raises a few colts each year and in both his farming and live-stock interests has met with a gratifying and well merited measure of success. He is a stockholder in the Kewanee National Bank and the Henry County Telephone Company and is numbered among the enterprising and respected citizens of the community.

On the 14th of February, 1886, in Bureau coimty, Mr. German was joined in wedlock to Miss Ella M. Bunn, a daughter of Denton and Nancy (Fritz) Bunn, who were born in Pennsylvania and made their way to this state in an early day. They remained residents of Bureau county until about 1900, since which time they have made their home in Kewanee. Unto Mr. and Mrs. German have been born six children, namely : S. Ethel, whose birth occurred December 24, 1886, and who is now the wife of Asa M. Corwin, a farmer of Burns township; N. Edna, born July 24, 1888, who gave her hand in marriage to W. B. Warner, likewise an agriculturist of Bums township; Floyd D., whose natal day was December 15, 1890; Leslie, whose birth occurred September 29, 1892; Eva M., who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 29th of November, 1897 ; and George D., who was born February 12, 1903.

In his political views Mr. German is an unfaltering republican and an active worker in the local ranks of the party. He is now capably discharging the duties devolving upon him in the office of township supervisor and in the past has served as school director, while for one year he acted as township assessor. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Burns Congregational church, in the work of which he is deeply and helpfully interested. He has an extensive circle of friends throughout the county, in which he has resided since early boyhood, and in the various relations of life in which he has been found has shown himself fully worthy the confidence and trust which are uniformly given him.

Robert Pyle

Robert Pyle, whose success as a farmer has placed him in the front rank of Henry county farmers, has proven to his own satisfaction the value of intelligent effort along agricultural lines. He was born in Knox county, Illinois, October 8, 1857, and is a son of Richard and Sarah (Collinwood) Pyle. The father, who was a coal miner and operator, came to Henry county in 1868, and here our subject grew to manhood, receiving a country-school education. Richard Pyle owned a farm and on it the son was reared and learned the rudiments of farming. This early instruction served him in good stead when he began to operate his own farm in Kewanee township. He owns farming property in Kansas, where he spent some years, residing there and in Nebraska for about nine years in all, engaged in farming operations, but he finally returned to Henry county.

On November 13, 1879, occurred the marriage of Mr, Pyle and Elizabeth Cronan, who was bom in Kewanee, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Cronan. Her father is a retired farmer of Kewanee and a most highly esteemed man. Seven children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Pyle, namely: Tessa A., wife of G. F. Quart, who is connected with the National Tube Company ; Nellie E., who married Carl Custer, also connected with the National Tube Company ; John C, who is with his father on the farm; Emma E., who married Otto Kuster, a farmer; Mable G., Frank R. and Raymond L., who are all at home.

Mr. Pyle is very active in the ranks of the republican party and in 1902 he was elected highway commissioner and was returned to the office in 1905 and for a third time in 1908. He has done much for the good of the township in inaugurating changes and improvements, and his efforts are appreciated by his neighbors and associates. For a number of years Airs. Pyle has been a member of the German Evangelical church and her work in this body is very effective. Taking him all in all he is one of the representative men of his locality and he is making history today that tomorrow will have a profound influence upon the future, for every improvement is a big step forward in the development of the community, especially when directed by such a man as Mr. Pyle.

Charles B. Blish

Of no one could it be said more truly than of Charles B. Blish, deceased, that "to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." Although a citizen of Kewanee for a number of years, his birthplace was in Wethersfield and the date of his birth February 25, 1871. His father, Matthew B. Blish, was also a native of Wethersfield. who engaged in agriculture and dealt in thoroughbred cattle until his removal to Kewanee. The mother, before her marriage, Martha F. Morrill, came originally from Missouri. This worthy couple now reside in Citronelle, Alabama, the husband being sixty-one years of age and the wife sixty.

The education of Charles B. Blish was obtained in the public schools of Wethersfield and the high school of Kewanee. He subsequently returned to his father's farm, where he lent valuable assistance in the cattle business for the space of four years. In 1891 he retumed to Kewanee and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, which he abandoned in a very short while. A very responsible position in the Western Tube Company was offered him and in this capacity he gave efficient service for a number of years. He and his father then formed a partnership in the bakery business and in this Mr. Blish continued for three years or until his death, March 16, 1905.

The subject of the sketch, who enjoyed an ideal home life, was married May 18, 1892, in Chicago, to Miss Sarah A. Jones, a daughter of Thomas Jones, of the Western Tube Company of Kewanee. Since the death of his wife, Alice Crow (Morrill) Jones, which took place in Kewanee, January 27, 1909, at the age of fifty-eight years, Mr. Jones has made his home with his widowed daughter. Mr. Blish left one child, a daughter, Florence E., now sixteen years of age, who attends the high school.

Mr. Bliss was a loyal republican and, exceptionally well versed as he was in public matters, took an active part in local politics. He belonged to the Masonic body, holding membership in the Knights Templars, in which he held office at the time of his demise. He was further identified with the Elks, the Mystic Workers and the Maccabees. He was also a consistent member of the Baptist church of Kewanee. Well known, Mr. Blish was everywhere held in sincere affection, being one of those rare characters of whom it could be truly said that he had not a known enemy in the world. In anything pertaining to the good of the community Mr. Blish could always be counted upon to give his support.

Byron Jordan

Byron Jordan, who stands for progress in all things and was recognized as a leader among the stock raisers and shippers of Henry county, but is now retired, also has a notable record as a soldier of the Civil war. A native son of Illinois, he was born in Richland Grove, Mercer county, June 11, 1842. His ancestry is traced back to Rev. Robert Jordan, who was a clergyman of the Church of England and as early as 1641 presided over the church at Richmond island, off the coast of Maine. He married Sarah Winter, and that he was a man of more than average intelligence is indicated by the fact that he opposed the prevalent superstition of witchcraft. He died in 1678 at the age of sixtyeight years. In his family were six children, John, Robert, Dominicus, Jedediah, Samuel and Jeremiah. The line of ancestry is traced down through Dominicus, Nathaniel, Israel, and Robert Jordan, to Captain John A. Jordan, the father of our subject. The Rev. Robert Jordan belonged to a family that originated in Ireland, but religious persecution drove them to Scotland, and as indicated, it was early in the seventeenth century when the family was founded in America.

The grandfather of Byron Jordan was Robert Jordan, who in 1800 married Hannah Keating. They resided for a time in Rockland, Maine, and in 1832 removed to Seneca county, Ohio, where four days later Robert Jordan passed away. His widow there resided until 1845, when she went to live with a son in Wisconsin, but finally took up her abode with Captain John A. Jordan, passing away in his home in 1854. In the family were fourteen children, of whom seven became seafaring men.

John A. Jordan, the tenth child, was born in Camden, Maine, in 1819, and was a youth of fourteen at the time of the removal of the family to Ohio. After the death of his father he continued to live with his mother for five years, and in company with his twin brother, Thomas J. Jordan, he arrived at Richland Grove, Aiercer county, Illinois, November 9, 1839. There he entered and purchased land to the extent of one hundred and sixty acres. At Richland Grove he was married to Miss Rachel Metzler, and all of their children were there born including Byron, of this review ; Edwin T., now residing in Montezuma, Iowa; William H., a government clerk living at Rock Island; and Olive M.. who died at the age of seventeen years. In the spring of 1856 the father sold his farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Mercer county and removed to Rock Island county, where he purchased a like amount of land in Rural township, then called Coal Valley. As his financial resources increased he added to his landed possessions until at one time he owned five hundred and twenty acres, of which one hundred and sixty acres were located in Iowa. At the time of the Civil war he was commissioned a captain of Company A, Thirty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, but after five months' service was stricken with paralysis, which ultimately caused his death in 1886, when he was sixty-seven years of age. His widow died in 1903 at the age of eighty-one years. Both were active Methodists and in politics John A. Jordan was an earnest republican, unfaltering and loyal in his allegiance to the party. He served as supervisor for one term and as justice of the peace for several terms, discharging the duties of both positions in a prompt and able manner. His decisions in the justice court were strictly fair and impartial and won him a high place in the regard of those who are loyal to the principles of righteousness and justice.

Byron Jordan spent the first fourteen years of his Hfe in Mercer county and from 1856 until 1867 was a resident of Rock Island county, Illinois. He then lived in Henry county until 1876, after which he returned to Rock Island county, where he remained until 1902. He then again became a resident of Henry county, taking up his abode in Orion. His early education was acquired in the public schools while after his return from the war he attended the Western high school for a time. Throughout his entire business career he has successfully followed agricultural pursuits and in the last few years he has put into practical operation advanced theories on the erection of buildings for the feeding and protection of stock and poultry. In the spring of 1877 he planted five acres in white pine, sugar maple, white ash and black walnut. A splendid growth of these trees demonstrates what can be accomplished in the interests of forestry in this section. He is greatly interested in the subject of the preservation of forests and his opinions on the subject are worthy of attention.

The military chapter in the Hfe history of Mr. Jordan is an interesting one. In 1862 he laid aside his text-books and joined Company C, of the One Hundred and Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he continued to serve for almost three years, being honorably discharged in June, 1865, at the close of the war. He participated in the battle of Resaca, was with Sherman on the march to the sea, participated in the entire Carolina campaign and was altogether in twenty engagements. Upon his enlistment he was made sergeant, afterward becoming second lieutenant and during the last year of his service was in command of his company, his promotion coming to him in recognition of his bravery and fidelity.

On the 17th of November, 1867, Mr. Jordan was married to Miss Mary Anna Blackfan, a daughter of William and Elizabeth K. (Trego) Blackfan. Mrs. Jordan was the first white female child born in Western township, her natal day being October 22, 1841. She is a descendant of Edward Blackfan, who was persecuted in England because of his religious belief and came to America about the time of William Penn. Tradition says that he was a cousin of the founder of the Penn colony and from him secured a grant to a large tract of land in what is now Bucks county, Pennsylvania. The title of most of this property remained in the family until 1859. William Blackfan with his wife and son, William, and daughter, Elizabeth, arrived at Stevenson, now Rock Island, May 3, 1841, after three weeks' journey by stage and canal boat to Pittsburg, thence by steam boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi rivers. He purchased a forty-acre tract of land in Western township upon a part of which the town of Orion now stands. Mr. Blackfan died November 10, 1843, leaving a widow and four children, a son, Samuel, having been born in the previous July. One daughter, Mary Anna, had been born after the arrival of the family in this section. Mrs. Blackfan toiled nobly and by strict economy and indomitable energy succeeded in keeping her little family together, and as the years passed and the children grew and added their strength to hers, she was able to extend the boundaries of her little farm by the additional purchase of sixty acres, making a good farm of one hundred acres. It was twelve years after the death of her husband before public schools were opened, during which time a teacher was hired to train the children. In 1855 the public school system was inaugurated and all of the children attended, and later Mrs. Jordan became a pupil of the Rock Island high school. She taught for six months in the local schools, afterward attended Lombard College at Galesburg, Illinois, and later again engaged in teaching.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jordan were born four children: Roland B.; Elmer H.; Samuel Lester, deceased ; and Erwin B. The eldest son, who lives in Roseville, Illinois, is a carpenter by trade and married Miss Linnie Davis, who died when their daughter Edith was only twelve days old. He afterward wedded Miss Sophia Davenport. Elmer is in business at Winfield, Kansas, and Erwin is a civil engineer.

On attaining his majority Mr. Jordan became a republican, but for the past few years has supported the men and measures of the prohibition party, and has served as county chairman. He has been a delegate to numerous state conventions of his party and in 1896 attended as a delegate the national prohibition convention at Pittsburg. In 1894 he ran as the prohibition candidate for state senator in the twenty-third senatorial district, and received a fair vote. He is a faithful member of the Methodist church in which he is now filling the position of steward, trustee and teacher in the Sunday school. He is very prominent in the Rock Island Camp Meeting Association, having been a member of its executive committee for a number of years, and is now its vice president. Mrs. Jordan was also a member of the Methodist church and during her life had taken special interest in philanthropic and charitable work, building and furnishing a room at the Deaconess Hospital at Peoria, and also furnishing a room in a school for poor white girls in the south, and was actively engaged in various other lines of religious and charitable work. She passed away January 16, 1910. Mr. Jordan is a visiting member of Heding College at Abingdon, Illinois, and fraternally holds membership in Edgar Trego Post, No. 394, G. A. R. Kind hearted and generous, he allows the use of his grove for picnics, and it has become a very popular place among pleasure seekers. Genial and kindly in nature, he fully appreciates his obligations to his fellowmen, and his honorable principles and upright manhood have won for him the high regard, confidence and good will of all with whom he has come in contact, while the consensus of public opinion accords him prominence among the valued and representative citizens of Western township.

William L. Stitt

Among the more successful and prominent agriculturists of Oxford township is William L. Stitt, who is carrying on the work begun by his father, James Stitt, with most gratifying results. The family is of remotely Irish descent, a greatgrandfather of our subject having come from County Down, Ireland, in 1791. He settled in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, whence his descendants have come to Illinois. His son, William Stitt, was a successful agriculturist there until 1856, when he came with his son James, to Oxford township, this county. Here he lived until his death, in 1873. His wife, who was Margaret Harmonni before her marriage, was of German parentage but Pennsylvanian birth and survived him about six years.

James Stitt, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, October 4, 1827. In his youth he learned the tailor's trade, which he followed until the news of the gold discovery in California having reached him he set out to make his fortunes there. In 1850 he joined an overland wagon train, and after spending about two years in the western state, prospecting and mining in the gold country, he returned home by way of the isthmus of Panama and New York city. In 1853 he married and removed to Stockbridge, Michigan, where he followed his trade and engaged in farming. The next year, however, he came to Henry county, Illinois, and, arriving here July 4, 1854, secured the tract upon which his son is living today. - After the inauguration of the Civil war, Mr. Stitt enlisted in 1862, in Company D, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, spending the next three years in active service upon the battlefield. During that time he participated in a large number of important engagements, among them being the battles of Knoxville, Resaca, the Atlanta campaign, Frank- Hn, Nashville and Wilmington. He was also present during the raiding of eastern Tennessee. In a large number of lesser fights he proved his valor and was twice wounded at Knoxville and once seriously at Wilmington, North Carolina. After the close of the war, having received an honorable discharge June 20, 1865, Mr. Stitt returned to his family in Henry county, taking up farming. He made a number of improvements on his place, and as his enterprises prospered invested extensively in land in Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas. He was also widely known as a stockman of importance, whose operations were ever attended with profit.

James Stitt was twice married. Before he left his native home he was united, in 1853, to Miss Elizabeth Hammond, who died in 1869, leaving five of the seven children born to them, namely : Lawrence, who is married and lives in Colorado ; Frank E., who is married and lives in St. Charles, South Dakota ; Amanda, who became the wife of W. C. Cole, December 9, 1885, and died September 9, 1896;

Wesley K., who is married and lives in Marcus, Iowa; and Elmer M., who makes his home in Clarinda, Iowa. On the 19th of August, 1869, Mr. Stitt married a second time, his wife being Miss Mary J. Paden, who was born in Knox county, Illinois, and was a daughter of D. J. Paden. She was reared in Henry county and, having received a good education, was engaged in teaching for a number of years before her marriage. She was a woman of ability, who directed the management of the Stitt homestead for several years after her husband's death. Through her union with James Stitt she became the mother of five children: Charles, who is married and lives in Wichita, Kansas; James H., of Gary, Indiana ; William L., the subject of this sketch ; Lucia, who was one of the successful teachers of Plenry county; and Harry W.,.who attended the University of Illinois at Champaign and is now in Wallace county, Kansas.

The father was intimately connected with the public life of Oxford township, for he had served as school trustee and filled other offices of responsibilty. In early years he was an adherent of the republican party, but later, being a strong temperance man, he supported the principles of the prohibition party. For more than forty years he was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his honorable and upright life gained for him the esteem of all who knew him. His death occurred April 25, 1896.

William L. Stitt, a worthy son of so noble a father, was born upon the farm upon which he now lives, March 12, 1877. Upon it also he grew to maturity, assisting in the general work that was carried on there, while he received a fair education in the public schools of Alpha, which served as foundation for later intellectual attainments. Subsequently he attended college at Valparaiso, Indiana, taking the business and teachers course, for he looked forward to making teaching his profession. His father's death, however, compelled him to change his plans, as he was called home to assume the management of the farm in conjunction with his brother, James H. In 1903 he married, and while he continued farming in Oxford township, it was not until 1906 that he finally made the Stitt place his permanent residence when his mother and sister removed to Abingdon, Illinois. It is one of the splendid tracts of arable land in that township, is all under a high state of cultivation and well improved, the son maintaining his father's reputation as a first-class farmer. Like the latter he has engaged in stock raising and feeding to some extent, although he has not devoted to it the time or attention that his father did. Progressive and energetic, he has won a success that may compare favorably with that attained by the other, even without considering the disparity of their ages and the difference in the amount of their experience.

It was on the nth of February, 1903, that Mr, Stitt was united in marriage to Miss Ella J. Cederberg, who was living in the vicinity of Galva but had previously made her home at Woodhull. Her parents had come from Sweden to America as young people and were married after they arrived here. Mr. and Mrs, Stitt have one son and one daughter: Lloyd L. and Mary.

He is a prohibitionist in his political views and is actively concerned in advocating its cause throughout the county. His influence is also felt in local affairs, for he is serving as road commissioner, a position to which he was elected two years ago, and is a member of the Alpha board of education. Deeply interested in the maintenance of first class public schools, he has spared no effort to make the local institutions among the most successful of the county. Fraternally he enjoys pleasant relations with the Modern Woodmen, and with his wife belongs to the Mystic Workers. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, active in its work and in its Sunday school, Mr. Stitt being one of the trustees. A young man of progressive ideas, of proved integrity and high character, he enjoys an enviable reputation in the community to whose advancement he has contributed so much.

Samuel C. McBride, his father, John McBride, and his grandfather, William McBride, were all three of them born in Mount Joy, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, a somewhat unusual occurrence. Possessing a love for their native land, they were without exception good citizens and their record in patriotism is both interesting and inspiring. The grandfather, who was a lime burner by trade, served in the war of 1812 and received as a compensation one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon a part of which the town of Keokuk, Iowa, now stands. He passed on to his reward about 1861 in the county of his birth, having attained to the advanced age of ninety-eight years. The father, born near the beginning of the nineteenth century, was a distiller, who in his later life abandoned that occupation for agriculture. He also died in Lancaster county at the age of ninetyeight. The mother of our subject, Sarah (Meldrom) McBride, was born near Columbia, Lancaster county, and ended a useful and virtuous life on the old home place, she too, having achieved more than the psalmist's allotted time of life, being eighty-seven years old when called away.

The date of the birth of Samuel C. IMcBride, the subject of the sketch, was May 9, 1829. He became well grounded in the "Three R's" and such other knowledge as the district schools of that day afforded. He worked on his father's farm until December 25, 1850, when fearing with Shakespeare that "Homekeeping youth have ever homely wits," he bade adieu to the family circle and went to Cambridge, Ohio, where he remained with an uncle for the three years following. His uncle was a cattle dealer and he improved the opportunity to become thoroughly acquainted with that line of business. Thus equipped he secured a position with Adams Brothers, cattle dealers of Dresden, Ohio, and continued with them for six months, and then removed to Coshocton county, Ohio, where for some time he worked as a farm hand and on the canal. On March i, 1865, he arrived in Kewanee and spent the first six months of his residence in Henry county in the employ of Samuel Brown, who operated the Tenny farm. The winter following he made his living as a wood chopper. During the next three years he spent the winters in Kewanee as a coal miner and the open seasons in Bureau county breaking prairie. The regular course of his life was interrupted by the breaking out of the Civil war when he gave three years service to his country, enlisting August 9, 1862. He was duly mustered out and returned home in Sep-

Mr. McBride was married July 3, 1859, in Kewanee, to Miss Livinia E. Seuger, of Ohio, who was originally from the state of New York. They have one son, William J., an artist, who received his training in. the Chicago Art Institute and is now a resident of Chicago.

It would be difficult to find in the length and breadth of the land a stancher republican than Samuel C. McBride. It is his practice to vote the straight ticket at presidential elections, and he has been vejy influential in his championship of his party. He is a prominent member of the Julius A. Pratt Post, No. 162, of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. McBride is a man of undoubted worth and stands high in the regard of his fellow citizens.

Olof W. Johnson

Olof W. Johnson, who is the proprietor of the only successful harness shop which has been operated in the village of Bishop Hill, is one of its native sons who have attained a fair name and pronounced good fortune. He ",vcio born December 4, 1859, parents being John B. and Brita Johnson. The father was a native of Ongermanland, Sweden, his birth having occurred in 1814. He joined the little band of men and women who joined the Bishop Hill colony in 1850 and was prominently known in its midst, for his physical strength brought him a renown that equaled that which he obtained as a workman and a citizen. He was familiarly called the giant of the place, for in his prime he stood six feet and four inches in height, and at one time lifted a dead weight of thirteen hundred and sixty-five pounds. During the existence of the colony he was its wagonmaker, but after it was dissolved he engaged in the cultivation of the soil, to which he devoted his energies until his death. This occurred in 1891, when he was in the seventy-seventh year of his age. The mother of our subject, who was born in Bolnas, Helsingland, Sweden, in 1827, came to Henry county and to the Bishop Hill colony at the same time as did her husband. She lived until 1904 and was also seventy-seven years old when her life was ended.

Olof W. Johnson attended the Bishop Hill school and that of district 23, Weller township, and grew to manhood upon the old homestead about a mile and a half west of the village. He devoted himself to agricultural pursuits until 1905, when he went to Cody, Wyoming, and there engaged in irrigating. After two years experience he sold his interests and returned to Bishop Hill, where shortly after he established himself in the harnessmaking business. In addition to being the first successful enterprise of its kind here, the shop contains a complete line of harness and harness supplies, while Mr. Johnson will make to order anything that is requested of him. He also carries a large stock of carriage and wagon woods and hardware and conducts a general repair shop. As his store is furnished with almost all the necessities of its kind and the shop equipped with the most modern machinery, it supplies a long- felt want in the village. The efficiency of its proprietor, his skill in workmanship and the high principles which

In Council Bluffs, Iowa, June 30, 1908, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Johnson and Miss Katherine Johnson, a school teacher at Loomis, Nebraska, and is a daughter of Olof Johnson, a prominent physician of that place. His father was a republican in his political affiliations, but in his youth our subject gave his allegiance to the democrats and since attaining his majority votes the prohibition ticket. However, he has always put men and measures before parties and adherence to them, so that the candidate who represents the best interests of the community may count upon his support. He has taken some part in local affairs, for he has served one term each as township assessor and collector, and for two years was on the village police force. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Good Templars, among whose members he has many stanch friends. For his recreation he plays upon the violin, and with the spirit of the true musician, combined with his ability as a workman, he has in his possession several instruments which he has himself made. The house in which he lives was built by him two years ago, and there is dispensed that gracious hospitality which make welcome friends and worthy strangers alike.

William Elmer Weidlein

William Elmer Weidlein, who has won success as a farmer and stockman, was born February 27, 1865, in Edford township, about a mile north of his present home which is on section 6, Osco township. His parents are Andrew and Sarah (Conrad) Weidlein, who are now living in retirement in Geneseo. About 1869 Mr. Weidlein sold the tract of land on which his son had been born and moved to Osco township, purchasing the farm on which William E. Weidlein is living today. For more than a quarter of a century he followed general agricultural pursuits, deriving an income which seemed to justify his relinquishing, in 1895, the heavier of life's cares and enjoying the rest from toil he so richly deserved.

As he was but four years old when his father came to Osco township.. William E. Weidlein has passed almost his whole life upon the farm, from which he now obtains his comfortable income. He attended the district school of his locality, and, having completed the prescribed course, at the age of sixteen went to the high school in Geneseo. After one year spent at that institution he entered the Northwestern Normal, from which he was graduated with the class of 1886. Then he returned to the agricultural life which had not been interrupted seriously during the time he was a student for he took a full part in it in the summer months and at such other periods as were not given to the pursuit of his lessons. A few years later he embarked in the hardware business in Geneseo, but the venture proved rather unsuccessful than otherwise, and Mr. Weidlein sold his interests and stock, returning to his father's farm which he has tilled ever since. Its four hundred and eighty acres are sufficient in their

At Clinton, Illinois, February 15, 1887, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Weidlein and Miss Kittie Marlatt, of Clinton, She was born in Munson township, her parents being George H. and Jennie (Calhoun) Marlatt, but at the age of ten she went to live with a maternal uncle, Hon. W. F. Calhoun, at whose home she grew to womanhood. She received a good common school education and was attending the Northwestern Normal for voice culture when she met Mr. Weidlein. Of their union four children have been born. Max Andrew died in infancy. Eunice Grace, after completing the course of the county school, attended Knox College, Galesburg, where she took both an English course and one in music. Vera Cleone is now a student in the Geneseo high school. Lyle Marlatt, the youngest died at the age of five.

Mr. Weidlein has steadfastly given his support to the republican party, but although he has played no small part in local affairs, he cannot be called an office seeker in any sense of the word. The capacities in which he has served the people are those of highway commissioner, assessor and school director, and in every case he has proved himself to be a man who was ever ready to exert himself for the advancement of his people, who was just and honorable and endowed with good judgment. He is also well known in the fraternal circles of his township, for he is a member of Stewart Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and Lodge, No. 172, I. O. O. F., while with Mrs. Weidlein he belongs to the Eastern Star, the Daughters of Rebekah, and the Royal Neighbors of Geneseo In the meetings of these bodies he has proved that he is a man of social qualities as well of high business ability.

Edward Lindquist

Edward Lindquist, one of Lynn township's valued citizens, was born within its limits February 23, 1870. His parents were Gustaf and Caroline (Marsh) Lindquist, early settlers in this section. Both of them were born in Sweden, the mother coming to the United States when very young with her father and other members of the family, her mother having died in their native land. Gustaf Lindquist came alone, his parents never having emigrated to America. He was possessed of energy and thrift and became a successful farmer and large landowner, as well as a man of high standing in the neighborhood on account of his unimpeachable character. He and his wife were the parents of six children, three of whom died in infancy, while a son named Theodore died when about twenty years of age. Those surviving are Edward, the subject of this sketch; and Amanda, now the wife of S. P. Neystrom, a prominent farmer of Lynn township, whose sketch appears in another part of this work. The father was a member of the Lutheran church of Andover. His death occurred in 1900, but his widow, a most estimable woman, still survives.

Edward Lindquist was reared upon the home farm and as soon as old enough assisted in the work. In the winter, when there was a slackening in agricultural activity, he obtained his education in the district schools. After his marriage in 1893 he took possession of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of fine land in Lynn township, where he and his family reside. This Mr. Lindquist has improved and brought to the high state of perfection made possible by modern methods. In addition to the splendid crops for which he is noted, he is a successful breeder of thoroughbred Shire draught horses, his fine animals commanding a high price.

On March 22, 1893, Mr. Lindquist was married to Miss Cordelia Anderson, a daughter of John O. and Anna (Joungquist) Anderson, both of whom were born in Sweden. -Their parents were not among those who were caught in the current of emigration, the two young people coming to the new world with friends. They were married in the United States and settled in Henry county, Illinois. Fortune smiled upon Mr. Anderson's agricultural endeavor and he gained a competence which he enjoyed together with the esteem of his friends. He is now living a retired life at Orion. His wife died May 20, 1898, and her remains were interred in Orion cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson had a family of nine children as follows: Anna, deceased; John W., of North Dakota; Charles and Henry, both deceased ; Lottie, now Mrs. Peter Samuelson, of Orion, Ilhnois; Carl Alfred, of North Dakota; Albert, deceased; Amanda A., now Mrs. Albert Jacobson of Lynn township; and Cordelia, the wife of the subject of the sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Lindquist have a family of three sons named Archie, Cyrus and Russell.

Mr. Lindquist upholds the tenets of republicanism and is active in party and public affairs. His wisdom in matters of public welfare has caused his fellowcitizens to repose in him numerous trusts. He served for a number of years as a member of the republican county central committee and many times as delegate to county and district conventions. He has been a member of the Lynn township board of elections and has held the office of township assessor. For no less than fourteen years he was a valued member of the school board and at the present time serves as township school trustee. He is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, and he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church of Andover. In this same church his father was a trustee and active worker for many years, which gives the son's association with it a still deeper meaning. Mr. Lindquist is a fine man and a public-spirited citizen, an advocate of progress, especially as applied to good roads and good public schools. All measures that have in view substantial progress and all honest efforts to accomplish this have his hearty cooperation.

St. Francis Hospital

The St. Francis Hospital at Kewanee was founded in the following manner. On January 10, 1902, Rev. D. L. Crowe wrote to the Mother Superior at St. Anthony's Hospital, Rock Island, Illinois, for three or four Sisters to open a hospital at Kewanee. On January 14 of that same year, Mother Mary Michael and Sister Mary Bernardine visited Kewanee and after the matter was talked

On January 17, 1902, Rev. D. L. Crowe purchased the Scott property on the corner of Tremont and South streets for the sum of forty-eight hundred dollars. Father Crowe paying fifteen hundred dollars on the property as a donation to the hospital, but the Sisters afterward sold the place to the Baptists for sixtyfive hundred dollars. Rt. Rev. Bishop Spalding and the Mother Superior at Rock Island appointed Sister Mary Bernardine to take charge of the work. She with two other Sisters made arrangements at once to meet a committee of the citizens of Kewanee, among whom were J. H. Pierce, president of the Western Tube Company; C. I. Pierce; E. E. Baker, president of the Boiler Company; B. F. Baker ; James Quirk ; John Fischer ; Will Lyman ; and A. M. Hewlett, the successor to J. H. Pierce, benefactor of the hospital.

It was decided at once that the Sisters should begin collecting funds for the hospital, and they met with unexpected success, overcoming all obstacles. On February 15, 1902, they took charge of the house and began making improvements as many changes were necessary. Partitions were put in, hard wood floors laid and a bathroom and electricity installed. The kitchen was made over into an operating room ; the dining room was made the male ward ; the front parlor a private room, and the other rooms were arranged as was most convenient. The basement was fitted up as a kitchen, dining room, store room and laundry. There were eleven beds for hospital use and later as many as eighteen patients were accommodated by crowding beds in the halls and elsewhere.

The hospital was opened to receive patients March 19, 1902, and the first patient received was a charity patient who was coming down with lagrippe, James Stokes, of Kewanee. The first surgical operation was performed March 20, 1902, by Drs. Oliver, Hiflin and Russell. Dr. Russell died in 1904, and his loss was deeply felt by the hospital for he had a promising career ahead of him and was faithful to his charges.

During the first year three hundred and twenty-five patients were received, and of these but fourteen died. One hundred and ninety^-seven days were given to charity. On May 20, 1902, Mr. and Mrs. Elias Lyman donated a site for a new hospital at the corner of Elliott and Prospect streets, valued at eight thousand dollars. The Sisters at once had plans drawn for a new hospital by Doerr Brothers, of Chicago, the cost of the building to be fifty thousand dollars. The plans were examined by Rt. Rev. Bishop Spalding, Father Crowe, the physicians and the committee of citizens having the work in charge, all were satisfied, and the contract was let without delay and the cornerstone was laid December 8, 1903.

The dedication of the hospital took place July 24, 1904. The advisory committee was composed of the following: Father Crowe, pastor of Visitation church; A. M. Hewlett, president of the Western Tube Company; B. F. Baker, vice president of the Kewanee Boiler Company; Charles I. Pierce, president of the Big Creek Coal Company; John Fischer, president the Kewanee Savings Bank; and E. C. O'Connor, mayor of Kewanee. The principal speaker was the Rt. Rev. Bishop Spalding and he spoke eloquently and touchingly of the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Lyman and the grand work of the hospital Sis- ters. Music was furnished by the Visitation church choir and Kewanee military band. The parade was headed by mounted police and the military company. Bishop Spalding gave a second address and Dean Mackin, of Rock Island, and Rev. W. D. McLean, rector of St, John's church, also made addresses.

The new hospital has a capacity of fifty-two rooms and nearly all of them were furnished by individuals and societies of every denomination. The first patients were received August 12, 1904. On May 24, 1906, the Ly man-Lay Company donated a lot of ground north of the hospital as a training school for nurses, which was opened in March of that year. Sister Mary Bernardine died November 28 of this same year. Her successor is Sister Mary Bernadetta, one of the first Sisters to come to Kewanee in 1902. The first class of nurses graduated April 21, 1908.

St. Francis Hospital is one of the institutions of which Kewanee is justly proud for it represents the public-spirit and warm-hearted charity of all the people irrespective of religious views. It is truly a great work and worthy the people who have fathered it.

Frank H, Brown

Frank H. Brown, a progressive young agriculturist of Henry county, Illinois, who, in connection with his brother, has recently begun to deal in automobiles manufactured at Lansing, Michigan, was born here July 29, 1882, in the house where he now makes his home on section 15, Osco township, and is the son of James M. and Martha E. (Myers) Brown. Both were natives of Fulton county, Illinois, where they grew to years of maturity and after their marriage came to Henry county, where the father bought land and on this farm spent his remaining days. His time and energies were devoted to the further improvement of the place, which he brought under a high state of cultivation, adding from time to time all the modern conveniences and accessories with which to carry on the work by the most advanced methods. Three children were born unto Mr, and Mrs. James M, Brown: May, who makes her home with her mother; Roy S.; and Frank H. In his political views the father was a republican, although he never cared to hold office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his farming interests and his leisure hours with his family, whose comfort and happiness were his chief consideration. His death occurred May 4, 1893.

Spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, Frank H. Brown received the advantages of a common school education and later continued his studies for two terms at the Geneseo Collegiate Institute. In the meantime, under his father's capable direction, he became an apt pupil in the school of experience, devoting his vacations to the study of the soil, selection of the different cereals to be planted each year, learning how to properly care for the stock, and all through the busy summer season assisting his father until his death, when he. continued to carry on the work under the able management of his mother.- When he attained his majority he assumed entire control and, though he is yet

Frank H. Brown was united in marriage on the 6th of February, 1907, in Rock Island, Illinois, to Miss Jessie W. Hornecker, a resident of Cambridge. She was born in Edford township and is a daughter of Martin and Martha (Shoemaker) Hornecker. They now reside on the old homestead on section 15, Osco township, which includes one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land, and his mother also owns eighty acres on section 9, in Osco township. In addition to his cultivation of these two farms he has extensive stock-raising interests, feeding and shipping stock and thereby obtaining substantial returns for his labors in this branch of his business. In the spring of 1909 he and his brother became interested in automobiles, especially those of the Reo make that are manufactured in Lansing, Michigan, and since engaging in this business sold six machines in four months time, from April to August, 1909. Mr. Brown, believing most firmly in the platform of the republican party, is using his vote and influence to elect the candidates of that faith where national issues are involved, and in 1904 cast his first presidential ballot for Theodore Roosevelt.

Andrew Appell makes his home on an excellent farm in Galva township. His birth occurred in Sweden in October, 1844, his parents being Peter M. and Anna Brita Appell, who were likewise natives of that country. The father was a drummer in the regular army of Sweden and followed farming as a means of livelihood. He with wife and children crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1852 and made his way direct to Chicago, Illinois, where he died of cholera a few days after his arrival. Traveling at that time was very troublesome. The entire journey lasted about six months - from the time they left their home in Sweden till they reached their destination in Victoria. Nine weeks were spent on a sailing vessel going across the ocean. Between New York and Chicago they traveled partly by flatboat on the canal and on Lake Erie. From Chicago they crossed the prairie in a lumber wagon, as there were no railroads in that part of the state. His death came very suddenly and unexpectedly, for only the previous day he had gone on a hunting trip. He was forty-two years of age at the time of his demise. His widow took up her abode in Knox county in the same year, settling near Victoria township. She lived in a log house the first two years and endured many hardships and privations. Her demise occurred in 1889, when she had attained the age of seventy-seven years. She was the mother of nine children, two of whom still survive - Charles and Andrew. Two others lived to maturity, namely: Alfred, who passed away during the period of the Civil war; and Louisa, who gave her hand in marriage to Oscar Dowell and died about the year 1897.