Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1910 (part 20 of 32)

Andrew Appell was a little lad of eight years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. He was reared in Knox county, living on a farm there with his mother and brother Charles until he had attained his majority. His mother purchased a farm of eighty acres and the two boys bought one hundred and sixty acres together, our subject's share being fiftythree acres. Subsequently they purchased two quarter sections of land. Mr. Appell of this review now owns altogether five hundred and forty acres of rich and productive farming land. He made his home in Knox county until 1891 and still owns a tract of two hundred and twenty acres there. His landed holdings in Henry county embrace three hundred and twenty acres, two hundred and forty acres of which lie in Wethersfield township, while the remaining eightyacre tract is on section 34, Galva township, and constitutes his home place. It is located just south of the corporate limits of Galva and is a highly improved and valuable property, on which are seen all of the equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. The residence is a commodious and attractive structure and all of the other buildings are kept in a good state of repair. Mr. Appell is a man of untiring energy and excellent business ability and in the conduct of his agricultural interests has won a measure of success that entitles him to recognition among the most prosperous, enterprising and progressive citizens of the community.

In 1876 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Appell and Miss Matilda Peterson, a native of Sweden and a daughter of Peter M. and Anna Brita Peterson, who spent their entire lives in that country. Mrs. Appell's father was a prominent man in his community. He was entrusted with many public duties and served as justice of the peace for over thirty years. In 1869 Mrs. Appell made the voyage to the United States in company with some friends and after her arrival in this country lived in Chicago for a number of years. She came to Knox county, this state, in 1876. She was one of a family of ten children, four of whom are now living in this country, namely : Mrs. Sarah Anderson ; Peter Halsted, a resident of Wadena, Minnesota ; Mrs. Appell ; and Mrs. Clara Lagequist. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Appell have been born four children: Gottfred and Lillie, at home; and two who died in infancy.

When national questions and issues are involved Mr. Appell casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party but at local elections votes independently, supporting the candidate whom he believes best qualified for office. Both he and his wife are faithful and consistent members of the Swedish Lutheran church, the teachings of which they exemplify in their daily lives. They are well known in social circles and enjoy in large measure the friendship and kindly regard of those with whom they have been brought in contact.

Gilbert C. Samuelson

Gilbert C. Samuelson, a farmer and stock raiser, feeder and shipper of Osco township, who owns forty acres on section 17, while he also operates his father's place of two hundred and forty acres, in the same township, was born in Western township, February 5, 1869, his parents being James and Clara (Manguson) Samuelson. When he was about six years old his father sold his farm in West- ern township and purchased the land on which he lives today for sixty-five dollars an acre. Here Gilbert C. Samuelson grew to manhood, being about fourteen when in 1882 his mother died. In 1897 his father moved to Cambridge, leaving his son in charge of the farm which he had assisted in tilling from his boyhood days. His daughter, Mabel, the only other child born to him and his wife, accompanied him to Cambridge and gives him the comforts of a home which can be obtained only through a woman's presence. From his own farm and the tract belonging to his father which he operates, Gilbert C. Samuelson has won a large return for his many hours of hard labor. Familiar as he has been with the nature of the soil from his earliest years, he has had but to cultivate it by the most approved methods to obtain the large harvests which are his pride. In addition to the raising of cereals, however, he has devoted a great deal of time to the stock business, making shipments annually to the important markets. His industry has been the measure of his success and he finds that each year makes a gratifying increase to the income that he derives from his labors.

Mr. Samuelson has been married twice. On the 12th of December, 1894, he wedded Miss Dora L. Johnson, who was born and reared in Lynn township, Henry county, her parents being George H. and Anna (Bergstrom) Johnson. Of this union were two children born: Grace, whose birth occurred in Clover township, and Herbert, born on the home farm in Osco township. Mrs. Samuelson passed away June 28, 1902. On the 6th of September, 1905, Mr. Samuelson married again, his second wife being Miss Carrie Baird. She was born in Portland, Indiana, March 5, 1884, and is a daughter of Charles and Emma (Dull) Baird. Mr. Baird, who passed away January 5, 1907, in Munson township, after a two weeks' illness that resulted in inflammation of the brain and paralysis, was born in that township, January 9, 1857. He graduated from the classical department of the schools of Valparaiso, Indiana, with the class of 1883. After the completion of his education he devoted several years to teaching school. First he had charge of the department of mathematics in the schools of Portland, Indiana, being assisted by his wife, and then upon resigning this position he went to the business college in Helena, Montana, where he taught mathematics, penmanship and commercial law. This he also resigned after a considerable length of time, to accept a responsible and more lucrative position in the office of the Rocky Mountain division of the Northern Pacific Railroad. In 1891 he returned to Henry county to become instructor in the business department of the Geneseo Collegiate Institute, fulfilling his duties in that capacity for about eleven years. Five years before his death he retired to a farm in Munson township on which he lived with his family the remaining years of his life.

Immediately after his graduation he wedded Miss Emma Reese Dull, of Hamlet, Indiana, and of their union were born three children: Carrie Reese, who is now Mrs. Samuelson ; Charles Glen, the only son ; and Nellie Merle who was the youngest. These with his widow still survive. Mr. Baird possessed many noble qualities of head and heart. As a husband and father he was loving and loved ; as a friend he was loyal, sincere and unchangeable ; and believing in the promises of God he lived and died a Christian. Men and women were the

Mr. Samuelson has always allied himself with the republican party, but although he has served as school trustee and director for a number of years he is not an aspirant for public office. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee, while of the Sunday-school since its organization, Mrs. Samuelson has been superintendent. Fraternally he enjoys most pleasant relations with the camp of the Modem Woodmen of America at Osco, and both Mr. and Mrs. Samuelson belong to the Royal Neighbors, Mrs. Samuelson having been chosen receiver of the local camp.

John W. Johnson

John W. Johnson, a farmer of Oxford township, was born in Delaware county, Indiana, January 23, 1857, and is a son of John M. and Sarah A. (Cree) Johnson. The father was a farmer in that state and was accounted a successful man, although, he had a very hard life for his parents died of the cholera when he was but two years of age and he was early compelled to make his own way in the world. He did not even have the advantage of a good education, in fact he received scarcely any, and yet he pushed ahead, making the best use of the gifts nature bestowed upon him and the opportunities that came his way. In 1859 he moved his family to Illinois, locating in Oxford township, Henry county. Here he continued to follow agricultural pursuits with success and profit, and also engaged in threshing, owning a machine which he took to various farms in his vicinity. Although he had almost no education he was very quick at figures, could calculate interest in his head and at the end of a season could tell the amount of grain he had threshed for each farmer. He kept no books for his accounts, for his memory served him better than paper and ink. Mr. Johnson was married twice. By his first wife he had a family of four children: Richard, Elizabeth, Mary C. and John W. The last is the only one now living, the two eldest having died in their youth, and Mary C. when she had reached years of maturity. The mother died in i860 and shortly afterward Mr. Johnson married Miss Sarah A. Davis, who bore him five children, all of whom are living: Emma, Frank, Augpista, Martha and Lida. Mrs. Johnson died in the spring of 1907, and her husband had passed away many years before, his death having occurred October 10, 1883. He was a democrat in hia political views and was always interested in public matters, especially in good schools, whose efficiency he tried to promote in the years he was a member of the school board for he was conscious of the advantages he had missed through his inability to attend school.

John W. Johnson grew to young manhood upon his father's farm and after completing the course of study prescribed by the schools of Oxford township attended Hedding College at Abingdon for a few years, after which he returned to his home. At the age of twenty-four he married and brought his bride to the old Johnson homestead which is his home at present. It is a fine tract of land.

highly cultivated and well improved, on which Mr. Johnson farms on a large scale, giving his attention principally to the raising of corn and oats. In the fall of 1901, about the 8th of September, Mr. Johnson embarked in the furniture and undertaking business in Alpha. Two years later he sold his interests there and removed to Cambridge, where he continued in the same business. He remained there only three years, however, and then returned to his farm, which he had ever regarded as his home. He had always been interested in commercial affairs and in 1899 had organized the Alpha Check Rower Company, of which he was president until it went out of business. Early in his Hfe, when a tiller of the soil, he bought a corn sheller and enjoys the distinction of having shelled more corn than any other man in Henry county, for since 1871 the total of bushels to his credit amounts to one million, seven hundred thousand and more.

On the 3d of February, 1881, Mr. Johnson married Miss Anna G. Engle, a daughter of Hudson B. and Sarah (Elwell) Engle. The parents were natives of New Jersey and Vermont respectively and came to Illinois in early days, settling in Western township, Henry county, before the town of Orion was laid out. The father identified himself closely with the farming interests of that township and attained to high respect among the citizens there. Both he and his wife are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born two sons and one daughter. Ralph H., the eldest, was graduated from the Chicago Veterinary College in 1909 and is riow practicing his profession in Farmington, Minnesota. Mary M. is the wife of George Bland, a farmer of Oxford township. Telford E. is at home and is a student in the Alpha schools.

Mr. Johnson affiliates with the republican party and has always been active in political affairs having served the township in various capacities. He has efficiently fulfilled the duties of the town clerk, has served as commissioner of the highways for a period of twelve years, and for five years was on the school board and then resigned that position. In the Baptist church, to which his family belong, he is also active, having been church clerk for twenty-five years and for a period of nearly that length superintendent of the Sunday school. At the present he is a teacher in this department of church work. In the ranks of the Mystic Workers he is well known for the qualities that have made him so strong a citizen have come to the fore in his relations with his fraternal brothers. A man of public spirit, he does all in his power for the improvement of the schools and of the roads, in fact supports everything that makes for the progress of his community.

George Funk

George Funk, who is one of the more prosperous of the older generation of farmers of Henry county, owns a well improved tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 31, Cornwall township, where he makes his home, and also owns the southeast quarter of section 36, Munson township, and eighty acres of the north half of the northwest quarter of section 5, Burns township. He was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, January lo, 1847, his parents being Abraham and Matilda (Armentrout) Funk. The ancestors on the paternal side came originally from Switzerland, but the family has been identified with American history for a number of generations. The grandfather, Christian Funk, was a native of Pennsylvania, and there married Susannah Gile. For a time the couple resided in Lancaster county, that state, and then, when their son Abraham was about seven years of age, removed to Rockingham county, Virginia.

Abraham Funk, the father of George Funk, grew to maturity in the Old Dominion and in Rockingham county was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Armentrout, a native of that section and a daughter of parents who were opposed to slavery. Mr. Funk also held the same opinion and was a strong Union man after the inauguration of the Civil war and as he was very frank in expressing his views he was cast into prison. Later, in 1862, when he was liberated he traded his Virginia home for four hundred acres in Henry county, Illinois, and; having obtained a pass from Jefferson Davis, he brought his family here. Seven children had been born to him and his wife, but only three daughters and his son George accompanied him upon this tedious journey. The eldest, David, had married in Virginia and settled in Ford county, Illinois, in 1859. He is now living in Missouri. Melinda became the wife of Thomas Walsh and died leaving seven children. Susannah is also deceased. She married John Weaver. Mary, who has also passed away, was the wife of Henry Weaver. Christian wedded Miss Lucy Jenkins and died in Oregon, leaving ten children. Katharine became the wife of George S. Will, of Virginia, who died in 1906, and she now resides in Hamilton, Missouri, and is the mother of seven children. George, the subject of this sketch, is the youngest of the family. His mother died when he was four years of age, and his father married again, but by the second union there were no children. When Mr. Funk came to Henry county there were a few small buildings upon his land, but three years later he was able to erect a fine brick house, in which he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring April 29, 1875. He was a man of great force of character, one who held to his convictions as regards right and wrong, and one whose life commanded respect.

George Funk was about seventeen years of age when he accompanied his father on his removal to Henry county. He had attended the subscription school near his Virginia home, wherein he had received a fair education, and after coming here obtained about twenty-two days' schooling. He worked for his father on the farm until he became twenty-one, and thereafter, as he continued to live at home, was given a share of the crops as compensation for his labor. He was thrifty as well as industrious, and after the death of his father he was able to buy, in December, 1875, as the result of his savings, one hundred and sixty acres of land at fifty dollars an acre. Later, as his financial resources increased he made wise and judicious investments in other farm property, in 1881 buying eighty acres at fifty dollars an acre; in 1892, purchasing another tract of eighty acres, for which he paid fifty-eight dollars an acre; and in 1901 securing eighty acres more for fifty-five dollars an acre. The place on which he lives, on section 31, Cornwall township, is well improved with fine buildings, has recently been tiled, and is maintained under an excellent state of cultivation that derives the best results possible from the soil. In addition to raising cereals Mr, Funk has engaged in feeding and shipping stock, and as he has devoted to this enterprise the same care and discrimination distinguishable in his purely agricultural undertakings he has found it a profitable adjunct to his business.

In Cambridge, Illinois, February 12, 1874, Mr. Funk wedded Miss Rebecca E. Funk, who was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, April 12, 1842, and is a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Shue) Funk. Three children have been bom to them. Abram A., born November 23, 1874, received a good education, for he was graduated from the Geneseo Collegiate Institute with the class of 1894 and has since pursued many studies independently, receiving a diploma from the Correspondence School of Scranton, Pennsylvania, while he is now studying civil engineering in a correspondence school of Chicago. He is a farmer by occupation and owns eighty acres on section 31, Cornwall township, where he is living. He married Miss Carrie Hunter. Amy Aurelia married Frank S. Sears, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. Atta Viola, the third child, was born January 28, 1880, and died in October, 1881.

Mr. Funk gives unfaltering allegiance in pohtical matters to the republican party, having supported its candidates invariably since he cast his first ballot for Ulysses S. Grant. While he is not an office seeker, he is an advocate of public improvements and especially of good schools, as was manifest in the acceptable service he rendered as a member of the board of education. He belongs to the Congregational church, and in endeavoring to live up to its teachings he manifests those sterling ' traits of manhood which ever command confidence and awaken regard and is therefore well worthy of the esteem uniformly accorded him.

William Charlet

William Charlet, whose three hundred and twenty acres of rich farming land in Kewanee township attest his prosperity and substantial position in life, was bom July i, 1865, in that township, a son of William and Amelia (Ballieu) Charlet. The father was bora in Brandenburg, Pmssia, Germany, December 13, 1834, and there learned the trade of a weaver and worked at it. In 1856 he borrowed the money for his passage to America, having heard of the opportunities offered in Illinois and having for his destination Kewanee. After his arrival here he discovered that his hopes had been raised too high but he secured employment with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and, saving his money, was soon able to buy twenty acres of land at less than twenty dollars per acre, and this initial purchase is a part of his present homestead of one hundred and forty acres. As soon as he secured his land he began farming and has continued the work ever since. He has prospered financially, and has filled the offices of school director and road commissioner. On April 21, 1859, he married Amelia Ballieu, who was bom in July, 1836, in Germany, and came to the United States with her parents in 1854. She is a daughter of Frederick and Fredericka Ballieu. Her father was a stone-mason by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Charlet had three children, two of whom survive: William, Jr., of this review; and Emeline, at home.

William Charlet, Jr., has devoted his life to farming and in 1894 bought his present farm of three hundred and twenty acres. All of his efforts have been on his own property with the exception of one year spent on his father's farm. His land is very fertile and in good condition and he is reaping a good return on his investment.

On April 4, 1893, Mr. Charlet married Ottilie Furst, who was born in Kewanee, and they have four living children: Walter, Ruth, Harry and Clarence. Mr. Charlet has been school director for twelve years and is much interested in educational matters. He is a member of the Evangelical church, with which his father is also connected, and in which he was a Sunday-school teacher for many years. William Charlet, Jr., is an excellent example of the second generation of German emigrants. With the sturdy German characteristics he combines the pluck and progressive spirit of his own country and as a result he is classed among the successful farmers of his locality, and a man to be considered when public affairs are under discussion.

William Harbaugh

Various interests in recent years have claimed the time and energies of William Harbaugh, who is now a notary public of Geneseo. Numbered among Ohio's native sons, he was born in Wayne county, November 17, 1844. The family is of German lineage, although representatives of the name went from the fatherland to England before coming to America. From colonial days, however, the family has been founded in the United States. The great-grandfather, Fred Harbaugh, was born in Pennsylvania and died in Ohio. His wife was Betsey Spinks, a native of England. John Harbaugh, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Maryland in 1773 and died in Ohio in 1854 at the venerable age of eighty-one years. He married Elizabeth Rickel, a daughter of John and Catharine (Blucher) Rickel, the latter a sister of General Blucher. Mr. and Mrs. John Harbaugh were the parents of five sons and two daughters: Michael; John R. ; Joseph; George; Adam; Mrs. Sarah Miller; and Catharine, who became the wife of Michael Rickel. Of this number John R. Harbaugh was the father of William Harbaugh. His birth occurred in Pennsylvania and in early manhood he wedded Eliza Byers, also a native of that state. Her father, Daniel Byers, was likewise born in Pennsylvania and he, too, was of German Hneage. He was bom in 1790, followed farming as his life work and died at an old age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Stambaugh, was born in Pennsylvania in 1799 and also traveled far on life's journey. Their children were John; Elias; Jacob; David; Daniel; Mary, the wife of George Bubach; Sarah, the wife of Jacob Qouse; Eliza, who became the wife of John R. Harbaugh; and Anna, deceased. The latter married William Painter, who had one daughter, Anna, the wife of Wellington Mertz, of VandaHa, Illinois.

In early manhood John R. Harbaugh learned and followed the carpenter's trade, but afterward turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. The year 1850 witnessed his arrival in Bureau county, Illinois, and in 1852 he came to Henry county, settling in Phenix township, where he became the owner of two hundred and twenty-five acres of land, which he improved and upon which he reared his family. At the time of the Civil war he removed to Geneseo, where his death occurred in 1892, when he was seventy-seven years of age, his birth having occurred in 181 5. His wife, who was born in 1818, also died at the age of seventy-seven years, passing away in 1895. They were consistent and devoted members of the Methodist church and Mr. Harbaugh was active and influential in community affairs, giving hs aid and influence at all times for general progress and improvement. He served as postmaster and was also justice of the peace for several years, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. Unto him and his wife were born four sons and four daughters : Mary, the wife of J. J. Raser of Canon City, Colorado, had three children, one who died in infancy; Clark, residing in Denver, Colorado; and Mrs. Mary Taylor, of Seattle, Washington. George, who was a soldier of the Civil war and died at the age of twenty-nine years, married Miss Lizzie Patton and had one child, who is deceased. William is next in order of birth. Melissa married George Raser and is now deceased. Frank, whose home is in Waterloo, Iowa, married Miss Rebecca Luther and has three children, Grace, Ina and John Chase. Elizabeth, who is the widow of William Herman and lives in Los Angeles, California, had two children, Eliza, deceased; and Frank, who resides in Los Angeles. Harriet died at the age of eight years. One child died in infancy.

In taking up the personal history of William Harbaugh we present to our readers the Hfe record of one who is widely and favorably known in this part of the state. He was but six years of age when his parents removed to Bureau county, Illinois, and he has lived continuously in Henry county since the spring of 1852, or for a period of fifty-seven years. He was reared upon the home farm and the winter months were devoted to the acquirement of an educationin the district schools and the farm work in the summer seasons. In August, 1862, when not yet eighteen years of age, he responded to the country's call for aid and joined the Union army as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served as a private for almost three years. He proved his loyalty on many a hotly contested battle field, participating in the engagements of Richmond, Kentucky, Knoxville, Tennessee, Bean Station, Calhoun, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, New Hope Church, Utoy Creek, and all of the movements of the army at the Atlanta campaign. He was also at Jonesboro, Columbia, Franklin and Nashville, and with his command proceeded to North Carolina, where he took part in the battles of Wilmington and Fort Anderson. He made a most creditable military record while at the front, never faltering in the performance of any duty whether on the lonely picket line or on the firing line.

When the war was over Mr. Harbaugh returned home and conducted a grocery and dry-goods store in company with I. S. Felger from the fall of 1865 until December, 1879. In 1880 he engaged in the sporting goods and poultry business, in which he continued for eight years, and later he was appointed postmaster of Geneseo under Benjamin Harrison's administration and served from 1890 until 1894. Since that time he has followed various pursuits. For the past twelve years he has been deputy collector of the township and the city of Geneseo and for four years has been notary public. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the sHghtest degree and his official record is one over which there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil.

On the 17th of November, 1867, Mr. Harbaugh was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Luther, a daughter of George and Salome (Schock) Luther, and a native of Des Plaines, Illinois. Her parents were natives of Alsace-Lorraine, Germany, and coming to America 'settled at Des Plaines, but afterward took up their abode in Yorktown township, Henry county, and about i860 became residents of Geneseo, where their last days were passed. The paternal grandfather of Airs. Harbaugh was Jacob J. Luther, who married Louisa Saunders. They are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The maternal grandfather was Adam Schock, who served in the German war of 1848. He died in Chicago at a very advanced age. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. George Luther were the following children: Louisa, who married J. S. Felger, of Geneseo; Caroline, who is the wife of Samuel Morrow; Rebecca, the wife of Frank Harbaugh, who resides in Waterloo, Iowa ; David, deceased ; Susan, who married J. W. Holden, and lives in Shenandoah, Iowa; and Mrs. Harbaugh.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Harbaugh has been blessed with one daughter, Bernice, who is now the wife of William C. Voss mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Harbaugh attend the Methodist church and he belongs to several fraternal organizations, including Winnebago Tribe, No. 334, I. O. R. M., and E. J. Jenkins Post, No. 452, G. A. R., in both of which he was a charter member. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and his record as a public official and private citizen is most creditable, while his labors have been of essential value to the community.

Conspicuous among Kewanee's progressive citizens is the Hon. William J. McGuire, a representative from Henry county to the state legislature and a man whom many believe is only upon the threshold of his political career. He was born in Lee county, Illinois, November 14, 1868, in the same house in which his mother first saw the light of day. His parents were Charles and Mary (Dolan) McGuire, the father having been born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1845. He came west to Illinois sometime in the '50s and took up railroad engineering, which he followed until a few years before his death, which occurred in Kewanee, July 23, 1907, his age being sixty-two years. The mother of our subject was the daughter of William Dolan, one of Lee county's first settlers. In 1872 this estimable woman passed on to her reward.

William J. McGuire received his education in Lamoville, Bureau county, Illinois, and there learned the barber's trade, which he followed for several years. He ultimately abandoned this and from 1893 to 1897 held the position of supervisor in the Home for the Feeble Minded at Lincoln, Illinois. In 1902 he came to Kewanee, where for four years he engaged in the wholesale liquor business. He became very well known in the city and in the fall of 1906 was elected on the democratic ticket as state representative to the legislature from the thirty-seventh district. He was the first nominated by the direct vote of the people at the primaries. He was elected by a large majority, much support being given by the republicans. In 1908 he was reelected, a signal victory, since for many years no man in this district has held the office of representative for two successive terms.

On June 2, 1896, Mr. McGuire was married to Miss Catherine Hutter, of Lincoln, Illinois, their union being celebrated in Chicago. Her father was one of the first business men of Lincoln. To Mr. and Mrs. McGuire have been bom three children : Florence, aged twelve years, William C, aged ten, and Isabelle, aged eight, all of whom are at school.

Mr. McGuire is Catholic in faith and holds membership in the Church of the Visitation. His fraternal relations extend to the Elks, the Eagles, the Foresters and the Red Men. He is at present serving on the finance committee of the state organization of the first named society and is past worthy president of the second. He has the gift of easily making friends, of whom he possesses a host in this locality. He is everywhere known as a liberal minded man and well deserves the public trust which the voters of Henry county have given into his keeping.

Edward E. Darin

Edward E. Darin, an enterprising and prosperous agriculturist and stockman of Phenix township, makes his home on a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty-six acres on section 26 and is likewise the owner of another tract of one hundred and twenty-one acres on the same section. It was on the latter farm that his birth occurred, his natal day being September 4, 1861. His parents were John Jackson and Eleanor (Clarke) Darin.

Edward E. Darin was reared to manhood on the old homestead farm and attended the common schools in pursuit of an education that would equip him for the practical and responsible duties of life. His father allowed him to keep the money which he earned in his youthful days and when twenty years of age gave him the use of a field and told him he might have the proceeds of the crop. In this way he accumulated capital sufficient to enable him to purchase a farm of his own and in 1882 he came into possession of his present place of one hundred and sixty-six acres on section 26, Phenix township, paying about fifty- four dollars per acre for the land. He has erected thereon a modern and substantial residence, as well as good barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, and altogether has a highly improved and well developed farm, the fields anrwally yielding bounteous harvests of golden grain. In addition to the cultivation of cereals he is also engaged in the raising, feeding and shipping of stock and in both branches of his business has won a gratifying and well merited degree of success. He also owns the old homestead place of one hundred and twenty-one acres on which he was reared, having purchased the property in 1905 for one hundred and fifty-two dollars an acre. This was the first farm in

On the 8th of March, 1893, in Geneseo township, Mr. Darin was united in marriage to Miss Nettie M. Ward, who was bom near Geneseo. Her parents^ Thomas and Mary (Nuttycombe) Ward, are still residents of Phenix township. Mr. and Mrs. Darin now have three children, namely: Harold Avery, born July 27, 1894; Mary Eleanor, whose birth occurred May 17, 1897; and John Ward, who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the i6th of June, 1903.

Politically Mr. Darin is a stanch advocate of the principles of the republican party. He has served as collector for two terms but has not been an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. Fraternally he is identified with Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 40, also Mystic Workers of the World. Both he and his wife are well known and highly esteemed throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives and the number of their friends has steadily increased as the circle of their acquaintances has widened.

Eric Winroot

Despite the fact of advancing years, Eric Winroot is still actively engaged in agricultural pursuits in which he has won so pronounced a success in the years, now numbering almost three decades, he has followed that vocation in the vicinity of Bishop Hill. He was born in Helsingland, Sweden, June 11, 1843. His father, Peter Peterson, died in his native land when his son was only four years old, and six years later, when he was ten years of age, Eric Winroot was deprived of a mother's care and love. She bore the maiden name of Britta Ericson. Nevertheless he received a fair education in the public schools of his native land and at the age of twenty-one deemed that he was able and prepared to come to America and make the fortune which compatriots, who had emigrated here, said lay in this land.

In July, 1866, he located at Bishop Hill, where he found employment at farm work until 1879. In that year he took an eight year lease upon eighty-two acres of land lying in the vicinity of the village and two years later bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres situated about three miles west of the town. It was improved at the time of purchase, but the buildings were of the poorest character. In 1886 Mr. Peterson erected a fine barn with forty-two by' thirty-eight feet floor space, and about ten years ago greatly enlarged and improved the house, thus affording tangible evidence of the good fortune which accompanied his labors. When he first engaged in farming he raised broom corn quite extensively, but of recent years has given his attention principally to corn and oats. He has also found the stock business a profitable adjunct to his agricultural interests, each year raising about thirty head of cattle for the market and half a hundred hogs. For a few years he also bred some colts, but he was not satisfied with his returns in that undertaking and has forsaken it. During the season of 1909 he rented some of his land to others, and is con- templating leasing the whole of his place, while he retires from the strenuous life that has been his for years and takes up his residence in some town. None more than he is deserving of a respite from toil.

At Cambridge, Illinois, February 23, 1871, was celebrated the marriage of Mr, Winroot and Miss Caroline Lindstrom, a daughter of Eric Lindstrom, who is a promient farmer of Weller township. Nine children have been born to the couple: Effie, who is the eldest of the family; Alice, who became the wife of Victor Bergland; Mabel, who married Frank Hagg; Henry, who is at home; Frances, who is the wife of Oscar Abrahamson; and Eunice, Claude and Ruby, who are unmarried. Hattie, the only member of the family who has passed away, died in 1881, at the age of four years.

Mr. Winroot has always exhibited an independence in his political views, voting for men irrespective of party affihation. On three occasions he cast his ballot for Bryan, although previously he had supported the presidential candidate recommended by the republican party. While not an office seeker, he has taken some part in local affairs, serving for nine years as school director and ever evincing a public spirit in his attitude toward measures calculated to promote public welfare. Formerly he was connected fraternally with the A. O. U. W., but of late years he relinquished his lodge affiliations. He is well known, however, and is recognized as a man ^who deserves to be included among the strong characters of his locality.

George S. German

George S. German, who has lived retired in Kewanee since 1894, has thu^ for the past fifteen years enjoyed the fruits of his former toil as an agriculturist. His birth occurred in Brown county, Ohio, on the 29th of April, 1837. His father, David German, who was likewise a native of that county, took up his abode in Peoria county, Illinois, in 1852, while two years later he came to Henry county, locating in Wethersfield township. He purchased a farm two and three-quarters miles southeast of Kewanee and there carried on his agricultural interests until about 1884, when he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Kewanee, where his remaining days were spent. His demise occurred in October, 1896, when he had attained the ripe old age of eighty-seven years. It was in Brown county, Ohio, that he wedded Miss Martha Jane Newlan, a native of Shaker, Lebanon county, Ohio. She passed away in Kewanee in September, 1893, when seventy-six years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. David German were born seven children, as follows: Mary Jane, who died about 1859; George S., of this review; Silas, who makes his home in Iowa; Harriet, the wife of Albert Johnson, of Kewanee; William and John, both of whom are residents of Sidney, Iowa; and Josephine, who passed away in Kewanee in 1901.

George S, German, who acquired his education in the district schools of his native county, was a youth of seventeen when he came to Henry county with his parents. He continued to assist his father in the work of the home farm until he had attained his majority and afterward devoted his attention to the cultivation of rented land in Wethersfield township for three years. On the expiration of that period, in 1862, he enlisted as a soldier of the Union army, becoming a member of Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for about fourteen months. After returning from the war he took up his abode in Burns township, Henry county, Illinois, and purchased land at intervals until his holdings aggregated three hundred and twenty acres - one hundred and sixty acres on section 4, Burns township, eighty acres on section 8 of the same township and eighty acres in Cornwall township. On the loth of March, 1867, he established his home on the farm in Burns township, where he erected new buildings, put up fences, planted an orchard and also made various other improvements. There he carried on his agricultural interests energetically and successfully until the i6th of December, 1894, since which date he has lived retired in an attractive residence which he purchased at No. 402 North East street in Kev^^anee.

On the 20th of January, i860, in Peoria, Mr. German was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ella Carl, a daughter of Carey and Jane (West) Carl, who were natives of Pennsylvania and came to Illinois at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. German have one son, George D., who is mentioned on another page of this work.

Politically Mr, German is a stanch republican, but he has not desired office as a reward for his party fealty. He belongs to Juhus Pratt Post, G. A. R., at Kewanee and is also a devoted member of the First Methodist Episcopal church in that city. He has made his home in this county for fifty-five years and is widely and favorably known within its borders, his many sterling traits of character having won him the warm regard and stanch friendship of those with *vhom he has come in contact.

William P. Wolf

In William P. Wolf Henry county has a representative of its best agricultural interests, for as farmer, stockman and poultry raiser he has achieved a success which places him among the more prominent in a prosperous community. He owns the northwest quarter of section 32, Annawan township, and the neat, attractive appearance of his fields together with the condition of his buildings, is a visible evidence of his skill, his thrift and his good management. The farm on which he lives was also his birthplace and was bought by his grandfather, George Wolf, Sr., about 1853. He was born in Pennsylvania, April i, 1782, and there in 1804, married J\Iiss Sarah Enslow, also a native of the Keystone state, where her birth occurred in the year 1787. In the early '50s the couple came lO Henry county, Illinois, where Mr. Wolf purchased 160 acres in Annawan township, the farm now occupied by his grandson, and thereon spent the remainder of his years. His son George, the father of W. P. Wolf was born in Knox county, Ohio, January 31, 1828, and was a man grown, although he had not married, when his parents came to this township. He lived with them until their death and then, buying the other heirs, became the sole owner of the homestead. He engaged in farming with fair success and was well and favorably known in his locality, a man who was sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends, when on the 14th of September, 1889, he was called to his final rest. In politics he was a democrat, but never sought office in recognition of party fealty.

After locating in Henry county, George Wolf, Jr., wedded Miss Barbara Heaps, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and was a year old when her parents came to Illinois. They located in Adams county, later removed to Rock county, Wisconsin, and then, returning to Illinois, established their home in Henry county, near Annawan, where Mr. Heaps secured a tract of land. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf were the parents of three children, of whom William P., of this review, is the oldest. Of the other two, Sarah died March i, 1887 ; and Hiram M., who married Marcia Camery, is now living near Winfield, Kansas. Mrs. Wolf is still living at the advanced age of seventy-two years, and makes her home in Kewanee.

William P. Wolf was born on the farm where he now lives, September 13, 1857. When of suitable age he became a pupil in the district school, receiving a fair education which was well supplemented by the practical training he obtained while he assisted his father in his work. At the age of twenty-one he assumed all the responsibility of operating the home place, and it has remained his care to the present. He inherited eighty acres on the death of his father, and then by purchase from the other heirs added eighty acres more, so that his farm is identical with that owned by his grandfather. Its soil is very fertile and being maintained under a high state of cultivation, makes generous returns for the labor expended upon it. In addition to growing cereals Mr. Wolf has engaged in breeding and raising cattle, hogs and poultry, making a specialty of pure blooded Poland China hogs and Plymouth Rock chickens, which command a good price upon the market. In none of his undertakings has he spared thought or labor, but profiting by the discoveries of science and utilizing industriously every means at hand for advancing in his business he has gained a conspicuous success in his operations and is numbered among the substantial citizens of Annawan township.

In Kewanee, February 8, 1899, Mr. Wolf was united in marriage to Miss Anna C. Hack, of that city. She was born, however, in Sweden and was a mere child when her parents, Peter and Anna G. (Tehunberg) Eack came to America. They located in Kewanee, where the father died shortly after his arrival, leaving his widow to rear their four small children. Not only did Mrs. Eack keep the family together but she gave them all a good education, and now has the satisfaction of knowing that they are all well established in life. She is still living in Kewanee, at the age of seventy years.

Mrs. Wolf, who was the second of the children born to her parents, received a good education, having been graduated from the Kewanee high school with the class of 1884. Thereupon she engaged in teaching and later attended the State Normal School at Normal, Illinois. Upon leaving that institution she was made principal of the Wallace high school, at Sterling, Illinois, a position she held for two years, and then returned to the high school in Kewanee, where she taught mathematics until a short time before her marriage when she resigned her position. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf have two children ; Dorothy Esther, who was born July 23, 1900 ; and Anice Emma, who was born June 10, 1903.

In politics Mr, Wolf gives allegiance to no party, preferring to cast his ballot for the candidate he believes most worthy of the people's confidence. He is never remiss in his duties of citizenship, but he has never aspired to public office, as his is a nature which enjoys a quiet life rather than the notoriety that comes to one who is constantly before the public gaze as an official. In religious matters he gives his support to the United Brethren church at Fair View, in which he has served as steward, while his wife is equally consistent in her allegiance to the Episcopal church at Kewanee, and both are well known and highly esteemed as persons of genuine worth, whose lives exemplify the true spirit of Christianity.

George H. Vogler

George H. Vogler, an enterprising and progressive farmer and stock raiser of Munson township, was born in Hampden township, Rock Island county, Illinois, on the I2th of November, 1867, a son of George and Agnes (Lewis) Vogler. The parents were both natives of Germany and came to America as young people, becoming acquainted with each other in Davenport, Iowa, where they were united in marriage. They then took up their abode in Rock Island county, where the father was identified with the cooperage business for several years, splitting his own timber for staves. Subsequently he purchased property in that township and although a poor man when he came to this country, as the years passed he prospered and became one of the well-to-do residents of the community in which he resided. He was a democrat in his political views, although not an office-seeker, was reared in the faith of the Catholic church and was a gentleman of many excellent traits of character. He passed away at Rapids City, Rock Island county, Illinois, while his wife survived him a few years. In their family were eight children, of which our subject was the fifth in order of birth, the others being : Peter, who now resides in Geneseo ; Elizabeth, the wife of George Pages, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Gertrude, who married Jacob Schieb and makes her home at Rapids City, Illinois; Mary, the wife of John Yost, of Rapids City ; Charles and William, twins, the former living in Davenport and the latter in East Moline; and Catharine, the wife of Al Adams, of Rapids City.

George H. Vogler spent the years of his boyhood and youth under the 4)arental roof in Rock Island county, and during this period enjoyed but limited educational advantages, the greater part of his time being devoted to assisting his father. At the early age of sixteen he began working on his own account in the mines, at first in the capacity of mule driver and later as miner. He was connected with this line of activity for sixteen years, and during that time received very fair wages. It was while acting in the capacity of miner in Fulton county, Illinois, that he met and was married to Miss Anna Davison, of that county. She is a native of Durham county, England, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Wilson) Davison, with whom she came to the United States in

1881 when ten years of age, the family ' locating in Rapids City, Illinois, where she first met Mr. Vogler. Later the family removed to Fulton county, Illinois, where she was united in marriage on the 15th of May, 1889.

Mr. Vogler continued to engage as a miner until the year 1896, when he took up agricultural pursuits in the capacity of a renter, operating a farm in Osco township for about ten years. Desiring, however, that his efforts should more directly benefit himself, during that period he labored diligently and carefully saved his money, being imbued with the desire to one day own a farm of his own. When he had accumulated sufficient capital with which to gratify this desire he purchased the farm upon which he now resides, consisting of one hundred and sixty-three acres on sections 4 and 9, Munson township, the property coming into his possession in 1907, Here he carries on general farming in connection with which he devotes considerable time to stock raising, and he is enjoying a substantial income from the fact that both branches of his business - the raising of grain and the raising of stock - are proving profitable.

As the years passed the home of Mr, and Mrs. Vogler was blessed with five children, namely: Agnes Muriel, Fern Elizabeth, John Alvan, Hershel Harold and Florence Lucile. Mr. Vogler has been a stalwart supporter of republican principles since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but is not an office seeker, although he does all in his power to further the influence of the party throughout the community. In fraternal relations he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Canton, Illinois, and is in hearty sympathy with the principles that underlie that organization. His life has been one of continuous activity in which has been accorded due recognition of honest labor. Starting out in life for himself empty-handed, at an early age, he has made steady progress and as the years have gone by he has achieved a measure of success which is most creditable. Moreover his business methods have ever been honorable and reliable, winning for him the respect and good will of his fellowmen.

Edward S. Whiting

Edward S. Whiting, a highly respected citizen of Kewanee, now living retired, was born in Chicopee, Massachusetts, June 17, 1844. His father, Seth Whiting, a native of Salem, Massachusetts, followed the westward tide of civilization and in 1858 located with his family in the town of Wethersfield, Illinois. He engaged in farming until his retirement in 1876, when he removed to Kewanee and took up his residence at the corner of Chestnut and First streets, the present site of the new postoffice . Here he lived up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1889, when he was eighty-six years of age. The mother of our subject, Abigail (Chapin) Whiting, was also born at Chicopee, Massachusetts, her father being Zenus Chapin, a contractor.

Edward S. Whiting received his earlier instruction in Chicopee and finished in the high school of Kewanee. He later attended the Bryant & Stratton Business College of Chicago, and upon his graduation therefrom received high honors in mathematics out of a class of thirty-two. As the only son in the family the charge of his father's farm near Wethersfield naturally devolved upon his shoulders and there he made his home until his marriage in 1870, his father retiring soon after his assumption of the responsibility. In 1877 he leased the land and, coming to Kewanee, engaged in the implement business at the corner of Chestnut and Third streets. That this venture was destined for successful fruition is fully demonstrated by the fact that he continued in it for a period of twenty-two years and saw it grow into one of the city's substantial concerns. In the spring of 1902 he retired from active life. Mr. Whiting is an extensive property owner, having several hundred acres of land in Kewanee and Wethersfield townships, farms in Kansas and Nebraska, and in Kewanee owns and is interested in several business blocks and a large number of dwellings. He is also a stockholder and director in the First National Bank of the city.

In January, 1870, Mr. Whiting married Miss Charlotte A. Mason, of Buda, Illinois. She is the daughter of Levi Mason, a farmer who for a number of years lived in Buda and died in 1898. She shares fully in her husband's interests and like him is active in the social and benevolent affairs of the First Congregational church with which they are associated.

Mr. Whiting is a supporter of the republican party and is also a strong advocate of prohibition, to the furtherance of which he has given efficient service. He is a deacon in the First Congregational church and a leading spirit in all its enterprises. In the Sunday school he is also a valued teacher and he contributed liberally to the erection of the new church some years ago as well as to that of the new building of the Young Men's Christian Association. He was the founder of the Whiting school, section 15, Wetherfield township, and one of its directors until he came to Kewanee. Any measure likely to upbuild and benefit the community is sure of the support of this estimable and public-spirited citizen.

Walter A. Fell

Walter A. Fell, who devotes his time and energies to the operation of his fiine farm of two hundred acres on sections 5 and 8, Burns township, is numbered among the worthy native sons of this county, his birth having occurred in Cornwall township on the 20th of July, 1863. His father, James Fell, who was born in Scotland on the 22d of May, 1832, crossed the Atlantic to the United States when a young man of twenty years and made his way at once to Elmira, Stark county, Illinois, there residing for one year. At the end of that time he came to Cornwall township, Henry county, where he purchased land and later bought a farm of eighty acres, giving his attention to its cultivation until 1867. In that year he took up his abode in Burns township, where he continued to reside until about 1888, when he removed to Cambridge and there spent his remaining days. He passed away on the 19th of January, 1903, and the community thus lost one of its most substantial and respected citizens. In early manhood he had wedded Miss Harriett Campbell, whose birth occurred in Ohio on the 12th of January, 1840, and who came to this county with her parents in 1853, the family home being established in Cornwall township.

Walter A, Fell obtained his early education in the district schools of Burns township and afterward continued his studies in Elliott's Business College at Burlington and also in Duncan's Business College at Davenport, Iowa. After putting aside his text-books he worked on his father's farm until the time of his marriage and following that important event in his life he gave his attention to the operation of a rented farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 5, Burns township, until February, 1902. In that month he took up his abode on a tract of two hundred acres in Monroe county, Missouri, which he had purchased in 1901, and there successfully carried on his farming interests until 1905, when he disposed of the property and returned to this county. He then bought the old home place of two hundred acres on sections 5 and 8, Burns township, in the further cultivation and improvement of which he has since been actively engaged, having remodeled the buildings and also put up new fences. In addition to the raising of cereals he makes a specialty of thoroughbred Duroc hogs for breeding purposes and in both branches of his business has won a gratifying measure of success. He is likewise a stockholder in the Bums Mutual Telephone Company.

On the 15th of March, 1893, in Burns township, Mr. Fell was joined in wed;: lock to Miss Sarah Fesler, a daughter of George Fesler of that place. They now have four children, as follows : Fannie, a maiden of fifteen, who is at home; Bertha and Mabel, who are thirteen and ten years of age respectively and are attending school ; and Sadie, who is one year old.

Politically Mr. Fell is a stanch advocate of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He has capably served as justice of the peace for two years and has been a school director for three terms. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to the blue lodge at Paris, Missouri, and the chapter in Kewanee. Almost his entire life has been passed in this locality and his fellow townsmen know that his career has been characterized by fidelity to duty and by honor in all his relations with his fellowmen.

Edward Hunt

Illinois owes much to the pioneers who made possible existing conditions through their bravery, endurance and thrifty labor. Through their efforts the wild lands were developed, roads built and towns settled, so that the present generation is under heavy obligation to the early settlers. One of the families intimately associated with the early history of Henry county is that bearing the name of Hunt, and one of its prosperous representatives today is Edward Hunt, of Kewanee township. He was bom one mile east of this city, September 29, 1852, at a time when there were only three houses on the present site of Kewanee. His parents were Lawrence and Bridget (Shortell) Hunt.

Lavv^rence Hunt was born in County Carlow, Ireland, in 1824, and was there married before he came to the United States in 1848. Upon his arrival in this country he went to Philadelphia, where he remained several years. After coming to Illinois, he found employment as foreman on the constraction work of the

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and worked from Mendota to Galesburg, remaining with this company until the completion of the road. Leaving railroad work, he bought the present farm of his son Edward, in 1850, and settled upon it. This property consisted of two hundred and thirty acres of government land, which he farmed and put in excellent condition. At the time he located in Henry county, the country was in an unsettled condition and he had to haul his grain to Chicago with oxen and weeks were consumed in making the round trip. Working hard and saving, Lawrence Hunt became a man of means and was honored by his neighbors by election to the office of school director for twenty years. His father was a stone-mason and not only laid the foundation of the first church built in Wethersfield, but also of many of the older houses in his part of the county. There were four children in the family of Lawrence Hunt and wife, namely: Edward, of this review; Mary, who married P. M. Lynch, a farmer of Peoria county; Henry, who died at the age of thirty; and Joseph, who died at the age of twenty-eight years. The last named was owner and editor of the Kewanee Star for years, and while he was thus engaged, the school at the crossroads near the farm was named Huntsville. The mother died in April, 1897, and the father in July, 1898.

Edward Hunt received a good country-school education and during the summer months he helped his father on the farm, thus receiving his early training in agricultural work. In the early '80s he left the farm and for eight years conducted a grocery store in Kewanee, but the soil calling to him, he sold his interests there and returned to the farm. At present he is profitably engaged in operating his one hundred and fifty acre farm, which is now one of the most productive in Kewanee township, owing to his care and good management. For six years Mr. Hunt has been school director and for fifteen years has been one of the election judges. For some years he has been a correspondent for various newspapers and is a man well informed upon current events. His fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Columbus. The family are all members of the Catholic church.

In 1885, Mr. Hunt married Mary Jane Cullen, a daughter of Michael and Rebecca R. Cullen, farming people. Her father died in 1893 but her mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt have had three children, as follows : Vincent Elroy, who is a farmer, school teacher and correspondent for the Star-Courier ; Frances Pearl and Lawrence Cullen, who are both at home.

John F. Hohenboken

Prominent among the farmers and stockmen of Colona township, is John F. Hohenboken, one of the native sons of Henry county, who was born October 14, 1875. His parents are George and Caroline (Firch) Hohenboken, formerly a prominent family of Edford township, where the father was a successful and progressive agriculturist for some years. He has now, however, given up active farming and with his wife is living in retirement in Geneseo.

John F. Hohenboken was reared at home, receiving practical preparation for his life's work through the assistance he rendered in the cultivation of the paternal farm, for he assumed some of the lighter responsibilities in his early youth. He received a fair education in the district schools of his locality, later attending the academy at Geneseo. When about eighteen years of age he started out in life for himself, taking up his residence upon the place which is still his home. It is a fine tract, three hundred and twenty acres in extent, on which Mr. Hohenboken engages in diversified farming, while part of it is excellently adapted to grazing purposes. He gives considerable attention to the raising of fine cattle and other stock, but it is to the cultivation of the soil that he directs his main attention. Progressive in his ideas, he has made a careful study of the subject of crop rotation and the means of increasing or of preserving the productiveness of the fields. His is a well improved farm and presents a most inviting aspect to the man who should chance to pass by, for the house and barns are set in a large grove of maple trees, whose generous shade enhance the architectural beauties of the buildings.

It was on the 12th of December, 1899, that Mr. Hohenboken was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Gernant, a daughter of Adam and Mary (Frail) Gernant. The father was a native of Germany, but the mother was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, where her parents were a prominent pioneer family. For years Mr. Gernant was a man prominent in the agricultural circles of Edford township, but now he has given up the arduous duties of the life and is living in retirement in Geneseo. Five children have been born to Mr, and Mrs. Hohenboken, Bernice M., the eldest, died in infancy. The others are Vernon A., Mahlon J., Ruby C. and Mildred A.

Mr, Hohenboken is a republican in politics, and, being interested in all questions which are before the people today, keeps well informed upon national issues. As township road commissioner and as a member of the district board of education, to which he still belongs, he has rendered the people of Colona township very efficient service during a long period. A man of great public spirit, he is ever active in advocating the increase of substantial improvements, being especially concerned for good schools and good roads, but never failing to exert his influence in behalf of a steady and healthy progress, which will contribute to the public good. He and his wife are devout members of the Lutheran church and are liberal in its support.

John Wesley Withrow

In the history of the residents of Henry county to whom success in life has come as the reward of persistent and earnest labor and, who, because of their former activity in business affairs, are now enabled to live retired, mention should be made of John Wesley Withrow, who was formerly connected with farming interests, but now makes his home in Geneseo, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves.

When central and northern Illinois was still largely a pioneer district, his birth occurred in White county, this state, on the 19th of October, 1834. His parents were Neely and Polly (Eveleth) Withrow, the former born near Louisville, Kentucky, and the latter in New Harmony, Pennsylvania. The Withrow family is of Irish descent. The grandfather, William Withrow, was a native of Kentucky and followed the occupation of farming in order to provide for his family. He married Rebecca Dagley, and both lived to an old age, rearing a family of eight children, namely: Neely, Samuel, Polly, Rebecca, William, John, Rachel and Charles. The maternal grandfather of John W. Withrow was a native of Pennsylvania and died in early manhood. His widow afterward joined the colony at New Harmony, Pennsylvania, and subsequently became one of the pioneer women of White county, Illinois, living near Shawneetown. She, too, however, was comparatively young when called to her final rest and at her death left five children: Sylvester, Cyrenus, Mrs. Abigail Hull Mrs. Amanda Walton and Polly. It was the last named who became the wife of Neely Withrow, who in his early boyhood had accompanied his parents on their removal from Kentucky to White county, Illinois. In 1835 he arrived in Henry county, stopping first in Red Oak Grove, near Bishop Hill, with his brother Samuel. They built a double log cabin and remained there until the fall of 1836, when they removed to Phenix township and first took up claims, while later they purchased land from the government. Neely Withrow began to improve his farm and built a house and placed some of the land under cultivation, but his death occurred there January 25, 1839, he was not quite twenty-nine years of age. He was recognized as a man of genuine personal worth and as a pubHc spirited citizen, and was elected the first justice of the peace in his township. His widow long survived him and reached the venerable age of eighty-six years, her birth having occurred February 12, 1806, while she died in 1892. Both Mr. and Mrs. Withrow were devout members of the Methodist church. Their children numbered four sons and a daughter: Amariah, now living in Geneseo; James, deceased; John Wesley; Lucy, who became the wife of Robert Barge and has passed away; and Neely, living in Central City, Nebraska.

John Wesley Withrow was only one year old when brought by his parents to Henry county, where he has lived continuously since 1835. He was reared in Phenix township and attended the old time subscription schools in the days when the teacher "boarded 'round." It was an old log schoolhouse, made without any nails, the logs being fastened together with pins, with a puncheon floor and seats made of split slabs. It was heated by a fireplace and the birch rod formed a terrifying feature in the matter of discipline. Later when the district schools were organized Mr. Withrow pursued his education therein. He was only five years of age at the time of his father's death, but he lived at home until he attained his majority. His mother married again, her second husband being Harvey Hickcox, by whom she had three children, two of whom died in early life, while Eunice became the wife of Asoph King and removed to Central City, Nebraska. Mr. Hickcox died November 4, 1853, when Mr. Withrow was sixteen years of age. At that time the latter was assisting in the work of the home farm and following the death of his stepfather the care of the place largely devolved upon him. Prior to his marriage he purchased forty acres of land and after his marriage he rented land for a time and later made other purchases, adding to his holdings as opportunity offered until he was once the owner of nine hundred and twenty acres. His first forty acres had a mortgage of four hundred dollars upon it, on which he paid twenty per cent interest in advance. Such an exorbitant rate was discouraging, but he never allowed obstacles or difficulties to bar his path and with characteristic energy set to work to make the best of his opportunities. He lived in Phenix township until 1870 and then removed to Hanna township, where he engaged in general agricultural pursuits until 1893. In that year he took up his abode in Geneseo, purchasing a fine home on Palace Row. He is now living retired save for the supervision which he gives to his invested interests, which yet include six hundred acres of the valuable farming land of this part of the state.

On the I St of January, i860, Mr. Withrow was married to Miss Arvilla M. Allen, a daughter of Jonathan and Charlotte (Hatch) Allen. Mrs. Withrow was born in Lee county, Iowa, February 12, 1843, ^^^ her parents were natives of Jefferson county, New York. Her paternal grandfather, Jonas Allen, was likewise a native of the Empire state and always followed farming. He married Sarah Dyke and died at Iron Bluffs, Nebraska, when he had reached an advanced age. His wife passed away in Fremont, Nebraska, at the home of her son. They reared seven children, Luther, Abram, Jonathan, Gilbert, Lois, Emily and Ann Mahala.

The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Withrow was Jacob Hatch, a native of New York, who also followed farming. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Wilde and died in Iowa. Mr. Hatch lived to be nearly one hundred years of age and spent his last days in Utah. The children of his first marriage were Hosea, Almira, Charlotte, Polly, Anna, Leighton, Isaac, William and Lewis. Having lost his first wife, Jacob Hatch married again but had only one daughter by the second union.

Mr, and Mrs. Allen, the parents of Mrs. Withrow, were reared and married in New York and on removing westward settled first in Lee county, Iowa, but in October, 1847, came to Henry county, Illinois, taking up their abode in Phenix township. For a long period they were connected with farming interests, but at length removed to Geneseo, where Mr. Allen died in 1876 at the age of sixty- four years and his wife passed away in 1865. He held various township offices, the duties of which he discharged in a prompt and capable manner. For several years he was one of the county supervisors and served on the committee that built the jail. Unto him and his wife were bom five children : Nancy Ada- Hne, who became the wife of Charles Linnell ; Mary Angeline, the wife of James Withrow; Arvilla M., the wife of John W. Withrow; Lois A., the wife of Albert A. Colbert; and Dora A., the wife of Byron Coe,

The home of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Withrow has been blessed with nine children. Francis O., the eldest, married Ella E. Kerr, and they have one son, Howard H., who married Mabel Wilkinson. Ira W., the second of the family, married Lucina Fuller, and they have three children, Roy W., Hazel G. and Claude F. Ida E. is the wife of Sherman W. Shafer and the mother of four children, Minnie B., John W. ; Mary A. and Donald E. Nina D. is the wife of Clinton F. Luther and has two children, Francis Allen and John Withrow. Effie A. married

James Dana Buck, who died in June, 1895, leaving a daughter, Hattie R. George O. married Florence May Fuller and their four children are Otis D., Ethel A,, Charles and John Wesley. E. Lilburn died when a little more than a year old. Minnie Gertrude died when six months old. Raymond F., the youngest of the family, married Maude M. Schnabele.

Mr. Withrow is entitled to wear a Grand Army button from the fact that in 1865 he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in Company K, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He served as a private and was mustered out in August, 1865. His life work has been that of a successful farmer, whose energy and carefully directed labor brought him the success that makes him one of the entensive landowners and prosperous citizens of the community. For seventy-four years he has lived in Henry couniy and few of its settlers have so long witnessed its growth and development. He has witnessed many changes here for the county in his boyhood days was largely an undeveloped and sparsely settled district. Today almost every acre of land is under cultivation and the county contains some of the finest farms in this great state. Mr. Withrow has lived to see many changes in the methods of farming for the old time scythe, sickle and flail have given way to the thresher, self-binder and reaper. He has witnessed also many changes in other lines of life and rejoices in what the county has accomplished as the work of improvement has been carried steadily forward. He is one of the best known citizens of this part of the state and his record is a most creditable one, indicating what may be accomplished along the lines of determined and honorable labor.

John Wiese

John Wiese, now living retired in Geneseo after a long and active life as a farmer in Osco township, was born in Germany, November 7, 1842, and is a son of Marcus and Lucy (Roward) Wiese, both natives of Holstein. The father was born in 1801 and the mother in 1803, and in 1853 they came to Illinois, settling in Rock Island county, where Mr. Wiese took up farming, which he had pursued in the old country. He died in September, 1885, at the age of eighty-four, and was buried in Rock Island in the cemetery in which his wife had been laid to rest on the 14th of February, 1879. They had four children: Fred, now deceased; Henry, of Davenport; John, of this sketch; and Annie, the wife of Henry Oppendyke, of Port Byron, Rock Island county.

John Wiese received his education in the public schools of Germany and after his parents came to this country he assisted his father in the conduct of his farm in Rock Island county. In 1867 he removed to Osco township, Henry county, where he purchased a large tract of improved land, which remained his home for more than thirty years. He devoted himself assiduously to the cultivation of his fields, and in 1899 believed he was justified in relinquishing the duties of the farm and in retiring to Geneseo. Here he has since lived in a very comfortable house on North Geneseo street.

On the 26th of December, 1865, Mr. Wiese wedded Miss Elizabeth Wiegand, who was born in Germany, January 12, 1843, and is a daughter of Christoph and Charlotte Wiegand. The parents were also natives of Germany, the father having been born February 18, 1804, the mother, November 26, 1808, and they came to America in 1847. They settled in Rock Island county, Illinois, where Mr. Wiegand followed farming until his death, September 16, 1867. His wife survived until February 11, 1872, when she too passed away. They had five children, three of whom are living: Margaret, the widow of Solomon Yost, who lives in Rock Island county, Illinois ; Charles, who lives in Kansas ; and Elizabeth, now Mrs. Wiese. Mrs. Mary Weaver and Mrs. Catharine Goble are deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Wiese have three children, all of whom were born in Osco township. Henry, the eldest, was born May 11, 1868, and married Miss Amelia Firch. They live in Edford township and have two children - Rosa and Roy. Lewis, born June 14, 1875, married Miss Clara Maeltzer and lives in Edford township. They also have two children - Florence and Clarence. Clara was born March 29, 1881, and is now the wife of Lander Maeltzer. They live in Osco township and have a son, Elmer.

Mr. and Mrs. Wiese are members of the Lutheran church, and in political affairs Mr. Wiese gives his support to the republican party. He has never sought office, however, although he is faithful in the exercise of his rights as a citizen of this nation. He and his wife have together passed through many trials and hardships, but by industry and economy they have reached a comfortable position for the remaining years of their lives, and have had the pleasure of being able to give to each of their children a good start in life, while they still retain enough to satisfy their own needs. They enjoy a respected place in the community and are surrounded by many friends.

Henry J. Wiese

One of the farmers of Henry county whose well tilled fields bespeak prosperity, industry and up-to-date methods is Henry J. Wiese, who besides cultivating his farm raises considerable stock of high grade, for which he finds a ready market. He lives on section 24, Edford township, although his farm of two hundred and eighty- five acres is also on section 23. He was bom on section i, Osco township. May 11, 1868, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Wiegand) Wiese. The parents, who are now living in Geneseo, were of German birth and came to America with their respective parents, the father in 1852, when he was ten years of age, the mother in 1847, when she was about four years old. The two families located on farms near Port Byron, Rock Island county, where the 3'oung people became acquainted and subsequently were married. The offspring of poor people, the couple had to start life with very little of this world's goods ; in fact the father had saved only enough to enable him to buy a team and rent a farm in Rock Island county. He worked hard, however, nature was propitious, his crops were good, and in a few years he was able to buy one hundred and sixty acres in Osco township, Henry county, for six thousand dollars. From 1867 until he retired from active life and went to live in Geneseo, this farm was his home, although in the four decades that the land was in his possession he doubled its acreage and made many valuable improvements. Of the three children that were born to him and his wife Henry J. Wiese is the oldest; the second son, Lewis W., married Miss Clara Maeltzer and lives in Edford township; and the daughter, Clara, married Leander Maeltzer and lives in Osco township.

As a boy Henry J. Wiese received a good education in both German and English, although he worked on the farm throughout his school period and during his vacations. He served his father for several years after he had attained his majority, until, having married, he had the natural desire to establish a home of his own. For a time he rented land of his father and subsequently bought from him the farm on which he lived and which when he disposed of it to his brother had been his home for a period of ten years. In 1901 he bought a part of the farm on which he now resides, and recently purchased what was known as the Elvin Dilenbeck farm, just across the road, also on section 23, Edford township, so that he now has two hundred and eighty-five acres. The improvements that are now to be seen on it are wholly the result of his efforts. He has erected many buildings of approved modern construction and has increased the fertility of his fields through the use of the best machinery.

On the 15th of December, 1891, was performed the ceremony that made Mr. Wiese and Miss Amelia O. Firch man and wife. Mrs. Wiese was born in Edford township May 15. 1870, and is a daughter of David and Ottilie (Oelke) Firch. The parents are of German birth and farmed for a number of years in Edford township but are now living in Geneseo. Mr. and Mrs. Wiese have had four children: John D., who was born October 8, 1892, and died April 23, 1893; Frederic A., who was born January 18, 1894, and died August 22, 1895 ; Rosina C. H., born January 29, 1896; and Roy H., born January 16, 1898. Rosina has finished the eighth grade in the public schools and has passed the Central examinations for the seventh grade, and is now taking up German and music.

Politically Mr. Wiese affiliates with the republican party and cast his first presidential ballot for Harrison in 1892. Although not a politician nor an office seeker, in 1900 he was appointed census taker for Edford and Hanna townships. He and his family are members of the German Evangelical Lutheran church, whose congregation he has served as collector, treasurer and vorsteher. A hardworking and industrious man, he is also up-to-date in his methods, making a scientific study of the soil and utilizing the most modern machinery.

The Kewanee Coal & Mining Company

In a record of the business enterprises which are factors in the substantial growth of Henry county, mention should be made of the Kewanee Coal & Mining Company, which was organized in 1900. At that time the following officers were elected: Fred Henry, president; Louis Lindberg, vice president; John Fischer, secretary and treasurer. The mine is located two and a half miles east of Kewanee. The shaft has been sunk to a depth of one hundred and ten feet and the capacity is about four hundred tons per day. The coal is used for both steam and domestic purposes and employment is now furnished to about one hundred and fifty men. The present officers are: Ira Blake, president; John Streicher, vice president ; John Fischer, secretary, treasurer and general manager. The company has been incorporated, has a paid up capital of fifty thousand dollars and has a lease on five hundred acres of flat land. Since the organization the company has mined approximately five hundred thousand tons of coal. They find a market for the output in Kewanee, the major portion of it being sold to the Kewanee branch of the National Tube Company.

The Savings Bank Of Kewanee

The Savings Bank of Kewanee, of whose solidity there is no question, was organized in April, 1902, and established upon a safe, conservative business policy that commends it to the general patronage of the public. It is a copartnership concern, consisting of four members: John Fischer, president; Harrison E. Miner, vice president ; William E. Gould, cashier ; and S. D. Burge, assistant cashier. They conduct a large savings and commercial business and the liability to depositors is five hundred thousand dollars. The bank is located at the corner of Second and Tremont streets and is enjoying a constantly increasing business. This bank does the largest farm mortgage business in Illinois.

Frank Lindert Johnson

The Swedish element plays a happy as well as an important part in the citizenship of Lynn township, of which Frank Lindert Johnson is a representative, although he was born March 4, 1863, in the southern part of Andover township, this county. His parents, Swan P. and Christine Johnson, came from Sweden in their youth, their marriage being celebrated in this country. The father, alert to every opportunity, in the course of time acquired a valuable farm of six hundred and forty acres of land. Seven children were added to the home, two of whom died in infancy. George W. resides in Moline; John A. in Alexis; Ida, now Mrs. Frank A. Bengston, in Andover township; Frank L., the subject of the sketch, in Lynn township ; and Herbert Julius, in Moline. Swan P. Johnson was a man alive to all that spelled progress but one who declined any public office. He was an active church member and for many years a trustee of the Evangelical Lutheran church. He died in November, 1891, and was buried at Andover, while his widow still lives in Cambridge.

Frank Lindert Johnson grew to manhood on his father's farm and received his education in the district schools. After his marriage in 1887 he took under his own management a portion of his father's large holdings, one hundred and sixty acres in extent. This has had the benefit of all the methods known to scientific agriculture and is in consequence in a high state of cultivation. He de- votes a great deal of his attention to the raising of hogs and cattle and is an extensive feeder. In truth everything about his farm and home indicates intelligent attention.

On May i, 1887, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Ida Bengston, a daughter of Gustus and Anna Bengston, both of whom were natives of Sweden and came here early in life. They became prosperous and were active in the affairs of the Lutheran church. Both of them are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of six children, namely: Lillian, Bert, Franklin, Walter^ Irene and Marjorie, all of whom are at home. The eldest daughter teaches in the Lynn township schools, and Franklin is a student in Augustana College at Rock Island.

Mr. Johnson gives his allegiance to the republican party. He is alert to the signs of the times and an active member of society. He has the confidence of his compatriots and for a number of years has been a member of the republican central committee and a delegate to all conventions. Alive to the importance of good schools, he has quite appropriately been a member of the school board for eighteen years and for four years he has held the position of road commissioner. He is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America, and he and his family belong to the Lutheran church of Andover, in which Mr. Johnson has filled the office of deacon. The other members of the family give generously of their time and strength to the furtherance of the cause of Christianity, Mrs. Johnson being a teacher in the Sunday school. The subject of the sketch is a man of high repute among his neighbors, progressive in all his ideas, and enjoys that degree of prosperity which comes to men of his industry and character.

Robert Lee Andrews

One of the successful farmers and stockmen of Edford township is Robert Lee Andrews, whose farm on section 12 would consist of one hundred and sixty acres were it not for the canal that passes through it. He was born on the old Andrews homestead in Geneseo township, August 25, 1872, and is the son of James and Mary (Campbell) Andrews, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume. Reared upon the paternal farm he attended the district schools, and upon the completion of the prescribed course of study went to the Collegiate Institute in Geneseo. After three years spent there he returned to his home and until he became of age gave his father the benefit of his labor. On attaining his majority he began for himself as tiller of the soil, first as a renter upon his father's land. He later came to Edford township where he purchased his present farm. Here he has engaged largely in the breeding, feeding and shipping of cattle. He has devoted himself persistently to his calling, and finds his efforts rewarded with a gratifying income.

In Geneseo, September 13, 1894, Mr. Andrews was united in marriage to Miss Dora Englebrecht of that city. She was born in Shelbyville, Minnesota, and is a daughter of Alvin and Lucinda (Shank) Englebrecht. Her mother died when she was nine years of age, but she was reared in her native place until she was fourteen, when she came to Geneseo to make her home with an aunt, Mrs. Laura Warnsoldt, under whose care she grew to womanhood. Until the age of twelve she attended the schools of Mankato, whence she went to the state normal school, at which she prosecuted her studies for two years. Upon coming to Geneseo she entered the public school and then completed her education in the Collegiate Institute, from which she was graduated with the class of 1893. The next year was spent in teaching a county school. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Andrews: Virginia, James Cass, Susan Irene, Gracia Lovell, Robert Campbell and Catherine N. The eldest has graduated from the district schools and in the fall of 1909 entered upon a course of study in the Geneseo Collegiate Institute.

Mr. Andrews is in sympathy with the principles enunciated in the platform of the democratic party and cast his first presidential ballot for its candidate in the election of 1896. Although he has not sought for public preferment, he has willingly devoted a great deal of his time to the interests of the schools and has capably filled the post of school director. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and their two oldest children, who were reared in that faith, have been admitted into the congregation. Fraternally he enjoys pleasant relations with Camp No. 201, of the Mystic Workers, and is one of the active members of the local organization.

James M. Allan

The life record of James M. Allan constitutes an important chapter in the annals of Henry county inasmuch as he was one of its earliest settlers and one who through the succeeding half a century took active and helpful part in the work of public progress and improvement, ever looking beyond the exegencies of the moment to the possibilities of the future. His identification with public office and his active work in support of public projects made him a citizen of value and caused his death, which occurred at Geneseo, December 20, 1885, when he was seventy-one years of age, to be uniformly regretted throughout the county.

A native of Tennessee, Mr. Allan was born in Sumner county, November 23, 1814. His father, John Allan, a native of England, came to America about 1800. The family removed from Sumner county, Tennessee, to Huntsville, Alabama, and it was in the latter district that James M. Allan was reared to manhood. In the fkll of 1835 when a young man of twenty-one years, he came io Illinois, spending the succeeding year in Carrollton, Greene county. In April, 1836, he arrived in Henry county, making his headquarters temporarily at Dayton. Only four years before had the Black Hawk war occurred and there were still many evidences of Indian occupancy in this state. While there were settlements here and there, and some flourishing towns had been established, the greater part of the land comprised within the border of Illinois was still unclaimed and uncultivated, and it remained to the early settlers to plant the seeds of civilization which in due time were to bring forth good fruit. Mr. Allan entered considerable land in Henry county and made permanent location here. Until 1837 the district in which he established his home constituted a part of Knox county, but as the district became more thickly settled there began to grow a desire for .separation from that county and Mr. Allan was chosen to go to Vandalia, then the seat of state government, to press the claims of the early settlers for that purpose. He made the trip of about two hundred and fifty miles on horseback alone, and succeeded in securing the passage of the enabling act in March, 1837. In June of that year he was one of the clerks of the election court at the first election of the county, and the commissioner elected appointed him as the first county clerk. In August of the same year he was elected circuit clerk and five days later was chosen major of the Henry county battalion and subsequently commissioned by Governor Duncan. Later he held the office of county deputy, the nearest circuit court at that time being held in Springfield. Thus he was again and again called to public office, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity, ever placing the general good before personal aggrandizement and the welfare of the community before partisanship.

In 1850 w^hen the project for building the Chicago & Rock Island railroad was broached Mr. Allan was sent to the state legislature and was one of the most persistent workers in securing its charter. He served for several terms as supervisor and was also mayor of Geneseo. During the war he was active in raising men and money and for two years was provost marshal for the district. Later he became known as the father of the Hennepin canal scheme because of his championship of the movement to secure the establishment of that waterway, spending several winters in Washington in urging legislation in its behalf. He was a strong reasoner and a man of broad ideas who recognized the possibilities of the present and the needs of the future, and sought to utilize the former and meet the latter. He made his residence most of the time in Geneseo, although the last few years of his life were spent on his farm.