Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1910 (part 21 of 32)

In 1839 Mr. Allan married Susanna D. Stewart, a daughter of Roderick R. Stewart, a member of the original Geneseo colony. In their family were four children, Mrs. George West, Mrs. Frances Pearsall, Mrs. Frank Williams and Sarah A., all of whom survive. Mrs. Allan passed away June 8, 1889.

In his political views Mr. Allan was a stalwart supporter of the whig party until the dissolution of that organization, when he joined the ranks of the new republican -party. He was one of the most prominent and influential men of Henry county, taking an active part in all the public movements and measures that contributed to the welfare and progress of this section of the state during his day and generation.

Charles G. Falk

Charles G. Falk, a well known agriculturist of Bishop Hill, was bora in Jonkoping, Sweden, December 15, 1855, his parents being John and Margaret Falk. In 1869 the former came to Bishop Hill, where he engaged in farming for the remainder of his life, which was brought to a close in 1905, when he was seventy-

Charles G. Falk received almost all his education in the land of his birth, for he was fourteen years old when his parents came to the United States, and after his arrival here it was almost immediately necessary for him to make his own way in Hfe. For a number of years he was employed as a farm hand, and then, in 1883, rented one hundred acres of land in Weller township, belonging to the society for the poor. This has since been his home, and on it he has made all the improvements which indicate his thrift and the progressive ideas which have guided him in the pursuit of his calling. In addition to operating this tract he tills forty acres on section 16 and 17, the same township, which he owns. His industry has been a means of his success for he is a skillful worker and a good manager. In regard for his integrity, which has ever distinguished the acts of his life, his fellow citizens have bestowed upon him several marks of their approval and they are unfailing in according to him their good will.

At his home, February 4, 1886, Mr. Falk wedded Miss Olive Ericson, a daughter of Olaf Ericson. Eleven children have been born to the couple ; all are living and range in age from twenty-two to four years. They are Frances Esther, Herbert Charles, August Elsworth, Margot, Minnie Olive, Wallace John, Blanch Lillian, Dewey Wilmokt, Alice Irene, Robert Vivian, and Elizabeth. The eldest is the wife of Leonard Spets ; the others are all at home.

Since he has been admitted to citizenship in this republic and has been able to exercise his right of franchise, Mr. Falk has given his support in political matters invariably to the democratic party and has played no inconsiderable part in local affairs. For the past two terms, of two years each, he has been supervisor of the township, while for the last twenty years and more he has been school director. Also he is president of the board of directors of the Voluntary Donative Soctiety, an organization for the benefit of the poor, which owns the farm on which he resides. Fraternally he enjoys pleasant relations with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Royal Neighbors.

John M. Pettitt

John M. Pettitt, one of Kewanee's well known merchants, was bom in Annawan township, Henry county, January 6, i860, of British stock. His father, Samuel Pettitt, was born in Cambridgeshire, England, January 7, 1821. When a young man he decided to make America his future home and soon after landing on our shores came to Henry county, Illinois, where he remained for many years. Upon his retirement from farming in 1899, he removed to Kewanee, where he spent the rest of his life. The mother of our subject, Sophronia (Troyer) Pettitt, was a native of Canada, born July 15, 1820.

The education of John M. Pettitt was secured in the district schools of Henry county, and after making his adieus to text-books he for some time devoted his energies to the cultivation of his father's farm. In 1881 he removed to Adams county, Nebraska, where he lived for ten years, engaged in agricultural pursuits.

He then returned to Henry county and again undertook the management of a part of the family homestead. In June, 1900, he came to Kewanee and accepted a position in NobiHngs' grocery, which he held until December, 1908. Desiring to become a more independent factor in the business world and eminently well fitted for this, in 1909 he embarked in the general merchandise business in connection with Thomas J. Dunn, their establishment being at the corner of Fifth and Tremont streets. They have been greatly recommended both by their honorable business methods and by the excellence of the stock of goods carried by them. They deal in staple and fancy groceries, dry goods, shoes and some house furnishing goods. Though young among Kewanee's firms they already possess a large trade.

Mr. Pettitt is a man who believes in "deeds, not words," and one willing to devote time and effort to the furtherance of any good cause. He is a stanch prohibitionist and his championship of temperance has been both effective and beneficial. He is a consistent member of the Kewanee Baptist church. He resides at 816 North Main street.

William G. White

Some men are natural leaders both in political and private life and when such power is in the hands of those who are good and reliable the community prospers. Such a man is WilHam G. White, of Clover township, who was born August 21, 1859, in Lynn township, Henry county, a son of Robert S. and Elizabeth (Neal) White, residents of Woodhull, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He was reared on the home farm, assisting in the general work and attending the country district schools, thus growing to vigorous young manhood. Upon attaining his majority he commenced working for himself on a farm in Osco not far from Cambridge, continuing there for four years prior to his marriage.

On February 11, 1891, Mr. White married Edith M. Shelter, a daughter of John W. and Nancy J. (Knox) Shelter, prominent people of Clover township, where Mr. Shelter owns considerable property, although he and his wife now reside in Woodhull. Mr. and Mrs. White have one son, Harry L., who is a student of the Woodhull high school, class of 191 1. He will be eighteen years old when he graduates and will then be given academic and collegiate courses.

For the nine years following his marriage, Mr. White resided in Ontario, Knox county, Illinois, where he owned a fine farm, but in the fall of 1899 he removed to the White homestead in Clover township, Henry county, where he has since resided. There he carries on general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of thoroughbred horses and hogs, he believing that only high bred stock pays. The White homestead comprises one hundred and sixty-six acres, while his Knox county farm consists of eighty acres.

The political afifiliations of Mr. White are with the republican party and he has served it as a member of the county central committee and a number of times as delegate to conventions. While residing in Lynn township he was road commissioner for several years and held the same office for three years in Clover township prior to becoming assessor here and he has continued the incumbent of that ofiice for six continuous years. For nine years he has been a member of the board of education and has served it as clerk during this time. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church, of which he has been an elder for a number of years. For some time he was superintendent of the Sunday school and Mrs. White is one of the teachers in it. She is also a member of the church missionary society and belongs to other organizations of the church. Both Mr. and Mrs. White are very much interested in the Farmers Institute, she serving as secretary of the domestic science department and previously as its president. They believe that the work of the institute is affecting a remarkable change among the farmers and their wives and they are contributing both time and money to it. Mr. White is one of the most progressive citizens of Clover township and has always advocated good roads, bridges, schools and government. A supporter of the church, he believes that it is one of the most important factors in advancing the moral standard of any community and no call is made upon him in vain for furthering its work.

John A. Widney

After almost half a century of active endeavor John A. Widney feels that he is justified in retiring from business, and, resting upon his laurels, he can enjoy the success which the years have brought him. He was for a long period one of the enterprising agriculturists of Oxford township and has not entirely relinquished all connection with his former life. He was born in Spring Run, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, March 2"], 1840, and is a son of Alexander E. and Margaret (Hammond) Widney, also natives of Franklin county, where they were married and resided until 1855, when they came to Illinois. They located first at Mount Carroll and in 1858 came to Oxford township, Henry county, where Mr. Widney engaged in agricultural pursuits, though before his advent here he had given his attention to mercantile business and farming remained his vocation during the remaining years of his life. While the Mexican war was in progress he recruited a regiment for service and was accorded the rank of lieutenant colonel of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers. He lived to see the Civil war brought to a successful close, although he took no part in that conflict, and he also witnessed the great change which transformed the character of this county from the early '50s, when he came here, to the end of the year 1884, when his death occurred. His widow lived until June, 1906, when she was laid by his side in the cemetery at Woodhull.

John A. Widney grew to manhood on the home farm and received a good education, first in a little log school in his native county, later the public schools of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and after his parents came to Illinois, in the schools of Mount Carroll. After coming to this state he engaged in teaching in Oxford township through the winters of i860, 1861 and 1862, and in the spring of the last year. On the 9th of August, 1862, he and eight of his pupils enlisted in

Company D, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He served throughout the war, was advanced to the rank of corporal and was then detailed as a member of the regimental band. Later he was offered a lieutenancy but this he declined as he did not want to leave the band. On being discharged from the service he returned to the life of a farmer, which he followed for twenty-seven years in Oxford township, near the village of Woodhull. He was progressive in his ideas and met with unequivocal success. In 1891 he was active in the organization of the State Bank of Alpha, the first institution of its kind established in the village, and for seven years was its cashier. In 1898 he retired from participation in the banking business, having witnessed the enterprise assume gratifying proportions, and has since enjoyed a well deserved rest in his comfortable home in Alpha.

On the 26th of October, 1865, after his return from the army, Mr. Widney wedded I\'Iiss Sarah A. Gillette, a daughter of David and Mary (Dixon) Gillette. The fam.ily came to Illinois in 1852 from Sullivan county. New York, in fact Mrs. Gillette was a cousin of Governor Dix, the famous war governor of that state. They located first in Stark county but the next year came to Henry county, settling on the land now occupied by the village of Galva, which at the time was not even laid out and in which the Gillette home was almost the first one to be built. Shortly after the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Gillette enlisted in the Seventeenth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and after the close of hostilities returned to his Galva home, where he engaged in business as a carpenter contractor. Indeed many of the houses of the village were constructed by him. He died in December, 1862, while his wife survived until January, 1899.

Mr. and Mrs. Widney are the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters: Stella B., the wife of George H. Robinson, of St. Louis, Missouri; Burton G., who has married and is the cashier of the North Henderson Bank; Grace E., who is the wife of Dr. W. E. Mabee, of Galesburg; Leo E., of St. Louis, Missouri ; Stanley W., of Chicago ; and Alice, who is the wife of Professor E. B. Conant, a member of the law faculty of the yniversity of Nebraska, in which institution Mrs. Conant is a teacher of voice culture. In fact both Mrs. Mabee and Mrs. Conant have received fine musical educations, being graduates of the Knox Conservatory of Music, of Galesburg, and as vocalists of no ordinary ability are prominent in the musical circles of their respective localities. All of the children completed the course of study prescribed by the high school of Woodhull and were given the advantages of higher education.

Politically Mr. Widney is a democrat and has always been intelligently interested and active in public matters and prominent in the councils of his party. During Cleveland's first administration, from 1885 to 1889, he was postmaster of Woodhull and has held other positions, for he has served as school treasurer of Oxford township for twenty years and still holds that position, and has been a member of the village board of Alpha and its president for one term. Perhaps the most convincing evidence of his popularity, however, was that displayed in the election of 1890. He was nominated by his party for sheriff of Henry county and received the largest vote ever cast on a straight democratic ticket, reducing the majority of the republican candidate, which normally amounted to about two thousand, to a bare seven hundred. While the Grand Army retained a post in

Woodhull he was active in its ranks as he still is in the Methodist Episcopal church to which he and his family belong, for he has been trustee and steward for a number of years and treasurer of the Sunday school. Mrs. Widney is also prominent in church work, having been superintendent of the Sunday school for the past eighteen years and a delegate to the national general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, from central Illinois, which met in Los Angeles, California, in 1908. The Widney home has always been a popular social center and prominent in the life of the village, for a refined and cultured atmosphere pervades it and there a genuine hospitality is extended to friend and worthy stranger alike.

George H. Fesler

George H. Fesler, a retired agriculturist residing in Burns township, was born in Mason county, Illinois, on the 2d of June, 1844. His paternal grandfather, John Fesler, a native of Germany, established his home in the United States a short time prior to the Revolutionary war and aided the colonists in their struggle for independence. His demise occurred in Mason county, Illinois, in 1841, when he had attained the remarkable age of nearly one hundred years. Our subject still has in his possession the powder horn and rifle barrel which was carried by his grandfather in the Revolutionary war and also has a clock with wooden works, which was owned by him.

Adam Fesler, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania and came to Peoria, Illinois, in 1836. He was a miller by trade but on arriving in this state could only secure employment by the day. Soon afterward he entered forty acres of land in Mason county and devoted his attention to its cultivation for a few years, when he disposed of the property and entered another tract of eighty acres in the same county. On the latter farm he erected a house and all necessary outbuildings and there carried on his agricultural interests for a period of three years. In 1854 he came to Henry county, taking up his abode on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres which he purchased on section 7, Burns township. Here he made his home continuously until 1863, when he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Geneseo, where his remaining days were spent. He passed away when sixty-seven years of age and his demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained an extensive circle of friends during the long period of his residence here. His wife bore the maiden name of Susan Everett and her parents came from Holland. She died in Geneseo in 1873 2it the age of eighty-four years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Adam Fesler were born the following children : two who died in infancy ; Mary, the wife of WilHam Tell, of Geneseo ; Sarah, who is the wife of J. J. Murphy, an agriculturist living in Nebraska ; George H., of this review ; Maria, the wife of J. A. Rishel, of Cambridge; and Irene, who gave her hand in marriage to Lawrence Cherry, of Geneseo.

George H. Fesler was a lad of ten years when he came to Henry county with his parents and has since continued to reside within its borders. He gave his father the benefit of his services in the work of the home farm until the time of the latter's retirement in 1863, when he took charge of the place. Following the father's death he purchased the interests of the other heirs in the old homestead and since the property has been in his possession he has placed many new improvements thereon, so that it is now lacking in none of the equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. In addition to his farming interests he also dealt extensively in live stock, making a specialty of thoroughbred white faced cattle, polled Angus and Black Mull cattle, Poland China hogs and Norman horses. Aside from the homestead farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 7, Burns township, he likewise owns forty acres of land in Cambridge township and another tract of forty acres on section 18, Burns township. At the present time, however, he is largely living retired, having won a handsome competence through the careful conduct of his agricultural interests in former years. He is the president of the Mutual Telephone Company of Henry county and has long been numbered among the prosperous and prominent citizens of the community.

On the 6th of October, 1867, in Cambridge, Mr. Fesler was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Green, a daughter of Robert and Sally (Crittenall) Green, who were natives of Steuben county. New York. Mr. and Mrs. Fesler were the parents of six children, namely : Susan, who died at the age of eight years ; Ray, who passed away when five years of age; Albert, who is married and operates the home farm ; Sadie, the wife of W. A. Fell, an agriculturist of Burns township ; Edith, the wife of J. F. Johnson, who follows farming in Cambridge township; and Roland, who is married but still lives at home and is also engaged in the operation of his father's farm.

Mr. Fesler exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy and is an active worker in the local ranks of the party. The cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion and he has served as a school director for twenty-five years. Coming to this county as a lad of ten, he has lived here continuously throughout the intervening fifty-five years and that his life has at all times been upright and honorable is indicated by the fact that the associates of his youth and early manhood are still numbered among his stanch friends and admirers.

John H. Ladd

John H. Ladd, who is now operating the farm his father bought upon coming to this part of the country and which he now owns, is one of the progressive farmers of Kewanee township. He was born in New Canada, New Hampshire, September 2, 1850, and is a son of John T. and Lydia Ladd. The father was a stone-cutter in New Hampshire, but after coming to Illinois he devoted himself to farming. His advent into this state occurred in 1853, when he located in Bureau county, but four years later removed to Kewanee. A year later he bought four hundred and forty acres of land one mile east of Kewanee and spent the remainder of his life upon it, with the exception of the last three years, which were passed in the city of Kewanee. His death occurred June 9, 1880, and he

John H. Ladd received a good common-school education and was trained in farm work by his father. When the latter removed to Kewanee, the young man rented the homestead, of which he took charge, eventually buying it. He has brought it to a high state of cultivation, and his neat premises, good buildings, and well tilled fields testify to his executive ability and knowledge of farming.

In April, 1874, Mr Ladd married Carrie Laird, a native of Stark county, Illinois, but a resident of Kewanee. They have five living children, as follows : Daisy May, who is at home; Frank P., who is in the marble business at Kewanee; Myrtle, who married Frank Gordon, of Zanesville, Ohio; Bertha, who married Arthur Palmer, of San Diego, California; and Harry, who is a teacher residing in Kewanee. A sixth child died in infancy. Mr. Ladd is a democrat, but his inclinations have not led him to desire public office, so he contents himself in doing his duty as a private citizen and in bringing up his children to be good men and women.

William H. Cosner

William H. Cosner, who has lived retired since 1903, was successfully identified with farming interests in Burns township throughout his active business career and has spent his entire life in Henry county. His birth occurred in Kewanee township on the 5th of January, 1842, His father, Jacob Cosner, who was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, on the nth of September, 1809, there continued to reside until the year 1838, when he came to this state and took up his abode among the earliest settlers of Henry county, locating in Wethersfield township. At the end of about three years he was married and began the operation of a rented farm in Kewanee township, where his oldest son, William, was born. About 1843, ^e rented one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 14, Burns township, and was actively engaged in its cultivation until 185 1, when he purchased a tract of eighty acres on section 11, Burns township. Subsequently he bought an adjoining tract of fifty-five acres, thus extending the boundaries of his farm to include one hundred and thirty-five acres, and devoted his attention to its further cultivation and improvement until 1874. In that year, in association with his son William, he purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 14, Burns township, and continued to reside thereon until he passed away on the 3d of January, 1897, when eighty-eight years of age. He and his son Erected an entire set of new buildings, put up fences and made many other substantial improvements. He was widely and favorably known throughout the county in which he made his home for almost six decades, and when he was called to his fifnal rest the community mourned the loss of one of its most respected and worthy pioneer settlers, whose labors had contributed in substantial measure to its agricultural development. In early manhood he had wedded Miss Sarah Leonard, whose birth occurred in Pennsylvania on the 6th of January, 1820, and who was still but a child when she came to Henry county with her parents, who took up their abode among the pioneer settlers of Burns township and there spent the remainder of their lives. The death of ;Mrs. Sarah Cosner occurred on the ist of July, 1896. She was the mother of ten children, as follows : William H., of this review ; Sylvester R., who passed away in 1845 '> Abraham S., whose demise occurred in Cornwall township, when he had attained the age of fifty-six years; Benton B., who died in 1849; Sarah S., who was called to her final rest in 1855 >' Mathew P., who passed away September 12, 1857; Ruea Rosilia, who died September 30, 1858; Cynthia M., who passed away in young womanhood on the 6th of January, 1873; Francis M., whose demise occurred October 20, 1890; and Manda B., the wife of L. E. Wilhelm, of Kewanee.

In the acquirement of an education William H. Cosner attended the district schools of Burns township and when not busy with his text-books assisted his father in the work of the home farm, thus early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculurist. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age, when he was married and began farming for himself on a tract of eighty acres on section 2, Burns township. After residing thereon for eleven years he disposed of the property and removed to his present farm on section 14, Burns township, where he has made his home continuously since. He erected all new buildings with the exception of the residence, which he remodeled from time to time, put up fences and has also planted an orchard. In 1906 he built the handsome modem dwelling in which he now resides, while the original home is occpuied by one of his sons. About 1903 he retired from active life and has since enjoyed well earned rest, leaving the work of the farm to his sons. He now owns altogether one hundred and seventy-two and a half acres of rich and productive land, and the prosperity which has crowned his labors is but the merited reward of his well directed and untiring industry in former years. He is the vice president of the Henry County Telephone Company.

On the ist of January, 1864, in Bums township, Mr. Cosner was united in marriage to Miss Adelaide A. Wedge, a daughter of Chester O. and Paulina (Ellenwood) Wedge, who were natives of Connecticut and Ohio respectively and traced their ancestry to England. Rev. Abijah Wedge, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Cosner, was a Methodist clergyman and a soldier of distinguished rank, serving in a Connecticut regiment during the war of 1812. On the 5th of January, 1809, he had wedded Miss Lucinda Halloway, who was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, on the 30th of July, 1787. They made their way to Marietta, Ohio, in 1817 and in 185 1 came to Illinois, while the year 1855 witnessed their arrival in Henry county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cosner were born two sons. William O., a farmer of Burns township, lives just across the road from his father's place. Ceria C, who resides with his father, has operated the home farm since the latter's retirement.

Mr. Cosner exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy and has always been an active worker in the local ranks of the party. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to various positions of public trust, and he has ever discharged his official duties in a prompt and capable manner. He has been school director for many years, has also acted in the capacity of road commissioner and has held the office of township assessor for two terms, while for eight years he served as justice of the peace and for six years as constable. He has been a stockholder and a director in the Kewanee Fair Association since its organization. The different members of his family attend the Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal church near Cosner's Corners and are highly esteemed throughout the community as people of genuine personal worth. A man of strong integrity and purpose, Mr, Cosner ranks high in the regard of his fellowmen, not only because of the gratifying degree of prosperity which he has attained but also by reason of excellent traits of character and his honorable and upright manhood.

Herman G. Hoos

The commercial interests of Geneseo find a worthy representative in Herman G. Hoos, a dealer in agricultural implements who is seeking success in the legitimate lines of trade, utilizing the advantages of judicious advertising and attractive display of goods to increase his yearly sales which are now of considerable proportions. He was born in Cambridge township, this county, November 12, 1875, being one of ten children whose parents were Horace and Sarah A. (Byers) Hoos, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. The paternal grandparents were likewise natives of Pennsylvania and, removing westward, became residents of Henry county, Illinois, in pioneer times, settling in Munson township, where the grandfather engaged in farming. There he continued to live and labor, year by year, until called to his final rest when more than seventy years of age. His widow, Phebe( Castoline) Hoos, still survives and is now about ninety-seven years of age. They were the parents of two sons and a daughter : Horace, Orland and Lillie, the wife of Irving Cramer. The maternal grandfather of Herman G. Hoos, was James Byers, a native of Ohio, who took up his abode in Woodhull, Henry county, Illinois, during the formative period in the history of this locality. He, too, carried on general farming as a life work and both he and his wife, Mrs. Sarah A. (McQuillen) Byers, lived to advanced years. Their family included: Washington, Levi, Mary, Jane, Clarence and Sarah A. Byers.

Horace Hoos was reared to the occupation of farming and made that pursuit his life work. He came to Illinois about fifty years ago, settling in Munson township, Henry county, where he secured a tract of land which he promptly brought under a high state of cultivation. He largely reared his family in Munson and Cambridge townships and, although he is now living retired, he is still the owner of forty acres of good farming land in this county. In 1908 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife who passed away on the 7th of June of that year at the age of sixty-five. She was ever a loyal member of the Methodist church, with which Mr. Hoos also holds membership. Their family numbered seven sons and three daughters ; Jacob, who died in infancy ; Demaris, the widow of R. R. Smith; Dennis S., who is now a resident of Peoria, Illinois; Elnora, the wife of Lincoln Lilly, also of Peoria; George, who died when four- teen years of age; Herman G., the subject of this review; Peter, of St. Louis, Missouri; Lois May, the wife of Fred Scovil, of Munson township; Cleveland, also living in Munson township; and Robert Nathan, who died at the age of eight years.

Herman G. Hoos, whose name introduces this record, spent his youthful days in the usual manner of farm lads who divide their time between the work of the fields, the duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground. He was reared in Cambridge township and remained at home until he obtained his majority but at the age of sixteen years began earning his own livelihood by working by the month as a farm hand. When he had reached adult age he began farming on his own account by cultivating rented land and during that period carefully saved his earnings until his capital was sufficient to enable him to make purchase of two hundred and fifty-six acres in Loraine township. He lived upon that farm for three years and then sold it, after which he bought one hundred and sixty-six acres in Geneseo township. Year after year he tilled his fields there, practicing the rotation of crops and cultivating his farm after the most approved methods of modern agriculture. He won success in this way and lived upon that property until 1905 when he sold out and bought a half section of land in Sargent county, North Dakota. When he disposed of that tract he bought six hundred and forty acres in the same county which he still owns.

On the 6th of June, 1900, Mr. Hoos was married to Miss Tillie E. Gresser, who was born in Henry county, Illinois, and is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Gresser, who were natives of Germany and early settlers of this county. Their family numbered eight children: Herman, John, Henry, Edward, Louis, Pauline, Augusta and Tillie.

Mr. and Mrs. Hoos are members of the Methodist church and are much esteemed in that organization and in the community at large. They have lived for the past four years in Geneseo. On the ist of October, 1907, Mr. Hoos formed a partnership with Charles P. Rose and purchased the implement business of Wagle Brothers. A year later he became sole proprietor and has since conducted the business alone, his enterprise and careful management making his undertaking one of substantial profit. Politically he is connected with the republican party and fraternally with the Knights of the Globe. He is a gentleman of genial disposition and courteous manner and has other sterling qualities which command the friendship and regard of those with whom he is brought in contact.

George Windisch

George Windisch is a successful farmer, operating one hundred and fifty acres of land in Weller township, which he leases. He is a native of Des Moines, Iowa, born January 30, 1864, of the marriage of John and Anna (Anderson) Windisch, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Des Moines. The father now makes his home in Kansas City, Missouri, but the mother passed away many years ago, her death occurring in Des Moines in 1869.

George Windisch, bereft of a mother's love and care when but five years of age, was reared in the home of his uncle, and acquired his education in the public schools of Bishop Hill, his father having estabHshed his home here during the early youth of the son. After putting aside his text- books he secured employment with Swan Swanson at farm labor, working for him until the latter retired, since which time Mr. Windisch has leased the land. He cultivates one hundred and fifty acres in Weller township and although he is not in possession of the land he takes just pride in its appearance and has made many needed improvements on the place. He understands his work and his labors are productive of good results as is evidenced in the excellent crops which he stores in his granaries each year.

Mr. Windisch was married on the ist of December, 1887, the lady of his choice being Miss Ida C. Olson, of Nekoma, Illinois, a daughter of John Olson, who is engaged in the mercantile business at that place. They lost their eldest child, Oscar E., when a little lad of nine years. The surviving children are: May A., a young lady of nineteen years, engaged in teaching; Pearl A., who at the age of seventeen is attending the public schools at Bishop Hill; Edna C, fourteen years of age, John E., eleven years old and Helen E., a little maiden of eight, all attending school.

Mr. Windisch in the main advocates the principles of the republican party although he is not striclly partisan and occasionally casts an independent ballot. He is a member of the Select Knights at Bishop Hill and his wife and daughters affiliate with the Swedish Methodist church. He possesses all the elements of what in this country we term a "square" man - one in whom to have confidence, a dependable man in any relation and any emergency.

Thomas J. Dunn

Thomas J. Dunn, a dealer in general merchandise and one of Kewanee's substantial citizens, was born in Boone county, Indiana, May 19, 1872. His father, Josephus Dunn, was born in Kentucky in October, 1828. About the close of the Civil war he removed with his family to Boone county, Indiana, and took up a farm of two hundred acres, which he cultivated until 1879. In that year he went to Kansas, where he acquired a homestead and engaged in agriculture for a number of years. He died there on the ist day of January, 1906, at the age of seventy-eight years. The mother of our subject, Katherine (Earskin) Dunn, was also a Kentuckian and was forty-five years of age at the time of her death, which sad event occurred October 5, 1888.

Thomas J. Dunn attended the public schools of Kansas and Hesper Academy in Douglas county, that state, finishing his education with a normal course at Gencseo, Henry county, Illinois. Thus becoming familiar with the science of pedagogy, he spent the ten ensuing years of his life as a school master in the district schools of Henry county. Deciding upon a change of occupation, he came to Kewanee and for a year and a half was employed as clerk in the grocery of Mr.

Nobiling. Upon leaving there he entered the dry-goods house of J. R. & J. G. Hoffman, where he took charge of the carpet department. Seven years later he severed his connection with the Hoffmans and with John M. Pettitt opened a general store at the corner of Fifth and Tremont streets. Here they have built up a thriving trade and established themselves among the leading firms of the city. Their stock consists of dry goods, groceries, shoes, and some house furnishing goods.

On October 30, 1901, Mr. Dunn was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ibson, a daughter of Christopher Ibson, a farmer residing near Kewanee. Their home is pleasantly situated at 215 McKinley avenue.

In national politics Mr. Dunn gives an unfaltering devotion to the republican party, but in local politics he believes that the wiser course lies in non-partizanship. He is a member of the Fairview United Brethren church, a little) north of Kewanee, but on account of the inconvenience of its situation, regularly attends the Baptist church in Kewanee. Of unquestioned integrity and known to have the best interests of the whole people constantly at heart he stands high among his associates.

Thomas Ward

Thomas Ward, now retired from the active labors of the farm after a well spent life, was born in Somersetshire, England, February 19, 1844, and is an example of the best class of men his country has given us. He is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Andrews) Ward, both of whom were natives of England. The father was a teamster and small farmer, making a specialty of manufacturing cheese and working at the peat factory. He had eight children, of whom one died in infancy, and Thomas is now the only survivor. All of the others came to the United States except one. They were as follows : Robert died in Bureau county, this state; Eliza married William Cook, spent her life in England and, dying, left a large family ; Hannah married John Lane, who lives in Geneseo, but she is deceased; Joseph passed away in Geneseo; Benjamin lived in Geneseo but went to Boulder, Colorado, where he died; Fannie married Henry Ole and her death occurred in Geneseo ; Thomas is the seventh ; as well as youngest.

Thomas Ward was only fifteen years old when he lost his mother, but his father survived until 1870, being buried by her side in an English cemetery. The education of Thomas Ward was secured in England, he remaining with his father until nineteen years of age. He then worked at various things until he was twentytwo years old, when on October 22, 1866, he married Mary Nuttycomb. She was born in Somersetshire, England, December 28, 1845, a daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Cook) Nuttycomb, also natives of England. Her father was a gardener, who came to this country when Mrs. Ward was twelve years old. After four years spent in Dubuque, Iowa, he returned to England and there died in January, 1876. He had lost his wife in 1862 and they lie buried in English ground. They had seven children, all living : Mrs. Ward is the eldest ; Ann married Frank Milton and lives in England; William, living in Wales, was an English soldier, who served until twenty-one years old when he was honorably discharged; Jane lives in London ; Sarah married Charles Cooper and lives in Minnesota ; Thomas lives in Kansas ; and Elizabeth married Daniel Dennis and lives in Syracuse, New ^York, he being deceased.

Immediately after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Ward came from England on the steamer Edinburg and located in Henry county, Illinois, first renting land' for three years. Following this Mr. Ward worked for Squire Harper on a farm in Geneseo township for nineteen years. Later he farmed on Dutch Bottom for several years, but he finally bought one hundred and twenty-three acres, which he now rents, and for the past six years he has been living on the old Mandle place. He is a strong prohibitionist and has never cast his vote for any but the candidates of his party. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist church, of which he has been trustee for some years.

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ward, namely : Elizabeth Ann, September 23, 1867, married Manuel Vonhosteen and lives in Idaho where he is a farmer. Joseph Walter, October 22, 1868, married Tillie Gerkin. They live in Phenix township and have two children, Jennie and Ernie. Fannie Bethel, February 28, 1870, married Frank Torence, and lives in Geneseo. They have seven children. Lulu, Hallie, Glen, Katie, Olive, Alice and Ward. Anna Malinda, bom June 3, 1871, married Edward A. Potter and lives in Iowa. They have five children, Lucy, Florence, Lucile, Annetta and Merle. Nettie May, born June 22, 1873, married Edward E. Darin, who lives in Phenix, and has three children, Harold Avery, Mary Eleanor and John Ward. Jessie C, bom February 11, 1876, married Louis Carl, of Whiteside county, and they have four children, Mary A., Ruby Irene, Florence and Russell. Forest B., born September 25, 1877, lives in Phenix township. He married Annetta Mortenson Febmary 18, 1903.

Mr. and Mrs. Ward are most excellent people who have worked hard to make their way in life and most certainly deserve the comfort and prosperity that is now their share. They are justly proud of their children and grandchildren and are among the substantial people of Henry county.

Robert G. Neville

Robert G. Neville, who devotes his time and energies to farming and the raising, feeding and shipping of stock, makes his home on the northeast quarter of section 29, Osco township. He was born on a farm in Kickapoo township, Peoria county, Illinois, on the 22d of June, 1862, his parents being George and Catharine (Moorehead) Neville. The father passed away when his son, Robert G., was but ten years of age and the latter at once went to work to assist in the support of the family, receiving* a wage of ten dollars per month. When but fourteen or fifteen years of age he was able to do a man's work, but his salary was not always in proportion to his services. At the age of seventeen, however, he received a man's wages. He had but very limited educational opportunities in his youthful days and after he had attained the age of eighteen years he sent only a part of his wages home, saving the remainder in order that he might procure enough funds to enable him to continue his studies. It was at this time that he came to Henry county and during the first year worked in Munson township for a Mr. Hadley. Subsequently he was in the employ of a Mr. Harriman in Osco for five years and it was while thus engaged that he spent two winter seasons as a student in the Davenport Business College.

On the loth of February, 1886, in Osco, Mr. Neville was united in marriage to Miss Margaret McCurdy, of Osco township. She was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, but came to this county with her parents, Alexander and Catharine (Coneghy) McCurdy. Soon after his marriage Mr. Neville removed to Kearney, Buffalo county, Nebraska, where he was engaged in the operation of a rented farm for two years. In the spring of 1888 he returned to Osco township, taking up his abode on the farm which has remained his home to the present time and which was given to him by his father-in-law, Alexander McCurdy. There was a small house on the place but he has since made many substantial improvements and it is now lacking in none of the equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. He is a man of untiring industry and good business ability, and has won a gratifying measure of success in his undertakings.

Unto Robert G. and Margaret (McCurdy) Neville were born four children, as follows : Alexander, whose birth occurred January 3, 1887, and who spent two years at the Geneseo Collegiate Institute; Robert, born August 4, 1888, who attended the Geneseo Collegiate Institute for three years after graduating from the grammar schools and is now a sophomore in the Northwestern University of Evanston, Illinois; Harold, born February 13, 1890, who is a grammar school graduate and has spent one year in the high school at Cambridge ; and Margaret, whose natal day was July 4, 1896. The eldest child was born in Nebraska but the other three are all natives of Henry county, Illinois. The mother was called to her final rest on the loth of July, 1896, just six days after the birth of her daughter Margaret, her remains being interred in Osco township. On the 2d of January, 1901, in Western township, Mr. Neville was again married, his second union being with Miss Jennie Carson, a native of that township and a daughter of William and Agnes (Ferguson) Carson, who were born, reared and married in Scotland. After the birth of their eldest child they crossed the Atlantic to the United States, settling in Western township, this county. William Carson passed away on the loth of March, 1909, but his wife still survives and makes her home with her children in Western township.

Mr. Neville is a stanch democrat in his political views and has held every public position within the gift of his fellow townsmen except those of collector and supervisor, ever proving most faithful and capable in the discharge of his official duties. Fraternally he is identified with Sherman Lodge, No. 535, A. F. & A, M., in which he has been junior deacon and junior warden, declining, however, to serve as worshipful master. Both he and his wife belong to Eastern Star Lodge, No. 96, at Orion, in which he has acted as worthy patron, while his wife has filled all of the offices, including that of associate matron. He is likewise a charter member of Maple Stump Camp, No. 2248, M. W. A., of which he was first venerable consul, thus serving continuously for four years. He was twice sent as a delegate to the state camp. Mr. and Mrs. Neville also belong to the Royal Neighbors, in which organization the latter has filled all of the offices except that of oracle. In religious faith Mr, Neville is an Episcopalian and a valued and consistent member of Grace church, in which he has served as vestryman. Both he and his wife are widely and favorably known throughout the entire community, having gained many friends during the long period of their residence here.

James H. White

James H. White, well known in business circles in Geneseo as bookkeeper of the First National Bank and as a young business man of substantial worth, was born in Arnot, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1873. His parents were James and Janet (Miller) White, natives of Cumbernauld, Dumbartonshire, Scotland. The former was a son of James White, Sr., also a native of the land of hills and heather. Coming to America, he spent his last days in Pennsylvania near Scranton, where he died at the venerable age of eighty-eight. He had been a sheep man in his native country but in the new world lived retired. His wife was also eighty-eight years of age at the time of her death. Their family numbered five children. The maternal grandfather of our subject was William Miller, and he, too, was born in Scotland, where he died at the age of thirtyfive years, having met death in a runaway accident. He was a milk dealer, using that business to provide a living for his family. His widow still survives and is now nearly one hundred years old. Their family numbered three children, including Janet Miller, who in her early womanhood gave her hand in marriage to Mr. White. He was a small farmer of Scotland and the favorable reports which he heard concerning business opportunities in America attracted him to this country. About 1865 with his family he made the long voyage across the briny deep to the new world, settling near Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he became foreman of a mine. About 1875 he removed westward to Ottawa, Illinois, where he became a large contractor in fire clay. He was not disappointed in the hope that led him to the United States, for here he found and improved the business opportunities which enabled him to acquire a handsome competence as the years passed by. His death resulted from an accident, as he was struck by the cars while crossing the track on the 9th of April, 1906, when sixty-five years of age. His widow still survives him and yet makes her home in Ottawa. She is a member of the Presbyterian church, to which Mr. White also belonged. They were the parents of nine children, four sons and five daughters, of whom six are now living : Jessie, the wife of J. L. Johnson, of Ottawa, Illinois ; James H., of this review ; Mary, the wife of W. H. Seward, residing near Ottawa ; WilHam C, a resident of Chicago ; Margaret, the wife of J. S. Rhoads, of Winona, Minnesota; Walter H., of Hamilton, Montana; and three who died in childhood.

James H. White was a young lad at the time of the removal of the family to Ottawa, Illinois, where he was reared to the age of seventeen and during that period attended the public schools, passing through consecutive grades until he became a high-school student. On putting aside his text-books he began learning telegraphy in the office of the Western Union at Ottawa, and later was made manager of that office for a time. He then entered the employ of the Chicago, BurHngton & Quincy Railroad Company, being stationed at various places as telegraph operator and agent. Subsequently he entered the main office of the Western Union Telegraph Company in Chicago, where he continued for two years and at the time of the breaking out of the Spanish-American war, he was sent to a special telegraph bureau in Washington, D. C, where he continued for two years and four months. Becoming ill with typhoid fever, he returned to Ottawa to recuperate his health and did railroad telegraphing there. He was then stationed at Geneseo as bookkeeper, agent and operator, acceptably fining the position until November i, 1902, when he was tendered his present position in the First National Bank, where he has since served as bookkeeper. He is a thorough accountant and his ability and allegiance to the bank make him one of its most worthy representatives. He is also a director of the Central Life Insurance Company of Ottawa. While in the government telegraph service in Washington, D. C, he transmitted the peace protocol to Admiral Dewey, suspending hostilities until such time as they could arrange a permanent peace treaty.

On the 2d of June, 1902, Mr. White was married to Miss Louise Taylor a daughter of Peter H. and Ella (Hume) Taylor. There are two children of that marriage, Janet E. and Margery T., who are the light and life of the household, Mrs, White is a member of the Congregational church and has always been very active in its work. Mr. White holds membership in the Methodist church but attends the Congregational church with his wife. Fraternally he is connected with Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M., and Geneseo Chapter, No. 12, R. A, M,, and in his Hfe exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft, being in hearty sympathy with its principles concerning mutual helpfulness and universal brotherhood. Politically he is a republican. His progress in a business way has resulted entirely from his own effort. He has learned to correctly value life's contacts and its experiences, to recognize and improve opportunities, and seeking his success along legitimate lines he has won the regard and esteem of his fellowmen as well as substantial advancement in the business world.

Henry Peterson

Among the many natives of Sweden who have come to the United States to test the resources of a newer country, were Andrew and Magdaline (Anderson) Peterson, parents of Henry Peterson, a prominent resident of Lynn township. Both of them were in youth bereft of their parents and they came to America alone, the mother in 1852 and the father in 1854, and were soon afterward married. They first located in Andover, Henry county, Illinois, where for a few years the father worked as a farm hand and by dint of rigid economy, saved enough money to buy a tract of land in Lynn township. It was there that Henry Peterson was born February 2, 1864. The father added to his property from time to time until he had considerable land. A republican in poUtics, he was active in public aflfairs and filled most of the township offices. He and his family were members of the Lutheran church and for some years Mr. Peterson held the offices of trustee and treasurer. Originally members of the Andover church, they later assisted in the organization of the Orion Lutheran church, to which they gave true Christian service. The mother passed on to her reward March i, 1884, being survived by the father until July 27, 1902, and their remains he in Orion cemetery. These worthy people were the parents of eight children, four of whom died in infancy. Those still living are Mary E., now Mrs. William Gabrielson, of Orion; Josephine, now Mrs. Charles Chinell, of Western township; John E., also a resident of Western township; and Henry, the subject of this sketch.

Henry Peterson enjoyed the free, unrestricted life of a country lad. He took a business course in the Northwestern Normal School at Geneseo, and then returned to his father's farm, remaining there until his marriage in 1891, when he and his bride took up their residence upon a desirable tract of land, two hundred and ninety acres in extent. This Mr. Peterson has brought to a high state of improvement, and has met with success in the line of stock buying, shipping and feeding.

The marriage of Mr. Peterson and Miss Ida C. Benson was celebrated March 18, 1891, and three children have blessed their union, two sons and a daughter, Clarence H. and Pearl E., who are still living; and Lawrence E., who passed away in infancy. Mrs. Peterson's parents were Olaus and Inga (Samuelson) Benson, Swedish by birth, who came to this country in 1869 soon after their marriage. They settled directly in Henry county Illinois, the father doing farm work. He died in 1881, but his widow is still living.

Mr. Peterson is one of the standard bearers of the republican party in Henry county. He has been a member of the republican central committee and is a frequent delegate to conventions both county and district. He has been placed several times on the board of elections and has served the public as township collector and assessor. He is now assessor and for twenty-two years was school director. The township pins its faith to his determination to secure good schooling for the coming generation and all manner of benefits for the whole community. He and his family are consistent members of the Lutheran church at Orion.

August Beuster

August Beuster, reared to hard work and strict discipline, taught wholesomq lessons of life and habits of economy and industry, has been able to grow from useful boyhood to successful middle age, helped rather than retarded by the restrictions of rural life and limited opportunities for the development of business ability. He was born in Brandenburg, Germany, October 11, 1844, a son of Christ and Minnie Beuster. The father was a laborer and unable to give his son any advantages, and he grew up to a life of hard work, learning the trade of a mason.

By the time he was twenty-five, August Beuster decided that there were not enough opportunities for him in his native land, and so he emigrated to the United States and, coming to Kewanee township, Henry county, Illinois, found employ- ment among the farmers, working by the month and learning the language. Within a year he began renting a farm and three years later bought sixty acres of land. This was the beginning of his present fine farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres. All he has he has earned himself and he is truly a self-made man.

In 1874, Mr. Beuster married Amelia Schultz, of Kewanee township, and they had two children : Mary, who is at home ; and William, who works on the farm, Mrs. Beuster died in 1877. The following year Mr. Beuster married Augusta Spiegel, of Kewanee, and they have had five children, of whom one son died at the age of twenty- four years, the others being: John, who is a carpenter; Emma, who married Charles Wenderman, a farmer ; Ernest and Arnold, both at home.

Mr. Beuster is a republican. For a number of years he has been a member of the German Lutheran church and for two years he has been one of its trustees, Mr. Beuster is a representative of the best class of men from the fatherland and he has proven himself faithful in every relation of life, thereby earning the confidence and high esteem of all who know him.

William Clark Attwater

William Clark Attwater is now numbered among Henry county's energetic, diligent and successful farmers, owning and cultivating a tract of land of eighty acres on section 31, Munson township. He was born in Cambridge, this county, on the 5th of June, 1850, and is one of eleven children whose parents were Elisha and Margaret (Wright) Attwater, natives of New Haven, Connecticut, and of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, respectively. In his youthful days the father learned the cabinetmaker's trade which he followed for some time in the east. In 1840, however, he arrived in Henry county, Illinois, first settling in Andover and while living there he worked at his trade at Rock Island. At length he took up his abode on the present site of the village of Cambridge and purchased a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, upon which he lived for five or six years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Munson township and made investment in a farm of two hundred and ten acres which he improved, bringing it under a high state of cultivation. It was upon that place that he reared his family and as the owner of property was long well known as a representative agriculturist of the community. At the time of the Civil war he put aside all business and personal considerations and with his sons, Eli and Thomas, responded to the country's call, he and Thomas enlisting for service as members of Company H, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which he held the rank of second lieutenant, and Eli serving in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. He participated in the battle of Nashville, Tennessee, where his son Thomas was wounded, and he took part in a number of other important engagements of the war. He died in 1884 at the age of seventy-four years, while his wife survived until 1886 and passed away at the age of sixty-eight. Both held membership in the Congregational church and were consistent Christian people. Their family numbered eight sons and three daughters, of whom seven are now living: Eli B.; Thomas J.;

George W. ; John ; Elnora, the wife of N. R. Penny ; William C. ; Mary Elizabeth, the wife of H. N. Boyde; Robert W. ; Emma, who died in infancy; Douglas ; and Frank,

William C. Attwater was reared on his father's farm in Henry county and attended the district schools, remaining at home until he had attained his majority. He then started out in life for himself, renting land for nine years, after which he purchased eighty acres in Munson township where he still lives. Since that time he has bought one hundred and sixty-seven acres so that he now has an extensive farm which, owing to the improvements he has placed upon it and the care which he takes of his fields, has become one of the valuable properties of the district.

On the 19th of December, 1872, Mr. Attwater was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Mock, a daughter of John and Rebecca (Watson) Mock. Mrs. Attwater was born in Randolph county, Indiana, November 16, 1852, and her parents were natives of Greene county, Ohio. They came to Cambridge in 1855 and the father devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits. His death occurred in Cambridge township, April 2, 1897, when he was eighty-six years of age, while his wife passed away January 2, 1907, at the age of seventy-eight years. They were the parents of seven children, of whom four are now living: Frank Mock, a resident of Cambridge; Mrs. Attwater; Mrs. Samuel Wilson, also of Cambridge; and Miss Nettie Mock, of Abilene, Kansas. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Attwater was Daniel Mock, a native of North Carolina, who married Ruth Lindsey, a native of Botetourt, Virginia. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Attwater was blessed with two children : Fannie and Roy M. The former is now the wife of Robert Scott, a resident of Cambridge, while Roy assists his father in the general work of the farm.

In his political views Mr. Attwater is a republican and has served as school director for eight or ten years. He is now the incumbent in the office of supervisor, which position he has filled for nine years, his long continuance therein plainly indicating his fidelity and the trust reposed in him by his fellowmen. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp and has the warm regard of his brethren of the fraternity and of all those whom he has met in social relations. In business, too, he is thoroughly reliable and in his farming operations is meeting with well merited success.

Frank J. Stabler

Frank J. Stabler, who devotes his atention to the pursuits of farming and stock raising, is actively engaged in the cultivation of a tract of land comprising two hundred and forty acres on section 35, Kewanee township. He was bom at Neponset, Bureau county, Illinois, on the 30th of May, 1870, his parents being John and Emma (Burch) Stabler, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume. In the acquirement of an education Frank J. Stabler attended the district schools of Kewanee township, Henry county, and after putting aside his text-books he continued to give his father the benefit of his assistance in the work of the home farm until the spring of 1891. Subsequently he rented a quarter section of land in the same locality and for two years devoted his time and energies to its operation. In the spring of 1893, when his father retired from active life and removed to Kewanee, Mr. Stabler of this review took charge of the home farm and has since been actively engaged in its cultivation and further improvement. The property comprises two hundred and forty acres of productive and arable land in Kewanee township, and in addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate Mr. Stabler also makes a specialty of market hogs, usually raising about three hundred head annually. He likewise sells on an average of one hundred and fifty head of cattle each year and in both his farming and live-stock interests has won a gratifying and well merited measure of success.

On the 14th of October, 1890, Mr. Stabler was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Pyle, of Kewanee, by whom he has a daughter, Florence E., who is now seventeen years of age and follows the profession of school teaching.

When national questions and issues are involved Mr. Stabler gives his political allegiance to the democracy, but at local elections does not consider himself bound by party ties and supports the candidate whom he believes best qualified. For the past twelve years he has served as a school director and in this connection has done effective service for the cause of education. He has a wide and favorable acquaintance in the community where practically his entire life has been spent, having won the kindly regard and esteem of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.

Henry O. Kuhl

Henry O. Kuhl is numbered among the native sons of Munson township; where he still resides, his home being on section 4, where a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of tillable land responds in generous harvests to the care and labor which he gives to it. His place presents a neat and attractive appearance and his well directed business interests are bringing to him a handsome competence. His birth occurred in Munson township, September 20, 1859, his parents being Henry F. and Mary (Westfall) Kuhl, both of whom were natives of Germany, whence they came to America, the father first crossing the Atlantic while the mother afterward made the voyage to the new world. On reaching American shores Henry F. Kuhl continued his journey into the interior of the country and took up his abode in Henry county, Illinois, where he worked by the month as a farm hand for a time for his limited financial resources made it imperative that he find immediate employment. Later he began to rent land and thus his efforts more directly benefited himself.

On the 22d of October, 1857, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Westfall, the wedding being celebrated in Geneseo. There they lived for a time, but afterward Mr. Kuhl began the cultivation of a rented farm. As time passed he prospered in his undertakings and made investment in property until he became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land, which he brought under a high state of cultivation. He was thus numbered among the self-made men in the county and from a humble financial position worked his way upward until he was numbered among the more prosperous farmers of the district. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, of whom Henry O. is the second in order of birth. The first child was Lena, now the wife of Chris Schroder, a resident of Montana. The children younger than Henry O. Kuhl are as follows : Matilda, the wife of Ernest Weinrich, who is living in Geneseo township; August, who^ makes his home in Davenport; Herman, a resident of Montana; George, who is living in Montana; William, whose home is in Osco township; and Lewis, a resident of Davenport, Iowa.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Henry O. Kuhl in his youthful days. He acquired a fair common-school education and on attaining his majority he began to provide for his own support by working as a farm hand by the month. He was thus busily engaged until thirty years of age, during which time he had saved a sum sufficient to enable him to begin farming for himself. As a further preparation for having a home of his own he was married in Cambridge, Illinois, on the ist of March, 1889, to Miss Minnie Kane, whose home was in Edford township. She was bom, however, in Germany, and when about five or six years of age was brought to the United States by her parents, Julius and Eva (Fritz) Kane. Her father died when she was about eight years of age. Mrs. Kuhl was provided with the educational advantages offered by the common schools and had been trained to the work of the household so that she was well qualified to take charge of a home of her own at the time of her marriage.

Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kuhl took up their abode upon a farm and bent their united energies to the task of winning success, Mrs. Kuhl ably managing the household affairs while Mr. Kuhl in a persistent, enterprising and progressive manner attended to the work of the fields. In 1906 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 4, Munson township, and is now the owner of an excellent farm, well equipped with modern improvements.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kuhl have been born four children : Mabel, who was bom December 16, 1890, on the farm where the family now reside; Otto, born August 19, 1891; Herbert, bom May 19, 1896; and Nora, born August 10, 1898. The family are well known in this locality and Mr. Kuhl is numbered among the early settlers for during a half century he has lived in this part of the state and has been an interested witness of the growth and progress which have marked the transformation of the county from a wild and sparsely settled region into one of the leading counties of the commonweath.

Henry E. Dirck

Henry E. Dirck, who lives on section 35, Phenix township, was born on his present property, March 3, 1865, a son of Michael and Polly (Temple) Dirck. He is devoting himself to breeding high grade polled Angus cattle and his results have been extremely gratifying. His father was a native of Wayne

The Dirck farm was entered by the grandfather of its present owner and originally consisted of eighty acres, but it has been much enlarged, so that it is now one of the best stock farms in Phenix township, and Mr. Dirck takes great pride in keeping it up to standard in every respect. His house is a modern one and he has made some excellent improvements. His machinery is good, and the place shows that a good manager is in charge of affairs. Recently he added to the farm one hundred acres in section 36, the same township, for which he paid eighty dollars per acre.

After securing a fair common school education, Mr. Dirck continued to farm for his father even though he has passed his majority. On March 14, 1894, however, he was married in Munson township to Angelica Lindquist, who was born at Vexio, Kronoburg, Smoland, Sweden, daughter of Karl W. and Sarah (Anderson) Lindquist. She was a baby when her parents left Sweden for America, her grandmother taking charge of her. It was expected that she would be brought over the following year by an aunt and uncle, but they dying, she did not make the trip until fifteen years old. However, she secured a good common school education in Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Dirck are the parents of seven children, namely: Ethel P., born December 26, 1894; Vernon, born January 14, 1897; Arvid, born October 8, 1899; Lulu, born February 3, 1902; Dorothy, born May 29, 1905; and Lester and Esther, twins, born July 8, 1908.

Mr. Dirck is independent in politics, not caring for office but trying to do his duty as a citizen according to his best lights. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, camp No. 40. A good farmer, excellent business man, fond of his home and family, he is a representative Henry county man, who stands well with his neighbors and is proud of what his father accomplished and that he owns land that has been in the family for so long.

Le Roy Snyder

Le Roy Snyder, a successful farmer, who is interested in his work and consequently able to make his land yield him a good profit, was born in Burns township, March 2.^, 1852, and is a son of Daniel Snyder, a sketch of whom is given elsewhere in this work. Mr. Snyder's boyhood days were spent upon the homestead farm and when he was only nine years old he was harrowing the fields and doing other heavy farm labor. In those days children earned their school advantages, and this lad was no exception for he walked two and one-half miles to the country school held in a log house, but even then he had the opportunity of going but two terms. Then a new building was erected, but the greater part of his time was spent in hard work.

For about fiften years Mr. Snyder conducted his father's farm and then in 1878 bought his first farm of one hundred and twenty acres on time, for he had no money to pay down. Each year he paid on his land from what he made on his crops and later was able to add forty acres to his original purchase. As conditions changed he found it more profitable buying and selling stock and today handles large quantities of mules and hogs which he ships to city markets.

On Christmas Day, 1874, Mr. Snyder married Miss Elizabeth Hawthorn, of Bums township, a daughter of Robert and Esther Hawthorn. Her father was a machinist in Philadelphia where she was born. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have five living children, namely : Orville, a farmer of Burns township, who married Ruea Schoonover; Harvey, also a farmer, who married Minnie Griffin; Maud, the wife of Louis Brasel, a farmer of Kewanee township; Eva, the wife of Carl Burg, a farmer of Burns township; and Ernest, at home. There was another son, Lyman, who died October 27, 1901, leaving a widow, who was formerly Miss Grace Schoonover. He and Orville married sisters on the same day. The loss of this young man in the very prime of young manhood was a terrible blow to the family, and his memory is tenderly cherished.

Mr. Snyder was a road commissioner and school director for eighteen years and served the public faithfully and well. Owing to his strict probity he is often called upon to act as administrator of estates, and his days are filled with many duties for he is never content unless busy and he has made his work pay well and now is in very comfortable circumstances, although all he possesses he has earned himself. He is still living in the old home and has his dinner in the room where he was born fifty-eight years ago.

Charles A. Golman

America has been likened to a great melting-pot into which the metal of allf nations has been poured to form the splendid compound which makes our nation unapproachable in strength. One of its most virile elements is acknowledged to be the Swedish, and of this is Chas. A. Golman, of Andover township. He was born April 28, 1858, on the place where he is now residing, but his parents, Jonas and Christine (Petersen) Golman, were natives of Sweden and came to America as young married people, settling in Andover township. They reared a family of four children. Louise is the wife of Charles P. Molberg and living in Rio, Knox county, Illinois; Emma is at home; Huldah is now Mrs. Charles Ecberg, of Andover township; and Charles A. is the subject of this review. The father was successful in the land of his adoption, becoming a prosperous farmer and an active and excellent citizen. He gave fealty to the republican party, and both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church of Andover. He died on the I St of January, 1905, and his wife followed him in February, 1907. These estimable people were buried in Andover cemetery.

Charles A. Golman passed his boyhood upon his father's farm and secured his schooling in the educational institution provided by the township. From early manhood the intelligent methods employed by him in agriculture have been productive of excellent results. Thus recommended he was asked in 1894 to take charge of the farm of the Swedish Orphans Home near Andover and in 1907 he was made superintendent of this eleemosynary institution, known as the Swedish Lutheran Orphans Home. The farm appertaining comprises three hun- dred and ninety-seven acres of land of exceptional fertility. In addition to agriculture proper, Mr. Golman is engaged in the raising of cattle, hogs and sheep.

On May 14, 1902, Mr. Golman was united in marriage to Miss Clara Petersen, a daughter of C. J. and Wilette Petersen, who also came from Sweden, the former finding employment as a laborer on the railroad before he located in Andover township, where he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Golman have two young daughters, Esther Henrietta and Nellie Radena.

Mr. Golman has long given allegiance to the men and principles of the republican party. He takes an active interest in public matters as every ideal citizen must, but he has never been tempted to office seeking. On several occasions he has been a delegate to conventions. He is identified with the order of the Northern Star, and he and his wife give valuable support to the Andover Lutheran church. In short Mr. Golman is an enterprising and public-spirited man with altruistic ideas for the improvement of society.

Olof Peterson

Olof Peterson, who is one of the successful and enterprising farmers of Bishop Hill, was born in Ofvanaker Socken, Helsingland, Sweden, May 14, 1847. His father, Per Erickson, who was a native of the same place, died in Bollnas, Sweden, at the age of forty-five, and his mother, who was Miss Brita Jonson in her maidenhood, was born in Alfta Socken, and died in Bollnas, in the winter of 1867. His wife's mother, however, Christine (Jonson) Helstrom, is still living with the family upon the farm, and is yet active, although she has attained to the advanced age of eighty-six years. She is one of the original colonists, who came here in the summer of 1847, has witnessed the growth of the colony into a thriving village, while she has participated in her way in the work in which all shared during the lapse of years. Endowed with great energy and a cheerful disposition she is widely known and highly regarded, being especially held in esteem among the surviving old settlers of Bishop Hill.

Olof Peterson attended the public schools of his native land and was reared upon the home farm, which he conducted in part until he attained his majority. At the age of twenty-one he came to the United States, locating at Bishop Hill, this county. He found employment as a farm hand in Weller township for the first two years of his residence here, and then, having married, in 1870 he leased the place he now owns. It consists of one hundred and twenty acres, is well improved as the result of his own efiforts, for he has reconstructed the original buildings and has added others to those which were standing when he assumed possession of the tract, and has cultivated the soil in a thorough and progressive manner. In consequence his fields exhibit the well cared for appearance that bespeaks the good farmer, while the condition of the farm's appurtenances indicates that he is a good and thrifty manager as well as a clever tiller of the soil. He has won more than a competence as the result of

On October 3, 1870, Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Christine Helstrom, who died January 24, 1903. Her mother, Mrs. Christine (Jonson) Helstrom, was one of the original colonists who settled at Bishop Hill early in the summer of 1847, She now makes her home with our subject upon the farm and although she has reached the age of eighty-six years she is still quite active. Having been a resident of the county for over sixty-two years, she is widely known and universally respected and esteemed. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Peterson were born nine children but four died in infancy and August W. lost his life in an accident on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, November 26, 1903, at the age of twenty-nine years. Those of the family still living are: Olive C, who lives at home; Bessie C, also at home; Eric T., who is a fireman on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, making his home at Galesburg, Illinois; and Oscar H,, who assists in the operation of the home farm.

Since he was admitted to citizenship in this republic Mr. Peterson has looked to the republican as his guide in political matters, and while he has not been conspicuous as a seeker for office he has been a participant in all local elections and has taken some part in public affairs of his township, having served as school trustee and as highway commissioner. The latter position he held for six years. His public spirit, which has characterized his actions since he became identified with the community here, and the success of his private life, have secured for him a full measure of the good will and respect of his fellows.

Matt Reiff

Matt Reiff, the proprietor of a saloon at No. 221 West Third street in Kewanee, was born in the southern part of Germany on the 12th of January, 1866, his parents being M. and Mary (Schumacher) Reiff. The maternal grandfather, Matt Schumacher, spent his entire life in Germany. The father of our subject, whose birth occurred in that country on the 15th of July, 1832, worked as a stonemason in his native land until 1883, when he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, leaving his family in Germany. After residing in America for three years he returned to the fatherland, where he remained for six years and then brought his family to the new world, locating in Kewanee, Illinois. In 1899, ^^ company with his two sons. Matt and William, he made a farewell trip to Germany, returning to- this country after a short time. His demise, which occurred in Kewanee on the 5th of February, 1902, when he had attained the age of seventy years, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His widow, who still survives him and makes her home in Kewanee, is seventy-three years of age.

Matt Reiff obtained his education in the public schools of his native land and in 1882, when a youth of sixteen years, came alone to the United States. He made his way at once to Kewanee and on arriving in this city his cash capital amounted to a dollar and a quarter. Finding immediate employment a nee- essity, he secured a position as a farm hand and worked in that capacity for a period of seven years or until the time of his marriage. In 1889 he began the operation of a rented farm and was actively engaged in its cultivation for five years. On the expiration of that period, in 1894, he opened a saloon in association with Charles Baute, who remained his partner until 1900. Since that time he has been the sole proprietor of the saloon at No. 221 West Third street and he is widely recognized as one of the prosperous and enterprising citizens of Kewanee.

On the 2d of March, 1889, in Kewanee, Mr. Reiff was united in marriage to Miss Emma Onart, a daughter of Peter Onart, who is a well known farmer of Kewanee. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reiff were born six children, four of whom are still living, as follows : Elsie, eighteen years of age, who is at home ; Theodore, who is a youth of sixteen and attends school; and Anna and Eric, who are thirteen and eleven years of age respectively and are likewise attending school.

When national questions and issues are involved Mr. Reiff supports the republican party but at local elections casts an independent ballot, voting for the candidate whom he believes best qualified. He holds membership relations with the Eagles, the German Singing Club and the Liquor Dealers Association. He attends the services of the German Evangelical church, in the work of which the members of his family are deeply and helpfully interested. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized, for through the utilization of the opportunities here offered he has won a measure of success that entitles him to recognition among the substantial and representative citizens of his adopted county.

William C. Palmer

William C. Palmer, who since 1907 has been engaged with James M. Cavanagh in the undertaking business in Kewanee, is one of the older commercial men of the city. He was born October 28, 1863, a son of Aaron and Prudence (Tunnicliff) Palmer. The father was born in Lake county, Ohio, November 20, 1833, a member of a family which is still prominent in Concord and Mentor, that state. He received his education in the place of his birth and about 1849 came with his stepfather to Henry county, Illinois, locating upon a farm in Wethersfield township. Later he and his brother Grove Norris Palmer conducted a general store in the village of Wethersfield and then engaged in running a threshing machine and separator for eight seasons, during which time they threshed much of the wheat raised in their section of the county. On discontinuing that business Mr. Palmer engaged in raising and selling hedges and fruit trees and also carried on general teaming and draying, keeping four teams constantly busy. He passed away January 9, 1904. His wife was a native of Derbyshire, England, and came to America with her parents, locating first in Zanesville, Ohio. Later she came to Kewanee, where she is still residing. Through her marriage to Mr. Palmer she became the mother of ten children: Lucy E., died at the age of fifteen months. Sarah died at the age of two months and a half ;

Addie M., was the wife of Bert Roulston and died in Lenox, Iowa, 1905 ; William C, is the subject of this sketch; Erness E., lives with his mother in Kewanee; Nora J., died at the age of fifteen months; Walter A., is one of the prominent physicians of Castle Rock, Colorado, and also a prominent citizen in other ways for he has been mayor, is a bank director and superintendent of the Sunday school of the Methodist church, upon whose official board he also holds a position. As a ranchman he owns two thousand acres of land. He married Alice Bonney of Chicago, and has two sons, Walter L. and Donald. Bessie M., became the wife of G. C. Stratton, who is a merchant at Wyoming, Illinois. They have three children: Frank P. and Prudence, whd are twins; and Genevieve. Grove G., has remained with his mother and is connected with the National Tube Company. Frank N., died at the age of five years.

William C. Palmer received his education in the public schools of Kewanee and after completing the course at the high school, entered the Gem City Business College of Quincy, Illinois. He then embarked upon a mercantile career. For the first five years he was a clerk in a grocery store and then for ten years was similarly employed by the firm of Lay & Lyman, of Kewanee. Having obtained a thorough knowledge of business methods and proved to his own satisfaction that he was capable of conducting a concern of his own, he bought an interest with C. J. Roadstrand, in the furniture store. For two years the business was conducted under the name of Roadstrand & Palmer and then the former partner sold his share to E. S. Good and the business was conducted under the name of Palmer & Good the next five years. They did a general business as furniture dealers and undertakers and when they dissolved partnership Mr. Palmer assumed charge of the latter. From the 15th of February, 1900, until June, 1907, he conducted the undertaking parlors alone with pronounced success and profit, and then offered an interest in the business to James M. Cavanagh. Since that date as Palmer & Cavanagh the firm has become the most prominent in its line in the city, conducting a vigorous business in their specialty and also in the sale of pianos, of which they handle the best makes.

James M. Cavanagh, the junior member of this enterprising firm, was born in Wethersfield, Illinois, November 10, 1880, a son of James and Bridget (Joyce) Cavanagh. The former, who was for many years one of the prominent farmers of Wethersfield township, was of Irish parentage, his father, Patrick Cavanagh, having been a native of County West Meath, Ireland. He came to Illinois in 1840, locating first in Stark county and then removing to Henry county, where he secured a piece of unbroken prairie land which remained his home and is today the home of his son James. The latter grew to manhood in Wethersfield township and became one of its well respected and prosperous citizens. Through his marriage with Miss Bridget Joyce, also the child of an early settler, he had five children, namely: John P., who married EHzabeth Maxwell and lives in Kewanee; Albert M., a lawyer in Chicago; James M., who is mentioned below ; and Leroy L., and Charlotte, both of whom live in Kewanee. James M. Cavanagh attended the public schools of the county and of Kewanee, remaining with his father until he reached man's estate. Then he came to Kewanee and shortly after he joined his business interests with those of William C. Palmer. Though so young a man he has proved an able partner, who has done his share toward advancing the interests of the firm. He is a member of the CathoHc church and belongs to the social and fraternal orders connected with it, namely, with the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

On the 25th of June, 1890, William C. Palmer wedded Miss Lorena Murchison, a daughter of Captain Alexander and Margaret N. (Weed) Murchison, Her father, who died in 1903, was one of the important farmers in Henry county during the years of his active life and was also a distinguished officer in the Union army during the Civil war. Indeed, he was one of the few men who unwittingly prepared others for the struggle for on the 4th of March, i860, he helped to organize a military company which he drilled. At the inauguration of the war, at the first call for troops, he entered the service in Company B, Nineteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was rapidly promoted until upon being mustered from the service in July, 1865, he held the rank of captain. The engagements in which he participated were among the most important of that great struggle which have been given historical prominence, and during his service he received a number of severe injuries. After his return from the army, he married and in the course of years became the father of three children A. Clarence married and engaged in the practice of dentistry in Iowa. Lorena is the wife of Mr. Palmer. Frances C. J. received a good education and is now a licensed embalmer in Illinois. The mother is still living and makes her home in Colorado Springs.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. William C. Palmer have been born three sons : Willie M. and Russell, both deceased ; and Merwyn, who is a student in the high school at Kewanee. Politically, Mr. Palmer gives his support to the republican party. Socially he is connected with several organizations. Those of a fraternal nature include the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the Red Men. He also belongs to the Kewanee Club and the Commercial Club. Religiously he holds membership in the Methodist church that being the congregation in which his father was prominent. Through the years in which he has been prominent in the business circles of Kewanee, he has gained the esteem and the assured respect of those who have come in contact with him.

Harvey W. Lincoln

Harvey W. Lincoln, deceased, belonged to a good old pioneer family by the name of Lincoln and was a son of George Lincoln and a brother of Edward P. Lincoln, of Kewanee township. He was born in Connecticut before the family migrated to New York state and was fully grown on their removal to Henry county, Illinois, in 1850. He, with the rest of the family, experienced the hardships and difficulties of pioneer life. He bought a farm which he improved and upon which he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1864, when he was only thirty-one years old.

Mr. Lincoln married Nancy Goodrich, of Kewanee, a daughter of Chauncy Goodrich, an extended mention of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. One son was -born of this marriage, who was given his father's name, and a daughter, Nettie, who died in infancy. After the death of Mr. Lincoln, his widow married a Mr. Day and her son grew up as Harvey Lincoln Day, by which name he is still known.

Many of the representatives of the Lincoln name have passed away, but there are others arising to take their place. While Harvey W. Lincoln did not live long enough to make any distinctive place for himself in his community he won friends by his open, frank manner and sterling honesty of character and he is mourned to this day by his brother Edward P. Lincoln, and two sisters, Ella E., and Ruth O., now Mrs. J. H. Pinney. He had managed by hard work and many sacrifices to secure a farm. His span of life was short, he passing away in the full vigor of manhood, but with the realization that he had accomplished what had been given him to do.

Joseph H. Anderson

Joseph H. Anderson, who owns and cultivates an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Annawan township, makes his home on section 29, where half of his land is situated, while the remaining eighty acres lie on section 30, though the farm is all in one body. His birth occurred in Sweden on the 2d of July, 1863, his parents being Andrew and Bengtal (Johnson) Anderson. The father passed away in that country, about 1901, but the mother still survives at the age of eighty years and yet makes her home in Sweden.