Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1910 (part 24 of 32)

Frederick N. Baird was born at Bethany, Geneseo county. New York, May 14, 1827, and is a son of Frederick and Roxana (Cone) Baird. The father was a native of Guilford, Connecticut, where he learned the trade of shoemaker, tanner and currier. Shortly after his marriage he removed to Geneseo county, New York, where he followed his calling until his death. His son received what was a good education for that day and at the age of eighteen began to learn the carpenter's trade. As soon as he had acquired a little skill he started for Henry county, Illinois, spending the winter of 1854-5 here working at his trade. Here he entered some government land. He went back to New York for a few months and then returned to Edford township, where he found plenty of carpenter work. In 1856 he returned to New York for the second time, married and_ brought his bride to this county, establishing her in the house he had built for his brother until he should have time to put up one of his own. He lived in Edford township for a few years and then removed to Geneseo, where he had erected a good house, and later bought the land in Osco township on which he has since made his home. It consists of eighty acres on section 12, is well improved and under good cultivation. As the years brought rich returns for his labors he was able to purchase more land and now owns in addition one hundred and twenty-two acres on section 6, Munson township. Assured of a competence for the necessities of life and for many of its luxuries, Mr. Baird has felt fully justified in relinquishing the management of the farm to his son, and is now enjoying a well earned rest.

In Attica, New York, March 12, 1856, on the occasion of the second return to the state of his birth, was performed the marriage of Mr. Baird and Miss Caroline Partridge. She was born in Middleburg, New York, July 24, 1832. a daughter of William Partridge. Two children were born of their union. Charles Irwin, the elder, was graduated from the Geneseo Collegiate Institute and for a number of years subsequent was connected with it in the capacity of a teacher. He also taught in Indiana where he lived for a long time, but returned to Henry county before his death, which occurred in 1903. He married Miss Emma Reese Dull, who bore him three children: Carrie Reese, who married Gilbert Samuelson and lives in Osco township; Charles Glenn, who is with his mother in Iowa City, Iowa; and Nellie Merle, who is also with her mother and is fitting herself for a teacher. Mr. Baird's second child, William Norman, reveived a good education and during his school period and even now has a reputation as a fine penman. He has not married and remains at home with his father, having the real management of the farm.

Mr. Baird was reared in the principles of the democratic party, but he became a whig when he surveyed the political situation for himself and cast his first presidential ballot for the whig candidate in 1848. In 1856 he voted for

Fremont and has supported the republican party since its organization. He is not a politician, though he has served as road commissioner. Religiously he is connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, having become a member before his marriage. Having heard of Henry county when it was in its wild state and taken up his residence here while it was still in the early stages of development, he has witnessed its growth and has promoted and participated in its advance, financially and agriculturally, and the sight of the well tilled fields and the comforts about him seem adequate compensation for the struggles of half a century ago.

Lewis W. Slauson

Lewis W. Slauson, one of the men who has served his township upon more than one occasion as a public official and who has passed a long and honorable life in agricultural pursuits, was born in Albany county, New York, August i, 1838, a son of Tryansel and Mary (Tenyck) Slauson, a combination of Irish and Holland Dutch. The father was a farmer by occupation. He and his wife never came to Illinois.

In the fall of 1857 Lewis W. Slauson landed in Galesburg and soon obtained employment on a farm in that vicinity, continuing there for one year. He then came to Henry county and for three years worked for farmers in Clover township, by that time being able to buy a farm of eighty acres, which he operated for himself.

On December 25, 1866, Mr. Slauson married Wilhelmina Houghton, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Barton) Houghton, who came to Clover township in 1858 from Vermont. Mr. Houghton, who became a large landowner and very active in township matters, died in 1870, his widow surviving him until April, 1892. Their remains are interred side by side in the beautiful God's Acre of Woodhull. Mr. and Mrs. Slauson became the parents of six children, namely : Horace, Solon, an unnamed infant son, and Louella, who are all deceased ; Edith, who married Edwin D. Johnson, a farmer of Oxford township ; and Carrie, who married Fred F. Kirkland, a farmer of Clover township.

Mr. Slauson has always directed his efforts towards farming and now owns three hundred acres of magnificent land which yields excellent crops. Although formerly a republican, his temperance principles have made him a prohibitionist and he is very active in the work of his party. Because of his recognized probity he has been called upon to serve Clover township as assessor and for twelve years he has been a member of the school board. Ever. since 1869 he has been an active member of Woodhull Lodge, No. 383, I. O. O. F., passing through all the chairs. While not a member of any religious denomination, he and his family are firm believers in Christianity and the Golden Rule has been his guide in his dealings with his fellowmen. He and his wife have aided many, notably the Rev. Oliver Stewart, widely known as a church and temperance worker, who became their ward When only thirteen years old. They took him into the family, sent him to the Woodhull high school and after his graduation he went to Eureka College and also to a theological seminary. They treated him exactly as one of their own children, giving him every advantage, and they consequently feel very proud of him. It is such men as Mr. Slauson who maintain the moral tone of the community and who in their own lives set an example of upright living and honorable practice.

Julius Schultz

Julius Schultz, one of the enterprising agriculturists of Edford township, who owns a farm of three hundred and twenty acres on sections 35 and 36, was born near Swetz, West Prussia, June 3, 1859, and is a son of Adolph and Caroline (Krueger) Schultz. He was about fourteen years of age when the family came to America. They were seventeen days in crossing the ocean and after landing in New York came to Henry county, Illinois, where his oldest brother, Gustav, was then living, as he had preceded the rest of the family by a few months. The father brought some means with him but rented land for a few years and then bought a tract in Geneseo township, for which he paid thirtyseven dollars an acre. This he sold soon after, however, and removed to the city of Geneseo, where he spent the remaining years of his life. Julius Schultz is the second in a family of five, the others being: Gustav, who resides near Kewanee; August, who lives in Burns township; Adolph, a resident of Moline; and Uena, who married August Leopold and lives in Keokuk, Iowa.

Julius Schultz had received the greater part of his education in the land of his birth, but after coming to America he attended school for a few months to learn the English language. Until he became twenty-one years of age he worked for his father upon the farm and then worked out for one year. With the optimism of youth he decided to start in life for himself, although it was necessary to go in debt for his teams and implements and for the rent of the land he had chosen. He continued to rent until 1893, when, having accumulated about tv/o thousand dollars, he was able to make the first payment upon the faiin where he now lives, going in debt for the balance. He bought it at the rate of forty dollars an acre, but it has now more than tripled in value, for were it put on the real-estate market it would easily bring one hundred and fifty dollars. He has made many improvements and increased its producing power. In 1906 he was able to buy another farm in Phenix township, consisting of two hundred and ninety acres. For this he paid seventy dollars per acre, but it has now almost doubled in value, being worth about one hundred and twenty dollars. He has devoted his time to general agriculture and has also engaged in the raising, feeding and shipping of stock, meeting with an unusual degree of success. He also owns a residence in Geneseo.

In Geneseo, March 7, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Schultz and Miss Caroline Krueger, who was also a native of Germany and a daughter of David Krueger and his wife. Of this marriage eight children were born: Gustav, Minnie, Martha, David, Reinold, Hedwig, Edward, and one who died in infancy. The eldest daughter is now the wife of Hugo Ristan. After the mother's death in 1899, Mr. Schultz wedded Mrs. Minnie Hollatz, nee Ger- hardt. Of this union five children have been bom: Emil, Alfred, Ernest, Rose and Arthur. Mrs. Schultz had five children by her former marriage and these together with his own children Mr. Schultz is rearing. They are Karl, Valiske, August, Walter and Freddie.

Mr. and Mrs. Schultz are members of the Lutheran church, and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has never sought for any office within the gift of the people of his township. The wide extent of his fields evince the measure of his success as a farmer, while the fact that in June, 1909, he purchased an automobile indicates that he is able to enjoy many of the luxuries of life.

Among the prominent and enterprising business men of Kewanee is the hardware firm consisting of the brothers Elmer E. and Edward B. Johnson, They are the sons of Albert T. and Harriet E. (Jarman) Johnson, the former for many years a merchant of Kewanee. Elmer E. Johnson was born there, September I, 1869. Having been reared here and receiving his education in the city's public schools, he has always been more or less closely connected with its interests. His first business experience was as a clerk in the dry-goods store of T. H. Phillips where he gave satisfaction during a period of six years, and later he was with the National Tube Company for six years. For the last two years with that concern he was in charge of the fittings department. During that time he gained practical experience in business methods so that he desired to embark in business on his own account. Accordingly, under the firm title of Johnson & Craig, he engaged in making and selling monuments. After two years, however, he felt he could better his fortunes elsewhere, so in partnership with his brother Edward B. he opened the hardware store which he still conducts. It has proved one of the valuable additions to the commercial life of Kewanee, being both a credit to the abilities of the men who are its proprietors and the general financial stability of the town. On the 28th of June, 1900, Elmer E, Johnson wedded Miss Florence Kearny, of Washington, D. C, a daughter of James V. and Mary E. Kearny. The former was for many years the editor of the Galesburg Mail, but has now retired from active life and is residing in the city of Washington. One daughter, Doris, has been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. The family are members of the Congregational church, of which society Mr. Johnson is clerk. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to the commandery in Kewanee and is also^ a member of the Kewanee Club, in which organization he has played a prominent part. While participating in the social Hfe of the town, he is also interested in its political welfare, for he is a member of the school board and for a time was a member of the village board of Wethersfield.

Edward B. Johnson, of the firm of Johnson Brothers, is also well known in the social and commercial life of Kewanee. Having been reared in this city he attended its high school and then clerked for T. H. Phillips for a period of six years. Subsequently he entered the employ of the National Tube Company, with which he remained until 1900, when he joined his brother, establishing the Johnson Brothers Hardware Company. Like the latter he belongs to the Congregational church and to the Kewanee Club, while his fraternal relations embrace membership in the local lodge of the Odd Fellows, of the Red Men and of the Elks. He is also chief of the tribunes. As superintendent of privileges he has promoted the success of the annual Kewanee fairs for he is a man of pronounced business ability, who is not slow to see opportunities and derive from them the largest profits. The success of the firm depends almost equally upon both of its members and in the nine years since it was organized they have proved themselves to be men of high principles and integrity in all their business dealings.

Emanuel Lauderbaugh

Emanuel Lauderbaugh, a well-to-do farmer of Phenix township, was born in Pennsylvania, December 23, 1851, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Hartman) Lauderbaugh, both natives of the Keystone state. The father was bom December 22, 1817, followed the life of an agriculturist, and in 1866 came to Illinois, settling in Phenix township, Henry county, where he lived until his death in 1878. His wife has also passed away and is survived by eight of their thirteen children. The three oldest, Isaac, Jesse and William, live in Missouri. Fayon is a resident of Kansas City. Catherine is the wife of William Brown, of Missouri, Emanuel is the subject of this sketch. Amanda is the wife of Peter Roland, of Abingdon, Illinois, where he teaches and preaches. Susan is the wife of William Rapp and lives in Nebraska. Jesse was the only son who took part in the Civil War.

Emanuel received the greater part of his education in the schools of his native state, but after his parents came to Illinois he went for a short time to the schools here. Until he became twenty-two years of age he remained at home, working for his father, and then in 1876 he started to farm for himself and ran a threshing machine for a number of years. He continued to rent land for a long period and then, in 1891, bought from his parents one hundred and sixty acres of the farm he now occupies. From time to time, as he saw opportunity, he purchased more land until now he has about two hundred and sixty acres, all fertile and well improved, on which he pursues general farming and raises a quantity of stock for the market. The success to which he has attained is indicated in slight measure by the excellence of the buildings he has put up. There are a handsome house, substantial barns, numerous outhouses and a windmill, in short, whatever was necessary to make the place strictly modern in every way.

Mr. Lauderbaugh has been twice married. In 1877 he wedded Miss Lucinda McHenry, who was bom in Illinois and was a daughter of D. B. and Rachel McHenry, old settlers in this state. Her father has passed away, but her mother is still living in Geneseo. Only two of their six children are living: Myron is a horse dealer and Fred lives in Ottumwa, Iowa. Mrs. Lauderbaugh died in 1889, leaving four children : Nellie, who teaches in the high school of Geneseo ; Telia, deceased ; Qiester, who married Miss Maude Hammer and lives in Phenix township; and John, deceased. Nellie, the eldest daughter, was graduated from the Geneseo Collegiate Institute and then attended the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois. On the 22d of September, 1891, Mr. Lauderbaugh married Miss Mildred Darin, who was bom in Phenix township. May 19, 1857, and is a daughter of John Jackson and Eleanor (Clarke) Darin, both natives of Pittsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. The father's sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. He was one of the successful farmers of this section of the county, and when, on the 8th of October, 1904, his life was ended he was buried in Oakwood cemetery, Geneseo. His wife, who had been born March 19, 1827, was buried there two years before, her death having occurred March 11, 1902. They were the parents of seven children, only one of whom is deceased: Annie, the wife of R. A. Pinnell, of Alexandria, South Dakota ; Mildred, the wife of Mr. Lauderbaugh; Clarke J. woh died October 22, 1904; Edward E., of Phenix township; Nora, the wife of Virgil McHenry, of Phenix township; Charles H., of Los Angeles, California; and George L., of San Francisco, California.

Mr. and Mrs. Lauderbaugh have one daughter, Lida Eleanor, born May 31,, 1893, in Phenix township. She attends Villa de Chantal, in Rock Island, where she is taking a college preparatory course. In his political affiliations Mr. Lauderbaugh is a prohibitionist and has held all the township offices. He has also been trustee of his church and has the confidence of the people who know him.

Richard D. Jones

A little boy convalescing from a hard attack of smallpox which he caught in the coal mines, plead daily with his parents that they would forsake that confining and unhealthy life, buy a piece of land and engage in the agricultural pursuits, which, while being more remunerative, would also enable them to enjoy more rugged and permanent good health. From those days in the sickroom Richard D. Jones dates his career as a farmer, and in fhe lapse of the years has never had occasion to regret that his pleading was given thoughtful consideration, for he is now one of the successful and influential agriculturists of Colona township.

He was born in Wales, April i, 1850, a son of Daniel and Mary (Jenkins) Jones. In 1856, the family, consisting of the parents and six children, started for America. The father was a miner and when they embarked upon their long journey it was with the intention of settling in Salt Lake City, Utah, for they were among the believers of Joseph Smith and members of the Latter Day Saints. When they reached Iowa City, however, then the terminus of the Rock Island Railroad, they found that they should have to continue the rest of the trip by wagon train and that a considerable amount of money was a prerequisite. As they were wholly without funds, the balance of the party continued on their way without them, and they were compelled to look for some place where they might obtain a living. Having been coal miners across the ocean, the father and elder sons decided to seek employment in the mines in this state, and accordingly the family removed to Minersville, Colona township, Henry county, now known as Briar Bluff, where they found employment. In 1857 they removed to Coal Valley, where they lived and worked until the spring of 1863, when they located on a farm of eighty acres which the father purchased in Western township. He had worked in the mines since he was seven years of age, and like many men, who have become habituated to one means of winning a livelihood, found little complaint with his work, despite the fact that it had been his occupation for half a century. But not so the young boy who believed that the mines were exhausting the strength and destroying the powers of the different members of the family. He had experienced the foulness of the life, which had made him subject to the dread disease of smallpox, so he urged the father to buy a piece of land and start in life anew. Such was the reason for the family's removal to the farm in Western township, upon which they lived until 1884, when the father and mother removed to Correctionville, Iowa, where their youngest son, Daniel, was located. There the former died in October, 1889, and his widow in June, 1893. The hardships the couple had known were numerous and sometimes almost overwhelming, but they ever ordered their lives in accordance with high principles of honor and integrity, being able to transmit to their children the strong Welsh trait of honesty, industry and frugality.

There were seventeen children born to them, but only six of these were living when the family came to the United States. They were Louis, Walter, William, Martha, Richard D. and Daniel. The eldest went to California in 1862, married there and then removed to Nevada, where he lived for about twelve years. At the end of that period he sold his claims and returned to Illinois. In 1872 he bought a farm near Red Oak, Iowa, on which he lived until his death, which occurred in October, 1898, leaving a son, a daughter and a widow, who still make their home there. Walter was married in 1861 and with his young bride joined an emigrant train bound for Salt Lake City, where he has since resided. In 1862 William enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Twentysixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served three years or until the close of the war. Although he was ever at his post of duty and participated in a number of severely contested engagements, he closed his career as a soldier without having been wounded or captured. Martha, the only daughter, is the wife of D. H. Harris, of Piatt, South Dakota. Daniel, the youngest, is in Iowa.

Richard D. Jones has been very busy ever since he was old enough to work, and although he was but thirteen years of age when he persuaded his parents to engage in farming, he had to assume no small share of the work. He received a meager education in the district schools of Western township. At the age of twenty-one he married, but when he established a home of his own he removed to Red Oak, Montgomery county, Iowa, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1877. In that year he returned to Colona township, this county, where he purchased the place known as the R. L. Shepherd farm, which has been his home ever since. The original farm comprised one hundred and eighty acres, but he has added to it in the course of years until now he owns four hundred and forty-four acres, an excellent tract of land, on which Mr. Jones pur- sues diversified farming and engages in stock feeding and dairying. His place is well improved with buildings suitable to his needs, and the fields are tilled with care, skill and knowledge. In consequence, as progressive ideas and industry have been guiding features in his life, he is one of the most successful men in his locality, for not only has he secured a large income, but he enjoys a high reputation for honesty and is respected by every one who has come in contact with him either in business relations or socially.

On the 25th of December, 1871, Mr. Jones wedded Miss Jeanette Craig Mc- Whinney, a daughter of James and Margaret (Craig) McWhinney, The former was a native of the north of Ireland, while the latter was bom in Scotland. Both came to America as young people, were married in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where their, daughter, Mrs. Jones, was born, and then came to Henry county, Illinois, settling in Colona township, where they passed the remainder of their lives. They died some years ago. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones, namely: Margaret, who is the wife of Amos Baum, of Colona ; Daniel F., who is married and is a farmer of Edf ord township ; Thomas, A., who is also married and is a farmer and stockman of Colona township; Clara, who is the wife of Albert Kershaw, an agriculturist of Briar Bluff ; Nellie, who is the wife of Clark J. Glenn, a coal operator of Edford township ; and Ruby E. and Raymond W., who are at home. Mrs. Jones was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church, and while all the family are interested in religious work they are not members of any denomination.

A republican in his political views, Mr. Jones has played an important part in local affairs and in the councils of his party. He has been a delegate to county and district conventions, is now, having been for some years past, the Colona township member of the county republican central committee. For a number of years he served his township as assessor, was road commissioner, and for eighteen years was a member of the district board of education, for he has always been deeply interested in the subject of public instruction, as he never enjoyed the advantages in that line by which his children have profited. A progressive citizen, he is an ardent advocate of all substantial public improvements and has been influential in obtaining many of the advantages of which the citizens of Colona are now proud. His religion and charity are distinctly of the practical kind, so that he may well be called one of the splendid residents of his locality, whose life has contributed much toward the betterment of those who have associated with him.

Arthur G. McMaster, who is just entering upon an independent business career as an agriculturist, making his home on section 34, Weller township, was born in Harvard, Clay county, Nebraska, on the 30th of November, 1885. He is a son of George R. and Julia (Shear) McMaster, the former who was bom in Ayrshire, Scotland, still survives at the age of sixty-nine years, making his home near Nekoma. His wife, who is a daughter of Henry Shear, a well known farmer residing near Altona, is a native of Illinois, where she was reared and educated, being a graduate of Galesburg high school.

Reared in his native state, Arthur G. McMaster at the usual age became a pupil in the public schools of Harvard and later attended the schools of Henry county, Illinois, for about two years. After laying aside his text-books he gave his father the benefit of his assistance in the work of the home farm until March i, 1909, when he leased a farm of eighty acres three miles southeast of Nekoma and started out in the business world on his own account as an agriculturist. He is concentrating his energies upon the further development and improvement of his farm, which is already under a good state of cultivation, practices rotation of crops and studies the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate. He is industrious, diligent and persevering in the conduct of his business and systematic and progressive in the methods which he employs.

On the 20th of January, 1909, Mr. McMaster was united in marriage in Rockford, Illinois, to Miss Minnie Peterson, a daughter of Claus Peterson, now residing in Galva. Prior to her marriage she was a member of the Swedish Lutheran church of Altona, being a member of the choir and taking an active part in all social affairs of the church, while her husband holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Altona. In politics he gives stalwart support to the principles of the republican party but has never been an aspirant for public office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his private affairs. Although he has but recently joined the ranks of Henry county's agriculturists, he has already manifested careful and wise management, close application and good business ability, all of which augur much for a successful future.

William A. Neville

Few among the citizens of Kewanee have done more toward its improvement than the well known real-estate dealer, contractor, and builder, William A. Neville. He has erected many of the residences of the town, was the first to offer homes for sale upon the installment basis here, and has in other ways been connected with its best interests. To be sure the blood of pioneers flows in his veins, for his father, Patrick Neville, was one of the early settlers of this county. He was born in Ireland, in 1808, but about 1830 decided that he would come to America to try the unusual opportunities afforded here. He landed at Baltimore, where with the determination to get ahead as fast as he could, he found employment, receiving only six dollars a month as wages. The next year he commanded eight dollars, and the third, which was his last in the city, ten dollars a month. In 1833 he came to Illinois, locating in Fulton county, where he found work on a farm, and was in the employ of Jacob Emery, of Stark county, during 1836 and 1837. In the fall of the latter year he entered the southwest quarter of section 24, township 15 west, range 4, east, of Burns township, Henry county, and in the summer of 1838 employed Mr. Ogle of Toulon to break twenty acres of his land. In the summer of the next year he came here, with a yoke of cattle, to make it his home, erecting for his shelter a log cabin.

This was a house of some importance during the next few years, for during the winter of 1849-50 it was used as the school house, in which William L. Dalrymple, late of Cambridge and now deceased, held classes. The school teacher in those days received the meager salary of twelve dollars a month, although he had in addition the privilege of boarding around at the homes of his pupils. In 1848 Mr. Neville built his frame house, which is still standing and was occupied until 1883. It was one of the best on the countryside in those days, as some of the more important of the early artisans in Henry county at that time contributed their labor to its erection. Mr. Neville hauled the lumber for it with an ox-team from Chicago, and from that city brought many of the appointments of building which were not in general use here. The house was provided with pine siding, with shingles, doors and sashes, and with flooring throughout. The lumber, however, was rough and was dressed by hand before it was put into the building. The contract for the erection of the house was given to Sullivan Howard, who was assisted by his son, James, and Nat Mayhew, it being the first piece of carpenter work intrusted to the last mentioned. The brick work was done by Michael Grant, of Sugar Tree Grove; the plastering by Tom Brown, also of Sugar Tree Grove, and the painting by Mr. Pratt, of Wethersfield. The frame was made of heavy timber hewed by William D. Cross. This house was finished in good style, was painted white on the outside with green blinds and might well bear comparison with that Samuel Carson put up the same year, or with that erected by Merrill Otis, in 1843, i"to whose making native lumber of Burns township had gone. Mr. Neville did not live long to enjoy his new home, however, for he died April 16, 1850. He pursued farming after coming to Henry county, and was as successful as could be expected considering the character of the times.

About 1841 Mr. Neville married Miss Jane Pounds, who was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1813, and when a child went to Fredericksburg, Ohio, with her parents. In 1840 she came to Illinois to live with a married sister in Stark county, where she met the man who later became her husband. Through her marriage she became the mother of five children. Thomas P. is now a resident of Stuart, Iowa. Mary A. died in infancy. James L., living in Belleville, Kansas, was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war and was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry, enduring all the hardships of confinement in the southern prisons. P. H. lives upon a farm adjoining the old homestead. William A. is the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Neville long survived her husband, for her death did not occur until the 14th of February, 1896, when she was nearly eighty- four years old.

William A. Neville was bom in the house which has just been described, February 3, 1855. He grew up on the old homestead, and he received his education from the public school of the district although the farm work was never interrupted on account of studies. At the age of twenty-one he left home, studied medicine for a time, and then in 1878, went to Stuart, Iowa, where he engaged in agriculture. Later he took up the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1884, when he returned to Kewanee and established himself here as a carpenter and builder. After two years' experience he began taking contracts, continuing in that business to the present. He laid out the First and Second Neville addi- tions here, besides plotting the Thelan and Neville addition to Wethersfield, and has put up many of the fine residences that adorn its streets. Since 1890 he has been dealing in real estate in connection with his other business, putting up numbers of comfortable homes which he sells to those of moderate means who desire to buy a house upon the installment plan. He is also the agent of several reputable insurance companies, having the assistance of his son Russell T. in this work. Mr. Neville stands forth as one of the best type of western progress and enterprise, to whom Kewanee owes not a little of its prosperity.

On the 14th of February, 1878, Mr. Neville was married to Miss Cynthia West, of Kewanee township. Four children have been born to them, namely: Russell T., of whom mention is made below ; Frank R., a carpenter of Kewanee ; and Ralph L. and Edna H. who are attending school. Mrs. Neville is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while Mr. Neville has allied himself politically with the prohibitionists.

Russell T. Neville, the eldest son, was born in Stuart, Iowa, December 27, 1879. Being but four years of age when his parents came to Kewanee, he has virtually been reared in this town. He attended its public schools and when his education was completed engaged in business with his father. Now he has assumed charge of the insurance department while the latter conducts operations in real estate and building. In 1905 he was elected justice of the peace, being at that time the youngest man to hold that office in this section of the state, and in 1909 was reelected, his second term expiring in 191 3. He has proved himself worthy of the confidence placed in his judgment. On the 26th of May, 1903, he wedded Miss Mayme I. Ronstrum, of Kewanee, a daughter of Nels and Julia Ronstrum, the former a painter and decorator here. One daughter, Dorothy, has been born of this union. Mr. Neville is a Knight Templar, belongs to the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias and to the Modern Woodmen of America and being a man of engaging personality he has made numerous friends among his lodge brethren and among the citizens of Kewanee.

Jehiel Fuller

Jehiel Fuller, one of the leading farmers of Wethersfield township, is enjoying a substantial measure of success resulting from close application and careful management of his business affairs. He was born March 29, 1853, on the farm which is still his home. His father, Jehiel Fuller, was a native of Northmoreland, Pennsylvania, but resided principally at Wilkes Barre until his removal to the west. He was a direct descendant in the seventh generation of Edward Fuller, who came to America on the Mayflower from Redenhall, of the county of Norfolk, England. He and his wife died soon after reaching the new world and their son Samuel who came with his parents on the Mayflower became the progenitor of the family in America. From the same ancestor came Chief Justice Melville W. Fuller, of the supreme court. Jehiel Fuller continued his residence in the Keystone state until 1839, when he came to Illinois and located on the farm which is now the home of his son and namesake, having taken up the claim the previous year. He was one of the earliest settlers in the county and aided in the reclamation of the wild land for the purposes of civilization. With characteristic energy he broke the sod and tilled the fields, devoting his remaining days to general agricultural pursuits and adding to his possessions until he acquired three hundred and thirty-four acres in Wethersfield township and just across the line in Stark county. He was a very public-spirited man and took a keen interest in all local affairs. He died July 4, 1871, at the age of sixty-five years, while his wife survived until September 10, 1892. She bore the maiden name of Emiline Felton and was a native of New York state, born May 15, 1813. They were married January 31, 1839, at Peru, Huron county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller were active members of the Wethersfield Congregational church and both were highly esteemed for their many excellent traits of heart and mind. Their son Jehiel was the seventh in order of birth in a family of eight children, three of whom are living, the oldest being Mrs. Helen Maxfield, of Cincinnati, Ohio, while the brother, Baxter L., is a well known resident of Henry county.

Educated in the district schools, Jehiel Fuller afterward remained upon the home farm and has since made it his place of residence with the exception of the season of 1887 which he spent at St. Edward, Boone county, Nebraska, where he then owned a tract of land. He was eighteen years of age at his father's death, at which time he assumed charge of the farm and has since conducted it. Eighty acres were inherited by his older brother, Baxter, but he assumed the management of the remaining two hundred and fifty-four acres, and upon reaching his majority he and his brother bought out the interest of the other heirs, Jehiel Fuller securing two hundred acres. Subsequently he sold his brother twenty acres and bought eighty acres adjoining, so that he now has a farm of two hundred and sixty acres. The land is rich and arable and returns to him substantial harvests as a reward for the care and labor he has bestowed upon it. He has also remodeled and enlarged the home, has built all of the barns and other outbuildings now upon the place, and has made various improvements, equipping the farm with the most modern machinery to facilitate the work carried on. He has given his attention largely to stock-raising, principally handling good market cattle, hogs and sheep. He is also interested to some extent in farming lands in Colorado and Texas and he has various business interests in Toulon, Illinois, and elsewhere.

On the 4th of October, 1876, Mr. Fuller was married at Saxon, Illinois, to Miss Kitty Ellen Green, a daughter of Champion K. and G. A. Green, then of Wethersfield township, later of Logan county, Colorado, but now making their home with Mr. and Mrs. Fuller, to whom have been born three children : Helen Beatrice, born February 9, 1881 ; Ethel Inez, August 6, 1884; and William Green, born May 19, 1891. The last named is attending Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois, while the daughters are graduates of the academy at Toulon and of Hedding College, at Abingdon, Illinois. The son is also a graduate of Toulon Academy.

In politics Mr. Fuller is a republican but not strongly partisan, and has never been an office seeker. He has, however, been called by his fellow townsmen to serve in several local offices. He was supervisor of Wethersfield township for twelve consecutive years and school director for many years. He belongs to the Saxon Methodist Episcopal church in which he has served as trustee and in other offices, while for many years he has been superintendent of the Sunday school. He was a delegate from the central Illinois conference to the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church held at Baltimore in May, 1908. His wife and family are also active members of the church and Mrs. Fuller has been a member of the choir, a teacher in the Sunday school and an officer of the Epworth League for a number of years. The cause of education finds in Mr. Fuller a stalwart champion. He is a man of studious nature and has found his chief recreation in reading and travel. His interest is always concentrated in his farm, his church and his home, and he is one of the honored and representative citizens of Wethersiield township.

Oscar Erickson

Oscar Erickson, one of the substantial farmers of Geneseo township, was born in Sweden, December 13, 1863, and is a son of John and Hannah Erickson, both natives of that land. The father was born in 1831, while his wife was two years his junior, and he had considerable experience in agriculture in the land of his birth before he decided to make a trial of the advantages claimed to be procurable in America. In 1866 he brought his family to the United States and upon his arrival in Henry county procured some land upon which he farmed until his death, which occurred about twenty years ago. His wife died about the same time and six of the seven children born to them have also passed away. Three of the latter, Albert, Ames and Amanda, for many years lived with their brother Oscar on his farm in Geneseo township. The sister was the first to die and Albert, the last. Like their parents, they were buried in the cemetery at Geneseo.

Oscar Erickson attended the Jackson school of Geneseo tov/nship and after hours for lessons and in the vacations worked for his father on the farm. Until he became of age he gave the latter the benefit of his toil, and then .started in life for himself, working by the month during the summer, and in the winter attending school. In a few years he managed to save enough money to rent a farm in Geneseo township, and after four years, in 1892, bought one hundred and sixty acres of improved land on sections 10 and 11, Geneseo township. Here he engages in general farming and devotes considerable attention to the raising of Hereford, or white face, cattle, for which he finds a market in Geneseo and in the eastern cities. A creditable success has attended his earnest efforts, and he enjoys many of the comforts of life.

On the nth of January, 1892, Mr. Erickson wedded Miss Sophia Johnson, who was born in Geneseo township in i860. Her parents, Lawrence and Caroline Johnson, were natives of Sweden but came to Illinois at an early date and in Geneseo township made their home and reared their children. Mr. Johnson was actively engaged in farming during his life and when he died he was laid to rest in the cemetery here, which is the burial place for his wife and four of his children. Mrs. Erickson has one sister and one brother living: Annie, the wife of Noah Johnson, who Hves in Colorado; and Fred, who lives in Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson had three children, all of whom are living: Adolph, bom April 24, 1895; Paul, born June 27, 1896; and Carrie, born May 26, 1898. Mrs. Erickson was a member of the Lutheran church and like her husband was industrious and hard working and by her frugality aiding him in accomplishing the tasks he had set for himself to perform. For two years before her death she had very poor health, and finally, April 14, 1903, she was released from her sufferings, being in her fortieth year. She was buried in Geneseo.

Like his father Mr. Erickson has given his support to the republican party, and has filled the position of school director with credit for several years. He is a member of the Lutheran church and is very active in its work, having held office for a long period. He has known what it meant to work early and late, to endure privations and to sacrifice desires to necessities, but he is now reaping the results of his frugality, for he is one of the rising farmers of this locality.

Jesse S. Tracy

Jesse S. Tracy, deceased, was a well known farmer, stock raiser and shipper, whose home is on the northwest quarter of section 17, Osco township. He was born in Lynn township, Henry county, July 7, 1863, a son of Joab and Mary Jane (Coon) Tracy. His parents were born in Morristown, Indiana, where they grew to maturity, became acquainted and were married, coming to Illinois on their wedding trip. They located first in Peoria county, where Joab Tracy farmed on rented land for a year and then removed to Rock Island county, where he lived for three years. Then he came to Henry county to take up a government homestead claim in Lynn township, the deed to which was signed by Franklin Pierce. It was unimproved land at the time, but, undaunted, Mr. Tracy soon had it producing richly. There he spent all the years of his active life, retiring to New Windsor, Mercer county, when he decided to put aside business cares. In that town he and his wife were living when they celebrated their golden wedding, which was attended by all their children and many of their grandchildren. There he passed away and was buried in 1903, and there his widow still lives. He was a democrat in his political views and four of his sons espoused the same party. When he arrived in Henry county he had fifty dollars in money, a blind horse and one that balked. The first night here he spent under an oak tree in Andover township, near the village of that name, but before his death he owned twenty-two hundred acres of land, which enabled him to give each of his sons and daughters a farm.

Ten children were born to him and his wife : William Riley married Miss Mary Barrett and lives on a farm in Oxford township, this county. They have two children. James Albert married Miss Lena Malthrop and is a commission merchant in Chicago. Willis Douglas married Miss Orlena F. Reynolds and lives on a farm just outside of Galesburg. They have eight children. Ellen is the wife of Charles Kinsey and lives on a farm in Mercer county. They have four children. Catherine married Allen Gayre and lives near Sherrard, Mercer county. She is the mother of two children. Jesse S., the sixth of the family, is the subject of this sketch. Rachel was the wife of Guy Fields and lived in Western township, where she died leaving one child. Joab Jackson married Miss Harriett Wirsing and lives on the old homestead in Lynn township. He has one child. Minnie Prink died unmarried at the age of twenty-two years. Mary Jane married Dalas Petrie and lives in Lynn township. They have one child.

Jesse S. Tracy grew to manhood on the homestead in Lynn township and in the common schools received a fair education. In the spring of 1884, when he became of age, he removed to the farm he occupied at his death, which was a gift from his father. The latter gave each of his sons three horses and a farming outfit, and to each of his daughters its equal value in household goods, and established each upon a piece of land which he later willed to them. On this land Mr. Tracy lived and worked, tilling the soil and feeding cattle for the markets, and in 1904 bought eighty acres additional, for which he paid one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre. This brought his acreage to two hundred and forty and enabled him to attain to a substantial position in the agricultural community here.

In the village of Osco, December 17, 1885, Mr. Tracy wedded Miss Kittie Kilmer, of Osco township. She was born here and is a daughter of William and Sarah (Sperbeck) Kilmer. The father was a native of Schoharie county. New York, where he was reared to the life of a farmer and where he married his first wife, by whom he had four sons and four daughters. In 1858 he came to Henry county, Illinois, buying one hundred and sixty acres in Osco township. He afterward lived in Rock Island, and Morristown. In 1878 he moved to the village of Osco, where he lived until his death in 1887. In 1865 he married the second time, and of that union were born Mrs. Tracy and a younger sister, Edna, who is the wife of Walter G. Hopkins, of Osco village, and the mother of four children. ]\Irs. Tracy's mother died in 1893, and was buried in the cemetery at Morristown.

To Mr. and Mrs. Tracy was born one son, Glenn Kilmer, born October 9, 1887. In 1902 he finished the eighth grade work and then, while at the home school, completed the first two years' work of the high school at Cambridge. In 1904 he entered the junior class of that school and was graduated in 1906, attaining the highest grade for the work of the last two years. He then took the teacher's examination and again secured the highest grade of any in the graduating class of ten. The year of 1906-7 he spent in teaching in the school near his home and in the fall of 1907 entered upon a four years' agricultural course in the University of Illinois at Urbana. In the spring of his sophomore year he won a gold medal for military competitive work, with which he was decorated by General Frederick Dent Grant. He looked forward to graduating with the class of 191 1, but owing to the death of his father at the beginning of his junior year he returned home and is now endeavoring to carry on the farm successfully.

Mr. Tracy was a democrat in his political views and for six years served as justice of the peace, and though in that time some of his decisions were appealed, none were ever reversed. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Orion and of the Modern Woodmen of America at Osco. In the camp here he has served as venerable consul for three years and in the camp of Henry county for one year. With his wife he also belonged to the Royal Neighbors, and they and their son were devout members of Grace Episcopal church, of which Mr. Tracy was a vestryman. After a useful and well spent life he passed away on the 28th of September, 1909, from inflammation of the spinal cord. He was sick only ten days, and it was not thought that the disease would prove fatal until a few hours before his death. He was a very kind and indulgent father, and a most exemplary and loving husband, and his loss is deeply felt by his wide circle of friends and acquaintances, as well as by the immediate community.

Thomas W. Kerr

In the death of Thomas W. Kerr Hanna township lost one of its best men and a citizen of whom any community might well be proud for he was upright, fearless and devoted to his home and family. He was a man of the highest integrity, gentle and warm-hearted, and he drew friends to him and held them through life. All who know him respected him and although years have elapsed since he was called to his reward, his memory is tenderly cherished.

Mr. Kerr was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1830, a son of Zachariah and Margaret Kerr. The family removed from the Keystone state to Ohio and there Mr. Kerr resided for nine years before coming to Illinois in 1857. Arriving here, he located in Hanna township, Henry county, and in 1859 married Amanda Henninger, who survived him many years. He and his wife had a family of nine children, all but two growing to maturity, and they were with him in his last illness, which resulted in his death, February 29, 1896.

When a young man Mr. Kerr joined the Presbyterian church and its faith was a great comfort and support to him during his long illness as well as in his active days. The funeral services were conducted in his late residence by the Rev. S. H. Weed, of Hanna Center, assisted by the Revs. J. H. Skidmore and W. J. Ward, while the Green River choir rendered some choice selections.

Mr. Kerr is remembered as a man of the highest moral character, and although he was permitted to amass a comfortable fortune it was not through taking advantage of his fellow creatures but as the result of years of industry and economical habits. A good man, he believed others true, and enjoyed his friendship with his neighbors and his associations with his church.

Mrs. Amanda Kerr

Mrs, Amanda Kerr, widow of the late Thomas W. Kerr, was one of the most beloved women of Henry county. One of her most notable characteristics was her courage, and she was industrious, while truth and uprightness were her watchwords. She was born in Wooster, Ohio, February 23, 1841, a daughter of

In 1859 Miss Henninger married Thomas W. Kerr and they commenced housekeeping in Hanna township. After his death, February 29, 1896, she lived with her children, all of whom claimed the privilege of ministering to her, and she died November 11, 1908, at the home of her daughter Mrs. Percy Davis after four years of ill health as the result of a paralytic stroke. Mrs. Kerr bore her husband nine children and all but two grew to mature years, namely: Mrs. Ella Withrow, Mrs. Amy Burton, G. W. Kerr, Mrs. Lena Withrow, Mrs. Mina Davis, J. E. Kerr, and H. Z. Kerr, all of whom attended her funeral with the exception of Mrs. Burton, whose home in Montford, A^Iontana, was too far distant for her to arrive in time. Mrs. Kerr's two brothers, George and Fletcher Henninger, and her sister, Mrs. Phoeba Malone, were also at the funeral. The other members of her family who are now deceased are: Mrs. Elizabeth Stanbro, Mrs. Harriet Bacon, John, Hiram and Mrs. Clara Walker.

The services were held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Davis the Saturday following her demise, the Rev. F. A. Smiley, pastor of the Presbyterian church, officiating. The choir rendered her favorite hymns and her remains were interred in Oakwood cemetery.

Mrs. Kerr during her earlier life worked with tireless energy and faithful love for her family. She ever maintained a deep affection for her home and the duties pertaining to it. In her daily life she set an example of womanly devotion and sweetness of disposition that have helped many struggling to become better and truer wives and mothers, while to her immediate family she was the one who was ever ready to listen and assist. Her place can never be filled. In the hearts of her children she is enthroned as long as life lasts, and they look forward to joining her with their father in the land where there are no partings and families will once more be reunited.

Louis A. Schroeder

One of the substantial farmers and stockmen of Henry county is Louis Schroeder, who on his farm on the northwest quarter of section 32, Edford township, makes a specialty of breeding Cotswold sheep and shorthorn cattle. He was born in that township, near Geneseo, April 24, 1877, and is the son of George H. and Wilhelmina (Weigand) Schroeder. Both parents are still living in Geneseo, whither the father retired after his arduous labors as a tiller of the soil.

Louis Schroeder was reared at home under the guidance of his parents and was early initiated into the work on the farm. He attended the country school of his district, and after having completed the course of study prescribed continued his education at the Geneseo Collegiate Institute. He then returned to the paternal farm, and until his twenty-third year rendered his father valuable assistance. He then went to Osco township, rented some land and farmed there for three years. Six years ago he returned to Edford township, where he pur- chased his present farm of one hundred and eighty acres of fine land. Several substantial buildings have since been erected, the old have been put in good repair, and the soil has been subjected to a systematic cultivation that will increase its fertility as the years pass on.

In the city of Geneseo, on the 24th day of January, 1900, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Schroeder and Miss Carrie Weidlein, a daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Conrad) Weidlein. Mrs. Schroeder is a native of this county, her birth having occurred in Osco township, and she has become the mother of two children: Merle W. and Kenneth Lyle.

When called upon to exercise his franchise, he invariably casts his vote for the republican candidates as representing the choice of the party with whose principles he is in most accord. He has not, however, given much time to either political or public matters, although he takes a deep interest in questions of importance, especially as they concern his fellow citizens and for one term served as collector for his township. His farm and stock demand the most of his attention, and by hard work he has brought both to a high standard and has made a place for himself among the prominent members of his community.

Olof Mattson

Pluck must surely be included among the virile elements which constitute the character of Olof Mattson, one of Lynn township's representative citizens. Like so many settlers in this locality he is Swedish by birth, having been bom in the Scandinavian peninsula, June i, 1854, a son of Mattes Thomason and Catherine (Olson) Mattson. When a lad of six years, Olof Mattson lost his mother, and when only fourteen years of age he came alone to America, where a brother, Thomas Mattson, had preceded him. Going first to Galesburg, Illinois, he found employment in the surrounding country as a farm hand, and pieced out what education he had received in his native land with a few months' attendance at a winter school. In two years' time he removed to Ophiem, where he engaged in farm work until his marriage in 1877. Through thrift and industry he now found himself in a position to take up the cultivation of some land about one mile west of Ophiem, and a little later removed tO' a farm one-half mile east of that village where he has since resided. Three hundred and thirty-five acres of fine land, well improved and under a high state of cultivation, constitute this most desirable homestead. With a view to permanency, all the improvements are substantial and modern, including every available appliance conducive to convenience and comfort. Mr. Mattson engages exclusively in farming, in which his wonderfully progressive ideas have made him most successful. In addition to his agricultural interests he is a stockholder in the State Bank of Orion.

On January 18, 1877, Mr. Mattson was united in marriage to Miss Maria S. Samuelson, daughter of John and Caroline (Peterson) Samuelson. Her parents came from Sweden in 1849 and were accompanied to the new world by her father's brother, Charles J. Samuelson, and his family. These brothers, first located in Andover, Illinois, but as soon as their resources would permit, they purchased a forty acre tract of land near Ophiem and began farming. At the beginning their means were hmited in the extreme, but they possessed those excellent assets - industry, thrift and a courage which refused to recognize adversity. In consequence they prospered, becoming large landowners and prominent in the affairs of the community. John Samuelson and his wife were the parents of eleven children, five of whom died upon the voyage to America and two since coming here. Three sons and one daughter are yet living, these being: Leander, a prosperous farmer of Lynn township; Solomon, of Nebraska; Maria Sophia, now Mrs. Olof Mattson, wife of the subject of this sketch; and John H., a prosperous farmer of Lynn township. Mr. Samuelson was republican in politics and in this matter all his sons have followed in his footsteps. He was a man who became a recognized factor in public affairs, and among his public services must be mentioned that of road commissioner of Lynn township for several years, township treasurer and school director. He and his family were members of the Lutheran church, in which for many years he served as trustee and treasurer. This fine man passed on to his reward in June, 1887, his widow surviving until March, 1895, ^^^ tK)th are interred in the Ophiem cemetery. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Olof Mattson has been blessed by the birth of four children : Lillie E., now the wife of Claus A. Nelson, a Lynn township farmer; Arthur M. ; Hilda A.; and Edith E. M., the three latter at home.

Mr. Mattson is an active and enthusiastic champion of the republican party, He is and has been for a number of years the Lynn township member of the county republican central committee and his associates have entrusted him with their representation at county, district and state conventions. He has also been a member of the township board of election. For fully a dozen years he has given efficient service as township road commissioner, which position he still holds, and cognizant of the important part played by education in the life of a community, the township has long rejoiced in having his counsel as a member of the Ophiem board of education. For thirty years Mr. Mattson has been a deacon in the Lutheran church, with which his family are also affiliated and to whose affairs they generously contribute of their time and strength. The entire family are active in all matters pertaining to the elevation of the community. Their home is greatly sought, being attractive in all its appointments, modern in its improvements and abundantly supplied with the best standard and current literature. No one will deny that the Mattson household exerts a beneficial influence in Ophiem and the surrounding neighborhood.

Harvey Ulysses Lough

The agricultural interests of Henry county find a worthy representative in Harvey Ulysses Lough, who owns and operates a fine farm on section 30, Osco township. He was born on a farm near Morgantown, Monongalia county. West Virginia, on the 2d of March, 1854, and is the ninth in a family of twelve children born unto Mathew and Malinda Lough. Amid the scenes and environ- ments of rural life he was reared to manhood and at the usual age was sent as a pupil to the district schools, where he received a good common school education which well equipped him for the practical and responsible duties of life. The periods of vacation were devoted to the work of the farm and he early became familiar with the tasks that fall to the agriculturist. He continued to give his father the benefit of his assistance in the cultivation of the fields until twentyone years of age, when he started out in the business world on his own account, being engaged by the day. He was thus employed until 1877, when, being attracted by the opportunities offered by the middle west, he came to Henry county, Illinois, in search of a location. He stopped at Cambridge for two or three days and then came to Osco, where he worked by the month for about four years, during which time he carefully saved his earnings, being imbued with the ambition of some day engaging in farming on his own account. In 1881 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Holland, of Osco township, who was born in West Virginia, a daughter of Eli and Louisa (Tarleton) Holland. For a few years after his marriage he operated rented land in connection with his father-in-law, and then, in 1895, he purchased his present farm of one hundred and seventyfour acres, located on section 30, Osco township, paying fifteen thousand dollars for the property. He has greatly improved the farm since it has come into his possession and has brought the fields under a high state of cultivation, the property being now worth one hundred and seventy-five dollars per acre. In addition to general farming he has also engaged in feeding and shipping cattle, and both branches of his business have been so wisely and carefully conducted that he has won substantial success, so that he is numbered among the representative and prosperous agriculturists of the township.

As the years passed Mr. and Mrs. Lough became the parents of three children. The eldest, James Roy, was born on the 28th of July, 1882, and received a good common school education. He is now married, the lady of his choice being Miss Nellie Johnson, of Woodhull, and he makes his home in Osco township, Illinois. Linnie and Louise, twins, were born on the 5th of August, 1885, but the latter passed away May 12, 1902. Linnie graduated from the Geneseo Collegiate Institute, with the class of 1908, and is now engaged in teaching. On the 29th of October, 1887, the wife and mother was called to her final rest, and on the 24th of January, 1891, in Morgantown, West Virginia, Mr. Lough was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Anna Arnett, nee Holland, a first cousin of his former wife and a daughter of Solomon and Julia Holland. By a former marriage she had two children : Charles Irvin Arnett, who married Mabel Tomlinson and lives at Panora, Iowa; and Nellie, who died at the age of one year. By his second marriage Mr. Lough became the father of three children. George Walter, who was born December 4, 1892, completed the eighth grade in the district school and attended the high school at Orion for a short time and entered Geneseo Collegiate Institute. Glenn Harvey, whose birth occurred on the nth of December, 1895, has also completed eighth grade, and entered Orion high school. John Holland, born on the 26th of November, 1898, is still a pupil in the grammar school.

Mr. Lough and his entire family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as trustee for some years, while in his fraternal relation he is identified with Camp No. 261, M. W. A., of Orion, IlHnois. A stalwart supporter of the republican party, he cast his first presidential ballot for Hayes in 1876, and since that time has voted for every candidate on that ticket. Although he is not an aspirant for office, he is, nevertheless, public-spirited in his citizenship and no matter which has for its object the substantial upbuilding and progress of the community is refused his endorsement and cooperation. He is one of the active and progressive farmers of Osco township, a man of good business capacity and enterprise and of unquestioned business integrity, enjoying in an unusual degree the confidence and good will of the community.

Oscar A. Sherman

Oscar A. Sherman, now living retired at Woodhull after a life of exceptional activity, was born June 4, 1841, in Essex county, New York, a son of Samuel and Azubah (Greene) Sherman. The parents removed from that state to Galesburg, Illinois, in 1850, before any railroads had reached that town, the trip being made entirely by water to Buffalo and thence by the Erie canal and the lakes to Chicago. From Chicago to Peoria they traveled by the Illinois and Michigan canal and at the latter place took wagons. The trip consumed a month and when they arrived at Galesburg they found only a straggling village with the surrounding country in a wild condition, totally unimproved, Samuel Sherman engaged in farming in Knox county and prospered in his ventures. He spent the remainder of his life there, retiring in 1875 from his farm to Galesburg and dying in that city in the fall of that year. His widow survived him ten years, passing away in 1885.

Oscar A. Sherman alternated working on the farm with attending the district school and the public schools of Galesburg until he enlisted in the Union army, August 6, 1862. He enrolled with Company D, One Hundred and Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served until May 30, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, was with Sherman in the Atlanta compaign and the march to the sea, as well as other engagements in which that army took part. In the battle of Goldsboro he was taken prisoner in March, 1865, and confined at Saulsbury, North Carolina, for eleven days. During this time he was kept marching nearly all the time in company with his fellow prisoners to keep them all from falling into the hands of the Union army. After the surrender at Appomattox he was released at Augusta, Georgia, and without rations of any kind was forced to walk sixty miles before reaching government aid at Savannah, where they met with a hearty reception. At the battle of New Hope Church, Georgia, in May, 1864, he sustained a serious scalp wound, but as soon as released from the hospital he rejoined his regiment. Mr, Sherman served as a non-commissioned officer, carrying the regimental banner from Resaca to Atlanta, being a splendid soldier, always faithful to duty and held in high regard by his superior officers.

At the close of the war Mr. Sherman returned to his father's home, where he remained until 1874, when he removed to Clover township, and until 1883 was engaged in farming, but in that year he moved to Woodhull, estabhshing a livery business, in which he was engaged until 1891, when he sold his interests and retired from active life.

On December 25, 1859, Mr. Sherman married Jennette Marble, a daughter of William Marble, of Knox county. He left his wife and a ten months old daughter when he enlisted in the army, thus doubly proving his patriotism. To him and his wife were born four daughters, namely: Minnie E., now the widow of George Graves; Lettie M., the widow of Thomas Farrell; Myrtie A., who is deceased; and Rhena B., who married Seth Daily. The mother of these died November 7, 1887, On February 24, 1888, Mr. Sherman married Fanny S. Davis, a daughter of George and Ada (Keyes) Davis, natives of Buckinghamshire, England, who came to this country in 1837, settling in Connecticut, later moving to New York state and in 1852 coming to Galesburg, Illinois, where they lived until 1871, in which year they located at Woodhull. Mr. Davis was a shoemaker and a highly respected citizen of Woodhull, who died in November, 1893, being survived by his widow until April 6, 1909, both being buried in the Woodhull cemetery. One daughter, Elizabeth A., was born to Mr, and Mrs. Sherman and she is married to A. O. Nelson, of Galesburg.

Mr. Sherman is a republican and has held the office of township constable for thirty years and police constable for eighteen years. He has also been a member of the village council and of the school board and has been faithful to every public trust reposed in him. Fraternally he is a member of the Modem Woodmen and during the existence of Shields Post, G. A. R., he was an active member of it. The whole family are affiliated with the Methodist church and are active in church and Sunday-school work. As both soldier and citizen Mr. Sherman has done his full duty and no higher praise can be accorded him.

Thomas F. Oliver

Thomas F, Oliver, who devotes his time and energies to general farming in Wethersfield township, was born May i, 1857, on the tract of land which he now owns and cultivates. His father, William Oliver, became a resident of Henry county in 1854 and in 1838 of Stark county, Illinois. Only six years before had the Black Hawk war occurred and evidences of Indian occupancy and of pioneer life were seen on every hand. He was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, February 7, 1827, his parents being Thomas and Margaret (Fife) Oliver, who were natives of Roxburghshire, where their marriage was celebrated. In 1837 the family came to the United States and the following year estabhshed their home in Stark county, Illinois, being among the first settlers of what is now Elmira township. There Thomas Oliver turned the first furrows upon the tract of land which in course of time he made a well improved farm. It continued to be his place of residence until he was called to his final rest. His wife had died some years before.

In the pioneer schools of Illinois William Oliver pursued his early education and later attended Knox College at Galesburg. When not busy with his text- books his time and energies were given to the work of the home farm, for he assisted his father in the cultivation of the fields until his marriage. It was on the 7th of April, 1854, in Stark county, that he wedded Miss Elizabeth Trumbull, who was born and reared in Scotland and was a daughter of William Trumbull, also a pioneer of Stark county. After their marriage William Oliver and his wife settled on a farm in Wethersfield township, Henry county, where he purchased two hundred acres of wild land which he broke and placed under cultivation. He added to his landed possession from time to time until he had six hundred and forty acres, on which he built a good residence and substantial barns and outbuildings. There he successfully carried on farming until 1898, when he rented his place and built a home in Wethersfield, retiring from active life. His first wages earned in his early boyhood were ten cents per day. Gradually, however, he received an increased remuneration for his services until in the course of years he was able to make investment in farm property and by his careful cultivation and management of his business interests gained substantial success. In community affairs he was prominent, serving as a member of the school board and also as a school director in his district, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. He and his family are earnest and consistent members of the United Presbyterian church and his political allegiance is given to the republican party.

Thomas F. Oliver supplemented his district school education by study in the Kewanee high school and later took up work on the home farm, where he remained until twenty-three years of age. At that time he was married and began farming for himself, cultivating a tract of one hundred and sixty acres about a mile west of his present home. He lived upon that place for four years and then removed to the Henry Scott farm of one hundred and sixty acres just across the road from the old homestead. He cultivated the two properties until 1899, when he settled upon the home farm, comprising two hundred and forty acres. He has since cultivated this tract as well as the Henry Scott farm, thus having charge of a total of four hundred acres. The greater part of the land is under cultivation, while the balance is devoted to hay and pasture. Mr. Oliver feeds a large amount of stock and in 1908 he started a herd of red polled cattle, which he intends shall be made second to none in the country. He now has a fine bull and a good herd of thoroughbred cows. He also raises about one hundred and fifty good market hogs each year. Since taking charge of the farm he has built barns and made other improvements which are of a most modern character. A deep well which he had drilled is the source of the pneumatic water supply which furnishes his house. For ten years he has been the owner of a farm and his labors have made it a very valuable property, equipped with all the accessories and conyeniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. In June, 1909, he purchased a five-passenger, four-cylinder Maxwell car, which is one of the finest automobiles in this section. He is a director of the Union National Bank of Kewanee and his name is an honored one on commercial paper.

On the 24th of December, 1881, Mr. Oliver was married in Wethersfield township to Miss Jennie R. Scott, a daughter of Henry Scott, a prominent farmer of this locality. She died leaving four children : Mary Adela, the wife of Robert Ogle, of Toulon, Illinois ; Elizabeth, at home ; Henry S., at home ; and Kitty Belle, who completes the family. On the 15th of March, 1899, Mr. Oliver was again married, his second union being with Sibella Armstrong, of Toulon, Stark county. There are also four children of this marriage : Agnes Helen and Anna Hazel, twins, nine years of age; Lois Sibella, six years old; and William Armstrong, now in his second year.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Oliver are members of the Elmira Presbyterian church and he has served as chairman of its board of trustees for about ten years. In politics he is a republican, active in the local ranks of the party. He has served as a school trustee for many years but has never aspired to political office, preferring to lend his aid to others who have greater desire for political honors and emoluments. He has always preferred to give his attention to his business affairs and his capable management is seen in the success which is now his. He is one of the representative farmers of the county, thoroughly progressive in all that he does.

Gust Peter Anderson

Gust Peter Anderson, one of the thrifty Swedish farmers of Geneseo township, was born in Porter county, Indiana, September 30, 1867, and is a son of Peter and Charlotte (Swanson) Anderson, both natives of Sweden. The father was born March 17, 1831, and came to America in July, 1854, locating in Indiana, near Lake Station, which was then about forty miles from Chicago. There he mowed grass and hay for his oxen in fields which have now been included within the limits of that great city or are on the outskirts of its suburbs. After about fifteen years' residence in Indiana he came to Illinois, settling upon the farm in Geneseo township, where his son now lives. While he was in the former state he was drafted into the army during the Civil war, but before he was ready to enlist hostilities had ceased and no service was exacted of him. In 1898 he passed away. He had been a republican in political matters and had served as school director, while he was a devout member of the Swedish Mission church. Within four or five weeks of his death his wife also passed away. She was born February 3, 1835, shared with her husband the many privations of their early life here, and like him was buried in the cemetery of the Swedish Mission. Eleven children were born to the couple, four of whom are now living. Among them were: Hattie, who is the wife of J. L. Johnson, of Gowrie, Webster county, Iowa; Gust Peter, of this review; Charles O., of Stavely, Alberta, Canada; Annie, who was the wife of Charles Lyden, of Denver, Colorado, and died July 31, 1903; Minnie, who died November i, 1895, unmarried; and Theodore W., of Cambridge, Illinois.

Gust Peter Anderson received his education in the Jackson school of Geneseo township and worked with his father on the home place during vacations and through his school period until he became of age, when he embarked in farming for himself. For about seven or eight years he rented land and then, in 1900, he and his brother Charles O. bought the place on which he now lives and* which they both own. Here Mr. Anderson follows general farming and has also engaged extensively in the raising of stock for the market. Thrifty and in- telligent, unsparing of hard work when necessary, he has found that good harvests have made a rich return for his toil and that his cattle are readily disposed of, thus netting him a substantial return.

On the 26th of March, 1895, Mr. Anderson wedded Miss Amanda Blomquist, who was born in Loraine township, July 18, 1872. Her parents, August and Christine (Erickson) Blomquist, were natives of Sweden, the father having been born March 22, 1835, the mother June 18, 1828. In 1869 they came to America, and after living for one year with Mr. Erickson in Geneseo township, they bought land in Loraine township, which they still own, although Mrs. Blomquist makes her home with Mr. Anderson. Three children were born to them, the two living being Mrs. Anderson and Helma, who, unmarried, lives in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have had five children, all born upon the home farm where Mr. Anderson's parents lived for so long. They are Helen Charlotte, born June 25, 1896, who attends school; Inez Florine and Irene Frances, twins, born September 28, 1900; Willard Peter, born July 26, 1902; and Dwight Wesley, born January 12, 1909.

In his political views Mr. Anderson is a republican and has served as school director for a number of years, while his religious allegiance is given to the Swedish ]\Iission church, of which he is treasurer. Frugal and hard working, a man whose honorable relations with his fellowmen have been put to the test, he enjoys the sincere respect of all who know him, and like his wife has made many stanch friends.

Remarkably popular in his community, a leader in the younger generation, of which he is still a member, is S. P. Neystrom, of Lynn township. He was born March 2, 1877, in Clover township, Henry county, and of Swedish origin, his parents being Charles and Anna (Samuelson) Neystrom, both natives of Sweden. They came when young people to America, making the voyage on the same vessel, and were married after reaching the "land of promise." In Henry county, Illinois, they established their home and here, after working for some time as a farm hand, the father by industry and rigid economy succeeded in acquiring a farm of his own. Here they lived out their useful lives, the mother going to her heavenly rest in October, 1886, and the father surviving until 1895. Their mortal remains were interred in the cemetery at Woodhull.

S. P. Neystrom enjoyed the wholesome and interesting experiences of one who spends his boyhood and youth upon the farm and acquired his education in the Woodhull public schools. After his marriage in 1899 he removed to the Lindquist homestead in Lynn township, once the property of his wife's father, and on this tract of one hundred and twenty acres of fine land, well improved and fertile, Mr. Neystrom is proving himself one of the progressive agriculturists of the county. He engages in general farming and stock feeding and makes a specialty of thoroughbred Poland China hogs, finding sale for his stock in the home market.

On November 22, 1899, Mr, Neystrom was married to Miss Amanda Lindquist, a daughter of Gustaf and Caroline (Mars) Lindquist. Her parents, like those of her husband, were of Swedish birth and also like them came to this country when young people and were married here. By hard work and honest methods the father acquired a competency and was a man highly respected by all who knew him. He died in March, 1900, his widow, who still survives him, making her home with her daughter and son-in-law on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Neystrom are the parents of two daughters, Pearl Irene and Gladys Leona.

Mr. Neystrom is a warm advocate of the measures inaugurated by the republican party and the men advanced to carry them out. He is a man naturally fitted to take an active part in public affairs and that this fact is recognized by his associates is evidenced by the manifold trusts that have been reposed in him. He has been sent as a delegate to many conventions ; has filled the office of township clerk for several years; was justice of the peace for one term; is president of the school board, in the spring of 1906 was elected a member of the county board of supervisors from Lynn township and was reelected in 1908; and is chairman of the committee on the county farm and paupers. In addition to this Mr. Neystrom is a popular member of the Fraternal Tribune, and both he and his wife are active workers in the Andover Evangelical Lutheran church. In short he is not only a man who makes a success of the occupation he has chosen, but he is a valuable citizen, in that he is broad-minded and willing to support by deeds as well as words any measure calculated to benefit and elevate his community. In his high ideals he is seconded by his wife, a most estimable woman, devoted to her home and family.

John H. Schroeder

John H. Schroeder, one of the native farmers and stockmen of Edford township, was born on section 15, February 11, 1868. His parents, G. Henry and Wilhelmina (Wiegand) Schroeder, were of German birth and upon coming to this country engaged in farming in Edford township, this county, on section 15, and later on section 23, where Charles Schroeder now makes his home. They are now living in Geneseo, having put aside the heavier of life's cares.

John H. Schroeder is the third in order of birth in a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters. He was reared at home and acquired a good education, for after he had completed the course offered by the district school he went to the Northwestern Normal in Geneseo for two years. He had from childhood worked upon the home farm, and when his school life was over he returned to it to assume its cares and responsibilities in real earnest. After his marriage he brought his bride to the farm where he now lives. In 1903 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in another part of the township. He pursues general farming and has quite extensively engaged in the stock business, making a specialty of polled Angus cattle.

In Osco township, January 30, 1895, Mr. Schroeder was united in marriage to Miss Nora E. Weidlein. She was born in that section of Henry county and is a daughter of Andrew and Sarah E. (Conrad) Weidlein. Two children have been born to the couple: Lucile K. and Arley J. Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder are members of the Congregational church and endeavor to lead good Christian lives. In his poHtical views Mr. Schroeder leans toward the democratic party, but he is independent in his attitude toward local matters, casting his vote for the man or measure that appeals to him as the right one. He has not been desirous of holding office, but for a period of eleven years he served very efficiently as town clerk. Fully alive to the necessity for hard work and determined to be numbered among the more prosperous of the township's farmers, he has gained the good will of all who have come in contact with him.

Andrew Gustav Soderberg

Andrew Gustav Soderberg, an importer and breeder of Clydesdale and English Shire horses, has perhaps won more prizes for his animals than any other man in Henry county, and no one can know the story of his life without marveling at the success to which he has attained, handicapped as he was from his birth by poverty and destitute of those advantages which an education gives a man. He lives in Osco township, and having, in a spirit of loyalty bestowed its name upon some of his finest animals, has been the means of spreading the fame of the township beyond the bounds of this state.

He was born in Oestergotland, Sweden, May 30, 1853, and is the son of Jonas and Gustava (Anderson) Soderberg. He was reared on a farm and in the lumber business and never attended school, not even for one day. At the age of eleven he left home, finding work for which he was paid wages. He saved his money carefully and at the age of fifteen bought two lambs, which he handed over to some poor people who received half of what they produced for keeping them. He followed the same practice with cows and steer calves, so that he gradually added to his accumulations.

In December, 1874, Mr. Soderberg married and the next summer he started on the journey to America. He had not contemplated the trip at the time, in fact not until within a few weeks before setting out. On July 15 a friend suggested his trying his fortunes in the new world and August 11 he and his wife were ready to embark. They boarded the steamer "City of Richmond," and after sixteen days upon the water landed in New York. A Mrs. Swanson, whose acquaintance they made on shipboard, and who had been to America before and was returning after having buried her husband in Sweden, had lived for a time in Henry county, Illinois, and persuaded the Soderbergs to come here. Arriving at Cambridge, they started to look for work in the country, walking barefoot through the mud as they were desirous of saving their shoes, until they came to a place where men were cutting broom corn. Mr. Soderberg hired out to one man, and his wife to another, for the journey to America had consumed all of their little store. In the fall of 1876 they went to housekeeping in Osco town- ship and both worked for Charles Hoefland. In 1877 he worked by the month for Charles Holmes on the William Davis place and made his home on land he had purchased in Osco township. The next year, 1878, he began to dig tile ditches, and as he was the first man engaged in this work in Osco township his services were in great demand. Accordingly he employed three crews of men, took them to Orion and showed them how to make tiles in two sections, this being the first tile made of clay in the neighborhood. When a protracted dry season necessitated the digging of deep wells, he turned his energies to boring, using a pod auger with a long handle to which he fastened a piece of piping to increase its length. This he drove down to a depth of seventy feet when he found water. He secured the aid of a blacksmith to snake the auger, but he had to show him how to do it.

While still in the tiling business Mr. Soderberg began to invest in horses, buying his first, General Grant, in Mercer county. With him he won first prize in Chicago at the Illinois State Fair, at which he also exhibited Galloway Tom, who also bore off a first prize. In 1883 his membership in the American Breeders Association, in the Clydesdale Association and in the Shire Association made him a member of the fair, and he entered upon the breeding of fine horses, a business which has grown to large proportions and from which he has won great distinction. As time went on and he saw opportunity opening before him he began to cross the water to select fine stock, bringing back with him as many as twenty head at a time. Of course he exhibited at many places and the ribbons he has in his possession, indicating the number of times he has won first premium, are bewildering in their profusion. In fact it was suggested to him, by a man who was to write up his success, that the only way in which to obtain an adequate idea of them was to have them photographed, for they would in all probability count into the thousands. A few of his horses, however, deserve especial mention. Lady Byron may well come first. In 1891 she won the silver medal at the animal show in Chicago, fifty-seven first ribbons, and a silver coffee urn, after obtaining which she was forever barred from further showing. Mr. Soderberg has sold over thirteen thousand dollars' worth of her colts and still has her on his farm with a colt at her side. She is the mother of Baron Prince, which won the champion cup at Illinois State Fair in 1906. She is also the mother of Osco Kerner and the grand-dam of Osco Sweetness. With Baron Prince, Osco Queen, Osco Sweetness and Osco Kerner, Mr. Soderberg won the solid silver loving-cup at the Illinois State Fair in 1906. In the same year with Baron Prince he won the champion silver cup donated by Scotland and with Osco Queen the champion silver cup donated by the American Association. With Osco Rose in Kansas City in 1906 he won a gold medal and in the same year and place another gold medal with Noble King. In 1908 with Osco Sylvia he won gold medal, first prize, and champion and gold medal, three prizes in Chicago and in the Iowa and Illinois State Fairs, of the same year. Until 1902, along with his experiments in the breeding of horses, he carried on his work in well-boring.