Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1910 (part 25 of 32)

Mr. Soderberg has been married twice. On the 31st of December, 1874, when he had only five hundred croner, he wedded in Sweden Miss Caroline Peterson. She shared with him the hardships of the ocean journey and of his first years in this new country, but did not live to witness his full success, for she died in 1896. Unto them were born the following children: Andrew Oliver, who died at the age of two and a half ; Clarence Bert, who is married and lives in Alberta. Canada, on a farm of nine hundred and four acres, owned by his father; Frank Oliver, a horseman of Greeley, Colorado; Mabel, unmarried, who lives in Alberta, Canada; Manghill, unmarried, of High River, Canada; and Esther at home. On the 25th of December, 1901, Mr. Soderberg married Hannah Ulrica Anderson. She was born in Oestergotland, Sweden, October 18, 1865, and is a daughter of Charles Ulrich and Louisa (Johnson) Anderson. Her father came to America when she was about three years old, and a year and a half later she came here with her mother. They located on a farm near New London, Henry county, Iowa, and when about fifteen she came to Illinois, securing work in Moline. There she married Mr. Ohrn and by this union there were three children born. Frances Hannah is a graduate of the Moline high school and is now a teacher in the schools of her home district. Carl Leonard lives with Mr. Soderberg. Arnold Frederick, the youngest, after completing the eighth grade, passed highest of all the competitors in the central examinations, receiving an average of ninety-eight and three-fifths per cent, which entitled him to a year's free tuition at the Geneseo Collegiate Institute. That year has now expired and he is the bookeeper in the Osco Farmers Bank.

The honors Mr. Soderberg has won with his horses are an indication of his skill and success as a breeder of fine animals, but his financial prosperity is more accurately estimated by the land he holds. In 1889 he bought seventy-four and a half acres, on which he now lives, and later added eighteen acres to this. In 1905 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of improved land in Sherman county, Kansas. He then invested in one hundred and sixty acres in Alberta, Canada, and shortly after bought nine hundred and four acres there. His last acquisition is eighty-two acres in Adair county, Iowa. Remarkable possessions for any man, they are particularly worthy of note in the case of Mr. Soderberg, when it is remembered that he began his business life at the age of eleven, for a very small wage and without having had any schooling.

Elmer Samuel Good

Elmer Samuel Good, in business life one of the best known furniture dealers of Henry county, is a man who has made his presence felt in Kewanee and has influenced the community for the better in many ways. He was born three miles east of the city. May 14, 1863, and is a son of Samuel W. and Mary A. (Northrop) Good, who came from Zanesville, Ohio, to Henry county, Illinois, and were farming people. The Good family came from the country district of Pennsylvania, while the Northrop family came from Philadelphia.

The education of Elmer Samuel Good was secured in the district schools and the Kewanee high school, and he also attended business college at Burlington, Iowa. Until he had attained his majority he remained at home and then followed his father's example and began teaching school during the winter months.

thus continuing- for three years. However, Kewanee attracted him and he came to the city, where he worked in a hardware store for a year. He then entered the employ of the Western Tube Company and was in its office for four years. In 1895 he embarked in the furniture business, by buying the estabhshment of C. J. Roadstrad, which was conducted under the firm name of Roadstrad & Palmer, and now does business as E. S. Good. Five years later Mr. Palmer took the undertaking end of the business and now is one of the leading undertakers of the county, while Mr. Good assumed charge of the furniture department and carries a full line of fine furniture of all kinds. He also owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres south of Kewanee.

Mr. Good was married March 6, 1901, to Jean Oliver, a daughter of William Oliver, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this work. Two children have been born to them, namely: Everett Oliver, born May 18, 1904; and Wallace, (Teddy) born May 19, 1908.

Mr. Good is a Mason, a Knight Templar and was secretary of the blue lodge and of the chapter for five years. He has been very active in lodge work and is one of the most popular men in his order. Formerly he held the office of trustee of the Congregational church, of which he is a consistent member, and during the three years he held that office he gave cheerfully of his time to the work of the board.

The furniture house of Mr. Good is conveniently located on Main street, where two floors one hundred and twenty by twenty-one feet, are occupied and every facility is afforded for a proper display of the goods. Strict honesty in business dealings, loyalty to friends and deep love for his family are characteristics that make him not only successful but beloved, and his community could ill afford to lose him.

Elvin F. Dilenbeck

Elvin F. Dilenbeck, who until within a few months ago was a farmer on section 23, Edford township, was born in that township, August 22, 1872, and is a son of Myron H. and Sarah C. (Spickler) Dilenbeck, who are residents of Geneseo. He is the second in order of birth in a family of three children, all of whom received good educations. Albert Cortland, the eldest, after completing the course in the common schools, attended the Northwestern Normal, though he did not graduate. He is now a resident of Edford township. Minnie Viola, the youngest, was graduated from the Geneseo high school and then taught for a few years. She is now the wife of Charles Washburn and lives in Laramie, Wyoming.

Like his brother and sister, Elvin F. Dilenbeck received a good education, for after he had completed the course outlined in the schools of the township, he went to the Northwestern Normal, from which he was graduated in the class of 1891. He embarked immediately upon his business career, going first to Ida Grove, Ida county, Iowa, where he obtained a position in the First National Bank as bookkeeper. At the end of eighteen months he was made assistant cashier in the Castana Savings Bank at Castana, Monona county, Iowa, and while in that city he became acquainted with the woman he subsequently married. In 1894 he returned to Illinois and for two years worked as a renter upon his father's farm in Edford township. In 1896 he bought the place, paying sixty dollars an acre for it, and for thirteen years made it his home. In that period, through his efforts it had been so much improved and had so increased in value that in 1909 he sold it for one hundred and fifty-five dollars an acre. His earnest toil was richly rewarded, and he proved himself skilled in the cultivation of the soil. He still owns a half section in southern Minnesota.

Mr. Dilenbeck had scarcely entered upon man's estate when on the 3d of April, 1893, in Castana, Iowa, he was united in marriage to Miss Helen E. Howe, a daughter of John L. and Araminta B. Howe. When exercising his franchise Mr. Dilenbeck has invariably cast his ballot for the candidates of the republican party, with whose platform he is most in sympathy. He has never had any desire to accept office within the gift of the people, however, though there can be no doubt that he would find ready support were he disposed to seek it. His religious allegiance is given to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which both he and his wife are active.

Ernest Manthe

Ernest Manthe, who resides on section 23, Wethersfield township, is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land, which is kept under the highest state of cultivation. His birth occurred near Berlin, Germany, on the 15th of May, 1865, his parents being Christ and Henrietta (Sepp) Manthe. In 1868 the father brought his family to the United States and a year later took up his abode in Burns township, Henry county, Illinois, where, in association with his brother, h^ purchased a farm of eighty acres on sections 2 and 3. This place has since remained in his possession and he has there carried on his agricultural interests to the present time, having met with a gratifying and well merited measure of success in his undertakings.

Ernest Manthe, who is the eldest in a family of seven sons and four daughters, obtained his education in the public schools of Burns township and remained under the parental roof until twenty years of age. He then secured employment as a farm hand but at the end of a year purchased a tract of eighty acres in Cornwall township and devoted his energies to its cultivation until 1893. In that year he leased the property and removed to Kewanee, buying a home on Bennison road, now Cambridge street. At that place he was actively engaged in teaming for a year and then gave his attention to the operation of a rented farm in Wethersfield township for a similar period. Subsequently he cultivated a rented tract of land in Kewanee township for one year, on the expiration of which period, in 1896, he returned to his farm in Cornwall township, there carrying on his agricultural interests until he disposed of the place in 1905. He then purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 23, Wethersfield township, and has since brought the property under a high state of cultivation and improvement. The buildings include a fine modern ten-room residence as well as substantial and commodious barns, and in fact the place is lacking in none of the conveniences and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. Mr. Manthe devotes his attention principally to the raising of corn but also cultivates oats to some extent. He feeds some hogs for the market, though the stock which he raises is mostly for his own use.

On the 27th of August, 1890, in Kewanee township, Mr. Manthe was united in marriage to Miss Adelia Statz, a daughter of Ferderick William Statz, who is now deceased but was formerly actively identified with the agricultural interests of Kewanee township. Mr. and Mrs. Manthe are now the parents of four children, namely: Anna Gertrude, seventeen years of age; Frederick Herbert, a lad of thirteen; and Grace Henrietta and Robert Carl, who are eleven and three years of age respectively.

When exercising his right of franchise Mr. Manthe supports the men and measures of the republican party and is an active worker in its local ranks. For the past four years he has acted as a school director and in this connection has done effective service for the cause of education. His life is in harmony with his professions as a member of the German Lutheran church, the teachings of which he daily exemplifies. The period of his residence in this county now covers four decades and he is widely recognized as one of its prosperous and representative agriculturists as well as respected citizens.

Winfield S. Christner

Winfield S. Christner, one of the larger agriculturists of Geneseo township, owning three hundred and twenty acres of land on sections i and 2, was born on a farm near Indian Head, Salt Lick township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, September 18, 1854, and is a son of Samuel and Rachel (Berg) Christner. The parents were both of Pennsylvanian nativity, the father having been born in Somerset county, the mother in Fayette county, and were of German and Scotch ancestry. Though reared upon the farm and to the life of a farmer, it is but recently that Mr. Christner has joined the agricultural community of Geneseo township, for he tried other vocations in different parts of the country before he finally settled here. He attended the common schools of his native home and then spent one term at the normal school of Donegal, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, looking forward to a career as a teacher. He changed his mind, however, and learned the carpenter's trade, at which he had worked with his father more or less ever since he was fifteen, and which he followed until twentyfive. At that age he and some business friends started a sawmill in Westmoreland county and conducted it together for about five years, when Mr. Christner decided to come west and try his fortunes in Illinois. He settled in Geneseo, where he opened a bakery and restaurant. It was a disastrous venture, however, for in two years he lost a considerable amount of money, and in the fall of 1888 he returned to Pennsylvania. There for a number of years he followed the carpenter's trade and then in 1901 returned to Illinois, locating on the farm on which he now lives. For several years he rented land but in 1906 purchased the place being satisfied as to its fertility and the opportunities it afiforded for acquiring a comfortable income. The years have proved that he was not mistaken in his estimate. He has remodeled the house, thus making it thoroughly modern, and the land for which he paid seventy dollars an acre, is now worth fully one hundred and seventy-five dollars, and there is every reason to look forward to its increasing in value.

Mr. Christner has been married twice. In his native county, September 20, 1877, he wedded Miss Sarah White, and to them was born a son Reuel, who is now living in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Christner died and June 10, 1884, he married Miss Emma Weimer. She was born in Atkinson township, Henry county, and is a daughter of William and Susan (Heller) Weimer, a sketch of whom appears in another part of this volume. She attended the public schools of her native township and then spent some years in the high school in Geneseo. She met Mr. Christner while on a visit to friends in Pennsylvania. Five children have been born of this second union. Earl, born in Salt Lick township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, February 4, 1885, received a commonschool education and is now at home with his parents. Edith was born in Bullskin township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, March 10, 1890. Elwyn was also born in Bullskin township, on the 14th of February, 1892, and was graduated from the Geneseo Collegiate Institute with the class of 1909. Esther was born in Pennsylvania, June 2, 1898. Ewing, the youngest, was born in Pennsylvania, October 15, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Christner are members of the Brethren church, but there is no organization of that denomination in their locality. Mr. Christner cast his first presidential ballot for Hayes at the election of 1876 and was always a stanch republican until of late years, when he has given his support to the prohibition party. He has served as school director for a number of years, and his influence has always been exerted toward promoting better educational advantages.

Francis Owen Withrow

Francis Owen Withrow, one of the substantial agriculturists of Phenix township, who has been making a specialty of feeding and raising stock, is conveniently located on section 30, where he owns two hundred and fifty-five acres of rich farm land. He and his son together successfully operate four hundred and fifty-five acres. He was born just across the line in Geneseo township, December 15, i860, being a son of J. M. and Asvilla M. (Allen) Withrow. When he was only six weeks old his father removed into Phenix township, locating on the farm now owned by him. This had been bought a short time before and paid for with corn valued at nine cents per bushel. At that time the farm only consisted of eighty acres, upon which the father built a brick house, the brick being made in Phenix township. When Francis was eleven years old his father bought another eighty acre farm, which was in Hanna township, and our subject lived there with the family until his marriage.

On October 5, 1882, Mr. Withrow married Ella Eusaba Kerr, who was born in Hanna township, a daughter of Thomas W. and Amanda (Henninger) Kerr, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Buying one hundred and twenty acres, the young couple settled upon their farm. This was a portion of the land Mrs. Withrow's maternal grandfather had secured upon coming to Illinois. Here they lived for twelve years, when Mr. Withrow sold and bought his present farm, which is now very valuable. They had two children : Howard Hudson, born April 2, 1885; and Hattie Mildred, born May 26, 1898, who died at the age of five weeks.

Howard H. Withrow is a graduate of high school of the class of 1905, and remained at home until his marriage, on November 27, 1906, to Mabel E. Willkinson of Munson township, one of his classmates. For two years following his marriage the young man was assistant superintendent at the county infirmary and then returned to the farm, where he is working in conjunction with his father. He bought one hundred and fifteen acres in March, 1908, and has already materially increased its value.

Reared a republican Mr. Withrow voted for Blaine in 1884 and has taken an active part in politics ever since. While living in Hanna township he served as township clerk for four years. In 1900 he was elected supervisor of Phenix township and has held the office continuously since, making a remarkable record, for he has not missed a single meeting. He first served on the committee on township accounts for two years, then on that on roads and bridges, and while a member of it several new bridges were built. Both Mr. and Mrs. Withrow are members of the Methodist church and are active in its work. Fraternally he is a member of Geneseo Lodge, No. 72, I. O. O. F., filling all of the chairs; and of Geneseo Camp, No. 40, M. W. A. His wife belongs to the Ladies Aid Society of the Methodist church.

Mr. Withrow only received a common country school education and until he was twenty-one years old he worked for his father without remuneration, but he has succeeded in accumulating a desirable property and is regarded as one of the reliable and representative men of his community.

M. Howard Machesney

M. Howard Machesney is one of the respected and representative citizens of Annawan township, his home being on the southwest quarter of section 17. His financial condition relieves him from the necessity of further active labor, so that he is practically living retired, although he still gives his supervision to the management of his property interests. His birth occurred at the family home on section 29, Annawan township, June 3, 1870, his parents being James and Selinda (Burgett) Machesney. The father was bom in Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1817, and was a son of Andrew and Mary (Henderson) Machesney. The family is of Irish origin and was founded in America by Mr. and Mrs. William Machesney, the great-grandparents of our subject, who crossed the Atlantic in 1786 and spent their remaining days in

James Machesney

Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, the death of William Machesney there occurring in 1825. Andrew Machesney was a child of only four years at the time of the emigration to the new world, and under the parental roof he spent his boyhood days and was reared to the occupation of farming, which he made his life work. He removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio, where he lived for two years, but at the expiration of that period returned to the former state, his death occurring in Greensburg in 1864 when he had reached the age of eighty-two years. His wife survived until January, 1868, and died at the age of seventy-two years. She was a native of Pennsylvania and of Scotch descent.

James Machesney was reared to manhood in Westmoreland county, where he acquired a good common-school education. He came to Illinois in 1854 with his brother, David Machesney, who was a physician, and in 1855 James Machesney opened at drug store in Anna wan, where he continued business until i860. Before coming to Illinois he had worked by the month for two years, and when he started out at the end of that time he had sixty dollars, which he put out at interest. From that time until his death there was never a year in which he did not have money out at interest. He was very careful in making loans, so that he never suffered losses, and in his business management was so successful that when he disposed of the drug store he had a capital of eight thousand dollars. He then began to buy land, his first purchase being one hundred and twenty acres east of Annawan. When favorable opportunity presented he continued to invest in real estate and eventually became the owner of eight hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, all in Annawan township. He was a man of marked enterprise and unabating energy, and his business ability and keen discrimination were evidenced in the splendid success which he achieved. He was married January 30, 1861, to Mrs. Selinda Johnson, nee Burgett, a native of Tippecanoe county, Indiana, and a daughter of Silas and Sarah (Henderson) Burgett, who were natives of Ohio but died in Indiana. Mrs. Machesney came to Illinois with her first husband, and following his death she gave her hand in marriage to James Machesney. They began their domestic life on section 29 Annawan township, Henry county, where they continued to reside throughout their remaining days. They were the parents of five children : Mary Agnes, the wife of Joseph Anderson, a resident of Annawan township; Anna Ardelia. the wife of James Douglas, a resident of Annawan; James Henderson, who married Minnie Booth and lives in Annawan; M. Howard, of this review; and Morgan Burgett, who wedded Nora Batten and lives in Annawan.

The father, James Machesney, was a republican in politics after the organization of that party. His first presidential vote was cast for Zachary Taylor. He and his wife were members of the United Brethren church at Fairview, in Annawan township. His death occurred on the old home farm March 13, 1903, while his widow passed away in the succeeding fall and was laid to rest by his side in the Fairview cemetery. He was truly a self-made man, who worked his way steadily upward by his energy and diligence, allowing no obstacle nor difficulty to bar his path if it could be overcome by honest and persistent effort.

M. Howard Machesney spent his boyhood days on the home farm, the duties and labors of the fields early becoming familiar to him as he assisted in their development through the periods of vacation, while through the school year he pursued his educaion in the district school. Having arrived at years of maturity he sought a helpmate for life's journey, being married on the 28th of December, 1893, in Annawan township, to Miss Dencie Barton, who was born in Burns township and is a daughter of George and Jane Barton. Two children graced this union : James, who was born in Annawan township, July 3, 1896, and Lois, born February 11, 1899.

Mr. Machesney carried on farming in connection with his father until the latter's death. He afterward inherited one hundred and seventy-six acres of the estate and now has one hundred and eighty-six acres of very valuable and productive land, which returns to him a gratifying and substantial annual income. In 1908 he erected upon his farm a beautiful modern residence, thirty-two by thirtytwo feet, two stories in height with basement. It is supplied with steam heat, a carbide system of lighting, hot and cold water, with automatic pressure. In fact, none of the equipment of a model home is lacking, and it is one of the most convenient, comfortable and attractive residences in Annawan township - a fitting abode for one whose well spent life entitles him to the high regard of his fellow citizens in this community. He votes with the repubHcan party but never seeks office as a reward for party fealty. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge at Annawan and the Modern Woodmen camp, while his wife is a member of the United Brethren church at Fairview. They occupy a prominent position in social circles, and their home is the abode of a warm-hearted and generous hospitality which is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.

George E. Noonan

One of the progressive representatives of the agricultural interests of Osco township, is George E. Noonan, who was born in this township, February 13, 1857, and is a son of James and Jane (Leibee) Noonan. The former was bom in Woodford, County Galway, Ireland, March 22, 1836, and as his parents died when he was very young he had early to make his own way in the world. At the age of fourteen he started for America and after crossing the Atlantic he made his way to Ohio, where he lived for a number of years. In 1856, in Middletown, that state, he was married and straightway set out for Osco township, Henry county, Illinois, where his wife's father, George Leibee, had located previously. Here the latter bought a large tract of land and erected buildings preparatory to moving his family to that township, so that Mr. Noonan joined the party which was ready to go to the new home when he married. After their arrival here, Mr. Leibee gave his daughter a tract of eighty acres. It was unimproved at the time, but the young couple immediately made it their place of residence, which it remained as long as Mr. Noonan was engaged in active farming. He was successful in his agricultural pursuits, however, and with the passage of years was able to add eighty acres to the original grant of land, although forty acres has been sold, so that the heritage bequeathed to his children was one hundred and twenty acres. In 1893 Mr. Noonan removed to Geneseo, where he live ! in retirement for about fifteen years, his death occurring there May 11, ujoS. Of his two children George E. is the elder. The daughter, Eva, lives with her mother in Geneseo. During his life Mr. Noonan was a stanch adherent of the democratic party and supported the Methodist Episcopal church at Osco. His widow was born in Middletown, Ohio, where she grew to womanhood and was married.

George E. Noonan spent his boyhood upon the home farm, attending the public schools of his locality, from which he derived substantial training for the responsibilities of life. He worked for his father until he was about twentyfour years of age, when he married and assumed the care of part of his father's property. This he has tilled continuously since. The farm is a tract of one hundred and twenty acres, lying on section lo, Osco township.

In Rock Island, Illinois, May 30, 1881, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Noonan and Miss Fanny Campbell, of Geneseo. She was born in Waukegan Illinois, February 3, i860, her parents being Leonard C. and Sarah L. (Wright) Campbell. Her father was a native of Malone, Franklin county, New York, where he was born October 6, 1816. He grew to manhood in the state of his birth and there married, living for a time in Ogdensburg, where he was in partnership with William J. Averell, the father-in-law of E. H. Harriman, the late railroad king. In 1856 he came to Illinois, locating in Waukegan though he was in business in Chicago, being engaged in the transportation and commission business until 1859, when he accepted a position with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad as station agent at Geneseo, to which city he moved his family the following year. After six years' work there he was sent by his employers to Joliet to adjust the financial affairs of the company, which had gotten into a bad tangle. He became next the cashier and distributing agent for the Chicago Stockyards Company, while the yards were in process of construction, and it is said that more than a million dollars passed through his hands. During the years he spent in Joilet and Chicago his family remained in Geneseo, to which he returned when he completed his work in those cities. He was straightway chosen police magistrate of the town and when after nine years' incumbency of the office, he resigned he was elected justice of the peace, a position he held continuously until his death, which occurred March 4, 1891. He also served as clerk of the city. It is said that during his lifetime he had no equal as a bookkeeper, besides being frequently called upon to give instruction in the keeping of books, his services were in constant requisition in straightening out the work of others less competent than he. His wife was born in Ogdensburg, New York, December 29, 1818. She received a good education and taught school for a few years before her marriage. Three children were born to her and her husband, the two oldest in the east and the youngest, Mrs. Noonan, after the couple came to Illinois, Leonard W., the older son, is married and lives in Chicago He has devoted the greater part of his life to the railroad business. James Covington, the other son, died unmarried. During the progress of the Civil war, although he was but a mere boy, he was determined to enlist as a drummer. His father tried, to dissuade him but seeing that his heart was set upon a soldier's life, he secured a place for him as an aide-de-camp to a friend and the boy was enrolled, February 29, 1864, as a member of Company H, Fifty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until July 25, 1865. His later life

Mr. and Mrs. Noonan have one child, Edwin Campbell, who was born on the home farm in Osco township, September 7, 1883. He received a common school education and after attaining manhood wedded Miss Bertha Swanson. They are now the parents of a daughter Mildred. Mrs. George Noonan attended the high school in Geneseo, and for a few years before her marriage, when she was but eighteen, engaged in teaching. Politically, Mr. Noonan gives his influence to the democratic party.

Successful and influential, he is one of .the representative citizens of his township, where he enjoys the distinction of having been the first to purchase an automobile. He secured his first one July 12, 1906, and now derives great pleasure in running his second machine.

Willis E. Good

Many lines of business activity are represented in Kewanee, Illinois, for the the city is located in the midst of a rich farming community that looks to it as a source of supply. Therefore the active business men here find employment for their money and abilities in ministering to the needs of their customers, and long acquaintance with the several lines makes them able to meet the requirements with good stocks and reasonable prices. Willis E. Good is one of the men thus representative of the progressive spirit of the age.

He was born on the township line between Kewanee and Wethersfield, April II, 1866. His parents, Samuel W. and Mary A. (Northrop) Good, were farming people, who came to Henry county, Illinois, in 1851, from Ohio. For a number of years they had lived in Zanesville and had been engaged in farming. The death of the father occurred September i, 1885, after a useful life, spent in striving to provide for his family and to better his community. During his residence in Henry county he served faithfully as school director and road commissioner. His widow survived him until February 27, 1897, when she joined him in the other world.

Willis E. Good was reared on a farm and remained there until 1900. when he turned toward another line of business. Coming to Kewanee, he purchased a hardware store under the title of Good & Dana, L. L. Dana being his partner. This association continued until 1905, when Mr. Good bought Mr. Dana's interest, and two years later removed to his present location in the Red Men building on Main street, where he has ample room for his large stock. He conducts a first-class hardware store and carries a full stock of his class of goods. Owing to his excellent connections he is able to offer especially desirable inducements to his customers, both as to quality and price.

On March 15, 1893, occurred the marriage of Mr. Good and Lottie Dana, oi Kewanee, who was born in Bureau county. They are the parents of six children, as follows : Alice, Helen, Mollie, Dana, Lawrence and Eleanor, all at home. Mr. Good served acceptably as school director in his township before removing to Kewanee, and has always been interested in educational matters. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum, the Mystic Workers and the Improved Order of Red Men, and in his fraternal relations as well as his business and home connections, he has proven himself a man worthy of all trust and one who will succeed in anything he undertakes.

John Pritchard

John Pritchard, a farmer and stockman of Geneseo township, was born in Alba township, this county, November 30, 1874. His parents, Henry and Eliza (Irvine) Pritchard, were both natives of Scotland. The father came to America when of mature age and settled in Cornwall township, this county, later moving to Alba township. There he bought a tract of land, a part of which he had to break, and engaged in farming. His wife came to the United States when a young woman, with her parents, who settled in Alba township, where they engaged in agriculture and where she met her husband. Through her marriage she became the mother of five children, all of whom grew to maturity. Sarah, the eldest, married Robert Gilbreath and died at What Cheer, Iowa. They had no children. Henry .married Miss Alice Bailey and passed away, leaving a son. John, the third of the family, is the subject of this review. Mary lives in Alba township, on the home place. William married Miss Mattie Baker. They live at Prophetstown, Illinois, and have two sons. The mother died when her fifth child was about three years old, and the father subsequently married Miss Catherine Moore, by whom he had three sons born: Hugh, who died unmarried ; Samuel, and Walter, who live in Alba. Although a poor man when he came to this country Henry Pritchard has accumulated a comfortable fortune through hard work and good management.

John Pritchard was reared at home and received a fairly good education in the common schools of his native township. He early began work on the farm, giving his father the benefit of his labor in his youth, but when he became of age receiving from him compensation for his days' labor. When he was twentyfour years old he began life for himself, renting eighty acres from his father and boarding with his uncle. For four years he worked diligently and in 1901 was able to purchase two hundred acres in Ainsworth, Iowa, to which he removed. He was not satisfied with his investment, however, and after two years spent there returned to Geneseo. He lived in the town for one year and then bought the farm on which he now resides. It consists of eighty acres, for which he paid one hundred and thirty dollars an acre, but he has added many improvements in the five years it has been his home, so that its value is much increased.

On the 29th of March, 1899, Mr. Pritchard was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth A. Gilbreath, a daughter of James and Sarah Jane (Morrison) Gilbreath. She was a native of Alba township, where she received a good common school education and where she grew to womanhood. Four children bless this union : Bernice Lucile, born in Geneseo township ; Gilbert James, born in Ains-

Mr. and Mrs. Pritchard are devout members of the Congregational church. Politically he affiliates with the republican party, but he is not an office seeker and has taken little part in public affairs. He is interested, however, in the welfare of his fellow members of the local lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America.

M. Maury Nash

M. Maury Nash, one of the important stockmen of Osco township, was born September 21, 1847, in what was then known as Coalsmouth, West Virginia. His parents, Francis Burdette and Elizabeth (Maury) Nash, removed to Kentucky during his boyhood and toward the close of the Civil war came to Illinois, where the father, who was an Episcopalian clergyman, obtained as charges the church at Geneseo and the little churches in Osco township and Cambridge. He had previously served as one of the early ministers to the little congregation at Tiskilwa.

In his boyhood days Mr. Nash was right in the heart of the fighting carried on in Kentucky in connection with the war of the Rebellion. He remembers particularly the havoc wrought by Morgan's men, one of his favorite stories being how after the raid at Augusta, he ran around a corner of one of the streets of the town and there found a surgeon, who asked him if he had grit enough to wash his knives for him. To be sure he did have the courage, and wlfet is more he continued through that day to render the older man excelletit aid.

When his family came to Illinois M. Maury Nash found employment on a farm in Stark county, where he worked for about seven years, having in that time attained to the position of foreman. He then went to Atchison county, Missouri, where he rented land and where in three years he lost all that he had saved. Thereupon he went to Nebraska, finding work by the month, and later returned to Missouri. By industry and economy in a few years he had saved enough to enable him to buy eighty acres near Greenfield, Iowa. On that farm he made many improvements and lived until the railroads were built to that region and obliged him to sell. Next he and a brother bought two sections of land near Nashua, Minnesota, in Red river valley, on which they located. The railroad was built through that farm also, and a station, which was named after the Nash brothers, was put up on their land.

In 1879, while on a visit to his father in Cambridge, Illinois, he met and wedded his wife and took her to his Minnesota home. By a strange coincidence the couple had been there but a day when the worst blizzard that had ever been known in that locality came upon them. For three days the snow fell and blew, piling high about the dwellings so that exit was impossible, thus providing the bride of a warmer clime with a memory of the Red river valley that will not be soon forgotten. On account of an affliction of the eyes, Mr. Nash was compelled to leave Minnesota and return to Illinois, where he spent one year in a hospital and eventually lost one organ of vision. He then located for the second time in Greenfield, Iowa, where he had purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, and then in 1889 came to Illinois, locating in Osco township, Henry county. Here he bought his present place, paying fifty-five dollars an acre, and here he has since lived, making many improvements upon the land and greatly increasing its value. It is situated on section 35 and is one hundred and sixty acres in extent, but in addition to it Mr. Nash owns eighty acres in Qover township, this county. Though following general farming, Mr. Nash has largely engaged in the stock business, shipping each year a number of carloads of cattle to the important markets.

On the 3d of October, 1880, in Osco township, Mr. Nash and Miss Amelia Smith were made man and wife. Quite a romance was culminated in their wedding, for theirs was a case of love at first sight. In 1879, when Mr. Nash had returned to Illinois to visit his father, he met Miss Smith, was immediately aware of her charms and within a week had determined that he would marry her. She, however, professed inability to make up her mind, and it was only after a year's persistent urging that she consented to become Mrs. Nash. She is a native of Osco township and was graduated from the Cambridge high school with the class of 1877. Her own education completed, she engaged in the instruction of others and was a teacher in the county schools when Mr. Nash became acquainted with her. Her parents were Jared H. and Jane Amelia (Welton) Smith, who were connected with the pioneer history of this county. Jared H. Smith was born in Harwinton, Connecticut, 1827, and was a son of Anson and Abigail (Holt) Smith. In 1853 he came to Illinois, stopping first at Tiskilwa, which was the end of the railroad at that time. He then went to Peoria county, where he visited with the Weltons, and in the fall of that year they came with him to Osco township to see Willis Hinman, v/ho had previously located here. Here Mr. Smith bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 22 and then returned to his Connecticut home to wed a former schoolmate, Amelia Welton, a sister of the friends he had visited in Peoria county. On the 1st of October, 1854, in Connecticut, Mr. Smith and Miss Welton were married and they set out straightway for their new home. Here he prospered in his undertakings, soon became the owner of about two sections of land and a man prominent in township afifairs. His religious affiliations were with the Episcopal church and he was one of the founders of Grace church in which he was many years junior warden and then senior warden until his death. Mrs. Nash was the eldest of the three children born to him by his first wife, the others being Anson Welton who died at the age of four years, and Myra J., who married Willard West, of Ainsley, Nebraska. Mrs. Smith died in Osco, February, 1863, and Mr. Smith subsequently married Miss Mary Knowles, of Lynn township. Of the second marriage there were six children : Henry Anson, who married Miss Delia Atwood; Anna, who became the wife of William Patterson; Jared Heber and George Rodney, twins, who live in Osco township ; Charles, who lives on the home farm in Osco township ; and Mary Ethel, who makes her home with Charles.

Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nash: Myra Louise, the eldest, was born in Red river valley, Minnesota; Jared Burdette, born near

Greenfield, Iowa, married Miss Estella Gibson and now lives in Dighton, Michigan; Anson Maury, born in Iowa, married Miss Margaret Hendricks and lives with his father; Lawrence, born in Iowa, died at the age of four and a half years ; Mary Elizabeth was born on the home farm, as was also Jane Amelia, the sixth child; Francis Burdette, the youngest, was also born in lUinois,

Although of Kentucky birth, Mr. Nash is a strong republican and dates his political choice from an incident in his early years, when his father, a man of northern nativity, took him to see a sale of slaves. The horror of the scene remained a constant memory, and despite the fact that his mother was descended from a long line of slaveholders, he became a strong abolitionist and a republican when the slave question assumed national importance. Reared in the Episcopalian faith, he and his wife are members of Grace church, in which he has been senior warden for a number of years. Industrious and not afraid of hard work, Mr. Nash has attained to a substantial position in the community. He had discouragements in his early years but they only brought out the stronger character of the man and pointed the way to his ultimate success.

Hugh Hill

Hugh Hill, senior member of the drug firm of Hill & King, is one of the most prominent and progressive men of Kewanee, and his intimate connection with his house has made him thoroughly conversant with the needs of his patrons and enables him to conserve their best interests. Not only is he active in business circles, but he has also been prominent in social life and to him and his efforts Kewanee owes many of its modern ideas. Mr. Hill was born in Willoughby, Ohio, November 4, 1862, a son of William and Maria Hill. The father came to Kewanee in 1864 and continued farming for some years in that locality, but later bought a farm near Tiskilwa, moved to it and made it his home until his death when only forty-two years of age. About 1870 his widow returned to Kewanee to give her son the advantage of an education here.

Hugh Hill was always ambitious and as soon as old enough began clerking in the drug store of George A. Anthony and continued there for seventeen years. In November; 1899, he and Allen King formed the firm of Hill & King, and this profitable and pleasant association still continues. The two are excellent druggists and control a large trade, which has been built up by close attention to business and reliable methods.

Mr. Hill has been very promient in political matters in Kewanee and has served as village clerk for seven years, as township clerk for the same length of time, and in 1909 he was elected supervisor for a term of two years. His affiliations have always been with the republican party. Mr. Hill was one of the originators of the Kewanee Baseball Association, was its first president and manager and held the latter office for four years, and is still a director in the association. His interest in baseball has never wavered and he takes great pride in the local nine and its triumphs. Fraternally he is an Elk, a Mason, Knight

In 1882, Mr. Hill was married to Ida Halline, of Kewanee, and they have become the parents of five children, as follows : Blanch, who is a stenographer ; Bertha, a bookkeeper; Fred L., who is connected wnth his father in the drug business; and Belden and Bernard, who are students.

Mr. Hill is a thorough business man and a rehable druggist. In his dealings with his fellow citizens he is frank and open and succeeds in his efforts to please both in his store and socially. He is a man of strict integrity, is broad-minded and believes in encouraging a love of sports and outdoor life generally.

Charles Magee

As the years pass by and many who were numbered among the Civil war veterans have responded to the last roll call, it is fitting that those who survive should be honored for the valiant service which they rendered to the country in the darkest hour in her history. To this number belongs Charles Magee, whose home is in Henry county, Illinois, where he is the owner of one hundred acres in Geneseo township and one hundred and sixty-six acres in Osco township, where he is conducting a stock farm, being engaged in the breeding of pure blooded polled Angus cattle, which he also feeds for the market. A native of the Prairie state, he was born in Hollis township, Peoria county, January 18, 1844, a son of John and Alaria (Miskimmins) Magee, whose family numbered eight children. A brother of our subject, Thomas Magee, was a surgeon of the Civil war, having been a practicing physician previous to that time. The father died in 1870 on the home farm in Osco township, and the mother later made her home in Geneseo, where she passed away in 1902, having reached her eightyninth year.

Charles Magee was ten years of age when his parents removed to Illinois from Hollis township, Peoria county, to Trivola township, that county, where he grew to manhood, having but a limited opportunity for acquiring an education. However, he studied diligently, mastering the branches of English learning, and, when not busy with his text-books, gave his time and attention to the work of the fields.

At the outbreak of the Civil war, having watched with interest the threatening attitude of the south, his patriotic longing to defend the Union overcame all other considerations and, though but a boy of eighteen years, he enlisted in Company D, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, August 27, 1862. At Perryville, Kentucky, October 7, he was under fire and during the winter of 1862-3 he was assigned on guard duty at Nashville. Later he participated in the battles of Chickamauga, the siege of Chattanooga and Missouri Ridge. Then followed the Atlanta campaign and later the memorable march to the sea under General Sherman, whom he afterward followed to Washington, taking part in the grand review at the close of the war. He was mustered out June 2;^, 1865, having missed but two roll calls during the entire service.

When the war was over Mr. Magee, with a most creditable military record, retiirned to his father's home in Osco township, Henry County. For a few years thereafter they carried on the work in partnership but later Charles Magee rented the farm and since then has made this place his home. Several years before the father had purchased the one hundred and sixty-six acre farm for fifty-five hundred dollars, and in 1880 the son bought the one hundred acres in Geneseo township for six thousand dollars, and while they were in partnership together they erected all the buildings upon the place, purchased the machinery used and added all the modern conveniences and accessories with which to carry on the work according to the most advanced methods. In 1882 Charles Magee put in a silo, which was the first in the township, and when that one wore out, after being without one for two years, in 1907 put in a new one.

Having been twice united in marriage, his first union was celebrated September 27, 1870, the lady of his choice being Miss Nellie Paine, who passed away in 1882, leaving no children. On February 20, 1884, Mr. Magee wedded Miss Mary F. Duff, a daughter of George and Mary (Cyphers) Duff, and unto this union has been born two children. Elsie is a graduate of the Geneseo high school and later took a course in domestic science in the University of Chicago, since which time she has been engaged in teaching. Elon, also a graduate of the Geneseo high school, is now pursuing a course of study in the University of Illinois at Urbana.

Mr. Magee has always been a republican in his political faith, having cast his first presidential vote for U. S. Grant in 1868, but has never sought nor desired political preferment as a reward for party fealty. He holds a membership in Jenkins Post, G. A. R., and his life history is a fair record of responsibilities wisely carried, opportunities turned to the best account, wide-reaching influence used wholly for good and a public spirited citizenship manifest all through the succeeding years since his service to his country during the Civil war.

Ira W. Withrow

Ira W. Withrow, who has but recently joined the agriculturists of Edford township, owns one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 12, where he will carry on general farming. He was born in Phenix township, this county, August I, 1862, and is a son of J. W. and Arvilla M. (Allen) Withrow, a sketch of whose lives appears elsewhere in this volume. Until he was nine years of age he lived in the township of his birth and then with his parents removed to Hanna township, where he grew to manhood. He received his early education in the district schools and later enjoyed two winters' instruction under Professor Comstock at Colona. At the age of twenty-one he started out in life for himself as a farmer. For about two years he worked upon his father's farm in Hanna township, and then purchased a farm in that township, whereon he resided until 1892, when he removed to Geneseo. After a year's residence in the city he returned to Hanna township, where he remained four years. Then he sold the one hundred and thirty acres he owned there and bought an interest in an elevator in

Geneseo, where for three years he carried on a grain and coal business. When an opportune occasion arose he disposed of that and engaged in the grocery business, but only for a short time, for he returned to farming and for five years cultivated his father's place in Hanna township. In 1909 he bought his present home in Edford township and intends making it a profitable investment.

In Hanna township, December 17, 1884, Mr. Withrow was united in marriage to Miss Lucina Fuller. She was born in that township, to which her parents, Charles W. and Catherine (Brady) Fuller, came in the early years of its settlement. Their former home was in New York state. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Withrow. Roy W., born in Hanna township, January 10, 1887, was graduated from the Geneseo high school, and now, after having taught for two years, is a student at Ann Arbor, where he pursued a course in literature. Hazel, born in Hanna township, January i, 1891, was graduated from the Geneseo high school with the class of 1909. Claude, the youngest, was born in Hanna township, October 21, 1895.

The family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Withrow has served as class leader and as superintendent and teacher in the Sunday school. In his political views he is a republican and is ever punctilious in his attendance at the polls at election times. Although he has never been a candidate for public office for three years he acted as assessor in Hanna township and for many years served as justice of the peace.

Nathaniel W. Tibbetts

Nathaniel W. Tibbetts has been in the public service for many years and is efficient as a statesman and as private citizen, and during the years he was an active and useful legislator he served his people by studying their needs and his duty toward them, and thus rendered his state inestimable service. He has also been successful in his business ventures and is associated with some of the substantial concerns of Kewanee.

He was born in Neponset township, Bureau county, Illinois, November 15, 1845, a son of James P. and Julia A. (Sayles) Tibbetts. His father was bom in Maine and on coming west traveled by boat on the lakes and rivers to Rock Island, Illinois, then across the country to Wethersfield, Henry county, whence he removed in 1843 to Neponset township. Bureau county, where he was the fourth settler. There he bought government land and developed a fine farm and became one of the leading men of his community, living to the advanced age of nine-three years. He had lost his wife many years before when she was but forty-nine years old.

The boyhood days of Nathaniel W. Tibbetts were spent upon the raw prairie farm and he pursued his education in a log school house. Until he reached his majority he remained with his father and while helping him learned the best methods of farming and raising stock. When he was twenty-one he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, and after improving it sold at a profit and then bought more land until he now owns two hundred and eighty acres. He laid out an addition to Kewanee, known as Tibbetts addition, comprising thirty acres, in 1890. These lots have all been sold and the suburb is largely built up. Mr. Tibbetts possesses great executive ability and whatever he undertakes he carries through rapidly and effectively. He is president of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, of Kewanee, and is vice president of the Union National Bank, and his association with these companies has added to their solidity and business and financial standing.

In 1868 Mr. Tibbetts married Miss Mary R. Willey, a native of Maine and a daughter of Henry Willey, a farmer. Mr. Tibbetts has always been prominent politically and has held a number of township offices, serving as assessor from 1881 to 1891, was supervisor for fourteen years and school trustee for six years. In 1902 he was elected from the thirty-seventh district on the republican ticket a member of the general assembly and served two terms. His most important work was the introduction and passage of the bill which authorized the township to levy for a fund to purchase a site and erect tjie present beautiful library building which is a credit to Henry county. He introduced the bill and had it put through without a dissenting vote. It was a magnificent piece of work and credit is due to him in no small degree for what has been accomplished through it.

Fraternally Mr. Tibbetts has been quite active, belonging to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and socially he is a member of the Kewanee Club. He has made a splendid record as a legislator and business man, and his life is without a blemish of any kind. An honest man, a faithful and able public servant, he presents in his life an example for ambitious young men to emulate.

Albert C. Dilenbeck

One of Edford township's native sons who has attained to a position of prosperity is Albert C. Dilenbeck, who owns two hundred acres of fine land on section 14, where he follows general farming and raises cattle of good breed for the market. He was born March 7, 1865, and is a son of Myron H. and Sarah C. (Spickler) Dilenbeck, who are now residents of Geneseo.

Albert C. Dilenbeck grew to manhood in the locality in which he was born and he lived for a few years with his parents in Geneseo. After completing the course prescribed by the pubHc schools he entered the Northwestern Normal of Geneseo, and then after finishing his education returned home and worked for his father. At the age of twenty-three years he married and, leaving his father's employ, rented a tract of land from him and commenced farming. At the end of about six years of renting he was able to buy his present farm, for which he paid forty-five dollars an acre. When he removed to it in the fall of 1894 it was an unimproved tract with a poor house as its only building. This he has rebuilt and has besides put up a number of other buildings wholly modern in their construction. He has also brought the fields to a high state of cultivation in the fifteen years they have been under his care.

On the 3d of May, 1888, Mr. Dilenbeck and Miss Nannie E. Spickler were united in marriage. Mrs. Dilenbeck was born and reared in Taylor Ridge, Rock Island county, and is a daughter of John and Nancy (Walker) Spickler. Four' children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dilenbeck, but Mildred C. died at the age of ten months. Those living are: Glenn Myron, John Leland and Horace Cortland.

In political matters Mr. Dilenbeck gives his support to the republican party with whose platform he is in most accord. He has never been a politician in the sense of being an office seeker, although for several terms he has rendered the citizens of his township valuable service as a member of the board of education. With his wife and the other members of his family he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church in Geneseo and is not only regular in his attendance at its religious services, but by his daily life gives evidence that its teachings are put to practical use. A hard working man and a good citizen, he has won from his labors more than a handsome competence and has gained the good will and respect of his neighbors by the strong traits of his character.

Frank P. Ladd

The reverent affection felt for one who has passed away from this earth is best expressed outwardly by a handsome monument to mark the place where all that is mortal of the lost one is laid to rest. Some of the stones thus put up are works of art, executed by men who have given their lives to the business, and who express in their finished product the result of artistic perception and careful training. The best known dealer in monuments in Henry county is Frank P. Ladd, of Kewanee. He was born one mile east of Kewanee, July 19, 1876, and although still in the very prime of life has already attained a high position in his special line of business. He is a son of John and Caroline Ladd, farming people.

Frank P. Ladd was educated in the schools of his neighborhood and worked upon his father's farm until he was seventeen, but he was ambitious and not content to follow in his father's footsteps, and so he began learning the monumental business in all its branches, and for four years after he had learned it thoroughly he worked for others, but in 1898 he embarked in business with William Bates at Galva under the firm name of Bates & Ladd. This connection continued until 1899, when he returned to Kewanee and established his present business. Because of the excellent quality of his work, he has built up a very extensive trade which extends over Bureau and Stark, as well as Henry, counties and he is the largest monumental worker in Henry county.

On June 28, 1899, Mr. Ladd married Carrie A. Nobiling of Kewanee, a daughter of Otto and Carrie Nobiling. Her father is a painter and decorator, whose work is well known in Kewanee. Mr. and Mrs. Ladd are the parents of two children, namely: Willis Otto and Frances Carrie.

Mr. Ladd takes a deep interest in his work and gives his business his personal supervision. Some of his most exclusive designs are his own and display a high degree of artistic merit and indicate that if he had turned his attention into another avenue of artistic endeavor he might have made himself famous as a sculptor. Social by nature, he finds pleasure in his membership in the Modem Woodmen of America and the Improved Order of Red Men.

Allen King

The better class of druggists everywhere are men of scientific attainments, and high integrity who devote their lives to the welfare of their fellowmen in supplying the best of remedies and purest medicinal agents of known value in accordance with physicians' prescriptions and scientific formula. The conscientious druggist can always be trusted and because of his responsible position in the community enjoys a well earned popularity. Allen King, of the old established house of Hill & King of Kewanee, is one of the most reliable druggists of Henry county and with his partner controls a very desirable trade. He was born in Stark county, Illinois, April 8, 1863, a son of Robert W. and Fannie (Lawrence) King. The father was a physician, whose death occurred in 1906, and the mother died in 1886.

After attending the public schools of his neighborhood and making the most of his opportunities, Mr. King worked on his father's farm for a few years, and then, in 1883, began clerking in a drug store at Toulon and continued there five years, thus gaining a valuable insight into the business. He then went to Peoria, where he worked for two years in the same line, and at the expiration of that time he went to Canton, Ohio, where he spent a year. His next location was at Elmwood, Illinois, but after three years he came to Kewanee and entered the drug store of Grant McPherson and clerked for five years. In 1899 he and Hugh Hill formed their present business association and the firm is widely known as Hill & King.

On the 31st of March, 1904, Mr. King married Miss Katherine Steiner of Dubuque, Iowa. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, the Mystic Workers and the Kewanee Club and is deservedly popular in all. He is a very conscientious druggist and the reputation enjoyed by the firm is well merited for both partners are first-class pharmacists and have connections with wholesale houses that make it possible for them to handle a very fine assortment of goods outside of drugs, and the store is one of the most popular in this part of the county.

Horace M. Willsie

Horace M. Willsie, a farmer and stockman of Oxford township, was born in Galesburg, Illinois, May i, 1859, and is a son of Horace H. and Betsey Ambrosia (Nichols) Willsie. The father was born in Henningford, Canada, January 27, 1827, and at the age of fourteen years started to make his own way in the world. He learned the trade of a tanner, which he followed until 1853, when he decided to come to the states. The following year he arrived in Galesburg and almost immediately occupied a prominent place in affairs there, for he was made deputy marshal and constable, positions he held for sixteen years, during four years of which period he was marshal of the city. In July, 1862, he recruited a company for service in the Union army during the Civil war and as captain took it to the front. The next year, however, he was compelled to resign his commission owing to ill health. He thereupon enlisted a second time, to make up the quota of the county, and as lieutenant of the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry he took his soldiers to the scene of activity. On the occasion of his third enlistment in February, 1865, he filled the quota from Knox county, and went to the field as colonel of the One Hundred and Forty-eighth Illinois Volunteers. He was one of the finest drill masters of the army, and, while he permitted nothing to interfere with the performance of duty, he was always concerned for his men and manifested an interest in their welfare. After the close of the war Mr. Willsie returned to his Galesburg home, where he filled many offices of trust and responsibility for a number of years and where he engaged in the livery business and in the buying and selling of horses, of which he was accounted a very good judge. A memory, wonderful in its capacity and in its accuracy, was one of the elements of his success in his own private affairs and as a servant of the people. When he died, June 17, 1906, he was laid to rest in Hope cemetery at Galesburg. His wife, however, still survives. She was Miss Betsey A. Nichols in the days of her maidenhood and was united in marriage to Mr. Willsie June 5, 1855. Four sons and one daughter were born to them: Wilbur F., of Galesburg; Horace M., of this sketch; Alfred N., who is district superintendent of the Hannibal & St. Joseph division of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, having risen to that responsible position from one at which he earned fifteen dollars a month; John, of Galesburg; and Daisy, who is the wife of Edward Gulp, of Irvington, New Jersey.

Horace M. Willsie received his education in the pubHc schools of Galesburg and worked with his father in the livery business and in the handling of his horses. In 1880 he began firing on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, but as the work was too heavy for him he was transferred to the storehouse of the company at Galesburg. There he remained for nineteen years, at the end of which period he took up farming. It was in 1902 that he located on his present farm in Oxford township, Henry county. It consists of three hundred and twenty acres, all under good cultivation, on which besides general farming he has engaged extensively in the stock business, giving his attention especially to the breeding of thoroughbred horses and fine Poland China hogs. His stock is among the finest raised in this county, and he himself is accounted a judge of such discrimination that his services are eagerly sought after and his decisions as arbitrator are held in high regard.

On the 14th of November, 1887, Mr. Willsie wedded Miss Fannie M. Qay, a daughter of William L. and Anna M. (Johnson) Clay. The father was a son of John L. Clay, who was descended from one of three brothers who came from England in the seventeenth century. One of them settled in Massachusetts, an- other in Virginia, and the third in North CaroHna. John L. Clay was one of the family of the first mentioned and came to Knox county, Illinois, in 1837. He assisted in building the first house erected in the city of Galesburg, where in 1840 he bought property and became a resident. His son, William L. Clay, was born in Chester, Windsor county, Vermont, August 29, 183 1. Until 1854 he remained with his father and then bought half a section of raw prairie land in Oxford township, on which he followed agricultural pursuits until his death in 1901. He was twice married. He wedded, November 22, 1854, Miss Harriett A. Davison, who was born in Olin, Iowa, but was reared in Knox county, Illinois, whither her parents came as early pioneers. She died in February, 1868, leaving two children : Seth H., and Mary L., who is now Mrs. E. J. Richards. For his second wife Mr. Clay married Miss Anna M. Johnson, who was born in Sweden but was reared in Henry county. To this union three children were born : Fannie M., now Mrs. Willsie ; Warren L., of Campbird, Colorado ; and Eugenia M., the wife of Frank Welch. Mrs. Anna Clay is still living.

To Mr. and Mrs. Willsie have been bom two children : Gracie E., who was graduated from the Woodhull high school with the class of 1908; and Roy C, who is a student of that institution. The family are members of the Presbyterian church and are active in its work and in the Sunday school. Politically Mr. Willsie affiliates with the republican party and has been conspicuous in local affairs, for in 1906 he was elected a member of the county board of supervisors and was urged, at the expiration of his two years term, to accept reelection. This he steadily refused to do, although during his incumbency he had been put upon the important committee delegated to audit and settle the county's accounts. He has for a number of years been a member of the local school board and has always been interested in educational matters. Public spirited, he has ever urged all improvements which would better the condition of the township and the welfare of its citizens. This quality, combined with the reputation he has made for himself in his own private concerns, has secured for him the high esteem of the members of his community.

Charles Baum

For more than three score years, Charles Baum has been a resident of Colona township, and during the greater part of that period his efforts have been devoted to the tilling of the soil. His labors have not been without large rewards either, for he is accounted one of the substantial agriculturists of his locality, and he enjoys the equally enviable reputation of being a man of high character and sterling integrity. A native of the state of New York, he was born in Jefferson county, February 22, 1839, ^ son of John J. and Marie (Petrie) Baum. They were also born in that county and there were united in wedlock. In 1848 they came to Illinois, taking up their residence in Dayton, this county, in June of that year. As the father was a carpenter, after coming to Henry county, he combined that trade with his agricultural pursuits, winning more than a competence for his labors. He died December 19, 1874, while his wife lived until March 31, 1879, when she too passed away and was buried in the cemetery at Colona. He was a republican in politics, was active in public affairs, and, being a man of upright character, enjoyed the esteem and respect of his fellowmen. Of the eight children born to him and his wife, two only are now living: Charles, the subject of this sketch; and Franklin, of Milan, Illinois.

Charles Baum early assisted in the work of the farm, indeed almost from the time his parents came to Henry county, when being eleven years of age, he was able to do considerable work as well as to assume the responsibility of some of the lighter tasks. He obtained his education in the district schools Shortly after the inauguration of the Civil war he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving for a period of three years or until hostilities ceased. He participated in twenty-three battles and ninety-seven skirmishes, but he was never wounded, nor taken prisoner nor compelled to remain in the hospital. He was ever found at his post of duty and at the close of the war, when discharged, was given honorable mention for never having missed a day's service.

After the culmination of hostilities, Mr. Baum returned to his home in Colona township, married and engaged in farming upon his own responsibility. He has prospered with the lapse of years, so that now he is in possession of four hundred and eighty acres of fine, arable land. With advancing years he has given up the active operation of his farm, leaving that to his sons, who have ably followed out the lines of progressive and thorough cultivation which he planned and which served him so well during the past half century. He never spared himself nor his industry where he believed success lay in his exertion, but he was never a man to waste labor, any more than he permitted his substance to be squandered through thoughtlessness and poor management, but with the care and thrift which are characteristic of the best husbandman, he conserved all his resources. In this way he derived increased returns from his labor.

After Mr. Baum returned with such an honorable record from the scene of battle, he wedded, in November, 1866, Miss Angeline Meer, a daughter of John and Susan Meer. In 1854 her parents came to Colona township, from Bucyrus, Ohio, and here engaged in farming, which Mr. Meers pursued until his death. Both he and his wife passed away a number of years ago, but the memory of their useful lives still lingers. Mr. and Mrs. Baum are the parents of four children: Harvey, who is married and is engaged in farming in Colona township; Amos A., who is also married and engaged in agricultural pursuits here ; Etta M., who is the wife of Lewis Elwell, of Rock Island ; and Charles, who is deceased.

Mr. Baum cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln, in i860, and has since been a strong adherent of the principles of the republican party, taking an active interest in political affairs. For fifteen years he served as the Colona township member of the county board of supervisors ; he has also served as township trustee, as road supervisor and as a member of the school board for a long term of years. In all of these capacities he proved himself faithful to every public trust, and a man actively concerned for the welfare of his fellow citizens. He is a member of Graham Post, No. 312, G. A. R., of Moline. While not a member of any religious denomination, Mr. Baum has guided his actions by the highest Christian principles and has put the golden rule to practical application. Pro- gressive in his own interests, he is also an advocate of public improvements, believing that only through the espousal of the cause of advancement may a community claim to be in the fore rank of modern civilization. Mrs. Baum shared in the good will and respect bestowed upon Mr. Baum, but she was called to her eternal rest December 9, 1906, and was buried in the cemetery at Colona.

David Firch

David Firch, who died September 26, 1909, was then living retired in Geneseo after thirty-five years spent in tilling the soil in Edford township. He was born in West Prussia, Germany, March 30, 1840, and is the son of Michael and Emma (Sierodt) Firch. The parents were also natives of West Prussia, where the father was born in 1817 and the mother in 1815. In 1867 they came to the United States, and upon their arrival in Henry county, Illinois, Mr. Firch took up farming in Edford township. He was permitted to enjoy the advantages of the new country but three years, however, for he died in 1870. His widow, on the other hand, lived until 1899 and witnessed the success which her son attained here. They were the parents of ten children, two of whom died in the old country, and two are now living: Caroline, the wife of George Hohenbocken, of Geneseo ; and Frederick, of Edford township.

David Firch received his education in the schools of West Prussia, and farmed with his father until he became of age. In 1865, two years before his parents, he came to the United States and in Edford township began farming. He bought first sixty acres, to which, after four years he added one hundred and eighty acres, and then in fifteen or twenty years purchased one hundred and sixty acres more. He later disposed of all of this but still owned about seven hundred and ten acres embraced in three farms in the state of Minnesota. In the thirty-five years he lived in Edford township he brought his fields to a high state of cultivation and greatly improved the farm by the erection of substantial buildings. In 1893 he retired from active life and the next year removed into the house which he had rented to tenants from 1880, it being located on Geneseo and Main streets, Geneseo.

In 1867 Mr. Firch married Miss Ottilie Oelke, who was born in West Prussia, September 26, 1849. Her parents, John L. and Emma (Fenske) Oelke, were also natives of Prussia and lived there until their deaths, which occurred in the case of the mother about eight years ago, but that of the father several years previous. They had ten children, four now living: Augusta, the wife of Fred Abraham, of Prussia Ottilie, now Mrs. Firch; Anna, the wife of Charles Hamann, now of Osco township ; and Frank, who lives in Berlin. Of Mr. and Mrs. Firch's six children, four are living. Augusta is the wife of Henry Hamann, of Edford township, and they have five children, John, Walter, Lily, Theresa and Leona. Amelia is the wife of Henry Wiese, of Edford township, and they have two children, Rosa and Roy. Emma is the wife of Charles Blank, of Edford township, and they have five children, Martha, Ida, Elmer, Olga and Mildred. Louise is the widow of Emiel Ruhnke, who died in Chicago. She has no children and lives with her mother in Geneseo. All of the children received their education in the district schools of Edford township. -

The family are members of the German Lutheran church, in which Mr. Firch was collector for six years until his health failed and he was compelled to resign the position. In political matters he gave his support to the republican party but never took any part in public affairs. When he came to this country he had no money, only the clothes upon his back. But he was ambitious and industrious and through the help of his good wife accumulated over seven hundred acres of good land and a comfortable home, and made a host of friends, who witnessed his struggles and the manner in which he surmounted them, and were unanimous in according to him their good will.

Eugene C. O'Connor

Eugene C. O'Connor, who has always identified himself with the labor movement and striven to work toward a general uplifting and betterment of. the men who toil, is one of the representative citizens of Kewanee, where he is at present conducting an undertaking establishment and picture framing and art goods store. He is a native of the city, having been born December 26, 1859, and is a son of Owen and Mary (Handibode) O'Connor.

The father was bom in County Wexford, Ireland, in 1823, and like so many of his countrymen he sought a better opportunity for advancement under the stars and stripes, coming to the United States in 1850, and to Kewanee, Illinois, in 1854. Almost immediately he secured employment as a teamster on the construction work of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and later engaged in general teaming until his death, which occurred in 1887. In 1857 he married Mary Handibode, born in West Meath, Ireland, who came to the United States in 1855, locating in Kewanee. She bore her husband eleven children, as follows: James, who lives in Kewanee; Eugene C, of this review; Mary, who married P. F. Howard, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Martin R., who also resides in Greensburg; Margaret, who married F. B. Stanton, of Kewanee; Rosa, the wife of P. H. O'Brien, of this city; John P., a contractor of Chicago; Agnes, who married M. J. Brennan of Kewanee; Joseph W., also a contractor of Chicago; Thomas M. and Stephen Edward, who are living in Kewanee.

Eugene C. O'Connor was educated in the city schools and when still a boy began working in the coal mines and as a farm hand. He has met and mingled with many classes of men, having learned the carpenter's trade at which he worked for some years. Afterward he was connected with various lines of business until 1905, when he established himself in an undertaking business, and he also handles art goods and frames pictures. His undertaking establishment is one of the most complete in Henry county and every facility is afforded for the proper conduct of the last sad rites. He has been successful in his ventures, for he possesses indomitable will and perseverance and forces through issues he believes are right and proper.

In 1890 Mr. O'Connor married Mary Keeney, of Kewanee, who died September 15, 1898. Three children were born to them: Eugene, who passed away at the age of fourteen months ; and Marjorie and Lawrence R., both students.

In 1903 Mr. O'Connor was elected mayor of Kewanee and served the city faithfully during two years. It was while he was in office that so many improvements were made. There were fourteen miles of sidewalks laid at that time. South Main street was paved with asphalt ; North Main street and South Chestnut with brick; and Willard street with concrete. Nine and one half miles of sewerage were put in, and a large amount of water mains were laid. After much agitation. Mayor O'Connor managed to have the water works refitted with compressor and new boilers, and he had the city purchase a new chemical engine for the fire department. During his administration more brick crossings were put in than under any other mayor and he was only stopped in his plans by lack of cooperation and funds. His whole administration was marked by a business- Hke system that worked for the ultimate benefit of all interested.

However, it is as a labor leader that Mr. O'Connor is best known. He has affiliated himself with many fraternal orders and holds office in nearly all of them, belonging to the Knights of Columbus, of which he is district deputy; the Catholic Order of Foresters, of which he is deputy high chief ranger; of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, of which he is county president; of Boss Lodge, No. 858, Mystic Workers, of which he is secretary; and of the Improved Order of Red Men, the Elks and the Eagles. His religious connections are with the Catholic church. Socially he belongs to the Commercial Club and he is one of its directors and also a director of the Kewanee Baseball Association. There are few men who have done more than he with their lives, considering that he began as a boy worker in the coal mines, and has risen to the highest office within the gift of his fellow townsmen. While in office Mr. O'Connor justified every trust placed in him, he carried out every promise and made Kewanee a paying corporation. Kind-hearted, genial, with a warm spot in his heart for all who need help or comfort, he is an ideal citizen and well fitted to carry on his present business.

Walter W. Smith

Walter W. Smith, one of the native agriculturists of Henry county, who is conducting his father's farm of three hundred and twenty acres, lying on section 9, Osco township, was born in Western township, near the village of Orion, January 25, 1880. His parents are John F. and Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Smith, of whom extended mention is made in another part of this volume.

Walter W. Smith spent his boyhood days upon the home farm, and as he was the eldest of the six children born to his parents, he was early initiated into the work of the farm, assisting in its operation as soon as he was strong enough to handle the farm implements. After completing the course of study prescribed by the country schools he attended the Geneseo Collegiate Institute, from which he was graduated with the class of 1899. He then went to Knox College, Gales- burg, and after a three years' course returned to his father's farm, where he took up his Hfe work. To this place he brought his bride, about four years ago, and here he has since Hved. Although still in the early years of his manhood, Mr, Smith possesses those qualities that should make him one of the substantial agriculturists of his locality, for he has many things to his credit, being industrious, progressive in his ideas and not afraid to exert himself in the pursuit of the success which he hopes to attain.

While in college Mr. Smith became acquainted with Miss Velmya Donizetta Howlett, a daughter of Dr. G. C. and Sarah Elizabeth (Smith) Howlett. She was born and reared in Atkinson and attended the high school in Geneseo and at West Superior, Wisconsin. On the 5th of June, 1906, in Atkinson, were pronounced the words which made the young people man and wife, and their union has been blessed with two children: Karl, born in Geneseo, February 11, 1907; and Zona, born in Osco township, August 2, 1909.

Mr. Smith is a member of the English Lutheran church at Morristown, while his wife is an equally consistent adherent of the Congregational faith. Although he is interested in public affairs and keeps himself informed in regard to national issues, he does not give implicit allegiance to any party, for he prefers to decide upon the merits of each candidate and each question as it is presented to him. He is a zealous Mason, and is almost invariably present at the meetings of Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M.

J. Luther Lough

The invariable law of destiny accords a successful career to tireless energy and honest labor, and this statement finds verification in the life record of J. Luther Lough, who for more than thirty years has been closely identified with farming and stock-raising interests in Henry county. A native of West Virginia, he was born on a farm near Morgantown, Monongalia county, and comes from an old Virginia family, the grandfather and great-grandfather on the paternal side having been numbered among the pioneers of the Old Dominion state. The grandfather, Joseph Lough, was born in Scotland and came with his father to America in his youth. They resided in Pennsylvania for a time and later moved to Virginia. There the father of our subject, Mathew Lough, was born, on a farm within a half mile of that upon which the son's birth occurred, while the mother, who in her maidenhood was Malinda Cordray, was born in the same county. J. Luther Lough was one of twelve children. Harvey, a brother, who resides in Osco township, Henry county, is mentioned on another page of this volume. Mathew Lough, the father, passed away in 1886, at the age of eightyone years, while the mother survived until March 4, 1905, when she had reached her eighty-eighth year. Both are interred on the home farm in West Virginia.

No event of special importance came to vary the routine of life for J. Luther Lough during the period of his boyhood and youth, which were spent on his father's farm. His education, acquired in the district schools, was necessarily limited, for his father was not an able-bodied man, and it was necessary for him to assist in the cultivation of the home farm. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority and during that time gained large and comprehensive knowledge of the best methods of carrying on agriculture, experience which proved very beneficial to him in later years. In 1879 he left his native state and came to Henry county, Illinois, where he became engaged as a farm hand near Cambridge, working by the month. His time was thus employed until his marriage, after which, desiring that his efforts might more directly benefit himself, he engaged in agricultural pursuits as a renter, operating the farm which is now his own in that capacity for four years. He then rented a farm near Osco for three years, at the expiration of which period, in 1895, he returned and purchased his present place, consisting of one hundred and fifty-six acres on section 30, Osco township. The purchase price was seventy-five dollars per acre, and at that time he had nothing with which to pay for it except some land in Kansas, valued at about one thousand dollars. He immediately set about the further development of his property, however, and in the course of years brought it under a high state of cultivation, his fields returning rich harvests as the reward of the care and labor bestowed upon them, while as he prospered he was able to meet every obligation. He made many improvements upon the place, and that it proved an excellent investment is indicated by the fact that in 1909 he sold the farm for one hundred and sixty dollars per acre, a great advance over the original cost. In the meantime he engaged in general agricultural pursuits and also devoted considerable time and attention to breeding and shipping stock, both branches of his business proving most gratifying sources of remuneration. Having sold his farming interests in Osco township he expects to remove to Herrington, Kansas, in the spring of 1910, where he will make his home in the future.

It was on the 226. of February, 1888, in Orion, Illinois, that Mr. Lough was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Howell, a daughter of Charles G. and Sarah C. (Holland) Howell. She was born in Monongalia county. West Virginia, on the 6th of September, 1861, and when a little maiden of eight summers came with her parents to Henry county. Her father still survives and is living retired in Oklahoma, while her mother passed away on the loth of April, 1905, in Olathe, Kansas, her remains being interred at Orion. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Lough has been blessed with six children. Cecile M., the eldest, was born on the 4th of January, 1889, and after attending high school in Cambridge for three years, entered Geneseo Collegiate Institute, from which she was graduated with the class of 1908, after which she taught school for one term. Edgar H. was born on the loth of January, 1891, and after attending the common schools, took a course in bookkeeping in Geneseo Collegiate Institute. Grace D., born October 24, 1894, has completed her eighth year in school, while Mary C, born on the 12th of November, 1896, is now in her seventh year. Charles M. and Helen M., were born on the ist of March, 1899, and the 28th of February, 1901, respectively. All are still under the parental roof.

Mr. Lough belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife is a member of the Baptist church, the former having served as a church trustee for some time also taking an active part in the Sunday-school work. Fraternally he belongs to Orion Post, No. 648, I. O. O. F., of which he is a charter member, and also to Camp No. 2248, M. W. A., at Osco, having filled all of the chairs in both organizations. In politics he gives stalwart support to the republican party, having cast his first presidential vote for Hayes in 1876 He has ever been a warm champion of the cause of education and served for nine years as school trustee of Osco township. He also served on the educational committee and was a member thereof when an expert was employed to audit the books. In 1902 he was elected to the office of supervisor and occupied that office for four years continuously. In all matters relative to the progress and improvement of the community he is interested and gives his support to many measures for the public good. Progressive and energetic in his business, all that he now possesses or enjoys has come to him as the reward of earnest labor. Early realizing that success is not a matter of genius but is rather the result of experience and industry, he has therefore learned life's lessons well, made good use of his opportunities, and, through his persistency of purpose, actuated by a laudable ambition, and his straightforward dealings he has gained high rank among the county's substantial and desirable citizens.

The physician of today occupies a very responsible position with regard to his community. Owing to changes in methods of living, increased danger to life and limb, and the necessity of better sanitation, the people generally are very dependent upon the intelligence and skill of the physicians and surgeons who are among them. One of the best known physicians of Henry county is Dr. George Baxter Duncan, who has lived in Kewanee since 1897 and is now recognized as one of its leading medical men. He was born in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, October 26, 1854, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Cation) Duncan. The father was a native of Scotland, who came to the United States when twentyfive years old, about 1830. Although a tailor by trade, he began farming upon his arrival in the new world. He had learned his trade in Edinburgh. His death occurred when he was eighty years old, but his wife died when sixty-two years old.