Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1910 (part 27 of 32)

Nathan E. Johnsson

Of that element which contributes materially to the strength and prosperity of Lynn township is Nathan E. Johnsson, who was born in that township, his parents being Alexander and Louise (Ericson) Johnsson, of Sweden. In 1857, soon after their marriage, they came to the United States and after looking over the country, choose Andover township, this county, as their home. There they rented a farm, where they lived only a short time, for the father, desiring to become a landholder, had upon their removal to Lynn township, purchased a tract of land, which he cultivated with the utmost success. Nine children were born to them, four of whom are now deceased : Andrew W., a resident of Texas ; John P., deceased; Huldah E., at home; Frank A., a resident of Galesburg, Illinois; Carl O., deceased; Nathan E., the subject of this sketch; Anna O., at home; and Luther and Martin, both deceased. The parents are still living at an advanced age and they hold a warm place in the affections of the community. Both of them are members of the Lutheran church of Andover, in whose affairs they have always taken an active part. Soon after his naturalization the father became a stanch supporter of the republican party, but while a man of broad interests, he has never enrolled himself among those who are willing to assume the responsibilities of office.

Nathan E. Johnsson spent his boyhood and youth amid the wholesome surroundings of his father's homestead, and gained his early education in the township schools. He now has charge of the old home place, a fine tract of land, some two hundred acres in extent, all tinder a high state of cultivation. He is a general farmer and stockman and makes a specialty of raising fine draught horses, both Shires and Percheron, having, in fact, the reputation of being the best breeder of horses in Lynn township and commanding the highest prices. Engaged in this business for several years, he has achieved wonderful success and reputation.

Mr. Johnsson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is an intelligent student of public affairs, with a helping hand extended to any measure he believes will prove conducive to the general good. His membership in the Lutheran church of Andover serves as another vehicle for the exercise of those admirable qualities which have won for him the respect and confidence of all.

Frank V. Samuelson, who is engaged in the hardware and farm implement business in Orion, Ilhnois, was born in Western township, July 14, 1861, and is a son of A. P. and Joanna (Gustafson) Samuelson. The parents were both born in Sweden, the father in 1824, the mother in 1828, and came to the United States in 1854. They settled in Henry county, Illinois, where the father followed farming until 1890, when he retired from active life. For about thirteen years he lived on the old homestead and then in 1903 removed to Orion, where he passed away December 29, 1907. He supported the republican party for he firmly believed in the principles enunciated in its platform. Mrs. Samuelson still survives, making her home in Orion. Ten children were born to the couple, only four of whom are now living. They are Henry, who lives in Kansas ; Frank V., of this review ; Otto, a retired farmer who lives in Orion; and Hulda, who is the widow of August Johnson and resides in Woodhull, Illinois.

Frank V. Samuelson was reared at home and attended the common schools of the township, and then for seven or eight years worked at home and at odd jobs, earning his tuition and board for a course in college. He spent thirteen weeks at a business college in Davenport, Iowa, but short though the time was he made the best possible use of it and found himself not ill prepared for the affairs of life. He rented a farm from his father until 1895, when he embarke.d in the farm implement business. After seven years' experience he sold his stock and returned to farming, abandoning that pursuit at the end of two years to travel for a Chicago machinery house. In 1908 he reopened his store in Orion with a complete line of farm implements and hardware, and in January, 1910, removed to the fine double store building he owns on Jackson street. Being of a mechanical turn of mind he has been very successful in the line of work to which he has chosen to devote himself.

On the 20th of March, 1886, Mr. Samuelson was united in marriage to Miss Hilma J. Bergstrom, a daughter of C. J. and Christine Bergstrom, both natives of Sweden. Mrs. Samuelson was also born in that country in 1868 and was thirteen years old when her father came to America to make a home for his family. Two years later they came to Henry county, where Mr. Bergstrom had procured a farm, on which he Hved until his death, which occurred October 26, 1909. His wife is still living and makes her home with her son-in-law, Mr. Samuelson. Mrs. Samuelson was one of a family of five children, the three others now living being Axel, whose home is in Colorado; Fredolf, a Lutheran minister, of Chicago; and Albin, who lives in South Dakota.

To Mr. and Mrs. Samuelson have been born two children. Bert M., born October 29, 1886, for the past three years has attended Augustana College, Rock Island, from which he hopes to graduate in 1910. He may then take a six months' course in any business college he may elect. In the summer, for the past few years, he has taught in the Swedish church school in Ottumwa, Iowa. Cora, born April 6, 1888, is a graduate of the Orion high school and for the past year and a half has been chief clerk in the postoffice in Orion. To add to her other accomplishments she possesses not a little skill as a musician. Of both of his children Mr. Samuelson is pardonably proud, for they are growing to a fine manhood and womanhood and have done credit to the many advantages which he has been able to give them.

In politics Mr. Samuelson is a republican and he served as school clerk in his district from the time he was twenty-two years of age until he left the farm. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Woodmen, in all of which he is active and has held numerous offices. His religious allegiance is given to the Lutheran church, in which he has been prominent. He really started the battle of life at the age of thirteen, with nothing to his credit but a capacity and willingness to work, but he now is in the enjoyment of many comforts. He owns a farm of one hundred and forty acres to the east of Orion and a fine home on Bank street, which he built in 1903. It is modem and handsome, both within and without, bespeaking the broad-mindedness and liberal culture of its inmates. His success, honestly won, has brought with it the respect and good will of his friends and neighbors.

Nels F. Anderson

Nels F. Anderson, a leading and successful attorney of Henry county, has practiced his profession in Kewanee since 1904 and prior to that time was located at Galva for a period of fourteen years. His birth occurred in the southern part of Sweden on the nth of February, 1858, his parents being Nels and Maria (Kolokowski) Anderson, likewise natives of that country. The father was a well educated man and while a resident of Sweden was actively engaged in business as a lumber merchant. In 1871 he brought his family to the new world, taking up his abode in Greene, Iowa, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and devoted the remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits. He did not come to this country empty-handed but was well situated financially and won a gratifying measure of prosperity in his undertakings. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Swedish Lutheran church, to the support of which he contributed liberally of his time and means. His demise occurred in 1881 and that of his wife in 1894. They reared a family of eight children, namely: Nels F., of this review; Christine, who passed away in 1904; Andrew W., a traveling salesman, who now maintains his residence at Portland, Oregon; F. E., a graduate of Ann Arbor University and now city attorney of Everett, Washington; Otto, also a graduate of Ann Arbor University and a dentist of Stillwater, Minnesota; Theodore, a graduate of the Iowa University and now a resident of Everett, Washington; Hannah, an artist of Chicago, who pursued a literary course at the Chicago University and was graduated from that institution; and Cornelius, a medical practitioner of Willow Springs, North Dakota.

Nels F. Anderson obtained his early education in a Latin school of Sweden. He was a lad of thirteen when the family emigrated to the United States and remained under the parental roof until he had completed his education. When sixteen years of age he began teaching school and successfully followed that profession until he entered Knox College in 1877, pursuing a classical course. He was graduated from that institution in 1882 and had the honor of being salutatorian of his class. Having determined upon the legal profession as a life work, he took a preparatory course at the law school of the Union College of Law in Chicago, where he was a student for one year, and during the following eighteen months he read law with Thomas E. Milchrist, at one time state senator and now United States attorney for northern Illinois. After his admission to the bar in 1886 he remained in Chicago until the following year, and then went to Salina, Kansas, where he opened an office and engaged in the practice of his profession for three years. In 1890 he came to Galva, Henry county, Illinois, where he remained as an able and prominent representative of hi.s profession for a period of fourteen years or until 1904, since which time he has maintained his office in Kewanee. He has accumulated a very complete and valuable law library and has built up a large and lucrative practice which is constantly growing. His success in a professional way affords the best evidence of his capabilities in this line. He is a strong advocate with the jury, and concise in his appeals before the court. Much of the success which has attended him in his professional career is undoubtedly due to the fact that in no instance will he permit himself to go into court with a case unless he has absolute confidence in the justice of his client's cause. Basing, his efforts on this principle, from which there are far too many lapses in professional ranks, it naturally follows that he seldom loses a case in whose support he is enlisted.

On the 25th of December, 1888, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss May Winn Williams, who was born in Henry, Illinois, in 1863, her parents being William Potter and Petronella (Hoagland) Williams. The father, a farmer by occupation, passed away in February, 1907, while the mother's demise occurred in 1894. Their children were six in number, as follows: Kate, who is the wife of D. W. Esmond, an attorney of Newburgh, New York ; James A., a retired agriculturist living in Henry, Illinois ; Bessie, who is the wife of S. E. Blood and lives in Joliet, Illinois; Annette, the wife oi John Wiley, of Utica, New York; Mrs. Anderson; and Carrie, who gave her hand in marriage to W. D. Patty, a banker of Oneida, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are the parents of four children, namely: Leland Hurd, born in 1891 ; Sumner Bigelow, 1895; Richard Stanley, 1897; and Nelson Paul, 1899.

Since 1890 Mr. Anderson has been identified with the democratic party and has most creditably and acceptably served as village attorney for eight years. He was a member of the school board during the erection of the new school building in Galva and served on the building committee. He has always been a strong advocate of those enterprises which he believed would benefit his adopted town and county and is recognized as a valued citizen of the community. In 1897 he was the democratic candidate for circuit judge and his name has also appeared on the party ticket for other county offices. When Judge Bigelow was elevated to the appellate bench he had Mr. Anderson appointed as his clerk or assistant, believing him to be best qualified for the duties of that position. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masons, both of Galva. He contributes to the support of the Congregational church, of which his wife is a consistent and faithful member. In his professional career he has been actuated by a laudable ambition and in all of his work has displayed the closest conformity to a high standard of professional ethics.

Richard C. Hanlon

Richard C. Hanlon, proprietor of Clover Dell Stock and Grain Farm in Qover township, was born January 13, 1858, in Peoria, Illinois, a son of Thomas and Ellen (Murphy) Hanlon. The father was born in County Limerick, Ireland, while the mother was born in County Clare, and they were married in their native land, three children being born to them before they came to America in 1847. After their settlement here eleven more children were added to the family. They landed in New York, whence they came direct to Chicago by way of the Erie canal to Buffalo and the rest of the way on the lakes. At Chicago they took a wagon to Peoria and there the father found employment as a mason. He died in August, 1879, and his widow in May, 1905, both being interred in Kickapoo cemetery near Peoria. Of their family of fourteen children, only three now survive, two sons and a daughter, namely: Margaret, who is now Mrs. John Prentiss, of Howard, Kansas ; Jeremiah B., a resident of Galva, Illinois ; and Richard C, the subject of this review.

Until he was twelve years old Richard C. Hanlon was allowed to attend school but then was forced to leave in order to earn his living. However, being of a studious disposition, he has obtained a liberal education through observation and personal application. In 1870, when but twelve years old, he went to Coffeyville, Kansas, where he became a cowboy, working with the cattlemen upon the ranges for four years. A longing for home then seizing him, he returned to Peoria, making the trip on his pony and sleeping out of doors wrapped in his blanket. Arriving home, he was variously employed until he was twenty-one years of age, when he embarked in the restaurant business in Knoxville, Illinois, and continued it for about a year. He was then married and began to farm and raise stock in Clover township, Henry county, this having been his home ever since with the exception of one year (1893) which was spent in California. He then returned to Clover township and resumed his farming operations. His place is known as the Clover Dell Stock and Grain Farm, containing one hundred and seventy-five acres of magnificent farming land, well suited for raising both stock and grain. Mr. Hanlon is a practical farmer, employing the best and most modern methods in his work and making a specialty of Reed's Yellow Dent corn and of pure seed corn, for which he has gained a wide reputation, selling his product to corn growers all over the country. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Hanlon is connected with the Mutual Telephone Company of which he was one of the organizers and for some time has been president of the Telephone Switchboard Association. He is also a director and solicitor of the Cambridge Mutual County Fire Insurance Company of Henry county, which has been in existence since 1888; is also a director and treasurer of the Galva Grain & Elevator Company, with elevators at Galva and Nekoma, and he takes an active part in the management of all these concerns.

A republican in politics, Mr. Hanlon is active in his support of the party and has rendered it and his district good service as a member of the school board for twenty-five years. He is a member of Galva Grange, No. 1591, Patrons of Husbandry, and has been master of the grange and filled all the other offices. He is also a member of the Fraternal Tribune and takes a deep interest in the work of the Ontario Christian church and its Sunday school, of which his wife is a member.

On October 13, 1879, Mr. Hanlon was married to Augusta A. Brown, a daughter of Jeremiah J. and Catherine (Protsman) Brown, residents of Weller township at that time, but in the fall of 1893 they went further west and have since lived in Oregon and California. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are still living, he being eighty years and she seventy-five years old and both are enjoying excellent health. Mr. and Mrs. Hanlon have had four children, as follows : Jessie, who married Fred M. Lindholm, of Galva, Illinois; Frank J., who is married and farming in Clover township ; and Edward A. and Mildred A., who are at home.

Mr. Hanlon has not only made a material success of his life but he has demonstrated that it is possible to influence his community for good while attending to his own affairs. Although he secured but an elementary education he supplemented it with experience and is one of the well informed men of Henry county.

Daniel C. Keleher

Daniel C. Keleher, who operates his father's farm of four hundred acres, located on section 14, Western township, was born on this place, August 21, 1870, a son of Daniel L. and Ellen (Currin) Keleher. The father was identified with agricultural interests in Henry county throughout a long period but he and his wife are now living retired in Orion.

Daniel C. Keleher was reared on the home farm and began his studies in the district schools, this knowledge being supplemented by a course in the Geneseo Collegiate Institute, from which he was graduated in the class of 1892. After completing his studies he returned to the home farm and resumed work in this connection, assisting his father during the succeeding six year.s He was then married and since that time has operated the farm on his own account. This tract embraces four hundred acres, so that he carries on business on a large scale. He is engaged in general farming and also raises and feeds stock on an extensive scale.

It was on the 28th of December, 1898, in Moline, Illinois, that Mr. Keleher wedded Miss Abigail Purse, who was bom in Western township, a daughter of Robert and Margaret (Montgomery) Purse. Mrs. Keleher was educated in Shurtleff College near St. Louis, Missouri, and engaged in teaching for several years prior to her marriage. She is the mother of one son, Percy, born in Western township, on the 3d of December, 1899.

Mr. Keleher is a strong temperance man, voting for the men and measures or prohibition. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church, in which he has filled various offices, while socially they are identified with the Farmers Social Club. Having spent their entire lives in Western township, they are well known, and have a large circle of warm friends.

Charles F. Schroeder

Charles F. Schroeder, one of the native farmers and stockmen of Edford township, was born June 21, 1870, and is a son of G. H. and W. C. (Weigand) Schroeder, who were for many years members of the agricultural community here. On the 27th of January, 1897, he wedded Miss Florence B. Whiteline, who was born in Morristown, Osco township, Henry county, November 18, 187 1, and whose parents are the late J. J. and Christine (Rapp) Whiteline. Reared to the life of a farmer, Mr. Schroeder has devoted all his energies to that line of work with a success that has made possible the acquirement of some valuable land. He pursues general farming and has also engaged in the raising and feeding of stock.

William C. Stickney

To the financiers of every community are due in large measure the financial standing of the locality and its people, for through them are all transactions influenced and commercial ratings based. William C. Stickney, of Woodhull, is one of the ablest of Henry county bankers. He was born in Brighton, Massachusetts, September 6, 1846, a son of Henry Stickney, who was born in Grafton, Vermont, January 29, 1807. On June 2, 1837, the father married Mary Ann Wood, of Ridge, New Hampshire. For a number of years he resided at Cambridgeport, where he engaged in a grain business, and for several years he was a commission merchant at Nos. 8 and 9, Chatham Row, Boston, in partnership with his brother Isaac Stickney.

In 1853 Henry Stickney brought his family to Woodhull, Illinois, where he had purchased large tracts of land, he and his brother Isaac owning about two thousand acres. Unfortunately, he was accidentally killed November 16, 1866, his widow surviving him until February, 1888, when she too passed away, and both were interred in the beautiful Woodhull cemetery. He left his impress upon Woodhull and the county and is still remembered as one of the representative men of his time. He and his wife had the following five children : Henry born November 7, 1838, died April 25, 1881 ; Alfred born July 3, 1840, is a large landowner and capitalist of Woodhull; Idaha, born March 25, 1842, died April 12, 1844; Wilham Curtis is the subject of this review; and Carrie Wood, born October 6, 1856, is now Mrs, Henry W. Crain, of Knox county.

Reared on his father's farm, William C. Stickney helped about the place and attended the public schools of Woodhull as well as Knox College at Galesburg. After the death of his father, in conjunction with his two older brothers, he engaged in operating the old homestead, which is still in the family, and occupied by William W. Stickney, a son of our subject, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Here he lived continuously until May 26, 1892, when he removed to Woodhull, which has since been his home. Mr. Stickney has met with unusual success and owns in addition to the homestead of three hundred and twenty acres, six hundred and forty acres in Alberta, Canada, and considerable real estate in Woodhull. He and Robert L. Woods own the Farmers Bank of Woodhull, which was the first bank organized in the city and the only one until 1909. His association with this bank commenced in 1880, and his efforts have built it up until it is one of the most reliable in Henry county. It is thoroughly equipped with vaults, time locks and screw lock safes, as complete as any to be found in the large cities and the business done by it, which is of a general banking character, is very large. Mr. Stickney is also connected with the Peoples Bank, which was organized in December, 1908. This is also a private bank and second only to the Farmers bank, and it too is thoroughly modern. Mr. Stickney is one of the wealthiest men of Henry county and holds the full confidence of all who know him.

He was married April 13, 1870, to Ida A. Clarke, a daughter of Janson and Grace (Stowe) Clarke, of Woodhull, who came originally from Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Stickney had four children, namely: William W., who has been already mentioned; Grace M., who married Walter A. Davis, of Hale, Missouri; Etta C, who died in infancy; and Henry C, who is at home. The wife and mother died April 30, 1891. On January 21, 1903, Mr. Stickney was again married, his second union being with Viola Ridenour, a daughter of Granville J. and Sarah (Green) Ridenour. Mrs. Stickney was born in Seneca, Kansas, although her family came from Ohio. Mr. Ridenour was a farmer who went to Kansas from Ohio at an early day but before his demise in 1907, the family removed to Phoenix, Arizona. Mrs. Ridenour died ten years before her husband. Mrs. Stickney was the first graduate from the Galesburg Training School for Nurses in 1896, her previous education having been obtained in the common and high schools of Seneca, Kansas. She is an artist of more than ordinary ability, painting exquisitely on china and carving in wood with considerable skill. She is one of a family of thirteen children, all of whom are now living. For several years she was a nurse in Galesburg before her marriage and she is one of the most accomplished ladies in Woodhull, where she has gathered about her a circle of appreciative friends.

Mr. Stickney is a republican and has been called upon to fill a number of important offices within the gift of his party. In 1894 he was elected to the thirtyninth general assembly from Henry county and assisted in passing some important legislation. He has been a delegate to numerous district, county and state conventions and was a member from the county of the first board of review appointed after the enacting of the law governing it. He is a man of strong purpose and determined character and never fails to accomplish whatever he undertakes.

Willis E. Roberts

Willis E. Roberts, one of the prosperous farmers and extensive stock breeders of Phenix township, was born on section 14 - the same section on which he now lives, - September 29, 1859, and is a son of John J. and Nancy (McHenry) Roberts. On both sides of the family he is descended from pioneer settlers of this county. His maternal grandparents, George and Lucinda (Council) Mc- Henry, came from White county to Henry county in 1837, when there were but two families here and but one house in Rock Island. Chicago was their nearest market and the long journey was made by team. In Phenix township the Mc- Henrys preempted about six hundred acres of land, most of which has remained in the family to this day and some of which Mr. Roberts now owns. His paternal grandparents, John and Susannah (Gates) Roberts, came to Henry county in 1839, and like the McHenrys preempted land. Here they made their home for the rest of their lives. John J. Roberts and Miss Nancy McHenry were married in Phenix township, where as farming people they continued to reside throughout life. They and Mrs. George Roberts died within fourteen days of one another in 1890. The parents of our subject were buried in McHenry cemetery in Phenix township, but the grandparents were buried in the cemetery in Loraine township. Two sons were bom to John J. Roberts and his wife: William E., the subject of this sketch; and Wilbur L., also a resident of Phenix township.

William E. Roberts received a fair education in the country schools. Reared on the farm, he worked upon it when not busy with his lessons and remained with his father even after his marriage, until he was about twenty-six years old. In 1885 he purchased one hundred and thirty acres of land from his maternal grandfather and entered upon his career as an agriculturist. He paid twentyfour and a half dollars an acre for the land, cleared the timber from a large part of it and made all the improvements. He threw himself heart and soul into his work and in a few years had not only made this farm a paying investment but was able to buy land in other places. He now owns one hundred and ten acres on section 14, Phenix township, three hundred and twenty acres in Phillips county, Kansas, and some residence property in Geneseo. He lives upon the land first mentioned and there in addition to general farming raises some fine stock of pure breed - Oxford Down sheep, Poland China hogs and Guernsey cattle.

On the I St of November, 1883, Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Rettie E. McGinley, of Phenix township, a daughter of John and Charlotte

(Aldrich) McGinley. Politically Mr. Roberts is a republican and has taken an active part in matters of local interest and in political affairs, for he has served as school trustee and as trustee of the cemetery and has been a delegate to several of the party conventions, notably that at which Governor Deneen was nominated. He has made many stanch friends among his fraternal brothers of camp No. 40^ M. W. A., whose meetings he attends by way of social diversion and relaxation. A successful farmer and a careful breeder he has won substantial success. More than that he enjoys the respect of those who have come in contact with him and have found him a man of sound principles.

Frank E. Good

Frank E. Good, one of the substantial and representative farmers of Henry county, is a man who has for years been convinced of the importance of agricultural life and the future this locality offers to the modern farmer. He was born east of Kewanee, December 20, i860, and has spent his life in this locality. After being educated in the district school and those of Kewanee, he taught school during the winter for four years from the time he was twenty, and then rented a farm for twelve years. By this time he had saved sufficient money to buy one hundred and eight acres of land, which was the beginning of his homestead. To this he added one hundred and sixty acres more in 1905 and now has one of the best farms in Kewanee township. In addition to his farming property he is interested in the Kewanee National bank.

On June 7, 1887, Mr. Good married Miss Franc Porter, a daughter of James and Amanda Porter, a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. Three children have been born of this marriage : Leslie Porter, Glenn Samuel and Frank Allen James.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Good has been very active in the work of the republican party and has often been called upon to represent it upon the ticket and for three years he has served as assessor, for the past quarter of a century he has been school director, and has also been road overseer. In each office Mr. Good has always striven to do his full duty and that he has succeeded is proven by his being reelected so often. Fraternally he is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men. A hard working man, he has succeeded in his farming and takes a pride in his premises and the results of his efforts. He belongs to one of the old families here and is a worthy representative of it.

Edgar C. Love

Energy, industry and perseverance have characterized the efforts of Edgar C. Love, an enterprising and progressive young farmer of Western township, his native township, his birth occurring in Orion in 1882. His parents, William and Isabelle (Lloyd) Love, were natives of Ireland and Illinois respectively. The father, a farmer by occupation, was numbered among the veterans of the Civil war, serving for almost four years as a member of Company B, Sixty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He passed away in Rock Island, Illinois, in 1895, while his wife survived until 1909, her death also occurring in that city. She was the second daughter of Mahlon B. Lloyd, the first settler of Western township, who took up his abode within its borders in 1837. Her sister, who married Leonard R. Both well, is the only surviving member of the Lloyd family. The subject is one of a family of five children born unto Mr. and Mrs. William Love, only two of whom survive, the other being an elder brother, William A., a lawyer of Chicago, Illinois, who was educated in the University of Michigan.

Passing the years of his boyhood and youth on his father's farm in Henry county, Edgar C. Love acquired his early education in the public schools and later supplemented this training by a course of study in Knox College of Galesburg, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1903. After leaving college he took up the occupation of farming in Henry county and is today engaged in the conduct of the old home farm, which consists of two hundred and forty-two acres located on section 27, Western township. This farm under his careful and wise management has been brought under a high state of cultivation and is one of the valuable and desirable properties in the township. He has carried on his enterprise in accordance with progressive and up-to-date methods and as a reward for his care and labor he annually reaps rich golden harvests.

It was in 1906 that Mr. Love was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude K. Baker, who was born in Davenport, Iowa, a daughter of James and Mattie (Davis) Baker, both of whom passed away in Iowa. The father was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Davenport, and in their family were two children: Gertrude K., the wife of our subject; and Lamont, residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Love has been born one child, Katherine Isabel, whose birth occurred on the 226. of June, 1907, and who is the light and life of the household. In politics Mr. Love supports the republican party and is public spirited and loyal in his citizenship. Although still young in years, he has attained a degree of success which augurs well for a bright future. He has many friends in Western township, where almost his entire life has been spent, and is held in high regard and esteem by all who know him.

William G. Wolf

William G. Wolf, one of the larger farmers and stockmen of Geneseo township, was born in Hooppole, Yorkstown township, this county, September 13, 1868. His parents, Jacob and Margaret (Shafer) Wolf, were both born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, but came to America singly and before their parents, though these followed them to the United States after their children had made a place to receive them. Jacob Wolf was a soldier in the German army and after the conclusion of the war that was then waging he came to America. Upon his arrival in this part of the country he secured employment in a packing house in

Peoria and while there the woman he had loved and courted in his old home came over. The couple were married in that city and then removed to Yorktown township, this county. After a short residence there they located in Geneseo, where Mr. Wolf purchased forty acres of land just east of the fair grounds. This place remained his home until his death. Thirteen children were born to him and his wife, but only five grew to years of maturity, namely: Catherine, who married Henry Ott ; Jacob, who lives in Hooppole ; Aaron, deceased in 1906, who married first Miss Christina Smith, by whom he had one child, and then Miss Leva Swanson, by whom he had another child ; William G., of this review ; and Amelia, who married William Miller and lives in Yorktown township.

William G. Wolf was reared at home and was about eight years old when his parents removed to Geneseo. He received a fair common school education, worked with his father during his boyhood and youth and after the latter's death continued on the farm to assist his mother. In 1888, when he was twenty years old, he married, and in the spring of the following year he removed to the James Mahon farm, which he rented. Subsequently he bought the Daniel Hoit place, which is situated near his present home, and a few years later purchased the land where he is living today, which increased his holdings to three hundred and fiftysix acres, all in one farm. The many modern buildings that are to be seen upon the place are the result of his labors, as are the many other improvements that bespeak the skill of the thrifty farmer. For more than fifteen years Mr. Wolf has been raising melons. He began on a small scale, planting only three acres, but has several times devoted twenty-six acres to that fruit and is the most extensive raiser of melons in Henry county. He has also given considerable attention to the breeding and feeding of pure blooded black polled Angus cattle and as his animals are of high grade he finds a ready market and good price for them.

At Cooper, Iowa, on the 3d of November, 1888, Mr. Wolf and Miss Minnie Dewey were united in marriage. She was born in Geneseo township and is a daughter of Henry and Sarah A. (DeGolia) Dewey. SeVen children have been born of this marriage : Grace, Hazel, Wanda, Grant, Eva, Clarence and Bonnie.

While not a politician nor an office seeker, Mr. Wolf is always at the polls on election day, when his ballot is cast for the candidates of the republican party. He takes an interest in local affairs and for several years served his township as one of the school directors. He is a member of camp No. 40, M. W. A., and not only enjoys the society of his fraternal brothers but is willing to exert himself to their advantage.

Peter Hedlund

Peter Hedlund, deceased, was one of the well-to-do farmers of Henry county, living on section 7, Galva township. Of Swedish birth and parentage he was born February 21, 1840, in Handbu, Helsingland. His parents, Carl and Anna (Olson) Hedlund, both claimed Helsingland as their birthplace and America as the land of their adoption. The father died in middle life on Lake Michigan while on his way to Bishop Hill, but the mother survived the journey and reached the little Swedish colony. In 1862 she removed to Galva township, where in 1886 she died at the advanced age of eighty years. Three sons and one daughter were born to Carl Hedlund and his wife: Olof, of Sweden; Carl, deceased ; Peter, of this review ; and Anna, the wife of Eric Nystrum, of Bishop Hill. The two oldest sons were both soldiers, Olof in the regular army of Sweden and Carl in the Civil war in this country. The father was a tailor by trade and also a farmer.

Peter Hedlund was but ten years of age when the family came to this country, and he grew to manhood in Bishop Hill. His days were devoted to farm work, and on many an occasion he drove a yoke of oxen in breaking prairie. In

1862 he removed to Galva township, where he first shared a small tract of land with the Bishop Hill colony, and later bought a little place of his own, to which he added continually until at the time of his death he had accumulated about one hundred and seventy-eight and a half acres. On this tract he made his home, having improved it with a good house, a barn and other buildings and brought the soil to a greater productiveness.

Mr. Hedlund was married on the 22d of June, 1867, to Miss Anna Anderson, a daughter of Andrew and Anna (Peterson) Anderson. She was of Swedish birth, having been born in Westmanland, July 30, 1837, and of Swedish ancestry. Of her parental grandfather, who died before she was born, Mrs. Hedlund remembers very little, but her maternal grandfather was Peter Gregulius, a native of Sweden and a farmer. His wife was Catherine Gregulius and was about eighty years of age at the time of her death. They had six daughters and one one son: Catherine, Christine, Gregulius, Anna, Beta, Brita and Margaret. Mrs. Hedlund's parents, also of Swedish birth, came to America in 1850 with the Bishop Hill colony, in whose midst the children grew to maturity. In

1863 the family came to Galva township, which was their home until the death of the parents, the father dying in 1886 at the age of seventy-nine, the mother the following year at the age of eighty. There were five children, three sons and two daughters born to the couple : Peter, Andrew, John, Anna and Catharine. The last named died on the Atlantic, while coming to America.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hedlund were born four children, two sons and two daughters : Peter E., Laura A., Alice A. and Charles A. Three of the children live at home, but Alice has married Charles Stoneberg, who lives two miles north of Bishop Hill, and they have two sons, Charles H. and John E. Mr, Hedlund gave allegiance to no political party, but cast his vote as seemed to him right. A good man and true, he was deeply mourned when, at the age of fifty-five years, he was called away, June 9, 1895.

Alfred Bohman

The characteristics of thrift and energy, so strongly manifested in the Swedish race, are notable factors in the life of Alfred Bohman, who operates a valuable farm of two hundred and seventy-five acres, located on section 21, Western township. He was born on a farm in Oxford township, Henry county, April 15,

1872, the only child of Gust and Hannah (Lindburg) Bohman, both of whom were natives of Sweden. The father came to America in 1869, when a young man, and the mother was fourteen years of age when she accompanied her parents to the new world. Both located in Oxford township and it was there the two young people became acquainted and later married. Although the father was in very limited financial circumstances when he landed on American shores, he possessed a determination that is alawys sure to win success and as the years passed he worked on earnestly and diligently and is now a well-to-do man. Both parents still survive and make their home in Oxford township, which has been the place of their residence for many years.

Alfred Bohman was reared to farm life, assisting his father in the work of the home place during the spring and summer seasons, while in the winter months he gave his time to the acquirement of an education in the district schools. He was married on the 23d of September, 1897, in Oxford township, to Miss Anna Person, who is a native of Sweden but came to the United States with her parents when a young lady of seventeen years. After his marriage, Mr. Bohman continued with his parents on the home farm until 1901, when he removed to his present farm of two hundred and seventy-five acres on section 21, Western township. He has here such a home as is always found in possession of his countrymen, for investigation usually reveals the fact that the best improved farms and the most modern country residences in this section of the county are those that belong to the Swedish race. Mr. Bohman follows general farming to some extent but is also largely engaged in raising and feeding stock, which he ships to the city markets. He keeps only the best grades and therefore his stock always demands good prices.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bohman has been blessed with four sons and two daughters, namely: Reuben, Edward and Florence, who were born in Oxford township; and Alice, Arthur and Harry, who were born in Western township. All are still with their parents.

Mr. Bohman is a republican in his political belief and although he keeps well informed on the current and political issues of the day, he does not take an active part in public affairs as an office seeker. He belongs to the Swedish Lutheran church. He possesses a character that makes him strong, forceful, determined and aggressive and his valuable farming property is the visible evidence of what he has accomplished in the business world.

Edward W. Lewis

The fine farm of one hundred and fifty-seven acres on section 6, Cornwall township, on which Edward W. L-ewis lives, constitutes but a part of the two hundred and seventy-five acres of well improved land he owns in Henry county. While he raises the crops adapted to soil and climate, he has made a specialty of breeding and feeding stock, the high quality of his Hereford cattle making him well known' in this section of the state. A native of Henry county, he was born

February 7, 1870, a son of William J. and Eliza (Claypool) Lewis, and a descendant of an old family, mention being made of his great-grandfather and grandfather in the sketch of A. J. Lewis, which appears on another page of this work.

William J. Lewis, the father of Edward W. Lewis, was born in Ohio, June 18, 1849, and came to Cornwall township, Henry county, Illinois, with his father in 1852. He became a farmer and later a stockman, achieving especial distinction as the latter, for he was the second in the county and the first in this township to breed Hereford cattle. When he removed to Geneseo he established a breeding farm on Bluff road, where his son David Harry is now carrying on the business he started. He was successful beyond the average and became one of the large landowners of the county, his possessions being the visible evidence of what he had accomplished through thrift, industry and good management. In politics he was a democrat and while not an office seeker he served efficiently as tax collector and highway commissioner. While a resident of Cornwall township he was a member of the Liberty church, but when he removed to Geneseo he joined the Congregationalists. His life always measured up to a high standard of manhood and citizenship, and in his death, which occurred September 6, 1896, Henry county lost one of its valued men. In his young manhood he wedded Miss Eliza Claypool, a daughter of Elijah Claypool, and they became the parents of four sons : Edward W., of this review ; James Fred, who resides in Geneseo; Perry T., who also lives in Geneseo; and D. Harry, who is engaged in the stock business on Bluff road. Mrs. Lewis died when her eldest son was eight years of age.

The days of his boyhood passed busily for Edward W. Lewis for he participated in the work that w^as carried on on the home farm at the same time that he pursued his lessons in the district school. He also spent one term at the Geneseo Collegiate Institute, where his education was completed. At the age of twenty-one years he operated a portion of his father's farm, receiving a share of the crops, and later became a partner in the stock business also, continuing therein until his father's death. Then he inherited eighty acres and after the death of his stepmother came into possession of more land, and now, in addition to the two hundred and seventy-five acres he owns in Henry county, has four hundred and eighty acres in Sherman county, Kansas. In the fall of 1900 he purchased the J. K. Reherd farm in Geneseo township, where Theodore F. Erdman now lives, for ninety dollars an acre, moving thereto in the spring of 1901. In 1903, while he was living there a cyclone passed over the country, demolishing the buildings upon his place. It happened that his wife and son had taken the train for Rock Island that day and thus avoided the storm, but he was in the barn at the time and after the roof was carried away succeeded in making his escape without injury. In 1906 he sold the farm to F. A. Snodgrass, who paid one hundred and forty dollars an acre for it, that price for that size farm being the largest which had ever been received for arable land in the township up to that time. Mr. Lewis makes a specialty of breeding and feeding blooded Hereford cattle, but he also carries on general farming, and that he is successful, enterprising and progressive is indicated by the attractive appearance of his place and the number and character of his buildings.

At South Heights, Rock Island county, IlHnois, March 6, 1895, Mr. Lewis wedded Miss Mary E. Wood, of that village, where she was born February 6, 1870. Her father, George Wood, was a native of New York city and was early left an orphan, for his father, who was a sea captain, was lost on the ocean, and his mother died while he was a boy. He grew to manhood in the state of his birth, learning the ship carpenter's trade, and he started to New Orleans, Louisiana, with the intention of locating there but on reaching Rock Island county, Illinois, he became acquainted with Miss Elizabeth J. Bollman, whom he married. He then established his home in that section of the state and engaged in carpentering and fruit growing. He died November i, 1907, but his wife is still living and resides in the old home in Rock Island county. She was born near Bloody Run, Pennsylvania, and her mother was also a native of the Keystone state. The latter was a descendant of a French royalist family and came to Illinois about 1845, before the railroads had been built to Rock Island. She witnessed the great change the years wrought in the state, for she lived to the venerable age of ninety-five, dying in March, 1907. Mrs. Lewis was graduated from the Rock Island high school and thereafter engaged in teaching. She was employed in one of the schools of Henry county when she became acquainted with Mr. Lewis and later taught in Rock Island. She has become the mother of a son, Kenneth Woodbury, who was born in Geneseo township.

Mr. Lewis is a republican in his political affiliations, but although an interested spectator of public affairs he has never had any desire to hold office. With his wife he belongs to the Mystic Workers of Geneseo, and Mrs. Lewis is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of the city, although she generally attends religious services in Cornwall township. He is a man who makes good use of his opportunities, has prospered from year to year and has conducted all business matters carefully and successfully. He has not permitted the accumulation of a competence, however, to affect his actions toward those less successful than he, but has a cheerful word and pleasant smile for all with whom he comes in contact.

Harry Earl Ferguson

Harry Earl Ferguson, an enterprising and progressive farmer and stock dealer of Western township, was born on the old homestead upon which his parents still reside, on the 29th of October, 1882, and is a son of George William and Inez E. (Hitchcock) Ferguson. There he was reader to manhood, receiving his early educational training in the schools near his father's home, while at the age of seventeen he entered the high school at Galesburg, from which he was graduated in 1902 with a class of one hundred and twenty-four members. After leaving school he returned home and for a time lived with a sister, Mrs. Mahlon Love. His entire life has been characterized by agricultural pursuits, having a half interest in a farm with his father. In the fall of 1908 in connection with his father he purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 2. Western township, where he now makes his home and to the cultivation of which he is directing his entire energies. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, the soil yielding rich harvests that are proving sources of gratifying annual reevnue. In 1909 he erected an up-to-date and modern residence equipped with hot and cold water, heated by hot air and lighted with acetylene gas, having installed a gas plant upon the place. He has introduced many other improvements and the place is lacking in nothing that goes to make up a model farm of the twentieth century. He carries on general farming and also engages extensively in feeding and shipping stock, both branches of his business proving very successful. Energetic and industrious, his well directed efforts and close application have been salient elements in the prosperity which he today enjoys and he is ranked among the enterprising and progressive farmers of the township.

It was on the 17th of June, 1908, that Mr. Ferguson was united in marriage in Orion to Miss Laura Amelia Rutledge, of that city, whose birth occurred upon a farm in Oxford township. She is a daughter of Rockwell and Ella (Jordan) Rutledge, the father having been born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on the 28th of December, 1859. In early life he came to Henry county with his parents, the family home being established near Alpha. He was a farmer by occupation and was thus engaged until his demise, which occurred March 21, 1887, when the daughter was but two years of age. The mother, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, accompanied her parents to Henry county when she was but five years of age. Mrs. Ferguson attended the public schools of Orion, graduating with the class of 1902, and taught in the country schools of Henry county for several years and in the graded schools of Orion for two years. She was the only child born unto her parents, and her mother, who still survives, makes her home with her. She and her husband are both members of the Baptist church at Orion, and politically Mr. Ferguson is identified with the republican party. He is not an aspirant for public office, however, preferring to devote his entire time and energy to the conduct of his private business affairs, which, capably managed, are returning to him gratifying remuneration. Having spent his entire life in Western township he has gained an extensive circle of warm friends who entertain for him the utmost regard and esteem because of his excellent traits of character.

Alvin M. Lyon

Alvin M. Lyon, deceased, who was equally successful as a farroer and teacher, and whose home on section 11, Edford township, is the place of residence of his children today, was born in Union county, Connecticut, July 4, 1843. His parents, Lyman and Olive (Buck) Lyon, came to Illinois in 1850 and three years later purchased a farm in Geneseo township, Henry county, on which they passed the remainder of their days.

Alvin M. Lyon was but seven years of age when his parents came to this state. He began his education in the public schools of Geneseo and then entered the old seminary which has since become only a memory. At the age of twenty he began his career as a teacher, instructing the pupils who attended the schools of Hanna township. In 1870, shortly before his marriage, he purchased the farm on which his children now live and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Reared as he had been on a farm, he had already had some experience in the tilling of the soil, so that it was with a knowing hand that he again took up farming. He was able to win an appreciable return from his fields and found pleasure in this vocation.

On the 27th of November, 1870, Mr. Alvin married Miss Achsah Adams, who was born in Sterling, Illinois, and was a daughter of Charles and Sarah (Darling) Adams. Like her husband, she too had received her higher education from the old seminary and had engaged in teaching for a few years prior to her marriage. Seven children were born of this union. Robert B., the eldest, finished his education in the Geneseo Collegiate Institute. He married Miss Alice Muzzy and follows farming in Geneseo township. Amy L. attended the Northwestern Normal in her youth, but has since married Bert J. Parriott and lives in Lidgerwood, North Dakota. They have a daughter. Marvel. Fanny became a teacher and later was graduated from Brown's Business College, in Galesburg. She is now a stenographer in that city. Jessie C. began to teach school at the age of seventeen and after an experience of a couple of years attended the Geneseo Collegiate Institute. She spent the winters of 1906 and 1907 at the Knox Conservatory of Music. Edna Achsah attended the Geneseo Collegiate Institute, from which she was graduated with first honors in the class of 1902. She engaged in teaching for a few years but is now a resident of Pasadena, California, Chester Adams, the youngest of the family, was graduated from the Geneseo Collegiate Institute and has taken up the profession of teaching, looking forward to attaining his father's success.

Alvin M. Lyon generally affiliated with the democratic party, feeling more in sympathy with its platform than with that of any other political party, but he was independent in his views and on many occasions voted for the man or measure that seemed to him best, irrespective of party allegiance. He was deeply concerned for the advancement of the interests of his fellow agriculturists and was a leader in that organization known as the Knights of Labor, which has as its prime aim the improvement of the conditions of the farmers. Fraternally he was also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a man who possessed the capacity of making stanch friends, and when, on the 20th of April, 1909, he passed away, he was widely mourned as a good citizen, a loyal friend and a devoted father. His wife had preceded him to the grave by more than ten years, her death having occurred December 15, 1898.

Frederick A. Hines

Frederick A. Hines, whose birth occurred December 8, 1862, on the old homestead in Phenix township, Henry county, Illinois, is a son of Henry and Susan (Henney) Hines, the former born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1817, and the latter in Ohio in 1825. When he was but two years of age, Henry Hines was brought to the United States by his parents, who settled in Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Ohio. Later, in 1852, accompanied by his young wife, the father of our subject drove all the way from Ohio to Henry county, Illinois, in a one-horse wagon, the railroad in those days coming only to La Salle. Thus he witnessed during his remaining days, much of the growth and development of this section of Illinois for when he came the country was a wild prairie presenting all the evidences of frontier life - forests in their native state and streams unbridged, while deer and other wild animals roamed over the country. Henry Hines located on section 26, Phenix township, there establishing the homestead that has since been in possession of the family. He had eight children : John H., who is now living in Kansas ; Lucy, the widow of Washington Rowe, her home being in Geneseo, Illinois; Christina, who became the wife of Aaron Rapp, also of Geneseo; Mary, who wedded Abner Ofiferle, of Kansas; Sarah, the wife of Leonard Sieben, living in Geneseo; Hattie, now the wife of John Goemble, their home being in Kirksville, Missouri ; Peter H., a minister of the United Evangelical church, whose home is also in Missouri; and Frederick A., the subject of this review.

Frederick A. Hines was reared under the parental roof, early becoming familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of a lad reared on a farm. Under these conditions he acquired as best he could the rudimentary elements of English learning in the district schools, learning far more practical lessons through experience and hard work in the cultivation of the fields and many other duties that go to make up the daily routine of the agriculturist. Left fatherless at the age of seven years, he remained at home, assisting his mother who continued to operate the farm after the death of her husband, until he was twenty-one years old. Inheriting his father's persistency of purpose, perseverance in overcoming all difficulties that confronted him and undaunted courage, he worked unceasingly through the days and years intervening until in 1889 he was enabled to buy the old homestead place which contains one hundred and twenty acres in Phenix township, where he was born, and which is dear to him through the associations of his boyhood.

Three years before he had purchased his home occurred the marriage of Mr. Hines and Miss Sarah Bollen, who was born December 2, 1864, in Loraine township, this county, and is a daughter of John and Caroline (Heller) Bollen, the former born in July, 1834, in Ohio and the latter in 1839. Her mother passed away in 1872 and is buried in Loraine township. Her father, who now resides in Geneseo, was a farmer by occupation and came to Illinois in the early pioneer days, driving across the country with an ox-team. He broke prairie in both Henry and Whiteside counties. He was a republican and highly esteemed by his fellow citizens who elected him to all of the township offices. Unto him and his wife were born four children, as follows: William, who lives in Geneseo township, this county; Mrs. Frederick A. Hines; John W., who makes his home in Osco township, this county; and Wesley, who died in infancy. The parents were members of the Methodist church, as is also the wife of our subject, who is teaching in the Sunday school and at present serving as president of the Ladies Aid Society. The home of Frederick A. Hines and his wife has been blessed with three children: Floyd, who was born March 17, 1887, attended college at Geneseo and is now assisting his father. Ethel Gertrude, born May 21, 1889, teaches music. Lois Irene, born June 12, 1902, is now in school.

Aside from the homestead farm the landed holdings of Mr. Hines include a good farm in South Dakota and in addition to general farming on the home place he also engages in stock raising, which has proved a valuable branch of his business. Having worked through many years, Mr. Hines and his wife, who has been of great assistance to him through her able management of the household affairs, are now enjoying well merited prosperity and their home, which Mr. Hines erected in 1900, is one of the most comfortable and attractive modern homes of the township; but above all temporary comforts and blessings, Mr. and Mrs. Hines command the respect and receive the good wishes of all with whom they have come in contact. In his political views he is a republican and has served as town clerk and assessor of Phenix township, has been a school director and at present is serving in the office of justice of the peace. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is both a trustee and a steward. A broadminded man, his influence has been far-reaching and his efforts effective in all those things which uplift and benefit the community intellectually, morally and spiritually.

Adolph F. Anderson

Among the influential citizens of Lynn township is Adolph F. Anderson, who is a native of Sweden, born January i, 1851, and a son of Andrew J. and Britta (Munson) Anderson. When but fourteen years of age he was deprived of his father by death and unusual responsibilities settled upon his young shoulders. He was educated in the schools of his native country and as a youth learned the trade of machinist and blacksmith.

After gaining a livelihood through his trade for a number of years he decided to come to America, and in 1879 P^^t this decision into effect. Upon his arrival he located at Afton, Iowa, where for six months he found employment as a section hand upon a railroad. In the fall of the same year he removed to Rock Island, Illinois, where in the plow works of that city he found employment at his trade. He remained there for a number of years but on March 18, 1886, he came to Lynn Center, Henry county, which he soon became satisfied should be his permanent home. He established a small shop, equipped with lathes, drills and other machinery for doing such repair and other work as was needed in the locality, with a blacksmith shop in connection. His thrift, diligence and honorable methods gradually built up a good business which has expanded until it has assumed extensive proportions. In addition to the machinist and blacksmith work done by Mr. Anderson he handles a full line of goods, embracing every machine and implement used on the farm, together with fencing, salt, roofing, paints, pumps and windmills. He also manufactures wagons, hay-racks, water tanks and wagon shoveling boards. In a progressive farming district like Lynn Center such an establishment is almost indispensable and Mr. Anderson enjoys the good will and liberal patronage of the entire community.

Before leaving his native country Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Olson, a daughter of Olaf and Anna Olson, of Sweden. The cere- mony was performed December 28, 1878, and the officiating clergyman was the Rev. Mr. Bull. Although some of the relatives of Mrs. Anderson came to America, her parents never left their native country. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been born nine children, all of whom are living. Amanda is now the wife of Charles Ellstrom, an Oxford township farmer; Charles is the agent of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Lynn Center; Richard is telegraph operator for the same road at Lynn Center; Esther is the wife of Fred Peterson, of New Windsor; Olga is a popular and successful school teacher; Martin is a student at Rock Island College, while Melvin, Eleanor and Herman are at home. Mr. Anderson gives his allegiance to the republican party. Although very influential as a private citizen, few men being better informed than he upon current issues, he has never been one to crave the honors and emoluments of office. However, he does not shirk his public duty but for twenty years has served as a member of the Lynn board of education. He is identified prominently with three Orion organizations : Sherman Lodge, No. 535, F. A. & A. M. ; the Modern Woodmen of America; and the Mystic Workers. Mr. Anderson and his family are members of the Lutheran church at Andover and are active in both church and Sunday school. As a family they are a credit to the community, morally, intellectually and socially. Their home is one of the most attractive in the pleasant little village of Lynn Center and is the scene of much of the social life of the neighborhood. In 1885 Mr. Anderson's mother came to America to make her home and had a place in the family circle until her death May 16, 1903. She is interred in the cemetery at Andover. In summing up let it be said that Mr. Anderson is a representative citizen whose influence is always found on the side of progress and improved conditions.

George Reher

George Reher, the sexton of Oakwood cemetery, was born in Holstein, Germany, September 4, 1848, and is a son of Karl and Fredericka Reher. The father was a laborer and not able to do much for his son, but George received a good common-school education and then apprenticed himself to a shoemaker to learn the trade. He worked for three years without pay and then obtained piece work, later pursuing his occupation as a journeyman. In the spring of 1870 he started for America with his parents and was three weeks crossing the ocean, being delayed by broken machinery and severe storms. In one of these the ship was driven about two hundred miles from its course and the waves dashed higher than the craft that was trying to brave them. The life-boats were constantly kept in readiness, but there 'was never need for them and the ship and its passengers reached harbor in safety.

Landing at New York, Mr. Reher and his parents made their way directly to Henry county, Illinois, where a brother-in-law, Henry Schmidt, was living. He had but few possessions when he arrived in this state and did not know a word of English, but he was not discouraged, determining to master his deficiencies and get ahead in this new land. The parents took up their abode with Henry

Schmidt, with whom they remained until their deaths. With the intention of learning to speak the language as quickly as possible, George Reher secured employment with an American family. His difficulties were many, however, for his ignorance of English was so great that he had a hard time understanding the wants of the men and could obtain but little assistance from the Swede who also worked there and had acquired a slight knowledge of the meaning of our words. Besides, he had never worked with horses and did not know how either to care for one, harness him or even ride or drive. He persevered, however, received twenty-four dollars a month wages and continued to work as a farm hand for many years. In the early '80s he came to Geneseo, where he obtained work on the railroad and from the city. As the result of his saving, he was at length able to buy some property in the third ward of the city. He sold this, however, when on February i, 1887, he was appointed to his present position. Oakwood cemetery was opened in 1868 and several other sextons had had the care of it but for more than two decades Mr. Reher has had the responsibility of keeping it in good order and making it one of the attractive cemeteries of the county.

On the 26th of February, 1872, Mr. Reher married the woman he had loved and courted in his native home, Miss Henrietta Tehen. Her father was killed in the war of 1849 ^^'^ his daughter never knew his given name, but her mother was Miss Carolina Pegler in her maidenhood. Mrs. Reher received a good education in the German schools and when Mr. Reher had made sufficient progress in this country he sent for her to join him. To them seven children have been born : Nellie, the eldest, married William Becker. They have four children and live in Geneseo. Charles married Miss AHce Crisbie and lives in Geneseo. William married Miss Bertha Schmekel and also lives in Geneseo. They have one child. Louis married Miss Mabel Wieneke and resides in Geneseo. Etta became the wife of Fred Fricke and lives in Nebraska. . Fred was graduated from the Geneseo high school and then attended the normal school in Valley City, North Dakota. He is now engaged in teaching. George is still at home.

The family are members of the German Lutheran church, while Mr. Reher is a republican in his political affiliations. He finds social diversion and relaxation in Tribune Lodge, No. 14. Handicapped though he was by his ignorance of our language as well as of our customs, he has succeeded in making a place for himself and in attaining the respect of his fellow citizens.

Dr. John Hale Mannon, who has now been engaged in the practice of medicine at Kewanee for almost three decades, is numbered among the leading and successful members of the profession in this county. His birth occurred in Brown county, Ohio, on the 2d of February, 185 1, his parents being John and Matilda (McPherson) Mannon, the former a farmer by occupation. In 1855 the family home was established at Monmouth, Illinois, and there Dr. Mannon obtained his more specifically literary education, being graduated from Monmouth College in 1876. He then followed the profession of teaching for a year and afterward began the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. J. H. Walch. Subsequently he entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which institution he was graduated in 1880, winning the degree of M. D. He at once located for practice in Kewanee and this city has since remained the scene of his professional labors, his patronage having continually grown in volume and importance as he has demonstrated his skill and ability in the line of his chosen calling. The Physicians Club numbers him among its valued members and he also belongs to the Henry County Medical Society, thus keeping in touch with the progress that is being continually made by the profession. He is on the medical staff of St. Francis Hospital, of which he was one of the original members, and is likewise lecturer on contagious diseases. He also acts as medical examiner for a number of old line insurance companies.

On the 24th of December, 1878, Dr. Mannon was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Esther Hill, of Monmouth, Illinois. They lost a son, John, who passed away when but three years of age. Their surviving child, Mary, was married on the lOth of August, 1907, to Nathan John Higginbotham, who is now the representative of the National Tube Works at San Francisco, California. Mr. Higginbotham came to Kewanee from Decatur, Illinois, and entered the employ of the National Tube Works in a humble capacity but was promoted to positions of greater responsibility from time to time as he demonstrated his capability and faithfulness in the discharge of the duties entrusted to his care. He was eventually sent to New York as special salesman in the fittings department and later was transferred to San Francisco. Unto him and his wife have been born two children, namely: Mary Jane, whose birth occurred on the ist of May, 1908;. and John Mannon, who was born in Kewanee on the 8th of May, 1909.

Fraternally Dr. Mannon is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His personal characteristics have gained for him the warm regard and friendship of many, and in professional lines he has attained that eminence which only comes in recognition of merit and ability.

William F. Nott

William F. Nott, who for the past twenty-nine years has been engaged in the livery business at Galva, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on the 30th of July, 1858. His parents, Abraham and Elizabeth (Slatt) Nott, were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. The father, who was identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout the greater part of his business career, journeyed westward in 1865 and took up his abode in Marion county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. About 1869 he came to Henry county, Illinois, settling in Galva, where he embarked in the butchering business and was thus busily engaged throughout practically the remainder of his life. He passed away in Galva, when sixty-nine years of age, and his loss was deeply mourned by all who knew him. His wife was called to her final rest when she had attained the age of sixty-seven years. They were both devoted and faithful members of the Congregational church. Their family numbered eight children, four sons and four daughters, as follows :

Emma L. ; Arthur ; Bertha, the deceased wife of T. G. Bell ; Lizzie ; William F., of this review ; Herbert D. ; Julia, the wife of Edward I. Johnson, of Kewanee ; and Norman, who died when about sixteen years of age.

William F. Nott, who was a lad of about eleven years when he came with his parents to this county, grew to manhood in Galva and attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education. He followed various pursuits in early manhood and remained at home until thirty-three years of age, his earnings going to the support of the family. In 1880 he embarked in the livery business at Galva and has since successfully conducted an enterprise of that character, enjoying a constantly growing and profitable patronage. In 1905 he incurred a loss of ten thousand dollars through the destruction of his stable by fire, and he afterward erected the fine brick stable in which his business has since been carried on.

Mr. Nott has been twice married. His first wife, who bore the maiden name of Ella Price and was a daughter of Archibald Price, died eighteen months after her marriage. On the i6th of November, 1893, Mr. Nott was joined in wedlock to Miss Alice Emery, a daughter of David Emery. They have one daughter, Marie.

In his political views Mr. Nott is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church, with which his wife is also identified. Much of his life has been spent in Henry county, where he has a wide acquaintance and is favorably known.

David Hadley

David Hadley, deceased, whose farm was located partly on section 26 and partly on section 27, Osco township, was born in England, September 29, 1837. His father, William Hadley, was also of English birth and never left his native land. The son was seventeen years of age when he came. After landing upon our shores, Mr. Hadley remained for a time in New York and then came west to Illinois, locating in Henry county, where he engaged in farming and where he met the woman who became his first wife. She was Miss Susan Kilmer and to them were born two children. J. J. Hadley, the older, is in business in Osco township, but a more extended mention is made of him in another part of this volume. Emeline, the other child, became the wife of Leander Rowe and lives in Schalier, Sac county, Iowa. After the death of the mother Mr. Hadley married Miss Julia Gillett, who was born in Trivoli, Peoria county, Illinois, a daughter of Cyrus and .Elizabeth (Jewell) Gillett. Their union, which was solemnized March 8, 1876, was blessed with five children. Minnie May married J. Heber Smith and lives in Osco township. Fred G. died at the age of twenty-three years. Bert Elmer married Darlane Peterson, who bore him two children, and he died in Osco township, his family now living in Dunderan, Canada. Estella Pearl and Ruby Luella, the two youngest, are both at home.

Mr. Hadley was a firm believer in the platform of the republican party, but although he always exercised his right of franchise, which he believed was the duty of every citizen, he never sought for any office within the gift of the people. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church and was not only a devout attendant at religious services but also ordered his life in accordance with its teachings and actively identified himself with the work of the church. For seventeen years he was superintendent of the Sunday school and for another long period was a class leader. Successful in his business affairs, and conscientious in his dealings with his fellowmen, he was respected as a citizen and when death called him was deeply mourned by those who knew him best. He died October 3, 1890, leaving to his family a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres.

Horace F. Simmons

Horace F. Simmons is one of the men who is profiting by the confidence he evinced in the future of Henry county land. He was born January 25, 1857, in Kewanee, Illinois, a son of William H. and Mary Ann (Briggs) Simmons, natives of Massachusetts, who were married in the east. The father went first to Tazewell county, Illinois, in 1837 before he was married, spending a year there working on the first buildings erected in Delavan, he being a contractor and builder. These buildings were a sawmill and a hotel and when he had completed them he returned to Massachusetts and married Mary Ann Briggs. In 1842 they removed to Pennsylvania, where he followed contracting and building. Seeking wider fields, he then went to Columbiana county, Ohio, remaining there until 1854, when the family came to Illinois, locating at Kewanee. Here the father found em.ployment at his trade until i860, in which year he removed to Clover township, where he had purchased a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1894. In that year he took up his abode in Woodhull, living there retired until his death in July, 1902. His wife died before him in September, 1901, and both are interred in the cemetery at Woodhull. Mr. Simmons prospered in his undertakings, becoming the owner of twelve hundred acres of excellent land. His original purchase of one hundred and sixty acres in Clover township cost him seven hundred dollars. That same land is still in the possession of the family and is now worth at least thirty-two thousand dollars or two hundred dollars an acre. He was a man who took an active interest in public matters and while a member of the county board of supervisors from Clover township did much to advance his locality. During his incumbency of the office the county infirmary buildings were erected, he being a member of the committee having that in charge. In every way he was a very capable man and his judgment was often sought in public and private affairs. All his life he commanded the highest respect of his associates, being a man of strong character and strictest integrity. Seven children were born to him and his wife, namely: William Henry and Mary E., who are deceased; M. Eugenia, who married Alfred A. Stickney; L. Alice, who married George Wood; Eveline A.; George W., deceased; and Horace F.

Horace F. Simmons spent his youth with his father upon the farm and was educated in the Clover township schools and the Barrington Commercial College.

He early showed a capacity for business and has devoted himself to his father's large realty interests. On June 28, 1899, he married Elizabeth Durston, a daughter of Charles F. and Sarah H. (Gould) Durston, both natives of Mercer county, Illinois. Both the Durston and Gould families came from England some years ago. Mr. Durston was a farmer early in life but for many years served as county clerk of Mercer county, later as deputy circuit clerk and was a man who was prominent in public affairs. He died in April, 1909, but his widow survives and still resides in Mercer county, where their entire lives were spent. Mrs. Simmons was educated in the public schools of Aledo and at Lombard College, Galesburg, from which she was graduated in 1890. Following this she taught in Mercer and Henry counties for several years prior to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons are the parents of three daughters namely: Alice G., Ethel L. and Ruth Elizabeth. Since his marriage Mr. Simmons has lived in Woodhull, where he looks after his extensive holdings, owning about six hundred acres of magnificent farming land, all well improved and under a high state of cultivation.

A democrat in his political views, he keeps well informed on both sides of every question, believing it the duty of every good citizen to do so. He and his family affiliate with the Presbyterian church, he being a member of the board of trustees of that body as well as one of its most liberal supporters. Mr Simmons has always heartily supported all measures calculated to secure good schools, better roads and improved conditions of things generally.

Alexander L. Love

Among the agriculturists of Henry county who have attained a pronounced success and have evinced a keen interest in all that pertains to the public welfare is Alexander L. Love, who owns the greater part of section 8, Western township. He was born in County Antrim, Ireland, August 18, 1849, his parents being John and Mary A. (Duncan) Love. He was but an infant in arms when they left their home and started upon their journey to the new world. After crossing the Atlantic, they settled in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where the father soon afterward died, leaving a widow with ten children, of whom Alexander was the youngest. Hard as was the task bequeathed to the courageous woman, she managed to rear them and keep them together upon the Pennsylvania farm until 1871, when they removed to Henry county, Illinois. About ten years before one son,, William Love, had come here, and after his return from the army, in which he had enlisted shortly after his arrival here, he bought land in Western township. When Alexander Love and his mother came here, she purchased the place on which he lives today for she had sold the two farms she owned in Pennsylvania, and it remained her home until 1892, when she passed away in her eighty-third year. Her ten children grew to maturity and most of them are still living. Ann, the eldest, has remained unmarried and makes her home with her brother Alexander. Elizabeth became the wife of John Blair but died in Millville, New Jersey, before the family came to Illinois. The two children she left are now in this state. Jane lives in Chicago. Nancy is the widow of Joseph Watson and lives in Orion. She has two children living. Matilda married William Finley, who died in 1892, and she lives in Orion with her daughter, Mrs. Charles Hanna, Mary resides in Chicago, her husband, Hugh Gerrity, having died several years ago. Their son, John, also lives in Chicago. William, who came to Henry county, in 1 86 1, enlisted in 1862 in Company B, Sixty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and at the expiration of his three years' term reenlisted serving until the close of the war. He was rapidly promoted for meritorious service. At Harpers Ferry he was taken prisoner, but was afterwards released on parole. He left the army with the rank of second lieutenant. After his return from service he engaged in farming in Western township and wedded Miss Isabel Lloyd. Their union was blessed with five children, two of whom died in infancy. Three sons lived to maturity : Mahlon, who married Miss Grace Ferguson and died in 1902, leaving three children; WilHam Arthur, who is an attorney in Chicago; and Edgar, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. William Love died in 1895. Maria L., the next of family, is unmarried and lives with her brother Alexander. James A, wedded Miss Anna Beatty who passed away about twenty-two years ago. Five children were born unto them. Alexander L., the youngest, is the subject of this sketch.

Alexander L. Love received a fair education. He was a pupil first in the country schools near his Pennsylvania home, later entered the academy at Trenton, New Jersey, after which he attended Bryant & Stratton Business College in that city from which he was graduated. Upon coming to Illinois he remained with his mother, for whom he operated the farm. In 1877 he married and in a short time purchased the Crampton property, embracing one hundred and sixty acres, which had previously been his wife's home. On that Mr. Love lived until 1902, when he removed to the farm where he lives today. It was the place to which his mother brought her family when she came to this county, although it has been enlarged until now Mrs. Love owns five hundred and twenty acres in Western township. Although he has met with success in his farming operations, he has not given to it his attention to the exclusion of other matters which have held equally large opportunities for him. For two years he was interested in grain buying in Crampton, and later, in 1890, with his brother William organized the Farmers Bank of Orion, filling the position of cashier. In 1908, when this came under the banking laws of Illinois, its name was changed to the Farmers State Bank, and Mr. Love was made the first president of the new concern, a position he has held to the, present.

On. the 27th of March, 1877, in Western township, Mr. Love and Miss Mary S. Crampton were joined in marriage. She is a daughter of Francis A. and Eleanor (Huston) Crampton and was born in 1858 in Preble county, Ohio. Mr. Crampton moved his family to Henry county in 1859, taking up his residence in Western township. For a short period he was engaged in commercial pursuits in Davenport but returned once more to Western township, opening a store in Orion, which he conducted until 1889. In that year he removed to Ventura, California, to pass the remainder of his hfe in retirement.

Mr. and Mrs. Love have had four children. Francis, the eldest, died in infancy. Henry Jay was graduated from the Geneseo Collegiate Institute in 1898, and after teaching a year entered Knox College, from which he received his degree in 1903. Thereupon he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, receiving his license to practice medicine and surgery in 1907, The next two years he spent in the railway hospital of the Santa Fe at Topeka, Kansas, and now has established himself in East Moline, Illinois. He has not married. Eleanor Jane was graduated from the Galesburg high school with the class of 1905 and later spent one year at Waterman Hall in Sycamore, Illinois. Mary A. attended the high school at Ventura, California, for two years, and is now a junior in the Moline high school.

Politically Mr. Love is in sympathy with the principles of the republican party but he has never aspired to public office. He is a member of Sherman Lodge, No. 535, A. F. & A. M., and with his wife and daughter Eleanor belongs to the Eastern Star, in which the latter has been elector. Successful, popular and enjoying the friendship of many, he is one of the highly respected men of his community.

Charles W. Mount

Among the successful agriculturists of the younger generation in Weller township, must be numbered Charles W. Mount, who with care and great industry tills a farm of eighty acres about three quarters of a mile east of the village of Nekoma. A native of this township, he was born April 10, 1873, a son of Jacob Mount. The latter was born in Brown county, Ohio, September 11, 1830, and remained in the place of his birth until he reached the age of twenty-five years, when he drove across the country to Nekoma, Illinois. For almost a score of years he lived on numerous farms in the vicinity of the village, coming in the spring of 1875 to the place which his son Charles W. Mount operates today. It remained his home, too, and the scene of his active life until the 5th of October, 1902, when he thought he was justified in relinquishing the heavier of life's duties and retired to the city of Galva. He has not, however, given up his interest in afifairs generally nor in the welfare of his fellow citizens, although he has reached the age of seventy-nine years. He is still in possession of his faculties and moves with a briskness that belies his age.

As soon as old enough to attend Charles W. Mount was enrolled as a pupil of the common schools of the district near Nekoma, and from his childhood he worked with his father upon the home farm. Later when the older man felt that advancing years and a large competence justified his retiring from active life, Charles W. Mount assumed the full responsibilities of the operation of the homestead, which he carries on to the present time. He has pursued general farming, but has also become interested in the Galva Grain Elevator Company of Galva and Nekoma, which returns him a most acceptable addition to his income. He keeps upon his place a thoroughbred Shire stallion, which is the only one of its kind in the neighborhood. The best years of his life, one may well judge, are before him, and they should be as rich in the good fortune they have in store as have been those of the past, when he has done little more than make

On the 3d of December, 1903, Mr. Mount wedded Miss Aurora P. Lindbeck, a daughter of Dan Lindbeck, a carpenter of Bishop Hill. Two sons have been born to the couple: Qaude C, who is now four years of age; and Harold A., who has but recently completed his first year. While Mr. Mount claims he gives his support to the democratic party, he is in reality non-partisan in his views, seldom failing to cast his ballot in favor of the men who represents the best interests of the community he would serve. In the ranks of the Modern Woodmen of America he has played a conspicuous part, for he has for a number of years belonged to the camp located at Nekoma, in which he has held the office of escort for a considerable period.

Leslie H. McDonald is an enterprising young farmer, who operates the old homestead farm, located on section 20, Western township, and comprises two hundred and forty acres. He was born on the farm which is now his home, November 18, 1880. His paternal grandfather, James McDonald, was born in Ohio and after reaching years of maturity went to Indiana, where he met and married Miss Jane Spivey, after which they located in Rock Island county, Illinois. This was in the early '40s and James McDonald, availing himself of the opportunity to get land at a low price, purchased farm property from the government to which he later added until he became the owner of a section in that county. He there reared his family which included Lawrence McDonald, the father of our subject. The latter was born on the home farm, June 7, 1854, and was there reared to maturity. When he started out in the business world he was given substantial aid by his father in the purchase of one hundred and six acres, which constitutes a portion of the present home place, and thus it was that the McDonald family was established in Henry county. Prior to his location in Henry county, however, Lawrence McDonald was married in his native county to Miss Theresa Haskell, who was there born in June, 1855. The farm which Mr. McDonald purchased was but partially improved but he eventually added better and more substantial buildings and as the years passed he increased his acreage until he now owns five hundred and sixty-three acres, a part of which is located in Rock Island county and the balance in Western township. Mr. Mc- Donald was actively identified with agricultural interests until the spring of 1909, since which time he has lived retired, while the son manages the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald have four sons. Willis Sherman, who was born on Christmas day of 1877, wedded Miss Anna Stewart, and is a barber of Draper, South Dakota. Leslie H., of this review, is the next in order of birth. Ray and Ralph are twins, born January 7, 1885. The former wedded Miss Lina McAleekin and makes his home in Western township, while the latter is still' single and is engaged as a stenographer with the Air Motor Windmill & Gaso-