Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1910 (part 3 of 32)

Ladd the position of corporation counsel, but this, too, was declined. He first formed the acquaintance of William Jennings Bryan at Springfield, in 1894, and there sprang up between them a close friendship that continued until the death of Mr. Ladd, Mr. Bryan always being the guest of Mr. Ladd when in Kewanee, while the latter several times visited at the former's home. They were said to resemble each other closely in personal appearance, so much so that on one occasion when Mr. Ladd was traveling with Mr. Bryan and the latter became fatigued Mr. Ladd went upon the rear platform of the train at a number of stations where he made short speeches and was recognized and cheered as the Nebraska statesman. He served for a number of years as a member of the state central committee and in 1896 was chairman of the democratic state convention held in Springfield. During the campaign of that year he traveled throughout the east and middle west and in two months delivered more addresses than any of the democratic orators under the direction of the national committee. He generally agreed with the political views of Mr. Bryan but took strong exception to his attitude on government ownership and expressed his views on that question in an article which apeared in the Chicago papers. It was also in the convention of 1896 that he made the speech that quieted disorder and defeated David B. Hill for temporary chairman. At that convention he declined the vice presidency. His open letter to William J. Bryan, upon the latter 's return from Europe, he urging the Nebraskan to moderate his views on certain questions in the interests of harmony, brought him prominently into public notice.

As an orator he had exceptional ability. Logical and eloquent, his reputation as a campaign speaker was national. The Galesburg Register said : "He was the most picturesque democrat in central Illinois. No man could be more genial and agreeable, and none more terrific in the arraignment of his political foes. We recall one time his making a political speech three hours long, holding his audience to the end by his entertaining and magnetic eloquence." The Chicago Post said : "Mr. Ladd was held in high regard by his party and no important gathering of democrats in the state was considered complete without his presence and his independent expression of opinion."

In Kewanee, where he was best known, Charles K. Ladd was held in warmest regard. He figured conspicuously in the public life of the city during his long residence here. Although he shrank from public office he consented to serve for one term as alderman and for a number of years as city attorney, and many of the ordinances of the city ordinance book were prepared by him. On one occasion when a certain amount of money had to be raised for a bonus to enlarge the Western Tube Works, in a given time he started out to secure this and did it so effectively that he was soon able to telegraph Mr. Pierce at Pittsburg that it was all subscribed. He was recognized as the father of the Kewanee Public Library and his interest therein prompted the movement which recently culminated in the erection of the splendid new block at the corner of First and Tremont streets built for the library. In previous years he had a store of books in one of his apartments and encouraged the idea of a public reading room. He interested others in loaning and giving books for public use and with the gradual growth of the institution he contributed five hundred volumes from his library and later made another gift of fifteen hundred. His private law library con- tained forty-eight hundred volumes and was the largest to be found in the central states. He took great pride in his collection of books, which included the works of many famous ancient and modern writers.

In February, 1870, Mr. Ladd was united in marriage to Miss Isabella Shelton, and to them were born two children, Grace Lillian and Ernest Charles. Throughout his life Mr. Ladd maintained for himself the privilege of forming unbiased opinions - a privilege which he accorded as well to others. His creed, which found exemplification in his life, was that of Thomas Paine : "Loving mercy, doing justice, and endeavoring to make his fellow creatures happy." Mr. Ladd held membership in Kewanee Lodge. No. 159, A. F. & A. M. ; Kewanee Chapter, No. 47, R. A. M.; Kewanee Commandery, No. 71, K. T. ; Kewanee Star, No, 43, O. E. S. ; and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. All of these organizations were fully represented at the funeral services which were held following the demise of Mr. Ladd, who passed away May 28, 1908. In accordance with his expressed wishes there was no depressing solemnity when he was laid away. Several musical selections of a bright, cheerful nature were sung and several friends spoke from their knowledge of the deceased. Judge Hand, chief justice of the supreme court said : "When a young man he came here and during forty years was one of Kewanee's truest friends and one of the best known citizens of the community. No one will go out from Kewanee or Henry county who will be more missed than C. K. Ladd. He was a warm-hearted, generous man, anxious to help those in need - a man who loved his friends. There was much in his character to inspire the young man of the present day. He came here a poor boy but he carved a name for himself." Judge Graves said: "My friend Ladd was a man of strong convictions. He was a leader, not a follower of men, both in thought and in action. He had his own ideas and was at all times willing to express his convictions on any subject to others. They were not all in accord with current ideas, but it did not necessarily follow that they were not right. It is easy enough to adopt the thoughts and ideas of others, but it takes courage to stem the tide of public opinion with one's own ideas of contrary nature. * * * He was a true friend and an affectionate man. There was nothing he would not do for his friends and most of his acts of kindness came unbidden and unexpected. He made mistakes, like the rest of us, but whatever else may be said of him he was not a hypocrite. If there was a worse side to him it was the outside. Generous impulses, breath of sympathy, kindness and charity, public spirit, loyalty to his home city, of all these he had more than his share. And it is these things that will linger in memory." Devotion to his family was one of his salient characteristics.

William H. Blish

William H. Blish, whose long and loyal official services, whose business activity and integrity and whose high Christian character endeared him to all who knew him through the years of his residence in Henry county, was born at East Glastonbury, Connecticut, May 25, 181 2, and was a son of Colonel

Sylvester Blish, the founder of the family in Henry county. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade and at the age of twenty-five years he came to Illinois with the colony that was founded at Wethersfield, in 1837. He worked at his trade there to some extent and for several years lived on a farm west of the village, but afterward took up his abode in the town and turned his attention to merchandising, conducting a store at the corner of Tenney and Church streets. About 1847 he was associated with his father in the building of a hotel just east of the store, and they conducted it for ten years, it being the only hotel in this section until after the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad was built through Kewanee. It was the stopping place for the stage lines and the engineers of the railroad made it their headquarters for some time. Mr. Blish was also associated with other business interests, becoming connected, about 1855, with Zerah Chapin in building a gristmill, in which they conducted a large and profitable business until the failure of the wheat crops of i860 and 1861. Later in company with Nathanial Mayhew Mr. Blish removed the mill to Neponset, Illinois, and as the venture there proved a losing one they sold out at a great sacrifice. Mr. Blish never allowed things to discourage him or to warp his kindly, genial nature, and his fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, called him again and again to public ofhce, his official services covering forty years. He filled the position of county treasurer and acted as justice of the peace until he refused longer to hold the office. He was supervisor for several years, was chosen town collector year after year and for a quarter of a century acted as school treasurer and was town clerk for nearly as long a period. His office in the corner of his old hotel, which he occupied as long as he lived, was the headquarters for all town business and the people seemed to think they could not do business elsewhere. Here he was always to be found - genial, affable, sensible and level-headed; ready to make a deed or mortgage, draw a will or have a friendly conversation on any subject. He was himself a man of peace and very few suits begun in his court ever came to trial for he usually induced the litigants to settle their disputes in an amicable way without recourse to the law.

On the 25th of January, 1836, at Glastonbury, Connecticut, William H. Blish was married to Miss Eliza Hollister, who was born November 27, 181 1, in Manchester, Connecticut, and was the adopted daughter of Deacon Nehimiah Hollister. They became the parents of eight children: Charles Sylvester, who was born December 5, 1836, at Glastonbury, Connecticut; Helen Louise, who was born November 5, 1838, at Wethersfield, Illinois; John Giddings, born on the 23d of June, 1840; Adelaide Eliza, born December 22, 1842, and died October 14, 1854; Frank Cheney, who was born April 15, 1845, and died on the 17th of April, 1845; Prudence Knox, born March 10, 1847, and died October 11, i860; Rhoda Cheney, who was born on the loth of June, 1850; and Addie Eliza, born June 14, 1855. The mother of these children passed away November 19, 1858, and on the 17th of April, i860, William H. Blish wedded Hannah Gage, who was bom September 27, 1833, at Fairfield, New York, and a daughter of Elijah Gage of that place. The four children of that marriage were : Margaret Gage, who was born April i, 1861, and for a number of years has been a successful school teacher ; William H., born January 14, 1863 ; Hannah Elizabeth, who was born November 15, 1872, and after teaching for some years in the schools of Kewanee and Chicago was married July 3, 1902, to Herbert Diller, of the latter city; and Belle Gage, who was born February 10, 1877, ^^^ after teaching in the public schools of Kewanee was married June 17, 1903, to Thomas M. O'Connor. Mrs. Hannah Gage Blish died July 19, 1881, at Wethersfield, Illinois. The death of Mr. Blish occurred in his old home July 15, 1895, when he was in his eighty-fourth year. He was a life long member of the Congregational church and for a number of years its chorister. In the community where he lived he was held in the highest esteem for he was a kind and generous man, ever ready to lend a helping hand or to give words of cheer and sympathy. He left behind him a spotless record and his memory is revered and cherished by all who knew him.

William D. Jones

William D. Jones is a retired farmer, making his home in a comfortable residence in Colona, which he purchased in December, 1908. In former years, however, he led a very busy and active life on the farm, so that the rest which he now enjoys is well merited. Mr. Jones is a native of Canada, born on a farm in Pickering township, near Ontario. He is a son of Isaac Jones, who was born in the Empire state. He was a shoemaker by trade, also engaged in farming. He journeyed from New York, his native state, to Canada and was there united in marriage to Mrs. Susanna Millard, who bore the maiden name of Snyder. Like her husband, she was a native of New York. She had a son by her former marriage, John Millard, who served in the Civil war, being a captain in the Confederate army. He was killed in battle. She also had two sons, Charles and George Jones, who served in the Union army, being members of a Michigan regiment. Charles was also killed in battle but George served throughout the war and lived for many years thereafter, his death occurring in the Soldiers Home at Grand Rapids, Michigan, where his remains were interred. It will thus be seen that the half brother, Mr. Millard, was their antagonist during that great struggle but the fact was not known at the time.

William D. Jones was reared on the home farm in Canada and was educated in the district schools. In 1866, when a young man of twenty-two years, he crossed the border into the United States, making his way direct to Kewanee, Illinois, where for a time he was employed at whatever he could find that would yield him a living. His principal work, however, was driving teams. After a few months he went from that city to Green River with a drove of fifteen hundred sheep for O. A. Gilbert, with whom he remained for several months. He later found employment with various farmers of the neighborhood and was then with the Mineral Creek Coal Company for one winter. During the following summer he worked at farm labor in Edford township and in the winter again returned to the Mineral Creek Coal Company, with which he remained two years. It was about this time that he established a home of his own by his marriage, and subsequently he removed to Cleveland, Henry county, where he worked at carpentering and mining for about three years. It was about this time that he decided to make farming a permanent vocation and to this end he took up his location on a tract of land in Western township. After a residence of three years in Western township he spent one year on a farm in Colona township. During all these years he had carefully saved his earnings and worked diligently from early morning until late at night and through these methods he acquired a sum which justified him in making purchase of eighty acres in Colona township. He paid but ten dollars per acre for this land but it was not long until, owing to the improvements which Mr. Jones placed upon it in the way of buildings and the care he gave to the soil, it was worth many times the amount he paid for it. This proved the basis of his later success and in due time he added ninety-three acres to his original purchase, so that the place now comprises one hundred and seventy-three acres in Colona township. For many years Mr. Jones was identified with the cultivation of this farm. He also gave much attention to stock-raising, keeping the best grades of cattle and hogs, which commanded high prices on the city markets. For many years he was likewise engaged in breeding thoroughbred French coach horses, making a close study of this breed of animals and becoming; a recognized authority on the subject. Mr. Jones was thus actively engaged until December, 1908, when he put aside the more arduous cares of business pursuits and removed to Colona. His life has been a success but it is that success which comes of earnest and unremitting toil, guided by sound judgment and the capable control of all business afifairs.

The 8th of May, 1869, witnessed the marriage of Mr. Jones and Miss Anna Anderson, a daughter of Andrew and Martha (Anderson) Anderson, The daughter was born in Sweden, March i, 1849, and accompanied her parents to America in August, 1852, the family home being established on a farm near New Boston, Mercer county, Illinois, where Mr. Anderson engaged in farming throughout his remaining years, passing away December 5, 1878. The mother still survives at the advanced age of eighty-six years. She is still active and in the fall of 1909 made a trip to Polk, Nebraska, to visit a son, John H. Anderson.

The marriage of Mr, and Mrs, Jones has been blessed with seven children, as follows ; Anna, the wife of Daniel McGraw, a farmer of Colona township ; Mabel, the wife of Josephus S. Evans, a resident of East Moline, Illinois; Carrie, the wife of Clarence Garland, a resident farmer of Colona township, who is mentioned in this work; Manville, who died June 11, 1892, leaving a widow and one daughter, who make their home in Colona; Clarence E., of Silvis, Illinois; Lucinda, the wife of Howard Williams, of Colona township; and Wesley D., who operates the old homestead farm.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr, Jones has supported the republican platform and he has always kept well informed on political questions. For thirteen years he served as justice of the peace but resigned the office when he took up his abode in Colona. He has also been road commissioner, while for fourteen years he served as school director, the cause of education and good schools being one of deep interest to him. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as steward and as class leader. He is also acting as superintendent of the Sunday school, in which Mrs, Jones is a teacher. She is also identified with the Laaies Aid Society and both are deeply interested in each and every department of church work. No man is more respected and no man more fully enjoys the confidence of the people or more richly deserves the esteem in which he is held. The people, recognizing his merit, rejoice in his advancement and in the honors to which he has attained. Honorable in business, loyal in citizenship, charitable in thought, kindly in action, true to every trust that has been confided to his care, his life is the highest type of Christian manhood.

Sherman William Shafer

Sherman William Shafer is a prominent and well known farmer and stockman residing on section i8, Geneseo township, where he owns a highly improved and valuable tract of land of three hundred and twenty-seven acres. He was born in Williams county, Ohio, on the 22d of November, 1864, his parents being William and Mary (Varnes) Shafer, likewise natives of the Buckeye state. The paternal grandfather, Amasa Shafer, was a native of Germany and on coming to the new world took up his abode in Pennsylvania. Subsequently he removed to Williams county, Ohio, where he passed away when well advanced in years. In early manhood he wedded Miss Elizabeth Hill, by whom he had eight children. The great-grandfather of our subject on the paternal side participated in the Revolutionary war. Stephen Varnes, the maternal grandfather of Sherman W. Shafer, was born in Pennsylvania and was of German descent. Throughout his active business career he was identified with general agricultural pursuits. He was twice married and lived to an advanced age.

William Shafer, the father of Mr. Shafer of this review, came to Henry county, Illinois, in 1865, locating in Hanna township, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he improved. As time passed by and his financial resources increased he extended the boundaries of the place by additional purchase until it included three hundred and sixty acres. He likewise owned four hundred acres of land in Iowa and six hundred and forty acres in Nebraska, and was widely recognized as a most prosperous, progressive and enterprising citizen. He continued to reside on his farm in Hanna township until the time of his demise, which occurred in 1900, when he had attained the age of seventy years. He served his fellow townsmen in the position of assessor for many years and in public as well as in private life proved himself well worthy of the trust reposed in him. Both he and his wife were devoted and consistent members of the Methodist church, in the faith of which the latter passed away in 1890, when fifty-two years of age. Unto this worthy couple were born six children, three sons and three daughters, as follows : George and Fremont, who are now deceased; Sherman William, of this review; May C, the wife of William Myers, of Geneseo; Clara M., the wife of F. A. Snodgrass, of Geneseo; and Nellie M., who died at the age of twenty-one years.

Sherman William Shafer was but a few months old when brought by his parents to this county and was reared on his father's farm in Hanna township. He first attended the district schools, then pursued a course in the Colona high school and subsequently entered the Geneseo Collegiate Institute. After leaving that institution he was engaged in the operation of a rented tract of land for two years and then bought a farm of two hundred and seventy acres in Hanna township, near Cleveland, on which he made his home for eight years. On the expiration of that period he leased the farm and took up his abode in Geneseo, where he continued to reside for eleven years. During three years of that time he was engaged in the grain trade and for one year conducted a furniture business. In 1906 he purchased his present home farm of three hundred and twentyseven acres in Geneseo township and located thereon in the following year. He still owns one hundred and twenty acres in Hanna township. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also handles cattle on quite an extensive scale, feeding about two hundred head annually. He bought cattle for a number of years and in both his farming and stock-raising interests has gained a measure of prosperity that well entitles him to recognition among the most substantial and leading citizens of the county. He is a director in the Farmers National Bank of Geneseo.

On the 22d of December, 1886, Mr. Shafer was united in marriage to Miss Ida E. Withrow, whose birth occurred in Hanna township in September, 1864, her parents being John W. and Arvilla M. (Allen) Withrow, who took up their abode in Henry county in 1835 and were among the first settlers here. A sketch of John W. Withrow appears on another page of this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shafer have been born four children: Minnie B., John W., Mary A. and Donald, all at home.

Politically Mr. Shafer is a stalwart advocate of the republican party and at the present time is serving as assistant supervisor of Geneseo township, discharging his official duties in a most prompt and capable manner. He is likewise acting as trustee of the township high school board of education. While a resident of Geneseo he served one term of two years as a member of the city council. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Geneseo, with which his wife is also identified. He has resided in this county throughout practically his entire life and has gained the warm esteem of all with whom he has come in contact, because of his upright and honorable career and also by reason of the straightforward methods he has ever followed in his business dealings.

Philip J. Wintz

Philip J. Wintz is not only one of Annawan's wealthiest and most widely known citizens, but also enjoys the distinction of being the oldest settler in Annawan township, for when he came to Illinois and for four or five years after his advent the Winnebago tribe of Indians were still in the neighborhood of the town. During a period of more than six decades he has been an eye-witness of the changes that have transformed the character of the country, has taken part in them, in fact, and in the great struggle that almost wrecked the nation. Endowed by nature with a retentive memory, he has been able to write many accounts of those early days, of his experiences on the battlefield, and of the travels which have occupied part of his later years. His life of activity and deeds of valor are but the just conclusion of the records of his ancestors who braved the perils of a new country in the days of its infancy.

Philip J. Wintz was born in Rappahannock county, Virginia, November 4, 1826, and is a son of Henry and Sarah (Frye) Wintz. The paternal grandfather came from Germany, and the father was bom in Culpeper county, Virginia, April 17, 1788. On the 3d of June, 1824, in Loudoun county, Virginia, he was married, by Rev. S. G. Raszell, to Miss Sarah Frye, who was born February 10, 1797. Her father was born August 13, 1775, and came to America in 1793. He died November 20, 1841, and was buried in Middleburg, Loudoun county, Virginia, where he had farmed for some years. During the war of 1812 he was drafted into the army but by the time he had received his accoutrements and had reached Middleburg, the war was closed and his services were not needed. On the 7th of April, 1796, he was united in marriage by Rev. John Littlejohn to Miss Catherine Vertz. Of the family born to this union Mrs. Henry Wintz was the eldest, the others being: Elizabeth, born January 24, 1799, died, unmarried, September 7, 1866; Margaret, born December 12, 1800, became the wife of David Daly, of Preble county, Ohio, and died about 1844; Henry, born April 21, 1803, married Miss Burnside and died in Indiana in 1848; Joseph, born May 14, 1809, remained unmarried and died on the old homestead, July 2, 1876; Conrad, born May 14, 1809, married Susannah Thomas and died in Butler county, Ohio, September 29, 1882; Ann C, born April 30, 1814, wedded Townsend Howell, of Virginia, and died in Clark county, Illinois, February 9, 1886; Christina, born December 27, 1816, died, unmarried, in Loudoun county, Virginia, April 7, 1877; Evaline, born March 12, 1820, became the wife of James Lawson, of Fauquier county, Virginia, and died in ^Maryland, March 23, 1899; and George P., born October 30, 1823, died in Loudoun county at the age of fifteen. After his marriage Henry Wintz farmed in his native state until 1828, when he moved to Warren county, Ohio, and thence to Preble county, that state, where near New Hope he rented a farm for six years. He died, however, before the expiration of the lease, October 27, 1833, and his wife passed away September 18, 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wintz were the parents of five children : Peter, born September 5, 1825, married Catherine Frye and died March 10, 1908; Philip J., is the next in order of birth; Mary Ann, who was bom August 22, 1828, became the wife of Samuel Frye and passed away May 25, 1891 ; Daniel, born June 16, 1831, married Miss Sabina Trucksess, who lives near Converse, Howard county, Indiana, but he died April 13, 1904; and Elizabeth, born March 23, 1833, is the widow of George Lowman of Sedgwick county, Kansas, who died about two years ago.

Philip J. Wintz was but six years of age when his father died and only nineteen when his mother was taken from him. He received a very slight education in the district schools of Preble county, Ohio, which he attended one month a year for fourteen years. The schoolhouse was a log building, in which even the desks and seats were made of split logs set up on pegs. At the age of twenty-four he went to Springboro, Warren county, Ohio, where he secured work on a farm for ten dollars per month, and then took up carpenter work and the trade of a millwright. In April, 1852, he came to Illinois, locating in

Sheffield, Bureau county, where the Rock Island and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroads were then building and where he bought eighty acres of land for three hundred and sixty-seven dollars in cash. It was an unfortunate investment, however, for because of defect in the title, he lost his right to possession. Although somewhat discouraged by this incident, he went to work to make his fortune, borrowing one hundred dollars, with which he went to Chicago to get tools and a carload of lumber. On the 24th of March, 1855, he came to Annawan, and after a short visit in the east he built what is now the kitchen of his present residence. For a year he worked at carpentering and then opened a blacksmith shop, the first in Annawan, on the lot adjoining his present home. He also helped to build the first mill here, which he sold a year later. Until 1884 he devoted his energies to the carpenter's and millwright's trades, constructing the majority of buildings in the southern part of the township, including a church, which he erected in 1858, and a second mill. The last residence which he built was that of James MacChesney, in 1877. During the period between 1854 and 1862 he made the greater number of the coffins in Henry county, two dollars being the smallest price received for one and twenty-five dollars the highest. Being a man of very methodical habits he has kept a record of all the coffins he made, for whom they were intended, and the price paid for each.

After the inauguration of the Civil war Mr. Wintz enlisted at Princeton, Bureau county, Illinois, as a musician in a regimental band which had started from St. Louis to join Burgess' sharpshooters at Alton. They were arrested before they reached their destination however, for the reason that the colonel of the regiment they were going to join had reported that they were deserters from the ranks and were going to join the rebels. Upon finding this statement untrue, Governor Yates ordered them to Springfield, and then, after two weeks spent in Camp Butler, sent them to Camp Douglas, Chicago, where the band was assigned to the Fifty-Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was sent first to Cairo, then to Paducah, Kentucky, whence they went by boat to Fort Henry, arriving there just after the battle, in time to cook their suppers upon the fires which the rebels had left. Returning to Paducah, they went up the Ohio and Cumberland rivers to Fort Donelson and took part in the engagement at that place. Thence they marched fourteen miles to Fort Henry, up the Tennessee River to Krump's Landing, where Mr. Wintz was discharged and mustered out of the service, April 20, 1862. Returning home to Annawan, he enlisted August 20 of the same year, in Company A, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was mustered in at Peoria. John L. Dow was captain, but Tristram T. Dow was first captain and was subsequently made colonel of the regiment and took his men to Cincinnati, then to Covington, Kentucky, where they remained two weeks, and then to Lexington. After a few skirmishes Mr. Wintz was detailed for six months to Captain Low's howitzer battery to follow Morgan's band on their raids through Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana, to Buffington's Island, where they captured Morgan's guns, in 1863. This campaign being closed he rejoined his old company and went to Kingston and Athens. Tennessee, and later to Loudoun, where in a skirmish on Hiawasi River they retreated before General Longstreet, who pursued them to Knoxville. There in a battle or skirmish on the i8th of November, 1863, Captain Asa H. Lee, commander of Company A, was killed, and Mr. Wintz received a gtmshot wound behind his right ear, making a total of four of the company killed and two wounded. When Mr. Wintz regained consciousness after having received his wound he found that the Confederate line had advanced beyond him, thus cutting him from his companions. Making his way through a small vineyard he got through the line, though twenty gunshots were fired at him, and then crawled into a barn, and when this was struck by a rebel gun, crawled in a com crib. This too was torn to pieces by a shell and the man forced to continue his painful way outdoors. He staggered through the timber to his company, but on the way to the field hospital he fell exhausted on the bank of Second creek, where the ambulance corps found him. Mr. Wintz was then confined to the hospital at Knoxville, Tennessee, until January 18, after which he was given a thirty days' furlough. In March, at Mt. Sterling, he rejoined his company and participated in the skirmishes at Rocky Face, Georgia, and in the battle of Resaca, in which he received a gunshot wound in his right arm, which necessitated his being sent to Louisville, Kentucky, where he remained until July, when, having contracted smallpox, he was sent to a hospital near Louisville, in which he was confined until October, 1864. Starting then to rejoin his regiment at Atlanta, he stayed a couple weeks in Chattanooga, where he was on duty in the convalescent camp and was then detailed with orders to drive ten thousand head of cattle to Atlanta for Sherman's army. At Altoona he met his company returning and joining them he went to Nashville and later to Decatur, Georgia, where the company was stationed to watch the movements of Hood. They took part in the battle of Franklin and then Nashville, December, 1864, and followed Hood for one month to Columbia, Tennessee. At Clifton, on the Tennessee River they boarded a steamer and went to Cincinnati, thence by rail to Alexandria. Virginia, by way of Columbus and Bellaire, and then by steamer to Fort Fisher. During a storm in the last stage of this journey the vessels were blown sixty miles into the sea. After one month spent in Fort Fisher, the company went to Smithville, North Carolina, taking part in the skirmish at that place and in the siege and capture of Fort Anderson, and going thence to Wilmington and Kingston, North Carolina. At the last named place Mr. Wintz sprained his ankle and was sent to the hospital for the third time, remaining there for a month, or until he was honorably discharged June 14, 1865. Since the close of the war Mr. Wintz has been a member of the Grand Army and has attended more than a dozen of the national encampments, the last having been that at Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1909. In these, where the soldiers from the whole country congregate, he revives with his comrades the stories of the camp fires and the events of battle.

On returning from the war, Mr. Wintz worked at the carpenter's and millwright's trades as in the days before the struggle. But more and more time he has given to his literary labors. Possessed of a fine style and relying upon his excellent memory for the facts which are not recorded in his notebooks he has written very readable histories of Annawan township and of the old settlers. Of recent years he has been compelled to use a typewriter, though not so formerly, for he wrote a beautiful, clear English hand, unsurpassed by few of his genera- tion and unequaled in this. He kept a record of all his contracts, of his war experiences, of his travels, and of his church. A copy of his history of Annawan and Albion townships he sent to the Old Settlers Association in Geneseo, where it is accounted a work of value.

On the 8th of April, 1852, Mr. Wintz wedded Miss Mary Frye. She was born near Springboro, Ohio, January 16, 1830, and was the daughter of Solomon and Sarah (Haynes) Frye. The former, who was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, October 12, 1800, was the son of Henry Joseph and Catherine (Weideman) Frye, and the nephew of Philip J. Frye, the maternal granduncle of Mr. Wintz. He moved to Ohio with his parents at the age of sixteen and learned the trade of a carpenter and also engaged in farming on land that he owned. He married, March 12, 1826, Miss Sarah Haynes, a native of Rappahannock, Virginia, who was born October 12, 1803, and came from an old American family of German extraction. Of this union were born four children : Cornelius, who worked at the carpenter's trade and died in Dayton at about forty years of age; Mary, who became the wife of Philip J. Wintz, of this review; Martha, who married Absalom Blinn and removed to Albany, Kansas, where both died; and Margaret, who married George Roy, both now deceased. Solomon Frye died in Warren county, Ohio, October 6, 1846.

Mrs. Wintz has also passed away, her death occurring November 29, 1898, and is buried in Fair View cemetery, where her mother is likewise buried. Although a woman who never enjoyed the best of health, she was very active, a great sewer, and of a bright disposition. She was a good wife, a kind neighbor and beloved by all. With her husband she belonged to the United Brethren church and has been greatly missed since her death.

Mr. Wintz is the only son-in-law of his wife's parents now living, and is himself without offspring. Since his wife's demise he has lived alone in the house he built, a good structure, twenty-eight by eighteen feet, with eighteen foot studding for two full stories, with a large kitchen of one story, sixteen by twentytwo feet. It is located on Depot and Second streets. He now conducts a shop for the repair of furniture, organs, sewing machine, parasols and in fact of everything that can be repaired, for he is almost a genius at this kind of work. He is also engaged in superintending the building of the new town hall, a brick construction with cement foundation, of .which Howard Fritzkee is the contractor. A member of the United Brethren church, he has been secretary and treasurer of their quarterly conferences, of which he has written the histories. In politics he is a republican and cast his first ballot for Zachary Taylor in 1848, the day before he became twenty-one, all the voters in the locality having agreed to accord him that privilege. Mr. Wintz presented to The American's Yeoman League a lot adjoining his own fifty-four by one hundred and fifty feet in the town of Annawan, on which will be built a chapter house. Though eighty-two years of age he still retains the love of music that inspired him as a young man. In other ways also the years have not aflfected him, for he sees without the use of glasses and is not troubled by his hearing. He is a self-made man, and this may be emphasized, for almost without any schooling he has become a good, fluent writer, a master in the repair shop, and a man of wealth in the community, owning considerable property, including one hundred and seventy acres in Wilson county, Kansas. His judgment is regarded so highly and his memory' is so accurate that the citizens of Annawan have become accustomed to referring dubious points and questions to him for settlement. Yet he is modest as regards his accomplishments, and in his cheery way disclaims any undue praise for what he is, and for what he has done, either for himself or his country.

James F. Clark

Among Henry county's citizens who have passed the seventieth milestone on life's journey is James F. Clark, of Geneseo, who since 1874 has been engaged in business here as a contractor and builder. He is now seventy-six years of age and many men of his years would put aside business cares but he is still active and enterprising and remains a valued factor in the world's work. He was born in Pennsylvania, March 13, 1833, and is a son of John and Margaret (Maxwell) Clark, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer by occupation and devoted his entire life to tilling the soil in the Keystone state where both he and his wife died and now lie buried. They were the parents of eleven children, but only two are now living, the younger brother being William Clark, a resident of Dallas Center, Iowa. There were three sons who served in the Civil war at one time, Samuel, William and Robert, and Robert held the rank of captain. William participated in the battle of Antietam and Fredericksburg, and at the last named Samuel McMahan, a cousin of our subject, was killed.

James F. Clark, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the public schools of Pennsylvania and soon after completing his studies learned the trade of carpentering. He followed that pursuit in his native state for five years and then came to Illinois in 1856, settling first in Stephenson county, where he engaged in carpentering for three years. He then worked at his trade in the city of Champaign, Illinois, for three years and it was about that time that he was married and established a home of his own.

On the 29th of December, 1859, Mr. Clark was joined in wedlock to Miss Anna Kerr, who was born in Pennsylvania but went with her parent to Stephenson county, Illinois. She was a daughter of Alexander and Catherine Kerr, who came to this state in 1846. Her father was a farmer and continued his residence in Stephenson county until his death. His wife also passed away there and their graves were made in one of its cemeteries. Their family numbered the following children : Mary Jane, now the wife of Jesse McKibben, a resident of Stephenson county; Mrs. Clark; Joseph, who is living in the state of Washington; William, a resident of Indiana; Cooper, who was in the Civil war and is now living at the Soldiers Home in Quincy, Illinois; Elizabeth, the wife of George Johnson, who resides at Gladbrook, Iowa; Frank, who lives in Ridott, Stephenson county, Illinois.

After his marriage James F. Clark resided at Lanark, Illinois, for a number of years and was engaged in building operations there. He afterward removed to Annawan, Henry county, where he dealt in butter and eggs for five years. He then came to Geneseo in 1874 and for thirty-five years has been engaged in carpentering and contracting in this place. He has erected the greater part of the best and most modern homes in the city and also built a church in Green River. He is now the senior member of the firm of J. F. Clark & Sons, and they employ a number of workmen. Mr. Clark's own practical experience has well enabled him to direct the labors of others and as the years have gone by he has made substantial progress, winning desirable success and at the same time contributing to the welfare and improvement of the communities in which he lived and labored.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clark have been born six children, of whom four are now living. Mary is the wife of James Siebert, a resident of South Dakota and they have four daughters : Mabel, who is now Mrs. Trumb ; Hazel, the wife of Byron Souer, of South Dakota; Myrtle and Ruth, at home. Alexander K. Clark, the second member of the family is now engaged in business with his father. He married Anna Ogden and has two children - Mary and Grace. William D., who is also in business with his father in Geneseo, married Bertha Bessie and they have five children - Ferry, Morris, John, Audrey and Shirley. James F., the youngest of the family is married and lives in California. He is an expert mechanic and a carpenter by trade, having learned the trade with his father as did his two brothers.

Mr. and Mrs. Clark are both members of the Presbyterian church, in good standing and are people of genuine personal worth, enjoying in high measure the regard of all who know them. Mr. Clark is a fine mechanic, turning out nothing but the best work and at all times using the best material, and many buildings erected under his skillful guidance stand as monuments to his ability. He is, moreover, a man of unquestioned business integrity and his word is as good as any bond ever solemnized by signature or seal. Mr. Clark has built and sold a number of modern homes in Geneseo and now has a handsome residence equipped with all of the conveniences of the twentieth-century home. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished for he had no assistance when he started out in life for himself. He resolved to make his labor of value to others and, becoming an excellent workman, has always been enabled to command good prices for his services. He has long been numbered among the leading contractors and builders of Geneseo and his worth as a man and citizen are also widely acknowledged.

John Ringle

John Ringle, who since March, 1900, has lived retired in Cambridge, was for many years actively and successfully identified with the agricultural interests of Henry county. His birth occurred in Minersville, Pennsylvania, on the 21st of May, 1 84 1, his parents being Joseph and Mary Ann (Whitesell) Ringle, likewise natives of the Keystone state. The paternal grandfather, Mathias Ringk, was a Revolutionary soldier and took up his abode in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where his son Joseph was born. The mother of Joseph Ringle bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Clawson and lived to an advanced age. Mathias Ringle, who was twice married and reared a family of twenty-one children, passed away when sixty-seven years of age. Jonathan Whitesell, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania and followed general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. He and his wife died in that state when well advanced in years. They had five children.

Joseph Ringle, the father of John Ringle, was a coal miner and owned a number of teams, hauling coal into Pittsburg. Having determined to establish his home in this state, he first sent his son James to Henry county with four horses and a wagon and in the spring of 1857 came here with the other members of the family. They took up their abode on a rented farm in Munson township and later the father purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Osco township, where he reared his children. During the last fifteen years of his life he lived retired in Cambridge, having won a comfortable competence through the careful conduct of his agricultural interests. His demise, which occurred at the home of his son William in Osco township, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His wife, who survived him. was called to her final rest on the 3d of December, 1898, when eighty-four years of age. They were both devoted and faithful members of the Presbyterian church. Their union was blessed with nine children, seven of whom still survive, namely : James ; John, of this review ; Catharine, the widow of Harrison ]\Ioore, of Newton, Iowa ; William, a resident of Cambridge; Louisa, the widow of A. J. Combs, of Cambridge; Mary, the widow of J. C. Sherrard, of Cambridge ; and David, living in Geneseo township.

John Ringle, who obtained his education in the district schools, was a lad of sixteen years when he came with his parents to Henry county, Illinois, and grew to manhood on his father's farm in Osco township. On the loth of September, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company C. Ninth Illinois Cavalry, with which he served for a little more than three years. He participated in the battles of Tupelo, Franklin and Nashville and also took part in numerous skirmishes, ever proving a most brave and loyal soldier. When hostilities had ceased he returned to Henry county and engaged in farming for two years, on the expiration of which period he removed to Caldwell county, Missouri, where he was identified with agricultural pursuits for four years. At the end of that time he returned to this county and purchased a partly improved farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Osco township, on which he made his home until the spring of 1883. After disposing of that property he bought a tract of land of one hundred and seventeen acres lying a mile north of Cambridge and successfully continued its cultivation and improvement until March, 1900, when he took up his abode in Cambridge, where he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.

On the 28th of February, 1867, Mr. Ringle was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Humphrey, who was born in New York city on the 31st of March, 1844, her parents being Nicholas and Sophia (Van Allan) Humphrey, both natives of Canada. The father was of French parentage and the mother came of German lineage. Of their family of ten children, seven lived to attain years of maturity and two still survive, namely : Mrs. J. M. Loomis, of Missouri ; and Mrs. John

Ringle. Nicholas Humphrey passed away in New York city in 1862, at the venerable age of ninety-eight years, and the demise of his wife occurred in the year 1847. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ringle have been born three daughters, as follows: Annie L., who is now the wife of Daniel Conneghy, by whom she has three children - Ora, Clayton and Lela; Ida A., who is the wife of Charles C. Curtis and has four children - Delia, Mabel, John and Chester; and Kate L., who gave her hand in marriage to Thomas M. Neville and has two children - ^ Gladys and Mildred.

Politically Mr. Ringle is a stalwart advocate of the republican party. He still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the G. A. R., and while in the service belonged to the Union League. His wife is a faithful and exemplary member of the Congregational church. He has long resided in this county and, owing to his upright and honorable career, enjoys in unqualified measure the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

William Walker

William Walker, a prominent and well-to-do farmer of Munson township who, although he has already reached the seventy-third milestone on life's journey, is still active in the world's work, has, with one exception, probably lived in one place longer than any other resident of the township, having removed to his present location in 1865. A native of Scotland, he was born in Aberdeen in the year 1836, his parents being James and Ellen (Stewart) Walker, and is the fifth in order of birth in a family of seven children, all of whom grew to maturity, the others being: James, who was killed by a runaway team in Iowa; David; John, who passed away while living in Grank Forks, North Dakota, leaving a family to mourn his loss ; Alexander ; Ellen, who is the widow of James Richmond and resides in Orient, Iowa; and George.

William Walker was still quite young when he lost both parents and was about seventeen years of age when he left the land of hills and heather and came to America in company with his eldest brother, James. They remained with relatives in Canada for a time and then spent one or more years in Indiana, after which, in 1857, they came to Illinois. Upon arriving in this country he had nothing but the clothes he wore, and he possessed little more than that when he came to Henry county. Undaunted, however, and eager and willing to work, he borrowed sufficient money to purchase a team and became engaged in agricultural pursuits in the capacity of a renter, continuing thus for some time. In 1864 in connection with his brother John he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, William Walker taking possession of the south half of the property. John Walker soon afterward married and William made his home with his brother and his wife for a short time. He then bought his brother's share in the farm and has since been sole owner. At one time the interest on his purchase was over a dollar a day. His property now consists of two hundred and forty-eight acres located on section 9, Munson township, and constitutes one of the highly improved and valuable farms of the township. The first house built upon the place,- in 1854, is still standing, while the more modern and attractive dwelling which he now occupies was erected some time in the '90s. Mr. Walker has confined his attention to general agricultural pursuits, practicing rotation of crops and studying the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, and with the passing of the years he has been preeminently successful, his industry and enterprise bringing to him a most substantial degree of prosperity. He possesses excellent business ability and his farming interests have been so carefully and wisely managed that he is today numbered among the substantial and wealthy agriculturists of his section of the county.

Mr. Walker has been a stalwart republican from the time he cast his first ballot, although the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, as he has preferred to concentrate his energies upon the conduct of his personal affairs. The loss of his parents at an early age made it necessary for him to forego the advaiitages offered by a school education in order to earn his own livelihood, but he has ever been a great reader and has kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, while through experience and observation he has gained a broad general knowledge which has made his a well rounded nature. For more than four decades he has resided in Henry county and in the meantime has witnessed the work of advancement and improvement being carried on within its borders, while at all times he has lent his influence to all matters having for their object the substantial and permanent upbuilding and growth of the community. His has been a long and active business career and now, although he has already passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, he is still an active factor in the world's work and occupies a foremost place among the honored and valued citizens of Munson township.

Joseph M. McConnell. one of the prosperous farmers and public-spirited citizens of Clover township, was born here, December 28, 1857, being a son of William and Catherine (Morthland) McConnell. The parents came to Clover township from Path Valley, Pennsylvania, in 1855, when the settlers were few and far between. They made the trip by railroad to Altoona, Pennsylvania, taking there an ox wagon to complete their journey. Arriving in Clover township, they settled on the unbroken prairie, enduring all the hardships of the pioneers of Illinois. Fortunately, however, for them prosperity attended their efforts, the father entering a considerable amount of government land which he developed into a valuable farm. His death occurred January i, 1870, but his widow survived him until August, 1905, when she joined him in the better world and all that remains of their earthly habitation lies side by side in the local cemetery at Summit Level. Nine children were born to them, five daughters and four sons, of whom Joseph M. is the youngest.

The subject of this review grew to manhood upon the homestead, assisting his father and attending the country schools. In 1888 he married Amanda Peregoy, a daughter of David and Sarah Peregoy, residents of Clover township who came here from Ohio in 1883. Mr. and Mrs. McConnell have six children, namely : Nellie M., a teacher ; and Blanch W., Daisy P., Grace O., Frank E. and Katie L., all at home.

Mr. McConnell has always lived in Clover township and now owns two hundred acres of valuable land, on which he raises stock and carries on general farming. Politically he is a democrat, but while interested in public affairs he is not in any sense an office seeker. Public spirited, he favors improvements that will bring about better conditions and advance the general welfare of his community. Although his parents were devout Presbyterians and he was brought up in that faith, he belongs to no church and is connected with no societies. Mrs. McConnell and four eldest daughters are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church. A splendid farmer, who understands thoroughly every detail of his work, prosperous in his undertakings and honorable in all of his dealings, Mr. McConnell stands high in the estimation of his fellow citizens.

Grant D. Ollson

Grant D. Ollson, owning and operating a farm of ninety-five acres on section 17, Geneseo township, was born in Hanna township, Henry county, Illinois, in 1868. His parents, Andrew and Lucinda (Nesbaum) Ollson, are natives of Sweden and Indiana respectively. The paternal grandfather of our subject was likewise a native of Sweden. The maternal grandfather, Daniel Nesbaum, whose birth occurred in Pennsylvania, was a farmer by occupation. He wedded Miss Elizabeth Stein, and they became early settlers of Jones county, Iowa, where the wife died at the age of fifty-four years. Subsequently he took up his abode in Henry county, Illinois, where he passed away when eighty-four years of age, his demise occurring in Geneseo. His family numbered six children, of whom Mrs. Lucinda Ollson is now the only survivor. When twelve years of age Andrew Ollson, the father of Grant D. Ollson, crossed the Atlantic to the United States, in company with two brothers, and settled in Hanna township, Henry county, Illinois. When about sixteen years of age he enlisted for service as a soldier in the Civil war, thus loyally defending the interests of the Union until the close of hostilities. After returning from the army he became identified with general agricultural pursuits in Hanna township as a renter and subsequently purchased a tract of ninety-two acres, which he improved. Both he and his wife now make their home in Geneseo and are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community where they have long resided. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party, and his wife is a devoted member of the Grace Evangelical church. They have reared a family of seven sons namely : Grant D., Charles, Louis, Hollie, Richard, LeRoy and Archie.

Grant D. Ollson was reared on his father's farm in this county, attending the district schools in pursuit of an education. He left home at the age of fifteen years and has since made his own way in the world, winning success as the result of his untiring, persistent and well directed labor. He first began working as a farm hand by the month and subsequently operated a rented tract of land for two years. On the expiration of that period he purchased his present farm of ninety-five acres on section 17, Geneseo township, situated northwest of the corporate limits of Geneseo. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he has gained a gratifying measure of prosperity by reason of his unwearied industry, perseverance and capable management.

On the 30th of November, 1893, Mr. Ollson was united in marriage to Miss Hattie L. Garrison, whose birth occurred near Rochester, New York, April 22, 1870, her parents being Robinson P. and Harriet Lucy (Davis) Garrison, also natives of the Empire state. Her maternal grandfather, Nathaniel D. Davis, who was likewise born in the state of New York, passed away when seventythree years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Clarissa M. Satterly, was eighty-four years of age when called to her final rest. Of their family of seven children only one survives - Mrs. William Patrick, a resident of Mena, Arkansas. Mrs. Ollson lost her mother when but nine days old and when four years of age was left an orphan by the death of her father. She was then reared by her maternal grandparents in Henry county, this state, until fourteen years of age, when she went to live with her aunt in Geneseo township. She has made her home in this county continuously since 1874 and has a wide acquaintance within its borders. By her marriage she has become the mother of one son, George Dewey Ollson.

Mr. Ollson gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while fraternally he is identffied with the Knights of Pythias. His wife is a Congregationalist in religious faith. Mr. Ollson has spent his entire life in this county and is therefore familiar with its development from pioneer times down to the present, having aided in the arduous toil which brought about the wonderful transformation that is everywhere apparent in this part of the state.

George W. Williams

George W. Williams, who since 1901 has acted as manager for the Galva Grain Elevator Company of Galva, was born in London, England, on the 2d of January, 1837. His parents were Thomas and Emma (Bentley) Williams, the former a native of Mortlake, Surrey county, England, while the latter's birth occurred at Stanstead, Hertfordshire, England. The paternal grandfather, George Williams, who was a native of England and a potter by trade, passed away in 1840. His wife, Mrs. Sarah Williams, also died in England. They reared a family of six children, five sons and one daughter, William Bentley, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was likewise a native of the Merrie isle. Unto him and his wife were born five children.

Thomas Williams, the father of George W. Williams, was a market gardener and salesman in his native country. In December, 1851, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, taking up his abode on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near \^ictoria. Knox county, Illinois, and in August, 1852, was joined by his wife and children. His demise occurred in November, 1873, at the age of sixty years, while his wife passed away in February, 1878, when sixty-eight years of age. They were both devoted members of the Church of England. Their union was blessed with eight children, six of whom still survive, namely : George W., of this review; Mary Ann, the wife of J. B. Freed, of California; Thomas E., a resident of Lathrop, Missouri; Walter H., living in Victoria, Illinois;. Emily, the wife of L. D. Blackwood, of Lathrop, Missouri; and Alfred Charles, who also makes his home in Victoria, Illinois.

George W. Williams remained a resident of England until his sixteenth year, obtaining a good practical education in the common schools of that country. In 1852 he came to the United States in company with his mother and the other children of the family and continued to reside on his father's farm near Victoria, Illinois, until twenty years of age. He then made his way to what was then Calhoun county, now Jackson county, Kansas, and preempted a tract of one hundred and sixy acres of government land. After residing thereon for three years he returned to Knox county, Illinois, in November, i860, and there made his home until 1864. Subsequently he spent two years in Kentucky in the telegraph department of the government service and after returning to this state followed farming in Knox county for two years. The year 1869 witnessed his arrival in Galva, Henry county, where he was successfully engaged in the grain business until 1878. Subsequently he was engaged in the grain trade at Aledo, Mercer county, for ten years, on the expiration of which period he returned to Galva and here carried on his interests as a grain merchant until 1892. In that year he again went to Aledo but in October, 1901, returned to Galva and has since been identified with the business interests of this place as manager for the Galva Grain Elevator Company, He is widely recognized as a man of keen discrimination, sound judgment and excellent executive ability and is numbered among the most substantial and respected citizens of the community. In early manhood, during the years 1859, 1861 and 1862, he was engaged in teaching school, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired.

On the loth of December, 1866, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Azelia Helen Annis, a native of Knox county and a daughter of Eleson and Catharine (Meroe) Annis, both of whom were born in Maine and became early settlers of Knox county, this state. The father followed farming as a life work. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Annis were born eleven children, five of whom still survive, as follows: Mrs. Mary Bonar; Mrs. Julia Ann Starboard; J. K. ; Ellen Collinson; and Mrs. Williams. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of seven children, three sons and four daughters : Minnie, living in Alberta, Canada, who is the wife of Robert B. Holmes, by whom she has two children - Vera Pauline and Robert I.; Thomas E., who is a resident of Riverside, California, and wedded Miss Robertina Mills on the loth of June, 1909; Kate, who resides near La Fayette and is the wife of Fred L. Keim, by whom she has four sons - Forrest, Fred, Rolland and Harold; Fred, living in Lushton, Nebraska, who married Miss Katie Strater and has two children - Grace and John Frederick; Ruth, who is at home; George, who is an electrical engineer residing at Muskogee, Oklahoma ; and Grace, also at home. The last named has been a student in the Illinois University at Champaign for three years and won a scholarship in a contest.

Politically Mr. Williams is a stalwart advocate of the principles of the democracy. He was on the school board for a number of years and also capably served his fellow townsmen as a member of the city council. He was made a Mason in Kansas in November, 1858 and now belongs to Galva Lodge, No. 243, A. F. & A. M., and Cyrus Chapter, No. 211, R. A. M., of Aledo. Both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. They have a commodious and attractive residence in the western part of town which is a favorite resort with their many friends.

John F. Lawson

John F. Lawson is a successful farmer and stockman of Western township, his home being on section 10, where he owns a large acreage. He was born on a farm near the little village of Linkoping, Sweden, May 20, 1856, a son of Johannas and Gustava (Pierson) Lawson, who were farming people of that country. The mother died in Sweden but the father still survives, hale and hearty, at the advanced age of eighty-one years, and makes his home with our subject

John F. Lawson was reared to the pursuits of the home farm and acquired his education in the common schools. When he reached his majority he was called for service in the Swedish army, in which he participated for two years. When twenty-four years old, foreseeing no future for him in Sweden, and having heard favorable rq^orts concerning the opportunities in America, he decided to try his fortune in the new world. In the fall of 1880, after a voyage of eleven days on the Atlantic, he first set foot on American soil, arriving in New York city. He had a brother, Charles Lawson, who was living in Henry county and our subject made his way direct to this place. He immediately began work as a farm hand and in this way gained his start in Henry county. When he felt that he had a sum that would justify him in engaging in farming on his own account he rented a tract of land and operated the same for twenty years. In the meantime, he had prepared a home for the lady whom he expected to make his wife and having sent for her, they were married at Crampton Station, Henry county, on the 29th of May, 1884. She bore the maiden name of Gustava Wilhelmina Larson.

Mrs. Lawson proved a valuable helpmate to her young husband and through their united efforts they were enabled in the fall of 1899 to purchase his present farm of two hundred acres, paying for it forty-eight and a half dollars per acre. Mr. Lawson continued for some time to operate a rented tract in addition to his newly acquired possessions but now gives his attention to his own two hundred acres. He has erected nearly all of the buildings on the place and in 1907 built his fine, modern residence, which is one of the best country homes in Western township.

office. He and the members of his family are identified with the Swedish Lutheran church, in which he is now serving as a deacon. True to the interests of his adopted country, Mr. Lawson is classed with the best citizens of Western township, where he has now made his home for almost three decades.

Roy Scott Brown

Roy Scott Brown, an enterprising and progressive agriculturist and stockman of Osco township, has been actively engaged in the operation of a farm of two hundred and eighty acres on section 13 since 1904. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Henry county, having been born on the old family homestead on section 15, Osco township, on the 5th of January, 1881, a son of James Monroe and Martha E. (Myers) Brown. He was reared to manhood on the home farm and supplemented his preliminary education by attendance at the Geneseo Collegiate Institute during one fall and two winter seasons. In 1904 he took charge of his uncle's farm of two hundred and eighty acres on section 13, Osco township, and has since devoted his time and energies to its operation with excellent success. In addition to cultivating the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also devotes some attention to the feeding and shipping of cattle and is a young man of good business ability and sound judgment. In August, 1908, he bought a Reo automobile, his brother having purchased one of these cars in the previous October. In 1909 the brothers began selling the machine and disposed of seven during the summer of that year.

On the i6th of January, 1907, in Cambridge, Mr. Brown was joined in wedlock to Miss Elnora Hornecker, a native of Edford township, this county, and a daughter of Martin and Martha (Schumaker) Hornecker. Their union has been blessed with one child, Marjorie, whose birth occurred on the 31st of August, 1908. Mr. Brown is a stanch republican in his political views and cast his first presidential vote for Theodore Roosevelt in 1904. Both he and his wife are well known and highly esteemed throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives and have an extensive circle of warm friends who entertain for them the kindHest regard.

Alexander K. Clark

In a history of the building operations of Geneseo it is imperative that definite mention be made of Alexander K. Clark, a member of the well known firm of J. F. Clark & Sons. He was born March 15, 1862, at Ridott, Stephenson county, Illinois, and is a son of James F. Clark, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Following the removal of the family to Annawan, Henry county, Illinois, he pursued his education in the schools of that place and when he put aside his text-books he began learning his trade with his father who was very thorough and systematic in teaching him so that he acquired a practical knowledge of the business, well qualifying him for the work which he undertook as he entered the firm in partnership relation. The greater number of the best buildings in Geneseo during the past thirty-five years have been erected by this firm, a fact which is indicative of their standing in building circles. Alexander K. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Anna R. Ogden, a sketch of whose father, John Ogden, appears elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Clark was born September 27, 1867, in Henry county, and it was on the 29th of November, 1888, that she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Clark. Their union has been blessed with four children : two sons who died in infancy ; Mary Ethel, who was born May 23, 1893, and is now in school; and Grace EUzabeth, born May 18, 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Clark occupy an attractive modern residence, which is, moreover, the abode of warm-hearted hospitality. They have many friends in the county and are greatly esteemed by all who know them. Mr. Clark is a man of unquestioned business probity as well as enterprise, to be depended upon under all conditions, and the success which he has attained is well merited.

F. William Fuerst

F. William Fuerst, whose time and energies are given to the operation of a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres on section 26, Kewanee township, was born in that township on the 9th of July, 1872, a son of August and Augusta Fuerst. He supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the district school of his home locality, by a year's course of study at Elmhurst, Illinois. After returning to this county he was associated with his father in the cultivation of the home farm until the latter retired and took up his abode in Kewanee in March, 1901. At that time Mr. Fuerst of this review took possession of the home place and has since given his attention to its further cultivation and improvement with excellent success. The property comprises three hundred and twenty acres of valuable and productive land, and in addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate Mr. Fuerst also makes a specialty of stock raising, selling about one hundred and fifty head of hogs annually. Since the farm has been under his direct supervision he has built a tenant house, a substantial barn and also a corn crib, and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates the enterprising and progressive spirit of the owner. The shaft and works of the Kewanee Coal Mining Company are located on the property.

On the 2ist of February, 1901, at Kewanee, Mr. Fuerst was joined in wedlock to Miss Alma N. Kuester, a daughter of William F. Kuester, who is a farmer by occupation and was numbered among the early settlers of Kewanee township. Mr. and Mrs. Fuerst are now the parents of four children, as follows: Else N. and Delia E., seven and six years of age respectively, who are now attending school ; IMartina A., who is three years old ; and Margarete A., whose birth occurred on the lOth of January, 1909.

When exercising his right of franchise Mr. Fuerst is not bound by party ties but supports men and measures that he believes will best conserve the general welfare. The cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion and he has held the office of school director for one term. Both he and his wife are faithful and devoted members of the German Lutheran church and take an active and helpful interest in its work. Having resided in this county throughout his entire life, he is well and favorably known here and his straightforward and honorable dealings have won for him the warm regard and esteem of all with whom he has been associated.

Thomas Scott Brown

Reared amid pioneer environments in Illinois, serving as a soldier in the Union army in the Civil war, and since that time devoting his attention to farming interests in Henry county - such in brief is the life history of Thomas Scott Brown, who is now living retired in Osco township, where for the past thirty-five years he has maintained his home. He was born in Fulton county, Illinois, June 7, 1835, when the work of progress and development had scarcely been begun in this section of the state. Much of the land was still unclaimed and uncultivated, comparatively few roads had been laid out and the railroads had not yet been built. In fact only three years before had the Black Hawk war occurred and there were still many evidences of Indian occupancy in this part of Illinois. The native timber was uncut and but few furrows had been turned on the prairies. Many of the homes were log cabins and others were primitive frame structures with comparatively few conveniences or modern improvements.

The parents of Mr. Brown were John and Sarah (Kirkpatrick) Brown, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. The former was a weaver by trade and in 1835 came to Illinois, settling in Fulton county, where he and his brother, Cunningham Brown, had each purchased a quarter section of land. He transformed the raw prairie into productive fields and lived there for many years, but in the early '70s removed to Henry county and settled in Osco township, where he died in 1880 at the age of eighty-three years and nine months. His wife survived him for six or eight years and was eighty-three years and four months of age at the time of her demise. Their lives were actuated by Christian faith and they were long consistent members of the Presbyterian church. They had a family of five sons and one daughter : Thomas Scott, of this review ; John G., of Marshalltown, Iowa; and Mary, the wife of Walker L. Hitchcock, of Orion, Illinois. George C, James M. and an infant son are deceased.

Thomas Scott Brown spent his youthful days amid the conditions which existed during the pioneer epoch in the history of Illinois, pursuing his education in one of the old time log schoolhouses where, seated on a slab bench, he conned his lessons. The curriculum, however, consisted of little more than the "three R's - readin', 'ritin', and 'rithmetic." As the years have passed, however, varied experiences have broadened his knowledge and made up for the deficiency of the primitive schools. He remained at home until he had attained his majority, when he started out in life for himself by renting land. In that way he carried on farming until he was able to purchase property. At the time of the Civil war.

however, he put aside all business and personal considerations and offered his services to the government, enlisting on the 9th of August, 1862, as a member of Company G, One Hundred and Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He remained with the regiment until honorably discharged on the 24th of June, 1865. He was wounded near Columbia, South Carolina, and lost his right arm February 15. 1865. He participated in all of the important battles from Chattanooga to the sea, seeing active duty under General Logan in the Fifteenth Army Corps. When he lost his arm he was hauled from Columbia, South Carolina, to Fayetteville, North Carolina, where on the 12th of March, 1865, he took a boat that went by way of the Cape Fear river to Wilmington, Delaware. He was then taken to Grant's Hospital on Long Island, and was honorably discharged on the 24th of June, following, holding at the time the rank of first sergeant.

When the war was over Mr. Brown returned to his home in Fulton county, Illinois, and although handicapped by the loss of his arm, he resumed farming and has attained success which many a man sound in every limb might well envy. In 1868 he removed to Henry county and broke the prairie upon his farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Osco township. He divided his time between his farming interests in Henry and Fulton counties for several years and has made his home in Henry county for the past thirty-five years, living in Osco township. He now owns one of the best improved farms in the county, comprising two hundred and eighty acres, and in addition to that he at one time owned six hundred and forty acres in Nebraska. This he afterward sold but he still owns his two hundred and eighty acre farm, for which he paid thirty thousand dollars and which has constantly increased in value. For many years he also engaged in loaning money. While in Nebraska he sustained a severe injury by being thrown from a broncho and since that time has lived practically retired, but he still supervises his business interests.

In his political views Mr. Brown is a stalwart republican and his fellow townsmen have called him to fill local offices. He has served as supervisor and assessor for a number of years and was also collector for two terms. He is numbered among the valued citizens of Henry county and highly respected by all and well known for his benevolences and deeds of charity, giving freely and generously of his means to those in need. He has a host of wami friends and well deserves mention in this volume.

Emerit E. Baker

Emerit E. Baker, conspicuous in club and business circles in Kewanee, is a member of that class of representative men whose actions constitute a vital force in the upbuilding and development of the communities in which they reside. His keen insight, executive ability and carefully formulated plans have been an important element in Kewanee's progress in manufacturing lines and his successful career represents the fit utilization of his innate powers and talents, and also of the opportunities which have come to him. Born on a farm near Aurora, Illinois, his natal day was April 10, 1855. His parents were Samuel B. and

Mary Ann (Ward) Baker, the former a native of the Empire state, whence he removed to Illinois, devoting his life to general agricultural pursuits in this state.

In the country schools Emerit E. Baker pursued his education to the age of fifteen years after which he had the benefit of two years' instruction in the high school of Aurora. He then went to Chicago as office boy with the Anderson Steamer & Heater Company, originally of Kewanee, and in 1876 he removed to Kewanee where he entered the employ of the Haxtun Steam Heater Company. In the intervening years he has been closely associated with the city's progress in manufacturing lines. At the time of his arrival the Haxtun Steam Heater Company was employing about twenty people. Since that time, through the united efforts of Mr. Baker and his associates in business, the enterprise has become the foremost industry of central Illinois, operating today under the name of Kewanee Boiler Company and the Kewanee branch of the National Tube Company. His original position was that of bookkeeper and through intermediate positions he was continuously promoted until he became president of the Kewanee Boiler Company. Mr. Baker is also a director of the Kellogg-Mackay Company of Chicago and vice president of the Federal Boiler & Supply Company and chairman of its executive board.

On the 20th of June, 1900, occurred the marriage of Mr. Baker and Miss Jennie Hallin, a daughter of Bernard Hallin, who was born in Sweden and came to America in 1852, in which year he established his home in Henry county, settling in Andover, while later he removed to Wethersfield. In a short time he came to Kewanee, arriving in i860, and for a brief period thereafter engaged in farming. He soon entered the tailoring business, however, having learned the trade in Sweden, and enjoyed a good patronage as a custom tailor. He put aside all business and personal considerations, however, at the time of the Civil war, and responded to the call of his adopted country for troops, enlisting as a member of Company H, Ninth Illinois Cavalry. While on active duty he was wounded and was later honorably discharged because of physical disability. He was a man of upright life and honorable purposes and held membership in the Swedish Lutheran church, living at all times in consistent harmony with his professions. He died in October, 1878, while his wife passed away in January, 1900.

The importance and extent of Mr. Baker's business interests have made him not only well known in Kewanee but also in Chicago, and his social relations in the latter city extend to the Chicago Athletic Club in which he holds membership. He is also a member of the Kewanee Club and on the 3d of June, 1900, was unanimously elected to the presidency of the Commercial Club of this city. Fraternally he is a Mason of high rank, having attained the degree of Knight Templar, and the Mystic Shrine, while of Kewanee Lodge, No. 159, A, F. & A. M., he is a past master. As village clerk, trustee and president, his public service covered sixteen years and has been characterized by the utmost faithfulness in the performance of his duties. In a review of his career it will be seen that he has been intensely active in business affairs, deeply engaged in the finest forms of public service, and is moreover a man whose social nature enables him to shed around him much of the sunshine of life. While he has met with substantial success, he has also applied his energy and working powers to wider and more impersonal interests, oftentimes without any other reward than an occasional expression of appreciation and the sense of putting in work where it is most needed.

John Hervey Seaton

In the business circles of Cambridge John Hervey Seaton is prominent, being well known as the editor and publisher of the Cambridge Chief. It is true that he entered upon an enterprise already founded by his father, but nevertheless, in his capable control of its business and in his well directed efforts toward increasing its efficiency and circulation, he has manifested excellent qualities which rank him among the progressive and successful business men of Cambridge. His birth occurred on section i6, Wethersfield township, Henry county, on the 13th of September, 1865, and he is the son of Benjamin W. and Julia Elizabeth (Bond) Seaton. On the paternal side Mr. Seaton comes from old English stock, his great-grandfather, John Seaton, having been born in England in 1744, while his great-grandfather's sister, Mary Seaton, was one of the maids of honor to Mary, Queen of Scots. His grandfather, Joseph Seaton, was also a native of the Merrie isle and came to the United States in 1830, settling in Utica, New York, where his death occurred November 19, 1848. He was a wheelwright by trade and married Elizabeth Walker, who by her marriage became the mother of Benjamin W. Seaton, the father of our subject. The maternal grandfather was Mulford Bond, a shoemaker by trade, who was born in New York in 1798 and passed away in 1879. His wife was Julia A. (Johnson) Bond, who was born in 1800 and passed away in March, 1874. In their family were two children: Julia E., the wife of Benjamin W. Seaton; and Lucy Lavina, who married Charles A. Norton, the wedding being celebrated in 1858. Elisha Johnson, the father of Julia A. Johnson, was born on Long Island and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, his term of service covering five years and eight months. He was one of the three, who, being ignorant of what they were doing, and being under orders, on the 25th of September, 1875, rowed Benedict Arnold to the ship Vulture, the latter thus making his escape after his act of treason toward his country. His wife, Mary (Reeves) Johnson, was a native of Rhode Island and was married at the age of fifteen, becoming the mother of thirteen children nine of whom lived to mature years.

Benjamin W. Seaton, the father of our subject, was born in Yorkshire, England, about 1825, and throughout his entire business career devoted his time to the printing business, being connected therewith sixty-four years. He first took up this line of activity in connection with the old Baptist Register at Utica, New York, in 1840, and was thus engaged for several years. Coming west in 185 1 he located at Chicago, where for some time he conducted a job printing business, and then removed to Prairie City, where he published the Prairie City Chronicle. Subsequently he came to Henry county, locating in Kewanee in 1857, and for several years edited the Kewanee Dial, at that place. Then, leaving his family upon a farm in Henry county, he returned to Chicago, where he remained about ten years, and in 1867 he established the Prairie Chief in Galva, while the following year he removed it to Toulon. In 1871 he purchased the Henry County Democrat and moved the Prairie Chief to Cambridge, where he continued to publish it until February, 1902, when he turned it over to his son, John Hervey Seaton, under whose charge it has since remained, its name having been changed to the Cambridge Chief. Benjamin W. Seaton passed away June 22, 1908, at the age of eighty-three years, and by his death Henry county lost one of its valued citizens who throughout a long period had been closely and prominently identified with the growth of journalism in this county. His wife's death occurred March 9, 1904, when she had attained the age of eighty-two years. They were both members of the Episcopal church, although Mr. Seaton had formerly held membership in the Baptist church. Their family numbered ten children, six of whom still survive, namely : Mary, the wife of J. C. Clapham , of Ridgeway, Missouri ; Helen, residing in Cambridge; Hiram J., of San Francisco, California; Clara Elizabeth, the wife of George M. Leathers, residing in Austin, Illinois; John H., of this review ; and Charles A., who makes his home in Clarence, Iowa.

John Hervey Seaton, whose name introduces this sketch, came to Cambridge when a little lad of seven years and here he has continued to make his home up to the present time. Reared in his parents' home, he acquired his education in the public schools, while his time was divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the tasks assigned him by parental authority. Early coming to the conclusion that his father's choice of a life work was a wise and profitable one, he entered his father's ofiice for the purpose of learning the printer's trade and by close application mastered all of the various phases of the work, acquiring a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the trade, so that when his father turned over to him the management and publication of the Prairie Chief, he was well equipped for the responsible duties that thus devolved upon him. He has been the editor and publisher of the paper since 1902, which under his management changed its name to the Cambridge Chief. The paper, which is republican in its tendency, is edited weekly and through the enterprise and industry of Mr. Seaton has gained an extensive and gratifying circulation which is constantly increasing in volume. Its columns are devoted to the discussion of current events and topics of especial interest to the subscribers, while it also furnishes a splendid advertising medium to merchants and various industries throughout the community.

On the 23d of November, 1892, Mr. Seaton was united in marriage to Miss Clara A. Miller, a daughter of Edmund R. and Maria (Barnes) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively, while Mrs. Seaton's birth occurred in Geneseo, Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Seaton were born six children, as follows: Benjamin Sanford, Clare Elizabeth, Frank Marion, Donn, Catherine and John Hervey. The parents are both church members, Mr, Seaton holding membership in the Episcopal church, while his wife is connected with the Congregational denomination. They are also prominent in fraternal circles, Mr. Seaton being identified with Cambridge Lodge, No. 49, A. F. & A. M., while both belong to Mystic Giapter, No. 60, of the Eastern Star. In politics Mr. Seaton is a republican, warmly supporting the principles of that party in the columns of his paper, and doing all in his power to further its influence in the community, while on that ticket he served as village clerk for eleven years and also as superintendent of the waterworks for ten years. Having resided in Cambridge almost his entire life, his interests are thoroughly identified with those of the village and he has not only attained a prominent place in journalistic circles, but his salient characteristics have been such as to win him a foremost rank among the valued and representative citizens of the community.

Frank Morrill Lay

Prominent among the business men of Kewanee is Frank Morrill Lay, who for a number of years has- been closely identified with the history of the city as representative of a number of its most important business interests. He is a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment, and his executive ability and excellent management have brought to the concerns with which he is connected a large degree of success. He is one of Kewanee's native sons, his birth having here occurred September 14, 1869, his parents being Hiram T. and Martha (Morrill) Lay. In the public schools of Kewanee he pursued his early education and subsequently attended Knox Academy and Amherst College, of Massachusetts. He completed his collegiate course by graduation in 1893, at which time the Bachelor of Arts degree was conferred upon him, and returning to Kewanee he then made his initial step in the business world by entering the employ of the mercantile firm of Lay & Lyman as a clerk. He remained with that house for six months and in 1894 accepted a clerkship with the Boss Manufacturing company. The following year he was chosen its secretary and treasurer and its general manager and has since given his attention to administrative direction and executive control. This is one of the most important productive enterprises of the city, its success being largely attributable in the past fourteen years to the enterprise and diligence of Mr, Lay. Its trade interests now reach out to various sections of the country and branch houses have been established at Galesburg, Monmouth, and Peoria, Illinois, at Fort Wayne and Bluffton, Indiana, at Findlay, Ohio, and in New York city. Mr. Lay is a man of resourceful ability, whose energy and keen sagacity have enabled him to become connected with other profitable business interests. He is now the secretary and treasurer of the Galesburg & Kewanee Electric Railway Company and is also a member of the Lyman-Lay Company.

On the 24th of June, 1896, Mr. Lay was married to Miss Fannie Poole, of Dover, Illinois, a daughter of Warren Poole of Bureau county, this state, who is now a retired farmer residing in Kewanee. Mr. and Mrs. Lay have one son, Edward Poole Lay, born May 10, 1900. The parents hold membership in the First Congregational church and are active in its work and generous in its support. Their's is one of the most attractive and hospitable homes in Kewanee, its doors being ever open for the reception of their many friends.