Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1910 (part 31 of 32)

In Geneseo, April 3, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Wigant and Miss Sarah J. Clark. She is a daughter of William and Martha (Shakespeare) Qark and was born upon the old Qark homestead in Munson township, this county, July 19, 1872. There are five children in Mr. and Mrs, Wigant's family, namely: Bessie, who was born April 13, 1894; Harry, January 10, 1897; Alice, October 13, 1898; Hazel, March 2, 1906; and Clara, March 23, 1909.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr, Wigant has been a stalwart champion of republicanism, having cast his first presidential ballot for William McKinley. He has never aspired to official distinction, however, although his devotion to the general welfare was manifest in the able manner in which he filled the position of road commissioner during the six years he held that office and in the progressive policies he advocated while he was school director. He is a young man of enterprise and ambition, and as he has based his life upon the sound principles of upright manhood he may look forward not only to successful future, but to one which will bring him the esteem of his associates, a guerdon that is even more enviable than financial prosperity.

Alphonse L. Phillips

Energy, industry and perseverance have enabled Alphonse L. Phillips, one of the respected citizens of Atkinson to overcome the many obstacles with which his life was beset and to attain to a substantial position among his fellowmen. He was born in Holland, March 25, 1868, a son of Leo and Sophia (Van Winkle) Phillips. The former was born in 1837 in Belgium and there followed the occupation of farming. At the age of thirty-two he came to America and, settling in New York state, farmed there for about sixteen years, when he returned to his home on a visit of seven months. In 1884 he came to Atkinson, Illinois, and after living in the village for a year went to work for Mr. Boomer on a farm in Atkinson township. He remained there only a year, however, when he returned to the town which has since been his home. Of recent years he has lived with his son, for advancing age has made it impossible for him to do much work. On becoming a citizen of this republic he espoused the cause of the republican party and all his life has been a devout member of the Catholic church. His wife, who was born in Holland in 1835, died four years ago and was buried in the Catholic cemetery in Atkinson. By her marriage she became the mother of five children, four of whom are living: Alphonse L. ; John, who lives in Canada; Mary, the wife of Leopold Bercroft, of Atkinson; and Louise, the wife of Peter Verkruise, who lives in Atkinson township.

During his parents' residence in New York Alphonse L. Phillips attended the country schools of that state for eight winters, and assisted his father on the farm during the summer months. He accompanied his father and mother on their visit to the old country and, coming with them to Atkinson, worked at farming and odd jobs in this locality until twenty-one years of age. He then tended bar for a year, for the next two and a half years conducted a saloon, after which he went to Wisconsin, where he took up a claim. After living upon the land for three years he sold his rights to the homestead, but continued his residence in the Badger state for three years longer. On July 11, 1903, he opened a restaurant and lunchroom on State street, Atkinson, where he has built up a good business.

Mr. Phillips was first married February 9, 1890, to Miss Jennie Bercroft, a native of Atkinson. Her mother died when she was six years old, but her father is living in Atkinson, retired after an arduous life as a farmer. She was one of five children : Peter, a resident of Atkinson ; Sophia, the wife of Peter Billiet ; Leopold, of Atkinson; and Jennie, who became Mrs. Phillips. To our subject and his wife were born four children: John, November 14, 1892; Leo, June 26, 1896; Charles, April 14, 1899; and Mary, June 14, 1900. On the 4th of April, 1905, Mr. Phillips was married again, his second union being with Miss Emma Vandewaestyne. She is a native of Atkinson, born in 1882 and is a daughter of Peter and Minnie (Sterphien) Vandewaestyne. The father was born in 1842 in Belgium, and came to this country about thirty years ago. In Atkinson and vicinity he followed farming, which he had taken up in the old country. Atkinson township was the scene of his labors for about twenty-five years and then he removed to Geneseo, farming there for about ten years. He died September i, 1904, and was buried in Atkinson. He was a republican in politics. He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Matilda DeCrane, who bore him three children: Charles, of Atkinson, Illinois; Mary, of Chicago; and Julia, the wife of August Cable, of Atkinson. The wife and mother died in 1880 and was buried in Atkinson. Mr. Vandewaestyne subsequently married the mother of Mrs. Phillips. She was born in Belgium in 1845, and at the time of her marriage was the widow of Sterphien Vandewaestyne, who died in 1880. She had four children by her first husband: Gus, who lives in South Dakota; Daisy, of Atkinson; Edward, of Geneseo; and Ida, the wife of Theodore Desonville, of South Dakota. She had five children by her second husband: Emma, the wife of A. D. Phillips; Christian, the wife of Mell De Frieze, of Geneseo ; Elizabeth, the wife of Frank

Drew, of Atkinson ; Stephina, at home in Atkinson ; and Emlia, also at home. There has been but one child, Alfred, born of Mr. Phillips' second marriage, his birth occurring January 26, 1906.

Mr. Phillips is a member of the Catholic church and has brought his children up in that faith, sending those old enough to the Catholic school in Atkinson. Though he began life in very moderate circumstances and in his early life met with a great loss in the death of his wife, who left him with four small children to care for, he has plodded along manfully, and with the help of his devoted wife has secured a substantial position for himself. His business has proved more successful than he had hoped and he has gained the respect and esteem of the entire community. Mrs. Phillips belongs to the Mystic Lodge, while her husband is a member of the Domestic Workers, is a republican, and carries insurance in the Capital Life Association of Springfield.

John Bollen

John Bollen, who to within the last fifteen years was one of the active farmers of Loraine township, and is now living retired in a very pretty home in Geneseo, was born in Ohio July 13, 1835, and is the son of John and Sarah (Hooks) Bollen, both natives of the 'Buckeye state. The father was born July 22, 1805, and came to Henry county, Illinois, in 1836, securing land in Loraine township. At the time of his advent here wild game of all kinds, but especially deer, abounded, and the Indians were frequent visitors at the white men's houses. He lived to see these conditions become no more than a memory, for when he died, January 2, 1888, Henry county was well advanced toward the condition it now enjoys. He participated in this progress, for he was a man of public spirit who filled in turn all the offices of his township. Wlien the republican party was organized he joined its ranks and was fired by the discussions that preceded the Civil war. He was twice married. His first wife, Miss Sarah Hooks in her maidenhood, was born November 16, 1813, and died November 3, 1843, having borne four children: Mary, who married James Armstrong; John, the subject of this sketch ; William, who lives in Bayard, Iowa ; and Fletcher, who died in February, 1908. Mr. Bollen's second wife was Mrs. Parmelia Loomis, by whom he also had four children, all living : George, of Orchard, Nebraska ; Heman and Lucretia, twins, the former a resident of Prophetstown, Illinois, and the latter the wife of David Parker, of Seattle, Washington ; and Thomas, who lives in Nebraska. Mrs. Parmelia Bollen died about ten years ago in Prophetstown, Illinois.

John Bollen received his education in the common schools of Henry county He remained with his father on the farm until he was seventeen, when he started in life for himself. For several years he worked at anything that presented itself and then rented land in Loraine township, on which he lived until 1862, when he purchased two hundred and ninety acres in Phenix and Loraine townships. This he still owns, although it presents an appearance much diflFerent from the unimproved tracts he purchased almost fifty years ago. He set to work immediately to make the farm a profitable investment, following a general agriculture and stock raising. In 1894 he decided to abandon the more arduous of his duties and retired to the comfortable house he had purchased. It is situated on North Aldrich street, Geneseo.

On the 4th of July, 1859, M^. Bollen married Miss Caroline Heller, who was born in Loraine township and was a daughter of David and Catherine Heller. She died in August, 1872, survived by three of her four children. William, the eldest, born April 13, 1861, married Miss Minnie Phelps. After her death he married Miss Anne Sieben. He lives in Geneseo and has three children - Donald, Ralph and Irene. Sarah Catherine, born December 2, 1864, became the wife of Adam F. Hines, of Phoenix township. They have three children : Floyd B., Ethel Gertrude and Lois Irene. John W., born January 13, 1868, married Miss Alice Rapp and lives in Osco township. They have two children : Melba Irene and Christine Dorothy.

On the loth of September, 1873, Mr. Bollen was united in marriage to Miss Mandana Adams. She was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, September 2, 1849, a^d is a daughter of Charles and Sarah (Derling) Adams, the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of Pennsylvania. Mr. Adams came to Illinois in the early '50s, settling in Henry county, where he lived a few years, until his death, which occurred when Mrs. Bollen was a very young girl, leaving his widow to rear their family of nine children. They were Lucy, the wife of John Logan, both deceased ; Emily, deceased, who was the wife of Benson McHenry, and lives in Henry county ; Norman, who married Miss Rachel Henniger and lives in Kansas ; Stewart, who married Miss Louise Bunn and lives in Leverne, Minnesota; Achsah, the wife of Alvin Lyon, both deceased; Mandana, who is Mrs. Bollen; Ellen R., deceased, who was the wife of Charles Holmes and lived in Nebraska; Daniel, who married Miss Fannie Holmes and lives in Belle Plaine, Iowa; and Wilmina, the wife of E. D. Thomas, of Geneseo. Mrs. Adams reared this large family with care and ability and was a devout member of the Methodist church as was her husband.

Mr. Bollen is a repubhcan in his political views and has held all the township offices. He belongs to the Methodist church as does his wife, who is a very active woman and has been of great assistance to her husband. Mr. Bollen has managed his own affairs since he was seventeen years of age, and the substantial position he has now attained attests to what excellent principles guided him. He is surrounded by the comforts that contribute to an enjoyable old age and has the respect of his fellow citizens and all who know him.

John W. Bollen

John W. Bollen, whose home is on section 13, Osco township, where he owns three hundred and forty acres of land, was born in Loraine township, January 13, 1868, and is a son of John and Caroline (Heller) Bollen. Reared upon the farm on which his birth occurred, he acquired a good education in the country schools of the district, supplemented by two terms at the Northwestern Normal.

Upon attaining his majority he embarked in farming, purchasing first a tract of one hundred and forty acres in Phenix township. He paid about sixty-five dollars an acre, but after he had lived there some years, having made a number of important improvements, he was able to dispose of it for ninety dollars an acre. He engaged in the ice business, for a few years, and in 1904 bought the land on which he now lives. This, too, is under a high state of cultivation and is very valuable.

In Phenix township, February 10, 1891, was celebrated the marriage of John W. Bollen and Miss Alice Rapp. She was born in that township and is a daughter of Aaron and Christina (Hines) Rapp, who were able to give her a good education. Of this union have been born two children: Melba, bom in Phenix township; and Dorothy, who was born in Geneseo.

Mr. Bollen is a repubHcan in his political views and when exercising his right to vote invariably casts his ballot for the candidates of that party. He has never sought office, feeling that the cares of his own vocation demanded all of his time. To this unswerving devotion to the work which he has chosen can be traced the bountiful harvest which are his at the end of each season. He has spared no exertion to increase the production of his fields and has found himself well repaid. He is still in the prime of life and will doubtless see many more years of profit and usefulness.

Theodore Milar

One of the esteemed men of Atkinson, Illinois, who has been intrusted by the citizens with many responsible offices is Theodore Milar. He was born in 1850 in New Philadelphia, Ohio, and is a son of Robert and Rebecca (Knisely) Milar. The mother was born in the same place on the 25th of September, 183 1, but the father, was of Maryland nativity, the day of his birth having been July 24, 1824. He was a carpenter by trade and came to Henry county, Illinois, in 1856. He built and lived in the first house erected in the vicinity of Atkinson. In the half century during which that city was his home, he became very prominent in its affairs, was a republican in his political affiliations and served as justice of the peace for eighteen or twenty years. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons and for several years was master of the lodge at Atkinson. He was a consistent member of the Methodist church and died in that faith August 2, 1904. His wife had preceded him to his last resting place by about twelve years, for her death occurred November 7, 1892. They were the parents of four children, three of whom have died and are buried with them in Oakwood cemetery, Geneseo. The family consisted of Theodore; LeRoy, born in Ohio, October 9, 1852, died November 28, 1898; Clara, who was the wife of Robert W. Bailey, was born January 5, 1854, and died August 10, 1908; and Jacob Knisely, born March 25, 1857, died September 11, 1883.

Theodore Milar, the oldest of this family and the only one now living, received his education in the schools of Atkinson, but the family being in limited circumstances, he was compelled to start life for himself at an age much younger than that of the average boy of today. He worked for several farmers for a short time and then engaged in railroading on the Rock Island system, his run including points all the way between Chicago and Omaha; Moberly, Missouri, and St. Louis. This remained his occupation for fifteen years, and then, in 1878, he removed to Atkinson, where since 1881 he has been carrying on an extensive carpentering and contracting business. His son has greatly aided him in this work, and together they have built some of the more important of the city's residences, among which may be mentioned those of John Nowers, J. S. Nowers, Mr. McCauley, F. R. Brooks, Paul D. Ransom, Robert Black, and John J. Bloom, besides a large number of homes in the country. Further building operations of the father and son have included the remodeling of the Congregational church, a brick store building and Mr. Bessant's agricultural store. In 1891 he put up his own pleasant residence on State street.

On the 15th of June, 1870, Mr. Milar was married to Miss Ruth Eliza Storm, who was born August 10, 1852, and is a daughter of John and Eliza (Kibby) Storm. The father, whose birth occurred in New York, March 18, 1820, was a blacksmith in his early life and came to Illinois in the '40s, settling in Princeton, Bureau county. In 1880 he removed to Nevada, Story county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming. He was a republican in politics and a man who took an active interest in the public affairs of the community in which he lived, for he held several offices in Bureau county during the time of his residence there, and after he went to Iowa became one of the aldermen of the city of Nevada. He was a devoted adherent of Masonry, having passed through all but one of the degrees. His death occurred November 28, 1907, in Arkansas City, Kansas, where he was visiting. He was married June 10, 185 1, to Eliza Kirby, who passed away in the twentieth year of her age, July 10, 1853, leaving one daughter. Mr. Storm, however, was three times married and had by his first wife four children, by his second one, and by his third seven.

Mr. and Mrs. Milar have one son, Wallace Lee, who was born in Stuart, Iowa, August 10, 1873. He attended the schools of Atkinson, and then supplemented their training by a collegiate course in Geneseo. On returning to Atkinson he engaged with his father in carpentering and to him in almost equal measure as to the older man belongs the credit for the buildings they have erected. In 1899 he married Miss Charlotte Griffin and took up his residence in the southeast part of town.

Politically Mr. Milar is a republican and has evinced an active interest in the welfare of the citizens of Atkinson, having held many offices at their disposal. He served for one term as justice of the peace, has been town clerk for the past twenty years, and has held the funds of the school board for ten years. He has passed through seven degrees of Masonry and is a charter member of the local camp of Woodmen, in which he has held the office of consul for three years, Mrs. Milar is a member of the Christian Science church and of the Eastern Star. They began life in moderate circumstances but by frugality and energy have become very well situated as regards comforts and own a half interest in an eighty acre farm. They are a couple of great intelligence, whose outlook on life is broad and liberal, and their lives have been marked by many deeds of kindness to their friends and neighbors. The several offices of trust which Mr. Milar has held in his township, and the length of the periods through which he has administered their duties fully attest the respect and esteem in which he is held in his community. He is a man, too, whose amiable disposition and strong character have attracted to him hundreds of friends.

Joseph N. Gamble

Nothing can be more gratifying to any man, however young or old, than the knowledge that his abilities and capacities are appreciated by his employers and that in recognition of them he is ever eligible to promotion when opportunity is afforded. A continuous advancement has been the career of Joseph N. Gamble since he became connected with the rolling mill of Kewanee. He was born in this city, March 2, 1863, a son of J. R. and Maria P. (Woolley) Gamble, and is a descendant of English ancestors on the paternal side. His mother is a great granddaughter of Peter Probasco, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, who belonged to an old Holland Dutch family. His paternal grandfather, George N. Gamble, was reared in England, where he married Miss Susanna G. Guthridge. He first came to America in 183 1, but after spending nine months in the east returned to his old home, only to come to America after less than a year. He located then permanently in Philadelphia, which remained his home until his death.

In that city J. R. Gamble, the father of our subject, was reared and educated, starting upon his career as a boy in the ship-chandler's or naval supply store. After two years he began learning the carpenter's trade and, having gained proficiency in it, came to Henry county, Illinois, in 1855. He settled in Kewanee, but the village at that time contained only about one thousand inhabitants. In its growth and progress Mr. Gamble has taken an active part, for as contractor and carpenter he has erected many of the buildings here and in the surrounding territory, including the factory belonging to Pierce & Haxton. While still living in Philadelphia, October 30, 1855, Mr. Gamble married Miss Maria P. Woolley, and they have become the parents of the following children : Florence M., who is the wife of Charles Payne, of Kewanee; Kate B., who is the widow of A. O. Warner and has one child, Louise; George H., who is the pastor of the Tabernacle Baptist church of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and, having married Marguerite Hawthorne, is the father of four sons, George, William, Ross and Paul. Joseph N., the subject of this sketch; Susanna, who is the wife of Rev. ElHs M. Jones, a Baptist minister of Carbondale, Illinois, and the mother of three daughters and one son Miriam, Esther, Ellis, Jr., and Ruth; Fred B., of Kewanee, who married Eleanor Cramb and is the father of three children, Frederick, Florence and Gertrude and Ross W., who married Velma Cramb and has three children, John, Elizabeth and Margaret; and Louise M., who died in 1908. Mr. Gamble is a member of the Baptist church and a republican in his political affiliations.

Upon completing the course of study prescribed by the public schools of Kewanee Joseph N. Gamble entered upon his business career. He engaged first with Lyman, Lay & Lyman in the minor capacity of cash boy. Later as he evinced the strong quahties of devotion to duty and alertness he was advanced to a clerkship. While in that position, having given perfect satisfaction to the firm for six years, he joined H. R. Clears as a partner in a book store. Six years later he sold his interest to Mr. Clears and on the ist of August, 1892, entered the employ of the rolling mill, and in about ten years he advanced from a subordinate position to that of a superintendent, which he holds at present. For the first five months he was a clerk and then he was promoted to the position of night foreman of the rolling and scrap mill. Two years later he was made cost clerk for all of the mill departments, from which office, after having proved his ability and efficiency during a period of four years, he was made chief cost clerk of the whole plant. In that capacity he served until 1902, when he was appointed superintendent of all of the foundry departments. This is the position he holds at the present. Trying as it sometimes is, he has proved that he has the power to control men as well as to obtain from them the best work of which they are capable.

On the loth of June, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Gamble and Miss Fannie Tunnicliffe, of Kewanee. Five children have been born to them, Ruth L., Marjorie A., Donald T., Katharine and Joseph George. The oldest married Lawrence McFall, of Kewanee, a clerk in the employ of the National Tube Company, and the youngest died at the age of six. Mr. Gamble is a member of the First Baptist church, in whose support he is most liberal. He is also a trustee and deacon of the church and prominent in all its work. He belongs to the Young Men's Christian Association an organization prominent in promoting the moral and social welfare of the city and its financial prosperity.

Abram Asa Funk

Abram Asa Funk, an enterprising, up-to-date and progressive agriculturist of Henry county, devotes his energies to the cultivation of his well improved farm of eighty acres on section 31, Cornwall township, and likewise follows surveying to some extent. He was born on section 31, Cornwall township, on the 23d of November, 1874, his parents being George and Rebecca (Funk) Funk, who are mentioned at greater length on another page of this volume.

Mr. Funk was reared on the home farm and attended the district school until about seventeen years of age, when he entered the Geneseo Collegiate Institute at Geneseo, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1894. Returning to the home farm, he was actively engaged in its operation in association with his father until 1900, when he purchased property of his own. About 1897 he took up a study of civil engineering through the medium of the International School of Correspondence of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and completed the prescribed course in 1905, having mastered the profession while carrying on his agricultural interests. As before stated, he came into possession of a farm of his own in 1900, having accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to purchase eighty acres of land in Cornwall township at fifty dollars an acre. There were no buildings on the property but he has since erected a nice residence as wefl as all necessary barns and outbuildings, and everything about the place indicates in its neat and thrifty appearance the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. In addition to the work of farming he is also engaged in surveying to some extent, having gained a good knowledge of that profession through his correspondence course. In 1907 he took up the work prescribed in a five years' course of study by the American School of Correspondence, which was established by the Armour Institute of Technology. He uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and has gained an enviable reputation as a wide-awake, alert and enterprising agriculturist as well as substantial citizen of the community.

On the 7th of January, 1902, in Munson township, Mr, Funk was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Belle Hunter, a daughter of Henderson and Margaret (Ferguson) Hunter, who are natives of Ohio and Henry county, Illinois, respectively. Henderson Hunter came to this county with his parents, was here married and now resides with his wife at Cambridge. Mrs. Funk supplemented her preliminary education by two years' attendance at the Geneseo Collegiate Institute and also took a special course in music. Both she and her husband have an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the county in which their entire iives have been spent and the hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended them.

William C. Hamilton

William C. Hamilton, of Western township, was born July 4, 1849, in Cable township, Mercer county, Illinois. Mr. Hamilton is of Irish extraction, his parents, William and Rosanna Hamilton having been born in County Antrim, Ireland. They came to this country when young people and were married in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The father was a boiler maker and for some years worked at his trade in Philadelphia and Paterson, New Jersey. In 1847 he decided to come west and settling in Mercer county, Illinois, he engaged in farming until 1850. Becoming dissatisfied with this occupation he took his family back to Philadelphia, the subject of this review being at that time an infant, and resuming his trade, remained in the Quaker City for about three years. In 1853 ^^e Hamilton family again turned their faces westward and began the establishment of a permanent home in Western township, Henry county, Illinois. The father bought a farm of eighty acres a few miles west of Orion and from time to time added to it until it amounted to one hundred and thirty acres, and upon this homestead he engaged actively in agriculture until the time of his death, July 9, 1891. Mrs. Hamilton passed away on the 20th of December of the same year and their graves are to be found in Western township cemetery. Mr. Hamilton, the father, throughout his life gave his support to the democratic party, and he and his wife were active members of the Presbyterian church. They were noted in the community for their church loyalty, for their liberal charity, and for their willingness to take upon their own shoulders the alleviation of any suflfering and the remedying of any injustice which might come under their notice. Their family

William C. Hamilton passed his boyhood days upon his father's farm and received his education in the district schools of Western township. For about eight years he and his brother were engaged in buying and shipping stock, carrying on this business upon an extensive scale. In 1867 and 1868 he was among those who assisted in the government work at Rock Island, Illinois, and later he went to Chicago, where he engaged in the feed business in which he continued for four years, building up a large and profitable trade, and also bought and sold horses to some extent. He returned to Orion for awhile and engaged in various pursuits and again went to Chicago remaining for two years. Mr. Hamilton is now engaged in the livery business in Orion and his knowledge of horses is unsurpassed. He is also a fine judge of stock, his opinion in this line being considered a valuable acquisition and his long experience as a buyer and shipper has given him a wide acquaintance wherein he maintains a reputation for fair dealing and honesty.

Mr. Hamilton gives his vote to the men chosen by the democratic party to fulfill its principles, but although he takes a lively and intelligent interest in public aflfairs, he has never been an office seeker. Mr. Hamilton's uncle, Captain George C. Hill, husband of Jane (Hamilton) Hill was one of the most distinguished citizens whose names are written in the annals of Orion. He fought under Wellington at Waterloo, and at the close of the war with France, left the British army and came to America. After engaging in business in Philadelphia for some time he came to Orion, where he spent the rest of his life, laying aside his role of army officer to become a common citizen of high standing. On July 4, 1859, Captain Hill assisted in raising the first American flag ever wafted on the breezes of Orion, and on this inspiring occasion made an address of such thrilling patriotism that it is still vividly remembered by the older generation. Both he and his wife were people of high religious character who rejoiced in the possession of general respect. They were originally Presbyterians, but upon coming to Orion joined the Methodist church in which they took an active part. Captain Hill died March 6, i860, his widow surviving him for several years. His death deprived Orion of one of the most prominent Masons in the community.

Frank Herbert Edwards

Among the many agriculturists of Western, township, who have now relinquished the burdensome cares of farm life, is Frank Herbert Edwards, whose home is on South State street, Geneseo. Although he has resigned the heavier responsibilities of his vocation he still retains an interest in farming, for he still owns five hundred and sixty acres of land in Western township. He was born in Moline, Illinois, on the 2d of August, 1857, and has grown up upon the property secured by his paternal grandfather, William Edwards, almost three-quarters of a century ago. The latter was born and reared in the town of Brattleboro, Vermont, where he was united in marriage to Miss Hulda Bangor. In 1835 the couple made the journey across the mountains and prairies to Greene county, IlHnois, where Mr. Edwards spent the winter teaching school. In the spring of the next year, he bought a tract of land where the city of Moline now stands and upon it passed the remaining years of his life. His son, Herbert R. Edwards, grew up in that locality and in the course of years married Miss Harriet Gordon. Of their union were born seven children : Carrie M., who married F. M. Stewart and died in Colorado, leaving five children; Frank Herbert, the subject of this sketch ; Clarence, who has married and is a civil engineer in Kearney, Nebraska ; Flora B., who is the wife of William Tully and lives in Grand Island, Nebraska; Grace F., who became the wife of Clarence Ward, of Atkinson township, this county; NelHe, who married Abel D. Ward; and Charles. About 1866, the father removed to Western township, where he acquired three hundred and twenty acres of land and where his death occurred November 21, 1874. His wife is still living in Geneseo at about the age of seventy-six and has witnessed the success which has come to her children.

Frank Herbert Edwards spent his boyhood under the parental roof and attended the district schools of his locality. After the death of his father he assisted his mother in the operation of the home farm, for as the oldest son the heavier burdens naturally fell upon his shoulders. He inherited a small tract of land, when he attained his majority, but he added to it continuously as the years passed, buying several of the shares in the homestead belonging to his brothers and sisters, until the farm in his possession today represents the greater part of a section. In 1908 he built a new home of cement blocks, which is as fine a structure of its kind as may be found in Western township. These material evidences of his success afiford no insight into the reputation he has attained among his fellow townsmen but as an able farmer and a man of sound principles, he is well entitled to the respect they accord him.

On the 23d of January, 1883, Mr. Edwards was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Smith, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, but at that time a resident of Livingston county, Illinois, whither her parents had moved. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Edwards : Ella B., who is the wife of William Tennant, Jr. ; H. Royce, who was born October 29, 1887 ; Ethel H., who graduated from the Geneseo high school with the class of 1909; and Elwood Glenn, who is now in the public school. Mr. Edwards is a member of the Congregational church of Geneseo, and has always given his support in political matters to the republican party. He has, however, neither been active in its ranks nor in the public life of his locality.

Hugh Livingston Grier

Hugh Livingston Grier, who devotes his energies to the pursuits of farming and stock raising, is the owner of a valuable and productive tract of land comprising one hundred and twenty acres on sections 31 and 32, Cornwall township. His birth occurred on this farm on the 6th of May, 1864, his parents being William and Isabelle (Livingston) Grier. The father, who was a native of County Monaghan, Ireland, came to the United States alone when about fourteen years of age and worked for a time in the rolling mills at Harbour Creek, Pennsylvania. Subsequently he was employed by a gardener at Philadelphia, which city remained his home until he came to this county. There he wedded Miss Isabelle Livingston, who was likewise a native of the Emerald isle and came to America when about sixteen years of age, locating in Philadelphia. They remained in that city for a few years following their marriage and two children were born unto them there, one of whom passed away ere they came to Henry county. Following his arrival here Mr. Grier lived for a time with a brother-in-law, Hugh Armstrong, residing in a sod house in Cornwall township. He was actively engaged in the operation of rented land for about two years and then purchased a tract of eighty acres, which is now included in the home farm of our subject, and at various times bought land until he owned four hundred and eighty acres. Agricultural interests claimed his attention throughout the remainder of his life and he became widely recognized as one of the successful and respected citizens of the community. He was reared in the Presbyterian faith and held membership in the Calvary church of Cornwall township. His political allegiance was given to the republican party but he had no desire for the honors and emoluments of office. He passed away in 1900, having for a number of years survived his wife, who was called to her final rest in 1888 when fifty-four years of age. Their children were nine in number, the record of whom is as follows : John died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. William is now a resident of Wethersfield, Illinois. George passed away when twenty-eight years of age. James H. is married and makes his home at Neponset, Illinois. Hugh Livingston, of this review, is the next in order of birth. Margaret first gave her hand in marriage to Schuyler Parker, by whom she had two children, and following his death she wedded Dr. Franklin S. Adams, with whom she resides at Waterville, Kansas. John R. and Benjamin F. Grier both make their home in Cambridge township. Edward lives in Cornwall township.

Hugh Livingston Grier was reared on the home farm and obtained a good practical education in the common schools. He gave his father the benefit of his assistance in the work of the fields and after he had attained his majority received wages for his services. He thus worked for his father for a year and then rented a part of the home place for two years, on the expiration of which period he rented land belonging to his brother-in-law for a similar period. In December, 1888, he went to St. Paul, Nebraska, and purchased a livery barn but subsequently returned to this county. Following his marriage in June, 1889, he again made his way to Nebraska and there continued to reside until the following October, when he disposed of his interests in that state and returned to Illinois. He gave his attention to the operation of rented land in Cornwall township until 1900, when he came into possession of his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres on sections 31 and 32, in the further cultivation and improvement of which he has since been actively engaged. The land cost him seventy dollars an acre. In addition to the cultivation of cereals he also devotes considerable attention to the raising, feeding and shipping of stock and has won a creditable and well merited degree of prosperity in his undertakings along these lines.

On the nth of June, 1889, in Cornwall township, Mr. Grier was united in marriage to Miss Edith Emma Dugdale, who was born in that township on the i6th of July, 1866, her parents being George and Elizabeth (Hill) Dugdale. The father, whose birth occurred near Essex, England, crossed the Atlantic to the United States when twenty-three years of age and took up his abode in Henry county, Illinois. Here he met and married Miss Elizabeth Hill, a native of Virginia, who came to this county with her parents when a maiden of nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Dugdale have now attained the ages of eighty and sixty-four years respectively and reside in Geneseo. George Dugdale is a stanch democrat in his political views, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, with which his wife is also identified. They had a family of four children, as follows: Mrs. Grier; Mina E., who is the wife of Joseph Souers and lives in Geneseo; Bertha May, who is the wife of Charles W. Nelson, of Munson township ; and Charles Swartz, who died at the age of six years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Grier have been born two children. Alta Isabelle, whose birth occurred in Cornwall township, March 13, 1890, completed the grammar school course in June, 1906, and is now a junior in the Geneseo high school. Zella Elizabeth, who was born in Cornwall township on the i6th of April, 1895, was graduated from the grammar school in 1909 and is now a pupil in the Geneseo high school.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Grier has supported the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. For two years he has served in the office of collector. He has resided in this county throughout practically his entire life and is therefore largely familiar with its upbuildings and substantial development, especially along agricultural lines, with which he has been connected since early manhood.

Ross Wesley Black

Ross Wesley Black, the mail carrier on route No. 2, of Atkinson, Illinois, who is distinguished by a gentlemanly bearing, kindness and a genial disposition in his relations with his patrons, was born in Atkinson, November 16, 1882, and is the eldest son of Robert W. and Julia Curtain (Foy) Black. The father, who was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1856, was the fourth in a family of thirteen children, only six of whom are now living. They were Henry, who died in childhood; Elizabeth, the wife of David Sisler, who lives in Pennsylvania; George E., a resident of Altoona; Robert W., the father of our subject; Ruth, who died at the age of nineteen years ; Henrietta, the wife of Charles Daugherty, of Altoona, Pennsylvania; Minnie, the wife of William Bowser of Pennsylvania; Susan, the wife of Edward Smeigh, also of Pennsylvania; and five others who died young.

In his youth Robert W. Black learned the trade of a painter and decorator and followed it for five years in the Pennsylvania car shops and in the car shops at Altoona for two or three years, when he lost his health. He then engaged in farming for two years, after which he returned to his trade. In 1876 he came to Atkinson, Illinois, and has since made this town his home. His wife, Mrs. Julia C. Black, was born September 16, i860, and was a daughter of Gideon and Mary Ann (Bryan) Foy. Both parents were natives of Pennsylvania and are buried side by side in Adams county, Iowa, their deaths having occurred in that state, the mother's in Prescott in 1895, the father's five years later. The latter was a farmer all his life and was the father of ten children, six boys and four girls, all but the youngest born in Pennsylvania. They were John W., of Galesburg, Illinois, a member of the legislature of this state in 1877, when he espoused the cause of the Greenback party; Stephen, of Prescott, Iowa; Sarah, the wife of G. A. Aboners, of Creston, Iowa; James W., of Prescott, Iowa; Tonar, who died in January, 1894, in Prescott, Iowa, though a resident of Atkinson, Illinois; Samuel A., of Prescott, Iowa ; Mary Elizabeth, who was the wife of Robert Parker, of Atkinson, and died in November, 1877, being buried in Fair View cemetery; Julia Curtain, the wife of Robert Black of this review; Laura M., the wife of James Campbell, of Prescott, Iowa; and Warren B., born in Illinois, living now in Kansas. In her girlhood Mrs. Black attended the school in which her two sons and her daughter-in-law at one time taught, for she was reared in this locality. By her marriage to Mr. Black she became the mother of six children: Ross W. ; George Edward, who was born in Atkinson in 1887 and is in business with his father; Ruth Anna, a graduate of the Atkinson high school and now a teacher in the country schools of the township ; Robert Julian, also a graduate of the high school and like his sister a teacher in the country schools ; Susan May, now a pupil in the high school; and Julia Foy, attending school. The parents live in what is known as the Riley addition to Atkinson, where in 1898 Mr. Black erected a very pretty home. He is a man who was compelled to rely upon himself for his success in the world and by his own efforts has acquired a comfortable living. His educational advantages having been somewhat limited he has spared no pains to give his children the best schooling within his power. Politically he is in sympathy with the prohibitionist party and is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen. Mrs. Black is a Royal Neighbor and both husband and wife belong to the Congregational church.

Ross W. Black received his education in the schools of Atkinson and was graduated from the high school with the class of 1899. Immediately upon the expiration of his own school days he engaged in teaching and during the two years he was connected with the schools of Henry county achieved success as a popular and progressive instructor, who possessed the faculty of endearing himself to his pupils. Subsequent to his experience as a teacher he took a course of one year at Brown's Business College at Davenport, Iowa, and then in 1905 began carrying the mail from Atkinson to the residents on route 2. Here again the amiable qualities of his personality came to the front and he has made a large number of friends, who are attracted by the heartiness of his greeting and courtesy of his bearing.

On the 30th of May, 1908, Mr. Black married Miss Emma Louisa Wahlert. She was born in Cornwall, Atkinson township, in 1880, and is a daughter of William and Johanna (Lehse) Wahlert. The parents were born in Schleswig- Holstein, Germany, between 1840 and 1850 and came to America in 1874, being three weeks in crossing the ocean. They settled first in Cornwall township, where the father engaged in farming, and then came to Atkinson, where he worked as a laborer and where he died about twenty-five years ago. The mother is still living in Atkinson at the age of sixty years. Of the children that were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wahlert, six are now living: Ernest, a mechanical engineer of Britt, Iowa; Lena, the wife of Robert Graham, of Atkinson, Illinois; Ameha, the widow of Machen Winters, who lives in Iowa with her four sons ; William Claus, also mechanical engineer of Britt ; Emma Louisa, now Mrs. Ross W. Black ; and James, who is a soldier in the Philippines. Mrs. Black attended the graded schools of Atkinson until she was twelve and then continued her education in the high school of Geneseo, from which she was graduated in 1899. She also engaged in teaching in the country schools of Henry county for three years and then took a two years' course in the Baptist Hospital and Training School, from which in 1904 she received her diploma as a trained nurse. For almost five years she practiced her profession in Annawan, Atkinson and Geneseo, and by her physicians was considered a very capable woman and one of the best nurses in this locality. A son, Henry Thomas, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Black, September 14, 1909.

Mr. and Mrs. Black are members of the Congregational church and the Royal Neighbors. They both possess to an unusual degree the capacity for making strong friendships and hold an enviable place in the hearts of the people of Atkinson. Politically Mr. Black is connected with the prohibition party.

Henry W. Ole

Henry W. Ole, who since 1908 has lived retired in Geneseo, was formerly actively identified with the agricultural interests of Henry county and is still the owner of a fine farm of eighty acres on section 5, Cornwall township. His birth occurred near Wells, Somersetshire, England, on the 3d of September, 1844, his parents being William and Jane (Poole) Ole. He received a fair education in the common schools but began providing for his own support at a very early age, working by the day or month as he found employment. When a young man of twenty-one he was married and soon afterward embarked on a steamer bound for American shores, arriving in the United States after an ocean voyage of fourteen days. Because of the fact that his wife had relatives living in Geneseo he made his way direct to this county and for the first two years following his arrival worked as a farm hand for a brother-in-law, while subsequently he was employed in that capacity by Joshua Harper for eleven years. On the expiration of that period, by dint of unremitting industry and close economy, he had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to purchase a farm of his own and in 1878 came into possession of eighty acres on section 5, Cornwall township, paying a little more than fifty dollars an acre for the property. Bending his energies to its further development, he soon brought the place under a high state of cultivation and improvement and annually garnered bounteous harvests that found a ready and profitable sale on the market. In 1908, having won a competence by reason of his well directed labors and capable management, he put aside the active work of the fields and has since lived retired in Geneseo.

On the 29th of March, 1866, in England, Mr. Ole was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Ward, a native of Somersetshire, by whom he had two children, namely: Edwin Maurice, who resides on his farm in Munson township; and Jennie Helena, who also lives in Munson township and is the wife of A. T. Lewis. The wife and mother passed away on the 3d of March, 1875, and on the nth of June, 1876, Mr. Ole was again married, his second union being with Miss Eunice Kewer, whose birth occurred in Onondaga county. New York, August 4, 1855. Her parents, John and Maria (Gay) Kewer, both of whom were natives of England, passed away in Michigan and New York, respectively. In the fall of 1857 Mrs. Ole was brought to Illinois by an aunt, Mrs. Susan Field, and it was in Geneseo that she gave her hand in marriage to our subject. Her children are two in number, as follows : Frank, who resides on the home farm in Cornwall township ; and Susan Alice, who lives at North English, Iowa, and is the wife of E. L. Hannon, by whom she has a son, Vincent L.

In his political views Mr. Ole is independent, always supporting the candidate whom he believes best qualified regardless of party affiliation. For nine years he did effective service for the cause of education as a school director and likewise acted as road commissioner for three years. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to America, for in this country he has found the opportunities which he sought and through their utilization has worked his way upward until he is now one of the substantial and respected citizens of his community, his life indicating what may be accomplished by determination and well directed energy.

Louis Verbeckmoes

One of the busiest business places in Atkinson is that which is known as the "up-to-date department store," of which Louis Verbeckmoes is the proprietor. A man of broad education and of wide experience, he has used his opportunities of advancing the welfare of this prosperous little city, as well as of promoting his individual interests. For a score of years he has been connected with the life of Atkinson. He was born near Antwerp, Belgium, in the year 1853, and is a son of Martin and Johanna (Smith) Verbeckmoes, both natives of Belgium, where the father was engaged in farming until his death. They were the parents of four children : Joseph, of Green Bay, Wisconsin ; Louis ; Frank, also of Green Bay, Wisconsin; and May, the wife of John Quatsoe, of Green Bay, Wisconsin. About seven years ago both father and mother passed away.

Louis Verbeckmoes received a good education in the land of his birth, in the college in Ghent. After his graduation in 1870 he came to America, settling upon a farm in Wisconsin, which remained his home for about twenty years. He came then to Atkinson, opening here a general store on State street. He soon built up a large trade, and in 1905 erected the substantial brick building, on Main and State streets, which is now a veritable bee-hive for industry. Complete in the many lines of stock exhibited and elegant in its appointments and in its facihties for the display of his merchandise, the "up-to-date department store" has won for itself a reputation that is not limited by the confines of the city of Atkinson. Courtesy, obligingness and fair-dealing on the part of the proprietor and the clerks, as much as the quality of goods displayed, insures the large patronage the store enjoys.

In 1882 Mr. Verbeckmoes was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Wyngaerd, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, but at the time residing in Green Bay, Wisconsin, whither she had gone with her parents when but a young girl. Her father and mother have both passed away, and are survived by five other children: Mrs. Verbeckmoes; Anthon and Alphons of Green Bay, Wisconsin; Barney, who was the third son; and Mrs. Christine Van DeVelde, who resides in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Verbeckmoes have five children, three born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and two in Atkinson. Arthur, the eldest, married Miss Gertie Rumler, and they have two children, Kenyon and Luretta. Kittie, is a graduate of St. Mary's Academy of Nauvoo, Illinois, and is now her father's bookkeeper. Joseph is a student of St. Bede's College, at Peru, Illinois. Maude and Frederick are pupils of the Atkinson schools. The family are members of the Catholic church and are devout in the performance of their religious duties. In their pretty home on Main street they enjoy the many comforts that are made possible through success in life. Well educated through books and through the great school of observation and experience, Mr. Verbeckmoes is broad minded and liberal in his views. He owes allegiance to no poHtical party, but after due consideration gives his vote and influence to, as he believes, the best candidate and measure. Generous and kind-hearted, he possesses in large degree the capacity for making friends, who, knowing him intimately, confirm the high opinion of him entertained by those who are acquainted with him only through their business dealings.

William Oliver

William Oliver is one of the most venerable citizens of Henry county. He has made his home in this district for so long a period and his life has been so honorable and upright in all its relations that no history of the district would be complete without extended reference to him. His birth occurred in Rossshire, Scotland, February 7, 1827, and when a lad of ten years he was brought to America, the family home being established in that section of Fulton county which later, by division, became Stark county. His father, Thomas Oliver, was a shepherd in Scotland but on crossing the Atlantic to the new world became a farmer, devoting many years to general agricultural pursuits. He died at the age of eightythree years, having long survived his wife, who passed away at the age of fiftyeight.

William Oliver was a lad of only ten years when he left the land of hills and heather for the western world, and his youthful days were passed in Stark county, the public schools aflfording him his educational privileges. He was reared, however, amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life. The

Black Hawk war had occurred only five years before the arrival of the family in Illinois and this entire section of the state was a wild pioneer district. The family settled on government land and there was little money in circulation, so that the people traded back and forth. William Oliver started to earn his own living as a chore boy, receiving ten cents per day but gradually his wages were increased until he was paid ten dollars a month for his services as a farm hand. In his early boyhood it seemed to him that he dropped all the corn in the neighborhood, a man following and covering the seed over with the hoe. This was not in plowed fields as we now plow but they were furrowed out and cross furrowed, the com being dropped at the junction. Four or five acres would be planted in this manner in a day. As previously stated, the Oliver family first settled in Stark county, living on the open prairie. Many of the early settlers from the east thought nobody could live on the prairie, especially in the winter, and a very large number of the early citizens settled around the creeks and in the timbered portions of the county and very naturally became afflicted with ague. The first winter which the family spent in the state was passed at Joliet. They purchased forty acres of timber land in Stark county and possession was to be given at a certain time but as the previous owners could not build other houses for their accommodation the parents of William Oliver, with their ten children, and a son-in-law and two other families, totaling twenty-two, lived in a log house eighteen by twenty feet, with a loft. In entering the land from the government it was necessary to go to Dixon, where the government ofiice was located. There was in that neighborhood one case of another man going in and entering his neighbor's land, which caused great commotion. An organization was formed for self protection in the community to keep out those who would jump claims. The early settlers had to pay from twenty to thirty per cent interest on money which they borrowed in order to purchase their land and pay for the necessary expense of its entry.

Mr. Oliver said land which he bought in later life at a cost of seventy-five dollars per acre was not nearly as hard to pay for as the first forty acres purchased through the efforts of other members of the family, who were working at ten cents per day. William Oliver's first farm, however, comprised one hundred and sixty acres, for which he paid less than a dollar per acre and the place is today easily worth one hundred and fifty dollars per acre. He accumulated six hundred and forty acres, which is still in the family. Success came to him as the years passed by, owing to his unfaltering diligence and determination. He also manifested keen discernment in making his investments and won a place among the wealthy families of the county. He arrived in Henry county in 1852, settling in Wethersfield township, where he devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits.

In April, 1854, William Oliver was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Trumbull, a native of Scotland. Her father farmed after coming to this country, although he, too, had been a shepherd in his native land. He settled with his family in Stark county, where he purchased and developed farms and both he and his wife lived to a ripe old age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Oliver were born ten children, all of whom reached years of maturity, while six are yet living : Thomas, a resident farmer of Henry county; Mary, the wife of Archie Turner, who fol- lows farming in Iowa; William, who also follows farming in that state; John H., a practicing physcian of Kewanee; Jane, the wife of Elmer S. Good, who is engaged in the furniture business in Kewanee; and Nellie, the wife of W. J. Chubb, a farmer, residing in Colorado.

After a busy and useful life covering many years, William Oliver retired from business and established his home in Wethersfield, where he is now living in the enjoyment of well earned rest, the fruits of his former toil being sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. For many years he served as school director and the cause of education finds in him a substantial friend, his efforts being effective in promoting the interests of the schools and raising the standard of education. He holds membership in the United Presbyterian church and has been an elder in the church for the past twelve or fifteen years. His life, honorable and upright in all of its purposes, has made him one of the valued citizens of the community, constituting his record an example that is well worthy of emulation. His mind forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. He can remember when almost this entire section of the state was an unclaimed and uncultivated property for only here and there had a little cabin been built to show that the work of civilization was begun and the seeds of progress planted. Mr. Oliver tells many interesting tales of the early days when wild game was plentiful and wolves and other wild animals were frequently seen. The homes of the settlers were mostly cabins, lighted by candles, while the cooking was done by the fireplace. He has lived to see remarkable changes and has always rejoiced in the progress made by the county.

Lawrence Charles Johnson

Lawrence Charles Johnson, a well known and prominent citizen of Galva, his native town, has continuously served as notary public since 1893 and is also identified with the abstract and fire insurance business. He was born on the 6th of December, 1868, a son of Swan P. and Mary (Swanson) Johnson, both of whom were natives of Sweden. The paternal grandfather and grandmother passed away when well advanced in years. Olof Swanson, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was likewise born in Sweden but in 1854 established his home in this country. He passed away in Dayton, Webster county, Iowa, at a ripe old age. His wife, Mrs. Anna Swanson, also lived to be very old. They had a family of six children, two of the sons enlisting in the Union Army and giving up their lives for their adopted country.

Swan P. Johnson, the father of Lawrence C. Johnson, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1857 and at once made his way to Galva, this county. The lady who afterward became his wife took up her abode in Galva soon after the year 1854. He was actively and successfully engaged in the merchant tailoring business at Galva until the time of his demise in February, 1893, when he had attained the age of fifty-five years. At the time of the Civil war he loyally fought for the interests of the Union as a private of Company D, Seventeenth

Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for about two years. He was taken prisoner at Holly Springs, Mississippi, but was soon afterward paroled. He gave his poHtical allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and took an active and helpful interest in all matters pertaining to the public welfare. His wife, surviving him for more than a decade, was called to her final rest in May, 1903, when sixty-three years of age. She was a devoted and faithful member of the Congregational church and was the mother of three children, one son and two daughters, as follows: Mary L., the deceased wife of M. M. Keeler, of Galesburg, dying in January, 1904; Lawrence C, of this review; and Emma A., who died in January, 1894.

Lawrence C. Johnson was reared and educated in the place of his nativity, completing the high-school course by graduation in 1885. He then took a course in the Davenport Business College and in 1887, after leaving that institution, entered his father's tailoring establishment. In 1890 he was admitted to a partnership in the concern and soon after his father's death, in 1893, became sole proprietor of the business, which he successfully conducted until 1907, when he sold out. Early in the following year he disposed of the handsome stone front block at the head of Front street, which he had erected in 1895 and in which he conducted his business and on the site of which his father before him had been in active business since the Civil war. This building occupies the site of Mr. Johnson's birth and is now the elegant home of the Yocum Bank. As before stated he has continuously held the office of notary public since 1893 - a fact which stands in incontrovertible evidence of his faithfulness and capability in the discharge of his duties, and with the exception of two years has been school treasurer since 1892. In 1908-9 he erected a handsome and modern office building on Main street at the north end of Exchange street, and the first floor of this he occupies as his office in connection with Judge A. E. Bergland. He has decided to devote his time and energies to the practice of law in the future and is now studying with that end in view.

On the nth of June,i89i, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Clara Louise Seely, a native of Galva, Illinois, and a daughter of Isaac B. and Ann E. (Whittemore) Seely, who were married in Galva, Illinois, January 11, 1857, and were the parents of five children, as follows : Joel W., born April 16, 1858, died March 13, 1859; Whitfield W., born October 10, 1866, died August 25, 1883; Mary E., born October 3, 1870; died January 9, 1876; Clara Louise, now Mrs, Johnson, was born March 25, 1872; and Edward Isaac, born January 15, 1876, was accidently drowned August 2, 1901. Mr. Seely was born in Orange county. New York, June 22, 1825, and came to Galva in 1856, where he conducted a drug business until his death, May 10, 1879. His ancestors for several generations back were residents of New York.

Ann E. (Whittemore) Seely was born February 10, 1838, at Enfield, Sullivan county. New Hampshire, and comes of Revolutionary stock, being a daughter of Joel Whittemore and Rachel Rebekah (Brown) Whittemore. Joel Whittemore died in 1855 and was a son of Peter Whittemore, who served in the Revolutionary war and was with Washington at Valley Forge. Rachel Rebekah (Brown) Whittemore died in Galva, Illinois, April 20, 1904, at the advanced age of ninetytwo years, eight months and three days, having resided in Illinois since 185 1. She was born in Andover, New Hampshire, August 17, 181 1, and was a daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Huntoon) Brown, and Jonathan Brown's father served as a recruiting officer at his own expense in the Revolution and the state of New Hampshire afterward gave him a portion of land to reimburse him. Mrs. Seely still resides in Galva and holds a high place in the hearts of its citizens.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are now the parents of five children : Amy S., born September 30, 1892; Alice H., born September 5, 1894; Whitfield W., born March 25, 1897; Marian R., born September 13, 1900; and Edward L., born November 4, 1902.

Politically Mr. Johnson is a stalwart advocate of the republican party and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to various positions of pubic trust. He acted as town clerk for several terms, was also a member of the board of education and of the city council, and is now serving as school treasurer. He belongs to Galva Lodge, No. 243, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master, and takes a keen interest in all things pertaining to Masonry throughout the state and has been active in the Grand Lodge of Illinois. For four years he was junior grand deacon, has been a grand lecturer since 1900, and is now a member of the board of grand examiners, composed of five members who teach the work, holding schools of instruction throughout the state. He is also a member of Kewanee Chapter, No. 47, R. A. M. ; Kewanee Commandery^ No. 71, K. T. ; and Mohammed Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Peoria. Both he and his wife belong to the Eastern Star, being members of Galva Chapter, No. 57. Their religious faith is indicated by their membership in the Baptist church, in which Mr. Johnson is serving as trustee and treasurer, Mrs. Johnson as organist, while the two oldest daughters are members of the choir. His well spent life, characterized by all that is honorable in business and straightforward in his relation with his fellowmen, has brought him the uniform respect of all with whom he has come in contact.

William Richard Winter

One of the well improved and thoroughly modern farms of Cornwall township is that of three hundred and twenty acres on section 24, owned and operated by William Richard Winter. One of the native sons of Henry county, he was bom in Annawan township, March i, i860, his parents being George and Mary (Gash) Winter. Both were born in Lincolnshire, England, were reared upon farms and there united in marriage May 13, 1859. Shortly after that date they started upon their journey to America, and after six weeks upon the ocean landed at New York, whence they came direct to Henry county, as two of Mr. Winter's brothers, Charles and John, were already living here. Upon arriving here Mr. Winter secured work at chopping wood for fifty cents a day and later herded sheep for Mr. Rider. He was frugal as well as industrious, and it was but a short time before he was able to buy some land and engage in farming for himself. Soon he owned one hundred and thirty acres, for which he had paid ten dollars an acre, and when his financial success warranted he bought one hundred and fifty acres more, for forty-five dollars an acre. This large tract now constitutes the farm on which his son lives and thereon he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring September 8, 1899. His wife had passed away September 28, 1891. They were members of the Episcopal church, having been reared in that faith, while in his political views Mr. Winter adhered to the republican party. He was loyal to the country of his adoption and ever interested in advancing the welfare of the community in which he lived, although he never participated in public affairs. The hope that led him to seek a home in America was more than realized, and his last years were attended with many comforts and the esteem of a large circle of acquaintances.

William Richard Winter, who was the only son born to his parents, enjoyed the educational privileges afforded by the district school near his home, while even as a boy he was initiated into farm work. He remained with his father until his marriage, when he assumed the management of the property. Later it came to him as an inheritance and he has since carried on his agricultural labors so carefully and systematically that they have brought him a large measure of success. He was able to add forty acres to the tract his father had secured, his three hundred and twenty acres affording him not only spacious arable fields for the cultivation of cereals, but also large pastures for the stock he raises and feeds for the market. He has made many improvements upon the place, the good bam he built in 1904 and the large house in 1909. deserving especial mention. Both were constructed upon thoroughly modem plans and are equipped with many conveniences, including gas light throughout.

In Kewanee, Henry county, Illinois, on the i8th of February, 1891, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Winter and Miss Priscilla Plumbtree. She was born in Sheffield township. Bureau county, this state, November 27, 1863, a daughter of Elijah and Sophia (Bowles) Plumbtree. Her father was a native of Cambridgeshire, England, and came to America first when about fourteen years of age. After about a year he returned to his home accompanied by his two brothers, but was not content to live in the old country and accordingly when sixteen, came to the United States the second time. He located in New York state where he found employment on a dairy farm and in a cheese factory, and later removing to Lockport, that state, met and married, April 15, 1856, Miss Sophia Bowles. She was born in London, England, and was a maid of ten when she went to Canada with her parents, who later removed to New York. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Plumbtree came west to Illinois, settling first in Princeton, where he conducted a meat market, and later removed to Shefiield township, Bureau county, where he engaged in farming. Subsequently he leased his land and undertook coal mining, to which he devoted himself as long as he was able. He is now living retired in Kewanee, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years, while his wife has passed the seventy-fourth milestone on life's journey. They were the parents of eleven children, nine of whom are living. Politically Mr. Plumbtree is a stanch republican and in his religion a strict adherent of Methodism, while his wife is equally consistent in her allegiance to the Episcopalian faith.

Mr. and Mrs. Winter have had three children. William Clausen died in infancy. Ethel Jane was born on the home farm, February 17, 1893, and is now in her second year in the Geneseo Collegiate Institute. Elijah, who was also born on the home farm, June 30, 1897, is likewise a sophomore in the Geneseo Collegiate Institute.

Mr. Winter has always been allied with the republican party politically, and while not an aspirant for office he has served efficiently as school director for a number of years. His life has been that of an energetic farmer, who carefully tills the soil, utilizing such modern, progressive and scientific methods as produce the best results in the raising of crops, and the success which is his is well merited.

Jared Heber Smith

Jared Heber Smith, an enterprising farmer of Osco township, who in addition to the cultivation of the soil is extensively engaged in raising, feeding and shipping stock, owns and occupies a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 23. He was born on the 9th of March, 1870, just across the road from his present home, his parents being Jared Hemingway and Mary E. (Knowles) Smith, who are represented on another page of this volume. He spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the old home farm and in addition to the training received in the district schools benefited by two years' instruction in the high school at Cambridge and a year's study in the Geneseo Collegiate Institute and by further training in Bryant & Stratton Business College in Chicago. He had almost completed his course in the last named institution when he obtained a position as clerk in a wholesale house in that city and remained in the employ of the firm for about a year, after which he returned to his farm to assist his father. He has since given his attention to general agricultural pursuits and is a representative of that progressive spirit which has been particularly manifest in agricultural circles in the last quarter of a century. In 1896 Mr. Smith married and purchased of his father eighty acres of land, for which he paid eighty dollars an acre. He has since extended the boundaries of his farm by additional purchase and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres in Osco township and owns in addition three hundred and twenty acres in Wilkin county, Minnesota. That tract, like his farm in Henry county, is under a high state of cultivation.

On the 17th of June, 1896, in Grace church in Osco township, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Minnie May Hadley, who was born in Osco township. May 23, 1877, and is a daughter of David and Julia (Gillett) Hadley. Her girlhood days were spent in her parents' home and during that period she acquired a good education in the public schools. Eight children have been born of this marriage: Jared Heber, born April 8, 1897; Julian David, April 28, 1898; Thorwald Hadley, November 10, 1899; Frederick George, December 10, 1901 ; Richard Knowles, June 17, 1903; Majorie May, January 2, 1905; Janice Minerva, October 13, 1906; and Ruth Elizabeth, July 25, 1908.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith are devoted members of Grace Episcopal church, in which Mr. Smith is serving as a vestryman. Politically he is a republican, with firm faith in the principles of the party but without desire for political office. He has served, however, as school trustee and is interested in progressive movements whereby the material, intellectual and moral advancement of the community is promoted. He enjoys pleasant relations with his brethren of the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Cambridge Lodge, No. 49, A. F. & A. M. His has been a well spent life in which energy, industry and determination have enabled him to overcome all obstacles and difficulties in his path and work his way steadily upward. He is now numbered among the representative farmers of Osco township and as a citizen holds high rank.

John Myers

John Myers, who since 1897 has conducted a dry goods and clothing establishment at Galva, is numbered among the worthy native sons of this county, his birth having occurred near Galva on the loth of September, 1865. His parents, Fred and Mary (Healey) Myers, were natives of Pennsylvania and Ireland respectively. The father, who was left an orphan when still very young, became an agriculturist by occupation. He took up his abode at Galva, this county, in 1854 and there continued to reside until called to his final rest, being engaged in various pursuits. He did active service as a soldier during the entire period of the Civil war, being a private in the Fifty-seventh Illinois Cavalry. His demise occurred in 1907, when he had attained the ripe old age of seventy-eight years, and his loss was deeply mourned throughout the community in which he had made his home for more than a half century. He was a faithful communicant of the Catholic church, to which his widow also belongs. The latter still survives at the age of seventy-four years. Mr. Myers of this review had but one brother, Fred, who died in infancy.

John Myers was reared in Galva and attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education. On putting aside his text-books he began clerking for Messrs. Stoddard and Larson and after die latter purchased Mr. Stoddard's interest, he remained in the employ of Mr. Larson for a period of sixteen years. In 1897, believing that his long experience and familiarity with mercantile interests justified him in embarking in business on his own account, he opened a dry goods and clothing store on the south side. Though he established the enterprise on a small scale, it has steadily grown year by year until he now has an extensive patronage and employs several clerks to assist him in the conduct of the business.

On the loth of February, 1909. Mr. Myers was united in marriage to Mrs. C. W. Olberg, the widow of Louis Olberg, of Camp Point, Illinois. She is a native of Knox county, IlHnois, and her parents, Peter and Christine (Norquist) Osterberg, were born in Sweden. They became early settlers of Knox county, Illinois, and there passed away. Their children were three in number, namely: Fred, who is now deceased; Gus, a resident of Knox county; and Mrs. Myers.

Mr. Myers gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy but has no desire for the honors and emoluments of office, preferring to devote his undivided attention to his business affairs. Fraternally he has been identified with the Improved Order of Red Men for twenty years, and his wife is a consistent and faithful member of the Presbyterian church. Having spent his entire Hfe in this locality, he has a wide acquaintance and his salient characteristics are such as have gained for him the friendly regard and good will of all with whom he has been associated through either business or social relations.

William S. Weimer

William S. Weimer, who devotes his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits, is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section ii, Geneseo township. His birth occurred on the 9th of August, 1869, his parents being Samuel and Catherine (Neiswender) Weimer, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. The father was a farmer by occupation and remained a respected and worthy resident of Henry county until called to his final rest in February, 1899. In politics he was a democrat. His wife has also passed away, her demise occurring on the 7th of April, 1896. They became the parents of seven children, six of whom still survive, as follows : Ella, who is the wife of Byron Beers and resides in Atkinson township; Matilda, who gave her hand in marriage to William Neiswender, of Geneseo; William S., of this review ; Isabelle, who is the wife of Alden McHenry and makes her home in Phenix township ; Pearl, who is the wife of Arthur Townley, of Hanna township ; and Delia, who wedded William Hannon and resides in South English, Iowa.

William S. Weimer obtained his education in the Jackson school and remained with his father until two years after his marriage, assisting in the cultivation of the home farm and thus becoming thoroughly familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and planting the crops. In February, 1899, he took up his abode on the farm where his wife had been born and reared, the place consisting of one hundred and twenty acres on section 11, Geneseo township. Here he has since carried on his agricultural interests with gratifying success, the fields annually yielding golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them.

On the 1st of February, 1893, Mr. Weimer was united in marriage to Miss Celia Burgeson, who was born in Geneseo township on the 30th of June, 1874, her parents being Jonas and Anna Marie (Swanson) Burgeson, natives of Sweden. The father, whose birth occurred October 5, 1821, came to Henry county. Illinois, in August, 1856, and here followed farming until called to his final rest on the 23d of November, 1888. During the period of the Civil war he loyally defended the interests of the Union as a member of a regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, while fraternally he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Both he and his wife were devoted and consistent members of the Swedish Lutheran church, and their remains were interred in the Geneseo township cemetery. Mrs. Burgeson, who survived her husband for two decades, was born on the 27th of December, 1831, and passed away April 7, 1908. During the last six years of her life she was confined to her bed as the result of a paralytic stroke and her cheerfulness and patience during this trying period proved a source of inspiration to those who ministered to her wants. She was the mother of ten children, eight of whom reached years of maturity, namely: Hannah, whose birth occurred December 25, 1858, and who now resides in Montana with her brother Jacob; Burg, who was born on the 2d of September, i860, and who makes his home with our subject; Abraham, whose natal day was March 6, 1862, and who passed away December 31, 1895; Isaac, who was born November 6, 1864, and lives in Washington; Jacob, born December 22, 1866, who makes his home in Montana; Bertha, who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 25th of April, 1869, and who gave her hand in marriage to Edward Johnson, of Chicago; Samuel, who died in infancy ; and Mrs. Weimer. All of the above named were natives of Geneseo township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Weimer were born five children, as follows: John, who died in infancy; Laura Anna, whose birth occurred January 3, 1901 ; Ruth Orvilla, whose natal day was September 13, 1903; Dorothy M., who was born July 15, 1903; and Spencer Andrew, born September 27, 1909. They also have an adopted son, Richard, whose birth occurred in Geneseo township on the 26th of January, 1895, and whom they have reared from the age of fourteen months. The lad was a son of Abraham and Pauline (Lidque) Burgeson, his father being a brother of Mrs. Weimer.

Mr. Weimer is a republican in politics and is now serving as a school director, the cause of education ever finding in him a stanch champion. Fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen and the Knights of the Globe. Both he and his wife belong to the Grace Evangelical church and exemplify its teachings in their daily lives. They have a host of warm friends throughout the county in which they have always resided and are widely recognized as people of genuine personal worth. Mr. Weimer well merits the proud American title of a self-made man, for the success which he now enjoys is directly attributable to his own enterprise and energy.

H. J. Vance

In the few months that he has been in Atkinson H. J. Vance has proved himself one of the most energetic young business men of the town and under his management the store of Frank Hyman & Company, clothiers, bids fair to become one of the best of its kind in the county. He was born in La Salle county, Illinois, April 26, 1876, and is a son of J. R. and Anna (Jones) Vance. The father, who was of Pennsylvanian nativity, came to Illinois about forty years ago, locating in Ottawa, where he pursued farming. He died in 1896, four years after his wife had passed away. Only two children were born to them. The daughter, Sarah, is the wife of William J. Bigger, of Kansas City, Missouri.

H. J. Vance received a good education, for after he had completed the course in the public schools, he attended the Ottawa Business College. His lessons over, he embarked upon his commercial career. For three years he clerked in the clothing store of Fisk & Beem in Ottawa, and then, in 1898, he went to

Streator, Illinois, where he obtained employment in Stauber's pants factory. He next went to Kewanee as a clerk in a clothing store. His abilities recommended him to the clothing firm of Frank Hyman & Company, of Kewanee, and they sent him, in January, 1908, to open and manage their branch store in Atkinson, It is the only concern here which handles exclusively men's furnishings, and it aims to meet, the requirements of the most fastidious tastes. They carry a complete line of everything that is necessary for perfect masculine attire and keep abreast of the styles popular in the large cities. The stock is kept fresh and replenished and the manager is untiring in procuring the satisfaction of every customer.

On the 15th of September, 1905, Mr. Vance wedded Miss Mary Carlson, of Princeton, Illinois, a daughter of Magnus and Christine Carlson. The father had passed away, but the mother is still living in Princeton. They were the parents of six other children : Minnie, now Mrs. Honstehan, of Joliet, Illinois ; Esther, the wife of Ed Thore, of Princeton ; Albert, who also lives in Princeton ; August, engaged in railroad construction in Montana; Lee, who lives in Seattle, Washington; and Arthur, who is in a clothing business in Princeton, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Vance have two daughters : Frances, who was bom in Kewanee, August 27, 1907; and Margaret, born April 27, 1909.

Of tried experience before he assumed his present position, Mr. Vance gives every indication of living up to the high hopes that were placed in him by the firm that has established a branch of their business here. The store fills a long felt want in the community and seems in every way fitted to meet the demands made upon it. These are constantly increasing, due both to the up-to-date methods of the manager and the spread of its fame by well pleased patrons.

Dr. Hugh Wallace Bailey, a veterinary surgeon of Orion, has become recognized as a man of ability in his chosen calling, who through the exercise of his native talents has become very successful in the practice of his profession. One of Illinois' native sons, he was born near Coal Valley, Rock Island county, on the 26th of January, 1872, and is a son of James and Margaret (Warnock) Bailey. Both parents were born in County Down, Ireland, and came to America with their parents in the year 1849. The Bailey and Warnock families sailed on the same vessel from the old country, landing in New York after a voyage of eleven weeks, and then together went to Bufifalo by way of the Erie canal and thence to Chicago by the lakes. From that city they traveled overland to Rock Island county, where the homes of both families were established, and where the grandfathers of our subject, Robert Bailey and John Warnock, were both engaged in the occupation of farming. In the Warnock family were six sons and two daughters, while the Bailey family consisted of three sons and one daughter who grew to maturity and twin daughters who passed away in infancy.

James Bailey, the father of Dr. Bailey, also engaged in farming in Rock Island county, in which line of activity he was very successful, becoming a large landowner. He and his father-in-law, John Warnock, were the first to introduce into that county thoroughbred Durham cattle, and both became very extensive breeders, their stock becoming widely known throughout the district, being in great demand for breeding purposes. They were both republicans in politics and were very active and prominent in community affairs, especially Mr. Warnock, who was supervisor of Rural township for many years. Mr. Bailey was a prominent and faithful member of the United Presbyterian church, in which he served as elder for a number of years, and was also an active worker in the Sunday school, being a man of excellent character and high and honorable principles, who enjoyed the unqualified respect and regard of all who were associated with him in business or private life. He passed away on the i6th of August, 1897, his remains being interred in the Homestead church cemetery near his old home. His widow still survives and is a most estimable lady, greatly admired and loved by all who know her. In their family were eight children, all of whom still survive, namely: Mary E., at home; Anna, principal of a school at Moline, Illinois; William W., practicing medicine at LeClaire, Iowa; Jennie, who married Rolland Metzler and makes her home on the old home farm in Rock Island county ; John W., who is married and carries on farming near Coal Valley ; Hugh Wallace, of this review; Ella, the wife of Roy Ferguson, a prominent farmer of Western township ; and Bessie, a teacher in the Henry county schools.

No event of special importance came to vary the routine of life for Hugh Wallace Bailey during the period of his boyhood and youth, which was spent in Rock Island county, amid the scenes and environments of rural life. He spent his time in the usual manner of the country lads of that day, acquiring his early education in the district schools near his home. He remained under the parental roof, giving his father the benefit of his assistance in the work of the home farm, until he attained his majority, when he started out in business life on his own account as a farmer. He was married when about twenty-five years of age, after which he purchased a farm in Rural township. Rock Island county, and there carried on general farming for a number of years. He also became an extensive raiser and breeder of thoroughbred Hereford cattle, in which he was eminently successful. He was thus engaged until 1906 when, thinking a professional life would be more congenial if not more profitable, he went to Chicago, where he became a student in the McKilHp Veterinary College. During the periods of vacation he established himself in his profession in Orion, Henry county, and immediately upon his graduation, which occurred in March, 1909, took up a permanent location in this city and has since been engaged in the practice of his chosen calling here. He maintains a hospital for the treatment of all kinds of animal diseases and although he has been here but a short time, he has already built up a large practice among the farmers and stockmen of the community in Henry, Mercer, and Rock Island counties, which is constantly growing in volume and importance. He makes a specialty of animal dentistry and in this line has been very successful, his reputation as a careful, capable and efficient practitioner extending over a wide territory.

On the 25th of August, 1897, Dr. Bailey was united in marriage to Miss Jennie S. Wilson, a daughter of John A. and Jennie (Scott) Wilson, of Rock Island county, Illinois, both parents being natives of the Prairie state. The father is a son of Judge Wilson, who for many years was judge of Rock Island county and a most benevolent gentleman, befriending the wives and widows of the soldiers during the time of the Civil war. John A. Wilson was for a number of years an extensive and successful farmer of Rock Island county, also carrying on stock-raising on a very large scale. He was well known in public circles, being a very prominent and influential factor in community aflfairs. A democrat in politics, he was surpervisor of Rural township for a longer time than any other man. He and his wife still survive and make their home on their ranch near Emmet, Nebraska. They are the parents of four daughters and two sons, Jennie Saria, the wife of Dr. Bailey, being the only member of the family living in Henry county. The entire Wilson family are musical in their taste, Mrs. Wilson being a very accomplished musician, while a daughter, Alma E., is an instructor of music in the Leonard-Wilson School of Music in Chicago and also a vocal teacher in the Cosmopolitan School of Music & Dramatic Art in that city. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Bailey have been born three daughters, Elta M., Jennie Lucille and Helen W., all of whom are yet in school. They all seem to inherit considerable musical ability from their mother, who is very proficient in that art, and they will be given thorough advanced training in both music and literature.