Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1910 (part 5 of 32)

Carl J. Johnson

Carl J. Johnson, successfully carrying on farming and stock-raising on an excellent farm in Weller township, is one of those representative American citizens who claim Sweden as the place of their nativity, and who have found, on this side of the Atlantic, opportunity for advancement and progress in business lines. His birth occurred in Smoland, Sweden, on the 26th of November, 1856, his parents being J. P. and Anna L. (Samuelson) Johnson, both natives of the same place, where they were reared and married. The father was a farmer in the old country and came to America in 1880, locating in Altona, Knox county, Illinois, where he continued to reside up to the time of his death, passing away in the winter of 1902. His wife still survives at the age of seventy-eight years and makes her home in Altona.

Reared to manhood in his native land, Carl J. Johnson attended the public schools of Sweden in the acquirement of his education, and later followed agricultural pursuits until twenty-two years of age, when ^le decided to come to the new world, rumors having reached him concerning the greater opportunities for business advancement here offered. Consequently in 1878 he bade adieu to home and friends and sailed for America, coming direct to Illinois. He located in Altona, Knox county, where he was engaged as a farm hand for about five years, when he went to Kansas and there took up a homestead claim. This made it necessary for him to spend a portion of each year upon the claim, which he continued to do for five years, the greater part of the time, however, being spent in working in Denver. At the end of eight years he returned to

Altona and later leased a farm of eighty acres, which he operated for one year. He then came to his present farm in the spring of 1892, leasing one hundred and sixty acres. Later he leased eighty acres adjoining his original tract, so that he now leases an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres located on section 34, Weller township, Henry county. Almost all of the land is improved and under a high state of cultivation, and in connection with his general farming he engages in stock-raising, having on hand on an average of fifty head of cattle and from sixty to seventy-five head of hogs. He possesses good business ability and conducts his affairs in a strictly up-to-date and progressive manner, so that with the passing of the years he has been very successful and now occupies a place among the prosperous and substantial agriculturists of the township.

It was on the 19th of March, 1901, in Galesburg, Illinois, that Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Ida Bolano, a daughter of John Bolano, a well known farmer residing near Altona. He is a member of the Congregational church of Altona and also takes an active part in the social affairs of the Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson hold membership in the Swedish Lutheran church of Altona, while politically he gives stalwart support to the republican party. He is public spirited in his citizenship, closely identified with the interests of Henry county, and although born across the waters, is thoroughly x^merican in thought and feeling. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to this country, for here, where individual effort is unhampered by caste or class, he has found the opportunities which he sought and has made steady advancement in the business world.

Thomas Porter Liken

One of Geneseo's most genial and companionable gentlemen is Thomas Porter Liken, whose habit of seeing the humor in a situation and whose appreciation of those qualities which go to make up the sum of human happiness rendei; him popular with his many friends. He is now living retired, enjoying a rest which he has surely earned and richly deserves. He was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, November 20, 1846, and is a son of Thomas and Sarah Ann (Sands) Liken. The father was bom in Ireland and was only four years of age when brought to America, the family home being established in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. There resided Sarah Ann Sands and after the two had attained adult age they were united in marriage. In the year 1865 the father brought his family to Henry county, Illinois, and engaged in farming near Geneseo. He became a prominent and influential resident of the district, exercising a controlling influence in political and church circles and in regard to public affairs. He voted with the republican party, of which he was a stalwart champion. He served as school director and the cause of education found in him a stanch advocate. Both he and his wife were devoted members of the Presbyterian church, in which he filled the position of elder. They died within a year of each other, passing away about thirteen years ago, their remains be- ing interred in Geneseo cemetery. The father came here before the railroads had been built through the town, the line extending only to LaSalle. His brother, John Liken, was a soldier in the Civil war and died in Andersonville prison. He also bought land in Geneseo before any road went through, and from LaSalle he hauled the timber used in the building of his house. His land consisted of eighty acres and is now in possession of Thomas P. Liken. The cheapest land which Thomas Liken, the father, purchased was bought at ten dollars per acre and now is worth two hundred and fifty dollars per acre. All that he had at the time of his death was probably worth one hundred and fifty dollars per acre. The house which Mr. Liken secured was purchased from Mr. Van Valkenburg, a former merchant of Geneseo, and although it was erected more than fifty years ago, with few alterations it is just as it stood originally, being surrounded by majestic trees in the midst of a spacious and handsome lawn. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Liken were the following children: WilHam A., the eldest, enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was killed at Petersburg June i8, 1864, his remains being taken back to Pennsylvania for burial. Florence is the wife of Pomeroy Hoffman, who lives in Los Angeles, California. Thomas P. is the next in the family. John F. is living at Gray, Iowa, and Samuel makes his home in Geneseo.

Thomas Porter Liken acquired his education in the public schools of Pennsylvania and of Geneseo, being about eighteen years old when his parents removed to the latter place. After putting aside his text-books he assisted his father on the home farm until he attained his majority and then began farming for himself, taking up the task of tilling the fields upon one of the places belonging to his father. As his financial resources increased he bought property and from time to time would add an eighty-acre tract to his holdings until he became the possessor of four hundred and six acres of valuable land in Munson township, together with half a section in Minnesota. For a long period he busily engaged in cultivating his farm but at length resolved to enjoy in well earned retirement the fruits of his former toil and in 1896 removed to Geneseo, where he purchased a commodious and beautiful modem residence on Mechanic street. The home is in fine condition and stands in the midst of a beautiful and well kept lawn. For nine years after his removal to the city he employed a hired man and went back and forth to the farm, to which he gave personal supervision and on which he successfully engaged in raising stock. He now has a son on the place and has rented all of his land save one hundred acres which his son cultivates.

On the 28th of December, 1871, Mr. Liken was married to Miss Rachel Victoria Hill, who was born in West Virginia in 1850, a daughter of William T: and Elizabeth Hill, both of whom were natives of the Old Dominion, whence they came to Illinois, when their daughter was four years of age. They were farming people of Henry county, and Mr. Hill was closely identified with its agricultural development for a long period. Both he and his wife are now deceased. In their family were fourteen children, of whom two have passed away. The others are: John, who enlisted from Illinois as a soldier of the Civil war and was killed in battle; J. D., a resident of Geneseo; Elizabeth, who is now Mrs. Dugdale and lives in Geneseo; Mrs. Liken; George, whose home is in Chicago; Mary, the wife of Adam Young, of Kansas; James, who is in Nebraska; Jennie, who is located at Cambridge. Illinois; Stephen, whose home is in Nebraska; Stella, the widow of William Lane, of Des Moines, Iowa; Ed, who is also located in Des Moines ; and Dock, of Iowa.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Liken have been born five children and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. William Edward, the eldest, is a graduate of Geneseo Collegiate Institute and lives upon his father's farm. Maud, who is the widow of Joseph Combs, lives with her brother William and has one son, Herbert, now nine years of age. Clyde, who married Miss Bessie Childs, of Knoxville, Illinois, is now practicing dentistry, for having graduated from the Geneseo Collegiate Institute, he attended Knox College at Galesburg, a school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the Chicago Dental College. Myrtle, who is a graduate of the Collegiate Institute of Geneseo, is the wife of Dixon Shaw, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, an employe in a bank. She lives near the birthplace of her father and has one son, Dixon, now in his first year. Grace May, the youngest of the family, is a graduate of the Geneseo high school,

Mr. Liken gives his political allegiance to the republican party at times but is quite independent in his views in politics. He is a prominent and valued member of the Presbyterian church, in which he has served as elder, and he has also been a trustee of the Collegiate Institute, acting in that capacity for several years. He was also its treasurer for two years and has been a school director for several years. His wife is likewise a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Liken belongs to the Odd Fellows Society and he and his wife are both connected with the Daughters of Rebekah. Mr. Liken is always genial and jovial in manner, is droll in his speech and courteous in his disposition, and these qualities have made him very popular throughout the county where he is widely known.

Clinton F. Luther

Clinton F. Luther, who since 1904 has served continuously as justice of the peace and notary public in Geneseo, was born in Yorktown township, this county, on the 25th of October, 1869. He is descended from German ancestry. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Luther, was born August i, 1788, in the kingdom of Byre, Germany, and thence emigrated to America, sailing on the 20th of June, 1822, and reaching the shores of the new world on the 22d of September, after a voyage of three months. He took up his abode in Warren county, Pennsylvania. In his native land he had learned the shoemaker's trade and while still a resident of Germany had served as one of the great Napoleon's bodyguards for seven years. After coming to America he lived for a time in the east and then removed to Illinois, where both he and his wife spent their remaining days. He died at the age of seventy-one years, his remains being laid to rest in the Geneseo cemetery, while the grave of his wife, who passed away at the age of fifty-eight years, was made in Lake county, Illinois. They had a family of six sons and four daugh- ters: Jacob; George; Peter; John; William; David; Mrs. Emeline Ott; Mrs. Mary Wolf; Mrs. Betsey Wilmott; and Louisa, who became the wife of Jacob Goemble.

Of this family John J. Luther, the father of our subject, was born in the Empire state and in his youthful days learned and followed the cabinetmaker's trade. When a young man he became a resident of Long Grove, Lake county, Illinois, where he followed his trade for seventeen years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Henry county, where he devoted the remainder of his life to general agricultural pursuits, making his home in Yorktown township, where he owned one hundred acres of rich and productive land, pleasantly located near the village of Hooppole. There his death occurred November 9, 1900, when he had reached the age of seventy-eight years and ten months. His wife survived him for a few years and died in Hooppole, February 16, 1905, at the age of seventy-six years and two months. Mrs. Luther bore the maiden name of Mary U. Fehlman and was born in Alsace-Lorraine when that district was under French dominion. She was a daughter of Martin Fehlman, also a native of Alsace-Lorraine and of German parentage. He married Barbara Erb, who was born in Alsace and died at an advanced age, while the death of Mr. Fehlman occurred when he was seventy-one years of age. Their family numbered five children, Martin, Christian, Saloma, Helen and Mary. The last named became the wife of John J. Luther and for many years they traveled life's journey happily together. Mrs. Luther had come with her parents from France in her girlhood days and the family home was established at Long Grove, Lake county, Illinois, where on the i8th of April, 1846, she gave her hand in marriage to John J. Luther. They were both members of the German Evangelical church and Mr. Luther, active in community affairs, was called to serve in various local offices. In their family were the following children : John J. ; Sarah, the wife of George Engle ; Martin ; William D. ; Mary A., the wife of Edward E. Smith; Louisa B., the wife of A. -Miller; Hannah M., deceased, who remained unmarried; Daniel E. ; Rosetta A., the wife of George Hofifman ; Irvin E. ; Clinton F. ; and Laura Josephine, who became the wife of John Rensch.

Clinton F. Luther, whose name introduces this review, was reared on the old homestead farm in Henry county and after acquiring his early education in the district schools entered the Northwestern Normal, where he completed his more specifically literary studies. He afterward engaged in teaching school for several years and then read law in the office of Judge George E. White for two years. On account of failing eyesight, however, he was obliged to abandon his preparation for the bar and turn his attention to commercial pursuits, becoming connected with the furniture and undertaking business. He also spent five years in the newspaper business at Walnut and at Sheffield. In 1904, he was elected justice of the peace in Geneseo and has served in that capacity continuously since and also as notary public. His decisions are strictly fair and impartial, being based upon the law and the equity in the case, and have won for him "golden opinions from all sorts of people."

On the 23d of June, 1896, Mr. Luther was married to Miss Nina D. Withrow, who was born in Phenix township, Henry county, Illinois, and is a daughter of John W. and Arvilla (Allen) Withrow. Mr. and Mrs. Luther have two children,

Francis Allen and John W. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Luther affiliates with Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M., and Geneseo Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and he is loyal to any cause which it espouses. His long residence in this county has made him widely known, while his sterling traits of character have gained for him the high regard which is uniformly given him.

Nicholas Jay Demerath

Nicholas Jay Demerath is prominently connected with that profession which has important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of any section or community and one which 4ias long been considered as conserving the public welfare by furthering the ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. In 1903 he entered upon the practice of law at Kewanee, where his ability has brought to him a large clientage of an important character. One of Illinois' native sons, he was born in Mendota, September 17, 1869, his parents being Peter and Catherine (Lenz) Demerath. His father has long engaged in business as a manufacturer of wagons and carriages, and both he and his wife still survive in Ohio, Bureau county, Illinois. They were natives of Germany and came to the middle west in the early '50s, at which time they took up their abode in this state.

Nicholas J. Demerath pursued his early education in the public schools of Ohio, Bureau county, and then entered the employ of the government, spending ten years in the railway mail service department. Afterward he prepared for a professional career as a student in the law department of the Northwestern University at Chicago. He completed his course there in 1900 and in the same year was admitted to the bar. after which he began practice in Chicago in the office of Fassett & Andrews. He continued with that firm for two years and in 1903 came to Kewanee, which he believed might prove a profitable field of labor. Here he formed a partnership with H. S. Pomeroy under the firm name of Pomeroy & Demerath, which relations existed until July i, 1908, when Mr. Pomeroy withdrew, and Mr. Demerath continued practice alone until February i, 1909. On that day he formed a partnership with Robert C. Morse under the present style of Morse & Demerath. This firm does a large corporation as well as general practice and the partners are well versed in the principles of jurisprudence. Mr. Demerath's success in a professional way affords the best evidence of his capability in this line. He is a strong advocate with the jury and concise in his appeal before the court. Aluch of the success which has attended him in his professional career is undoubtedly due to the fact that in no instance will he permit himself to go into court without careful and thorough preparation, and therefore his presentation is forceful, being characterized by a terse but decisive logic and correct application of the law to the point at issue.

Mr. Demerath was married in April, 1905, to Miss Grace M. Broad, of Mendota, Illinois, who died December 8, 1908. He has one son, LeRoy. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and Elks, who find in him an exemplary representative. He is interested in community affairs, giving active and helpful cooperation along many lines of general progress, and in 1909 he was elected a member of the library board. He is, however, preeminently a lawyer, with deep interest in judicial affairs, while his devotion to his clients is proverbial.

David L. Cowden

Among the retired farmers of Cambridge is numbered David L. Cowden, who derives his income from five hundred acres of valuable land in Henry county. His life record presents many substantial phases of good citizenship and of business ability and enterprise and he therefore deserves mention among the representative residents of this part of the state. He claims Ohio as the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Guernsey county, December 13, 1845. His parents were William and Marian (Rogers) Cowden, the former a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, and the latter of Ohio. The father, a farmer by occupation, came to this county in 1851, settling in Burns township, where he purchased about six hundred acres of land, there improving a large and valuable farm upon which he reared his family, being well known for a number of years as a representative agriculturist of the community. He died on the old home place in 1891, at the very venerable age of ninety-three years, having long survived his wife, who died in 1852 at the age of thirty-six years. They were Christian people, holding membership in the Baptist church. Of their family of twelve children only three are now living : David L. ; Thomas C, a resident of Burns township; and Jacob G., who is living in Enid, Oklahoma. In order the twelve children of the family were : William W., Mary E., Joseph R., Margaret L., Deborah E., David L., John H.. Thomas C, Jacob G., Phebe C, Harriet M., and Lucinda J.

David L. Cowden was six years of age when he came to Henry county with his parents. He was reared upon his father's farm and pursued his education in the district schools, devoting the periods of vacation to work in the fields and to the enjoyment of such sports as usually claimed the attention of lads of this period. He was nineteen years of age when in 1865 he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company D, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he was connected until the close of hostilities, doing active duty at the front during that period. When the war was over Mr. Cowden returned home and cultivated a part of his father's farm until he found it possible to purchase forty acres, which constituted the nucleus of his present possessions. As he prospered in his undertakings he wisely invested in other land until he had accumulated five hundred acres, of which three hundred acres is in Burns township, one hundred and sixty acres in Cambridge township, and forty acres in Kewanee township. He lived principally in Burns township but in the spring of 1895 removed to the village of Cambridge and that year purchased a fine home which he still occupies, it being one of the beautiful residences of the town.

Mr. Cowden has enjoyed a happy home life for more than four decades. On the 31st of October, 1867, he wedded Miss Harriet Cosner, a native of Burns township and daughter of David and Emmehne (Dufur) Cosner, both of whom were natives of Ohio, Her father was a son of WiUiam Cosner who was born in Virginia and became one of the early settlers of Ohio, while later he cast in his lot with the pioneers of IlHnois, arriving in this state about 1836. He married Harriet Neal and lived to the age of seventy-five years, passing away in 1871. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Cowden were David and Susan Dufur, also early residents of Henry county, Illinois. They removed to Murray, Iowa, when well advanced in years. Their family numbered ten children.

Mr. and Mrs. David Cosner, the parents of Mrs. Cowden, were very early settlers of Henry county, establishing their home in Burns township, where they reared their family. They died in Cambridge, the former in the fall of 1895 at the age of sixty-nine years, the latter in 1903 at the age of sixty-nine. They had two daughters and a son : Mrs. Harriet Cowden, Lovinna and Charles.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cowden have been born two children : Eva, who is the wife of B. F. Nance, of Galesburg, Illinois, and has one daughter, Daisy; and George W., who wedded Mary Johnson and is farming in Cambridge township. Politically, Mr. Cowden is a democrat, and his official service covers several terms as school director, school trustee and road commissioner. His record as a business man and citizen is altogether commendable, characterized by devotion to the public good and to those principles which are elements in honorable, upright manhood.

Frank C. Swiger

Henry county is preeminently an agricultural center for its rich lands ofifer splendid inducements to him who would win a living in tilling the soil or by stock raising upon its fine pasture lands. Frank C. Swiger is well known as both a farmer and a breeder of pure bred polled Durham cattle and Chester White hogs. He has an excellent farm on section 9, Munson township, the place of one hundred and sixty acres belonging to his father. The latter owns one hundred and eighty-five acres altogether in Munson township, a part of this being on section 16 and part on section 15. In carrying on his work Frank C. Swiger follows the most progressive and modern methods, and as the years have gone by success has attended his labors. He was born June 12, 1871, in the house which now gives him shelter, his parents being Carl and Theresa (Mueller) Swiger, who are now residents of Geneseo. Frank C. Swiger is the younger of two children, his sister being Mrs. Hattie Hutchinson, a resident of Munson township.

Frank C. Swiger spent his boyhood days on the home place and began his education in the district schools of the neighborhood, wherein he mastered the common branches of learning. He afterward spent a part of two years in attendance at the Geneseo Collegiate Institute and then returned home to give his undivided attention to the work of the farm. He thus rendered his father valuable assistance until he attained his majority, and after reaching the age of twentyone years he began farming his father's place. This work he carried on for about five years prior to his marriage. That important event in his life was celebrated on the 13th of February, 1896, the lady of his choice being Miss Clara B. Souers, of Grundy Center, Iowa, with whom he had become acquainted at school. She was born in Cornwall township, this county, and was a daughter of John and Margaret Souers. She, too, was given good educational privileges and was a student in the Collegiate Institute at the time her future husband was attending there. There are four children of this marriage : Eldon Frank, who was born November 13th, 1897; Gladys Irene, born September 27, 1900; Carl Russell, born October 26, 1901 ; and Clarence Wilbur, born January 28, 1905.

Soon after attaining his majority Frank C. Swiger purchased his first tract of land, his father assisting him somewhat. He became the owner of thirty acres, 'for which he paid sixty-seven dollars per acre. Since that time he has bought one hundred and fifty-five acres, for which he paid about eighty dollars per acre and which is now worth one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre. Statistics show that there is no richer farm land in all the country than is included within the broad prairies of IlHnois and Iowa, and Mr. Swiger is wise in retaining his residence here and giving his attention to general agricultural pursuits. Plowing, planting and harvesting largely occupy his time, and excellent results are obtained thereby.

In his political views Mr. Swiger is a republican. He does not seek nor desire political office but has served as township clerk for several years and for a long period has been school director. He believes in maintaining good schools and employing competent teachers and his influence is therefore on the side of progress in relation to the educational afifairs of the community. That his life has been well spent is indicated by the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.

Holding to high standards in his professional service. Dr. Wilbur F. Spencer is well known as a leading and successful homeopathic physician and surgeon of Geneseo. He was bom in Henry, Illinois, March 8, 1864, of the marriage of John A. and Mary E. (Vail) Spencer, natives of Vermont and Ohio, respectively. The Spencer family is of English lineage and was established in New England in early colonial days. The grandfather, Horace Spencer, was a native of Connecticut and devoted his life to the occupation of farming. He wedded Mary Adams and their son, John A. Spencer, was born in the Green Mountain state. When twelve years of age he accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois, the family home being established at Henry, where he was reared to manhood, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He made farming his life work and throughout the entire time in which he tilled the fields lived upon the farm where the father had settled. For the past seven or eight years, however, he has made his home in Aurora, where he is now engaged in the milk business. He wedded Mary E. Vail, a native of Ohio and a daughter of John V. Vail, who was also born in the Buckeye state and was of Holland-Dutch descent. Mr. Vail married a Miss Banker, who died in early womanhood, leaving three children. Following her death he married again and lived to the very venerable age of ninety-two years. His daughter, Mrs. Spencer, is a member of the Swedenborgian church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. John A. Spencer were born four children : Wilbur F. ; Delia, the wife of Miletus Gaskel, of Huron, Indiana; Lucy, at home; and Harriet, the wife of Ralph T. Fulton, of Oakes, North Dakota.

Dr. Spencer remained upon the home farm near Henry, Illinois, until twentytwo years of age and supplemented his district-school training by a year's study in the high school of the town. Later he benefited by instruction in the Northwestern Normal at Geneseo, and, determining upon the practice of medicine as his life work, he began studying with that end in view and was graduated from the Chicago Homeopathic College in 1888. Immediately afterward he began practice at Cambridge, Illinois, where he remained for nearly three years, after which he returned to Geneseo and bought out the practice of his former preceptor, Dr. H. H. Chase. Here he has remained continuously since, and his understanding of the fundamental principles of the science of medicine and his ready adoption of modern scientific methods have made him well qualified for the onerous duties of the profession.

On the i8th of June, 1890, Mr. Spencer was united in marriage to Miss Miriam C. Hinman, who was born in Cambridge, Illinois. Her parents, Judge Julius and Mary E. Hinman, were natives of Ohio and became early settlers of Henry county, Illinois, arriving in 185 1. Judge Hinman was a son of Zerah Hinman, who was of English descent. Born in Connecticut he located near Akron, Ohio, on leaving New England, and as a life work he followed the blacksmith's trade. He wedded Miriam Moses, and unto them were born three sons and a daughter, the daughter being burned to death when a young lady. The sons were : Lloyd, Julius and Rufus. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Spencer was Richard Westlake, who was a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent. He was a farmer by occupation and an early settler of Henry county, Illinois, taking up his abode near Cambridge. Both he and his wife lived to be eighty years of age. They were the parents of nine children : Richard, Andrew, George, Samuel, Martha, Eliza, Mary E., Maggie and Hattie.

Judge Hinman, the father of Mrs. Spencer, was for many years a well known lawyer of Henry county and also served upon the bench. His connection with the bar of this district covered twenty years, and his ability places him prominently in the ranks of the leading attorneys of this part of the state. He was also prominent and influential in public affairs, and his efforts were effective forces in locating the county seat at Cambridge. He died in 1885 and is still survived by his widow. Their family numbered five children : Hubert, Eva, Albert, Ella and Miriam. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Spencer have been born two sons : Vernon W. and John Ralph..

The parents are both members of the Unitarian church and Dr. Spencer fraternally is connected with Stewart Lodge, No. 92, F. & A. M. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and in community affairs he takes a deep interest, his labors being especially effective in behalf of intellectual progress. The cause of public education finds in him a stalwart champion as manifest by his active work on the school board, and he has also been a member of the library board for fifteen years. He owns and occupies a beautiful residence which he erected in 1901 and which is a favorite resort with the many friends of Dr. and Mrs. Spencer. In his professional relations Dr. Spencer is connected with the state and national homeopathic medical societies. He has made continuous progress in the field of his chosen labor, holds to a high standard of professional ethics and is deeply interested in everything which brings to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life.

William Clayton Ewan

William Clayton Ewan is one of the younger members of the Kewanee baf, who has attained success that many an elder practitioner might envy. In January, 1909, he became connected with Charles E. Sturtz as a member of the firm of Sturtz & Ewan, and in the brief period which has since elapsed they have enjoyed a large and growing cHentage. Mr. Ewan was born in Lewistown, Illinois, on the I2th of March, 1881, his parents being WilHam I. and Catherine R. (Murchinson) Ewan, natives of Virginia and of South Carolina respectively. After coming to Illinois the father engaged in farming near Cuba.

William Clayton Ewan, spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, acquired his early education in the public schools of this state and afterward continued his studies in the University of Illinois at Champaign, from which he was graduated with the class of 1907. He pursued a course in Hterature and arts and then entered the law department, qualifying for the practice of a profession which he is now making his life work. Following his graduation he located in Kewanee in October, 1907, at which time he became assistant states attorney in the office of Charles E. Sturtz and in January, 1909, was admitted to a partnership under the firm style of Sturtz & Ewan. He still acts as assistant states attorney and at the same time is building up a good private practice. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is a popular young man, who has won many friends during his residence in Kewanee, where the hospitaUty of the best homes is freely accorded him.

Carl J. Fornander

Carl J. Fomander, an enterprising and progressive farmer of Weller township, who has been engaged in various capacities in this community for a number of years, was born in Holdredge, Nebraska, on the ist of December, 1884, a son of John P. and Matilda (Stevenson) Fomander. The father, who was born in Smoland, Sweden, came to this country in 1877 and is now living in Galva at the age of fifty-three years. His wife, who is the daughter of Gustave Stevenson, came here with her parents at an early date.

In the district schools of Polk county, Nebraska, Carl J. Fomander acquired his early education, and he also attended school in Galva for one year. After laying aside his text-books he worked for a year as farm hand and then was em- ployed for a similar period in a factory at Galva. Later he became identified with railroad interests, being thus connected for two years, during the first as section man on the Rock Island Railroad and during the second in the same capacity on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy road. For nearly two years he was employed by William Whitmore in the house-moving business, and then, in 1906, leased a farm of forty acres one mile north of Galva, upon which he resided for one year. During this period the greater portion of his time was spent in the occupation of teaming and threshing. He then leased another farm of fifty acres a half mile east of Galva, which he operated for one year, and in the spring of 1909 took up his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres, three and a half miles south of Bishop Hill, where he intends to make his home for some years to come. It is located on section 34, Weller township, and is all under a high state of cultivation. It is all well improved and under his careful and wise management is proving an excellent investment.

Mr. Fornander's religious belief is indicated by his membership in the Swedish Lutheran church of Galva, while fraternally he is connected with the Mystic Workers of America at Galva. Politically he gives his support to the republican party, usually voting the straight ticket, but he is not an aspirant for public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon the conduct of his private affairs. He is a young man of high principles whose good traits of mind and heart have won for him the respect of his fellowmen.

Almon Henderson Linn

Almon Henderson Linn, who has been engaged in the practice of law at Cambridge since 1901, was born in Mercer county, Illinois, on the 9th of August, 1872, his parents being Taylor and Elizabeth (Henderson) Linn, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. The paternal grandfather, John Linn, who was born in Pennsylvania and followed farming as a life work, died at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Campbell, was seventy-eight years old when called to her final rest. They reared a family of six children, namely: Priscilla, the deceased wife of John T. Lynn; Erilla, the wife of George Wright; Taylor Linn; Lucinda, the deceased wife of Isaac Heare; Sarah, the wife of Alfred Ripley; and Anner, the wife of N. M. Lynn. There are three families of Linns or Lynns represented in the marriages but they are not related to each other. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Thomas Henderson, a native of the Keystone state and a farmer by occupation. He and his wife became early settlers of Knox county, Illinois, where they died when past middle life. They had six children, as follows: Anne, the deceased wife of Samuel Junk; Hannah L., the widow of Hiram G. Shinn, of Alpha; Mary, the deceased wife of Samuel Rankin; Martha, the widow of Alexander Ritenhouse; Stewart; and Elizabeth, the first wife of Taylor Linn,

Taylor Linn, the father of Almon H. Linn, was a little lad of seven years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this state. The family home was established in Mercer county, and there he grew to manhood. General agricultural pursuits have claimed his time and energies throughout his active business career. He has been twice married and his first wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Henderson, passed away in 1880, in the faith of the Congregational church. A few years later he wedded Miss Lizzie H. Junk, by whom he has a son, Harrison J. About 1888 Air. Linn and his second wife took up their abode at Alpha, Henry county, where he was successfully engaged in the lumber business for about fifteen years. On the expiration of that period he put aside active business cares and has since been living retired save for the supervision which he gives to his several farms.

Alraon Henderson Linn spent his youthful days on a farm in Knox county. Illinois, attending the district schools in the acquirement of an education. He was about fifteen years of age when he came with his parents to this county and subsequently pursued a course in the Alpha high school. He afterward attended Brown's Business College and then took up the study of law, being graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1899. The same year he was admitted to the bar and in 1901 located for practice at Cambridge, where he has remained to the present time, his ability in the line of his chosen profession having won him an extensive and enviable clientage.

On the 25th of June, 1901, Mr. Linn was united in marriage to Miss Leota Wilson, a native of Oxford township, Henry county, and a daughter of George W. and Mary A. (Kerr) Wilson, who were born in this state and are now residents of Alpha. Their children are six in number, namely : Mrs. Linn ; Glencoe. the wife of Ralph Streeter ; Pearl, the wife of Malta J. Neutzman ; Guy ; Dean ; and Catharine. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Linn were Samuel J. and Mary (Wright) Wilson. Her maternal grandparents were Valentine and Catharine (Fierhng) Kerr.

Politically Mr. Linn is a stalwart advocate of the republican party. He is now acting as deputy county coroner and is also serving his second term in the office of police magistrate. Fraternally he is identified with Cambridge Lodge, No. 49, A. F. & A. M., and the Improved Order of Red Men. In every relation of life he has been found as one true to his honest convictions, loyal in support of what he believes to be right. Moreover, he is widely recognized as a lawyer of broad knowledge, who prepares his cases with thoroughness and is strong in argument and logical in his deductions.

Frederick Richards

Frederick Richards, residing at No. 802 May street in Kewanee, is now the capable incumbent in the office of township collector and has discharged the duties devolving upon him in that connection since April, 1909. He was born in Toronto, Canada, on the 21st of November, 1877, his parents being William and Fanny (Chick) Richards, both natives of Somersetshire, England. In 1871, when eighteen years of age, the father crossed the Atlantic to America and took up his abode in Canada, while subsequently he removed to Michigan. In 1890 he came to Kewanee, Henry county, Illinois, where he has since been successfully engaged in gardening, though previously he had devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits. His wife, who left her native land when fourteen years of age, is also yet living and they are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community.

Frederick Richards attended the public schools of Michigan in pursuit of an education that would equip him for the practical and responsible duties of life. The year 1900 witnessed his arrival in Kewanee, this county, and here he secured a position in the rolling mill department of the Western Tube Company, remaining in the employ of that concern until business was suspended in the fall of 1907. He has mining interests in South Dakota, and has made various trips throughout the country, thus gaining that broad experience and culture which only travel can bring.

On the 24th of December, 1902, Mr. Richards was united in marriage to Miss Anna Pollock, a daughter of David Pollock, of Kewanee. They now have four children, namely: Clarence Melburn, Hazel Irene, Violet May and Majory.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Richards has given his poHtical allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and is an active worker in its local ranks. In April, 1909, he was elected to the office of township collector and has proven a faithful and efficient incumbent in the position. Fraternally he is identified with the Eagles and the Mystic Workers. He is a young man of strong character and sterling worth and well merits the high regard in which he is uniformly held.

David Seymour Brown

David Seymour Brown, who owns and cultivates the northwest quarter of section 5, Munson township, his farm being improved according to the most modern methods of agriculture, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February 26, 1862, and is a son of William T. and Mary (Neal) Brown. The parents came to Henry county when their son David was but two years of age and for a number of years afterward Mr. Brown cultivated a rented farm, while subsequently he lived for a time in Geneseo township. He afterward purchased eighty acres of land in Osco township, where he spent the remainder of his days. His entire life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits and he was a man of industry and perseverance, whose success was attributable entirely to his own labors. In the family were two children, but the elder, Margaret, died at the age of two years.

David Seymour Brown is indebted to the public school system of the county for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. Through the periods of vacation he worked in the fields and after his school days were over he devoted his entire time and attention to the improvement of the home farm until about thirty years of age. He was then married, on the 28th of January, 1892, to Miss Lora Gilbert, a daughter of Nathaniel C. and Francelia (Amsden) Gilbert. Her father was born near Richmond, Ontario county. New York, while the mother's birth occurred near Rochester, Vermont. It was in the year 1856

George Washington West

George Washington West, of Geneseo, is well known in Henry county as a prominent and prosperous farmer, cattle feeder and landowner. That his business judgment is sound and his enterprise of a practical and effective character is indicated in the success that he has achieved. He was born at Dryden, Tompkins county. New York, March 25, 1835, being one of the ten children of Gardner and Lavinia (Pease) West. The former was a son of John West, a native of England who cams to America with two brothers, settling first in Rhode Island, where he followed the occupation of farming. Unto him and his wife were born three sons and four daughters : Gardner, William, Nathan, Polly, Percy, Flavilla and Lavinia. Of these the daughter Percy is still living at the age of one hundred and one years in Dryden, New York, and is the widow of George Hiles. In Dryden, also, lived Thaddeus Pease, the maternal grandfather of Mr. West. His parents were natives of England and were of Scotch-English descent. Thaddeus Pease was a cooper by trade and was well known locally for his splendid powers as an athlete. He was ninety-nine years that Mr. Gilbert came to Henry county, setthng with a brother in Geneseo township. Mrs. Gilbert had come to this county during her early childhood days and made her home on what is known as the Amsden farm in Geneseo Here they became acquainted and were married in that township on the 9th of August, i860. In the same year Mr. Gilbert broke the first furrow on land which he had purchased in Munson township and began the development of a farm. There was not a tree or twig on the place, but with characteristic energy he began to make improvements, set out trees, erect good buildings and carry j on the work of general development, until the once wild land was converted into { productive fields that annually brought forth good harvests. The family con- 1 tinned to reside upon that farm until 1893, when they established their home in j Geneseo, where the death of Mr. Gilbert occurred July 26, 1908. In the family i were three children: May, is now living in Geneseo; H. Mark, who married i Marion Richey and lives at North Yakima, in the state of Washington ; and Mrs, ! Brown. |

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born three children, but they lost their j eldest, Ethel, at the age of seven years. The others are: Gilbert W., who was ; born on the home farm February 24, 1902, and Ronald Mark, born February 24, j 1908. The parents hold membership in the Congregational church in Geneseo and are interested in its work. Mr. Brown also belongs to Geneseo Camp, No. ; 40, M. W. A. In his political views he is independent, caring not to ally himself with any party. His time and attention are largely given to his business affairs, which are carefully and successfully conducted. He is well known as a breeder of thoroughbred polled Durham cattle. He began to handle and breed high grade cattle when he took up the occupation of farming and since 1902 has han- i died registered stock. He has become well known in this connection and is one \ of the more prosperous cattle men of the district. 1

George W. West

Gardner West, the father of G. W. West, was born in Rhode Island but removed to Dryden, New York, where he carried on general farming and dairying. His wife was also born in the east and both died at Dryden when about eighty years of age. They were the parents of ten children, two sons and eight daughters but only two are now living, the elder being Mrs. Lydia Space, the widow of Thomas Space. She makes her home in Dryden, New York, at the age of eighty- four years.

George W. West, the other surviving member of the family, was reared in Tompkins comity, New York, on the home farm. He attended the old-time subscription schools and when twenty years of age sought the opportunities of the new but rapidly developing west. By rail he traveled to Beloit, Wisconsin, and thence rode a colt to Osco township, Henry county, Illinois. Alter reaching his destination he engaged in breaking prairie with a team, composed of one yoke of old oxen and a pair of young steers. Becoming identified with farming interests, he purchased eighty acres south of Geneseo and turned his attention to handling live stock. He afterward rented a farm belonging to his father-in-law, Major James M. Allan, which property was inherited by his daughter at the father's death. The corporation limits of Geneseo include twenty-six acres of this farm which at that time contained four hundred and twenty-five acres. Mr. and Mrs. West still reside on the old homestead which has now been their place of residence for thirty-six years and Mr. West has dealt quite extensively in stock, making a specialty of cattle. He has also successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits and his careful management of his business affairs and honorable dealing have been the salient features in his financial progress.

On the 6th of June, 1865, Mr. West wedded Miss Mary Ameha Allan, who was born in Geneseo, July 17, 1842, and is a representative of one of the oldest famihes of this city. Her parents were Major James M. and Susanna (Stewart) Allan, natives of Tennessee and New York, respectively. They came to Geneseo when it was but a tiny village and here lived for many years. Major Allan occupying a prominent place in the life of the community. He was a son of John Allan, a native of England, who became an early settler of Tennessee. He married Nancy Hodge, whose father was one of the heroes of the Revolutionarywar. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. West were Robert R. and Clarissa (Dresser) Stewart. Unto Mr. and Mrs. West have been born three sons. James Allan, who is a postal clerk, married Effie Cinnamon and they have had two sons : Allan Cinnamon and Harold Thomas. George Gardner, the second of the family, is conducting a livery business in Chicago. John Edward, the youngest, is a dentist of Geneseo. He married Minerva Benedict and they have three children : Stewart Benedict, Evelyn and Catharine Anita.

Mr. and Mrs. West are members of the Congregational church and he is also allied with the Masonic fraternity. His life exemplifies the teachings of both organizations and he is in thorough sympathy with every movement and measure for the uplifting of the race and the advancement of civilization. While he holds to high ideals he works for their achievement along practical lines. Politically he is a republican and though he has no ambition for office he has done good work as a member of the board of education, acting as chairman of the finance committee of the board at the time when the Geneseo high school building was erected. Energetic, prompt and notably reliable, he is classed with the representative business men of Henry county and with Geneseo's citizens whose labors in its behalf have been far-reaching and beneficial. He is now one of the oldest residents of the town in years of the continuous connection therewith and his name is a prominent one on the roll of pioneer settlers.

William Ruxton

William Ruxton, a successful and enterprising agriculturist residing on his farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 34, Geneseo township, was born in Arbroath, Scotland, on the 17th of February, 1839, his parents being William and Mary (Hill) Ruxton. The father, a weaver by trade, followed that occupation during the period of his residence in Arbroath. Subsequent to the death of his wife, however, he brought his family to the new world, locating in Henry county, Illinois, where he continued to make his home until called to his final rest. His remains were interred in the old Geneseo cemetery. Unto him and his wife had been born eight sons, the record of whom is as follows : John, who is a machinist of Stanberry, Missouri ; William, of this review ; Jonathan, a retired engineer living in Chicago; Alexander, a resident of Ludlow, Massachusetts ; Robert, an agriculturist of Hardin county, Iowa ; Adam, who is engaged in farming in Story county, Iowa ; James, living in Chicago, who is an engineer on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad; and Allen, who is likewise an engineer of Chicago.

William Ruxton received but a limited education in the schools of his native land, for when eleven years of age he was bound out to learn the trade of a shoemaker, his term of apprenticeship covering five years. The first year he received a remuneration of two shillings or fifty cents per week and each year thereafter his wages were doubled. When his term of indenture had expired he remained with his employer as a journeyman for several years or until the time of his emigration to the United States. Many favorable reports had reached him concerning the opportunities and advantages of the new world and he had long cherished the plan of one day establishing his home on this side of the Atlantic. After landing in this country he made his way at once to Geneseo, Henry county, Illinois, where he secured employment as a farm hand during- the summer months, while in the winter seasons he worked at his trade. At the end of three years, desiring that his labors should more directly benefit himself, he rented a tract of land and was thus successfully connected with agricultural pursuits for a long period. He rented the farm where he now resides on section 34, Geneseo township, for about fifteen yeafs, at the end of which time he purchased the property and has since devoted his energies to its further cultivation and improvement. In addition to his home farm, which is a rich and productive tract of land comprising one hundred and sixty acres, he also owns thirty acres in Munson town- ship and is widely recognized as a most prosperous, energetic and prog-ressive citizen of the community. His property is the visible evidence of his life of thrift, industry and careful management, and his record proves what may be accomplished by one who has laudable ambition and determination to persevere in the course marked out.

Just prior to his emig-ration to the United States Mr. Ruxton had wedded Miss Mary Ann Bennett, and by this union there were bom six children, namely : Robert, who is married and lives in Munson township; Albert and Henry, who are also married and make their home in Munson township ; NelHe J., who passed away at the ag-e of eight years ; Agnes, the wife of Howard Hutchinson, of Munson township; and Frank, who is now on the home farm with his father. In 1904 Mr. Ruxton was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 3d of November of that year, her remains being interred in Oakwood cemetery.

Where state and national questions are involved Mr. Ruxton supports the men and measures of the republican party but at local elections casts an independent ballot. He has capably served as a school director for many years but is not an office seeker, preferring to give his undivided attention to his private interests. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought - which, by the way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic man - and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward.

Roy Theodore Ferguson

Roy Theodore Ferguson is one of the most enterprising and progressive young men of Western township, being extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was born on the home farm in Western township, December 29, 1876, a son of George W. and Inez E. (Hitchcock) Ferguson, both of whom still survive. The son was reared on the home farm and after mastering the branches of learning taught in the country schools, entered the Collegiate Institute at Geneseo, from which he was graduated with the class of 1897. He then pursued a business course in Brown's Business College, at Galesburg, Illinois. Starting out in life well equipped for its duties and responsibilities, he has for the past few years managed his father's farm of four hundred acres in Western township, while in 1907 he purchased eighty acres on section 11, paying for the same one hundred dollars per acre. He also has this tract under cultivation. In addition to general farming he raises and feeds stock very extensively, shipping to the city markets, where his fine grades of stock demand high prices. In addition to his land in Western township, he also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Grand Forks, North Dakota, which is under cultivation. This he bought in 1902, paying for it twenty dollars per acre, and in 1908 he bought one hundred and sixty acres in southern Alberta, Canada. Few men of his years have attained to such a degree of success as has Mr. Ferguson, but he is a man of push and energy and this is the secret of his prosperity.

Mr. Ferguson was married March 2, 1904, to Miss Ella Bailey, a daughter of James and Margaret (Warnock) Bailey, and a resident of Rural township. Rock Island county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were both natives of County Down, Ireland, but of Scotch ancestry. They came with their respective parents to America at an early day, the father coming here in 1849, when twenty years of age, while the mother arrived the previous year when a little maiden of seven years. The two families were acquainted in the old country and settled near each other in Illinois. They reared a family of eight children and Mrs. Ferguson is next to the youngest in order of birth. The mother is still living and yet makes her home in Rock Island county, but the father is deceased. By her marriage Mrs. Ferguson has become the mother of a little daughter, Margaret Inez.

Mr. Ferguson gives his support to the republican party but finds little time for active participation in the party's public affairs. He has, however, served as school director. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist church at Orion. They are most genial and cordial young people, having a wide circle of friends in the community in which they reside and a hearty welcome is extended to all who enter their hospitable home.

Walter J. Stahl

Walter J. Stahl finds his business in stock raising a profitable one, for he applies himself diligently and energetically to the tasks at hand and his labors are rewarded with a substantial financial return. His home is on section 34, where he has eighty acres of good land, and on section 35, Geneseo township, he has a ninety-acre tract. He was born on the farm which is still his place of residence but in a house that stood on the east side of the road. His parents were Charles F. and Louise (Rusberg) Stahl. The father was born in Holstein, Germany, which was also the birthplace of the mother, and both were reared there and were married ere their emigration to the new world. The father had been employed as a farm hand in his native country. Soon after his marriage he brought his bride to the United States with the expectation of locating at Davenport, Iowa, but they were influenced by a brother of Mr. Stahl to locate in Henry county, where soon afterward Charles F. Stahl secured employment as a hod carrier. The parents were so poor at that time that they used the trunk for a table and the other furnishings in their httle home were very meager. They had enough to buy a stove but little else, yet with unflinching courage and stout hearts they faced the difficulties and hardships of the situation and little by little were able to save from Mr. Stahl's earnings until they felt that the amount was sufficient to enable them to establish their home upon a rented farm. Mr. Stahl then began the cultivation of the fields upon the farm which he afterward purchased and which is now a part of the present homestead. He added to it until it comprised one hundred and seventy acres - the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift. Diligent and persistent and ever honorable in his business affairs he deserved and enjoyed the respect of all with whom he came in contact. He died January 19, 1909, at the age of seventy-nine years.

while his wife passed away in August, 1896. There were six children in the family : Henry J., who is now living in Webster City, Iowa ; Lewis, who married and died at High View, Iowa, leaving a widow and one child ; Frank, who makes his home near High View, in Webster county, Iowa; Walter J., our subject; Emma, who married Henry Yungclas and died near High View, leaving one daughter; and Charles H., who is living in Osceola, Iowa.

Walter J. Stahl was afforded the educational advantages offered by the district school near the old home and served his father until twenty-one years of age without compensation. Later his father paid him wages for his services and he continued to work upon the old homestead until his marriage. It was on the 29th of December, 1887, that he wedded Miss Ida Jann, of Geneseo, who was born on a farm in West Prussia. Her father died in Germany when she was three years old and her mother afterward became the wife of John Schiefelbein. Mrs. Stahl was ten years of age when her mother and stepfather came to the United States. They established their home in Henry county and she attendee? the country schools and began to work out while quite young. For some years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stahl worked and kept house for William Walker, a worthy bachelor of Munson township, but they were ambitious to own a home of their own and, eventually, purchased ninety-two acres of land in Geneseo township, which they afterward traded to his father as part payment for the old homestead, to which place they then removed, making for the father a home in his old age. The farm is now a valuable tract of land of one hundred and seventy acres, supplied with modern improvements and equipments, the fields being devoted to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, while in the pastures and feed lots are seen good grades of stock.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stahl have been born eleven children : Lillian, who was graduated from the high school of Geneseo with the class of 1908 and is now a teacher in the home school ; Nellie, who did two years' work in the high school ; George ; Minnie, who spent one year as a student in the Geneseo Collegiate Institute; Alfred; Herbert; Earl; Frank, who died in infancy; Myrtle; Meta ; and one who died in infancy. The parents attend the Congregational church where the four older children hold membership. Mr. Stahl was reared to habits of industry and economy. His father realized that it was well to make his children learn the value of money and the power of diligence and there were few leisure moments in the youthful days of Walter J. Stahl. However, he came to manhood well equipped for the practical and responsible duties of life and his worth is shown in the success which he has achieved, making him the owner of an excellent farm property in Geneseo township.

Hon. Joseph H. Mulligan

Hon. Joseph H. Mulligan, well known in Kewanee, where he has served almost continuously as station agent since November, 1885, save for the period of his service in the state legislature, was born in Union county, Kentucky, September 8, 1855. He was less than a year old when his parents removed to Monmouth,

Illinois, while subsequently they became residents of what was then known as "Young America," but is now the city of Kirkwood. There Joseph H. Mulligan pursued his education and afterward went to Biggsville, Illinois, in 1872. His youthful days were given to farm work through the periods of vacation and in 1869 he became connected with railroad interests as track repairer on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Subsequently he was promoted to the position of baggageman and switchman and eventually became telegraph operator and station agent. His rise has come to him in recognition of his capability and merit, and he is today regarded as one of the oldest, most trustworthy and therefore one of the most valued representatives of the railroad company. He was acting as station agent at Biggsville when he left that place in 1884 and returned to Kirkwood, where he also acted as station agent. In November, 1885, however, he was transferred to Kewanee and has remained here as station agent throughout the entire period that has since elapsed save for the time of his service as a member of the state legislature.

In politics Mr. Mulligan is an active democrat, doing everything in his power legitimately to promote the interests of his party and secure its success. He received reward for his effective and earnest labor in its behalf in his election to the state legislature in 1892 and in 1894 was reelected, serving also during a call session of 1895. While connected with the house he gave careful consideration to each question that came up for settlement and threw the weight of his influence on the side of every measure and movement which he deemed would benefit the comimonwealth at large. He has served as the chairman of the democratic city and county central committees and his opinions carry weight in the councils of his party.

In 1880 Mr. Mulligan was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Dixon, of Biggsville, and they have three sons : J. Frank, who is engaged in the real-estate business in Kewanee; Charles E., a lawyer mentioned elsewhere in this volume; and William W., who is with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company at Kewanee. Mr. Mulligan and his family are communicants of the Catholic church and he belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Tribunes, the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, being quite active in the last named. He is also a member of the Commercial Club of Kewanee and is not only interested in its social features but also in the active work »f the organization for the promotion of the city's interests.

Benjamin I. Stafford

Benjamin I. Stafford, who for a considerable period was closely associated with the agricultural interests of Henry county, was born in Rutland county, Vermont, December 6, 1823. His parents were Palmer and Betsey (Paddock) Stafford, who were also natives of the Green Mountain state, where the father followed general farming and also conducted a dairy. He died in Vermont at the age of about sixty-three years, while his wife, who survived him for twenty years, passed away in 1863. They were the parents of twelve children, but

Benjamin I. Stafford was reared on a Vermont farm and there pursued his education. Some years after his marriage he took up his abode in Essex county, New York, where he lived for seven years, after which he continued his westward journey, reaching Henry county, Illinois, in 1859. Settling in Munson township, he continued there for three years, after which he removed to Geneseo, Later he took up his abode in Colona township, where he resided upon a farm, owning a section of land there. His fields were highly cultivated according to the most approved methods and the energy which he displayed in the development of his place and the keen discernment which he showed in the management of his affairs brought him substantial success as the years went by.

It was on the 4th of March, 1844, that Mr. Stafford was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia U. Holden, a daughter of Jonas and Olive M. (Lee) Holden. Mrs. Stafford, who was born at Crown Point, Essex county. New York, January 25, 1825, is now eighty-four years of age. Her grandfather, Jonas Holden, was born in Vermont and served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, loyally defending the interests of the colonies. He lived to a ripe old age and his wife, Mrs. Sarah (Reed) Holden, was ninety-nine years and eight months of age at the time of her death. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Stafford was Richard Lee, a native of Rhode Island, who became a Baptist minister. He also worked in brass, making all kinds of brass utensils, and Mrs. Stafford has in her possession a dipper which he manufactured and which is well preserved. He reached an advanced age, but his wife, Mrs. Susie (Brown) Lee, died when comparatively young.

Jonas Holden, the father of Mrs. Stafford, was a native of Vermont and married Olive M. Lee, who was born in Rhode Island. On leaving New England they became residents of Essex county, New York, where Mr. Holden erected a large flour mill, and at one time in his life he was quite wealthy. He died in Dickinson, New York, about 1854 at the age of sixty-three years, while his wife long survived him and died in Geneseo at the home of her daughter. Mrs. Stafford, in August, 1894, at the age of ninety-two years and six months Her memory remained bright and clear to the last, and death came not from illness but from old age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Holden there were born thirteen children, of whom five sons and six daughters all lived to adult age, but the sons are now deceased. Five daughters are living, namely : Mrs. Cornelia Stafford ; Lucinda, who is the widow of Harley Collins, of Des Moines, Iowa; Harriet, who is living in Munson township ; Patty, the wife of John Rothenbutcher, of Reno, Nevada; and Emily, the wife of Franklin Baum, of Moline, Illinois.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Stafford was blessed with three children. Palmer, the eldest, wedded Marian Gilbert and lives in Geneseo. They have two living children - Betsey and Clinton. Joseph I., the second son, died in 1882. He had married lola Cook and they had three daughters - Cornelia, Lucy and Lovina. Jonas H. married Ella Frances, and they reside in Geneseo with their three children : Joseph, Ethel and Bertha.

Mr. Stafford was a man of influence in his community, and his efforts were an essential factor in the growth and progress of the town. He held various township offices and was supervisor for many years. He died on the old homestead in Colona township, January 2, 1886, at the age of sixty-three years and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, not only to his immediate family, but to many friends who had learned to know and esteem him. His widow survives at a venerable age and is one of the most highly respected ladies of the county.

Stephen Tyler Hume, M.D.

In the year 1845 Stephen Tyler Hume became a resident of Geneseo and with the exception of two brief periods continued to make his home in the city until his death. During the interim he was for many years an active practitioner of medicine and afterward a prominent factor in the banking interests of the city, and throughout the entire time he was a progressive citizen whose public spirit prompted his active cooperation in those movements which have given strength and character to the community. In the years of his early residence here Geneseo was a collection of small houses, many of them built of logs, and the surrounding country was largely undeveloped. He lived to witness its transformation into one of the thickly settled districts of the state, rich in its natural resources and in its acquired business activity and interests.

Dr. Hume was born in Riga, Monroe county, New York, May 3, 1818, and passed away on the 21st of March, 1908, lacking but forty-six days of reaching the ninetieth anniversary of his birth. The Hume family traces its ancestry back in this country to Nicholas Hume, of Boston, who was bom in 1761, while the ancestry goes back to loio, when the family flourished in Scotland. Moses Hume, the father of Dr. Hume, was a native of Massachusetts and was the son of Stephen Hume, who was also born in the old Bay state, when it was still numbered among the colonial possessions of Great Britain. Serving as a soldier of the Revolutionary war, he thus aided in achieving American independence and his son, Moses Hume, who served in the war of 1812, wedded Sarah Stewart, who was also a native of Massachusetts and traced her lineage back to the royalty of Scotland. To provide for his family Moses Hume followed carpentering and contracting. At the age of twenty-two years he removed to New York and made his home at Riga until 1854, when he became a resident of Hudson, Michigan, where he died in 1864 at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife survived him until 1868 and was eighty-four years of age at the time of her demise. Their family numbered eight children, all of whom reached adult age and one son, George, the youngest, died while serving in the Civil war. The others were: Alonzo S., Mrs. Sarah Moore, Henry L., Roderick R., Stephen T., Cutler E. and Mrs. Anna L. Dresser.

Dr. Hume was the last survivor among the family of six brothers and two sisters. He was born and reared on a farm, the outdoor life developing a rugged and vigorous manhood. He supplemented his common-school education by an academic course preparatory to taking up the study of medicine and he made his way through medical college largely by working on the farm in the sum- mer and teaching- district school in the winter seasons, thereby acquiring the money sufificient to meet the expenses of a colleg-e course. At length he was graduated from Berkshire Medical College with the class of 1844 and in the following year he came to the middle west, his objective point being Janes villa, Wisconsin. However, while en route he stopped to visit relatives in Geneseo, Illinois, and finding but one physician here, Dr. Pomeroy, he decided to remain and was soon accorded a large and growing patronage. As the country was then but sparsely settled his professional duties forced him to take long rides all over this and adjacent counties as he traveled over trackless prairies to the homes of the early settlers. No night was ever too dark, no road too long or heat or cold too intense to prevent him from responding to the call of one who needed his medical aid, and he is yet remembered as the loved family physician in many a frontier household.

On the i8th of March, 1846, Dr. Hume was united in marriage to Miss Permelia T. Stewart, the wedding being celebrated in the old log hotel which was conducted by her father, R. R. Stewart, where the Swedish Lutheran church now stands. She was born in Brockport, New York. June 7, 1822. Her parents were well known and prominent residents of that place and in 1836 assisted in the organization of the Congregational church at Bergen, New York. On the following day, in company with four other families, they set out for Illinois, making the trip in prairie schooners. Two months were required to complete the journey but at length Elisha and Reuben Cone, Cromwell K. Bartlett, Culver Bartlett and R. R. Stewart, with their respective families, reached Princeton, Illinois, where they remained until a house could be erected at Geneseo. The first house was built where the Collegiate Institute now stands and the first hotel was built by R. R. Stewart. It was in that primitive hostelry that Mrs. Hume spent her girlhood days and she and her sisters, Mrs. Susanna Allan and Mrs. Narcissa Wells, were the first school teachers of Henry county. Dr. and Mrs. Hume traveled life's journey happily together for more than fifty-one years and were then separated by the death of the wife on the 4th of December, 1897. They were the parents of six children, but all died in infancy with the exception of Mrs. Ella Taylor, who now lives in the old home in Geneseo, and with her daughter, Mrs. J. H. White and her family, are the only descendants of Dr. Hume.

With the exception of six months spent in Sharon and nine years in the '50s in Moline, Dr. Hume remained continuously in Geneseo from 1845 until his demise. The earlier years of his residence here were devoted to the practice of medicine, in which he was very successful, keeping in touch with the advance of the profession. Defective eyesight, however, caused him to retire from the profession nearly thirty years ago and from that time until his death he was more or less closely identified with the management of the First National Bank. He was the last survivor of its original stockholders and directors as organized in 1864, and he succeeded James McBroom as president at the latter's death, serving in that position from 1895 until he, too, passed away. His memory was keen and retentive, and, always active in mind and body, he retained a deep interest in everything about him to the end of his days. Unlike many old people, he did not live largely in the past but was interested in all that indicated the progress of the times. In his demise Geneseo sustained the loss of a great and good citizen, for he was a man of character and genuine worth. He was known as the "dignified and venerable man" and therefore was honored and loved for his many good qualities of head and heart. His long residence here and his professional and business service made him most widely known and his acquaintance with and knowledge of the old settlers and of events which shaped the history of the county was perhaps greater than that of any other man. Mrs. Hume's health was never good after an accident which she sustained, causing an injury to her spine. This was occasioned by the overturning of a wagon while on a trip to Galesburg many years ago. She was made an invalid and for many years suffered greatly but through it all was patient, gentle and sweet tempered, bearing her sufferings with Christian fortitude until called to the home beyond, December 4, 1897, when seventy-five years of age. Thus have gone from the community two of Geneseo's most esteemed and highly respected citizens, active in the interests of the community from the time of the establishment of the colony that founded the city. Their lives were at all times an exemplification of Christian belief and faith and constituted an example well worthy of emulation. They were filled with many good deeds of kindness and acts of charity - those little daily ministrations which mean so much to the recipient and awaken unfaltering love and gratitude.

James Albert Bradley

Among the young men who are leaving their impress upon the business development and material progress of Geneseo is numbered James Albert Bradley, the assistant cashier of the Farmers National Bank. He was bom in this city September 16, 1871, and is a son of Michael and Lila J. (Cassidy) Bradley, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Indiana. The paternal grandfather spent his entire life in the Emerald isle, but his widow afterward came to America and was residing in Pennsylvania at the time of her demise. Michael Bradley accompanied his mother to the new world during his early boyhood, and for a few years they remained at Blairsville, Pennsylvania, the son thus spending his youthful days in a region where the development of the coal fields constituted the most important industry. In 1859 he came to Illinois and took charge of the coal mines at Minersville where he remained until his removal to Geneseo. At that time he turned his attention to the grocery business, opening a store which he conducted continuously until April, 1908, when he retired to private life. In 1896 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. She was a faithful member of the Catholic church, and Mr. Bradley is also connected with the same religious organization. In their family were six children, all sons, but only three are now Hving: Francis M., James A. and Virgil C.

James A. Bradley has spent his entire life in Geneseo. his youth being passed in the usual manner of village lads, who divide their time between the duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground. After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools here he had the benefit of instruction in the Northwestern Normal, and later he engaged in teaching school for nearly five years, his educational work proving a valuable factor in the schools of the locality. On the expiration of that period he accepted a position in the Farmers National Bank as bookkeeper and was subsequently promoted to assistant cashier, in which capacity he is now serving.

On the 1st of November, 1898, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bradley and Miss Anna Louise Stewart, a native of Geneseo and a daughter of John P. and Helen L. (Morton) Stewart. Her father was a native of New York and is mentioned elsewhere in this volume in connection with the sketch of his son, William M. Stewart. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bradley has been born a daughter, Helen Lida. Mr. Bradley belongs to the Catholic church, and his wife is a member of the Congregational church. He also affiliates with the Knights of Columbus, and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He has served as town clerk and school treasurer and is loyal to the trust reposed in him, whether in public office or in his bank connections. He is well known in the city where he has always made his home, and his social qualities render him popular, while his business ability has made him a leading factor in financial circles.

Thomas C. Williams

Thomas C. Williams, deceased, was for many years identified with the farming interests of this county and was a veteran of the Civil war. Other features in his life work are equally creditable, and altogether his was an honorable record which has caused his memory to be enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him. He was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, August 14, 1836, his parents being James C. and Mary (Lindsey) Williams, both of whom were natives of the Blue Grass state. The father was a farmer by occupation and in 1848 removed from Kentucky to Clayton, Illinois, where he resided until his death, which occurred when he was well advanced in years. His wife had passed away some years previous. They were the parents of nine children, two sons and seven daughters, all of whom are now deceased, with the exception of the eldest daughter, Mrs. M. J. Meats, of Clayton, Illinois.

Thomas C. Williams was reared in Clayton on the old home farm, his youthful days being passed in a manner similar to that of most farm boys who faced the necessity of assisting in the work of the fields, and at the same time had the opportunity of acquiring a fair English education in the public schools. He attended the district schools of Adams county, living at home until he attained his majority, when he began providing for his own support by working as a farm hand by the month. He was thus employed for about a year or two, after which he was married. It was on the i6th of November, 1859, that he was joined in wedlock to Miss Margaret A. Lafferty, a daughter of James and Anna (Boyle) Lafferty. Mrs. Williams was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, December I, 1841. Her grandfather in the paternal line was John Lafferty, likewise a native of the Keystone state, where he spent his entire life. He married Martha McElmoyle, and they had four children. The maternal grandfather of Mrs.

Williams was Charles Boyle, a native of Scotland, who for many years made his home in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, where he devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits. He married Margaret Pomeroy, both continuing residents of Pennsylvania until called to the home beyond. Their daughter, Anna, became the wife of James Lafferty, and they were parents of Mrs. Williams. Both were natives of Pennsylvania and, coming to Illinois in the middle of the nineteenth century, settled in Adams county in 1851. There the father died at the age of fifty-one years, while the mother reached the age of seventy-two years. In their family were nine children, of whom three are now living : Margaret Ann ; Amanda M., the wife of Andrew B. Lafferty, of Alma, Nebraska; and James C. Lafferty, of Danbury, Nebraska.

The eldest of the surviving members of the family is Mrs. Williams who, as stated, gave her hand in marriage to our subject in 1859. They had been married but three years when he left his young wife in order to aid his country in her hour of peril. On the 14th of August, 1862, he joined the army as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for a Uttle more than three years, holding the rank of sergeant. He was once slightly wounded and on many other occasions was a target for the enemy's bullets, for he was frequently in the thickest of the fight. He participated in the battle of Franklin and of Shreveport, was with Major A. J. Smith on a trip to the Yellow Bayou and took part in the battles of Memphis and Baton Rouge. When the war was over he returned to his home in Adams county and there engaged in farming.

It was after the war that Mr. and Mrs. Williams received from her father the gift of a farm of one hundred acres. In 1873 they became residents of Henry county, settling in Orion, where Mr, Williams conducted a farming implement business until 1886, In that year he was elected sheriff and removed to Cambridge. He had previously served as deputy sheriff for twelve years, and he filled the office of sheriff for four years. At the close of his term he became ill and was sick for a long time. He had made a competent officer, being faithful and zealous in the discharge of his duties, so that his record was one which gained for him high commendation.

Unto Mr. and Mrs, Williams were born four children: Ida B,, J. I. Delbert, Charles D, and Lulie V. The eldest, Ida B,, married George M, Baugh, and they reside with Mrs, Williams. They had ten children, as follows: Patience K. ; L. Max; Anna Pearl; Clelland R, ; Charles M,; Juanita Fern; Forrest Claire; Benjamin Burdette ; Marjorie; and Otallie; of whom Charles M. died in 1905, J. I, Delbert, the next in order of birth, wedded Gertrude Nowers, by whom he has one daughter, Helen Lucile, They now make their home in Cambridge. Charles D., who married Mrs. Louisa Ryan, resides in Chicago; while Lulie v., the youngest, passed away December 27, 1890, when seventeen years of age.

The death of the husband and father occurred August 30, 1896, when he was sixty years of age. He belonged to the Modern Woodman Camp, was an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity and also maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army post. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, and he was recognized as one of the strong workers in its ranks in this part of the state. His rehgious faith was indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, to which his wife also belongs. He left to his family the priceless heritage of a good name, for his record was at all times honorable and upright. Mrs. WiUiams still survives and makes her home in Cambridge, where she has an extensive circle of warm friends.

William McMeekin, the editor and publisher of the Galva Standard, was born in Henry county, Illinois, on the 13th of November, 1858, his parents being William and Agnes (Reed) McMeekin, both of whom were born in the vicinity of Belfast, Ireland. The father was a fisherman and shipbuilder in his native land and for some time was also a sailor. He first came to the United States in 1846 but subsequently returned to Ireland and in 1854 once more crossed the Atlantic to America, taking up his abode on Mill Creek, near Milan, in Rock Island county, Illinois, where he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. Subsequently he removed to Rural township and in 1858 came to Henry county and purchased a farm of eighty acres near Orion in Western township, on which he still resides with his wife. He has now made his home on that place for more than a half century and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as a most substantial and worthy citizen. His political allegiance is unfalteringly given to the republican party, and during the Civil war he was a member of the Union League. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, seven sons and two daughters, as follows : James R. ; Mary, the wife of W. T. McWhinney ; William, of this review ; Frank ; John ; Robert C. ; Hugh H. ; and Alexander and AHda, who are at home.

William McMeekin was reared on his father's farm in this county and obtained his preliminary education in the district schools, while later he pursued his studies at Orion and Coal Valley, Illinois, and Iowa City, Iowa, being graduated from the academy at the last named place in June, 1881. He afterward entered the State University at Iowa City but left the institution in his sophomore year and took up the profession of teaching. He taught school at Sunnyhill, this county, for almost four years and then came to Galva and began the study of law in the office of Thomas E. Milchrist. When he had about completed the course he once more became identified with educational interests as an instructor and was principal of the south side school from 1887 until 1889. On the ist of July, 1889, he purchased an interest in the Galva Standard and during the following ten years published the paper in partnership with James H. Boyd under the firm style of Boyd & M^cMeekin. In 1899 he was appointed to the position of postmaster at Galva and shortly afterward bought Mr. Boyd's interest in the Standard, of which he has since been the sole proprietor. It is a weekly republican newspaper and has a large subscription list, as well as good advertising patronage. In addition to his journalistic interests Mr. McMeekin also does general job printing and likewise is an extensive dealer in real estate. A man of sound judgment, keen discrimination and excellent business ability, he has won a gratifying measure of success in his various undertakings and is widely recognized as a most prosperous, progressive and respected resident of his native county.

On the 27th of June, 1889, Mr. McMeekin was united in marriage to Miss Clara C. Bates, whose birth occurred in Galva on the 30th of September, 1861, her parents being John and Julia A. (Sipes) Bates, natives of Pennsylvania. Of the eight children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Bates, five still survive, namely : Jennie, the widow of Samuel Willis, of Mapleton, Iowa ; George F., a resident of Crosby, Texas; Mrs. J. M. Wick and William H., both living in Galesburg; and Mrs. McMeekin. Another son of the family, Frank, died when about seventeen years of age from the effects of a disease contracted while he was serving as a soldier in the Civil war.

In his political views Mr. McMeekin is a stalwart republican and, as before stated, was appointed to the postmastership of Galva in 1899. He held the office until 1907 and, with the assistance of his estimable wife, capably discharged the duties devolving upon him in this connection. His wife also assists him in the printing and newspaper office and has proved a most valuable helpmate in many ways. They are both consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, exemplifying its teachings in their daily lives. Fraternally Mr. Mc- Meekin is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. His good qualities, and they are many, have strongly endeared him to those with whom he has been associated and wherever he is known he is popular with a large circle of friends.

George W. Dustin

On the roll of Henry county's honored pioneers appears the name of George W. Dustin, who arrived in Wethersfield in 1855, coming to Illinois from Washington county, Ohio, where he was born on the 29th of January, 183 1. Thinking to find better opportunities in this section of the country he made his way toward the Mississippi and on reaching Wethersfield began work at whatever he could get to do. It was a sparsely settled region, only a few homes having been established on the prairie, while the work of civilization and development seemed scarcely begun. As there were no railroads in the district he drove stage and took the first mail to the Kewanee postoffice. He afterward entered the employ of a nursery company, devoting his attention largely to the sale of hedge fences, which at that time were coming into popularity as a means of protection against the winds as well as a division for the fields. Later he went upon the road as a traveling salesman for the Haxtun Steam Heater Company, out of which enterprise has grown the Kewanee branch of the National Tube Works. His life was a busy and useful one, characterized by the faithful performance of every duty that devolved upon him and in his business record he made that steady progress which results from energy, close application and intelligence.