Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1910 (part 8 of 32)

Thomas Quirk

Thomas Quirk, who devotes his energies to both farming and carpentering, makes his home on section 31, Cambridge township, where he owns a well improved and productive tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres. His birth occurred on the Isle of Man, on the 22d of July, 1846, his parents being Thomas and Margaret (Cregen) Quirk, who were likewise born there. The paternal grandfather was a native of France and his wife, Mrs. Ager Quirk, was of Scotch birth. Both passed away on the Isle of Man, when well advanced in years. They reared a family of three sons and three daughters, namely : Thomas, William, Paul, Margaret, Essey and Ann.

Thomas Quirk, Sr., the father of him whose name introduces this review, was a veterinary surgeon in early manhood but later turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. His demise occurred on the Isle of Man in 1 861, when he had attained the age of fifty-one years. His wife, long surviving him, was about eighty years of age when called to her final rest. They were devout and faithful members of the Methodist church. Their children were seven in number, as follows : Margaret, Nessey, Anna, Thomas, Mary, Elizabeth and William.

Thomas Quirk was reared in the place of his nativity and there acquired his education. In early life he began learning the carpenter's trade and this has claimed his time and energies to some extent throughout his entire business career. In 1868, when a young man of twenty-two years, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and traveled in Illinois aftd Kentucky for a time. In Febniary, 1869, he came to Henry county, Illinois, and turned his attention to the pursuits of farming and carpentering. He owned some land in Nebraska and in 1886 traded that for a farm of eighty acres in Cambridge township, to which he has since added a tract of similar proportions, so that his holdings now embrace one hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land. The property is supplied with all conveniences and accessories necessary for the successful conduct of a farm, and each year he harvests good crops as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields. In addition to his agricultural in- terests he also follows the trade of carpentering and in both lines of activity has gained a creditable and gratifying degree of prosperity.

On the I2th of August, 1874, Mr. Quirk was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary J. Coldy, a native of Weller township, Henry county, Illinois, and a daughter of Henry and Mary (Fenn) Coldy. She was one of a family of five children, her sisters and brothers being as follows: Emily, Eliza, Theodore and Edward. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Quirk have also been born five children, namely: William C, Frank E., Mary Alice, who is the wife of Fred Sandquist, of Cambridge, and has two children, Denzel and Lawrence ; Maggie M. and Mabel.

In his political views Mr. Quirk is independent, supporting the candidate whom he believes best qualified for office regardless of party affiliation. He has served as a school director for twenty-two years and the cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen, and in religious faith both he and his wife are Methodists. He has now been a resident of Henry county for four decades, and he never feels that he has any reason to regret his determination to seek his fortune in America, for he has found a good home here, has met with success in his business undertakings and has gained many friends whose regard and companionship make life pleasant for him.

John August Horberg

John August Horberg, whose record as a public official well entitles him to mention among the representative and valued citizens of Cambridge in Henry county, is now acting as county treasurer. He was born in Kisa, Sweden, March 26, 1867. and is the only child of John and Charlotte (Swanson) Horberg, likewise natives of the same country. The father devoted his life to the occupation of farming and coming to America in 1876 took up his abode in Osco township, Henry county, where he purchased a small farm of ten acres. Later he bought a home in the village of Osco, where he has now lived for the past twenty years. His wife died in the spring of 1897 at the age of sixty-one years in the faith of the Lutheran church, to which John Horberg also belongs.

Under the parental roof John August Horberg spent his youthful days, being a lad of nine years at the time of the emigration of the family to the United States. He then remained upon his father's farm in Osco township and attended the district school, after which he became a high school pupil at Alpha, Illinois. When his course was completed he secured a certificate and engaged in teaching for two years, after which he entered the Geneseo Collegiate Institute and was there graduated with the class of 1896. The succeeding year was again devoted to teaching, at the end of which time he matriculated in Augustina College at Rock Island. Illinois. He was afterward for six years the teacher of the village school at Andover and on withdrawing from educational circles turned his attention to general merchandising in Osco, where he entered into partnership with August Anderson. He is still connected with the business but is now a partner of Charles J. Emroth. The business is capably conducted and has reached gratifying proportions, owing to the progressive methods and undaunted enterprise of the proprietors. Mr. Horberg gave his attention entirely to its conduct until the fall of 1906 when he was elected county treasurer, entering upon the duties of the office on the ist Monday of the December, following.

Pleasantly situated in his home Ufe Mr. Horberg was married on the 17th of April, 1907, to Miss Laura A. Larson, who was born in Andover township, this county, while her parents, Charles E. and Eulalia (Swanson) Larson, were both natives of Sweden. Coming to the United States they cast in their lot with the early settlers of Andover township and following the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Larson enlisted for active duty in the Union army. He died in September, 1908, at the age of seventy-three years and is still survived by his wife. Their family numbered four sons and three daughters who are yet living: Frank, Luther, Arthur, Emil, Eva, Laura A. and Amy.

Mr. and Mrs. Horberg hold membership in the Swedish Lutheran church and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He has been for some years an active worker in its ranks and has been rewarded by the offices of town clerk and township collector, serving in the former for nine years and in the latter for one year. The capable manner in which he discharged his official duties made him a logical candidate for the office of county treasurer and he is now proving most capable as the custodian of the public funds, his official record and his private life both commending him to the confidence and good will of those with whom he comes in contact.

Alfred Metcalf Hewlett

Thomas Carlyle has said: "Biography is the most interesting as well as the most profitable of all reading." This statement finds its verification in the life record of such men as Alfred Metcalf Hewlett - a man whose life purpose was not the attainment of success although by virtue of his ability, enterprise and careful management he became one of the most successful citizens of central Illinois. He regarded business but as one phase of existence, realizing fully the responsibilities of wealth and his obligation toward his fellowmen. Careful analyzation of his character would indicate perhaps as his strongest motive force a desire to be of service to others, for he regarded this as the central point of Christian teaching, and his Christain faith was a permeating influence of his life.

It was amid comparatively humble surroundings at his parents' home in Jeff- 'ersontown, Kentucky, that he was born on the 13th of June, 1849, and with the passing years he reached the fifty-seventh milestone on life's journey. His education was acquired in the schools of his native city and in the Louisville, (Ky.) Educational Institution. He afterward engaged in teaching school for a brief period. The most notable indication which he gave of his strength of character and devotion to principle in his youthful days was when he ran away from home during the latter part of the Civil war to join the Union army.

Although reared on southern soil he believed in the righteousness of the Federal government to hold the Union intact, and going to the front he served until the close of hostilities. After the close of the war he engaged in teaching for a brief period and later entered the employ of Bradstreet, in St. Louis, Missouri, where he remained until 1875, when he came to Kewanee, making this city his home until his demise. Here he entered the employ of his cousin, H. C. Parker, in the capacity of bookkeeper, continuing in that position for some years, after which he went upon the road as a traveling salesman. When a few years had passed he entered the employ of the Western Tube Company as bookkeeper and by reason of the efficiency and ability which he displayed he was promoted successively through intermediate positions until he became secretary and treasurer and eventually vice president of the company. Still higher honors awaited him, however, for two years prior to his death he was chosen to the presidency of the mammoth enterprise which has given Kewanee its present commercial prominence.

It was to this company that Mr. Hewlett came as bookkeeper in 1883 and gradually he acquired an intimate working knowledge of the business which, combined with his diligence and keen foresight, made his services of such value that he was promoted from time to time, eventually reaching the position of chief executive officer. At the time of his death the tube company was employing four thousand people, including the office force and traveling salesmen. The sales annually reached many millions. From 1892 the business developed rapidly, being confined to tubular goods, valves and fittings, its substantial and continuous growth making it in time the largest concern of the kind in the west. Mr. Hewlett had worked his way upward from both executive and operative offices, and he continued in the presidency until his death which occurred December 20, 1907. His steady rise stands in unmistakable proof of his business ability, his power to recognize and utilize opportunities and coordinate forces. He became a recognized power in manufacturing circles in central Illinois and his record commanded the admiration of the business world. There was, however, another side to his busines career that might well serve as an example for those who employ large forces of workmen. He regarded each employe as a man and not as a part of some great machine. In this connection Xenophon Caverno, president of the Kewanee Water Supply Company and of the Kewanee Printing & Publishing Company, said : 'Tn these days of great corporations when the individual worker is so often looked on as a machine to be used for grinding out money or success for a man at the top, it is inspiring to find a man like Mr. Hewlett, to whom every employe was a man with body, brain and soul. Most men's motives are doubted, but no man, friend or foe, whether he agreed with him or not, doubts that Mr. Hewlett's chief desire was the welfare of his employes, and, in fact, of every man, woman and child in Kewanee. It was stamped in his genial, kindly face so that he who runs might read. That such a man succeeded and reached the highest business position in Kewanee gives the lie to the assertion that a business conducted on the basis of the golden rule can not succeed. The influence of such a life can never be measured." Words equally commendatory and equally well merited were spoken by other prominent citizens. E. E. Baker, president of the Kewanee Boiler Company, said : "There is not anything good to be said that Mr. Hewlett did not richly deserve. He was a man of probity, ability and high ideals, one whose public spirit could always be counted upon as one of the community's assets. Such men are too few. We can not afford to lose one of them. Kewanee will ever have reason to remember Mr. Hewlett's life and works most kindly."

In the years of early manhood Mr. Hewlett wedded Miss Maude Elliott, of Kewanee, and only a few years prior to his death they celebrated their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. Their only child, the Rev. George R. Hewlett, is now the rector of St. John's Episcopal church. In his home Mr. Hewlett was as elsewhere, thoughtful, kind and unselfish, finding his greatest joy in ministering to the happiness of those who constituted his household.

The beautiful life and character which made the name of Alfred M. Hewlett honored wherever he was known had its root in his Christian belief. He was one of the most prominent members of the Baptist church, which he served in an official capacity for many years, while with all the different activities of the church he was closely associated. He was deeply interested in others and a desire to be of help to his fellowmen resulted in his founding the first Ymmietdrah Society, the motto and creed of which is "Young men make it easy to do right and help," - the initials of these words forming the name of the society. Several other large societies of young men, the outgrowth of the first, have organized under the same name and have adopted the noble principles laid down by Mr. Hewlett, who was the adviser of the Baptist Society from its organization until his demise. As the result of his initial effort in this direction there are now five hundred young men banded together in an effort to "do right and help." In the Sunday school Mr. Hewlett was a most earnest worker, having a class of more than one hundred young men who listened eagerly to his teachings and found inspiration and encouragement in his exf^mple. He was also a prominent worker in the Young Men's Christian Association and when a proposition was made to erect a building for the society he not only made large financial donations thereto but gave the undertaking every other assistance in his power. It was largely through his interest in the new building proposition that the plan was realized. He served for several years as president of the board of trustees and only when he could no longer continue in the office was his successor chosen. Any movement which had for its object the betterment of mankind received his stanchest support and cooperation.

It was natural, therefore, that Mr. Hewlett should become connected with the Masonic fraternity which is based upon the recognition of the fact of universal brotherhood. He belonged to the various Masonic bodies represented in Kewanee and was long secretary of the local lodge. He had the distinction of being the first man to be knighted in Kewanee Commandery, K. T., and his association with Masonry dated from November 6, 1877. He found pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Julius A. Pratt Post, G. A. R. He was a liberal supporter of St. Francis Hospital and was an earnest and enthusiastic working member of the board of education, doing everything in his power to promote the interests of the schools in this city. His political allegiance was given to the republican party. Said one who was long associated with him in business : "He measured up to every requirement. In ability, integrity and all the other qualities of his well rounded manhood he stood out conspicuously." Another said: "Mr. Hewlett was one of those whom to espouse a cause was to make it his own, and so he was a power in all he undertook." His life was an exponent of integrity, honesty, sincerity and all traits which make for true manhood. Always working for the welfare of the city and its people, his one aim seemed to be to help others. His life was a benediction to those to whom it was given to know him intimately.

James Andrews

In a history of the men whose labors have contributed to public progress in Henry county and who, having lived useful, active and honorable lives, have passed on to their honorable reward, mention should be made of James Andrews, for many years one of the leading farmers of this part of the state. His sahent traits of character were such as commended him to the confidence and good will of all who knew him, and his memory is enshrined in the hearts of manv with whom he came in contact. He was born at Hartford, in the Western Reserve of Ohio, April 17, 1830, a son of the Rev. Wells and Nancy (Harper) Andrews. His father was one of the pioneer residents of the Reserve, where he located when a youth of seventeen years. He went to that state from Connecticut in 1804 with his parents and five brothers, and, determining to devote his life to the work of the ministry, he afterward became pastor of the Presbyterian church of Hartford, Ohio. He married Nancy Harper, a Virginian by birth, and a sister of Joshua Harper, one of the first and best known settlers of Henry county, Illinois. On lelving Hartford, Rev. Wells Andrews removed to Athens, Ohio, where for several years he occupied a professorship in the university. In 1843 he came to Illinois and purchased a farm near Tremont in Tazewell county, while at the same time he accepted the pastorate of a Congregational church in that locality.

It was upon that farm that James Andrews was reared, receiving thorough training in the work of the fields and coming to love the life to which he devoted his time and energies in his youth. The opportunity for investment at a lower rate than he would have to pay for land in Tazewell county led him to remove to Henry county in 1854 and as his financial resources increased he made wise and judicious investment in farm property. His entire life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits and his spirit of enterprise and determination enabled him to place his fields under a high state of cultivation and to carry on the farm work in accordance with the most progressive methods.

On the 26th of March, 1862, Mr. Andrews was united in marriage to Miss Mary Campbell of Geneseo, who still survives him. They became the parents of ten children : Charles, of Steele City, Nebraska ; John, of Ottawa, Illinois ; William, of Geneseo; James, of Kewanee, Illinois; Robert, of Geneseo; George, of Nebraska; Mrs. Mary B. Young, of Shannon, Illinois; and Jessie, Maude and Wells, all of Geneseo.

The death of Mr. Andrews occurred in Geneseo, March 12, 1908. George W. Shaw, in writing of him said: "Mr. Andrews was heart and soul a farmer. He loved country Hfe and when absent from his farm was always impatient to return. He was a fine specimen of strong and healthy manhood until within a few of the last years of his life, when he retired from his farm to reside in Geneseo. His closing years were clouded by the advance of an incurable disease. During his whole life, however, he was of a cheerful and even jovial disposition and was fond of social enjoyments. He was not only a man diligent and successful in business, but also a reader of good books and a thinker. He loved to discuss public questions from an independent point of view; and as he grew older took less interest in partisan considerations. Independence of thought and action were prominent traits. To these were joined inflexible integrity and great kindness of heart. He was invariable in his attachments, a lover of his family and friends and of all manhood - one of those men who are the strength and hope of a nation. It is not a flower of the valley that has faded but an oak of the forest that is laid low."

John L. Blair

John L. Blair, owning and operating a farm of three hundred and twenty acres on section 18, Kewanee township, likewise devotes considerable attention to stock raising and has met with success in both undertakings. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Henry county, his birth having occurred in Kewanee township on the 31st of August, 1859. His parents, James and Lucy E. (Emerson) Blair, were natives of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Greenbrier county. West Virginia, respectively. The maternal grandparents of our subject, Benjamin and Mary (Hinkley) Emerson, were born in Connecticut and Ohio respectively, the latter's birth occurring in the barracks at Marietta during the Indian war. James Blair, the father of John L. Blair, came to this county in 1854 and took up his abode on a tract of land of ten acres situated north of Kewanee. Subsequently he purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty acres which is now a part of the Blair estate and there carried on his agricultural interests until called to his final rest in 1883, when he had attained the age of fifty-three years. He was widely recognized as one of the substantial and respected residents of the community and his loss was deeply mourned by all who knew him. His widow, who yet survives, lives on the old homestead farm in Kewanee township.

John L. Blair obtained his education in the district schools of this county and when not busy with his text-books he assisted his father in the operation of the home place, thus early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. After the demise of his father he assumed charge of the home farm and about ten years ago extended its boundaries by purchasing a tract of one hundred and sixty acres adjoining, so that the property now embraces three hundred and twenty acres of valuable and productive land on section 18, Kewanee township. In addition to his agricultural interests he likewise raises considerable stock, which branch of his business adds materially to his annual income. When the farm came into his possession the buildings thereon included a fine two-story residence and a bam and he has since erected another barn, sixty by sixty-four feet, as well as a corn crib, twenty-four by thirty-six feet. Energetic enterprising and progressive, he has carried forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken and has long been numbered among the prosperous and respected citizens of his community.

On the 20th of September, 1893, at Kewanee, Mr. Blair was united in marriage to Miss Frances Scott, a daughter of Mrs. Ann Scott, of Kewanee township. They now have three children, as follows : Florence, who is fourteen years of age and attends the high school at Kewanee ; Ellis, nine years old ; and Arlo, who is three years of age.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Blair has given his political allegiance to the republican party, while fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen. He is likewise a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has acted as one of its trustees for many years. Honorable in business, loyal in citizenship, charitable in thought, kindly in action, true to every trust confided to his care, Mr. Blair commands the esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances in the county where his entire life has been spent.

Clyde B. Taylor

Clyde B. Taylor who since 1898 has been cashier of the Farmers National Bank at Cambridge, in which connection he has displayed ability in management and in the solution of intricate financial problems, was born in Chickasaw county, Iowa, January 16, 1871, being one of the seven sons of Byron E. and Leila A. (Thayer) Taylor, who were natives of New York. The father was reared in the Empire state and when a young man removed to Iowa, settling in the town of Bedford, Chickasaw county, where he was residing at the time of the outbreak of hostilities between the north and south, resulting from the slavery question and its attendant problems of the indissolubility of the Union. At that time he enlisted for active service at the front as a member of Company K, Third Iowa Infantry and remained with the regiment throughout the entire period of the war. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg and in a number of the most important battles which led up to the final victory that crowned the Union arms and on three occasions was wounded. After the war he returned to his home in Iowa and was married there. With his bride he soon went to Nebraska, settling on a farm in Butler county, where he engaged in farming for a number of years, and was also prominent in the public affairs of the district, serving for one term as clerk of the district court. Since his retirement from office he has engaged in business and, coming to Cambridge in 1906, now makes his home in this city in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He married Leila A. Thayer, a daughter of Hiram Thayer, one of the pioneer residents of Bradford, Iowa, where he served as postmaster for a number of years. Both he and his wife lived to an old age and reared a family of four sons and four daughters. Both Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Taylor are consistent and devoted members of the Baptist church, and his political allegiance is given to the

Clyde B. Taylor spent his youthful days on his father's farm in Nebraska, until he reached the age of eleven or twelve years, when the family removed to David City, Nebraska, that the father might enter upon the duties of clerk of the court, to which position he had been elected. The son attended the public and high schools of that place and would have graduated had not a cyclone destroyed the high school bunding and temporarily disorganized the schools. Later he pursued a course in the Omaha Commercial College, after which he returned to David City and accepted the position of bookkeeper in the David City Bank. Subsequently he went to the City National Bank as bookkeeper, occupying that position until 1895, when he came to Cambridge. Here he acted as bookkeeper until 1898, when he became cashier of the Farmers National Bank and in that capacity is proving an active factor in the management of financial interests in Cambridge.

On the 5th of October, 1897, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Kate L. White, a native of this city and a graduate of its high school. She is a daughter of Henry and Harriett (Sims) White. There are three children of this union, Harry F., Leila E. and Clyde B., Jr. The parents are members of the Baptist church, in which Mr. Taylor is serving as deacon, ' d he is also well known in fraternal circles, belonging to Cambridge Lodge, o. 49, A. F. & A. M. ; Cambridge Lodge, No. 199, L O. O. F. ; and Cambridge Camp, No. 28, M. W. A., of which he is clerk. His political endorsement is unfalteringly given to the republican party, and his devotion to the general good has been manifest in his acceptable service as village treasurer for 'elve years

William R. Tracy

In William R. Tracy, Oxford township finds one of her representative citizens, a man of worth and intelligence. He was bom January 26, 1852, in Whistling Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois, his parents being Joab and Mary J. (Coon) Tracy. Both father and mother were natives of Montgomery county, Indiana, where they were born, reared and married. The former's ancestors were Kentucky pioneers, the great-grandfather having been killed by Indians in the Bluegrass state. The family is of Irish descent. The mother's family, the Coons, were Ohio pioneers and of German origin. When young people Mr. Tracy's parents left Indiana for Peoria, Illinois, setting forth the day after their marriage and making the journey in a lumber wagon. They had lived in Peoria only a short time when they decided to go to Mercer county. For three years the father farmed as a renter and then decided upon another change of location, this time taking up his residence in Lynn township, Henry county, in 1855, where he preempted a one hundred and sixty acre farm, where he followed agriculture with no small success. He added to his holdings from time to time until he possessed as much as thirteen hundred acres of land. The original one hundred and sixty acres in Lynn township was obtained from the government and the patent was signed by President Franklin Pierce. This was never transferred, mortgag-ed or tax deHnquent during the entire life of Mr. Tracy's father. When he died in 1904 the original tract passed to his youngest son, Joab, who is now living upon it. The old homestead is m Lynn township near the town of Ophiem.

Mr. Tracy is of that present day rarity - a large family. There were five sons and five daughters, of whom seven are now living. These are William R., the subject of this sketch; James A., of Chicago; Willard D., of Galesburg; Ellen, now Mrs. Charles Kinsey, of Mercer county ; Catherine, now Mrs. Joihn A. Sayre of Rock Island county ; Joab, of Lynn township ; and Jennie, now Mrs. Dallas D. Petrie, of Lynn township. Those deceased are Rachel, whose husband was Guy D. Fields, of Western township, also deceased; Minnie P., who was unmarried ; and Jessie S., of Osco township, who died September 28, 1909. The mother is still living and resides at New Windsor, Mercer county. The father was a Jacksonian democrat, and though ever interested in the public welfare and alert to the signs of the times, he refused all office save that of school director. He was a man who thoroughly understood the importance of good education, and he was given to liberal charity when he knew the object to be deserving. He was an honored and respected citizen and of strong convictions and positive views, whose motto was "live and let live."

William R. Tracy made his home within the parental abode until the attainment of his majority, during the winter months gaining his education in the little red schoolhouse on the hill, and in the summer finding an even more practical training near to nature's heart. This was supplemented by four years attendance at the Prairie Home Academy at Orion. He then proceeded to teach school for the ensuing eight winters, farming as before in the spring and summer. His career as a pedagogue both preceded and followed his marriage in 1873. Having lived for six years after marriage on his father's farm in Lynn township, in the spring of 1879 he decided to become an independent landowner and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Mercer county. There he resided until the spring of 1884, when he removed to his present farm in Oxford township, Henry county. This property is a very large one, consisting of five hundred and thirty-six acres of land, all in one body. It is all tillable land, and all well tiled and under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Tracy engages in general farming and raises sufficient cattle and hogs to consume his grain. The study of soils and the practice of rotation of crops prevent any deterioration in the quality and abundance of his crops. The subject of the sketch has other land interests in addition to those in Oxford township.

In April, 1873, ^r. Tracy was united in marriage with Miss Mary D. Barrett, a daughter of James M. Barrett, her mother, Abigail (Matthews) Barrett, having died when she was an infant. Her father, who was a farmer in Andover township, died several years ago. Mrs. Tracy like her husband was liberally educated and taught school from her sixteenth year until her marriage. Two children have blessed their union: Grace, now Mrs. Alban J. Amlong, resides on a farm adjoining her father's ; William R., Jr., is also married and lives on the. old homestead, his parents occupying a new and modern house nearby. The bride of William R., Jr., was Miss Eunice Brooks, a daughter of Benjamin F.

and Ellen (Bester) Brooks, both of her parents being now dead. These young people have a daughter named Ruth. Father and son are farming together, the latter being also an advocate of scientific agriculture. He received his education in the district schools and in the schools of New Windsor and later took a course in the Brown Business College at Galesburg. The daughter, Grace, attended Knox College.

Mr. Tracy is a stalwart republican and has been active in public affairs. For a number of years he has been a member of the county central committee of which he is now secretary. He is also a member of the township election board and has frequently been a delegate to county, district and state conventions. His service as a member of the local school board extends over many years. In 1886 he was elected as the Oxford township member of the county board of supervisors and served four years or until 1890. In 1897 he was again elected and served ten years in that capacity. He has given valuable counsel as a public officer and a member of important committees. He is a progressive citizen, always advocating that which is best calculated to advance the best interests of all the people, and he stands high in the opinion of all who know him.

William F. Bailey

The life record of William F. Bailey is a credit to the city of his adoption for Galva found in him a progressive merchant, whose methods are reliable and whose enterprise has given to the city one of its chief mercantile establishments, for he is now at the head of the Bailey Dry Goods Company, owners of a well appointed dry-goods and department store. He was born in Circleville, Ohio, June 14, 1844, his parents being William D. and EUza (Smith) Bailey, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. The latter was a daughter of a sea captain, who died, however, when Mrs. Bailey was an infant. He represented one of the oldest American families, being a descendant of Captain John Smith.

William D. Bailey was a printer by trade and for fifty-three years was identified with that business. He established the Des Moines Register, but afterward, returned to Pennsylvania, residing successively in Harrisburg, Williamsport and Wellsboro, after which he took up his abode at Bellefonte, where he died when about sixty-three years of age. His wife long survived him and passed away at the age of eighty-four years. They attended the Episcopal church, but Mr. Bailey was not strongly sectarian, being on the contrary a liberal supporter of church work and maintained a seat in every church in town. During the Civil war he went to the front on an emergency call about the time of the battle of Gettysburg. In community affairs he was prominent, serving as registrar and recorder of Tioga county, Pennsylvania, for six years. In antebellum days he was a stanch abolitionist, joined the republican party on its formation to prevent the further extension of slavery and was elected to office on the first republican ticket that was placed in the field in his district. He was a warm personal friend of Horace Greeley and frequently entertained him and others prominent in the political history of the country at his home. Unto him and his wife were born seven children, two sons and five daughters, namely : William F., of this review ; Frances, who died at the age of twenty-one years ; Mrs. Mary Elmore, a widow ; Adelaide, the wife of W. B. Rankin of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania; Newton S., a United Brethren minister at Bellefonte ; and one who died in infancy.

WiHiam F. Bailey was reared in Pennsylvania, the family home being established in Harrisburg when he was but six weeks old. There he remained to the age of four years when a removal was made to Wellsboro, where he resided until he reached the age of seventeen. Just before he reached the age of seventeen he offered his services to the government in response to the need for troops to serve in the Union Army. He joined Company H, Sixth Pennsylvania Reserves, a regiment whose history is unique and creditable. They were the first troops rushed into Washington following the first battle of Bull Run, Mr. Bailey enlisted on the 22d of April, 1861, and served continuously until April 27, 1865 ; or for more than four years. He joined the army as a private and was promoted through sue cessive grades to the rank of first lieutenant. He was wounded in the shoulder at the battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia, December 13, 1862, and again on the 30th of May, 1864, at the battle of Bethesda Church when bullets pierced his foot and his leg. He took part in the battles of Drainsville, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, the ten days' fight in the wilderness, the second battle of Bull Run, Spottsylvania Courthouse, North Ann River and many others of importance together with numerous skirmishes, and after being captured was incarcerated in Libby Prison at Andersonville and at Florence. Few can show as extended military record or one which indicates more strenuous service.

After the war Mr. Bailey studied in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for six months and then went to Atchison, Kansas, where he remained for a year and a half, engaged in the dry-goods business. He next went to New York city, where he lived for three and a half years and during that period was married in Brooklyn, New York. While in the metropolis he acted as buyer for a syndicate owning a dry-goods store. Later he went to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he remained for several years and for three years was proprietor of a store at Rebersburg. At Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, he engaged in the publication of a newspaper for a year and in May, 1879, became a resident of Illinois, at which time he located in Galesburg, there conducting a dry-goods business until 1895, when ill health caused him to seek a change of climate and he went to North Carolina. On the 1 2th of December, 1898, he came to Galva, where he opened a dry-goods store, which has since been conducted under the name of the Bailey Dry Goods Company. This establishment occupies a large double store room and a number of sales people are employed. The company maintains a high standard in the personnel of the store, in the line of goods carried and in the service rendered to the public and its patronage has continually increased as the result of the reliable business methods of the house and the earnest efforts puts forth to please the patrons.

On the 3d of December, 1868, Mr. Bailey was married to Miss Henrietta Graves, a daughter of Major William Graves. Mrs. Bailey was born amid the far-famed lakes of Killarney and leaving the Emerald isle when a maiden of thirteen summers came to America and was reared in Brooklyn, New York. She traces her ancestry back to the Earl of Vincent and even back to William the

Conqueror. Her parents were natives of England and her father, who served in the war of 1812, was wounded in the knee at the battle of New Orleans. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have but one daughter, Marcella Henrietta. The parents are members of the Episcopal church, in the work of which they take active and helpful part, Mr. Bailey frequently leading the church services.

His poHtical endorsement is given to the republican party and while residing in Galesburg, he served for one term as alderman. He holds membership in Galva post, G. A. R., and in all his Hfe he has been as loyal to the duties of citizenship and to the interests of the country at large as when he followed the old flag on southern battle fields. While he is one of the more recent additions to the business circles of Galva, he is today regarded as one of the city's most enterprising and progressive merchants and his record is a valuable asset in her commercial history.

Fred C. Zimmerman

The business activity and enterprise which are the salient factors in the upbuilding and growth of Geneseo, find a worthy exponent in Fred C. Zimmerman, who is numbered among the leading merchants of the city. He is conducting here a furniture and undertaking business, and his is a well appointed establishment, while the reliability of his business methods entitle him to the success which he is now enjoying. He was born in Geneseo, Illinois, April 7, 1863, and is a son of Daniel F. Zimmerman. The father was a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, born September 21, 1833, and was a son of Daniel and Magdalene (Lappel) Zimmerman. Daniel F. Zimmerman came to America in 1854 and first located in Chillicothe, Ohio, where he remained for about a year. In 1855 he removed to Chicago and in 1856 became a resident of St. Louis, but soon afterward established his home in Galena, lUinois. In the spring of 1857, he went to Davenport, where he remained until 1861, conducting business in that city for four years and also at Rock Island and Moline. In November, 1861, he arrived in Geneseo and established a furniture and undertaking business, which he managed successfully until shortly before his death, or for a period of forty years. He was thus long one of the most prominent and active of the business men of Geneseo, and his labors were of a character that contributed not only to his individual success, but were an element in the city's growth and development. He lost his factory and machinery by fire in 1869 and there was no insurance upon it. At once he rebuilt, however, and was again prospering, when, in 1872, his store and stock were burned, and he was again a heavy loser. Notwithstanding the fact that he sustained a loss of four thousand dollars above the insurance which he carried, he resolutely set to work to establish again his place in the business circles of the city, soon had his store in readiness for patrons and through energy, perseverance, and capable management he succeeded in again winning substantial success. The dimensions of his store were eighty-two by twenty-six feet and two stories in height. He carried a large and well selected line of goods and not only enjoyed a substantial trade as a dealer in furniture but also was finely equipped for the undertaking business.

On the 3d of September, 1859, Mr. Zimmerman was married in Rock Island, to Miss Kunigunda Tresel, a native of Bavaria. Mr. Zimmerman was a wide reader and a man of scholarly attainments. He loved to talk about his young days in Germany and the scenes with which he became familiar in his youth. He told many interesting tales concerning his boyhood days, when he was a pupil in the gymnasium - an institution of learning equal in character to the high school or college in this country. His father was a skilled mechanic in wood work. Dying just as Daniel finished his school days, the son took up the father's work and continued it successfully. Later he worked at his trade in some of the large cities in Germany and thus gained a knowledge of that country, which enabled him to talk most interestingly concerning the land of his birth. He always manifested the deepest attachment for the land of his adoption and was greatly interested in the welfare and progress of the town, giving aid and assistance to every worthy cause. An upright and honorable man, his worth was appreciated by all who knew him and his death was the occasion of deep regret to many friends. His wife was born in Obernseis, near Bayreuth, Bavaria, Germany, and came to the United States with an elder sister and brother-in-law, Mrs. K. F. Miller, who arrived in Rock Island in 1854. It was in that city in 1859 that she gave her hand in marriage to Daniel Zimmerman, to whom she was ever a faithful wife, while to her children she was a devoted and loving mother, and in the community was known as a true friend.

Fred C. Zimmerman, whose name introduces this review, was born and reared in Geneseo, where he has always made his home. When sixteen years of age he began working in his father's store, where he continued as an employe until the 26th of August, 1905, when he purchased the business which he has since conducted. He now has a well appointed furniture and undertaking establishment, and a liberal patronage, which he well merits, is accorded him.

On the 27th of October, 1887, Mr. Zimmerman was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Stubinger, a daughter of Fred Stubinger. Her father died in Leavenworth, Kansas, in March, 1907, and her mother is still living there. They were the parents of four children : Carrie ; William F., of St. Louis ; Emma, the wife of H. F. Schmelzer, a resident of Kansas City, Missouri ; and Ada, who makes her home in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Fred C. Zimmerman is a worthy representative of one of the early famiUes of Henry county and is now conducting an enterprise which has constituted one of the leading commercial undertakings of the city through many years. He holds to the highest standards of business ethics and his honorable record is a most commendable one.

Orman R. Warner

Orman R. Warner, formerly identified with agricultural interests and now the secretary of the Farmer's Mutual Insurance Company, of Kewanee, came to Henry county in September, 1845, and is therefore among its oldest residents in the length of time with which he has been associated with its interests.

He has lived to see remarkable changes here as wild land has been converted into rich fields, while towns and villages have been builded and all of the industrial and commercial interests of the older east have been introduced. In the work of general progress Mr. Warner has borne his part as the years have gone by and his value as a citizen is widely acknowledged. He was born in Canada, on the 22d of March, 1835, and was therefore a youth of ten years when the family home was established in Illinois. His parents were Ralph and Clara Warner, who came from Canada and on reaching their destination settled in Burns township, the father securing eighty acres of wild land from the govern^ ment. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon this place, but with characteristic energy he began its development and soon converted the tract into rich fields. He continued to carry on farming there until his death, which occurred when he was fifty-eight years of age, while his wife survived to the advanced age of eighty-two years.

Orman R. Warner was educated in the country schools and remained on the farm until twenty-four years of age, during which period he became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and cultivating the crops. About 1869 he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres adjoining his father's original tract of eighty acres and thus started out upon an independent venture as an agriculturist. For a long period he successfully carried on general farming and as his financial resources permitted invested from time to time in land until his property holdings were extensive. He has since sold all but the original eighty acres which his father took up from the government. It is his purpose never to sell this, hoping that it may be handed down from father to son through successive generations.

On the 31st of December, 1857, Mr. Warner was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Cosner, of Burns township, a daughter of Henry and Ann Cosner, who were farming people of that community. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Warner were born three children: Lartie May, now Mrs. H. C. Doty, a resident of Palmyra, Nebraska; Samuel C, a resident farmer of Bums township; and Morton K., who is a merchant of Kewanee.

Mr. Warner continued to reside upon the farm until 1888, when he removed to Kewanee and for six years thereafter lived retired, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former labor. In 1894, however, he was elected secretary of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, which position he has since filled. He is also a director of the Kewanee Building & Loan Association and is thus prominent in a financial way in connection with important business concerns of the district. Throughout his life he has manifested keen discrimination and sound judgment, combined with unfaltering perseverance, and these qualities have brought him substantial success. The Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, of which he is now secretary, was organized in 1875 with M. R Potter as president, Levi North, as secretary, and E. M. Vail, as treasurer. They protect against losses by fire and lightning among farmers and in the small towns, making assessments for losses. The business is owned and managed by farmers and retired farmers, and the amount of insurance now in force is one million, eight hundred thousand dollars. The present officers are: presi-

In 1909 Mr. Warner was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife who passed away on the 6th of January, of that year. She was an exceptionally good woman, devoted to the welfare and happiness of her family, and her life was characterized by many good deeds to her friends, to the poor and needy and to all with whom she came in contact. Mr. and Mrs. Warner traveled life's journey together for more than half a century, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the years went by. At the time of her demise one of her warm friends with whom she had been intimately associated in the work of the church wrote of her:

"Mrs. Warner came to Kewanee to make her home twenty-one years ago. She united with the Methodist Episcopal church and at once identified herself with the work of the Ladies' Aid Society. In the years that have followed, in sickness and health, her interest in the welfare of her church and the work of the Aid Society has never lessened.

"For ten years she was president of this society and so faithfully did she perform the duties of the office, so highly did we value her presence and counsel that at the end of the term of active service she was unanimously elected 'honorary president' of the society, an office she still held at the time of her death. The only criticism we ever heard of her was, 'she knew not how to spare herself.' So earnestly did she desire the success of every enterprise undertaken by the society that many times she carried the burdens of responsibility that should have rested upon younger, stronger shoulders. We knew so well her energy and whole-hearted interest that we have wondered if we had not become too much accustomed to her frail health and perhaps sometimes overtaxed her strength. Yet we know she loved the work and we do not believe she ever felt it burdensome.

"When the word came to us that she had passed away we did not feel that she was lost to us, but only gone before, for as the poet has sweetly said : 'There is no death! What seems so is transition : This life of mortal breath Is but a suburb of life elysian, Whose portal we call Death.'

"We will miss her presence with us, her voice in the prayer meeting, raised in testimony and prayer we will hear no more, in the home there will be a vacant chair, yet we feel that our loss is her gain. And now that she has gone and we are left to carry on the work, we earnestly desire that a double portion of her spirit may fall upon us.

"If we were asked to sum up her character in two words we would say, 'faithful and true,' and the prayer of our hearts is that we may as faithfully perform the work that is given us to do ; may fill as well the niche to which we are assigned; and when the time comes for us to lay down the cares and pleasures of life, may we, each one, as richly deserve to hear the words, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant ; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of the Lord.'

'Rest in peace, thou gentle spirit, throned above, Souls like thine with God inherit. Life and Love.' " Mr. Warner has been somewhat active in public affairs, his fellow townsmen calling him to various offices. In 1866-67 he served as collector of Bums township and for seventeen years was it assessor. He was also school director for seventeen years and the cause of education found in him a stalwart champion. In January, 1858, he joined the Methodist Episcopal church, served as a trustee of the congregation in Burns township and upon his removal to Kewanee was made a trustee here. His life has been in strict conformity with his profession and he stands today as one whose many sterling traits have gained for him the high honor and respect which are uniformly accorded him. He well deserves mention in this volume as one of its representative pioneer citizens and his example may well serve as a source of encouragement and emulation to others.

Carl J. Lager

Among the business enterprises which are factors in Geneseo's commercial activity is the store of Carl J. Lager. He has for some years successfully conducted business as a dealer in clothing and men's furnishings, and the spirit of modern business enterprise actuates him in all that he does. He was born in Lonsas parish, Ostergotland, Sweden, April 23, 1854, and is a son of John P. and Maja Greta (Swensen) Lager, both of whom were natives of Sweden. The father was a tailor by trade and in the year 1871 brought his family to the United States. He settled at Princeton, Illinois, where he lived for four years, and in 1875 he came to Geneseo, where he has since engaged in the tailoring business. His wife died in 1906 at the age of seventy-nine years, and he is now seventy-nine years of age. He was a member of the regular army in Sweden, serving for twenty-three years. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Swedish Lutheran church to which his wife also belongs. They were the parents of four children: Carl J.; Anna L., the widow of William Anderson, now living in Minneapolis; Mary, the wife of Carl J. Hagalin, of Geneseo; and Hilma C, the wife of Rev. John A. Frost, of Minneapolis.

Carl J. Lager was seventeen years of age when he came to the United States with his parents. He had acquired a good Gommon-school education in the schools of his native country and had learned the tailor's trade there. On his arrival in America he worked at farm labor and was employed in other ways for a time, after which he followed his trade for a fev/ years, or until 1880. He then engaged in the sewing-machine business until 1883, after which he accepted a clerkship in a clothing store. Six years were devoted to his duties as a salesman and at the end of that time he took charge of a store for M. Nusbaum & Company, acting as manager of the business for three years. In 1903 he formed a partnership with William A. Offerle and the style of the firm is now Lager, Offerle & Company. During the time that he was managing the business of M. Nusbaum & Company, he and Mr. Offerle, in 1897, purchased the lot on which the old "red mill" used to stand - one of the landmarks of Geneseo - and there they erected a modern brick building which is known as the Lager & Offerle block. In that they are conducting business, renting out one room for a dry-goods store, for the second story constitutes the Masonic hall. They have a well equipped store, carrying a large line of men's furnishing goods and clothing and their sales reach a gratifying annual figure. Their business methods are reliable, and the enterprise which they manifest has brought them into important relations with the commercial life of the town.

On the 30th of May, 1878, Mr. Lager was married to Miss Dora M. Larson, a daughter of Peter and Anna M. Larson. Mrs. Lager was born in Geneseo, while her parents were natives of Sweden. Her father arrived in 1852, coming from Baros, while the mother, whose home was in the parish of Sand, Wernland, Sweden, came to the United States in 1854. Mr. Larson died in 1898 at the age of seventy-six years and is still survived by his wife. In their family were four daughters: Laura, now the wife of Fred Gotch; Dora M., now Mrs. Lager; Emily; and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Lager had two children, a son and a daughter who died in infancy. They also have an adopted child, Florence Ruth, who married Fred C. Brutsehe, of Coon Rapids, Iowa. The religious views of the parents are indicated by their membership in the Unitarian church. Mr. Lager belongs to Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M. ; Geneseo Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M. ; Rock Island Commandery, No. 18, K. T. ; and Kaaba Temple, A.' A. O. N. M. S., of Davenport, Iowa. He also affiliates with Geneseo Lodge, No. 172, I. O. O. F., and Geneseo Encampment, No. 34. He likewise belongs to the Patriarchs Militant, the Uniform Rank, Canton No. 60, of Moline, and he holds the commission of major as a member of the staff of General C. M. Lytle of the Patriarchs Militant, who is commander of the Second Brigade. At the present time he is a representative of the camp and is a past representative of the grand lodge of Odd Fellows in Illinois. He also belongs to Utopia Lodge, No. 310, K. P., of which he is a past representative, and is a charter member of the Improved Order of Red Men. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and he is now serving as the supervisor of Geneseo township. Some years ago he acted as alderman of the city from the fourth ward, and at all times he is loyal to the interests of the community, exercising his official prerogatives for the public good but laboring, as well, as a private citizen for the best interests of the town and county at large.

Morton K. Warner

Morton K. Warner, the junior partner of the firm of Spickler & Warner, dealers in men's furnishing goods in Kewanee, is one of Henry county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Burns township, November 29, 1867. He is a son of O. R. Warner, one of the honored pioneer residents of the county, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. He was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. After mastering the preliminary branches of learning in the district schools he con- tinned his studies in Heding College, at Abingdon, Illinois, and after his college days were over came to Kewanee, where he accepted a clerkship in a clothing and men's furnishing goods store. He was there employed for five years and on the expiration of that period purchased an interest in the business, the firm becoming Huntington, Spickler & Warner in 1893. Upon the death of Mr. Huntington, in 1900, the business continued under the firm style of Spickler & Warner, which has since been maintained. They carry a large and well selected line of clothing and men's furnishing goods, doing a business of creditable proportions. Their trade is constantly growing and their enterprise is such as causes them to be classed with the foremost merchants of the city. Mr. Warner is also vice president of the Kewanee Building & Loan Association and is a man of laudable ambitions, resolute purpose and unfaltering energy - qualities which are enabling him to push steadily forward on the high road of life to the goal of success. Mr. Warner was united in marriage on the 26th of November, 1890, to Miss Bird Gleason, of Kewanee, a daughter of Lucien P. and Ella Gleason, the former a traveling salesman. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Warner have been born two children who are yet living, Leslie Harold and Eleanor. They also lost two, Wilma and Wendell. Mr. Warner is a devoted member and active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as trustee and steward for fifteen years. He is a generous contributor to the support of the church and does everything in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. Mrs. Warner was also a member and prominent worker in the same church until her death, which occurred July 14, 1909. Fraternally Mr. Warner is connected with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias, and the Modem Woodmen of America, but is not more esteemed in those organizations than he is in business and social circles.

John Albert Lindstrum

John Albert Lindstrum owns about one hundred and thirty acres of land in Weller township, on which stands one of the finest country homes in this section of Henry county. He was born in the vicinity of Bishop Hill, Henry county, December 28, 1870, a son of Eric and Britta (Olson) Lindstrum, both of whom were natives of Sweden, the former of Westmanland and the latter of Helsingland. The parents emigrated to this country with a colony of their countrymen, all locating in Bishop Hill, where Mr. Lindstrum, who was a carpenter and cabinet-maker by trade, did work along these lines for the colonists. Later he engaged in farming northeast of this village and became very successful, owning at the time of his death five farms, averaging over one hundred acres each. For many years he served as town clerk and as school trustee and filled other public offices of trust and responsibility. He never tried to influence others to cast a vote in his support and yet he seldom was defeated for an office to which he was nominated. He became an influential and prominent citizen of Henry county, and thus his death, which occurred March 9, 1889, was the occasion of deep regret to many friends. The mother is also deceased, her death occurring December 27, 1887.

John Albert Lindstrum at the usual ag-e entered the district schools, wherein he mastered the branches of learning usually taug-ht in such institutions. In his early youth he had a taste for agricultural pursuits and when eighteen years of age put aside his books that he might devote his entire attention to that field of labor. He worked for others for two years and about this time his father died, leaving a large estate to his heirs. John A. of this review, inherited a tract of one hundred and twenty-three acres, located in Weller township, one mile north of Bishop Hill. He at once took charge of the same and in 1902 erected a fine barn thirty-eight by forty-six feet, while in 1905 he erected one of the most modern and finest country homes in Weller township. The house contains thirteen large, light rooms, all of which are nicely furnished, while it is supplied with hot and cold water, hot water heat and many other conveniences and comforts. Mr. Lindstrum purchased six and a quarter acres of land adjoining that which he inherited and it has all been placed in good condition by tiling and the rotation of crops. He raises principally corn and oats and also raises thoroughbred shorthorn cattle, having forty head at the present time, in 1909. He also keeps Poland China hogs, having forty head at this time. In all his business affairs he manifests an enterprising and progressive spirit that is always sure to win success.

Mr. Lindstrum was married on the 15th of February, 1893, to Miss Lillie Nystrum, a daughter of Eric Nystrum, a prosperous farmer of Galva township. Four children grace this marriage, as follows : Raymond, who was born November 30, 1894; Vernice, born September 7, 1897; Glenwood, August 11, 1901 ; and Pearl Anna, whose birth occurred July 30, 1905.

A democrat in his political allegiance, Mr. Lindstrum served as school director two terms but declined to serve longer. He is a member of the Select Knights and in religious faith is a Methodist. He is numbered among the county's successful farmers and is highly esteemed and respected by all with whom he has business or social relations.

Roy G. F. Offeree

Roy G. F. Offerle is well known in Geneseo, where he has spent his entire life, his birth having here occurred on the 3d of December, 1882. He is a son of Albert F and Caroline J. (Dannenfelser) Offerle. His paternal grandfather, George J. Ofiferle, came to America from Alsace, which was then under the dominion of France, but the family were of German lineage and spoke both the German and the French tongues. George J. Offerle settled in Warren, Pennsylvania, and v/as there united in marriage to Miss Magdalene Reig, who was also a native of Germany. Removing westward they spent their last days in Geneseo, where both died when more than sixty years of age. They were the parents of nine children who reached years of maturity. Albert F. ; Lena, the wife of Philip Rapp ; Edward, deceased ; Patrick ; Belle ; Anna, the wife of J. V. Laver ; Louis ; Freeman ; and Hattie, the wife of C. E. Hapgood. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Frederick Dannenfelser, who came from Lorraine and at a very early day settled in Phenix township, Henry county, Illinois. There he built a log cabin in which he began life in true pioneer style but later improved his farm with good buildings. A number of years afterward he removed to Geneseo where he died at the age of eighty-one years, while his wife was eighty-four years of age at the time of her death. They had a large family ; Jacob, deceased ; William; Elizabeth, the wife of John O. Freed; Fred; Christina, the wife of F. E. Gresser; Caroline J., who became Mrs. Offerle; and Julia, the wife of S. S. Ott.

Albert F. Ofiferle, the father of our subject, was a shoemaker of Warren, Pennsylvania, and when a young man came with his parents to Geneseo, where he spent the remainder of his life, saving the last few years, which were passed in Helena, Montana. There he died in the '90s. His widow still survives and is a member of the German Evangelical church, to which Mr. Offerle also belonged. For a short time he was proprietor of a boot and shoe store in Geneseo. In their family were two children, William Albert and Roy G. F.

The younger was reared in Geneseo and lives in the house where he was born. He attended the public and high schools, and after putting aside his text-books he began clerking in the grocery store of George Drehmer, by whom he was employed for six or seven years. He afterward accepted a clerkship in the clothing store of Lager & Offerle, where he has continued to the present time, and he is well known in the business circles of the city.

Politically, Mr. Offerle is a republican, and fraternally he is connected with the Improved Order of Redmen. He lives at home with his mother on Center street and is well known in the social circles of the city, having many warm friends in Geneseo where his entire life has been passed.

Ernest Harding

While still residing on his farm on section 17, Geneseo township, Ernest Harding is practically living a retired Hfe and the rest which he is enjoying is well earned, being the merited reward of his persistent and earnest labor in former years. He was born in Germany July 23, 1841, and is a son of Carl and Henrietta (Otto) Hartung. In later years the orthography of the surname has been changed to its present form.

Ernest Harding was but ten years of age when his parents sailed for America, arriving on the shores of the new world in 1851. Making their way into the interior of the country they settled on a farm in Cook county, Illinois, the father purchasing sixty acres of land which is now comprised in one of the parts of Chicago. Little realizing how valuable the property would one day become he sold it in 1854 and removed to Geneseo, where he followed farming. He also lived for a short time in Rock Island but afterward returned to Geneseo, where he spent the remainder of his days. There were four children in the family, of whom Ernest was the eldest, the others being Fred, who now lives in Rockwell City, Iowa ; Amelia, who became the wife of Jacob Arnett and died in Rock Island Illinois ; and MoUie, the wife of Mike Long, a resident of Rock Island.

In his youthful days Ernest Harding attended the public schools of Geneseo and also devoted a portion of his time to assisting his father until he had attained the age of about sixteen or seventeen years. He then began to work as a farm hand and with the sum which he was able to save from his wages purchased a horse. He was a young man of twenty years when in September, 1861, he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a member of Company C, Ninth Illinois Cavalry. He served as a private and took part in many skirmishes. He continued to the front until the close of hostilities but was never injured, nor was he ever ill in the hospital. On the contrary he was always qualified for duty to which he was most loyal, never faltering in his allegiance to the Stars and Stripes.

After leaving the service Mr. Harding was married to Miss Caroline Helweg, of Dubuque, Iowa, whose acquaintance he had fonned while in Rock Island where her father was serving as minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. Four children have graced this union: Charles E., Louis T., Alice and Benjamin P.

Following his marriage Mr. Harding embarked in business as a grocer al Muscatine, Iowa, where he remained from 1866 until 1869. He next took up his abode upon a farm belonging to his father-in-law at Charles City, Iowa, where he remained until 1882 when he removed to Dexter, Minnesota, and became foreman of a large farm. It was while living there that he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. After a year spent in Minnesota he returned to Geneseo and later was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Rettinger, nee Waggoner. Not long afterward his wife purchased the present home of seventy-two acres situated on section 17, Geneseo township, where they now reside. They are both highly esteemed throughout the community and have an extensive circle of warm friends.

In his political views Mr. Harding is a republican, and he cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, since which time he has been unfaltering in his allegiance to the party, although never an office seeker. He belongs to Jenkins Post, G. A. R. and enjoys its camp fires. The activity which he has displayed in his business affairs now enables him to live retired, while the salient traits of his character have won him the esteem and respect which are uniformly accorded him.

Dr. H. Nelson Heflin, a worthy and successful representative of the professional interests of Henry county, has been engaged in the practice of medicine at Kewanee since November, 1895. He was bom on a farm in Allamakee county, Iowa, September 17, 1864, his parents being Ezekiel and Eleanor (Moore) Heflin. The father was identified with general agricultural pursuits in early life but afterward became a minister of the Christian church.

Dr. Heflin obtained his education in the common schools and remained on the home farm until seventeen years of age, when he entered the employ of a creamery company at Austin, Minnesota, there remaining for three years. Subsequently he was identified with the Minnesota Creamery Association as superintendent of their various creameries until 1892, when he entered the medical department of Hamline University, having previously read medicine under the direction of his brother, Dr. E. Henry Heflin. Following his graduation from that institution in 1895 he located for practice at Minneapolis, but at the end of a year came to Kewanee and has here remained to the present time. He is a member of the Galva District Medical Society, the Henry County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and has served as secretary of the first two organizations named. He has likewise acted as secretary and president of the Physicians Club at Kewanee, of which he is a valued member. He was one of the organizers of the medical and surgical staff of St. Francis Hospital and has since served as its secretary. Upon the organization of the Kewanee Dairy and Food Commission he was made its president, having been the father of the ordinance which resulted in the establishment of the commission on the ist of January, 1909. He is medical examiner for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York and also for the Royal Arcanum.

On the 28th of June, 1905, Dr. Heflin was united in marriage to Miss lima M. Kerr, of Kewanee, Illinois, a daughter of Edwin and Anna Kerr. Fraternally the doctor is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Royal Arcanum, of which he was past regent. He also belongs to the Kewanee Club, and his wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Episcopalian church. He is a man of easy dignity, frank and cordial in address and possessing that confidence and courage which rightly come from conscious personal ability, a right conception of things and an habitual regard for what is best in the exercise of human activities.

William Godfrey

William Godfrey, now engaged in business as a live-stock dealer at Genesee, is known as one of the leading citizens of this part of the state, manifesting the same loyalty and interest in public affairs and in matters of citizenship that he displayed when he served as a soldier of the Union army on the battlefields of the south. He was bom in Kent, England, February 11, 1842, and is a son of Richard and Ann (Amos) Godfrey, who were also natives of England. The father was employed in various ways in that country and died in England in 1857. His wife passed away in 1847, and William Godfrey is now the only survivor of their family of six children. The father also had six children by a previous marriage, but only one is living - Mrs. Charlotte Hastings, who resides in Kent, England.

When a lad of ten summers William Godfrey left his native country and came to America with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. John Amos, who settled near Troy, Rensselaer county, New York, where they lived for two years. They then came to Henry county, Illinois, in May, 1854, and Mr. Amos followed the mason's trade in Geneseo. In their family the nephew was reared, acquiring his education in the public schools. He learned the butcher's trade when in his teens and followed the business for three years before he enlisted for service in the Civil war. Responding to the country's call he was assigned to duty with Company I, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for about eighteen months. He joined the army as a private, was promoted to or- derly sergeant and was afterward mustered out as second lieutenant. He had been transferred to the Sixty-fifth Illinois when he received his promotion, and he did active duty in the Atlanta campaign in Tennessee and in North Carolina, participating in a number of the important battles of the war and in many skirmishes. His military record was at all times creditable, being characterized by unflinching loyalty to duty.

When the country no longer needed his aid Mr. Godfrey returned to Geneseo and resumed the butchering business, in which he continued for about twenty years. In the meantime he also became interested in live-stock dealings, to which he now gives his undivided attention, and as he is an excellent judge of stock he has been enabled to make judicious investments and profitable sales. He is now recognized as one of the leading live-stock dealers of this part of the state.

Mr. Godfrey was married September lo, 1868, to Miss Myra J. Goodman, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John S. Goodman and a native of Pennsylvania : Unto this marriage have been born four sons and four daughters : Charles M., who wedded Elizabeth Mohr and has two children, Marjorie and Virginia, is a stock salesman in the Chicago stock yards and lives in Englewood; Lulu M., is the wife of Judge Emery C. Graves of Geneseo, and they have one daughter, Gretchen ; Harry M. died at the age of twenty- four years ; Helen M. is occupying a position as stenographer ; Bessie M. is employed as a clerk in Geneseo ; Gertrude, M. is deceased; John M. died at the age of seventeen months; and Arthur, who married Miss Ollie Sommers of Englewood, is engaged in the stock business with his father.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey are members of the Congregational church, and their position in social circles is a prominent one. They occupy a beautiful home on West First street, and its hospitality is most generqus. Mr. Godfrey maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army Post and has always given his political allegiance to the republican party, which was the defense of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war. On its ticket he was elected to the office of alderman, in which he represented the second ward. He is one of Geneseo's respected and progressive citizens, well deserving mention with the representative residents of Henry county.

Frank H. Greene

On the roster of city officials in Geneseo appears the name of Frank H. Greene. He is filling the position of postmaster, and the record which he is making is one of capable service characterized by prompt and efficient discharge of the duties that devolve upon him in this connection. He was born in Whiteside county, Illinois, May 28, 1857, and is a son of Thomas and Julia (Graves) Greene, both of whom were natives of New York. Both parents were representatives of families who were connected with the farming interests of that state. The maternal grandmother, however, spent her last days in Geneseo, where she died at an advanced age. Thomas Greene was a carpenter in early manhood, although born and reared upon the farm. In early life he came to Illinois, settling in White- side county, after making the trip down the Rock River in a skiff. About 1863 he arrived in Henry county and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Edford township. To this he added one hundred acres, and although he took up his abode in Geneseo he managed his farm which was pleasantly and conveniently situated about three miles from the town. His carefully directed business affairs won him substantial success and he enjoyed in the fullest degree the confidence and good will of those with whom he was associated. Both he and his wife were members of the Congregational church. Their family numbered but two children, the daughter being Helen, now the wife of C. F. Young, of Chicago.

Frank H. Greene has lived in Geneseo from the age of six years and, entering the public schools, passed through consecutive grades and was a pupil in the high school. He made his initial step in the business world as a clerk in the dry-goods store of Mr. Van Valkenburg, with whom he remained for eight years. He was afterward with Peterson Brothers for three and a half years and his ambition to engage in business on his own account led to the careful husbanding of his resources until his capital was sufficient to enable him to purchase a stock of groceries. He then conducted a store of his own for several years but put aside commercial pursuits to accept public office and is now serving the last year of his second term as postmaster. He has been most careful and diligent in performing the duties of the position, and his record has been altogether satisfactory to the general public.

In June, 1891, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Greene and Mrs. Mary E. Davison, the widow of Theodore Davison and a daughter of Hushai Thomas. By her former marriage she had one child, Mary Louise Davison. Mr, and Mrs. Greene are members of the Congregational church, and in Masonry he has attained to high rank, belonging to Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M. ; Geneseo Chapter, No. 12, R. A, M. ; Rock Island Commandery, No, 18, K. T. ; and Kaaba Temple, A, A, O, N, M, S, He is likewise connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and where matters of general interest are involved he is always found on the side of right, justice, truth and progress. His fellow citizens know him as a man who is to be depended upon in any vital situation, and the good qualities that he has manifested have won for him the warm regard of those with whom he has been associated.

Frederick W. Weinrich

One of the prosperous farmers and successful stockmen of Henry county is Frederick W. Weinrich, who carries on operations on his farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres on section 6, Munson township. He was born in Geneseo township, Jtme 15, 1862, and is the eldest son of William F. and Christina (Kipping) Weinrich, The parents were born, reared and married in Germany and came to America on their wedding journey in 1852. William F, Weinrich had received a limited education in the land of his birth and had learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for about ten years after his coming here, during which period he made his home in Geneseo. He then took up agricul- tural pursuits, to which he devoted his attention from 1862 until 1893, when he retired from active labor. He owned a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land, which had been broken when he purchased it, but on which he added many valuable improvements, making it one of the most desirable properties of its size in his locality. In connection with general farming he was interested in the stock business, but gave that up also when in 1893 he laid aside the cares of life and retired to Geneseo. He was a supporter of the democratic party, but never took an actve part in political affairs. He attended the Methodist church in Geneseo, and his life, ordered by high standards, won him the respect and esteem of all who knew him. In his family were nine children, all of whom reached maturity : Emma, who is now the widow of Gottlieb Zimmerman and lives in Geneseo; Clara, who died unmarried at the age of thirty years; Christina, who lives in Geneseo; Frederick W., the subject of this sketch; William F., a hardware merchant of Cambridge, Illinois; Matilda, the wife of Mathew O'Connell, of Geneseo; Edward, who is extensively engaged in the stock business on the old home farm; Charles, who was a printer by trade and died in 1897 ; Herman, who is engaged in the poultry and commission business in Cambridge, Illinois.

Frederick W. Weinrich received his education in the district school near his boyhood home, and he grew to manhood upon the farm, which, as the eldest in the family, he assisted his father in cultivating as soon as he was large enough to handle a plow. On attaining his majority he embarked in business for himself as a stock dealer on a small scale. He gave his attention first to Poland hogs, which he raised for sale and breeding purposes. Although still a young man he is one of the oldest dealers in his community, and his stock is of high grade and very valuable. Every year he exhibits his animals at the fairs and has thus far received first prize on his hogs. He has also extensively engaged in feeding cattle for the market, and his bams with their well filled stalls give evidence of his practical skill in this branch of his undertakings. In connection with his brother Edward, he is interested in the raising of full blooded draft horses, and polled Durham cattle have recently been added to high grade stock they own. These two brothers, in company with George Weinrich, under the firm title Fred, Ed & George Weinrich, are importing Percheron stallions from France and have large sale and breeding stable in Geneseo. In short Mr. Weinrich has engaged in almost every branch of the stock business ; in every case he has devoted himself to the raising of animals of high grade; and has met with pronounced success, so that a brilliant future should be in store for him, and he should become one of the leading stockmen of the county. From 1888 to 1894 he rented land in Geneseo township, and in the latter year bought the one hundred and twenty-four acres in Munson township he now occupies. On this he has made a number of valuable improvemets, including the "erection of aldditional buildings for the accommodation of his constantly increasing business.

In 1888 Mr. Weinrich was united in marriage to Miss Ottilie Bartz, who was born in Germany in 1869, but in 1871 was brought to the United States by her parents, John and Anna (Fritz) Bartz. The father died in Edford township, this county, in 1900, and the mother followed him to the grave in October,

1903. Mrs. Weinrich died December 21, 1902. She was the eldest of eleven children. The others were: Bertha, who died at the age of three years in Germany; Albert, who died in Geneseo when a child! Gustaf, a farmer of Edford township; Hulda, the wife of B. Woodruff; Emma, unmarried, who is now in the home of Mr. Weinrich, caring for the household ; Edward, who is married and lives on the home farm in Edford township; Mary, who married James Maloney and is now deceased; Minnie, the wife of Clemons Heineman, of Springfield, Illinois; John, unmarried, who lives in Prophetstown, Whiteside county, Illinois; and Otto, deceased.

Mr. Weinrich and his wife were liberal supporters of the Methodist church. Politically his sympathies are with the republican party, but he has not taken an active part in public affairs. Ambitious and hardworking he requires only time to attain the unqualified success his friends predict for him.

Philip Burr Keeler

Philip Burr Keeler, clerk of the circuit court, with office in Cambridge, was born in Clarendon, New York, August 27, 1843, his parents being Ira B. and Clarissa Harlow (Foley) Keeler, both of whom were natives of the Empire state. His grandfather in the paternal line came from England and settled near Saratoga Springs, New York, where his remaining days were passed. He is numbered among the heroes of the Revolutionary war, having served for six years to attain American independence.

Ira B. Keeler was a carpenter, cabinet-maker and bridge-builder and in all those lines displayed excellent workmanship. He was also active in the public life of the community, belonged to the state militia, filled the office of school director and was likewise a member of the board of supervisors. His active and helpful cooperation in many public movements made him a citizen of worth. He died in Clarendon in 1851 at the age of fifty-two years and his wife, long surviving him, passed away in Scottsville, Kansas, at the age o'f eighty-two years. Both were members of the Universalist church. In their family were the following children who reached years of maturity: Harriet B., who married Clark Glidden; Rufus; Delia, deceased; Josiah; Elizabeth V., who married J. W. Eddy, an old resident of Kewanee ; Mary E., wife of Andrew Wood ; Viola M., the deceased wife of Lewis Wilson; and Philip B.

Philip B. Keeler resided at Clarendon, New York, until fifteen years of age, when he came to Henry county, Illinois, and has since made his home in Kewanee. His early education was acquired in the schools of his native village, and was continued in the high school at Kewanee, while subsequently he pursued a commercial course in Bryant & Stratton Business College of Chicago. In early life he acquainted himself with the jeweler's trade and also with the machinist's trade, following both for a number of years. Having lost his right arm while working in the machine shop, he then returned to the jeweler business, entering the jewelry and music store of his brother-in-law, J. W. Eddy. They formed a partnership in the music department under the firm style of Eddy & Keeler, selling musical instruments and handling musical merchandise. Mr. Keeler continued in that line of business until 1896, when he was elected clerk of the circuit court and his capability and fidelity in office are fully attested in the fact that he has now served for thirteen years in that position, having been elected for the fourth successive term. He has also been a member of the board of supervisors for more than fifteen years and was chairman of the board for five or six years. During his connection therewith he instituted several new plans for the benefit of the community and supported many others which had for their object the betterment of conditions at large.

On the 20th of December, 1866, Mr. Keeler was united in marriage to Miss Mary Frances Whittemore, a daughter of Caleb and Maria (Russell) Whittemore. Mrs. Keeler was born in Peoria, Illinois, while her father is a native of Connecticut. He is a mechanic and put in the first water works in Peoria where he is still living. He yet devotes a number of hours each day to work although he has now attained the advanced age of ninety-two years. His wife has passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Keeler have been born two sons: Rufus W., who is night electrician for the San Francisco Examiner; and Philip Burr, who is an artist and is now in the Azore Islands, taking pictures for a large photographic concern in San Francisco.

Mr. Keeler is a member of Kewanee Lodge, the Encampment and Canton of the Odd Fellows society and is a past grand and past chief patriarch, while in all branches of the grand lodge he has also been connected. He served at one time as grand marshal of the Grand Encampment of Illinois. His political allegiance has been unfalteringly given to the republican party since he cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln. He has always taken an active interest in the welfare of his home city and the county and was one of the organizers of the Kewanee Building & Loan Association. He has also given helpful assistance to the Kewanee Public Library and has ever encouraged enterprises for the benefit of the city. It is safe to say that he has as many friends as any man in the county and all who know him are glad to be numbered as such.

Gustav A. Pobanz

The agricultural interests of Henry county find a worthy representative in Gustav A. Pobanz, a farmer and stock raiser living on section 19, Geneseo township, where he owns one hundred and eighty acres of rich and productive land. He belfeves in modern improvements for the house as well as for the field and has an attractive home in the midst of well tilled land. A native of West Prussia, he was born December 5, 1854, of the marriage of Frederick and Elizabeth Pobanz. They sailed for America when their son Gustav was but seven years of age. They took passage on a sailing vessel which was more than eight weeks in completing the voyage, and after reaching the shores of the new world they came to Henry county. For a time the father worked as a common laborer, but as soon as he could save a small sum of money he purchased ten acres of land in, Edford township and built thereon a little cabin. There they lived for about a year when the house was destroyed by fire, together with all of its contents. At that time the father purchased forty acres of land, on which there was an old house, which remained the family home as long as the parents lived.

In his boyhood days Gustav A. Pobanz attended school for only eighteen months, for in his youth he had to work very hard assisting in the cultivation of the home place and in aiding to provide for the family. On the day that he was twenty-one years of age he had a business settlement with his father, and the next day he bought needed materials for which he went in debt. He would work at night in the coal bank and in the daytime attended school, for he had come to realize the need of an education. He was ambitious to prepare himself for farm work on his own account, and at length rented a small tract of land in Edford township where he lived for a year. The following year he purchased forty acres in Osco township, owning the property for a year, and thus he was making steady progress in his business life.