Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1910 (part 9 of 32)

On the 25th of January, 1879, Mr. Pobanz was married to Miss Teresa Hintz, of Edford township, who was also a native of Germany and had come to America in her childhood days with her parents. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pobanz removed to Dodge county, Nebraska, where he purchased two hundred acres of land and at once began to develop and improve the farm. He erected substantial buildings upon the place and carried on general agricultural pursuits there through the summer seasons for six years, while in the winter months he worked at the carpenter trade. He met with success in this way and not only prospered in his undertakings but also became an active factor in the public life of the community. He was elected assessor because he could speak two languages, and because his fellow townsmen knew that he would be loyal to duty. Later he sold his property in Nebraska and began to work in an elevator at Scribner, Dodge county, where he continued for about eighteen months. On the expiration of that period he returned to Henry county and bought eighty acres of land in Osco township. Subsequently he purchased one hundred and sixty acres and remained upon that place for ten years, but in 1896 he purchased his present home, comprising one hundred and eighty acres on section 19, Geneseo township. He has put nearly all of the improvements upon this farm and has made it a splendidly developed property, equipped with all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century.

The parents of Mrs. Pobanz were John and Elizabeth Hintz, who came to America when she was a little maiden and settled in Edford township, Henry county, Illinois. Her father was a farmer and died when about seventy-four or seventy-five years of age, having for several years survived his wife. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pobanz have been born nine children : Hannah, the wife of Gustav E. Bartz, a resident of Edford township, by whom she has three children ; Henry, a farmer of Edford township, who married Minnie Redmond and has two children; Bertha, Emma, Ernest, Rudolph, Walter, Elmer and Freddy, all yet at home.

Politically Mr. Pobanz is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, so that he is able to support his position by intelligent argument. He has worked hard for good schools, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp No.

40 and both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical church. His Hfe has been one of continued activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor. He early realized the fact that difficulties and obstacles can be overcome by determined and earnest purpose and his diligence and persistency have brought him to a prominent position among the successful farmers and stock raisers of G«neseo township.

Henry Bolte

Henry Bolte, who for fifteen years has been closely associated with the business development of Geneseo as proprietor of a hardware store and heating and plumbing establishment, was born in the province of Hesse, Germany, November 5, 1855, ^"d is the only survivor of a family of three children, whose parents were Henry and Frederica Bolte, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was a stone mason in that country and died in his native land about 1864. The mother afterward married again, becoming the wife of a Mr. Hegge, by whom she had two children, one of whom is now living, John Hegge, who lives at Drewes, Minnesota. Mr. Hegge, the stepfather of our subject, died in Germany, and Mrs. Hegge afterward came with the sons of her second marriage to America, settling in Iowa, where she lived for one year. She died, however, in Chicago at the age of fifty-eight years, passing away in the faith of the Lutheran church, of which she was a member.

Henry Bolte lived in Germany until thirteen years of age, acquiring a good common school education and was confirmed in that country. He came to America in 1869 and took up his abode at Monee, Will county, Illinois, where he was employed at farm labor for four years. He has never feared work and earnest, honest effort has constituted the basis on which he has builded his success. He afterward learned the tinner's trade in Monee, whence he went to Aurelia, Cherokee county, Iowa, in 1878. He was in business there for fifteen years and in 1894 came to Geneseo, where he purchased the hardware store of Roy White and has since conducted a well appointed establishment, carrying a large line of both shelf and heavy hardware. He also does a considerable heating, plumbing and spouting business in addition to his sale of hardware, and the extent of his patronage has made him one of the representative merchants of the city.

On the I2th of June, 1879, Mr. Bolte was married to Miss Frederica Miller, who was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, and is a daughter of Carl and Carolina Miller. Unto them were born the following children : Wilhelmina, Lena, Anna, Emma and Frederick. Wilhelmina is the wife of Herman Heldt, of Chicago and has two children, Aurelia and Edna. Lena died at the age of eight years. Anna and Emma are residents of Chicago and Frederick assists his father in the store. The mother of these children passed away in 1894 at the age of thirty-nine years. On the nth of January, 1895, Mr. Bolte married again, his second union being with Miss Mary Wendt, a daughter of Henry and Anna (Jabs) Wendt. Mrs. Bolte was born in Edward township, Henry county, Illinois, where her parents had located at an early day on coming to the new world from Pomerin, Germany.

In his political views Mr. Bolte is a democrat, unfaltering in his allegiance to the party and its principles. When living in Aurelia, Iowa, he served for six years as a member of the city council and has also been a member of the city council of Geneseo for six years. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church, in which he was secretary and deacon for a number of years, and at the present time he is one of the church trustees. He lives on East Palace Row, where he owns a good home, and this property is the visible evidence of his life of well directed enterprise and thrift. He is a self-made man, who from the age of thirteen years has been dependent entirely upon his own resources. He has sought his sucecss in the legitimate lines of trade, wherein he has given evidence of sound judgment, keen sagacity and unfaltering diligence. Moreover, his business integrity has ever been above question and he has proven himself a wise and successful merchant as well as a genial, honorable and highly respected man.

Joseph Emanuel Westerlund. M. D.

Joseph Emanuel Westerlund, successfully engaged in the practice of medicine, his work showing familiarity with the most advanced scientific methods, was born in Lynn township, Henry county, Illinois, July 30, 1870. As the name indicates he comes of Swedish ancestry. His grandfather, Eric Westerlund, was a farmer of Sweden and after emigrating to America became a resident of Lynn township, this county, where he died when about seventy years of age. His first wife died when they were on the voyage to the new world. Their son, Jonas Westerlund, the father of the Doctor, was born and reared in Sweden and when twenty-one years of age sought a home on this side of the Atlantic. For a time he was employed in the pineries of Minnesota but became one of the early settlers of Henry county, establishing his home in Lynn township, where he purchased four hundred and forty-five acres of land that he cultivated and improved. He reared his family upon this farm and with the passing years developed a fine property, its value steadily increasing with the improvements he made upon it and with the general rise of realty in this part of the state. He is now living retired, making his home in Orion. He married Elna Nelson, also a native of Sweden, in which country her parents died at an old age. Their daughter Elna was one of three children and in 1853 she came to the United States. Here she gave her hand in marriage to Jonas Westerlund and they traveled life's journey happily together until the 15th of February, 1906, when Mrs. Westerlund passed away at the age of seventy years. Their family numbered nine children, six sons and three daughters, but only four are now living: Henning N., John Edward, Luther Gilbert and Joseph E.

Dr. Westerlund was reared on his father's farm and the district schools afforded him his early educational privileges which were supplemented by a course of study in Augustina College at Rock Island. There he was graduated in 1895 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts and entered upon life's practical duties, well equipped for the fray. In early manhood he engaged in teaching school for several terms and for one year he worked at the printer's trade on the Orion Times. In 1897 he took up the study of medicine and was graduated from the Chicago College of Physicains & Surgeons with the class of 1900 He located for practice in Cambridge in May of the same year and in the period which has since elapsed has established himself in public regard as one of the leading members of the medical profession in this part of the county. He has been very successful in treating diseases, is most careful in the diagnosis of a case and his judgment is seldom, if ever, at error in determining the outcome of disease.

One the loth of September, 1902, Mr. Westerlund was united in marriage to Miss Emma C. Wahlberg, a native of Moline, Illinois, and a daughter of Carl and Mary Wahlberg. Her father was born in Sweden and her mother in Rock Island county, Illinois. They have four children, including Mrs. Westerlund who by her marriage has become the mother of a daughter and son, Alma Elizabeth and Joseph Allen. Dr. and Mrs. Westerlund hold membership in the Lutheran church and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is recognized as one of its local leaders and was secretary of the county central coirmiittee for one term while at the present writing he is chairman of the township central committee. He filled the office of president of the board of health for several terms and is serving his third term as a member of the board of education. He belongs to the Cambridge lodge of Odd Fellows and in more specifically professional lines is connected with the county and state medical societies and the American Medical Association. He thus keeps in touch with the advanced thought and purposes of the profession and his constant reading and research have continually promoted his efficiency in the discharge of his daily duties.

Harry S. White

Among the young business men of Cambridge Harry S. White is prominent, being of the well known firm of White & Kellogg, grain dealers, who also handle coal, ice and feed. This is his native city, his birth having here occurred September 30, 1878. He is a son of Henry and Hattie (Sims) White, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. In his parents' home his youthful days were passed and the public schools afforded him his educational privileges. Advancing through consecutive grades, he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1898, and soon afterward entered upon business life as bookkeeper in the First National Bank, where he continued for a short time. He then went to the First National Bank of Kewanee, Illinois, as teller, and after a brief period accepted a more lucrative and responsible position with the National Tube Company as cashier and paymaster, in which connection there devolved upon him the duty of issuing a pay roll of several thousand dollars per week. He remained with the tube company until the ist of January, 1909, when he returned to Cambridge, and making investment of the capital which he had saved from his earnings in a business in this city, has since been a factor in its commercial life. Forming a partnership with H. C. Kellogg, he purchased the grain ele- vator of O. M. Etter & Company, and their business now furnishes an excellent market to the farmers of the community. He handles a large amount of grain each year and also does good business in coal, ice and feed. The trade of the firm is rapidly growing and the enterprise of the partners insures them success. On the 17th of October, 1906, Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Bradley, a daughter of Samuel and Alice Bradley, natives of Kewanee. Theirs is a pleasant and attractive home, where the spirit of warm-hearted hospitality abides. Mr. White belongs to the Baptist church, while his wife is a member of the Primitive Methodist church. His political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party, and he keeps well informed on the issues and questions of the day, so that he is able to support his position by intelligent argument. He does not seek nor desire office, however, but prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs.

Henry White

Henry White, president of the First National Bank of Cambridge, has been a potent factor in the business interests of this city since 1871, while since 1863 he has made his home in Henry county, having in that year taken up his abode in Geneseo. He was bom in Salem, Washington county, New York, July 17, 1836, his parents being James and Jane (Hall) White, the former a native of the north of Ireland and the latter of Argyle, New York. James White chose farming as a life vocation and met death by falling from an apple tree when about forty-eight years of age. His wife long survived him and died in 187 1 when almost eighty years of age. He had served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812 and was always a loyal and public-spirited citizen. Both he and his wife adhered to the faith of the Presbyterian church. Their family numbered twelve children, nine sons and three daughters, of whom six are now living: William, a resident of Hebron, New York; Jane A., the wife of Eli Hatch, of West Pawlet, Vermont; Alexander, living in Waterloo, Iowa; Robert, whose home is in Sandwich, Illinois; Henry, subject of this sketch; and Daniel G., living in Rock Island, Illinois.

Henry White remained a resident of Salem, New York, until he had attained the age of twenty-one or twenty-two years of age and completed his education in the West Hebron Seminary. After leaving home he learned the patternmaker's trade in Oswego, New York, and followed it for a number of years in the east. From Oswego he removed to Geneseo, Illinois, in 1863, and for eight years continued his residence at that place, coming thence to Cambridge. He had there embarked in business as a member of the firm of White & Tuttle, dealers in hardware, and following his removal to Cambridge in 1871 he conducted a hardware and implement business under the firm name of White & Weir. This partnership continued until 1878, when they sold out to Poppleton & Hadley. In 1881 Mr. White assisted in the organization of the First National Bank and was chosen one of its directors and its first vice president. A year later he was elected cashier, which position he filled for a quarter of a cen- tury and on the death of Nathaniel B. Gould, in 1907, he succeeded to the presidency and has since continued as the chief executive officer of this institution, which is recognized as one of the strong financial concerns of the county. His business probity and the spirit of enterprise which has actuated him in all that he has done have constituted important forces in the promotion of the growth and development of the bank. In addition to his other interests Mr. White has been secretary and treasurer of the Armory Hall Company, treasurer of the Cambridge Electric Light & Power Company, and for a number of years was the president of the Henry County Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

On the 4th of October, 1871, Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss Harriett E. Sims, who was born in Cazenovia, New York, where her parents, James and Sabra (Blodgett) Sims, lived for some time, going there when that part of the country was infested with the Indians and remaining residents of the locality until called to their final rest. The father lived to the remarkable old age of one hundred and two years, while his wife died when about sixty years of age. Mrs. White is the only survivor of their family, which numbered nine or ten children. By her marriage she became the mother of four children but the first born, Frank J., died in infancy. Kate L., the second, married Clyde B. Taylor, cashier of the Farmers National Bank of Cambridge and mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Harry S., who for several years was paymaster at the Western Tube Works in Kewanee, Illinois, where about five thousand names were on the payroll, is now conducting a grain elevator in Cambridge in partnership with Harry Kellogg. He married Gertrude L. Bradbury. Herbert D., the youngest, is a graduate of the high school and now lives in Cambridge.

Mr. and Mrs. White are members of the Baptist church, in which he is serving as deacon, and the work of the denomination has been greatly forwarded by their cooperation and generous support. Mr. White has long been an active factor in community affairs, serving for several years as president of the village board of trustees, has also been a member of the board of education, was treasurer of the Old Settlers Association and treasurer of the Henry County Agricultural Society for .a number of years. His political endorsement has always been given to the republican party and it is well known that, while at all times amenable to reason, he never swerves from a course which he believes to be right and just in his relations to the public or in his relations to his fellow-

Dr. Samuel Jefiferson Sharp, the dean of the dental profession in Kewanee, was bom near Abingdon, Washington county, Virginia, on the 2d of August, 1847, his parents being William C. and Nancy R. (Kelly) Sharp, natives of Virginia. The paternal grandfather was likewise born in the Old Dominion. William C. Sharp, who was a planter by occupation, enlisted in the Confederate army at the time of the Civil war and served until taken ill with typhoid fever.

Samuel Jefiferson Sharp, who obtained his education under the direction of private tutors, was but fifteen years of age when he was conscripted into the Con- federate army as a private in the Thirteenth Virginia Reserves, with which he served until the close of hostilities. He was under command of "Mudwall" Jackson and participated in the battle of Saltville, Virginia, as well as in many skirmishes. When the war was ended he came to the north, securing employment as a farm hand in Indiana, while later he worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1869 he came to Henry county, Illinois, and after working on a farm here for some time removed to Missouri, in which state he also devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. Subsequently he took up a claim in Kansas but was obliged to abandon it on account of sickness and returned to Virginia, where he remained for three years. On the expiration of that period he once more made his way back to Illinois, being employed as a farm hand until 1876. In that year he took up the study of dentistry under the direction of Dr. C. W. Watt, of Galva, and in 1877 located in Kewanee for the practice of his profession in partnership with his former preceptor. This association was maintained until Dr. Sharp purchased his partner's interest, since which time he has practiced alone, enjoying a lucrative and constantly growing patronage. Dentistry may be said to be almost unique among other occupations, as it is at once a profession, a trade and a business. Such being the case, it follows that in order to attain the highest success in it one must be thoroughly conversant with the theory of the art, must be expert with the many tools and appliances incidental to the practice of modern dentistry and must possess business qualifications adequate to deal with the financial side of the profession. In all of these particulars Dr. Sharp is well qualified and therefore has attained prestige among the able representatives of dentistry in Henry county. Moreover, he takes a deep and helpful interest in all matters pertaining to the general welfare of his community and is now serving as a director of the Kewanee Fair Association, of which he was one of the organizers and also president at one time. He was likewise one of the organizers and for many years the president of the Kewanee Building & Loan Association, which has erected hundreds of homes and was the first association of its kind in this city. He was also a member of the Business Men's Association and has long been numbered among the most substantial, influential and respected citizens of the community.

On the 1 6th of January, 1878, Dr. Sharp was joined in wedlock to Miss Ella J. Kliner, of Kewanee, Illinois, a daughter of George Kliner, who was a mason contractor. Their union has been blessed with two daughters. Mabel G., the elder, is now the wife of Walter L. Herdien by whom she has a son, Walter. She now makes her home in Chicago and is a vocalist of great ability, having had splendid training in this direction from the time she was eighteen years of age. She won a scholarship in the Chicago College of Music from a class of three hundred and for the past six years has been a teacher in that college. She also does a great deal of concert and choral work and sings in the leading churches of Chicago. She has sung in many parts of the United States and Canada and is one of the well known and popular sopranos of America. Ruth Mildred Sharp, the other daughter of Dr. Sharp, is now attending the high school and is still at home. She also displays marked musical talent, possessing a fine soprano voice, and is pursuing her musical education in Chicago.

Dr. Sharp gives his pohtical allegiance to the republican party, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to various positions of public trust. He served as alderman from the fourth ward for a period of eight years, covering four terms, and has also acted as mayor pro tern, proving an efficient and highly satisfactory incumbent in these responsible positions. Any movement or measure instituted to promote the public welfare always receives his hearty aid and cooperation, and in fact he is widely recognized as one of the most public-spirited and enterprising citizens of Kewanee. He is an active and valued member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Fraternal Tribune and the Yeomen of America. The notable success which he has won as a practitioner of dentistry is all the more creditable by reason of the fact that he had to depend practically upon his own resources in the acquirement of a professional education, for in his early manhood there were comparatively few dental colleges and, moreover, he had neither money nor influential friends to aid him. He is a man of intense and well directed activity, his efforts touching many interests bearing upon the welfare of the community, while his personal characteristics have gained for him the warm regard and friendship of many, and in professional lines he has attained that eminence which comes only in recognition of merit and ability.

Theodore Becker

Theodore Becker is proprietor of a hardware, heating and plumbing establishment at Geneseo. For the past twenty-one years he has been connected with that line of trade and is thoroughly familiar therewith, and his spirit of enterprise enables him to accompHsh what he undertakes, where a man of less resolute spirit would fail. He was born in Sigourney, Iowa, September 22, 1862, his parents being Frederick and Julia (Schimmelpfennig) Becker, natives of Prussia and Germany. The former was a baker by trade and was twelve years of age when in 1833 he came to the new world. When a young man he was in Baltimore, Maryland, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and in 1856 he settled in Sigourney, Iowa, where he conducted a bakery. In 1863 he removed to Geneseo, where he conducted a similar business for some years, spending his last days in honorable retirement from labor. He held membership in the German Lutheran church, to which his wife also belonged. He was a man of unfaltering honesty and honor in business affairs and of genuine worth in all private relations. He died in 1905 at the age of eighty-three years, while his widow still survives at the age of seventy-five years. Her parents, on coming to America, settled in Sigourney, Iowa, in 1847. I^er father was a farmer by occupation and lived to the venerable age of ninety-four years, while his wife was also well advanced in years when called to her final rest. They were the parents of five children, who are still living: Fred, William, Julia, Mrs. Oberle and Mrs. Bruns.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Becker were eight in number of whom five are still living : Mrs. Charles Clark, whose home is in Atkinson,

Theodore Becker has lived in Geneseo since 1863. He attended the public schools here, and, having thus qualified for the practical duties of life, he entered business circles in the Peterson Dry Goods Store, where he acted as cashier for five years, and as salesman seven years. The year before he left that establishment he became interested in hardware, heating and plumbing business and at the end of that time concentrated his energies upon the commercial interests which now claim his attention. For the past twenty-one years he has been in the hardware business and has enjoyed a liberal patronage, a number of his patrons remaining with him throughout the entire period while others have long given him their business in his line. He is also doing a heating and plumbing business and both departments are bringing to him a good financial return.

On the 25th of September, 1890, Mr. Becker was united in marriage to Miss Kate Goerabel, a native of Alba township, this county, and a daughter of Henry and Catharine Goembel, who were born in Germany but became early settlers of Henry county. Her father died in 1901 while her mother is still living. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Becker has been blessed with four children : Leslie Goembel, Hobert Theodore, Marguerite Mildred and Theodore Lester. Mrs. Becker is a member of the Zion Evangelical Association. Mr. Becker belongs to Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M. ; Geneseo Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M. ; and Rock Island Commandery, No. 18, K. T. He is also connected with Kaaba Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and is affiliated with the Yeomen of America. He is in hearty sympathy with the underlying principles of Masonry, believing firmly in the teachings of the craft and its beneficent purposes. His political support is given to the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. He is preeminently a man of affairs and one who wields a wide influence for his opinions are regarded as sound and his vision keen. Moreover, he is known to be loyal to other movements for the public good, does not regard citizenship as an idle term, nor is he neglectful of the obligations that devolve upon him.

Dr. Barney F. Greenhow, who has been successfully engaged in the practice of denistry at Kewanee since March, 1903, was bom at Vincennes, Indiana, on the i6th of June, 1877, his parents being Richard J. and Elizabeth (Hays) Greenhow, the former a grain dealer. Dr. Greenhow supplemented his preliminary education by a course of study at Vincennes University and subsequently entered the dental department of the Northwestern University at Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1899. Locating for the practice of his profession at Pekin, Illinois, he there remained for two years and in March, 1903, came to Kewanee, where he has since resided. He now enjoys an extensive and lucrative patronage and is widely recognized as one of the skilled and able represen-

On the i8th of June, 1901, Dr. Greenhow was united in marriage to Miss Nelly Mae James, of Pekin, Illinois, her father being James M. James, the vice president of the Farmers National Bank of that city. Dr. and Mrs. Greenhow have no children of their own but are rearing an adopted child.

In his political views Dr. Greenhow is a stanch republican and at the present time is serving as a member of the board of education. He is a valued member of the Kewanee Club and also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Masonic fraternity, being now a Royal Arch Mason. He served in the Spanish-American war as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Indiana Volunteers, having been stationed at Camp Alger, Virginia. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Episcopal church. The young couple are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community, having won the warm regard and friendship of all with whom they have been associated.

William S. Johnston

William S. Johnston, well known as a successful farmer, stockman and grain buyer of Henry county, is the owner of three hundred and eighty acres of valuable land on section 21, Cambridge township. He was born in Knox county, Illinois, on the 29th of May, 1867, his parents being James and Abigail (Powell) Johnston, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The paternal grandfather was a native of Scotland, and crossed the Atlantic to the United States and settled in Ohio, where his demise occurred. The maternal grandfather of our subject died in Gallia county, Ohio, when he had attained the venerable age of almost one hundred years.

James Johnston, the father of William S. Johnston, was an agriculturist by occupation and became an early settler of Knox county, Illinois. In 1876 he took up his abode in Cambridge township, Henry county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and there spent his remaining days, passing away when sixty-five years of age. He was widely recognized as a most respected and substantial citizen and while residing in Knox county acted as supervisor for many years and also held the office of assessor. His wife was seventy years of age when called to her final rest. They were both devoted and consistent members of the Methodist church, exemplifying its teachings in their daily lives. Unto them were bom seven children, six sons and one daughter, four of whom still survive, as follows: Daniel J., a resident of Fairfield, Iowa; Alice, the wife of Alexander Julian, of Fairfield, Iowa; William S., of this review ; and Fred, living in Cambridge township,

William S. Johnston spent the first nine years of his life on his father's farm in Knox county and then came with his parents to Henry county, where he has since made his home. He supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the district school^, by three year's attendance at the high school of Cambridge, On putting aside his text-books he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. Subsequently he was engaged in the cultivation of rented land for two years and then bought a farm of eighty acres in Cambridge township, which he still owns. His landed holdings now comprise three hundred and eighty acres in Cambridge township, and his wife and her mother are joint owners of two hundred and forty acres. He likewise has a half section of land in Randall county, Texas, and has long been numbered among the most prosperous, enterprising and progressive citizens of the community.

On the 4th of February, 1890, Mr. Johnston was united in marriage to Miss Helen Morris, a native of Cambridge township, this county, and a daughter of Charles A. and Edna (Warner) Morris, who were bom in the state of New York. They became early settlers of Henry county, where the father passed away in 1897, when sixty-eight years of age. The mother of Mrs. Johnston still survives. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Johnston has been blessed with three sons and two daughters, namely: Harry; Clyde; Bertha; May; and Elmer, who died in infancy.

Mr. Johnston exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and is now capably serving his fellow townsmen in the office of school director. Fraternally he is identified with Cambridge Lodge, I. O. O. F., and in religious faith both he and his wife are devout Methodists. His aid and cooperation can be counted upon to further every movement calculated to benefit the community, and he and his estimable wife are held in high regard by their many friends.

Fred Lonser

Fred Lonser, a resident of Geneseo, living retired in the fourth ward of the city, is still the owner of valuable farming property, having one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 20, Geneseo township. He belongs to that class of worthy citizens that the fatherland has furnished to this part of the state, his birth having occurred in Germany, November 26, 1850, his father being Godfrey Lonser. His youthful days were spent on the home farm in his native country until he was able to earn his living by working as a farm hand in the neighborhood. He was very young at the time of his mother's death, and the other children of the family also passed away, leaving Fred Lonser and his father as the survivors. The father afterward married again, and there is one half-brother, Louis Lonser, who now resides on a farm in Rock Island county, Illinois.

Fred Lonser was about nineteen years of age when he and his half-brother came to America, leaving their father in Germany, where he soon afterward departed this life. The young men were attracted to the new world by the opportunities which were afforded in this country. They came to Henry county, and for a long period the subject of this review worked as a farm hand by the month, carefully saving his earnings until he was at length enabled to purchase land. His diligence and economy have brought him substantial success as the years have gone by. After he had been a resident of Henry county for eighteen years, he purchased eighty acres of land where he now resides, going in debt for a part of this. However, he practiced rigid economy until he was able to cancel that financial obligation, and since that time he has added forty acres to the original tract. His home place now comprises one hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land from which are annually gathered good crops, and from the farm he receives a substantial income.

On the 31st of March, 1890, in Geneseo township, Mr. Lonser was united in marriage to Miss Frederica Hamman, who was also born in Germany and came to the United States with her parents. Three children have blessed this union : Fred, at home; Flora, the wife of George Yager; and Minnie, who completes the family. The parents are members of the German Lutheran church and are possessed of many good qualities which have won for them the confidence and warm regard of all who know them. Mr. Lonser deserves great credit for the success which he has accompHshed for he started out in Ufe empty-handed, and, coming to America, unacquainted with the customs, manners and language of the people, he readily adapted himself to changed circumstances and environment and gradually worked his way upward until he is now numbered among the men of affluence in his part of the county.

Jacob Y. Mayhew

Jacob Y. Mayhew, who since 1896 has been successfully engaged in the conduct of a storage and transfer business at Kewanee, is numbered among the worthy native sons of this city, having been born here on the 13th of September, 1863. After completing his education in the public schools he secured a position as clerk in the grocery store of M. C. Quinn, where he remained for four years. On the expiration of that period he made his way to Seattle,- Washington, where he remained for two and a half years, working on a steam' boat and also as an employe in a restaurant. After returning to this county in December, 1886, he etnered the service of the Americn Express Company, in whose employ he remained for about seven years or until 1893, acting in the various capacities of clerk messenger, cashier and agent at various places. In November, 1894, he entered business circles at Kewanee as the junior member of the firm of Stancliff & Mayhew, engaging in the buying and selling of poultry. In 1896 he disposed of his interest in that concern and bought the transfer business of A. F. Bigelow, establishing the Mayhew Storage & Transfer Company, which he has successfully conducted to the present time. His business methods will bear the closest scrutiny and investigation, and hit-- well known probity has gained for him the respect of all.

In November, 1889, Mr. Mayhew was united in marriage to Miss Effie L. Kayser, of Litchfield, Illinois, by whom he has three children, namely: Laila P., who completed the high school course in 1909; George Albert, a high school student; and Max J. Mr. Mayhew belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Modern

Woodmen of America and the Masons, having attained the Knight Templar degree in the last named fraternity. He is also a past exalted ruler in the Elks lodge. Upright character and sterling worth have gained him a favorable place in the regard of many friends, and Henry county numbers him among her valued citizens.

Marvin K. Paul

Fifty-two years have come and gone since Marvin K. Paul became a permanent resident of Henry county. He had previously visited the district in 1854 and had invested in eighty acres of land which is now a part of the old homestead. When he took possession of the place it was entirely wild and unimproved and that he has led an active and busy life is indicated in the attractive appearance of the farm today, which is one of the well developed properties of Geneseo township. It is situated on section 7 and for many years Mr. Paul in addition to tilling the soil has also carried on stock raising. He is far departed from the place of his nativity, for he is one of New England's sons, his birth having occurred near Union, Tolland county, Connecticut, on the 22d of August, 1829. His parents were Chauncey and Polly (Armour) Paul, the former a son of Robert and Anna (Sessions) Paul. Robert Paul was a native of the north of Ireland and of Scotch descent. Coming to America he espoused the cause of the colonists and served as a soldier of the Revolutionary war. The mother of our subject was a native of Union, Tolland county, Connecticut, and was an aunt of Philip Armour, the multi-millionaire meat packer of Chicago.

On the home farm Marvin K. Paul was reared and acquired a good education, for the father prepared each of his children for teaching. He attended both the Munson Academy in Massachusetts and Williston Seminary in East- hampton, Massachusetts. At seventeen years of age he began teaching in the town of Stafford, Connecticut, and followed the profession through the winter seasons, while the summer months were devoted to farm work. He taught one winter in North Providence, Rhode Island, and proved a capable educator, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge that he had acquired. While still living in the east he was married, the wedding being celebrated at Willington, Connecticut, on the 24th of March, 1856, the lady of his choice being Miss Janette Fuller, who was bom at that place, May 29, 1832. Her parents were Willard and Minerva (Walker) Fuller, and on the home farm she was reared and acquired a good education in the public schools, after which she became a public-school teacher in Connecticut, teaching off and on for about ten years.

In the year following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Paul came to Henry county, Illinois, to which district two of his brothers had made their way the previous year. Mr. Paul had visited the county in 1854 and had purchased eighty acres of land which is now a part of the home farm. He paid four dollars an acre for this property, which was entirely destitute of modern im- provements. There were no trees, only a few bushes growing along the creek and deer were frequently seen on the place, while wild game of other kind was quite plentiful. It was an arduous task to break the sod and till the fields for the first time, but as the work was carried on year by year it became easier and his labors were rewarded by generous harvests. When he came to the county in 1857 Mr. Paul brought his wife with him and they lived at a neighbor's home while he built the upright part of his residence. Here he has lived continuously since and is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land, which is a valuable and productive tract. The Hennepin canal passes through one forty acre tract of his place.

As the years went by five children were added to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Paul, but two of the number died in childhood. The others are: Jennie L., the wife of William Jaques, a resident of Kansas City, Kansas, by whom she has two sons, Ewart Paul and Kenneth ; Marilla, the wife of Jackson B. Young, a resident of Oakland, California ; and Nellie, who is the wife of William A. Walters and has one child, Paul Merrill. Mrs. Paul's ancestors came from England in 1689 and settled on the land where she was born, it continuing to be the home of the family for over two hundred years.

Mr. Paul cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont and for a number of years continued to support the republican ticket but later became a greenbacker and populist. He has never been an office seeker but served as school director for thirty years and has always been an ardent advocate of any measure that furthers good schools. He was reared in the faith of the Congregational church but is now liberal in his religious views. He has attained the age of four score years and is yet a vigorous, enterprising man, well preserved for one of his age. He does not live in the past as so many old people do but is yet interested in the affairs of the present and to a large extent supervises the cultivation and improvement of his farm. Much to his surprise, on the eightieth anniversary of his birth, there gathered at his home not only his children but also many old friends from town and the surrounding country to offer their congratulations and tokens of their esteem.

Constant Brown

Constant Brown, pleasant and genial in manner and faithful to every trust reposed in him, is well qualified for the position which he is now filling as freight and ticket agent for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway Company, at Geneseo. His life record began on the 20th of March, 1845, the place of his nativity being Canajoharie, Montgomery county. New York. He was named for his paternal grandfather, Constant Brown, Sr., who was also a native of the Empire state. He was prominent in community affairs there, served as sheriff of Montgomery county for several years and was also justice of the peace. He was likewise a soldier of the war of 1812, and his military record and his official career were alike creditable and honorable. He married Miss Phoebe Albertson, and they continued their residence in New York until called to their final rest, Mr. Brown passing away at the age of eighty-six years, while his wife died when sixty-eight years of age. They had two sons and two daughters : Julia, Eliza, Charles H. and Constant. The last named, however, was drowned when six years of age.

Oiarles H. Brown, the father of our subject, was born in New York and devoted his entire life to business as a merchant tailor. He wedded Susan H. Hees, who was likewise a native of the Empire state, as were her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Lipe) Hees. Her father was for many years a farmer of Montgomery county, New York, and was of Holland-Dutch descent. He passed away when sixty-five years of age, while his wife lived to the advanced age of seventyeight years. They were the parents of eleven children, all of whom are now deceased. This number included Mrs. Susan H. Brown. For years after their marriage the parents of our subject remained in New York but when well advanced in years sought a home in Geneseo in 1889. Here the death of Mr. Brown occurred in 1903, when he was eighty-four years of age. His wife survived him and died in 1907 at the age of eighty-five years. Both were consistent Christian people and held membership in the Presbyterian church, and their upright lives won them the love and esteem of all who knew them. They were the parents of two sons and two daughters, three of whom reached years of maturity: Mary E., the deceased wife of J. E. H. Kelley; Constant; and Jacob H., who is living in Cleveland, Ohio.

Constant Brown spent the first eight years of his life in the place of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal from Montgomery county to Oneida county. New York, living in Rome and Utica until twenty years of age. He attended the public schools there and was graduated from the Rome Academy in 1862. He afterward taught school for two winters and one summer and in 1865 came west to Illinois. Through the succeeding winter he engaged in teaching in Bureau county and in the following summer was employed ai farm labor. On the 17th of October, 1866, he entered the service of the Rock Island Railway Company as agent of what was then called Pond Creek but is now Wyanet. There he continued until the ist of July, 1884, when he came to Geneseo and was made freight and ticket agent here, which position he has filled continuously since for a period of a quarter of a century.

On the 23d of August, 1866, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Annie M. Wilcox, a daughter of Oliver G. Wilcox. Mrs. Brown was born in Oswego county. New York, and her parents were also natives of that state. Arriving in Illinois in 1853 they settled at Princeton, where their remaining days were passed. The father was a soldier of the war of 1812. Mrs. Brown attended the first county fair held in Bureau county, over a half century ago, the place being in a schoolhouse, the exhibits being displayed on the school desks. She has lived to see many notable changes in this part of the state, as northern Illinois has put off the evidences of frontier life and taken on all the advantages of modern civilization.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born seven children. Charles H,, who is now station agent at Marquette, Illinois, married Nelly O'Leary, and they have three daughters: Annie M., Beatrice and Helen. Constant, who married Matie Striker, is engaged in the grain and stock business at Wyanet.

Fred H., a grocer at Geneseo, married Jessie L. Sargent, and they have two children: Dorothy and Constant. Harry E. is a lawyer of Geneseo, who married Mabel Welton. Roy W., who married Grace McLean, is manager of the Globe Manufacturing Company, of Amsterdam, New York. Susan H., who married Elmer C. Wilcox, lives in Argentine, Kansas. And Leslie R. died at the age of nineteen years on board a hospital ship during the Spanish-American war and was buried at sea.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Methodist church, interested in its work and active in various movements for its upbuilding. Mr. Brown is serving as one of the church trustees. He belongs to Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M., and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. For three years he was a member of the board of education, and his work in behalf of the schools was far-reaching and effective. That he has remained with the railroad company in one position for twenty-five years is unmistakable proof of his ability and trustworthiness, and his manner is at once so courteous and ob- Uging as to make him a most popular official with the patrons of the road.

Theodore H. Coldy

A fine farm of eighty acres on section 32, Cambridge township, is the property of Theodore H. Coldy, and annually pays tribute to his care and labor in bounteous harvests. He was born in Weller township, Henry county, Illinois, on the 30th of December, 1847, his parents being Henry and Mary (Fenn) Coldy, who were natives of Prussia and Cambridge, England, respectively. The maternal grandfather, James Fenn, was likewise born in England and both he and his wife died in that country.

Henry Coldy, the father of Theodore H. Coldy, became one of the earliest settlers in Henry county and took up a tract of eighty acres of government land in Weller township. He was actively identified with agricultural interests until the time of his death, which occurred in 1852. In religious faith he was a Lutheran, and his life was at all times in harmony with his professions. His wife, who survived him for more than a half century, was called to her final rest in 1903, when she had attained the age of seventy-nine years. She belonged to the Church of England. By her marriage she had become the mother of five children, two sons and three daughters, as follows: Emily, the deceased wife of WilUam B. Pettit, of Rock Island ; Eliza, the wife of Edward Harrison ; Theodore H., of this review; Mary Jane, the wife of Thomas Quirk; and Edward, who has also passed away.

Theodore H. Coldy was reared on the home farm in Weller township and attended the district schools in pursuit of an education that would equip him for the practical and responsible duties of life. He inherited a tract of thirty acres and afterward bought fifty acres more, so that his farm new comprises eighty acres of rich and productive land on section 32, Cambridge township. When the property came into his possession it was all raw prairie, but he resolutely set to work and gradually transformed it into a valuable and well im- proved farm. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he has met with a most gratifying measure of success, following only the most practical and modem methods in carrying on his work.

On the 1 6th of March, 1869, 'Mr. Coldy was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Brooks, who birth occurred in Starksboro, Vermont, November 19, 1850. Her parents, Henry and Melvina (Hastings) Brooks, who were likewise natives of the Green Mountain state, came to Illinois in 1852, and took up their abode in Weller township, this county. Subsequently they located on a farm which they had purchased near Bancroft in Kingsbury county. South Dakota. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brooks died in De Smet, South Dakota, the former passing away on the 14th of January, 1907, when he was almost eighty-six years of age. His wife was called to her final rest in 1904 at the age of about eighty years. Their children were six in number, namely: Ellen; Lucy, the deceased wife of Absalom Hoover, who served as a soldier in the Civil war; Mary; Harriet; Eliza; and George. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Coldy have been born four children, one of whom died in infancy. The others were as follows: Viola, who is at home; Norman, who passed away at the age of six years; Charles Eugene, also at home.

Mr. Coldy gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has served as a school director in his township. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church, with which his wife is also identfied. He is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community in which his entire life has been spent, and that his career has ever been upright and honorable is indicated by the fact that the associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanchest friends and admirers.

John M. Costello

John M. Costello is numbered among those who are active in the government of the city, and his official service has gained him a firm hold on the regard of those who appreciate fidelity and capability in public office. He was born in New York city, February 23, 1859, his parents being Michael and Maria (Madden) Costello, both of whom were natives of County Gal way, Ireland. The father was a shoemaker by trade, and when he came to America in 1854 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, two and a half miles southeast of Geneseo, Illinois. He did not tarry in the middle west, however, but returned to New York, where he lived until 1856, when he brought his family to Henry county and here took up the occupation of farming, which he continued to make his occupation until advanced age caused him to put aside the more strenuous cares of business life. He died on the home farm, when eightyeight years of age, and his wife passed away at the age of eighty-six. They were both members of the Catholic church. Their family numbered three daughters and a son : Margaret, the deceased wife of Richard Smith ; Mary, the widow of J. A. Ballentine, of Geneseo; Anna Eliza, also of Geneseo; and John M.

In taking up the present history of John M. Costello we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely known in this county, for, although born in New York city, his youth was passed upon the old home farm in Henry county. During that period he attended the district schools, devoting the weeks of vacation to farm work so that he early gained practical experience in the best methods of tilHng the soil. After the death of his parents he continued to cultivate the home farm which he owned in partnership with his sister Anna. In 1905, thinking to find town life congenial, he removed to Geneseo and was soon afterward elected city marshal, which position he held for nine months. At that time there was a change of administration, but in September, 1907, he was reelected to the office, which he has filled continuously since. He had previously held the office of constable for twenty-five years, and has thus for a long period been a faithful warden of the public peace. In the spring of 1909 he sold his farm, expecting to remain continuously a resident of this city.

On the I St of January, 1902, Mr. Costello was united in marriage to Miss Frances Gladman, a daughter of Joseph and Margaret Gladman. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp and also holds membership with the Owls and has many warm friends in the fraternities with which he is connected. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party, and he is recognized as an active and substantial worker in its ranks. He is fearless in the discharge of his duty, shows no favor but seeks to promote the interests of the city by always maintaining law and order.

James Orr

James Orr is now living retired in Geneseo, but for a long period he was closely associated with agricultural interests, and his business methods were so practical, his enterprise so keen and his energy so unabating that he won a place among the men of affluence in Henry county. He is one of the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Cornwall township. May 11, 1855. His parents were James and Mary (Shale) Orr, both of whom were natives of County Down, Ireland. The paternal grandfather was a Scotchman but removed to the Emerald isle, where he spent his last few days. Mr. and Mrs. James Orr, Sr., were reared, educated and married in Ireland, and, coming to the United States, took up their abode at Safe Harbor, near Philadelphia, where Mr. Orr was employed for a number of years in the iron works. About 1850 he came to Illinois and spent a few months in Peoria, after which he arrived in Henry county and purchased a farm of eighty acres in Cornwall township. His capital was then limited, and that he prospered in his undertakings was indicated in the fact that he added to his original holdings until his farming interests aggregated four hundred and eighty acres. He died upon his home farm in Cornwall township in 1883 at the age of seventy-two years, and his wife, who survived him for two years, passed away at the age of seventy-three years. Their religious faith was indicated in their membership in the Presbyterian church.

James Orr, whose name introduces this review, spent his youthful days as do most farm boys, being reared in the old homestead in Henry county. The district schools afforded him his educational opportunities, and the periods of vacation were devoted to the work of the fields, while at times he was just as busily employed with the games and pastimes in which the youth of the period indulged. After attaining his majority he married and carried on farming in a part of his father's land for several years. His life has been that of an energetic agriculturist who carefully tills the soil, utilzing such modern, progressive and scientific methods as produce the best results in the cultivation of crops. In 1888 he removed to Geneseo where he purchased a good residence on South State street where he still lives. He derives a substantial income from two hundred acres of land which is his old homestead, and has also a half section of land in Manitoba, Canada.

On the 20th of December, 1882, Mr. Orr was united in marriage to Miss Mary Elizabeth Terpening, who was born in Munson townhip, this county. May 17, 1864. She is a daughter of William H. and Eliza Ann (Mason) Terpening. The former was a son of Henry Terpening, a native of New York and a farmer by occupation. His father was Levi Terpening, a native of Holland and the founder of the family in the new world. Henry Terpening married a Miss Gee, and both lived to an old age. Their children included William H. Terpening, who removed from Cortland county, New York, to Illinois in 185 1. He had previously wedded Eliza Ann Mason, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was a daughter of George and Catharine (Sloop) Mason. Her father was a wheelwright by trade and conducted a large shop in Cincinnati at a time when everything was made by hand. He removed to Illinois when an old man, settling near Maryland City. Unto him and his wife were born three sons and three daughters, including Eliza Ann, who became Mrs. Terpening. As stated, the year 185 1 witnessed the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Terpening in Illinois, at which time they settled in Munson township, Henry county. Subsequently they removed to Iowa and lived near Creston for nine years. They then returned to Henry county in 1864 and the father died in 1902 at the age of eighty-four years. He had for about two years survived his wife, who passed away in 1900 and was also eighty- four years of age at the time of her demise. Their children were ten in number: George A, a resident of Seattle, Washington; Martha A., the wife of Samuel Wilson, who is living near Belleville, Kansas ; Missoura A., the widow of George Terpening, of Mokena, Illinois ; Clinton W., of Bedford, Iowa; Francis A., whose home is in Albia, Kansas; Melissa, the wife of George Dorflinger, of Bryn Mawr, Washington; Minnie, the deceased wife of William Hutchinson ; Marion C, whose home is near Larimore, North Dakota ; Charles S., who is located at Pendleton, Oregon ; and Mary E., now Mrs. Orr.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Orr has been blessed with two children, Ona E. and Elbert G. The former is the wife of Albert Sheldon Bradley, and they reside with Mr. and Mrs. Orr. The parents are members of the Unitarian church, and Mr. Orr belongs to Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M. ; Geneseo Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M. ; the Modern Woodmen camp and the Knights of Pythias lodge. Both he and his wife hold membership in Geneseo Chapter,

No. 175, O. E. S. His political endorsement is given to the democracy, but he neither seeks nor desires office as a reward for party fealty. He receives from his fellow townsmen the respect and confidence which the world instinctively yields as its tribute to genuine worth. He has long lived in this county, and his business enterprise is manifest in the success which has crowned his labors.

Carl Stach

Carl Stach, residing on section 18, Cambridge township, is the owner of a finely improved farm of one hundred and thirty-nine acres. He was born in Westpruessen, Germany, on the 25th of October, 1858, his parents being Carl and Elizabeth (Knundt) Stach, who were likewise natives of the fatherland. Carl Stach, Sr., carried on general agricultural pursuits in his native country and in 1879, when quite well advanced in years, crossed the Atlantic to the United States, taking up his abode in Hamilton county, Nebraska. His demise there occurred when he was about sixty-eight years of age. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1865 at the age of thirty-two years. They were both devoted and faithful members of the Lutheran church. Their union was blessed with seven children, three sons and four daughters, as follows: Carl, of this review; Herman; Adolph; Amelia, who is the wife of Gust Marquahrt, and resides in Canada; Augusta, the deceased wife of Julius Frank; Paulina, the deceased wife of Robert Fenster; and Minnie, the wife of Robert Fenster, of Hampton, Nebraska.

Carl Stach remained on the home farm in Germany until fourteen years of age and then learned the flour milling business. In the year 1880, when a young man of twenty-one, he set sail for the new world, and after landing in the United States made his way at once to Morristown, Henry county, Illinois. He first secured employment by the month as a farm hand and subsequent to his marriage rented a tract of land, being thus actively connected with farming interests for about nine years. At the end of that time, owing to his well direced energy and good management, he had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to purchase one hundred and forty-one and a half acres of land in Cambridge and Andover townships. He afterward sold two and a half acres* in Andover township for a cemetery but has retained the remaining one hundred and thirty-nine acres to the present time and has devoted his energies to general agricultural pursuits with excellent success. The property is lacking fn none of the improvements and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century and in fact everything about the place indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. In 1909 he erected the handsome and modern dwelling in which he now resides.

On the 20th of December, 1885, Mr. Stach was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Jane Wyatt, whose birth occurred in Youngstown. Ohio, February 19, 1865. Her parents, William and Betsy (Pollott) Wyatt, who were natives of England, located near Youngstown, Ohio, after coming to the United States. The father, who was a coal miner, died on the 22d of March, 1889, when about fifty-four years of age. His wife, who was born on the 3d of March, 1841, was called to her final rest on the 24th of January, 1905, when sixty-four years of age. She was a Baptist in religious faith. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt were born eleven children, as follows: Maria, the widow of Alexander Gee; Mary Jane; Emily; Lizzie; Bridget, the widow of John Scott; John; William; Linnie; and three who died in early life. John and Lizzie Pollott, the maternal grandparents of Mrs. Stach, crossed the Atlantic from England to the United States and took up their abode in the vicinity of Youngstown, Ohio, where they died at an advanced age. John Pollott was a coal miner. Unto him and his wife were born four sons and two daughters, namely : Mary Ann, Betsy, Ivan, Abram, John and Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Stach have become the parents of six children : Ella, who makes her home in Cornwall township and is the wife of Herman Schnowske, by whom she has two children - Raymond and Dorothy ; and Jennie, Rosa, Freddie, Herbert and George, all of whom are still under the parental roof.

In his political views Mr. Stach is a stanch republican, being convinced that the principles of that party are most conducive to good government. He has capably served his fellow townsmen in the position of school director for three years. He belongs to the Mystic Workers and in all the varied relations of life has proven himself worthy of the trust and confidence so uniformly reposed in him. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for the opportunities which he sought he found and improved and as a result is now one of the men of affluence in his community.

John Offerle

John Offerle, who has passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey, is a retired shoemaker living in Geneseo. He was born in Alsace, France, September 30, 1829, and is a son of John Jacob and Saloma (Peter) Offerle, both of whom were also natives of Alsace. The ancestors of the family lived in Normandy, France, and were of the faith of the Waldenses. In the time of the Catholic persecution they fled from Normandy to Switzerland, and thence their descendants went to Alsace, settling in Baldenheim, in the department of Du- Pas-Rhine near Schlestadt. The great-great-grandfather of our subject was John Jacob Offerle, who was born in 1705, and died November 17, 1773. He was married in 1730 to Sarah Meinold, whose mother bore the maiden name of Adam Peter, a native of Alsace, France, and a linen weaver by trade. Both he and his wife died in that country. John Jacob Offerle, who was a farmer by occupation, died in Baldenheim in September 20, 1845, at the age of forty-eight years, his birth having occurred April 20, 1797. His first wife, who was born in Baldenheim in 1798, passed away November 27, 1841. He afterward married again, his second union being with Saloma Hertzel. He and both of his wives were members of the Lutheran church. By his first marriage there were five sons and two daughters, but only two are now living, the sister of our subject being Mrs. Mary Hessel, the wife of Charles Hessel, of London, Ontario. The two children of the father's second marriage were Catharine and Christian.

John Offerle was educated in the schools of his native province in both the French and German languages and when sixteen years of age began learning the shoemaker's trade. In 1847 at the age of eighteen years he came to America, settling in Warren, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in shoemaking. Since 1864 he has resided continuously in Geneseo, where he and his brother George established a shoe store, which they conducted together for three or four years. On the expiration of that period they dissolved partnership and John Offerle continued to make boots and shoes, enjoying a good patronage in that hne until 1900, since which time he has lived retired. He remained an active factor in the world's work until after his seventy-first year, and the rest which he has since enjoyed has been well merited, for his competence was honorably earned.

On the 23d of December, 1852, Mr. Offerle was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Fisher, a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Eisler) Fisher. Mrs. Offerle was bom in Warren, Pennsylvania, April 12, 1836, but her parents were natives of Alsace, France, and her father was one of Napoleon's body guard. He was tall and handsome, and moreover, a man of high character, who led a consistent Christian life. He died in Warren, Pennsylvania, in 1848 at the age of fiftythree years, and his wife, long surviving him, passed away in 1891 at the age of eighty-four years, her death occurring in Geneseo. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Offerle have been born seven children: Josephine, the wife of John Minsch, of Hooppole, Illinois, by whom she has six children - Lora, Charles, Florence, Alice, Cora and Warren ; Henry of Lane county, Kansas, who married Hattie Mc- Kinley and has four children - John, Eva, Charles and Freddie ; Diana, the wife of Philip Sommers of Abilene, Kansas, who has three children - Stacy, Lynn, and Lorena; Lorena, the wife of Richard Arnold, of Geneseo and the mother of one daughter, Oneida ; Cora, who died at the age of twenty-five years ; Alfred, a farmer of Munson township, who married Lulu Wildermuth and has two children - Earl and Delia; and Aaron, who resides in Enid, Oklahoma.

Mr. Offerle is a stanch advocate of all that he believes to be right and manifests his views in the temperance question by the loyal support which he gives the prohibition party. Both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical church and are good Christian people, active in the church work. They are highly esteemed for their genuine worth and have lived exemplary lives before their children and before all of the world. Because of this they can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear.

Warren O. Houghton

Warren O. Houghton, the secretary, treasurer and general manager of the E. W. Houghton Lumber Company of Galva, was born at Wyanet, Bureau county, Illinois, on the nth of October, 1868. His parents, Edwin W. and Adaline (Bean) Houghton, were both natives of the state of New York. The paternal grandfather, Warren Houghton, whose birth likewise occurred in the Empire state, was of English descent. Throughout his active business career he was successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits. Both he and his wife lived to a ripe old age and reared quite a large family of children. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Orson Bean, was also a native of New York and of English descent. He followed farming as a means of livelihood and made his home at Hume, New York, where he passed away when well advanced in years.

Edwin W. Houghton, the father of Warren O. Houghton, made his waj^ from Houghton, New York, to Bureau county, Illinois, in the year 1864 and located at Wyanet. He was busily engaged as a carpenter and builder for some years and subsequently embarked in the lumber business at Wyanet, where he remained until 1879, when he took up his abode in Henry, Marshall county, Illinois. In 1882 he came to Galva, this county, and established the E. W. Houghton Lumber Company, of which he is still the president. He was thus actively and prominently identified with the industrial interests of the county for about two decades but for the past seven years has lived retired in Chicago. He is a stalwart republican in his political views and while residing in Galva served as supervisor and also as president of the village board. He likewise represented this district in the Illinois legislature for one term and was widely recognized as a most influential, respected and substantial citizen. He is a Knight Templar Mason and a worthy exemplar of the craft. He attends the Congregational church, of which his wife was a member. The latter, whose birth occurred at Hume, New York, in 1835, passed away on the 30th of September, 1897, when sixty-two years of age.

Warren O. Houghton obtained his primary education in the schools of Wyanet and Henry, Illinois, and when fourteen years of age came to Galva, where he attended the high school and grew to manhood. On the ist of November, 1887, he entered his father's office in the capacity of a bookkeeper and salesman. Two years later the company was incorporated and subsequently he was made secretary and treasurer of the concern, while since his father's removal to Chicago he has also acted as manager. The E, W. Houghton Lumber Company operates eight other yards at the following places: Altona, Bradford, Wyoming, Wyanetj Lamoille, Van Orin, Princeton and Victoria. The headquarters of the firm are at Galva. Mr. Houghton is likewise the president of the Kenova Manufacturing Company of Kenova, West Virginia, manufacturers of interior finish. His connection with any undertaking insures a prosperous outcome of the same, for it is in his nature to carry forward to successful completion whatever he is associated with. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business, and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods, which have won him the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellowmen.

On the nth of July, 1899, Mr. Houghton was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Nowers, who was born near Atkinson, Illinois, her parents being James and Ella ( Woliver) Nowers, the former a native of New York and the latter of Illinois, They took up their abode in this county at a comparatively early day and reared a family of three children, namely : Decima, the wife of Samuel West ; Albert A. ; and Mrs. Houghton. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Houghton was Thomas Nowers, a native of England, who crossed the Atlantic to the United States in early manhood and first located in Oneida county, New York. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Decima Foster, was the tenth in order of birth in her father's family. They were among the earliest settlers in this county and both passed away in Atkinson when well advanced in years, Thomas Nowers being more than eighty years old at the time of his demise. John and Margaret (Hulsizer) Woliver, the maternal grandparents of Mrs. Houghton, were both born in New Jersey, the former being of English descent, while the latter came of German lineage. They were also numbered among the early settlers of Henry county and died in Atkinson when about sixty-three and sixty-five years of age respectively. Their children were nine in number. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Houghton has been born a daughter, Helen.

In his political views Mr. Houghton is a stalwart republican, inflexible in support of the principles of his party. For one term he was president of the village board of Galva and proved a most loyal and efficient incumbent in that responsible position. Fraternally he is identified with Galva Lodge, No. 408, I. O. O. F. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Congregational church, in which both he and his wife hold membership. In whatever relation of life he has been found he has been true and loyal to the trust reposed in him and his life has been in conformity with a high standard of conduct. Those who have regard for the true worth and value of character give to Warren O. Houghton their entire respect and accord him a position of prominence in public regard in Galva.

William Henry Wilson

William Henry Wilson is the owner of a fine farm on section 30, Geneseo township. The land is rolling and the soil is naturally rich and productive. The place comprises almost one hundred and sixty-four acres, and, thereon Mr. Wilson is engaged in general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of the breeding of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle and thoroughbred poultry. He is also well known in connection with the cultivation of seed corn and in the various branches is meeting with success, which is the merited reward of his labors. He is one of Henry county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Munson township, February 19, 1863, his parents being Abner and Elizabeth (Larue) Wilson. The father was born at West Amwell, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, May 31, 1823, and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He was married there December 18, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth Larue and in 1856 came to Illinois, accompanied by his family. Soon after his arrival he purchased land and for a time resided in Geneseo township, but later sold that property and removed to Munson township, where he resided for a few years. He then returned to Geneseo township and purchased a farm, upon which his son William H. now resides. He was an enterprising agriculturist, whose methods were at once practical and progressive and brought to him substantial success. In his political views he was republican, but was never an office seeker. The Methodist Episcopal church found in him a zealous member and his life was in consistent harmony with its principles. His wife was also a native of Hunterdon county. New Jersey, born November 23, 1825. She was reared in the Baptist faith, but after her marriage joined the Methodist Episcopal church that she might be with her husband in his rehgious belief. She died July ii, 1881, and the graves of both Mr. and Mrs. Abner Wilson were made in Oakwood cemetery of Geneseo. Their family numbered six children : Howard J., who died June 10, 1870; Arabella, the wife of T. H. Clark, a resident of Los Angeles, CaHfornia; Rebecca E., the wife of William Duff, a resident of Edford township; John W., who died in infancy; William H. ; and Albert W., who married Cora Stimpson, died in Geneseo township on the 17th of March, 1902.

In his youthful days William Henry pursued his education in the public schools and was also trained to the work of the fields while spending his boyhood under his father's roof. He remained at home until about twenty years of age, when he started upon the road as a traveling salesman. He represented different firms and traveled throughout the New England states. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia,West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Kansas, Colorado and Oklahoma. In 1889 while in Meriden, Connecticut, he formed the acquaintance of Miss Agnes Hall of Island Pond, Essex county, Vermont, and on the 31st of January, 1891, they were married at her home in the Green Mountain state. Mrs. Wilson is a daughter of Austin and Semantha (Stevens) Hall. Her father was born in Water ford, Vermont, October 31, 1840, and died at Island Pond, that state, April 24, 1900. He was a member of the military order of the Loyal Legion, which at his death issued the following memorial :

"Companion Hall was born in the town of Waterford, Vermont, October 31, 1840, his parents being Ransom and Annie (Caswell) Hall. Of his early life and training your committee has not succeeded in getting any definite information, but no doubt he had a good business education, from the admirable manner in which his duties as regimental adjutant and officer of the customs were performed.

"He enlisted June 20, 1861, as a private in Company D, Third Vermont Volunteers, was promoted sergeant July 16, 1861 and was mustered out with his regiment as first sergeant July 27, 1864. He immediately reenlisted and was commissioned first lieutenant of Company I, of the same regiment, July 28, 1864. On the i8th of October, 1864, he was appointed adjutant of the regiment, which position he held until the close of the war. He was mustered out of service July 11, 1865. He participated in the battles of Lewinsville, Lee's Mills, Savage Station, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Marye's Heights, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cedar Creek and around Petersburg. He was wounded in the left shoulder by a minie ball at Marye's Heights, May 3, 1863, and at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864, was again wounded, a bullet passing through his right hand.

"Companion Hall was married June 22, 1869, to Miss Semantha E. Stevens, by whom he had two daughters, Agnes Hall Wilson and Rena B. Hall, who with his wife, survive him.

"Soon after the close of the war he received an appointment in the customs service at Island Pond, where he remained until within a few days of his death, except during the administration of President Cleveland. When not engaged in

"He was of medium size, fair complexion, soldierly bearing, a brave, competent, reliable soldier, and always in his place. His duties as regimental adjutant were faultlessly performed. He was always cheerful, pleasant and companionable; of easy approach, an enthusiastic optimist, but of positive and uncompromising integrity. As a gentleman and a soldier his character was above reproach.

"In conclusion, we quote the following from an obituary notice of Companion Hall, written by Ex-lieutenant Governor Dale of Island Pond, who was a personal acquaintance: 'As a man he was blithe, and of that various humor that on occasion (and he never let one go by) he was just the man to cheer up a heavy time or give eclat to a lively one. Like all such natures he exhibited nervous relaxation, almost to austerity, but which quickly gave way to bright returns of cheerfulness and snap and jest and lively and humorous conditions. In body and mind he was tasty, agile and faithful in active and efficient resources and devotion to friends and contemptuous of unfriendliness. His designs were clean cut and developed with care, vigilance and thoroughness. He was watchful of the comfort and care of his family, his friends and his business, even to anxiety. He was a valued member of the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of the Republic, managing the financial afifairs of the former for a great many years with absolute exactness. He was a worker, always zealous and prompt, spurning negligence, rebuking indolence, adjusting irregularities and touching up the electrical currents of the order. A long time in the customs service, his work for neatness, dispatch and accuracy was excelled by that of no other man who has ever been engaged in such work at this port'."

Following the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson they spent a year in Rhode Island, Mr. Wilson at that time being still upon the road as a representative of the baking-powder business. Later he traveled in Massachusetts and New York and in 1892 returned to Henry county, where he took up the occupation of farming, renting land from his father. When but a boy he had purchased a thoroughbred heifer and had started his father in the business of breeding and raising fine cattle. After taking up the farm work again he turned his attention to live stock and is now well known as a breeder of thoroughbred shorthorns, having upon his place some very fine animals. He has also made a specialty of breeding and raising high-class poultry. Seeing the need of a more careful selection of seed com he began to furnish the best that was produced for the class of trade to which its worth would make appeal and is now widely known as a raiser of seed corn, which he ships to various states, both east and west. He produces a number of varieties and dries his corn by kiln. In all of his business he holds to high standards of excellence and his example has been one which has stimulated the efforts of his fellow townsmen, who, seeing the benefits to be derived from the course that he has pursued, have followed in his example.

Four children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Wilson. Howard, born on the home farm February 12, 1893, is now a student in the Geneseo high school, from which he will graduate with the class of 191 1. Harold E., born on the home farm May 16, 1895, became a high-school student in the fall of 1909.

In politics Mr. Wilson is an independent republican, for, while he usually votes for the men and measures of the republican party, he does not consider himself bound by party ties, and in the exercise of his franchise follows the dictates of his judgment. He has long served as school director, and is a stalwart champion of the cause of education. In 1909 he was made a member of Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are widely and favorably known in this section of the county and have a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.

John David Hill

John David Hill, for fifty-four years a resident of Henry county, during which period he was long associated with agricultural interests, is now living retired in Geneseo, deriving a substantial income from valuable farm lands which he still owns. He was bom in Rappahannock county, Virginia, March 19, 1843, and is a representatve of one of the early families of the Old Dominion. His grandfather, John K. Hill, was likewise a native of that state and at the time of the second serious difficulty with England served as a soldier of the war of 1812. He made farming his life work, devoting his attention to that occupation in Rappahannock county, where he died when well advanced in years. His wife bore the maiden name of Grace Jenkins, and unto them were born a family of four sons and four daghters.

This included William T. Hill, also a native of Virginia, and a farmer by occupation. He married Miss Elizabeth Lockhart, who was born in the same state and was a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Bryan) Lockhart. Her father also was a Virginian planter and died in the prime of life, while his widow long survived. They had a large family, including Mrs. Tabitha Scott; Polly, who became the wife of Albert Jenkins ; John W. ; Mrs. Elizabeth Hill ; Rachel ; and Mrs. Matilda Scott. Following the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. William T. Hill they resided for some time in the Old Dominion but in 1855 removed to Henry county, Illinois, settling irt Cornwall township, where they lived for two years. They then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Munson township, Mr. Hill improving the farm and adding to it as his financial resources permitted until he was at one time the owner of two hundred and eighty acres. During the last few years of his life he regarded Geneseo as his home but spent most of his time in Nebraska. He passed away in Geneseo at the age of seventythree years, having for nine years survived his wife, who died in Nebraska at the age of sixty-three. Both were consistent members of the Chrstian church and were people of the highest respectability. Their family numbered seven sons and seven daughters : William J. ; John D. ; George R. ; Sarah E., the wife of George W. Dugdale ; JuUa F., the deceased wife of Samuel J. Murphy; Edward L. ; Rachel V. the wife of Porter Liken; Mary E., the wife of Adam Young; Philip D. ; Virginia, the wife of Herman Weidenhoeft; James N.;

John D. Hill was a lad of twelve years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Henry county. They drove a team from Virginia, it requiring thirty days to make the trip and thus the youth of Mr. Hill was passed on farms in the Old Dominion and in Illinois. His educational privileges were those offered by the district schools, and he continued in active work on the home farm until the 15th of August, 1862, when he responded to the country's call for aid. enlisting as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for almost three years. He took part in several important engagements and was wounded in the battle of Knoxville. He was also present in the fighting at Chattanooga, Atlanta, Franklin and Fort Fisher, being under command of General Sherman until they reached Atlanta. For eighteen months he acted as color bearer of his regiment and thus was in the thickest of the fight, for the fire of the enemy is usually directed against the flag.

When the war was over Mr. Hill returned home and for a time was employed by the month at farm work, after which he engaged in the cultivation of rented land for eight years. During that period he carefully saved his earnings and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Iowa, which he subsequently traded for an improved tract of eighty acres in Cambridge township, Henry county, Illinois. Two years later he sold that property and bought another farm in Munson township. In 1892 he made purchase of his father's old homestead, which then contained two hundred and eighty acres. He still owns the property and has added to it until his landed possessions now aggregate four hundred acres. As the years passed he carefully, systematically and successfully carried on farming until February, 1893, when he put aside the more arduous duties of agricultural life and removed to Geneseo, where he purchased and remodeled a residence which is now one of the beautiful homes of the city.

Mr. Hill has been married twice. On the 30th of September, 1868. he wedded Miss Esther E. Ayres, a daughter of Buenos and Sarah (Osborn) Ayres. Her death occurred February 6, 1900, when she was fifty-five y-ears of age. On the 30th of July, 1901, Mr. Hill married Miss Augusta Ayres, a daughter of Orlando B. and Anna Louvina (Stone) Ayres. There are two children of that union; Helen Estella and John David. Mrs. Hill was born in Knoxville, Iowa, September 25, 1868, while her parents were natives of Ohio. She was a granddaughter of Buenos Ayres, a native of Massachusetts, who in early life learned and followed the carpenter's trade but later gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He came to Geneseo in 1854 and aided in building the Congregational church at this place. Subsequently he took up farming in Munson township, carrying on his business there on an extensive scale. His death occurred in Geneseo when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-six years. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Hill was Truman Stone, a native of New York, whence he removed to Canada and subsequently became a resident of Iowa, casting in his lot with the early settlers of Marion county, that state, where he died when more than eighty years of age. His wife, in her maidenhood Louvina

Orlando B. Ayres, father of Mrs. Hill, came to Henry county, Illinois, in 1854, and her mother, then Anna Louvina Stone, removed to Iowa about the same time from Coshocton, Ohio. They were married in Knoxville, Iowa, where they resided for about a quarter of a century and then removed to Des Moines, where Mrs. Ayres still makes her home. Orlando B. Ayres, however, passed away in San Diego, California, in March, 1900, at the age of sixty-three years. He practiced law for about forty years and for two decades was in partnership with his brother-in-law, Governor William Stone. He was recognized as one of the distinguished attorneys of his state and for one term served as judge of the fifth judicial circuit of Iowa. He became recognized as a leading factor in financial and business circles as well as in his profession and was vice president of the Bankers Life Insurance Company from its organization. He left the bench to become president of the Iowa State Fire Insurance Company. Unto him and his wife were born eight sons and two daughter : Edward ; Helen, the wife of C. C. Miles of Des Moines ; Augusta, the wife of John D. Hill, of Geneseo ; William ; Orlando ; George ; Ransom ; Arthur ; Sheldon ; and Warren. In his fraternal relations Mr. Hill is a Mason, belonging to Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M., and to Jenkins Post, G. A. R. His wife belongs to the Congregational church and they are both greatly esteemed for many sterling traits of character. Mr. Hill is now serving as alderman from the fourth ward. He is now largely independent in his political affiliation as he does not care to be bound by party ties, but votes as his judgment dictates. For more than a half century he has been a resident of the cou^nty and has there witnessed much of its growth and progress as the railway lines have been extended, as its telegraph and telephone systems have been built, as its farms have been cultivated and its towns improved. In the work of general development he has been keenly interested and through his own active life contributed much to agricultural progress. His record, too, is another proof of the fact that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously, for through straightforward business methods, which neither seek nor require disguise, Mr. Hill has reached the plane of afiiuence.

William Ringle

For fifty-two years William Ringle has lived in Henry county and, retiring from agricultural life, took up his abode in Cambridge where he is now the senior member of the firm of William Ringle & Company, grain buyers and owners of an elevator. He is also the vice president of the First National Bank and is widely recognized as a man of affairs who wields a wide influence. His birth occurred in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 6, 1847, his parents being Joseph and Mary (Whitesell) Ringle, who were also natives of the Keystone state. The paternal grandfather was Mathias Ringle and he too was bom in Pennsylvania when it was still numbered among the colonial possessions of Great