Rock Island County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 5 of 24)

Settled in his little home, often shaking with the ague, the work was pushed, and in 1839 ten plows were built, and the entire iron works of a new saw and flouring mill made, with no help except that of an inexperienced man as blower and striker. In 1840 a second anvil was placed in the shop, a workman employed and 40 plows made.

His fame as a plow-maker was now rapidly extending, and in 1841 he built 75 steel mold-board plows, and a brick shop, 30 X45, was erected, and the year following 100 new plows were added. The tide which was then set clearly in his favor, afterwaid bore him steadily on to fortune. In 1843 ne took a Maj. Andrus into partnership, enlarging his buildings by electing a brick shop two stories high, added, horse-power for the grind- stone, established a small foundry, and turned out 400 improved plows.

In 1846 the annual product had increased to 1,000, and as time advanced improvements were made; but the difficulty of obtaining steel of proper dimensions and quality was found to be a great obstacle to the complete success of the business. Mr. Deere accordingly wrote to Nailor & Co., importers, ot New York, explaining the demand of the growing agricultural States of the West for a good cast-steel plow, and stated the size, thickness and quality of the steel plates he wanted. The reply was that no such steel could be had in America, but they would send to England and have rollers made for the purpose of producing the special sizes of steel. An order was sent and the steel made and shipped to Illinois.

In this connection it may be proper to say that it was in the shaping of the mold-board that Mr. Deere's ingenuity more particularly manifested itself. He was undoubtedly the first man to conceive and put in operation the idea that the successful selfscouring of a steel mold-board depended pre-eminently upon its shape. This idea was his, and he worked upon it until the correctness of it was fully demonstrated.

Mr. Deere's practical foresight enabled him to see that his location was not advantageous for a growing business. Coal, iron and steel must be hauled by team from La Salle, a distance of 40 miles, and his plows taken a long distance to market in the same slow and expensive manner. He therefore sold his interest in the business at Grand de Tour to his partner, Mr. Andrus, and removed to Moline, 111., in 1847. Here was good water-power, coal near in abundance, and cheap river transportation. A partnership was formed between Mr. Deere, R. N. Tate and John M. Gould, shops built and work commenced, resulting the first year in the production of 700 plows.

About this time the English steel arrived, and 50 plows were made from it and sent to different parts of the country, where the soil was known to be most difficult of plowing. The test proved the success of the implement and the manufacture sprang at once to the enormous number of r,6oo plows a year, which number were made in rSso.

In 1853, Messrs. Tate and Gould retired from the firm, Mr. Deere buying their interest. In 1852 the shops were enlarged, new machinery added and the sales continued to increase. Mr. Deere continued alone until 1S57, which year he made 10,000 plows. In 1858 he took his son, Charles H., and Stephen H. Velie, one of his sons-in-law, into the business as partners, and the business was continued under the name of Deere & Co. until 1S68, when it had assumed such proportions that a company was incorporated under the general laws of the State, with John Deere as President, a position he has since held; Charles H. Deere, Vice-President and ind Stephen H. Velie, Secretary. During all the subsequent years the business has had a steady and marvelous growth, requiring the annual addition of shop room, men and machinery.

The history of Deere & Co., from its earliest inception down to July 1, 1885, the current year, will be found in another part of this Album, and therefore will not be noticed further in this sketch. We can truthfully say that John Deere has been the architect of his own fortune. His great wealth has been acquired by his individual effort and industry. Since Moline was a struggling and unimportant little village, Mr. Deere has been identified with its interests. The silent and unwritten history of her streets, her railroads and her public institutions is replete with his spirit and untiring energy.

It is conceded that John Deere, of this sketch, is the originator of the steel plow. When he manufactured his first steel plows, there were not only no steel plows in America, but no steel manufactured of which to make them. The influence of this improvement in the manufacture of plows cannot be estimated. The name of John Deere is a familiar one throughout the West, and his plows are sent to South America, the West Indies, New Zealand, the Sandwich Islands, South Africa, Australia, France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Russia and the British possessions in America. They have been awarded medals at almost numberless county, State and national exhibitions in this country, and were awarded the same way at the Paris Exposition in 1878 in a field trial, in which over 50 plows from all nations competed.

Mr. Deere has been twice married: In 1827, at Granville, Vt., to Miss Damaris Lamb, who died at Moline, Feb. 17, 1865. Of the eight children she bore, five only survive (July, 1885): Charles H., Mrs. Jennette D. Chapman, Mrs. Ellen S. Webber, Mrs. Emma C. Velie, and Mrs. Alice M. Cady. His second marriage occurred in 1867, also at Granville, and to a younger sister of his first wife.

Mr. Deere was elected Mayor of the city of Moline and served two years. He was also President of the First National Bank of Moline, and a director to the present day. He was also a large contributor toward the founding of the public library, and was a director of the same for many years.

with strength capable of almost unlimited endurance. In his better days he would stand at his anvil from five o'clock in the morning until nine at night, building plows, shoeing horses and constructing machinery for saw-mills. His features are strong, indicating great power and decision of character. His face is frank and open, and his address generally bespeaks him what he is, a man of tender social nature and noble character. His feelings lie near the surface, and he is singularly sensitive to pathos, whether of sorrow or of joy. His sympathy and help quickly respond to the call of trouble or of misfortune, and he rejoices in the prosperity of all about him. Absorbed in business, he has not had the desire nor time for public office, which has at times sought his services. He has, however, always been in sympathy with public interests, and has given liberally of his means to advance them. He has been a Republican in politics since the organization of that party. He is an active member of the Congregational Church, and a generous contributor to local and foreign objects of benevolence. The religious, moral and educational interests of society have had in him a friend and patron. A generous hospitality is shown at his comfortable home, and few men are more entertaining in the social circle, or have a more happy faculty of making every one feel at ease.

Mr. Deere is still active and strong, and many years may he live to enjoy his success and the friendships he has made, and to do good, and then may he possess the immortality in a higher than material sense that comes to those who have done well. It is a pleasure to the publishers of this Album to present in its pages a portrait of a man like Mr. Deere, and we know it will be gladly received by the patrons of the work. The portrait of Mr. Deere which appears in connection with this sketch, is engraved from a photograph taken in 1885.

WV tlle son oi Rol;)ert anc* Isabel (Ewing) Munro. His parents were from Scotland, his father a native of Edinburgh, and his mother of Glasgow. They emigrated to America in 1850. His father

Robert H., subject of this biographical notice, received a common-school education, and then found employment with Mason & Evans, carriage-makers of Davenport, where he commenced learning the carriage-making trade, and completed his apprenticeship with a firm in Chillicothe, IU. He traveled and worked as a journeyman in various cities, and finally returned to Davenport, where he operated in George A. Bain & Company's carriage shops one year. In February, i8Sr, he formed the existing partnership with his brother John, and established the Moline Carriage Works.

\Yf$(k\ illiarn Marshall, one of the pioneers of iatsO'fl Rock Island County, and a resident of 1 - ~| Cordova, was born in Hopewell, Hunterdon (now Mercer) Co., N. J., Nov. 22, 1S15. He was a son of William and Catherine (Larison) Marshall, both of whom were natives of the same State. His father was of German ancestry and his mother of English.

He grew to manhood in his native town, reared in agricultural pursuits. In 1837 he came with a horse team to the great Prairie State, bringing with him provisions and cooking utensils, and camping by the way, the journey consuming 52 days. The family then consisted of himself, wife and eight children. They arrived at Cordova, where there was a log house, nearly completed, and which they occupied. He made a claim of Government land adjoining the town plat, and entered it when it was surveyed and placed in market. The parents both died here. The names of their children were - John and Jonathan, now deceased; William, who lives in Port Byron ; Charles, a resident of Dallas, Tex. ; Rebecca, who resides in Cordova ; George, who is a resident of Fort Worth, Tex.; Elijah L., a practicing physician at Keithsburg, 111.; and Elizabeth, now deceased.

The subject of this sketch made his home with his parents until the time of his marriage, in 1S47, t0 Priscilla C. Marshall, a native of Pennsylvania. He them located on land which he had previously entered near the village, and engaged in farming pursuits. He has planted fruit and shade trees upon the place, and otherwise improved it, and rendered it a valuable farm. In i860 he built a house in Cordova village, moved into it, and has since resided there. He has since been interested in railroad matters, having taken numerous contracts in this State and Missouri. In his political views he stands upon the Democratic platform, and he has long been prominent in the affairs of his township and county. He has been Justice of the Peace in Cordova for a number of years, and also Assessor, etc. In 1852 he was elected to represent his district in the State Legislature, receiving the unanimous vote of his own township; and he was re-elected in 1854.

His first wife died Sept. 12, 1848, and his second marriage occurred April 17, 1849, when he united his fortunes with those of Rebecca Hennes, widow of Horace Wilson, and a native of Fayette Co, Ind. By this marriage there have been four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, namely: Flora, now the wife of John Willet, and living in Iowa ; Mary, now Mrs. William Phillips, now residing in Port Byron; Annie, who lives in Cheyenne; and Norman B., a practicing physician in Geneseo, 111., being a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. Mrs. M. had one child by her first marriage, named Sophia, who is now the wife of Rodney K. McCormick, and is living in Coe Township.

^ndrew Friberg, one of the founders of the Moline Plow Company, a stockholder in the same, and inspector of agiicultural im plements, and general superintendent of the shops, was born in Sweden, April 8, 1828. He learned the blacksmith trade in his native country, and in 1850 emigrated to the United States. Arriving at Chicago, he spent nine months in that city, and then, in 1851, came to Moline, this county. He immediately began work for Deere, Tate & Gould, K and seven months later was promoted to the position of foreman of the blacksmith department, which he held for 12 years. In 1864 Mr. Fnberg went to Idaho and Montana Territories, spent about seven ^> months in the mountains, and in the fall of the same year returned to Moline, and in 1865 formed a part- nership with Henry VV. Candee and R. K. Swan, under the firm name of Candee, Swan & Co., for the manufacture of agricultural implements, Mr. Friberg acting as mechanical manager of the works. Soon afterwards Mr. George Stevens bought an interest in the works and subsequently Mr. S. W. Wheelock became a partner. In 1S70, the company was incorporated under the State laws, with a capital stock of $400,000, under the name of the Moline Plow Company. (See history of this important manufacturing establishment elsewhere in this work.) Mr. Friberg was elected one of the directors of the company, and superintendent of the shops, and served as such until 1876, when he retired on account of impaired health. Three years later, he resumed active relations with the company, since which lime he has been inspector of agricultural implements and general superintendent.

Mr. Friberg, as is shown by the above sketch, was one of the founders of one of the most important establishments in the Northwest, and is the only remaining partner of the original firm now connected with that institution. He has, with the exception of two or three years (during which time he was incapacitated by impaired health), been one of the leading spirits of the business. His thorough mechanical knowledge and faithful supervision of the work has done much to insure the perfection of the work turned out, and to aid in bringing the quality of the plows and other farm machinery made by this company up to the high standard which it has attained. As a business man and citizen, he is held in high esteem by a large circle of acquaintances, his broad and cosmopolitan views of life having led him easily into the ways and habits of the people of the

New World, with whom he fraternizes so naturally. 'Vf He is liberal in his religious views, while a friend to Churches in general. He has never been ambi- jjp tious of the honors of office, and it is said was never known to accept any offers but that of Village Trus- ^ tee of Moline in the early days of the history of that town. Politically, he is identified with the Republican party.

I gnatz Huber, one of the representative business men of Rock Island city, engaged in the brewing business, came to this place in 185 1, from Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, Feb. 1, 1826, and emigrated to the United States in 1849. His younger days, until the age of 18 years, were spent in school in his native country. It was in that country also that he first learned the trade of brewer, besides working on a farm. His father followed the same vocation in life (that of a brewer), and it was in his brewery that Mr. Huber, subject of this notice, j first learned the secrets of that business.

Coming to the United Slates in the year named, ; Mr. Huber, having expended what little money he *i had, and being of that disposition which would not , } allow him to pass his days in idleness, even had lie the competency of a " Vanderbilt," he engaged to work on a farm for the " magnificent " wages of 62^ cents per day for the first month. Leaving the farm, he engaged to work in a brewery in Columbus, Ohio, and followed that vocation for ten months; then worked at the same business in Cincinnati one year. At this point of Mr. Huber's history, he came to Rock Island city, and engaged in the brewing business for one month, when he formed a partnership with August Lettig, which partnership existed until April 1, 1854, when Mr. Huber purchased the interest of his partner and has since continued in the business alone, covering a period of 3T years. Since that time he has spent over $100,000 in improvements. He employs some 16 men and four teams on the road. He also owns the beer-bottling establishment on Third Avenue, and also his large brewery on Elm Street, besides property in Milan and Moline. He is a director in the People's Bank, and has been such since its organization. Coming to Rock Island city when that village was in its infancy, and locating there with a firm belief in the future development, not only of the city, but also of the surrounding country, and remaining as he did, and meeting with the success that he has, the latter can be but attributed to his good judgment, energetic determination and active co-operation of his good helpmeet.

Mr. Huber was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Koehler, a native of Germany. Their children are Amelia, Lillie and Otto, all of whom are living at home.

Politically, Mr. Huber is a Democrat. He is one of those men of whom it can be said he takes an interest in any movement calculated to benefit the city and community in which he resides, and that, although he has met with success in his accumulations, none can attribute to him any degree of selfishness. He has a beautiful residence on Third Avenue between 23d and 24th Streets, where he owns a half block of land.

>; f^W ddison N. Philleo, deceased, formerly a r^MM{ res'dent of Coe Township, was born in ii W@f Connecticut, Dec. 25, 1805. When he was ~^j!tai young his mother died, and at the tender age !^ of 15 he struck out into the world to take care

) of himself, first peddling Yankee notions for a time, in Connecticut, and next in selling goods bywholesale in Herkimer Co., N. Y. In 1836 he emigrated \Vest, coming by way of the Erie Canal to Buffalo, and the lakes to Chicago. He first made a claim on section 18, of township 21, range 2 east, now known as Coe Township. After the land was surveyed by the Government and placed in market, he entered his claim. He had just erected a log cabin in the timber, which he afterwards moved to the prairie in the southeastern part of section 18, and occupied it as a residence for a number of years, when he built another near by and moved into it. In 1850 he erected a good frame residence, and since put up several good farm structures and other wise improved the farm until he made it a valuable one; it comprised 320 acres.

The death of Mr. Philleo occurred June n, 1880. He was first married March 5, 1835, to Lovina Cummings, a native of the State of New York, who died

Sept. 26, 1845, leaving four children, viz.: Russell C, who enlisted in the late war and was killed in the battle of Shiloh; William W., who lives in Adams Co., Neb. ; Thomas, who resides in Washington Territory ; and Edward A., a resident of Adams Co., Neb. Mr. Philleo was married a second time, July 15, 1846, to Mary M. Willman, who was born in Williamsburg, Canada, Dec. 24, 1821. By this marriage there are nine children, five of whom are now living, namely: Emily, Livonia C, Jane Kate, Bradford N. and Eveline L.

§]Jj|[ ev. Allen B. Hitchcock, deceased, was born in Great Barrington, Mass., March 20, 1815, and was the son of Harvey and '*v\ Caroline Hitchcock. He was one of a family of five ministers, having had four brothers and one brother-in-law in that holy calling. He united with the Congregational Church when 15 years of age, was a graduate of Illinois College and the Theological Department of Yale College, also attended Harvard for a short time, and was ordained a minister of the gospel in early manhood. He came West in 1S40 in search of a field of labor where he might be useful, and located at Davenport, Iowa, where he organized the Congregational Church of that city, of which he was the Pastor until trie autumn of 1844. In October of that year he removed to Moline, and was chosen Pastor of the Congregational Church of that place. He was the second Pastor in succession, and continued to hold that position for 20 years, during which time he labored with great ardor to build up a Christian community at Moline. In the pulpit, Sunday-school, lecture room, or in private discourse, his influence was always exerted for the benefit of his fellow-man, and his teachings were always calculated to make people better and happier.

Mr. Hitchcock was a man of superior attainments, gifted with a good command of language, logical in argument, quick to sound the depth of his subject and clear in the presentation of his views. His zeal and earnestness sometimes led him to forget the lapse of time, a fault his congregation was ever ready to excuse, in view of the interesting nature of his discourse. It is said that on one occasion his ser- mon lasted two and a half hours, during which time he held his audience in earnest attention by his eloquence and fervor. His great desire was to promote the welfare and happiness of his fellow creatures and to cultivate peace and good will, as well as to instruct in things spiritual. He was thorough in his investigation of the subject under consideration, then positive and independent in his conclusions. He loved argument, and was always interesting and instructive in conversation. Possessed of a fine sense of honor, he admired honesty and truth, and his teachings were always calculated to develop those great principles. He was noted for his habit of industry and desire to be always doing something useful. But where he was known at his best, was in his home and in the social circle. No one had more friends among both young and old. His home was a favorite resort, and all were glad to partake of his genial hospitality. So thoroughly was he beloved and respected regardless of creed or social position, that it is said that the saloon-keepers of Moline closed their doors and suspended business during his funeral, out of respect to his memory. While he had spoken fearlessly against their traffic while living, he had done so in so fair a manner that he commanded their respect and esteem.

In his political views, he was a pronounced antislavery man from early manhood and later an earnest Republican. On the breaking out of the late war he was an enthusiastic supporter of Mr. Lincoln and a warm friend of the soldiers. His earnest efforts in the cause of the Union and his able support of sanitary measures identified him so closely with the soldiers that his grave is as regularly decorated on the 30th of every May as that of any soldier. His name is also on the soldiers' monument. His death occurred Dec. 15, 1873.

Mr. Hitchcock was united in marriage, in New Haven, Conn., July 4, 1840, to Miss Frances Hotchkiss, daughter of Elias Hotchkiss. She was born in New Haven, Conn. The issue of their union was five children, namely: Frances E., born in Davenport, May 4, 1842, now wife of Dr. R. M. Lackey, of Oak Park, 111.; Maria \Y., born Oct. 27, 1844, wife of John M. Holt, of Moline, 111. ; Frederick E., born Feb. 27, 1847, and died aged two years ; Almira W., born May 7, 1850, and died aged eight years; Elizabeth A., born May 23, 1853, now wife died at his home in Rock Island city, March 5, 1865. His parents, William and Betsey (Kemp) Webber, natives of New England, and of Holland-Dutch extraction, removed from New York State to Michigan while the subject of this sketch was very young, and there sp-nt the rest of their lives.

Young Mr. Webber received a common-school education, and at the age of 17 years made his way to Geneseo, 111., where, in company with an older brother, he was several years engaged in the drygoods business. From Geneseo he came to Rock Island in the year 1849, and here carried on a general store for a few years. In 1850, at the head of the firm of C. C. Webber & Co., he organized and put into operation the " Union Foundry," in a frame structure, and the first foundry put up in this city. The building was destroyed by fire, probably the same year it was started, and the company proceeded at once to erect a brick edifice, with much larger capacity than the first. At about the same time, foundries were planted at Davenport and Moline, and while there was abundance of business for all the concerns, a great rivalry was engendered, and the competition was carried possibly to an unprofitable degree. However, the " Union Works" held their own, and ran along with varying success until the great financial depression of 1857. Either in that year or soon afterwards, Mr. Webber withdrew from the company and in 1862 became a partner with Deere & Co., Moline, adding to that already extensive manufactory of agricultural implements the making of improved cultivators. The history of the Deere & Company Plow Works will be handed down to posterity, and will show it to be one of the greatest enterprises of its character in the United States; and Mr. Webber, who remained with it till his death, will be remembered as more than an ordinary factor in its greatest achievements. He began life as a farmer's boy, and worked his way to success, depending always upon his individual resources, and proving himself capable at all times of meeting successfully the exigencies of the occasion.

He was rather retiring in his disposition, sought no publicity, and preferred only the excitement of active business. At the time of his death he was representing his Ward as Alderman in the Rock Island City Council, and this was the only public office he had ever consented to fill.

Dec. 17, 185 1, Mr. Webber was united in marriage, at Moline, to Ellen S., daughter of the Hon. John Deere, and had born to him six children : Ada L., wife of William G. Mixter, Professor of Chemistry at Yale College ; Grace E., wife of B. G. Keator, of Moline ; Alice F., Charles C. and Mary E. ; Frank died in infancy.

Mr. Webber was identified prominently with the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and was liberal in both his political and religious views. He left his family a handsome competency, and h s magnificent mansion on the Elm Street bluffs, overlooking the Mississippi River and the city of Davenport, is yet occupied by Mrs. Webber, who in the successful management and direction of the large estates left her, shows that she inherited much of the business sagacity of her father, and that Mr. Webber was wise in the selection of a wife.

lbert F. Hollister, eldest son of Edmund r and Emma L. (Hall) Hollister, is a resilil9^* dent of Coe Township, and was born in Greenville, Washington Co., N. Y., Jan. 1, 1836. He was but a year old when his parents emigrated with him to this county, settling in what is now Rural Township. There lie grew up to manhood, attending the common schools and assisting his father in the mill. When in his 21st year, he went to Wabaunsee Co., Kan., where he worked in a steam saw-mill two years ; next he prospected and mined for eight months in Colorado; then, returning to this county, he rented land in Coe Township, upon which he began farming. In 1866 he purchased 80 acres of land, being the east half of the southeast quarter of section 18, that township. ^- This place he has finely improved and furnished with a good complement of farm buildings. His son owns 60 acres adjoining, on section 19. Mr. Hollister raises grain and also raises and ships live stock, as cattle and hogs. He is a Republican in his political views, and he has served as Supervisor of his township four years and as Township Treasurer.

He was united in marriage, Oct. 12, i860, to Rebecca Reed, daughter of David and Anna (Naylor) Reed, both her parents being natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. H. have five children, namely: Eva G., Emma L., Gracie A., Frederick A. and Edmund J.

systematic and efficient Postmasters in %'(£/* ^ the United States, was born at Shoreham, $fo Addison Co., Vt., Aug. 7, 1816. His par- W ents, Francis S. and Clara (Turrill) Hemen- way, natives of Massachusetts and of English descent, reared to men and women three sons and two daughters. The elder Mr. Hemenway was a farmer by occupation. He came with such of his family as were yet home in 1853 to Ogle Co., 111., where he spent the remainder of his years, - dying in 1856, at the age of 78 years.

The subject of our sketch spent the earlier years of his youth in his native town, and there, at the common schools, acquired a fair English education. Prior to leaving Vermont, which occurred in the fall of 1 838, he spent several years clerking in various mercantile establishments in the small Green Mountain towns. From Bethel, Vt., he shipped direct to Grand de Tour, Ogle Co., 111., in the year above stated, and in partnership with his brother-in-law, Solon Cumins, engaged at once in mercantile business. He remained at Grand de Tour and vicinity 17 years, the last four of which were devoted to farming, an occupation resorted to for the purpose of recuperating his health, which by the many years of in-door life had been sadly impaired. In 1855 he removed to Moline and was employed by Mr. John Deere as book-keeper for about four years. The succeeding five years, in partnership with H. A. Barnard, he tried his hand at the manufacture of chairs, furniture, etc., and then after an army expe-

It was in May, 1864, he entered the army, and at the organization of the i32d 111. Vol. Inf., was elected Captain of Co. H, a rank he held to the expiration of his term of service. Capt. Hemenway was appointed Postmaster of Moline by President Hayes in 1877, and re-appointed by President Arthur in 1 881 . He has served the city of Moline as Alderman, Clerk and Trustee; was one of the charter members, and is Past Master of Doric Lodge, F. & A. M., and is a prominent member of the G. A. R.

Mrs. Hemenway, nee Miss Jane E. Marsh, to whom Mr. H. was united in marriage at Grand de Tour in June, 1842, died Dec. 26, 1883. Of the four children born to them, three are living: Fred C. Hemenway is manager of J. M. Christy's Cracker Manufactory at Rock Island; Charles F. is cashier of the Moline National Bank; and Ellen M. is the wife of J. M. Christy.

artin Schoonmaker, dealer in grain at Reynolds, this county, is a native of Green County, in the State of New York, where he was horn Oct. 21, 1835. His "X father, Christian Schoonmaker, was a farmer by occupation, and a native of the same State, of German descent. He was reared in Green County, and married Silvia Maraquot, a native of the same county, of New England parentage and of German descent. During his life he became a prominent man, and he died in the same county in the year 1877, over 60 years of age. The widow is yet living with her younger son, Walter, in that county, now being about 70 years of age.

The subject of this sketch was a member of the parental household until he was about 20 years of age, being brought up in the noble and independent vocation of agriculture, and educated in the public schools At the age of 2T he emigrated West, settling in this county, in Edgington Township, where he continued in his calling In 1870 he engaged in the sale of agricultural implements at Edgington, and afterward at Milan, being at the latter place in partnership with G. M. Dixson two years. Returning to the village of Edgington, he established a general store, where he successfully followed mercantile business for six years, and also dealt in live stock. At the end of the six years mentioned he sold his store, and has since been employed exclusively in the grain business at Reynolds. He is also agent for the Hartford, Phcenix, Queen, of Liverpool, and German, of Freeport, Insurance Companies. Since 1 88 1 he has also held the office of Notary Public. He has also been Justice of the Peace and Township Supervisor, and is now a School Director. Adjoining the village he owns r 6 acres of land, on which he has a beautiful two-story residence. He owns the elevator at the depot, and also a small grist-mill, which is excellent for small grists and plain work. He is also the proprietor of a plat 150 x 170 feet in dimensions near the depot.

Mr. S. was first married, in Edgington Township, to. Elizabeth Boltinghouse, who was born and brought up in this State, and died in July, 1870. His second marriage occurred in Bowling Township, this county, when the bride was Miss Jennie Smith. She was born in the State of New York, in January, 185 1 ; was but a small child when her parents emigrated West with her to this county, settling upon a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Schoonmaker have had four children, two of whom are deceased, viz: an infant and Walter, who died at the age of rg months. The two living are : Elizabeth, who was born April 21', 1878, and Lura, Jan. 8, 1883.

r:p3I;,on. Stillman W. Wheelock, President of 7:|l?l': the .Moline Plow Company, of the Moline ' .'.'. ''>*"* Paper Mill Company, and of the Moline A National Bank. (See history of Moline indusj tries, in this volume.) The Wheelocks were 1 among the earliest settlers, dating their ancestry in this country back to the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers. Their history, first to last, were it possible to chronicle it within any allotted space, would be, in a large number of individual instances, an unbroken recital of simple life, exemplary morals, industry, energy, and good citizenship.

tive town, Worcester, Mass., in 1808, and of their six sons, brought up to manhood, the one whose name heads this article was third in order of birth. His parents moved from Massachusetts to Erie Co., N. Y., in 1812, and there, on June 18, 1816, Stillman W. Wheelock was born. The elder Mr. Wheelock was a farmer, and brought his sons up to know something of that industry, though it does not appear any one of them ever followed it for any length of time, except one brother, Hon. D. L. Wheelock, who moved to Moline from his farm in Cook Co., 111., in 1865, which he sold. After remaining in the city ten years he was elected at first Mayor, and re-elected two terms. On his removal from this place he settled in Washington Co., Iowa, where he now owns a large farm. Chapin Wheelock, Sr., died Jan. 10, 1835, at the old home in Massachusetts, to which place he had temporarily returned.

In September of the same year S. W. left his home at Holland, N. Y., and spent two years in Massachusetts, making his home with his grandparents, but working out in Worcester and Brookfield, at a low rate of wages. In the fall of 1837 he took his accumulated earnings (some $250), returned to the family home in New York, and spent the amount in schooling, at the Aurora Academy. The following winter he taught a public school in his native village, at $15 per month and board (" boarding round " was then the custom in that section), and in the spring of 1839, with just $60 in his pocket, he left Buffalo, on the old steamer " Anthony Wayne," landing at Chicago May 10, 1839. At that time there was no railroad into Chicago. The city had but one brick building, - -the old " Lake House," on the North Side. The streets were a sea of mud, and the sidewalks were few and exceedingly rickety and irregular. Mr. Wheelock took out of his trunk sufficient clothing for immediate use, tied it in a yellow bandana, slung the bundle over his shoulder on the end of a hickory stick, and took foot passage to Naperville, 15 miles distant, where he spent the first night. Next day he walked to St. Charles, then a promising Western town on Fox River. Determined to take employment at something which would make him a living, without caring much what the work might be, he took a job in a hard-wood saw-mill at $1 per day, of 12 hours each. The board he received was mostly mush and milk, fat pork and corn bread.

Flint (now dead), whose sister Mr. Wheelock afterward married. The Flint family had come to St. Charles a year before. In 1840 the two men named, under the firm name of Flint & Wheelock, rented the saw-mill, and ran it on their own account. It had two upright saws and one lath saw. The business partnership naturally developed an intimacy which resulted in the marriage of S. W. Wheelock and Lydia Flint, at St. Charles, in March, 1842.

Abandoning the saw-mill, Mr. Wheelock went into the hotel business, in the same town, which he continued for two years. He then exchanged the hotel for a farm, lying some seven miles from St. Charles, and in the meantime built a brick dwelling in town, which he occupied for several years, giving his attention to his farm.

During the period covered by these memoranda, O. M. Butler and B. T. Hunt built a paper-mill at St. Charles, of which C. N. Smedley, of Vermont, was superintendent. Convinced that paper-making would be a thrifty business in the West, and learning that there was a splendid water-power at Moline, Mr. Wheelock and Mr. Smedley, having but small capital between them, came down to Moline in the spring of 1851, and bought out the old foundry of N. B. Buford, for $5,000. It stood on the site of the present Moline Paper Mill. The purchase, outside of the real estate, was a shaky frame building, about 40 x 60 feet. Smedley at once went to Brattleboro, Vt., and made a contract for machinery for the new mill. Mr. Butler, of St. Charles, evidently fearing that this mill might interfere with his business, promptly represented to the manufacturers that Wheelock & Smedley, with whom the contract had been made, were not a sound firm. On this representation, the firm declined to make the machines, although they had twice agreed to do so. Mr. Wheelock then went to Goddard, Rice & Co., of Worcester, Mass., ordered his machinery, and it was promptly made. This machinery came from Boston to New Orleans by ocean ; thence by boat up the Mississippi River, and was landed near the foot of Lynde Street. Its arrival excited a great deal of curiosity, and its landing was witnessed by many interested spectators. Since then Mr. W. has bought all his machinery from Goddard, Rice & Company, because they had the good sense to trust him when he was struggling for a business footing.

furniture down from St. Charles in a wagon. Here Mr. and Mrs. W. went to housekeeping, mutually aiding each other in life's duties, faithfully toiling together, and together reaping the fruit of their united industry.

In r853 Mr. Smedley sold his interest in the paper mill to James Fergus. Prior to 1S54. the year in which the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad was completed to this point, all chemicals used in the mill had to be hauled by teams from Peru, 111., to which point they were brought by canal from Chicago. The paper manufactured was delivered by teams to Galena, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Ottumwa, Galesburg, Peoria, Knoxville, and other towns in Illinois and Iowa. They usually returned with a cargo of rags. Mr. Weelock himself started with a four-horse load of print paper for Galena on a cold day in the winter of 1856. At Hampton he was compelled to buy a warm cap. He delivered the paper to the purchaser, reloaded with a cargo of rags, and reached home all right.

In i860 he built the stone portion of the mill now standing, and put in a 68-inch Fourdrinier paper machine. The original machine was removed to the basement, where it is still doing service in the manufacture of wrapping paper.

The Paper Mill Company is at present a chartered incorporation, with a capital stock of $140,000. _The officers are S. W. Wheelock, President ; Everett Wheelock, Secretary and Treasurer.

During the past few years Mr. Wheelock has paid considerable attention to the raising of thoroughbred horses and cattle, and numbers among his possessions in that line some of the finest bloods in the State.

In 1872 Canbee, Swan & Company, plow manufacturers, having been somewhat pressed to the wall by moneyed and ambitious rivals, Mr. Wheelock, first through sympathy, and second as a business scheme, came to their rescue, and at once laid down $75,000, reorganized the concern, converted it into a stock company, and became its President. In 1884 a statement of the Moline Plow Company showed that the capital stock was $400,000, and its cash surplus amounted to $800,000. July 1, 1885, the capital stock was increased to $800,000, one-half of which is controlled by Mr. Wheelock, leaving a net surplus of $400,000. The Moline Paper Mill, out of which

Mr. W. claims to have made his greatest money, has invested in it a capital stock of $140,000, about $80,- 000 of which is held by the President, Mr. W.

Mr. Wheelock was also one of the organizers of and stockholders in the Malleable Iron Works, under its organization of June, 1884, with a capital stock of $75,000, of which he is by far the largest stockholder. In this year also was organized the Moline Central Street Railway, with Mr. Wheelock as President, and in June, 1885, the road was thrown open to the public.

Of the three sisters and five brothers of Mr. Wheelock, only one of the former and two of the latter are living. To these Mr. Wheelock, from the great abundance of his wealth, has liberally given from time to time. The Churches ot every denomination in the city have been the recipients of his bounty, and the poor and needy ever find in him a friend that causes them to remember him with their blessing. The three story building occupied 12 years by the Moline postoffice was built by Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock, and its second and third stories presented to the Free Library Association. Nor was this all: the first large moneyed donation to this great public institution was by Mr. Wheelock, and opposite his name was placed the sum of $500. The magnitude of Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock's gift in this instance, and the exalted degree of pleasure thereat experienced by many of the truly charitably disposed, numbering among them the best people of America, may be imagined from the many congratulatory letters received by them, a few only of which are at this time at our command, and which are given here:

" Dear Sir: - At a regular meeting of the Concordia Germania Society of Moline, held at their school building on Rodman Avenue, on Thursday evening, March 15, 1877, the undersigned were appointed a committee to draft resolutions of the thanks of the society to yourself and wife for your generous donation to the Public Library of Moline. After due deliberation we reported the following, which on motion was adopted unanimously :

" Dear Sir : - As one of the great family on whom you and your wife have conferred so great a gift, let me congratulate you, and ask to share the good feeling which I know must follow the exercise and gracious use of means you have accumulated beyond your need. I regard it as not only benevolence, but also practical wisdom, where I see a noble institution of any kind started or strengthened during the life of the giver. It is little indeed to direct the use of money which the' giver can no longer grasp. May you live long enough to see the fruits you have provided for those simply willing to pluck. " Yours truly,

" Dear Sir : - I see by the newspapers to-day that you have done a very liberal thing for your city. In no other way could such good be done, and the benefit will continue to increase forever. To yourself and your good wife this act will be a blessing all the days of your life. I congratulate you with all my heart. Truly yours,

"Dear Friends : - Through a Gazette sent me by a Davenport lady, I notice what you have thought best to do for the Moline Public Library, and the fact gave me so much pleasure that I cannot help exclaiming with my pen ' God help you ' for the deed and the thought which prompted you to make it. Although circumstances have for the present placed me in Minnesota, my interest in the Moline Library is not one ' whit ' abated, nor my confidence in its excellent management. Feeling, as I do, most emphatically, that the public school and free library should go hand-in-hand, educating and elevating together the parents and children, I can in all sincerity express my pleasure, with a hope that you may live long to enjoy the great good your benefaction has bestowed upon the citizens of Moline. As she stands at the head in her manufacturing interests, so may she be a leader in intelligence and goodness, which is the outgrowth; for, as the mind opens to receive, it also becomes broader and more liberal, and your thoughtful generosity will do much toward helping on in that direction. As you have made yourselves the pioneers, I trust others will be willing to follow, and that right speedily.

" My Dear Friends : - I learned this morning of the munificent gift which you have made to the Moline Public Library, and at the moment I decided to meet you and tender you my heartfelt thanks for the great favor which you have conferred upon our people and city, but afterward concluded to write you instead of saying orally what I wanted to communicate to you.

"Your grand donation is one that will bless you and bless Moline for all time. This is true, and will remain so upon the pure and undying principle that every such glorious deed is doubly blest. I fail to find language to express to you my gratitude for this great favor, and will leave you to infer the extent of it by telling you that this has been a happy day with me - made so by the fact that very special and valued friends have graciously conceived and executed a scheme which is more momentous and enduring in its character, magnificent in its proportions and consequences, far-reaching in its beneficial effects upon our people in the future, and more generous in its conception, than any gift that has fallen upon us since I have lived in Moline. My wife eagerly joins me in :hese expressions, and in tne hope that you may live long in the enjoyment of health and happiness.

" Friends : - Please accept this basket of flowers as a slight token of our appreciation of your recent gift of the Library Building to the people of Moline. " Sincerely,

Notwithstanding his gigantic business interests, covering over a million of dollars, and involving the welfare of hundreds of people, he has found time to render the public in an official way much service. In 1877 he was elected Mayor of the city; re-elected in 1879, and again in 1881. Public-spirited at all times, his moral and substantial support may always be relied upon in matters pertaining to the public weal. Though having very nearly compassed the allotted three-score-and-ten, S. W. Wheelock appears to be a man of 50. In the enjoyment of perfect health, a strict adherent to the laws of hygiene, he bids fair to number yet many years of usefulness in a community that has seen him rise in an honorable way, and, by the purest of methods, from obscurity to distinguished opulence.

A fine lithographic portrait of Mr. Wheelock is given on a preceding page, which is even more than justified by the high business and social character of the subject of the foregoing biography. A fine double-page view of his residence and surroundings is given on pages 224 and 225.

Chapin A. Wheelock, his elder brother, is associated with him in the paper-mill, owning a portion of the stock, and has been active in the business since its organization, and has now retired mostly from the business. He has two sons engaged in the mill.

He has been a Republican since the organization of that party, and during the late Civil War did much to aid the authorities in carrying forward the cause of the Union. As financial agent of the appropriations and funds raised for caring for the soldiers' families, he did efficient service. During the various campaigns he has always given liberally, both of time and money, to promote the cause of the party with whose principles lie was in sympathy.

Personally, Mr. Wheelock is a man of genial and pleasing address and impresses one at sight with the force and strength of his character. His executive abilities are really wonderful. He will successfully manage a large number of important enterprises, any one of which would be quite sufficient for about all the energy of an ordinary man. But Mr. Wheelock has the rare faculty of infusing his force into the minds of his associates; hence his very presence in an establishment has the effect of drawing out and developing the best working talent of every employe. This aggressive force is what has made Mr. vVheelock the success that he is. When he makes up his mind that a certain thing has to be done, it is almost equally certain that it wi// be done, and obstacles and opposition which would discourage most men, seem to have on him nothing more than the effect of a stimulant, by bringing out his reserve force.

As a friend, Mr. Wheelock is an ardent and constant one, and a friendship once formed by him can be broken only by the basest ingratitude or treachery on the part of the one in whom he had reposed confidence. No one man has done more to build up and advance the interests of Moline ; hence he can appropriately be termed one of its strongest pillars.

eremiah LeQuatte follows the vocation of a farmer on section 9, Drury Township. He is a son of Shadrach and Nancy Le- Quatte, natives of Delaware and of French ancestry. They married and settled in Delaware, and afterwards removed to Clinton County, Ohio, and still later to Indianapolis, Ind., where they resided for 17 years. In 1838 they came to Rock Island County and settled in Drury Township, where they died, the mother Dec. 15, 1846, and the father April 17, 1847. Their family comprised nine children, - Jeremiah (first), Frances, Elizabeth, James, Sarah, William, Matthew and Jeremiah (second), and one who died in infancy.

Jeremiah (second), subject of this biographical notice, was born in Clinton Co., Ohio, Oct. 17, 1821, and on arriving at the age of nine months was taken by his parents to Indianapolis, Ind., whither they removed. He continued to reside under the parental roof-tree, and came to Rock Island County in 1838, thereby becoming one of the early settlers of this county. His education was received in the common schools of this county. His father was engaged in mercantile business at Drury Landing, and Jeremiah followed the vocation of a clerk in his father's store for a period of two years, and aside from that short time has been engaged all his life in agricultural pursuits. He is one of the most extensive land owners, being the proprietor at the present time of some 800 acres of land in Drury Township. He also owns a small tract of land in Michigan. Mr. LeQuatte has an apple orchard in Drury Township, consisting of 57 acres. He is also the heaviest tax-payer in Drury Township.

Mr. LeQuatte was united in marriage in Drury Township, Oct. 25, 1843, to Charlotte T., the accomplished daughter of Isaiah and Priscilla Drury, natives of Maryland. Drury Township is so named in honor of her father. Their family consisted of the following children: Miles L., Silas, Stewart R., William. Achilles, Minerva, Eli, Melissa, Charlotte T. and Helen M. Charlotte (Mrs. LeQuatte) was born in Morgan Co., Ind., July 2, 1823. She has borne her husband seven children. Hiram B., born Aug. 10, 1844, was a soldier during the late rebellion; Nancy P., born Sept. 9, 1S46; Mary, born April 10, 1848: William A., born July 8, 1850; Sarah H , born July 10, 1S52; Frank, born Dec. 4. 1854; and Ed, born Dec. 2S, 1856.

Isaiah and Priscilla Drury came to Rock Island County in 1836 and settled in Drury Township, where they died - he Nov. ti, 1854, and she Jan. 18, 1851. Mrs. LeQuatte is a member of the Methodist Church, as are also two of her daughters; one daughter is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. LeQuatte was identified with the Republican party, and during the war was a strong Union man ; but at present he votes for men and measures who come nearest to his ideas of right.

1P#3 ndrew J. Anderson, head shipper of the ^%®8f Moline Plow Co. since 1869. The subject. '.ti_sria0f our sketch was born in Sweden, Nov. 10, syjter 1847 ; emigrated from Sweden to America in 1866, and came direct to Moline. He spent the first two years in the service of the Government, on the island. In r868 he engaged with the Moline Plow Co., was appointed head shipper in 1869, and has held that position continuously since, excepting the years 1882-3. During this interval he was engaged in the grocery business at Moline, and in 1884 resumed his old place with the Moline Plow Co.

Mr. Anderson was married in Moline Dec. 23, 1871, to Miss Hannah, daughter of Abraham Larson. Mrs. Anderson was born in Sweden. The issue of their union was seven children, five of whom survived; Clark G. was born Jan. 5, 1873; Edith G, born Sept. 28, 1874, died in infancy; Edith, born Aug. 5, 1876; Philip R., born Aug. 20, ^78; Ansfred L , born Feb. 2, 1881 ; Seth J., born June 1, 1883, died in infancy; Naomi, born April 7, 1885.

Huntsvtlle, Otsego Co., N. Y., April 8, 181 1. His father, Philo Goodrich, was a native ol Connecticut and a pioneer of the county where his son was born. The mother, whose maiden name was Lucretia Williams, was also born in that State, and she became the wife of the senior Goodrich there. Their family of children numbered 15, and Mr. Goodrich is the youngest of 13 children. His mother died when he was but three years of age. His father married a second wife, and two danghters were born by that marriage, and when he was ten the loss of his father left him wholly orphaned. His parents died while living in Otsego Co., N. Y., and the son was taken in charge by a Presbyterian minister, with whom he lived until he was 14. He then entered into an apprenticeship with a cabinet-maker to acquire a knowledge of that vocation, and served five years. He operated in different parts of the State of his nativity and in Ohio until 1836. In that year he made his first acquaintance with the State of Illinois, whither he came to locate a soldier's claim of which he had become the possessor. It was laid in Effingham County, and after he had taken the necessary steps he returned to h\s native State.

He was there married, in 1838, to Emily Fisher. She was born in March, 1813, in Oneida County, and is the daughter of Ichabod and Lucy Fisher. Her parents were born respectively in Massachusetts and Vermont, and they settled after their marriage in Oneida County, where they were among the earliest settlers. In the autumn of 1813 they removed their family and interests to Chautauqua County, and there too they were pioneers.

Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich lived in Chautauqua County until rS40. In that year they fulfilled an intention long cherished of making a home in the West, and they moved their family and effects to Warren, Pa., with teams. At that place they se- cured means of transportation on a river raft and floated on the Allegheny to the Ohio, and then on that river to Louisville, whence they took passage on a steamer to Port Byron. Mr. Goodrich obtained employment at his trade at that place, and operated as a cabinet-maker there until 1853. He then purchased a farm situated on sections 7 and 8, in what was then township 19, range 4, and is now called Canoe Creek. He has since given his undivided attention to the pursuit of agriculture.

Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich have three children - Arthur, Alice and Lucy. The latter lives with her parents; the son is married and occupies a part of the homestead; Alice G. is the wife of William A. Craig, of Sedgwick Co., Kan.

ohn Schafer is among the prominent business men of Port Byron. He is a native, having first seen the light of day on the 25th of April, 185 1, in Zuma Township, Rock Island Co., 111. His parents, John and Christina Schafer, are natives of Germany, and emigrated to America in 1849, settling in Zuma Township, in this county. Here they engaged in farming and stock-raising, and have continued to live here up to the present.

John, the subject of this sketch, was reared upon the farm, and received his education in the district schools of his neighborhood. At the age of 19 he went to Port Byron and clerked for VV. H. Devore, and continued in his employment until he reached the age of 24. He then formed a partnership with James W. Simonson in the business of general merchandise, under the firm name of Simonson & Schafer, which still continues.

On the 7th of April, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Melissa, daughter of W. J. and Ann Shepherd. Her father, Mr. S., was one of the prominent and leading men of Port Byron in trie early history of the town. There is one child, a daughter, by the union of Mr. and Mrs. Schafer, named Margaret Ann.

No. 436. He is also a member of Port Byron Lodge, 624, I. O. O. F., and is the presiding officer in that body. Politically, he is an ardent and active Democrat and a member of the Democratic Central Committee. Mr. Schafer represented his township on the Board of Supervisors for two terms.

<|* Moline, was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., Feb. 22, 18 19, and is the son of Randall and Martha Stephens. He learned the millwright's trade and built many mills in the States of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois. He came to Moline in the summer of 1843, remained a few months and returned to his native State. In the spring of 1S44 he returned to Moline and took up his residence at that place. He was employed at his trade at first, but soon engaged in the manufacture of lumber and furniture on the island opposite Moline, in company with Messrs. Spears, Wood and Jonathan Huntoon, Subsequently Mr. Huntoon was his only partner.

They did an extensive business in the manufacture of lumber and furniture until the United States Government took possession of their property in 1864, when the island was converted into a military reservation. Mr. Stephens then became a stockholder in the Moline Plow Company, and was elected its first Vice-President, which position he held without interruption until "January, 1885, when he resigned with the intention of retiring from active business and of making a trip to Mexico, which he did soon after. Mr. S. was actively identified with the Moline Plow Company from its inception to the height of its prosperity, covering a period of 20 years, and during which time he was Vice-President of the company and ably contributed to its successful management. He was Trustee of Moline Township in an early day, and held other local offices.

Mr. Stephens formed a matrimonial alliance at Moline, Nov. 5, 1846, with Miss Mary A. Gardner. Mrs. Stephens was born in the State of New York. They have become the parents of eight children, six of whom survive : George A. is in Arkansas, engaged in the lumber business ; Mary L. is the wife of George H. Huntoon, pump manufacturer of Moline ; Minnie F. is the wife of Frank G. Allen, cashier of the Moline Plow Company. Moline ; Charles R., in business with his brother in Arkansas; Ada E. and Nellie M. resides with their parents. Mr. Stephens is a man of broad and liberal views both as to the general affairs of this world and as to those of the possible hereafter. In politics he is a consistent Republican.

j^yT"3" (18S5), is a native citizen of the township of Canoe Creek, which he represents in that body. He was born Feb. 14, 1840, and he is the youngest son of Joseph and Sally (Walker) Martin. His father was a native of Virginia and was born in 1S01. The latter accompanied his parents in his early youth to the State of Kentucky and they located in the county of Edmonson.

The son was a resident there until 181 9, when he came to Illinois and located on Government land in Wayne County. He was one of the first of the pioneers there. In 1832 he raised a company for service in the Black Hawk War and was commissioned its Captain. In 1833 he removed to Warren Count), in this State, where he was a resident two years. In 1835, accompanied by his wife and four children, he started for Rock Island County with an ox team. He had previously made a journey there and made a claim on section 18, township 19, range 3, and remained long enougli to build a house after the primitive pioneer fashion, which became the family abode on their arrival. The log cabin had no floor but the earth ; but soon after they took possession the father split puncheon and laid one, and he also split clapboards for the roof, which were held in place by poles. No nails were used in the construction of the building. Afterwards, an addition was made to the cabin and the family were its occupants until 1857. In that year the larger house which has been their home was built.

settlers of that period. In the winter of r 836-7, Mr. Martin made meal from corn by pounding it in a hollow stump, the nearest mill being 40 miles distant and the snow having fallen to a depth of several feet. The mill referred to was of the most primitive character, and in the spring Mr. Martin made a trip to it, going there with an ox team. He was preceded by a number of others on the same errand and was obliged to wait nearly a week before he could accomplish his business and return with his grist. At that date deer and wild game was very abundant and Mr. Martin shot deer from the door of his cabin, when they came to the spring to drink. He lived to see the county reach its splendid prosperity and improved condition. He died in October, T875. The death of his wife took place in 1858. They had T3 children, of whom seven died in extreme infancy. Of the six who lived to maturity, but two still survive. Mr. Martin has a brother, named John W., who lives in De Witt, Saline Co., Neb.

David M. passed his boyhood, youth and manhood on the homestead farm of his father in Canoe Creek Township. He was married in July, 1861, to Mary A. Lindsey, who was bom in Belmont Co., Ohio, and is the daughter of John and Sarah E. (Johnson) Lindsey. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have four children : Joseph M. is a business man of Hillsdale ; Cora married Alfred Ashdown; Ira C. and Mary E are the two younger.

In 1869 he went to Iowa and made a purchase of land in Benton County, in the management of which he passed seven years. At the end of that time he returned to Canoe Creek Township and settled on the homestead, where he passed his early life and which is now his property. For the past 20 years he has been engaged in the purchase and shipment of stock for the Chicago market. In addition to the common affairs of agriculture he has given considerable attention to raising graded cattle and horses.

Mr. Martin is a Democrat of well defined principles. He was first elected to the office of Supervisor in 1S77, and is now serving in that position for the sixth time. It is sufficient to add that he has been repeatedly elected in a town which is strongly Republican. He is a member of Philo Lodge, No. 436, A. F. & A. M., at Port Byron.

Ws?^ ing Company, at Moline, is a native of Fayette Co., Pa., and was born Aug. 10, 836. His parents, Elisha and Elizabeth Bennett, were of the good old Quaker persuasion. His father's family for generations had been residents of Pennsylvania. The mother was born in that State, but of English parentage.

William C. came to this State in 1856, and made his home in La Salle until the year 1861, when he removed to Chicago. Early in 1862, he enlisted at St. Louis in the gunboat service, and in what was known as the Mississippi flotilla. He was on construction duty at St. Louis one year ; was Master Mate, then promoted as Ensign and subsequently to the position of executive officer of the iron-clad war vessel "Choctaw." He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, the opening of the Mississippi, and the Red River expedition. In the spring of 1864, soon after the Red River expedition, he resigned to return home on account of the death of his father. In the spring of 1865, Capt. Bennett entered the employ of the Northern Line Packet Company, plying between St. Louis and St. Paul. He served first as clerk and was then promoted as Captain of the steamer, and continued with that company until 1868.

Duri.ng the year last named, Capt. Bennett severed his connection with that company, and engaged with Deere & Co., of Moline, as book-keeper. He remained with that company until Jan. 1, 1872, when he became a stockholder in the Barnard & Leas Manufacturing Company and was elected secretary and treasurer of the same, a position he has held continuously since. Capt. Bennett has served in the above mentioned capacity for 13 years, and has proved a most energetic, capable and efficient officer. Possessed of good executive ability and thorough business habits, combined with a disposition to "get there " when he undertakes a thing, he has by a judicious management of his department aided materially in developing the important manufacturing institution with which he is connected.

matrimonial alliance was formed in La Salle in 1858, with Miss Emily Demerrilt, whose death occurred within eight months from the day of her wedding. His second wife was Miss Florence Demerritt, a sister of his former wife, and their wedding occurred at La Salle in 1862. By this union he had four sons and one daughter: Frank E., born Jan. 20, 1865; Edwin M., born Oct. 23, 1868, died Dec. 3, 1879; William D., born Nov. 26, 1875 ; Henry S., born Feb. 20, 1877; and Margaret, born Dec. 10, 1879. The wife and mother died in February, i88r, and Capt. Bennett was again married, to Miss Sara Reed, of Geneseo, 111., the date of their wedding being Feb. 15, 1883. They have one child born of their union, a daughter, Florence Winnifred, the date of whose birth is Aug. to, 1884. Mrs. Bennett is a member of the Congregational Church.

In his youth, Mr. Bennett imbibed extreme views on the subject of African slavery and became a pronounced Abolitionist. His first vote for a Presidential candidate was cast for Abraham Lincoln. Believing that the Republican party was the best exponent of his principles, he has continued to work with that organization. While not ambitious of official distinction, yet he takes a warm interest in political contests, and can always be relied on as an influential worker in the cause of his party. He has always been a potent factor in the cause of education, and for 12 years has been a member of the Board of Education, and for half that period President of the Board.

"ohn MeCandless, farmer, section 25, Rural HHS?' Township, is a son of Alexander and Mar- ^* garet (Rickard) MeCandless, who were natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and passed their whole lives in their native State. They had eight children. John, the seventh in the above family, was born in Allegheny Co., Pa., March 22, 1819. He attended the common schools, enjoying the advantages afforded in that day, alternating with his labors on his father's farm, until about 22 years of age ; then for four years he traveled through the States of Ohio, Indiana, and New York, being engaged in different occupations, when, on account of poor health, he returned to his own home, where he remained until the spring of

1849. He then went by land to California, with a party of 300 others, occupying about five months in making the journey. Remaining there about four years, he accumulated sufficient means to give him a good start in life. Soon after his return from the Golden State, he came to this county, and in 1854 purchased 320 acres of land in Rural Township, settling upon it in 1S55. Here he has since resided, and prospered by his industry and economy. He has very good buildings upon his farm, besides a fine grove of forest trees, which he planted with his own hands, from seed gathered in the county. He now owns 400 acres of land, all of which is tillable.

Mr. McCandless was married in Allegheny Co., Pa., March 7, 1855, to Miss Margaret M., daughter of Robert and Jane (Marshal) Burns, 'natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch ancestry. She also was born in that count}', April 10, 1837, being the fourth in order of birth of a family of ten children. Mr. and Mrs. McCandless were the parents of four children, one of whom died in infancy; the surviving are George R., Henry \V. and Laura V. George R. attended the public schools of his native county and afterwards the Washington Academy at Washington, Iowa; Henry W. is a graduate of the Commercial College in Davenport.

Mr. McCandless has held the office of Township Supervisor for three terms, and has also been intrusted with other public positions. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which ecclesiastical body he is a Ruling Elder. In politics he is a well posted Democrat.

The portrait of Mr. McCandless, appearing in connection herewith, is a necessary and appropriate addition to the illustrations in this Album.

tenry L. Bullen, Secretary and Treasurer of pf^ the Moline Screw Company, was born at East Medway, Mass., Aug. T7, 1820. His parents, Lewis and Esther (Grout) Bullen, were of New England birth. The subject of our sketch graduated at Dartmouth College ; studied theology at Andover and came West in T849, where he was ordained a minister of the Congregational Church at Port Byron, 111., in 1850. Mr. Bullen was the first Pastor of the Port Byron Congregational Church, and filled that pulpit one year. He then accepted the chair of Professor of Mathematics at the Iowa College of Davenport (now the Griswold College) and filled that position eight years. At the expiration of that time, he received a call to serve as Pastor of the Congregational Church at Durand, Iowa, which he accepted. His pastorate of that Church continued for a term of eight years, and in 187 1 he retired from the ministry and removed to Moline, 111. Since his residence here he has devoted his attention to business pursuits.

In July, T884, on the organization of the Moline Screw Company, Mr. Bullen became a stockholder in that concern and was chosen secretary and treasurer, which position he still fills.

Mr. Bullen has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Mary Farrington, daughter of Nathaniel Farrington, of Walden, Vt., to whom he was married in Georgia, Nov. 28, 1844. Four children were born of this marriage, of whom two are living, namely: Mary E. and John S. Mrs. Bullen died in 1866, and Mr. B. was married again Oct. 9, 1867, in Denmark, Iowa, to Kiss Laura Day, daughter of Kellogg Day. Mr. Bullen was born in Denmark, Iowa, and they have become the parents of two children, - Laura D. and Henry W.

Mr. Bullen has always taken a warm interest in educational matters and for five years has served as a member of the Moline Board of Education. In politics he has usually voted with the Republican party, but always with Prohibition sympathies. He is now fully identified with the Prohibition party.

,r. Patrick P. Gregg, Acting Post Surgeon of Rock Island Arsenal, commenced the JJra^T','s practice of medicine in Rock Island in jf*jk 1836, and was the first practicing physician in this place. He emigrated to the United 5 States from Ireland, his native country, in i832) and remained in Western New York and Philadelphia for three years, when he came to Rock Island and followed the practice of his profession at this place until the breaking out of the late Civil War.

In i86r, soon after the Rebel guns had thundered forth against the walls of Sumter, Dr. Gregg raised a company, and, in the capacity of Captain, engaged in the defense of his adopted country. The company was known as Co. K, 58th 111. Vol. Inf., and participated in the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh, at which latter place the Doctor was made pris- , oner. He remained a prisoner for six months. The first prison he was placed in was that of Selma, where he remained for one month, when he was transferred to the prison at Talladega. While in the prison at Selma, Gen. Beauregard sent a delegation to Washington to confer with the Government in regard to its exchange of prisoners, together with an exchange of officers taken at the battle of Shiloh. His fellow prisoners chose three, and among that number was Dr. Gregg, the other two being the ex-Governor of Iowa, Major Stone, and Col. Miller, of the 23d Missouri. They went to Washington together, and the Doctor was afterward appointed by Gov. Yates of this State, the old war Governor, as Surgeon, with two assistants, for the Col. Mulligan Brigade. They (^ ; went to Virginia and joined their brigade, and re- V mained with the same two years, and continued in ^ the service of the United States Government until = the fall of 1864.

After the war was over, and the cause for which r Doctor Gregg had so nobly risked his life on the field >£> of battle was ended by a victory for the Union, Dr. Gregg came home, and was appointed as Surgeon to ) assist in the care of the rebel prisoners on Rock Island, and after the release of the prisoners was appointed Acting Surgeon of the Post for 24 years.

Dr. Gregg was born Feb. 12, 1S10. He entered Trinity College, at Dublin, when 18 years of age, and followed the curriculum of that institution for three years. He then joined the Royal College of Surgeons, and remained there for two years, when he was admitted in Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, and received a diploma from that wellknown institution. He was also the second Treasurer of Rock Island County.

T Hampshire, and they have seven living children- John W., Joseph K., Spencer, Mary, Sarah, Carrie and Fannie. Mary married Albert Dart, and they have six children; John W. married Maggie Mc- Carthy; Joseph K. married Alice Wilson and they have three children.

of Rock Island, and politically is independent. He is a man respected for his medical experience and learning, for his honest and straightforward dealings with his fellow man, and for the interest he takes in the welfare and advancement of the city which has been his home for so many years. His experience as a physician places him second to none in the State.

* r\_^ >. = \l:jTf;:-ohn M. Holt, general grocer and commisiipf^ sion merchant, Moline, established his busilajT" ness at the corner of 12th Street and Fifth |Sf Avenue, in 1872. He was born in Cobden, JJT Erie Co., N. Y., Feb. 21, 1844, and is the son of Arnold and Hannah (Millington) Holt, both natives of Vermont. He came to Illinois with his parents when n years of age (in 1855), and made his home in Moline. He was educated in the city till 17 years of age, when he enlisted in the late war (Dec, 1861), as a private of Co. H, 8th Kansas Inf. He served in the Army of the Cumberland, and received an honorable discharge at the end of the term of his enlistment, in December, 1864. During his service he participated in the battles of Perryville, Chickamatiga, Mission Ridge, Orchard Knob and through the campaign from Kenesaw Mountain to Atlanta, Jonesboro and Lovejoy Station, being 45 days under continuous fire. On his return from the war he engaged as merchant's clerk at Moline, which he continued till 1872, when he entered upon his present business. Beginning in a moderate way, in a locality remote from the business center, at first it was not altogether certain that the enterprise would prove a success. Time, however, has demonstrated that Mr. Holt not only selected a favorable location for his business, but that he has by strict attention to the wants of his customers, in selecting his large and varied stock of family and fancy groceries and provisions, together with energetic business habits, seasoned with a little genial good nature, succeeded in building up a magnificent trade. He has a large trade in flour, of which he keeps the most popular brands, while in order to support this trade properly he furnishes his customers with Cady's Jersey butter. As a dealer in fruits and produce he does an immense business; in fact, the opening of the berry 1 season is a time of special delight to this gentleman

Mr. Holt has now been in business as a general grocer for 13 years, during which time he has won hosts of friends, as well as having developed so extensive a business.

He was married in Moline Aug. 12, 1867, to Miss Maria W., daughter of the Rev. A. B. Hitchcock, the pioneer Congregational minister of Rock Island County. Mrs. Holt was born in Davenport, Iowa, and they are the parents of two children, namely, Mable D., born Dec. 5, 1869, and George E., born Feb. 15, 1SS1.

born in Greene Co., Ohio, on the 4th day of July, 1823. His father, David Moore, was a native of West Virginia, of German ancestry, and by occupation a> farmer. He was married in his native State, and afterwards came to Greene Co., Ohio, where he became a prominent farmer. In 1.835, however, he left Ohio and went to Berrien Co., Mich., where he lived for 15 years. Selling out his interests there, with his family he came to Illinois and settled on an excellent tract of 160 acres on section 36, Edgington Township, Rock Island County. On this the elder couple lived until their death, the father dying in October, 1876, at the age of 77 years, and the mother in 1864, at the age of 70 years.

Our subject was the fourth child of a family of eight children. He was reared on the farms in Michigan and Illinois, under his father's care. Sept. 10, 1857, he was married, in Davenport. Iowa, to Miss Theda E. Gray. ( See sketch of William Wait.) Mrs. Moore was born in Switzerland Co., Ind., Aug. s, 1833. She was reared and educated there, living at home with her parents, and also came West with them when at the age of 21 years. She is the mother of six children, two of whom are deceased. Landon C. resides at home, and is attending Rush Medical College, Chicago, contemplating the practice of medicine as a life profession ;

Cassie also resides at home, and she was educated in the public schools and at Washington, Iowa; Mamie G. completed her education at Dixon, 111. ; Olive E. is attending the public schools of the county. After his marriage, Mr. Moore settled on his farm of 240 acres, which he had purchased on section 35 of Edgington Township. Upon this he has since lived, erecting an elegant home and making other splendid improvements, until he now has one of the finest farms, with the best equipments, in the county. He also has a lot with an elegant residence upon it in Reynolds, which he soon expects to occupy after his retirement from active farming. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mrs. Moore and her three daughters are active members. In politics he is identified with the Republican party.

A. Barnard, President of the Barnard & Leas Manufacturing Company, and the inventor of popular milling machinery, is a native of Vermont, and was born in La Moille County, Jafl. 15, 1826. He received a commonschool education, and having a natural inclinafor mechanical pursuits, he learned the millwright's trade. When of age (1847) he went to Canada (Province of Quebec), where he worked at mill machinery'.

He was married in the town of Dunton, Canada, Sept. 13, 1849, to Miss Delia Boright, daughter of George Boright. In 1851 Mr. Barnard removed to Worcester, Mass., where he worked at his trade till 1S54. The promising prospects of Moline, 111., as a manufacturing center attracted his attention at this time, and he came to the above-named place. The rapidly- growing importance of Moline as a manufacturing town, afforded him a good field for the employment of his skill and the development of his talent for invention. One of the results of his early efforts as an inventor was a wood-bending machine, which is now in general use in all the plow factories in the country. In i860 he formed a partnership with Mr. L. E. Hemenway and J. B. Wyckoff, under the firm name of Hemenway, Wyckoff & Company. They began business as manufacturers of chairs and other furniture, and two years later they engaged in the manufacture of mill, warehouse and elevator machinery, and of grain-cleaning machines. The enterprise was begun on a small scale and with limited capital. In 1S64 Mr. Hemenway withdrew from the business, and the firm name was changed to Wyckoff & Barnard. When Mr. Wyckoff withdrew J. Silas Leas came in, together with Capt. Bennett, and the concern was organized as a stock company, with Mr. Barnard at its head, as the Barnard & Leas Manufacturing Company, which turned its attention to the making of mill machinery exclusively. The business began to grow and flourish with wonderful rapidity. Large, convenient and model buildings arose, filled with the best machinery, and the wonderful inventive genius of H. A. Barnard brought into being practical improvements and pa-t ents in mill machinery which created an extraordinary demand for their goods, causing them to be called for and shipped not only all over this, but into foreign countries, thus carrying the results of Barnard's creative faculty around the world.

ES^tt Island in 1855, and in 1873 he settled in 5 Coe Township. He was born in Carroll Co., Md., Oct. 16, 1824, and is the youngest son of Jacob and Eve Elizabeth (Bender) Swisher. His father was born in Richmond Co., Va., and his mother in the county of York in Pennsylvania They settled in Maryland at the time of their marriage, and went thence some time later to Adams County, in the same State. Mr. Swisher is of French extraction in the paternal line of descent, the family name being originally spelled Swisseaur; but soon after the first representatives came to the United States it was converted into its present form. As it was difficult for unaccustomed tongues to pronounce it correctly, it was changed accordingly. The mother of Mr. Swisher was of German lineage. The parents went to Adams County when the son was a child of three years. They are both deceased, the demise of the mother occurring at Carlisle,

Cumberland County, and the father at Gettysburg. Their children were nine in number, five daughters and four sons. Six only survive : Jacob lives at Gettysburg, Pa. ; Mr. Swisher of this sketch is the second ; Nancy is the widow of Isaac Halm, and lives in Carlisle. Pa., and is 90 years old; Polly is the widow of David Miller, and resides at Chambersburg, Pa. ; Elizabeth, wife of Andrew Bushman, lives in Pittsburg ; Sarah married David Zeigler, of Port Byron.

At the age of 12 years Mr. Swisher found himself with the privilege of earning his own livelihood, and he spent four years subsequent among his acquaintances engaged in farming. He was then 16, and he entered into an apprenticeship to learn the business of a blacksmith, going for that purpose to Fayetteville, Franklin County. He served three years, and then he set up business independently, operating at various places, including Maryland, Virginia and New Hampshire, until his removal to Illinois, as stated. On his arrival in the county of which he has since been a citizen, he began the pursuit of his trade at Port Byron, and worked as a journeyman until 1859, when he opened a shop at that place, and continued its management until he bought and took possession of his farm, on which he has since resided and prosecuted his agricultural interest. He first bought 62 acres, and it was supplied with a house, which became the home of the family for the time being. Improvements had been made on 40 acres, and a part of the place was known as the Barrett field, and on that the first plowing had been done in 1835. ^n '884 the same land yielded 80 bushels of corn to the acre, - 49 years after its first cultivation! In 1S76 Mr. Swisher bought 30 acres of land on section 19, which lay adjoining his first purchase, and he is the owner of 90 acres, with 60 acres improved and 30 acres in timber. In addition to general farming, lie is also engaged in stockraising.

He was married June 2r, 1859, to Julia S. Loring. They have three children - Mary H., Charles C. and | Frank L. Mrs. Swisher is the daughter of John H. and Julia (Chamberlain) Loring. Her father was born in Massachusetts, and her mother was a native of Maine. Her family was originally from France, whence they came to England at the time of the Norman conquest. The first Loring in America was named Thomas, and he settled in Dorchester, Mass., where he arrived Dec. 22, 1634. He became prominent in Church affairs, and is recorded as " Deacon Thomas Loring." He afterward went to Hingham, England, and later to Hull, same country, where he died in 1661. The Chamberlains were English, and were also early settlers in the Old Bay State. The parents of Mrs. Swisher settled in the township of Annawan, in this county, in 1855. Her father died there, Dec. 15, 1861. Her mother has married again, and lives at Geneseo, in this county. Two of her brothers and a sister are still living: Joseph F. is a resident of Xew Mexico ; Carrie O. is the wife of the Hon. Charles Dunham, of Geneseo; Edward B. lives in California.

f fS^; eter Colseth, President and manager of 1 the Moline Cabinet-Organ Company, was E*^ born in Sweden, March 28, 1S35, the son of Brinild Colseth. He removed to Norway in childhood, where he learned the profession of architect and builder and the cabinetmaker's trade. In 1S64 he emigrated to the United States and located at Chicago, where he was employed at first in Burdett's organ factory, and subsequently in building and contracting. On the occurrence of the great fire of October, 1 S7 1, he sustained a heavy loss by failing to realize on his insurance on several buildings burned. He pushed on, however, to retrieve his fortunes, and in 1873 came to Moline to build the Swedish College at this place. He formed the plans and constructed the building, as he likewise did of the Swedish church at this place. He was engaged as contractor and builder till 1877, when he, in company with Mr. Charles C. Seaberg, engaged in the manufacture of cabinet organs in a small way, their total capital not exceeding $t,ooo- They had the many discouraging difficulties to encounter and overcome that are incident to the starting of a new business of that character ; but by persevering industry and judicious management they succeeded in placing their business on a sound footing. Three years later, they purchased the property they now occupy, and erected commodious and substantial buildings. On the r 9th of December, 1881, they procured the incorporation of the Moline Cabinet-Organ Company. Mr. Colseth was elected President and Treasurer, and was authorized to act as general manager of the company. He has served as President and general manager continuously since. (See history of the company elsewhere in this work.)

Mr. Colseth formed a matrimonial alliance in Norway, Feb. 7, r862, with Miss Helen, daughter of Hendricks Hanson. Mrs. Colseth was born in Norway, and she and her husband were the parents of two children, Charles and Caroline. Charles died, aged t4 years, and the daughter, Caroline, at the age of r 2.

Mr. and Mrs. Colseth are members of the Swedish Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Colseth has been Deacon 19 years. He has always taken an active interest in educational matters, and has been prominently identified with the establishment and management of the Swedish college of this city. He has served for eight years as a member of the Board of Directors of that institution, and for three years as a member of the City Board of Education. Mr. Colseth is a Republican in political sentiment.

,(ames Venable, general farmer and stockraiser, residing on section 3r, Edgington Township, was born in the county of Tyrone, Ireland, May 15, r838. He was r6 years of age when his mother, with the family (the father having previously died), emigrated to America. They first located near Keithsburg, Mercer Co., 111., where the family lived for two years ; then they moved to the northern part of the county, where our subject lived with his mother until Aug. rr, rS62, when he determined to go to the front in defense of the flag of his adopted country. He enlisted in Co. B, r26th 111. Vol. Inf., under Capt. Cline, of Rock Island. He was in the Army of the Southwest, and participated in all the battles and skirmishes that his regiment took part in, and fortunately escaped all injury. He was honorably discharged at Springfield, 111., Aug. 11, 1865.

Returning home from the war, laying aside his musket, doffing his blue uniform, he entered upon the life of a civilian. Before many years had rolled around, March 24, 1869, he was married, in Edging- ton Township, to Miss Christina Titterington, who was born in the same township, April 23, 1844. She is the daughter of Moses Titterington, a well-known and respected pioneer of this county. She was reared at home and educated in the common school, and is the mother of seven children, one of whom is deceased. The living are George DeWitt, Elsie M., Ira L., Frederick J., Frank S. and James P.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Venable located upon his present farm, which consists of 160 acres of land, all very highly improved. "Politically, Mr. V. is a Democrat, and both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church at Edgingtou.

illiam Kerns, an eaily'settler of Moline, and one of her most prominent and respected citizens, is a native of Pennsylvania, and was bom in East Marlborough, Chester County, July 4, 1820. His parents were Simon and Elizabeth (Ocheltree) Kerns, of Irish and Scotch descent respectively. His father was born in East Marlborough, Pa., and his mother in New Castle Co., Del.

Thomas Kerns, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, came from Ireland and settled in Chester Co., Pa., in an early day. The family were Quakers, and consequently did not figure in the War of the Revolution. Mr. Kerns' father was in the War of 1812. On his mother's side Mr. Kerns' family ..as represented in the War of Independence. Dr. Robert Bines, the maternal grandfather of Elizabeth Ocheltree, was a surgeon in the Continental Army. When William was 14 years of age (1834) his parents removed from Pennsylvania to Salem, Columbiana Co., Ohio, where he was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education.