Dement Township

Dement Township

General Store and Postmaster ; Creston. Born in Washington Co., N. Y., Oct. 29, 1840 ; came to Ogle County in 1862, and engaged in clerking for W. P. Bump at Rochelle, also for M. D. Hathaway ; in 1865 Mr. A. came to Creston and engaged in present business ; in June, 1865, Mr. A. married. Jennie M. Fulton ; she was born in Rockford, 111., Oct. 18, 1845; died Jan. 1, 1877, and buried at Creston, 111. They have three children - Emma L., born in Battle Creek, Mich. ; Robert F., Creston, 111. ; Katy L., Creston, 111. Mr. A. was appointed Postmaster ^at Creston in 1871, and is at present in the same office in connection with his business.

ALLEN OEORCi^E W. Justice of the Peace ; Creston ; born June 14, 1825, in Bombay, FrankHn Co., N. Y.; came to Ogle County in 1845, and engaged in teaching school and farming up to 1853, when Mr. A. moved to Winnebago County; in 1860, Mr. A. came back to Ogle, and went into the blacksmith and carpenter business, and worked at that for several years ; married Oct. 9, 1851, Kathrine Hamlin; she was born in Canada, Dec. 10, 1826. Their children are - James A., born July 19, 1852; G. F., Sept. 22, 1857 ; Cora M., Aug. 5, 1862 ; Hattie A., Oct. 1, 1866 ; owns his homestead and four acres of land adjoining the town of Creston ; is a Republican ; has held several offices, and is at present on his second term as Justice of the Peace. Hiram R. Enoch, of Rockford, editor Rockford Journal, was one of Mr. Allen's pupils.

AJfDERSON ERIK, Farmer, Sec. 15 ; P. O. Creston; born in Stavanger, Norway, Dec. 24, 1848 ; came to Ogle County in 1871, and engaged in farming ; owns 40 acres of land ; married April, 1869, Rachel Johnson; she was born in same place in 1847. They have three children - Hank, born July, 1871 ; Johnny, April, 1874 ; John Cicerius, Aug. 27, 1876 ; belong to the Lutheran Church, and in politics is Republican.

ALMER GEO. H. Physician and Surgeon ; Creston ; born in De Kalb Co., HI. Jan. 3, 1850 ; commenced studying medicine in 1865, and continued it up to 1868, then entered Rush Medical College for three terms, and graduated in 1870, when he located in Creston, and has been a resident ever since ; married Hattie Smith ; she was born in Creston ; they have had three children (two living and one dead) - Grace A., born at Creston; Mestie A. at Creston ; George, June 26, 1873 died Oct. 30, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. A are members of the Methodist Church since Dr. Aumer has resided in Creston, there have been several physicians located here, but had all to give up, as Dr. Aumer has the largest practice of any physician in Ogle County.

B Arotm Mrs.Elizabeth

B AROTM MRS.ELIZABETH HI. residence, southeast corner Main and South streets, Creston ; she was born Nov. 27, 1815, in Rush, Northumberland Co., Penn.; daughter of Ralph and Mary Ann Housewert Mettler, who came to Illinois, near Rockford, in 1840 ; her father died in 1841 ; her mother died May 27, 1876, in Creston, aged 80 years ; Mrs. Barnum first married Huron Lewis in New York ; came to Kendall Co., 111., in 1842 ; Mr. Lewis died there in 1850 ; they had six children - Louisa Ann, now Mrs. Albert Lewis; Wilmot Young, dead ; Sarah Elizabeth, now Mrs. Lewis W. Young ; Laura Edna, dead ; Henry W. and Baton H., who died South in the late war ; re-married Nov. 1 9, 1855, in New Milford, Winnebago Co., to Anson Barnum, who was born in Danbury, Conn., March 6, 1807, settling in Rock- ford in 1836 ; was one of the first settlers there; was County Clerk from 1838 to 1840 ; Sheriff from 1844 to 1846 ; came to Creston in the Fall of 1855 ; opened the first store here ; was Town Assessor and Justice of the Peace several years, and Assistant United States Revenue Assessor ; was elected County Judge in 1869 ; died in Oregon Sept. 5, 1873 ; they had one child - Charles H. Barnum, born in Creston March 21, 1857, who is now attending the Northwestern University at Evanston, 111. Judge Barnum took a lively interest in the material prosperity of the town, and did much toward building up the large trade it enjoyed.

BEWIiEY CYRUS J. Furniture and Cabinet Maker ; Creston ; born in Elmira, Chemung Co., N. Y., Jan 11, 1844; came to Ogle Co. in 1855; married Agnes Rukey Dec. 29, 1871 ; she was born in Scottsburg, N. Y., May 30, 1845 ; they have one child - Asa Albert, born in Chicago Aug. 11, 1874; they are members of the Congregational Church ; Republican ; Mr. Bewley's father, James A., was a member of Co. G, Fifty-eighth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, and killed in the battle of Shiloh ; Mr. B. has been engaged in present business for 27 years ; has a large and first-class stock of furniture always on hand ; prices the lowest.

BOYL.E ROSS, Farmer ; Sec. 28 ; P. 0. Rochelle; born March 15, 1825, in Allegheny City, Pa. ; came to Ogle Co. in 1859, and engaged in farming, and has been ever since ; owns 356 acres of land, 260 of which is cultivated ; married March 23, 1847, Margaret Garvin ; she was born in Butler City, Cranberry Township, Pa., Jan. 1, 1827 ; have six children living and one dead - Martha Jane, James A., D. R., John Calvin (deceased, born in 1858, and died in 1859); Willie H., Milton J., Warren ; Mr. B. has made several trips to California and Montana ; has held the oflfices of Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of Highways in this county.

BROWN GEORGE, Farmer ; Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Creston ; born in Tyrone, Ireland, July 14, 1851 ; came to Ogle Co. in 1854; owns 160 acres of land, all in cultivation ; married Dec. 1 1 , 1873, Rhoda Jane Somers; she was born in Bowman ville, Durham Co., Canada, Sept. 5, 1853 ; they have one child - Robert James, born May 12, 1875 ; Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of M. E. Church ; in politics Mr. B. is a Republican; Mr. B.'s father, David Brown, was born in same place in 1806.

BROWN THOMAS, Farmer; Sec. 24 ; P. 0, Creston ; born in Devonshire Co., England, May 20, 1824 ; came to Ogle Co. in 1854, and engaged in farming; has 160 acres of land in Ogle, and one-fourth section in DeKalb ; all in cultivation, and has some of the finest cattle in Ogle Co.; married June 13, 1855, at Belvidere, Ill.j to Jane Brown ; she was born May 13, 1833, at Devonshire Co., England ; they belong to the Episcopal Church ; he is a Republican in politics; Mr. B. has held offices of Road Commissioner and School Trustee.

BROWX THOMAS C. Farmer; Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Creston ; came to Ogle Co. in 1854, and engaged in farming ; and has been ever since ; owns 80 acres of land, all cultivated ; married April 30,

1874, Emma Dutton ; she was born in Sycamore, 111., July 23, 1852; they have two children - Edward L., Edith May ; Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Congregational Church ; Mr. B. is a Republican ; has held office of School Director for Dement Township.

Couivtryman Xormax

Farmer and dairyman ; part owner of the Countryman Creamery Butter and Cheese Factory ; Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Creston ; was born March 30, 1 831, in Stark,Herkimer Co., N. Y. ; son of John t. Countryman and Nancy Failing Countryman ; mother still living in Stark ; father died in Danube, N. Y., May 10, 1866, aged 64 years; Norman was married Dec. 21, 1854, in Danube, to Miss Libbie Wagner ; born Sept. 15, 1833, in Danube, Herkimer Co., N. Y. ; daughter of Felix and Leah Pickard Wagner; her mother died in Danube, Oct. 18,

1875, (was found dead in bed that morning), aged 71 years ; father still lives there ; Norman has three children - Fayette N., born Nov. 20, 1859 ; Lincoln A., April 12, 1865, and Luettie, Sept. 25, 1871 ; Fayette was born in Danube, the other two here ; came to this place March 14, 1861 ; has 240 acres of land, valued at $12,000 ; independent in religion ; in politics. Rep. ; Road Commissioner two terms ; is one of eight brothers ; all living ; two in N. Y., five here, and the youngest, Isaac Byron, aged 32, merchant in Dixon, 111. Norman and brothers, Harvey, Alvin and John E., married four sisters ; the first three living on adjoining farms, and John E. less than four miles away, and all have good, pleasant homes. Crawford Thomas, Creston.

Creston. Dmion Daniel, wagon maker ; Creston. Donichy Isaac, telegraph operator ; Creston. Drake Oliver, merchant; Creston. Dunn Martin, druggist ; Creston.

EMMICH CHARI.es, Foundry and Blacksmith ; Creston ; born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., May 20, 1852 ; at 20 years of age, was apprenticed to George Heyler for three years ; with whom he learned the trade; in 1876, Mr. Emrich came to Creston, and went into the foundry and blacksmithing, and has one of the best shops west of Chicago ; Mr. Emrich belongs to the Lutheran Church, and in politics, Independent.

FERCJUSOIV ROBERT,Farmer ; Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Creston ; born in Kerkcudbright, Scotland, March 9, 1820 ; in 1838 Mr. F. came to Ogle Co.; in 1850 commenced farming, and has been ever since ; owns 280 acres of land, all under cultivation ; married Jane Mulligan, July 16, 1847 ; she was born in same place July 16, 1818; they have

FOGEIiMAN H. A. Hotel and Liv- \ ery; P. 0. Creston ; born in Lycoming | Co., Pa., May 29, 1846 ; joined the U. | S. Army at Williamsport, Pa., under [ Capt. Knight, as substitute ; remained j for three months, when he was dis- i charged ; came to Ogle Co., in 1867 i and engaged in farming up to 1873 ; April 14, 1870, married Bessie Smith, daughter of Thomas Smith, one of the oldest settlers in Ogle Co.; they have ; two children - Emma F. and Bertha F.; Mrs. F. was born May 18, 1849, in this \ county. I

FOSS;CRIST.C.Farmer;Sec.36;P. ^ 0. Creston ; born in Urendall, Norway, April, 1825 ; came to Ogle Co., in 1868, and engaged in farming ; owns 80 acres of land ; married Maleander Johnson in 1859 ; she was born March, 1815 ; they j have four children living - Rebecca Maleander, born Jan. 8, 1862 ; John Cor- j nelius, Nov. 29, 1864; Martha, May ': 14, 1868; Charley, Feb. 13, '76; both : are members of the Latheran Church ; | in politics Mr. F. is a Republican. ]

FOWI.ER DAVID, Merchant Tailor ; Creston ; born in Edinburg, Scotland, March 14, 1833 ; came to Creston, Ogle Co., in 1866, and engaged ! in Merchant Tailoring ; married Marga- ' ret Thompson ; she was born in Kerkcudbright, Scotland, in town of Cross Michael ; she died Dec. 22, 1875 ; they had two children - James R. F., born April 26, 1870; Thomas W., Jan. 26, ; 1873 ; Mr. F. belongs to the Presbyte- j rian faith, and in politics is a strong Democrat ; he owns several lots in Creston, and his place of business ; since ; Mr. Fowler landed in America he has made five trips across the ocean, and also traveled over nearly every State in the Union ; has held offices of Village Trus- i tee and Clerk of the Board.

ing ; owns 160 acres of land, under cultivation ; married Jane Yeamans August 20, 1823 ; she was born in Putnam Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1804 ; have six children - Theodore Y., Therum, John W., Cicero H., Cordelia, Martha A.; are of Presbyterian faith; Mr. Frost is a strong Democrat. Frost John W. farmer ; Sec. 22 ; P. 0 . Creston.

C^AMMO^ CAPT. JOHN «. Retired Farmer ; P. 0. Creston ; born in Bristol, Eng., July 7, 1840 ; came to America in 1852 ; in 1855, Capt. G. came to DeKalb Co., and engaged in farming; own 160 acres of land, all cultivated ; came to Creston, Ogle Co., in 1874 ; Capt. Gr. married Jane Bennett; she was born in Growd, Eng., April 26, 1843; they have three children - Frank Albert, born July 13, 1867 ; Henry Bennett, Jan. 1, 1869 ; Jessie Agnes, Sept. 21, 1870 ; Mr. and Mrs. Gr. are members of the Congregational Church ; Republican ; Capt. G. enlisted in Co. L, 15th I. V. C; at Ottawa, 111, ; served three years, and was mustered out, as Corporal, at Alma, Ark. ; after being mustered out, Capt. a. enlisted with Co. G, 4th U. S. Yet. Vol. ; was mustered out one year after enlistment, at Todd Barracks, Columbus, Ohio ; Capt G. is Captain of Home Guards at Creston ; numbers forty-four members; in Feb. 1876, was appointed First Lieut., and Aug. 27, 1877, was promoted to Captain of 3d Regt. 111. Nat. Guards (formerly Home Guards), which position he still holds.

GOVICtJ peter J. Farmer ; Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Creston ; born Stavanger, Norway, Jan. 4, 1833 ; in 1859, Mr G. went to California, and engaged in mining; in 1860, Mr. Govig started from Diamond Spring, Cal., and went, on foot, to Grego, Cal., walking the distance in fifty-two days ; after mining in Idaho and Montana, in 1868, Mr. G. came to Ogle Co., with 75 lbs. of gold dust, and bought land ; in latter part of 1869, he made a trip to Norway, and brought over about thirty families of Norwegians, and paid all their fares ; Mr. G. owns 1,100 acres of land, all under cultivation, and large stock farm ; married, Sept. 19, 1868, Bertina Aske ; she was born in Stavanger, Norway, May 15, 1850 ; they have four children living and one dead - John, born Sept. 10, 1869 ; L. C, Sept. 10, 1871 ; Peter, Oct. 11, 1873, died Sept. 30, 1874; Johanna Marie, Aug. 1, 1875 ; Peter J., Nov. 8, 1877 ; is a Republican in politics.

HERBERT THOMAS, Farmer; Sec. 19; P. 0. Rochelle; born in Sligo, Ireland, in 1827 ; came to Canada in 1838, and engaged in farming up to 1868, when Mr. H. came to Ogle Co.; and has been farming ever since ; Mr. H. owns 120 acres of land ; all in cultivation; married Bridget Halty ; she was born in Sligo, Ireland, in 1834 ; they have eight children - Katy, Patrick, Willie, Anna, Thomas, Minnie, James and Michael ; are Roman Catholics by religion.

Hllili PETER O. Farmer ; Sec. 35; P. 0. Creston ; born in Stavanger, Norway, Feb. 28, 1835 ; came to Ogle Co. in 1866, and engaged in farming ; owns 240 acres of land, all cultivated ; married Feb. 5, 1867, Osa Esper ; she was born in Bergen, Norway, Dec. 17, 1842; they have seven children living - Ola Lincoln, born Oct. 28, 1867 ; Osea C,

Dec. 25, 1869 ; Josephine Caroline, Sept. 29, 1870 ; Peter Osias, April 10, 1871; Cary Olema, Jan. 21, 1873; Eman Melinda, Jan. 3, 1875 ; Charles Olenis, Sept. 31, 1877 ; are members of the Luthern Church ; Republican ; Mr. Hill was a member of the 4th III. Cavalry, and remainepl in service for three years, after which he was transfered to the Gunboat Cavalry, and remained for eleven months ; was engaged in the gunboat encounter, at Memphis, and at Fort Pillow.

KNAPP B. Police Magistrate ; Creston ; born in Danbury, Conn., Fairfield Co., Jan. 2, 1822 ; came to Ogle Co. in 1854, and engaged in farming 1862 ; Mr. K. went to Rockford, III., and engaged in the lumber business up to 1864, then came back to Ogle Co.; Mr. K. has been married twice ; his first wife was Ruth A. Roberts ; she died in Dec, 1847 ; Mr. K. was then married, Sept., 1848, to Malvina A. Reed ; she was born in Brookfield, Conn., June 2, 1822 ; Mr. K. has held office of Justice of the Peace - being first Justice elected in Dement Township - has been Supervisor, Treasurer of School Fund, and is the present Police Magistrate, and has been for last eight years.

KOERFER WIIililAM, Pro prietorof the Creston House ; a good barn attached ; he was born April 3, 1827, in Westerhausen, Creis Siegborg, Coeln (Cologne), Province of the Rhine, Prussia; is the son of William Koerfer ; came to the United States in May, 1855 ; settled at Brodie's Grove and engaged in farming for six years ; came to Creston in the Fall of 1861 ; waa married

LIND ANDREW, farmer; Sec. 25; P. 0. Creston. I^AKER JAMES M. Farmer ; Sec. 14 ; Creston ; was born in West Grinsey, Sussex Co., England, Dec. 21, 1804; came to Ogle Co. in 1845 ; owns 240 acres improved land; married in 1825 to Sarah Elmar ; she was born in same county; died in 1867 and was buried at Brodie's Grove; Oct. 29, 1869, Mr. L. married Mary Thomas ; she was born in Ireland, county of Westmay, June 18,

1858 ; they have two children - George, Thomas L., born Dec. 14, 1871 ; Eldora, born March 21, 1876 ; Mr. and Mrs. Laker are members of the Episcopal Church ; Mr. L. is a strong Democrat of the old class. .

I. AlIB AL.FRED J. Farmer ; Sec. 16 ; Creston ; was born in Paisley, Scotland, March 22, 1850 ; came to Ogle Co. in 1872, and engaged in farming; owns 80 acres of land, all cultivated ; married in March, 1873, to Jane Ferguson; she was born March 16, 1845; they have one child - Sarah Bar, born Oct., 1875 ; Mr. and Mrs. L. are members of the Presbyterian Church ; politics. Democrat.

L-E WIS AliBERT, Farmer ; Creston ; was born in Townsend, Mass., May 1, 1824 ; in 1852, Mr. L. became a partner in the firm of Giles, Lewis & Co., stair manufacturers, etc., and remained up to 1856 ; in 1857, Mr. L. came to Ogle Co. and engaged in farming ; he owns 350 acres of land, all in cultivation ; was married in June, 1856, to Louise M. Lewis ; she was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Jan. 24, 1836 ; they have five children - John F., born Oct. 4, 1857; A. E., Feb. 5, 1861; Nellie L , April 13, 1864 ; Grace E., Jan. 15, 1867 ; Edna Mabel, April 23, 1875 ; Mr. L. belongs to the Congregational Church; he has been Township Treasurer for fifteen years ; also held various other offices.

liEWIS HEXRY W. Farmer; Sec. 26 ; P. O. Creston ; born in La Salle Co., Ill, Nov. 13,1845 ; came to Ogle Co. in 1854 ; , he married, Nov. 22, 1868, Martha Jane Mcllvain ; she was born in Washington Co., Pa., Jan. 10, 1849 ; they have four children - Bernard, 13 ; Charley, 13; Nanie ; Agnes; Mr. L. is a Democrat in politics ; served in the U. S. Army, with Co. K, 92d 111. Volunteer Infantry, for eighteen months, when he was honorably discharged ; owns 80 acres of land in cultivation and good homestead.

McCREA J. A. Grain and Lumber Merchant ; Creston ; born in Orange Co., N. Y., Sept., 1828; came to Ogle Co. in 1865 and engaged in present business; Mr. McC. married, in 1870, Clara Bird ; she was born in Bellevue^ Huron Co., 0., in 1850 ; they have one child - Ella E., born Oct. 1, 1874; they are Methodists in religion ; Mr.,M. has held office of Supervisor of Dement Tp. for two years, and School Director for three years ; owns 350 acres of land, valued at $21,000.

METTIiER IRA, Farmer; P. 0. Creston ; born in Northumberland Co., Pa., Oct. 27, 1817 ; came to Winnebago Co. and engaged in farming up to 1858^ then came to Ogle Co.; Mr. M. owns 80 acres of fine improved land and splendid homestead in Creston ; married, June, 1853, to Delia Young (first wife), who died Feb. 16, 1864, by whom he had three children - Stella, born Dec. 9, 1854 ; Louis Burke, born Sept. 10, 1856; and Edna, born Nov. 16, 1862; Mr. M. then married, April 16, 1870, Mary Biddle ; she was born in Jefferson Co., Tenn., March 10, 1827 ; Mr. M.

METTIiER WM. J. Retired Farmer ; P. 0. Creston ; born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Jan. 9, 1833 ; came to Ogle Co. in 1867 ; Mr. M. married Feb. 25, 1865, Selina H. Roberts; she was born Ang. 12, 1839, in Putnam Co., N. Y.; they had two children - Minnie Isabel, born Aug. 21, 1867; Edgar Willis, born April 15, 1876; Mr. M. is a Freethinker in religion ; Republican in politics ; Mr. M. is the patentee of " Mettler's Patent Tile Laying Machine," manufactured at Mendota, 111., and Union City, Ind.

PHILrlP MITCHEIili, Butcher and Cattle Buyer ; P. 0. Creston ; born in La Fargeville, N. Y., Jefferson Co., March 1, 1854; came to Ogle Co. in 1872, and engaged in farming with Henry Countryman for about two years, and then went into present business with his brother, under firm name of Mitchell & Bro. ; Henry Mitchell, his father, was born in Eisenberg, Germany ; Elizabeth, his mother, born in same place ; both are now living in Ashton, 111.

MORRIS Editor and Proprietor Creston Times ; Creston ; born in Danbury, Conn., Nov. 17, 1822 ; from 1837 to 1842, Mr. Morris was apprenticed to Deek & Sanford, woolen manufacturers ; in 1843 Mr. Morris went into the woolen business for himself, and remained up to 1848, when he was appointed Deputy Sheriff under P. F. Barnum ; served for two years ; in 1853 Mr. Morris was again appointed Deputy at Danbury, Conn., and served up to 1862, when he came to Rockford 111., and engaged in the insurance business, and has been in different parts in the United States up to August 17, 1877, when Mr. Morris came to Ogle Co., and engaged in the publishing business ; Mr. Morris is now editor and proprietor of the Creston Times and llalta Mail, both lively and interesting papers.

Overacker Daxiel

Hides and Tallow ; Creston ; born Sept. 12, 1837, Herkimer Co., N. Y; came to Ogle Co. in 1862 and engaged in grain business with Joseph White up to 1 870 ; Mr. Overacker has been married three times ; his present wife being Sarah Gr. Clark ; she was born in Herkimer Co.. N. Y. ; they have one child - Floyd Elton, born Oct. 26, 1875 ; by first marriage three children - James D., (deceased), Elenora, born March 4, 1858; RettaM., born July 6, 1860; of Orthodox religion ; he is a Republican

PAYXE GEORCi^E, Retired Farmer ; P. 0. Creston ; born in Danbury, Conn., 1814 ; came to Ogle Co. in 1855, and engaged in farming up to 1865, when he rented his farm and came to Creston ; owns 80 acres improved land n miles north of Creston ; married in 1839 Jennet 0. Peck ; she was born in Brookfield, Conn. ; they have three children - Libbie P., George W. and Jennet 0. ; Fowler Peck and Mary T., father and mother of Mrs. Peck, came from Connecticut to Creston with Mr. and Mrs. Payne in 1855, and resided with them up to their death ; Mary F., died Sept. 26, 1861, aged 65 years ; Fowler Peck died Nov. 9, 1867, aged 74 years ; both buried at Brodie's Grove, 111.

Pierce Bl.Axford R.

Farmer; Sec. 12; P.O. Creston; born in Groton, Tompkins Co., N. Y., March 11, 1832; came to Ogle Co. in 1856, and engaged in farming and buying grain ; owns 400 acres of land, all under cultivation, and one of the finest residences in Dement Township ; married Sarah J. Potter Oct. 29, 1853 ; she was born in Sanquoit, Oneida Co., N. Y., August 7, 1835 ; they have eight children - Chaales A., born Dec. 29, 1854 ; Adelbert, Dec. 10, 1856 ; Joseph Arthur, Feb. 16, 1859 ; Florence Lenora, March 16, 1862 ; Maude Lurla, May 1, 1866 ; Winifred Augusta, Jan. 14, 1871 ; Stanley Roy, Dec. 4, 1872; Carrie, Feb. 16, 1875 ; Mr. 'and Mrs. P. are members of Congregational Church; Mr. P. is a Republican ; Joseph P., his father, was born in Otsego Co., N. Y.; Polly H., his mother, was born in Cayuga Co., N.Y.; Mr. P. has held offices of Road Commissioner ; for twenty years has office of School Trustee.

RESIDE L.ERO Y D. Farmer ; Sec. 14; P. 0. Creston ; born May 30, 1840, at New Baltimore, Fairfield Co., Ohio ; came to Ogle Co., in 1862, and located near Rochelle until 1868, when he came to present place ; owns 80 acres of land, under cultivation ; married Mary E. Collier Sept. 23, 1863; she was born at Big Flats, N. Y., Sept. 17, 1840 ; they have three children - Jessie V., born March 3, 1866 ; John C, born Oct. 12, 1867; Flora A., June 25, 1874 : Mr. R. is of Methodist religion, and a Republicen in politics ; has held office of School Director in Dement.

ROBERTA WILrlilS S. Farmer Creston; born Putnam Co., N. Y.,; July 1, 1810; came to Oglo Co. in 1863, and engaged in farming ; Mr. R. owns 500 acres of land ; all in cultivation ; besides lands in Michigan, and his fine residence in Creston ; Mr. R. married March 15, 1837, Phoobe F. Stevens; she was born in Danbury, Conn., Jan. 25, 1817 ; they have two children - Selina H., born Aug. 12, 1839 ; David A., born Dec. 4, 1846; Mr. R. is a free thinker in religion, and liberal in politics ; Mr. R. has held several offices in this township.

ROCKWEIili EDWIl^ A. Far mer ; Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Rochelle ; born Nov. 8, 1824, in Saratoga Co., N. Y.; Dec. 15, 1858, Mr. R. came to Ogle Co. and engaged in farming, and has been ever since ; owns 120 acres of land ; all in cultivation ; married June 12, 1849, Eliza Pennoyer; she was born in Groton, Tompkins Co., N. Y. , Oct. 8, 1829 ; they have five children - Edgar J., born June 3, 1855, at G-roton, N. Y.; J. Watson, June 15, 1857, at Groton, N. Y.; Mary A., March 8, 1862, at Flaggtown, Ogle Co.; Willard N., Dec. 9, 1867 ; Ada, Feb. 28, 1871; Mr. and Mrs. Rockwell are members of the M. E. Church ; Mr. Rockwell has held the offices of School Director and Justice of the Peace ; Mr. Rockwell's parents were born in Stamford, Conn.; Mrs. Rockwell's parents were born in Dutchess Co., N. Y.

Cott Elijah

SAirDVIG CRIST, Farmer; Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Creston ; born in Stavanger, Norway, Nov. 6, 1845 ; came to Ogle Co. in 1876, and engaged in farming ; owns 80 acres of land ; all in cultivation ; married Nov. 12, 1874, Julia Salveson ; she was bom in same place as Mr. S.; they have three children - Selma, born Dec. 10, 1876 ; Julia, May 9, 1877 ; Carrie, Aug. 10,. 1875 ; belong to the Lutheran Church ; politics. Republican.

May 11, 1835; came to Ogle Co. in | 1846, and worked for Mr. Bowen, who j lived at Payne's Point ; the first two weeks he receives three old hens for his services ; Mr. S. now owns a fine residence and 225 acres of cultivated land ; married Jan. 2, 1860, Mary A. Robinson ; she was born in Lincolnshire, England, Dec. 2, 1841 ; they have two children living and five dead - Emma Isabel, died Sept. 5, 1863 ; Nellie A., died Juny 30, 1865 ; Roy, died June 1, 1871 ; Ralph T., died June 1, 1873 ; Floyd, died June 3, 1873; Lena M., born March 14, 1875; Ritta, Nov. 1, 1876; members of the Methodist Church ; politics, Republican ; Mr. S. is a member of the Odd Fellows' and Masonic Lodges.

SMITH THOMAS, Retired Farmer : P. 0. Creston ; born in Yorkshire, Eng., Dec. 21, 1804 ; came to America in 1828, after being nine weeks and three days in crossing the ocean ; when Mr. Smith, better known as Uncle Tommy, landed, he only had an old shilling and 25-cent piece, but getting a job of teaming, he worked himself up ; iu 1846, he came to Ogle Co., and engaged in farming, and is now owner of over 300 acres of fine improved land in this county, besides 4,000 acres in Marshall and Washington Counties, Kan. ; Uncle Tommy married, July 16, 1834, Jane Thompson ; she was born in Yorkshire, Eng., Jan. 23, 1813; they have seven children - Mary Ann, James, Thompson, George Anna, Betsy, and Harriet E. ; Uncle Tommy has held offices of Postmaster, President of Dement Board, and various other offices ; belongs to the Methodist Church; in politics. Independent ; is known all over the county as Uncle Tommy.

Presbyterians ; in politite Mr. S. is a Republican; in 1861, Mr. S. joined the U. S. Army, in Washington Co., Pa., in Capt. Weshet's Co. 8th Pa. Reseives, Co. K, and remained in service up to 1865 ; among the battles engaged in by Mr. S. were the seven days' battle under McClellan, three days battle' under Pope, battle of Fredericksburg, Va., Chester ville, Gettysburg, Pa., battle of the Wilderness, and several others ; has held town offices as Clerk and School Trustee.

SWIXGMiEY CAPT. N. Retired Farmer ; P. 0. Creston ; born in Washington Co., Md., Nov. 9, 1807 ; came to Ogle Co., in 1836, and engaged in farming ; Capt. S. married, in Feb. 1827, Eliza Sherer ; she was born in Washington Co., Md., April 1, 1809; they have eight children living (all wealthy people), and three deceased - Ann Elizabeth, John Henry, Urilla, Upton, Nicholas, Jacob E., James A., Martha, Mary Elizabeth, Charles A., William A. ; Capt. S. own 320 acres of land, all in cultivation, at Brodie's Grove^ in this county.

SWINGJLEY UPTON, Retired Farmer ; P. 0. Creston ; born in Washington Co., Md., Sept. 18, 1834 ; came to Ogle Co., in 1838 ; commenced farming in 1856, and continued up to about ten years ago, when Mr. S. rented most of his land out ; Mr. S. owns 700 acres of land in this and DeKalb Counties, all in cultivation, and besides having one of the finest residences in Ogle Co. ; Mr. S. has been married three times : first, to Frances Potter, in 1858, she died in 1871 ; Mr S. then married, Oct. 1872, Mrs. Sophie By ers, who died Jan. 18, 1874 ; he then married Mrs. Brown; by his first wife Mr. S. had four children

- Carrie, Minnie, Grace, Lydia ; by his second wife, one child - Upton L. ; by his third wife, one child - Howard H. Mr, S. has held the offices of Supervi sur, Town Assessor, Road Commissioner is a Democrat in politics.

TODD Al^DREW H. Farmer; Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Creston ; born in Stamford, Conn., Aug. 1,1833; in 1859, came to Lee Co., adjoining Ogle Co., and engaged in farming, and has been ever since ; Mr. Todd owns 86 acres of land, all under cultivation ; March 10, 1873, Mr. Todd married Ella F. Dickerson ; she was born in Aurora, N. Y., April 28, 1849 ; they have one child - Harry T. (adopted May 21, 1877) ; Mr. Todd is a son of the celebrated Rev. Ambrose Seymour Todd, formerly Rector of St. John's Church, Stamford, Conn., who, up to time of his death, June 25, 1861, had preached four thousand five hundred sermons.

TOMESOX :»fEI.SE, Farmer; Sec. 10; P. 0. Creston; born in Stavanger, Norway, in 1858 ; came to Ogle Co. in 1864 and located on present place ; owns 80 acres of land, all cultivated ; married Martha Johnson ; she was born in Stavanger, June 24, 1852 ; they had one child - Theodore Burton, born Sept. 1, 1876, died Dec. 29, 1877, and buried at Creston ; they belong to the Lutheran Church ; Mr. T. is a Republican.

WH ALEN PAT, railroad employe ; P.O. Creston. WAJLKER JAMES P. Retired; was born Aug. 25, 1836, in Dunbar, Fayette Co., Pa.; son of William and Martha Paull Walker; served three years in Co. H, 1st Pa. Res. Cav.; was engaged at 2d Bull Run, Cedar Mountain, Seven Days' Fight in the Wilderness and before Richmond, at Antietam and Drainsville. He was married, Oct. 20, 1869, to Miss Elvira J. Spriggs, who was born June 18, 1839, in Marshall Co., Va.; she was a daughter of Jackson and Eliza Chambers Spriggs; they have three children - Anna Martha, born Ai4g. 22, 1870 ; William J. S., born June 18, 1874 ; and Jennie Mabel, born April 26, 1877; his grandfather was Col. James Paull, who was with Gen. Crawford in his march on Sandusky; was captured with Gen. Douglas, and escaped ; had many narrow escapes from the Indians. William Walker was born Aug. 25, 1800, and Martha Paull, May 6, 1805; Jackson Spriggs was born April 25, 1808 ; Eliza Chambers was born about 1810 ; Mr. Spriggs left about 15,000 acres of land to four children, valued at $50 to $300 per acre, according to location.

WATERMAN WIIil^IAM, Capitalist; Loans Money and Buys and Sells Real Estate ; residence, northwest corner South and Center streets, Creston ; owns 980 acres of land, valued at $40,000; was born Oct. 2, 1826, in Otsego, Otsego Co., N. Y.; son of Timothy and Lucy Tanner Waterman ; he was married, Nov. 20, 1855, to Miss Anna W. Warren, who was born in Otsego, Nov. 18, 1834 ; she was a daughter of Erastus W. and Emily Clark Warren, both still living in Otsego; was brought up on a farm near Cooperstown, N. Y.; came to Creston in the Spring of 1857 ; engaged in the grain business five or six years, then in present business. Have had two children - Ella W., born July 8, 1858; May Genevieve, born May 11, 1871, died July 21, 1877 ; little May was beloved by all. Independent in religion and politics.

WHITE JOSEPH, Justice of the Peace, Grain and Coal Dealer ; residence on Center St., south of Depot, Creston ; was born Feb. 18, 1830, in Chazy, Clinton Co., N. Y. ; son of W. A. and Lavina Slosson White ; mother died in Sycamore, III, Dec. 14, 1869 ; father in Creston June 29, 1872 ; in 1838, the family removed to Bangor, Franklin Co.,

N. Y. ; from there to Sycamore, 111., in 1847 ; came to Creston (then Dement) in 1865, and engaged in Grain and Coal trade ; was married in Sycamore, Oct. 2, 1853, by Rev. Thos. Woolsey, M. E., to Miss Mary L. Allen, who was born Dec. 11, 1836, in Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., daughter of Paul V. and Belinda Bissell Allen ; her father died in Sycamore, Oct. 7, 1854 ; mother living with her ; her parents came to Sycamore in 1851 from Richfield Springs, Otsego Co., N. Y. ; Joseph White has been a Justice of the Peace eight years ; was elected Supervisor in 1877 by a nearly unanimous vote ; always Republican, voting for John P. Hale for President ; religion, both members of Congregational Church ; have had five children - Josephine A., born Aug. 29, 1858; Charles S., born Nov. 16, 1857, died Feb. 9, 1858; Edgar H., born April 21, 1858 ; Linnie L., born Aug. 6, 1862; Anna W., born Dec. 21, 1870, in Creston ; the other four in Sycamore.

Va., April, 1837 ; Mr. W. was farming in Clark Co. from 1852 to 1855 ; then moved to New York State, and lived there until the war broke out; joined the U. S. Army ; was engaged in several battles, and was captured at Harper's Ferry and made exchange prisoner ; at close of war engaged in farming in Genesee Co., N. Y. for two years ; then came to Ogle Co. ; Mr. W. owns 80 acres land all in cultivation.

WIIiSON ROBERT, Farmer ; Sec. 17; P. 0. Rochelle; born in Kerkadbright, Scotland, Aug. 30, 1848 ; came to Ogle Co. in 1868, and engaged in farming and has been ever since ; owns 160 acres land, all cultivated ; married March 29, 1872, Ann Ferguson ; she was born Sept. 27, 1847, at same place ; Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Presbyterian Church ; in politics, Mr. W. is Independent.

Source changes here: from Portrait and Biographical Album of Ogle County, Illinois, Containing Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County, by Various, published 1886; 1,822 words in this source stream.

Dement Township

self of the crimes charged. He sold his claim to David Worden. In 1840 Elias Snively and Henry Sharer purchased the claim of Mr. Worden. In a letter received from Mr. Sharer he says, in relation to the early settlement: " Snively and I bought the claim of David Worden, and his brother, Benjamin Worden, occupied the claim as a tenant up to the time of our taking possession, in 1841. Benjamin Worden, if living, is at South Grove, DeKalb County. Niehoff and family were employed by Snively and myself, as we were both unmarried at the time. He remained with us about two years, and then moved to Carroll County. We then employed Frederick Finkboner and family, who lived with us up to my marriage, in 1845. From 1841 to 1849 we had no neighbors short of South Grove, which was seven and a half miles, and we were the only family in the present township of Dement. In 1849 we rented our claim to Rodney Burnett and _Mr. Stevenson, his brother-in-law. Part of the time while living there, Frink & Walker ran a line of stages from Chicago to Galena, good four-horse coaches, and on that thoroughfare our cabin was the mly house in 24 miles. From Huntley's, now De- Kalb City, to our place, was 12 miles, and the next house was at Paine's Point, which was 12 miles. I can't tell anything about marriages or births; but the first death in the township was a son of Brodie, who died in 1839, and was buried at the Grove. I presume there is no mark of his grave left. You can put as the first settlers the Brodies; next, Benjamin Worden; then Elias Snively and Henry Sharer, with Niehoff as tenant; then Fred. Finkboner, then Burnett and Stevens, and next Wm. Youngs, and following him Samuel Brock.

In 1850 Thomas Smith came from Canada and occupied the farm of Nathaniel Swingley during his absence in California. He soon afterward entered land for himself and was recognized as one of the leading citizens of the township. When the post office was established at the Grove he was made Postmaster and was the first in the village; he was also the first station agent. Mr. Smith died some years ago.

Josiah Snively, Nathaniel Swingley, Thomas Smith, Josiah Hurd, Levi and Horace Howard, Robert P. Benson. In the southwest comer of the township, near the present city of Rochelle, were E. G. Vail, Thomas S. Smith and Mr. Rice. During this year Norman Paine and William Knapp came in, locating in the Grove, where two years previously they had entered land.

The completion of the railroad in 1854 caused a large emigration to this section the following year. The prairie land, which had so-long been vacant, was rapidly taken up and in a short time the whole face of the country was changed. The settlement was made so rapidly that it would be impossible to mention even the names of those who located here in 1855 and 1856. Dwelling houses, school houses, churches and other buildings went up as if by magic. Eighteen years had passed away since the first settlement made in the township before any great improvement had been made, and now what a change!

When the village of Dement was laid out, Mr. Smith moved the office to the village and continued to serve as Postmaster until 1856 or 1857, when Anson Barnum was appointed. Mr. Barnum did not long serve and was succeeded by G. W. Place. In 1869 Charles E. Adams was appointed and served until the summer of 1885, when Charles E. Countryman was appointed.

The first religious services were held at an early day at the house of Josiah Snively by Rev. Miller, a Baptist minister, and also by Rev. Chester, a minister of the Congregational Church. About the time the railroad was completed, Rev. Todd, an Episcopalian, held services at the house of Thomas Smith. Mr. Todd located at Dement, now Creston village.

The first school it is said was taught by George Swingley, at the house of Nathaniel Swingley. The first school house was erected at Brodie's Grove in 1855, Miss Cummins teaching the first term. About this time the township was divided into two school districts, No. 1 comprising all north and No. 2 all south of the railroad. Other districts were subsequently organized from these, school houses were built, and in every respect Dement Township will compare favorably with all others in the county in

From the report of the County Superintendent of Public Schools for the year ending June 30, 1885, the following interesting items were gleaned: There were 373 persons under 21 years of age, of whom 272 were of school age. Of this number 242 were enrolled in the public schools. There were six school districts, with one graded and five ungraded schools. Three male and twelve female teachers were employed during the year, receiving salaries ranging from $25 to $90 per month. There were six good frame school houses, valued at $9,400. The amount of tax levy for school purposes was $3,600.

Until 1856, the territory comprised in the present township formed partof Flagg. Having obtained a sufficient number of inhabitants to form a separate township, it was duly set off by the Board of Supervisors of the county, and in the spring of 1856 elected its first representative as a member of that

RESTON is located upon the line of the Chicago & North-western Railroad, prinship, and was laid out in the spring of 1855. It was given the name of Dement, which name it retained until 1869, when, on account of there being a post office in the State by the name of Bement, it was thought best to change its name, and Creston was adopted. It was first named in honor of Hon. John Dement. :

Thomas Smith has the honor of erecting and occupying the first house upon the village plat. This was before the 'railroad was completed to the place. On the completion of the road he was made station agent,'a car being left upon the side track for the station house.

: : aesan of a dwelling house, which was completed soon afte Mr. Richards subsequently became a partner with, Barnum inthe mercantile trade.

In the spring of 1856, H. H. Clark started the second store in a building just north of Dimon's agricultural implement warehouse. It yet stands, though considerably enlarged; when first erected it was only 20 X 30. ;

The first grain warehouse was erected in 1856, by James C. Slayton, though he was not the first to engage lh the grain trade. Anson Barnum during the first year purchased grain, loading it directly in the car from the wagons. '

Other business enterprises were established soon after, and the village of Creston, or Dement as it was | then known, began to lift up its head.

In 1856, a frame school house, one-strory, 20X30, was erected on the site of the present building. The latter was erected in 1869, is a two-story frame, with four good school rooms. The citizens of Creston take pride in its public schools, and have employed some of the best talent in the State as teachers, among them Prof. E. L. Wells, now at the head of the training | school at Oregon, and Prof. P. R. Walker, now Super- _ intendent of Public Schools in Rockford. Prof. | Walker taught here before and after the War, and La lh kindly remembered by all. It was under his charge the schools were graded. Wm. W. Washburn was | ; the first teacher in the old house. A, D.- Stowell is ; the present Principal. Prof. Stowell came here i 1884, and is popular with the pupils and patrons of the school. His Assistants are Miss Anna Steele and Miss Thompson. +

Services were held in various places until 1866, when the present church edifice was erected. The present membership is 97. Rev. James E. Brereton is Pastor. The Sunday School has an average attendance of 75, with J. P. Lord as Superintendent.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at Brodie's Grove, April 19, 1857, by Rev. John Nait, with nine members. Meetings were held at the houses of Martin Webb and others. In 1866 a house of worship was erected in the village. The present - membership is 55. Rev. Frank R. McNamer is Pastor. There is an enrollment of 115 in the Sunday School, which is superintended by J. C. Pegg.

Creston Lodge, No. 572, 1. O. O. F., was organized April 21, 1875, with Barzilla Knapp, N. G.; T. Y. Frost, V. G.; C. H. Frost, Sec. Its meetings are held Wednesday evening of each week. The present - membership of the Lodge is 22, and its officers are James Herbison, N. G.;. James Smith, V. G.; J. S. Cole, R. & P. S.; John Gassell, Treas,

- The Creston Tile Company organized in 1883, with a capital stock of $15,000 and erected a frame building three stories in height, 4ox1oo feet, with one of brick 46x40. The manufacture of tiling was commenced in the fall of 1883, and the factory has since been run to its'fullest capacity, the greater part of the time being behind its orders. Twelve men are employed. Clay is secured near the village. Its present officers are Wm. H. Rowe, President; A. B. McCrea, Treasurer; A. Dimon, Secretary.

In 1867 the village was incorporated under a special charter, and the following named officers elected: Thomas Smith, President; Joserh White, G. W. Place, A. B. McCrea, Daniel Dimon, Trustees; G, W. Allen, Clerk. In 1870, it was voted to incorporate under the General Act. The village has now about 500 inhabitants. Its present officers are R. G. Swan, President; J. P. Lord, A. H. Taylor, Wm. J. Mettler, Z. A. Landers, Geo. Thompson, Trustees; Chas. Sheffer, Clerk.

Considerable business is transacted here and every class of trade required.by the community is represented. The general merchandise trade is represented by J. B. Cobb & Co., Landers & Holland and Chas. E. Adams. The first two firms carry a line of hardware in connection with dry goods and notions. H. C. Robbins carries a fine line of drugs, books, notions and jewelry, and A. D. Wilkinson a good stock of drugs and fancy goods. C. E. Countryman has a restaurant and serves as Postmaster of the village. J. A. McCrea & Co. and Joseph White are dealers in grain, the former also dealing in lumber and coal while the latter carries a stock of coal and is a dealer in agricultural implements. Leach Bros. are stock dealers, while Asa Dimons is engaged in selling farming implements. Miss Jones controls the millinery trade and Daniel Dimon the wagon business. Solo - mon Woodard, Chas. Emrich and Chas. Smith are blacksmiths.