Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 114

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972

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RALSTON, William B., for many years one of the retired business men of Rockford, at one time was prominent in the city's vital interests, and is remembered for his excellent character- istics. He was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, July 20, 1842, a son of William and Helen (Greenley) Ralston, natives of Scotland who located at Cincinnati at an early day. When their son, William B. Ralston, was a child, they moved to Roscoe, Ill., locating on a farm in that vi- cinity, but later went on a farm near the Argyle settlement in Harlem Township, Winnebago County.

William B. Ralston attended the country schools of Winnebago County. When he at- tained his majority he bought a farm in Guil- ford Township, and his sisters Mary and Helen kept house for him until Helen married, Mary continuing to live with him for many years. Later he sold the property and moved to Rock- ford where he bought the Ryburn House on S. First street. He also invested in a livery stable and additionally was associated with a Mr. Trigg in a marble and granite business for many years. After retirement he lived on Charles street in a residence he bought from L. B. Gregory. Mr. Ralston built four apart- ment flat buildings of brick construction and was a man of considerable means. After an illness extending over several years he died April 27, 1909.

On June 12, 1895, Mr. Ralston was married to Katherine McEachran, born in Argyle, Har -- lem Township, a daughter of Hugh and Kath- erine (Turner) McEachran, both born near Campbeltown, Argyleshire, Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Ralston became the parents of three chil- dren : William A., Katherine M., and Andrew Neal. Since the death of Mr. Ralston, his widow and children have continued to reside on Charles street. Mrs. Ralston is a graduate of the Rockford High School. Mr. Ralston was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Rockford, and prominent in its affairs. In poli- tics he was a Republican. Sound in his opin- ions, he was not afraid to voice them, and as he was a man of strong character, he exerted considerable influence among his associates by whom he was held in the highest esteem.

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REDMOND, James G., a general contractor and manufacturer of all kinds of mill work, is one of the native sons of Rockford, having been born in this city, February 3, 1878, a son of Henry and Julia (Murphy) Redmond, natives of Ire- land and Rockford, respectively. The paternal grandparents, Garrett and July Redmond, came to Rockford in 1853, the grandfather being a teamster. The maternal grandparents, Daniel and Ellen Murphy, were natives of Ireland, who became early settlers of Rockford, Daniel Murphy being employed on the construction work of the first railroad to enter Rockford. Henry and Julia Redmond were married at Rockford, where they lived until the fall of 1913, at which time they went to Los Angeles, Cal., and there he became a merchant. Their children have been as follows: James G .; Julia, who is Mrs. James Mullen of Los Angeles, Cal .; Eleanor, who is Mrs. John McMahon of Rockford; Daniel, who is deceased ; Mary, who is Mrs. Edward Titcombe of Colton, Cal .; Catherine, who is Mrs. Levi Landers of Los Angeles, Cal .; Henry, who re- sides at Los Angeles, Cal .; John, who resides at Rockford; Anna, who resides at Rockford; Agnes, who is Mrs. William Butler of Mt. Morris, Ill .; Gerald, who resides at Los Angeles, Cal .; Joseph, who also resides at Los Angeles; and Peter, who resides at Chicago. There is also an adopted son in the family.

James G. Redmond attended the public schools in his district, the parochial schools and Brown's Business College. When he was fifteen years old he became a railroad grader, and three years later became a grading contractor for the rail- road. In 1899 he began doing carpenter work at Rockford and so continued until 1906 when he became a general contractor, and does all kinds of mill work. His mill and office were originally located between State and Mulberry streets and Main and Church streets, but in the spring of 1914 he moved his plant to No. 1122 Greenmount street, where he has since continued.

On October 9, 1901, Mr. Redmond was married to Catherine Fitzgerald, born at Rockford, a daughter of John and Anna (Carney) Fitzgerald of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald became the parents of the following children : Agnes, who is Mrs. Martin Dewane of Belvidere, Ill .; Edward, who resides in Rockford Township; Mary, who is Mrs. John Shields of Rockford; James, who lives in Guilford Township; Anna, who is Mrs. William Drohm of Rockford Township; John, who is deceased ; Mrs. Redmond; Margaret, who resides with her parents; William, who lives at Rockford ; and Clara, who is Mrs. Edward Ken- nedy of Rockford Township. Mr. and Mrs. Red- mond have two children, namely: Francis, who was born January 25, 1908; and Margaret, who was born December 5, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Red- mond belong to St. James Catholic Church. In politics he is a Republican.

REGAN, Marshall H., page 662.

REID, Fred J. The activity in building at Rockford and the territory contiguous to this

city has

brought into being

a number of interests connected with this line of en- deavor, and one of them is the supplying of the demand for building stone. One of the men who has found it profitable to devote his skill and time to preparing stone for the various build- ing purposes is Fred J. Reid of this city. He was born at Chicago, September 20, 1873, a son of James F. and Mary E. (Faulkner) Reid, natives of Glasgow, Scotland, and New York. The father, who had come to the United States prior to the Civil war, enlisted in the United States navy for service during that struggle, and was coxswain of the S. S. Baltimore. After the close of hostilities, he went to Chicago, where he was married. By trade he was a mill- wright. His death occurred in Colorado dur- ing 1899. The mother survives and lives at Chicago.

Fred J. Reid attended the Chicago public schools until fourteen years old when he be- gan working at the butchering trade, but after five years, began writing policies for an insur- ance company, in which he continued for two years. He then learned the trade of stone cutting, and continued working at it in Chi- cago until 1902, when he came to Rockford and was employed at his trade until 1906, when he established himself in business for himself. Mr. Reid buys Indiana limestone from Bedford, Ind., and cuts and dresses stone for all build- ing purposes, supplying local dealers in addi- tion to shipping a considerable amount to other places, having a large and constantly increas- ing trade.

In 1896 Mr. Reid was married at Chicago, to Jennie Allison, born at Edinburg, Scotland, a daughter of David and Mary (Easton) Alli- son. Mr. and Mrs. Reid have one daughter, Irene M. Mr. Reid attends the Westminster Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a

Republican. A Mason in high standing, Mr. Reid has attained the thirty-second degree, and- is also a member of the Shrine. He belongs to the Odd Fellows, the Columbian Knights, the Scotch Clan, and the Burns Club, and is past president of the latter. A man of marked skill in his line, he has earned a reputation for the quality of his work that is unquestioned and valuable.

REIMER, F. I., one of the prosperous farmers of Roscoe Township, well known over Winne- bago County, was born in Germany, February 25, 1851, a son of Fred and Mary (Sweidth ) Reimer, natives of Germany. After they had been mar- ried for some years, or in 1861, they came to the United States, settling on a farm near Be- loit. Wis. Eleven years later they went to Man- chester, Boone County, Ill., and bought ninety- six acres of land where they lived until they died, the father passing away in 1898, aged fifty-nine years, and the mother in 1896, aged fifty-seven years. They belonged to the German Lutheran Church. The father was a Democrat in politics.

The boyhood of F. I. Reimer was spent at

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

Beloit, but in 1877 he went to Yankton, S. Dak., and followed farming for a year. Upon his return to Illinois, he joined his parents at Manchester, and buying fifty-three acres of land, operated it for twenty-seven years, when he left that farm and bought 160 acres in Roscoe Town- ship, Winnebago County, where he has since resided.

Mr. Reimer was first married in 1873, to Miss Minnie Paun, and they had one son, William H., who resides with his father. In 1880, he was married (second) to Emily Butler, a daugh- ter of David and Catherine (Mason) Butler, the ceremony taking place at Beloit, Wis. Mr. Butler was born at Chambersburg, Pa., in 1825, and the mother of Mrs. Reimer in Hungary in 1821. Her parents died in Hungary and she came to the United States with a sister, and they settled in Pennsylvania, where she met Mr. Butler. After the death of Mr. Butler's parents, he moved to Rockton, Ill., and there he died in 1895. Mrs. Butler survives and lives at Rock- ford with a daughter.

Mr. and Mrs. Reimer have the following children : Elizabethi M., who married Victor Archer, has two children, Velma V. and George W. ; Jacob O. and Barton E., who are at home ; Nettie B., who married Leonard Parker, has three children, Lila B., Vernon L., and Doris E. ; and Pearl F., who resides with her parents. In politics Mr. Reimer is a Republican. His only fraternal affiliation is with the Modern Woodmen of America. Not only is he a con- sistent member of the German Lutheran Church, as are also all the family. but he gives it a generous support. and stands well in it as he does in all his relations with his neighbors.

REITSCH, Henry. Although he is now living retired from business cares, for many years Henry Reitsch was counted among the leading contracting carpenters of Winnebago County, and quite a number of the buildings now standing in Rockford, and throughout the county, bear witness to his skill. He was born in Zittau, Saxony, Germany, May 3, 1833, a son of Carl D. and Elenore (Lebig) Reitsch, both of whom died in Germany.

In 1854 Henry Reitsch came to the United States and for a year worked as a carpenter in Schenectady, N. Y. He then came to Rockford, Ill., where for two years he worked at his trade, and then began a business of his own as a contracting carpenter, building up a wide con- nection, and continuing in this line for a num- ber of years, when he retired. He owns a valu- able residence on Horsman street, Rockford. During the early days of his business career he did much of the building in Rockford, and took pride in the quality of his work. Like so many of his nationality, he learned his trade in his own land, and knew it thoroughly. He is also well educated in the German language, as he attended the public schools of Saxony. The Methodist church on Court street is his re- ligious home, and he is its oldest member, and has served it as steward and is still a trustee

of it, having held the latter office for many years. In politics he is a Republican.

In 1856 Henry Reitsch was married to Dora- thea Ludeman, born in Germany, November 26, 1830, the ceremony taking place at Whitewater, Wis. Mrs. Reitsch died November 11, 1896. Three sous were born of this marriage, namely : Ernest R., who was born November 2, 1860, and married May 19, 1886, to Mary E. Whittall, of Rockford. They have two children, Dorathea H. and Earnest E., the former married Harold L. Armstrong, now living in Oklahoma. Agus- tave W., the second son, is deceased. Charles, the third son, was born May 3, 1868, married Mamie Oviett, and they have two sons, Henry O. and Robert. These sons all learned the car- penter trade with their father and worked for him. Both surviving sons are associated with the Reitsch Bros. Lumber Company.

RENAUD, Lee A., vice president of the Warner Electrical Engineering Company, at No. 225 N. Main street, Rockford, is one of the able young business men of this city. He was born at West Superior, Wis., May 27, 1888, a son of Adolph and Minnie (Wolff) Renaud. The father was born at Beaucourt, near Paris, France, and came to America when fourteen years old, locat- ing first in Canada, where he worked as a watch- maker. Later he came to the United States and worked in different watch factories, among theni that at Elgin, Ill., where he was employed for a number of years. Still later he went to Mis- souri, and finally to Rockford, where he bought a home at No. 527 N. Madison street. In politics he is a Republican. The mother also survives, and both are held in high esteem by their acquaintances.

Lee A. Renaud was reared and educated at Rockford, and began his business career in the Rockford Bolt works, where he spent eighteen inonthis. He then went to South Bend, Ind., and for seven months was with the Economy Elec- tric Company at that point, but returned to Rockford to go with the Warner Electric Com- pany. Still later he was with the Barber- Coleman Company for four years, and then was in the Machine Electrical works for a time. Mr. Renaud was then with the Warner Electrical Company, and in 1913 became a stockholder and is now secretary and vice president of this same company.

In 1913 Mr. Renaud married Miss Elsie Griep, of Sheboygan, Wis. Mr. Renaud belongs to the Masons and the Mystic Workers and is popular in both orders. In politics he is a Republican. The Christian Union Church holds lis member- ship. Alert, progressive both as an individual and an official. Mr. Renaud is quick to see oppor- tunities and has the wisdom and courage to properly take advantage of them.

RETZLAFF, C. William, a prosperous farmer of section 9, Guilford Township is, perhaps, one of the best examples of the prosperous agricul- turalists of Illinois that Winnebago County affords. He was born in Guilford Township,

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

January 26, 1866, a son of Charles and Han- nah (Ollman) Retzlaff, natives of Germany.

Charles Retzlaff came to the United States about 1855, locating in Wisconsin, and for a year worked as a farm hand for $4 per month. He then came to Winnebago County, and locat- ing at Rockford continued working as a farm hand. and after a few years rented land in Guilford Township. About 1872 he bought eighty acres of land on section 9, this same township, and made it his home until his death at which time he owned 200 acres. In politics he was a Republican. The Lutheran church held his membership. In 1865 he married Han- nah Ollman, born in Germany, March 9, 1832, a daughter of Johan and Fredricka Ollman. These parents came to America with their six children, of whom Mrs. Retzlaff was the eldest, and located at Rockford. Mr. Ollman worked for farmers until in company with his son-in- law he rented land. Later he bought 120 acres of land on section 4, Guilford Township, where he and his wife settled. About the time that their youngest daughter married, they sold the farm to her husband for $25 per acre, on condition they were to retain the house as their home during their lifetime. They were also to have feed for a horse, cow and two hogs, and sufficient wheat to make flour for their per- sonal needs. Mr. Ollman helped with the farm work without any other pay until the grandchildren were old enough to help with the farm work. Then they left the place and found a welcome and generous welcome with the Retzlaff family, Mr. Retzlaff building a cottage on his farm for his wife's parents, which he gave to them rent free from 1885 until they died, both living to be ninety-six years old, Mr. Ollman passing away in 1903, and Mrs. Ollman in 1901.

Mr. and Mrs. Retzlaff became the parents of two children, namely : C. William and Mary, who married H. H. Miller of Guilford Town- ship. Charles Retzlaff died October 10, 1905, aged seventy-one. Mrs., Hannah (Ollman) Retzlaff survives and makes her home with her son and celebrated her eighty-fourth birthday anniversary March 9, 1916. Her children, eleven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many friends were present to help her cele- brate her anniversary. She is still in the very best of health.

C. William Retzlaff was educated in the schools in his district, but was compelled to leave at an early age as his help was needed on the farm. He has always made his home on section 9. this township, and here he pro- poses to round out his life. Some time previous to his father's death he bought forty acres on section 8, Guilford Township, and soon after , the father passed away, he bought the home- stead of 200 acres. For some years he has been carrying on general farming and dairying and milks from ten to twenty cows, and also feeds from 100 to 200 head of hogs each year.

On June 7, 1896, Mr. Retzlaff was married to Martha Strassman, born at Greifenberg, Ger-

inany, November 11, 1876, a daughter of Carl and Augusta (Merritta ) Strassman. They came to the United States in 1887, and located at Milwaukee, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Retzlaff have the following children : Allen C., Elizabeth H., William F., Carl H., Charlotte M., Arthur E. and Clara M. Mr. Retzlaff is a Republican. The Lutheran church holds his membership. A man actuated by a steady purpose, he has al- ways been willing to work hard for what he wanted, and his present prosperity has been fairly earned.

REVELL, Edwin Morton. Some men are con- tent to confine their religious life to their at- tendance upon church services, but others take their Christianity into their every day life and so live as to bring home to their associates the beauty and happiness of their belief, thereby exerting a powerful influence for good. Such a man was the late Edwin Morton Revell whose upright life and honorable principles live after him. He was born in Stillman Valley, Ill., Aug- ust 13, 1854, a son of William and Mary A. (Morton) Revell, natives of England and Can- ada, respectively. They were married in Canada, but came to Illinois about 1850, and engaged in farming, although the father was a tailor by trade.

Edwin Morton Revell attended the schools in his district until 1876, when he came to Rock- ford for better educational advantages, attend- ing the East Side High school. After this he became a salesman in a dry goods store and so continued for five years, when he became in- terested in real estate, associating himself with J. G. Penfield for two years. His next partner was R. F. Crawford, and they remained together for four years, when Mr. Crawford sold and Mr. Revell became sole proprietor of the business, and remained in it until his death, July 16, 1891. He was president of the Real Estate Exchange, being the only man to hold that office from its inception until his death.

On May 13, 1880, Mr. Revell was married to Helen Marie Penfield, born at Rockford, Febru- ary 17, 1859, a daughter of John G. and Mary Elizabeth (Crosby) Penfield. Mr. and Mrs. Revell became the parents of the following chil- dren : Constance E., who was born November 15, 1882, died March 26, 1909; Mildred Penfield, who was born March 5, 1885, married Clarence H. Hitchcock of Rockford, and their children are Helen Lucile and Bernard Henry ; and Edwin Morton, who was born December 1, 1891.

After the death of Mr. Revell, Mrs. Revell continued to live in her beautiful home until 1910, when she assumed charge of her father's household.

Mrs. Revell was educated in the grade and high schools of Rockford, and studied music and drawing at Rockford College, where she also attended lectures on different subjects. As was her husband, she is a faithful member of the Baptist Church. The Mendelssohn Club, the Y. W. C. A. and the W. C. T. U. all hold her

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

membership and enjoy her active participation in the forward movements inaugurated by them.

Mr. Revell was a member of the State Street Baptist Church, and was its treasurer for many years, and also assistant superintendent, taking a very active part in all religious work. From the time of the organization of the Y. M. C. A. of Rockford he held an official position in it, and was a generous supporter of its work. He was a fine example of the Christian business man, and his characteristics impressed themselves on his fellow citizens. A Republican, he did his duty as a man, but never sought office.

REW, Robert, a member of the Rockford bar, was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1854. In 1867 he came to the United States, and located at Rockford. Here he attended the East Rockford High School, from which he was graduated in 1873, following which he taught school until 1880. During that period he studied law, and was admitted to the bar of Illinois in 1881, and immediately thereafter entered upon a general practice at Rockford, in which he has since continued.

In 1879 Mr. Rew was united in marriage with Nellie T. Goodwin. In politics Mr. Rew is a Republican, and during Gov. Deneen's adminis- tration, he was president of the board of trus- tees of the Illinois Northern Hospital for the Insane. Mr. Rew has exhibited his public spirit upon numerous occasions, and has served the city of Rockford in various capacities, and has always been enthusiastic with regard to secur- ing its development.

RHOADES, Levi, page 709.

RHOADES, Martin. Some of the more repre- sentative of the earlier residents of Rockford have passed away, but the influences of their orderly lives remain and they are remembered for the good they accomplished while living. Among the men of this class was the late Mar- tin V. Rhoades, who was born at Easton, N. Y., June 21, 1840, and died at Rockford, April 2, 1912. He was a son of David and Catherine (Beers) Rhoades, natives of New York state, and brother of Levi, Edward and John Rhoades, who are all now deceased, but were formerly prominent in Rockford history. The parents of these men brought their family to Illinois in 1852, having made a short stop at Honey Creek, Wis., on their way from New York state. Upon their arrival in Illinois they located at Rock- ford where the father worked at his trade of coopering.

When Martin V. Rhoades was seventeen years old he left home and engaged in a coopering business at Rockford. His quiet, business career was broken into by the Civil war, and in Feb- ruary, 1862, he enlisted in Company F. Fifth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until 1863, when he was discharged on account of disability. Upon his return to Rockford, he re- sumed his former business and continued in it until he retired, twenty years later. Subse-

quently he continued active in buying and sell- ing real estate, and made considerable money in these transactions.

In December, 1865, Mr. Rhoades was married to Emetine P. Wheat, born in Oswego, N. Y., who died November 7, 1900. On January 8, 1902, Mr. Rhoades married (second) Mrs. Olive A. (Avery) Ainsworth, born March 31, 1847, in Stephenson County, Ill., a daughter of Samuel N. and Caroline (Sumner) Avery, of Hamburg, Erie County, N. Y., the former being a painting contractor. Mrs. Rhoades was the widow of John Ainsworth, who was born November 23, 1842, at Gloversville, N. Y., and died November 28, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Ainsworth had three children, all of whom died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Avery, parents of Mrs. Rhoades, came to Rockford in 1848, and in 1850 Mr. Avery went overland to the gold fields of California, the trip taking six months. While there he mined and also conducted an eating house and through his enterprise made several thousand dollars. He returned by way of water to New York City, and thence to Rockford by rail. He had four children : Daniel Webster, who was born in 1844, is now deceased ; Mrs. Rhoades; Mary Bell, who was born in 1849, is now deceased ; and Charles Sumner, who was born in 1858, resides at Sherland, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Rhoades had no children. He was a member of Nevius Post No. 1. G. A. R. In politics he was a Re- publican and served as councilman from the Fifth Ward for two terms. Since his death Mrs. Rhoades has lived in the large frame resi- dence at No. 1213 South Main street, Rockford, that he left her.

RICHARDS, Daniel C., M. D. Of the practi- tioners of the healing art in Winnebago County, few are better known or more highly esteemed than Dr. Daniel C. Richards, of Rockford, whose well appointed offices are located at No. 321 East State street. He has passed practi- cally all of his life in this state, having been born in Harrison Township, Winnebago County, August 11, 1838, and is a son of Samuel S. and Sarah (Brown) Richards, and a grandson of Daniel Richards of Connecticut, and Daniel and Elizabeth (Felts) Brown, of North Caro- lina.

Samuel S. Richards was born at Lima, Liv- ingston County, N. Y., February 22, 1818, and in 1836 came to Rockford, Ill., where he pur- chased a property in Harrison Township on which he settled down to farming, being so en- gaged for a number of years. While still on the farm he opened a store and started a mer- cantile business, and there became the first postmaster. On November 7. 1837, he was married to Sarah Brown, who was born Febru- ary 19. 1818, in North Carolina. and who had come to Illinois in that year with her brother, William Brown, and an uncle, Aaron Felts, for whom she kept house until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Richards then settled on a farm in Harrison Township, half way between the vil- lages of Harrison and Durand, but later moved

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 114

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 972

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972