Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 88

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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On June 27, 1857, Friend C. Hall came to Rockford Township, this county, having been married in 1852. He joined an uncle, Riley Hall, one of the leading pioneers of Winnebago County. They worked the farm together, it then containing 820 acres, 120 acres of which were in timber. This property was subsequently willed to him by his uncle, and he conducted the cleared land, and labored to place the re- mainder under cultivation, becoming one of the most progressive farmers of the county. He served as road commissioner and was always an advocate of good roads before the majority of his associates had awakened to the necessity for them. Owning 300 acres of land four miles west of his homestead, he moved on this property in 1859, and there lived until 1872, when he re- turned to the old farm, where he died October 15, 1904. His wife died April 11, 1901. Their children were as follows: F. Laroy, of Rock Island; Charles R .; Ella J., now (Mrs. John Stiles), of Rockford Township; and Mila A., residing with Charles R.

As long as his parents lived, Charles R. Hall resided with them. His farm of 300 acres is as fine a one as can be found in this section, and he takes a deep interest in his work. Never having married, his sister, Mila A., who has

always lived with him, keeps house for him. Mr. Hall attended the public schools in his district, and the Lounsbury Academy of Rock- ford. He affiliates with the Christian Union Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and since 1890, has been a school director. He is an enthusiatic thirty-second degree Mason and be- longs to the Consistory of Freeport, Ill. He is a member of Tebala Temple A. A. O. N. M. S., the Eastern Star, the White Shrine, and the Elks, No. 64, of Rockford, and has held office in all these organizations. He is a trustee of the Masonic building of Rockford, and was on the building committee at the time of its erec- tion. His sister is a member of the Eastern Star and the White Shrine. Mr. Hall owns prop- erty on both sides of the road, his barns being on one side, and his residence on the other. The original buildings were all destroyed in 1904, with the exception of the old stage barn erected by Riley Hall. These were replaced by Charles R. Hall, with modern structures.

Riley Hall, uncle of Charles R. Hall's father, was a most remarkable man. He moved to Winnebago County, Ill., about 1837, and owned from 1,500 to 2,000 acres of land in this county, as well as considerable city property at Rock- ford. He was a friend of Thatcher Blake and Deacon Cory, and was associated in business with both of them. He oftentimes drove to Chicago for supplies and was a well known figure to those living along the road. He and Mr. Blake were the executors of the will of Deacon Cory.

HALL, John H., page 708.

HALL, Wright C. Concerted effort painstak- ingly directed along legitimate lines, will result in success. Many have proven this in their lives, and among them is Wright C. Hall, now living retired at Rockford, who for a number of years was an alert business man. He was born at Hatley, Quebec, Canada, December 14, 1829, a son of Luther and Olive (Chamberlin) Hall, natives of Vermont.

Wright C. Hall was educated in a Canadian academy, and in 1846 went to New York City where he worked in Fulton market for two months, when he left for Albany, N. Y., and there learned the machinist trade. He finally went into a tin, copper and sheet iron business, and remained in that city until 1852, when, at- tracted by the West, he came to Rockford, and had charge of C. L. Williams & Sons' manufac- turing plant for two years. He then went to Sterling, Ill., and with George O. Blakesley started the first hardware store of that place. The firm was burned out in 1857, and Mr. Hall then sold his interest, and moved to Byron, Ogle County, Ill., where he farmed for thirty- two years. Selling his farm, he moved back to Rockford and for a time was a commercial traveler for an agricultural implement firm, but then retired, and since 1890, has resided on In- dependence avenue, this city.

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On June 29, 1854, Mr. Hall was married to Ellen Hodges, born in Oneida County, N. Y., a daughter of the Rev. James and Hanna (Perry) Hodges, natives of Vermont. With their seven children Mr. and Mrs. Hodges left New York in 1845, going by boat to Chicago and overland from there to Rockford, Mrs. Hodges and the smaller children riding on top of the load of packing boxes and Mr. Hodges and his son walk- ing by the side of the load, sometimes traveling until ten o'clock before finding a tavern where they could stay for the night. Mr. and Mrs. Hall became the parents of the following chil- dren : Anna, who is Mrs. George Csaky of Oak- land. Cal .; Carrie, who is the widow. of Col. Bentley, of Seward, Ill. ; Stella, who resides with her parents ; Marian, who is Mrs. Frank Osborn. of Winnebago Township; Fred H., who is de- ceased ; and Effie, who is Mrs. Alfred Hand of Hinkley avenue, Rockford.

While living in Byron Township, Ogle County, Ill., Mr. Hall served as a school director and trustee, and for fourteen years was township assessor, being elected on the Republican ticket. He is a Mason in his fraternal affiliations. Dur- ing his long and useful life Mr. Hall has done his full duty as he saw it and has won appre- ciation and respect, and is justly numbered among the substantial and representative men of Winnebago County.

HALLEN, Conrad, a man of the utmost probity, who stands very high in his neighborhood and is recognized as one of the capable business men of Rockford, is a prosperous meat dealer on Fourteenth avenue. He was born in Oster Gotland, Sweden, April 8, 1875, a son of John and Augusta (Farb) Hallen. John Hallen was born in Upsala, Sweden, and the mother in Smolan, Sweden, and they were married in the latter place. During his early life, John Hallen was the proprietor of a general store, and later became government manager in an abstract and title office, which position he still holds. At one time he served in the Swedish army as a cavalryman. For a time he was also engaged as a photographer. The mother of Conrad Hallen died when he was eighteen months old.

Conrad Hallen was reared in Oster Gotland and there educated. When he was fourteen years old he came to the United States, and arrived at Rockford July 4, 1889. His first year in this city was spent as an employe of the Co-operative Furniture Company, and he then went to Alta, Iowa, where he worked as a farm hand for a short time, but then returned to Rockford, in 1895, and was with the Palace Folding Bed Company for three years. He then went to Chicago where he worked as a clerk in a meat market in order to finish learning the meat business, which he had partially learned in Sweden. Later he bought out one of his em- ployers and the firm became Hallen & Lind- strom, and he maintained this connection until 1904. In that year he sold his interests, and

returned to Rockford and purchasing the busi- ness owned by Victor Carson on Seventh street, conducted it for three months when he sold it back to the man from whom he had purchased it, and went to work for John Anderson, on Kish- waukee street. After a year with him, Mr. Hallen established his own business, on the corner of Tenth avenue and Seventh street, and there remained until 1908, when he opened his present market.

In 1901 Mr. Hallen was married to Miss Hilda Nordstrom, a daughter of John and Matilda Nordstrom of Chicago, natives of Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Hallen have had four children, as fol- lows : Mildred C. M., Eskil J. C., Fern V., and Bertle, who died at Rockford, aged one year and eleven days. Mr. Hallen belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Svithiod, the Lyran Society and the Labor and Let Live Society.

HALLOCK, Frank W. The professional men of Rockford form an important contingent of the population, and among them none stands higher in public esteem than does Frank W. Hallock, a reliable druggist, doing business at No. 402 E. State street. He was born at Osceola, Stark County, Ill., September 19, 1881, a son of Wil- liam and Alice (Ketcham) Hallock. The father was born at Paw Paw, Ill., where he was edu- cated, and there, with his father, followed farm- ing until 1878. In that year he branched out for himself and remained at Osceola until his death, in 1882. He was a Republican politically, and was a consistent member of the Baptist Church, The mother was born also at Paw Paw, Ill., where her father was engaged in farming. She was educated at that place and remained at home until her marriage.

Growing up in his native place. Frank W. Hallock attended the public schools, and then entered the Northwestern University, where he took a course in pharmacy, being graduated therefrom in 1904. For a short time thereafter, Mr. Hallock was connected with a Chicago drug store, and then returned to Paw Paw. For the next two years he was a clerk in a drug store at that place, and then came to Rockford, and was a clerk for C. W. Gustafson for six years. He then became associated with Mr. Jackson in a partnership, the two buying out the Keel- ing Drug Store, at No. 402 E. State street, where they are continuing to carry on a pros- perous business.

In 1904 Mr. Hallock was married to Miss .Laura B. Knetsch. a daughter of Fred and Mary (Kleinschmidt) Knetsch, and they have two children : Orville H. and Donald W. Mr. Hallock is a very capable young man and bis methods are such as to commend him to the general public.

HANCE, Earl C., engineer for the Illinois School Furniture Company of Rockford, with residence at No. 1249 Ferguson street, is a native son of the county, and a man who has proven himself worthy of the confidence reposed in him by his employers, who have large interests where he

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has charge. He was born in Winnebago County, December 8, 1866, a son of Royal and Elizabeth (Kellog) Hance, natives of Ohio and New York.

After attending the country schools, Earl C. Hance worked in his father's sawmill until he attained his majority, and then came to Rock- ford to enter the employ of the Burson Knitting Company. Later he was with B. F. Barnes & Company, and on February 3, 1915, came to the Illinois School Furniture Company as engineer, and is giving universal satisfaction, for he is a capable and reliable man.

On June 13, 1889, Mr. Hance was married in Winnebago County to Hattie Martin, and they have the following children : Floyd, Clifford and Mildred, all of whom are at home. Mr. Hance belongs to the Odd Fellows in all its branches, the Court of Honor and the order of Owls. In politics he is a Republican. A man of more than usual ability, he turned his atten- tion toward perfecting himself in a congenial line of work, and stands very high with all who know him.

HANCE, Ogden, who during life was one of the highly respected residents of Pecatonica, was the first white child born in Winnebago County, that event taking place October 21, 1836, in Pecatonica Township. His father, Thomas Hance. one of the pioneers of the township, erected a log cabin on his land, and in it Ogden was born.

The paternal grandfather, Adam Hance, lived in the vicinity of Sandusky, Ohio, and there he reared his eleven children. His son Thomas, however, was not satisfied with his old home, and in the fall of 1833, began exploring for a new one, visiting northern Illinois. So pleased was he with the land and climate that he found. that he went back for his wife and child, and returned in the spring of 1834, settling in Pecatonica Township, where he took up land from the government. He died at Pecatonica, July 13, 1886. He married Phoebe DeWitt, a native of Ohio, in 1831. She sur- vived her husband until July 19, 1889. There were seven children in their family and all but two are deceased, They were reared in the faith of the Methodist church to which their parents belonged. They early were taught to make themselves useful and assisted their father in clearing the land and placing it under cul- tivation. While the hardships were many. their rewards were great, and thev developed into useful members of society. The family was so poor when location was first made in Winne- bago County that in order to secure the money to pay for his claim, the father had to plow furrows about a number of claims owned by his more fortunate neighbors, but he lived to attain to prosperity. and died surrounded by many comforts. Politically he was a Democrat. and served as supervisor and assessor for twenty years.

On August 17. 1862. Ogden Hance was mar- ried at Rockford hy Judge Miller, to Amanda V. Armstrong who was born in Washington. Richland County, Ohio, a daughter of James

and Catherine (Shoup) Armstrong, and grand- daughter of William and Elizabeth (Kennie) Armstrong, the latter of whom resided in Ohio until their death. James Armstrong moved from Ohio to Stephenson County, Ill., in 1841, and there entered land from the government, living on it for twenty-five years, when he went to Iowa. While on a visit in Nebraska he died May 24, 1884, aged seventy-seven years, three montlis and one day. His wife died in Iowa October 4, 1872, aged fifty-four years, four months and thirteen days. They had eleven children, five of whom survive. Mr. Armstrong served as a justice of the peace for about twenty-five years, and was the first school teacher, singing school teacher and writing master at Rock Run, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Hance had two children, namely : Edgar L., and Myrta F. The former was born August 26, 1863, and was graduated from the Chicago Union Law School June 16, 1886, and for twenty years was connected with the firm of Kerr & Barr of Chicago. He died August 21, 1910, having been a talented lawyer and able man. The daughter was born in Pecatonica Township, May 5, 1868. She was married (first) to S. B. Niles, October 15, 1885, and had one daughter, Rue V., who was born May 29. 1887. This young lady is now one of the efficient teachers of the Pecatonica public schools. Myrta L. was married (second) to J. M. Marks. in 1904.

On May 15, 1913, Ogden Hance passed away, aged seventy-seven years, and his remains were interred in the Pecatonica cemetery. He was very active in charitable work and encouraged his wife in her connection with the W. C. T. U. of which she was a useful member. His life was well spent, and dying he left a record for good citizenship of which his family may well be proud.

HANSON, John Arvid, foreman of the fine regu- lator department of the Haddorff Piano Com- pany, with residence at No. 507 Washington street, is one of the substantial men of Rockford, and a man in whom all have the utmost confi- dence. He was born in Sweden, August, 29, 1883, and there received his educational training. Until he was nineteen years old he gave his parents the aid of his services but then left them and came to the United States. arriving here in 1903. For three months he stopped at Wellsville, Ohio, where he worked in a rolling mill, and then came on to Rockford and was with the Forest City shoe factory for a short time, when he associated himself with the Scandia Furniture Company, with which he con- tinued for one vear as veneerman. During one summer he worked on the outside at the mason trade and painting, and then engaged with his present company, his faithfulness and skill being rewarded in 1913 when he was made foreman of his department which position he has since retained.

He was married to Edith Yetterberg, born in Sweden, and their children are as follows : Sterling, William and Eunice, who are at home. Industrious and skilled, Mr. Hanson has steadily

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risen and has earned all he today possesses through his own unaided efforts.

HANSON, Martin, engineer of the Rockford Bookcase Company, with residence at No. 922 Seventh street, owns that and other property, and thus is a man of financial standing, all he possesses however, being the result of his industry and thrift, He was born in Sweden, September 13, 1858. During his boyhood he attended school in his native land, and came to the United States in 1SS1. Feeling the need of scientific training to pursue the calling he desired he took a course in engineering at the Scranton (Pa.) School of Correspondence. While in Sweden he worked on farms, and until he received professional training as above men- tioned was employed at farm labor in Winnebago County. In 1883 he entered the McKinny Paper Mill and was made engineer a little later on of the factory of Mandard

Brothers, manufacturers of plumbing supplies. From then on lie served as engineer at different plants until 1902, when he was made engineer for his present company. Among other concerns for which Mr. Hanson has worked are: the Forest City Electric Light Company, the Rock- ford Water Works, the Peacock Brewery, the Marston Development Company, the Forest City Furniture Company, and the Star Furniture Company, so his experience has been extended and varied.

Mr. Hanson was married at Rockford in 1887 to Matilda Ahlgren, born in Sweden, and their children are: Vera, Magda and Lillian, the last two now being nurses at the Chicago Hospital. Mr. Hanson belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. The Republican party has his sup- port. Mr. Hanson owns an automobile, and possesses sufficient means to enjoy his leisure moments.

HARLEY, William, now deceased, was for many years one of the prosperous and energetic farmers of Winnebago County, and during his later years an honored resident of Rockton. He was born at New York City, N. Y., Novem- ber 9, 1835, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Awcott) Harley of England. The father came to New York City about 1816, and worked there as a cabinetmaker until about 1836, when he moved to South Carolina. In 1844 he came to Illinois, and bought a farm in Rockton Township, Winnebago County, which he operated, and he also worked at his trade at Beloit, Wis., but his death occurred on the farm. The mother continued to reside with her son William until her death.

William Harley was third youngest of the eleven children born to his parents, and lived with them until the year following his mar- riage, when he bought a farm in Sherland · Township and cultivated it until March, 1895, when he rented the farm to his son, and moved to Rockton, Ill. There he bought an old fash- ioned stone house which has been remodeled

and made into a modern residence. Here he lived retired until his death, March 30, 1904.

On December 24, 1858, Mr. Harley was mar- ried to Fidelia Miller, born at Ryegate, Vt., February 28, 1838, a daughter of Alexander and Mary (Mackie) Miller, born in Vermont and Scotland, respectively. Mrs. Miller was brought to Vermont by her parents when six- teen years old. Mr. and Mrs. Miller came to Rockton in 1844, and he worked as a carpenter until 1851, when he bought a farm in Sher- land Township, and there died. Mr. and Mrs. Harley had the following children: Henry, who was born February 21, 1860, died Febru- ary 9, 1904; Edwin, who was born August 23, 1862, died August 23, 1863; Freddie, who was born October 10, 1864, died May 17, 1865; and Ella, who was born September 28, 1866, has always lived with her mother in the family home at Rockton. Mr. Harley was a charter member of the Methodist Church at Rockton, and also in Sherland Township, and always was a member of the official church board. He was a Republican, and was prominent in politics, serving as supervisor, assessor, town clerk and school director of Sherland Town- ship. A man of high principles and great industry, he fairly earned the position he occu- pied in the esteem of those with whom he was associated, and his memory is cherished by many.

HARPER, Walter S. Were it not for the en- terprise and acumen of Rockford's business men it is very doubtful if this city would have at- tained to anything like its present importance and prosperity. One of these men undoubtedly is Walter S. Harper, owner and manager of Rockford's leading paint and decorating store, located at the corner of W. State and Winne- bago streets. He was born at Dayton, Ohio, April 9, 1858, a son of William and Lydia (Watts) Harper.

William Harper was born near Dayton, Ohio, March 15, 1835, and after receiving his educa- tional training, he became a large landowner and an extensive farmer. On September 16, 1852, he married, his wife being a daughter of Samuel and Martha M. Watts, the ceremony taking place at Nottingham, Ind. After his marriage William Harper continued farming until his enlistment at Indianapolis, in the Union army for service during the Civil war, and after four years he was honorably dis- charged. Returning to his farm he continued on it until 1870 when he moved to Camden, Ind., and engaged in a hotel and livery business for ten years. He also operated farm lands in connection with his other interests, and in 1880 moved to Geneva. Ind., where he again embarked in a hotel business, retiring after some years. He died at the age of seventy- five years, July 17, 1910. His wife died Jan- uary 28, 190S. He was an Odd Fellow and a member of the G. A. R. In politics he was a Republican.

Walter S. Harper was educated in the public

Het Prebben & Life

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

schools of Camden and Winchester, Ind., at- tending them until he was sixteen years old, at which time he began serving his apprentice- ship in the painting and decorating business at Winchester, later becoming a carriage painter and worked at that trade for thirteen years. In 1886 he came to Rockford where he engaged with the Emerson-Talcott Imple- ment Company as foreman and manager of their painting department, and so continued for four years. On April 1, 1890, he resigned his position to buy out George Fowler, deco- rator, who was located at No. 315 .W. State street, and occupied this store for two years. Mr. Harper then moved to Nos. 125-7 N. Main street, in the Henry block. On October 9, 1895, he had the misfortune to be burned out. He then took a position with the Wadsworth- Howland Company, of Chicago, dealers in paints and colors, and traveled for this concern in Indiana, and in the following spring he moved his family to Indianapolis so as to be nearer his business territory. In 1897 he resigned and returned to Rockford, where he again estab- lished himself in the painting and decorating business, in the Mendelssohn Hall building, at No. 513 W. State street, where he remained until October 1, 1907, when he secured his present quarters at Nos. 601-3 W. State street, having erected a building suitable for his busi- ness. He carries the most complete lines of paint, wall paper and painters' supplies in the city.

In 1880 Mr. Harper was married to Miss Mary E. Howard, who died in 1902, a daughter of George and Jane (Burns) Howard, who are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Harper had two chil- dren : Frank H., who was born April 10, 1885; and Catherine J., who was born August 24, 1894. Mr. Harper married (second) Miss Joan D. Lippi. Mr. Harper belongs to Rockford Lodge, A. F. & A. M. and Winnebago Chapter, R. A. M .. being chairman of the committee for building the Masonic Temple.

HARRIS, James N. Although some of the most reliable and desirable of Rockford's citizens have retired from the activities of life, they did not do so until they had achieved success along some line, such as manufacturing wagons and carriages and paper manufacturing. One of these is James N. Harris, although he has been interested in other things as well. He was born in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, England, November 16, 1847, a son of Henry and Mar- garet (Nash) Harris who died in Wales.

All the educational training James N. Harris received was obtained during a nine months' school and a night school after he came to the United States, so that he is really self trained, but possessing more than ordinary intelligence he has kept himself well posted. In 1866 with his brother John, James N. Harris came to this country, and located . at Mineral Point, Wis., where he learned the wood-wagon working trade and lived there until 1873, in that year coming to Rockford, where he was employed for eiglit

years by Reeves & Dumphey in the carriage factory. He was also in the employ of Levi Rhoades for sixteen years. He bought a farm three miles south of Rockford, and operated it for a time, but now rents it out. Since 1873, although interested at other points, he has made Rockford his home, and for the past ten years he has lived retired, his residence at No. 615 Mulberry street being one of the finest in the city.

In January, 1879, Mr. Harris was married to Lucinda H. Rhoades, born at Rockford, a daugh- ter of Levi and Fredericka (Reik) Rhoades. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have one daughter, Florence Luella, who is at home. Mr. Harris belongs to the Methodist Church. In politics he is a Re- publican. For some years he has been a director of the Peoples Bank of Rockford, and has always lived up faithfully to the obligations placed on his shoulders. Few men have ac- complished more from such small beginnings as Mr. Harris, and he well deserves the success which has come to him.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 88

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