USA > Illinois > Ford County > History of Ford County, Illinois : from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. I > Part 30
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
Albert Gilmore largely acquired his education in the district schools and also spent two terms as a student in the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Illinois, and in 1863 engaged in teaching school. Through the periods of vacation he was trained to the work of the homestead and after teaching engaged in farming at home. Subsequent to the father's death the children conducted the farm for about fifteen years, on the expiration of which period three brothers, William, John and Albert Gilmore, came to Ford county and in 1864 purchased sixteen hundred acres of wild land. The unsettled and unimproved condition of this section of the state made it possible for them to purchase the property at from four dollars and twenty-five cents to eight dol- lars per acre. With characteristic energy they began its development and cultivation but Albert Gilmore did not make Ford county his home until
388
HISTORY OF FORD COUNTY
1870, when he took up his abode within its borders. About 1866 the broth- ers purchased six hundred aeres in Champaign county, four hundred acres of which was broken. The four brothers worked together, carrying on their business interests thus until 1870, when the land was divided, Albert Gilmore's share being five hundred and twenty acres. As he has recognized oppor- tunity for judicious and profitable investment he has since added to his property from time to time until he is one of the most extensive landholders in this part of the state, his possessions aggregating two thousand acres in Ford and MeLean counties, about eighteen hundred and thirty acres being in Ford county. He also owns twenty-two hundred and forty acres in Kansas, one thousand four hundred and sixty-seven acres in Missouri near Quincy, three hundred and twenty acres in Minnesota, three thousand acres in Canada and other property. Ile has always carried on farming and stock-raising, keeping only high grade stock, and the development of his fields and his live- stock interests have both proved sources of profit.
On the 18th of February, 1880, Mr. Gilmere was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Boundy, who was born near Peoria, Illinois, June 19, 1858. and is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Hill) Boundy, who were of English descent. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore have been born six children : Samuel, who attended school in Indianapolis, Indiana, and lives upon his fath- er's farm northwest of Gibson City; Emma Josephine, at home, who is a graduate of the Gibson high school and also pursued a course in bookkeeping at Brown's College; Lillie May, who was also a student in bookkeeping in Brown's Business College in Bloomington; William A., who died in 1890; and Cynthia M. and Florence E., both at home.
The parents are members of the First Presbyterian church, to the sup- port of which they contribute generously. They resided upon the farm until 1905, when they removed to Gibson City, and the following year Mr. Gil- more built a beautiful home. In politics he is a republican, having been a stalwart supporter of the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, yet he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. Ile has preferred to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs, which have been most carefully and ably conducted. His success has resulted largely from judicious investments and these have come as the result of his sound judgment, which is seldom, if ever, at fault in business transactions. He seems to recognize almost intuitively the value of an opportunity and the possibilities which attend it and his keen sagacity is one of the strongest fac- tors in his splendid success. His life, too, has been characterized by
389
HISTORY OF FORD COUNTY
unwearied industry intelligently applied, and the prosperity which he attained should serve to encourage and inspire others, showing the opportunities that lie before the ambitious, determined, industrious American man. His father left about fifteen hundred dollars to each of his children, but aside from this Albert Gilmore received no outside assistance and the success that he has achieved in life is therefore due to his own well directed efforts.
GEORGE DRENDEL.
George Drendel, a practical and progressive farmer of Mona township, living on section 21, owns one hundred and seven acres of rich and arable land on section 22 and 28, and in addition he operates another tract of two hundred and sixty acres also lying in Mona township. It was in this township that Mr. Drendel was born on the 6th of May, 1871, of the marriage of Frank S. and Mary (Slater) Drendel. His father was long known as one of the repre- sentative and prominent farmers of the locality. IIe was born in Germany on the 11th of November, 1839, his parents being Martin and Mary (Smith) Drendel, whose children were Francis, Frank S., Barbara, George and Lewis.
Frank S. Drendel was reared to farm life and was educated in both French and German. Ile began providing for his own support as a farm hand in his native country when fourteen years of age and was employed by the year until 1865, when he came to the United States. He did not tarry on the eastern coast but made his way at once to Dupage county, Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand for two months. He was afterward in St. Louis, Missouri, for a time and later in New Orleans prior to his return to Illinois. In the spring of 1867 he took up his abode in Joliet and for two years was employed as a laborer before coming to Ford county in 1869. Here he rented land and broke prairie for five years, after which he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 21, Mona township, where he has since resided. As the years passed by, however, he prospered and later derived his income from a fine farming property of seven hundred and twenty acres, which was well improved and supplied with modern conveniences, now occu- pied by his heirs. After becoming a naturalized American citizen he gave his political allegiance to the democracy and for many years served as school director. He was a communicant of the Catholic church and well known in Mona township as a citizen of genuine worth. In 1870 he wedded Miss Mary
390
HISTORY OF FORD COUNTY
Slater and unto them have been born five sons and four daughters, namely : George, Rebecea, Susie, Henry, Frank. Frederick, Mary, Annie and Martin. The father died November 13, 1901.
George Drendel remained with his father until he attained his majority. In the meantime he mastered the common branches of learning taught in the publie schools and was trained to habits of industry and economy, thus form- ing characteristics which in later years have proved an important element in his success. When he had reached manhood he rented land from his father and continued its cultivation for several years while in the meantime he care- fully saved his earnings until he was enabled to purchase property for himself. Ilis home farm of one hundred and seven acres on sections 22 and 28, Mona township, is a well developed tract of land and in the cultivation of an addi- tional tract of two hundred and sixty acres he adds materially to his annual income. In all of his farm work he is systematic and progressive and has therefore gained desirable success. He now has charge of his father's estate.
On the 27th of January, 1897, Mr. Drendel was married to Miss Elizabeth Thiel, who was born in La Salle county, Illinois. October 14. 1876. a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hughman) Thiel, who were natives of Germany and came to the United States at an early day. Mrs. Drendel was one of a family of six children and by her marriage has become the mother of two daughters and three sons : Ethel M., Emma E., Lester F., Walter M., and George IIenry.
The parents hold membership in the Catholic church at Cullom and Mr. Drendel belongs to the Woodmen lodge there. He exercises his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of the democracy and for seven years he filled the office of school director. The cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion and he stanchly advocates every movement caleulated to prove of public good, always desiring the best development of the community.
A. C. MUNRO.
A. C. Munro possesses the enterprising spirit of the middle west. He owns eighty acres of land on sections 28 and 33, Pella township, and operates a farm of two hundred acres. He is thus leading a life of industry and is meeting with fair success in his undertakings. He was born in La Salle
391
IIISTORY OF FORD COUNTY
county, Illinois, January 14, 1865, his parents being W. C. and Emma (Pearson) Munro. The father was born in Massachusetts, while the mother's birth occurred near Dayton, Ohio. In 1854 W. C. Munro arrived in Illinois and located in La Salle county, where he began farming, carrying on agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days. Both he and his wife are now deceased. They were the parents of eight children, seven of whom survive: Rosetta, the wife of Henry Milborn, of Kankakee, Illinois; A. C., of this review; Amanda, deceased; Lemuel B., who resides in Marshalltown, Iowa; Elvira, the wife of James Grey, of Saunemin, Livingston county, Illinois; G. W., who makes his home in Iowa; Ira P., of this county; and Esther, who resides in Fairbury.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for A. C. Munro in his boyhood and youth. He attended the public schools and thoroughly mastered the branches of learning therein taught. Ile con- tinued with his father until eighteen years of age, when he started out in business life as a school teacher, following the profession for three years. On the expiration of that period he made a trip westward to Nebraska, where he worked for four years at Alliance, after which he engaged in farming on his own account for two years. In 1891 he returned to Illinois, where he was employed at various kinds of labor for four years and then went to Iowa, where he followed farming for a year. Again returning to his native state, he filled such positions as he could secure for two years and later began farm- ing on his own account.
Mr. Munro was married in 1898 to Miss Edith Dillon, who was born in Livingston county, Illinois, in 1870, a daughter of Edwin and Elizabeth Dil- lon. The mother is still living in Fairbury, this state, but the father died May 4, 1908. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dillon were born three children: Oscar, now living on the old homestead; Alida, the wife of George Kilbury, and Mrs. Munro. The last named by her marriage has become the mother of four children ; Esther L., Edwin C., and Ruth E., who are yet under the parental roof ; and Willard R., deceased.
The family home is a farm of eighty acres lying on sections 28 and 33, Pella township, and Mr. Munro operates altogether two hundred acres of land, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation, the fields returning to him rich erops. In his farm work he is practical and has lived a life of industry and untiring diligence, his success being based entirely upon his own labors and capable management. Both Mr. and Mrs. Munro are consistent members of the Christian church of Fairbury and his influence is ever given
392
HISTORY OF FORD COUNTY
on the side of those movements and measures which tend to uplift mankind and make the world better. IIe is a stanch advocate of the temperance cause and votes with the prohibition party. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his trustworthiness and his ability, have called him to public office. He served as justice of the peace for four years and is now acting as a school director.
HARRY SCHUTTE.
The farming interests of Dix township find a worthy representative in Harry Schutte, who makes his home on section 28. He is pleasantly located about six and a half miles northeast of Gibson City and a mile and a quarter northeast of Guthrie, and here he is successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Ile was born in the northern part of Germany in 1857 and is a son of Gerhard and Taytye Schntte, who were farming people of the fatherland, where they spent their entire lives. In their family were six children, and two sisters, Ellis and Johanna, are now residents of America.
Harry Schutte acquired his education in the schools of Germany and came to America in 1881, when a young man of twenty-four years. He sailed from Bremen and after a voyage of two weeks landed at Baltimore but did not tarry on the eastern coast, making his way direct to Gibson City, Illinois. In this locality he worked out by the month as a farm hand for six years on different farms and then when his labors and economy had brought him sufficient capital he purchased eighty acres of land, of which he became the possessor in 1890, paying for it fifty dollars per acre. Five years later he sold that traet for seventy-five dollars per aere and invested in a quarter see- tion of land where he now lives on section 28, Dix township. For this he paid seventy-five dollars per acre. He has placed most of the improvements upon the property, has drained and tiled the land, built barns, put in scales and in faet has added all modern equipments and accessories which facili- tate the farm work. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also handles some stock and gains a good financial return annually from his labors in that direction. In addition to the home property he owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Sullivant township, Ford county, which he purchased two years ago for one hundred and ten dollars per acre and which is well improved.
MR. AND MRS. HARRY SCHUTTE
395
HISTORY OF FORD COUNTY
In 1888 occurred the marriage of Mr. Schutte and Miss Caroline Bonnen a sister of Harry Bonnen, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. She was born in Germany and was a daughter of Bonnie P. and Tillie (De Grote) Bonnen. They came to America in 1867 and Mrs. Schutte acquired her education in the district schools of this country. By her marriage she has become the mother of seven children : £ George; Tillie; John; Caroline; Annie; Elma, deceased; and the first born, who died in infancy.
Mr. Schutte casts an independent ballot, supporting men and measures rather than party. IIe is, however, interested in the welfare of his community and his cooperation can always be counted upon to further progressive public measures. He belongs to the German Lutheran church and a life of upright- ness and business integrity has won for him the friendship and good will of his fellowmen.
GEORGE D. MONTELIUS.
George D. Montelius, whose prominence in the grain trade of Illinois is indicated by his election as one of the directors of the Illinois State Grain Dealers' Association, is now extensively operating in grain at Piper City under the firm name of George D. Montelius & Company, becoming his father's part- ner and his successor in the management of the business.
He was born in Piper City, November 30, 1872, and has always made his home here. In early boyhood he attended the public schools and for four years was under the instruction of a private tutor, after which he spent two years as a student in Lake Forest Academy. He likewise attended the Michi- gan Military Academy at Orchard Lake, Michigan, for two years and follow- ing his return to Piper City became a factor in its business circles in the winter of 1894 as a partner with his brothers, J. K. and J. A. Montelius, in the agri- cultural implement business under the firm style of Montelius Brothers. This association was maintained until the 1st of May, 1902, when George D. Montel- ius sold his interest to his brother J. A. Montelius, Jr., and entered the grain trade with his father under the firm name of George D. Montelius & Company. He has continued therein to the present time and since the 1st of May, 1902, has been a member of the Chicago Board of Trade. He is widely known because of the extent and importance of his operations as a grain dealer and has met with gratifying success in the business.
396
HISTORY OF FORD COUNTY
On the 1st of November, 1894, Mr. Montelius was married to Miss Clara Plank, who was born in Piper City, a daughter of J. B. Plank. She died in 1896. and on the 26th of June, 1900, Mr. Montelius was again married, his second union being with Anna F. Stadler, a native of this place and a daugh- ter of John Stadler. There are two children of this marriage: Charles II., born June 23, 1902; and Dorothy HI., born March 28, 1907.
In his political views Mr. Montelius is an inflexible republican and for three terms has served as village trustee. Ilis cooperation can always be counted upon to aid in the practical work of improving and upbuilding the village. IIe has attained high rank in Masonry and is a past master of Piper Lodge, No. 608. A. F. & A. M .; a past commander of St. Paul Commandery, No. 34, K. T., of Fairbury, while in Oriental Consistory, Chicago, he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and is a member of Me- dinah Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to Piper Lodge, No. 471, I. O. O. F., and to Piper Camp, No. 718, M. W. A. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presby- terian church and as one of its elders he does all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. The members of the Montelius family need no introduction to the readers of this volume, for the sons have followed the example of their honored father and are enterprising, reliable business men, who accomplish what they undertake and in that accomplishment follow meth- ods which neither seek nor require disguise.
JOHN RICHARDSON.
John Richardson, who is now living retired in Elliott is numbered among the large landowners of Ford county. He is also accounted one of the pioneer settlers of this section of the state, for in the last half century he has seen the county grow from a wild country with only a few white inhabitants, to a rich agricultural country, containing thousands of good homes and acres of growing towns, inhabited by an industrious and prosperous people, and he has not only been an interested witness but an active participant in the slow, persistent work of development which was necessary to produce this wonderful change.
Mr. Richardson was born in Liverpool, England, January 1, 1829, a son of John and Mary Ann ( Kelly) Richardson, the former a farmer of England.
397
HISTORY OF FORD COUNTY
The son acquired his education in the common schools of his native land and there remained until he had attained the age of fourteen years, when he accom- panied his parents on their emigration to Quebec, the family home being established in Quebec. He was there bound out to a mason and builder to learn the mason's trade. After completing his apprenticeship he went to Detroit, Michigan, where for a time he worked at his trade and then worked for a time in Flint, that state. In 1857 he made his way to Paxton, Ford county, but after residing there three years he removed to Ten Mile Grove and operated a rented farm for one year, subsequent to which time he removed to a farm which he had purchased in Wall township. This tract was originally in possession of the railroad company and after it came under control of our subject it was transformed into a fine tract which annually returned good crops as a reward for the care and labor he had bestowed upon it. As time passed and he pros- pered in his undertakings he increased the boundaries of his farm until he was in possession of five hundred acres of valuable land which he eventually traded for ten hundred and thirteen acres, situated near Paxton in Dix township. He continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits until 1871, when he retired from active business life and took up his abode in the village of Elliott, occupy- ing the third house that was erected there. He still has extensive landed hold- ings, however, being the owner of eighteen hundred acres of valuable land, nearly all of which is used for general farming purposes and which returns to him a good annual income which enables him now to spend the evening of his life in honorable retirement.
Mr. Richardson established a home of his own by his marriage in 1856 to Miss Sarah Simons, a daughter of Nathan Simons, who served as the first county clerk of Ford county. Their marriage has been blessed with five chil- dren, one son and four daughters, namely: Nathan, who resides on his father's farm; Florence, the wife of A. W. Barrow, a resident of Gibson City, by whom she has one son; Pamelie, the wife of C. P. Wardell, a resident of Los Angeles, California, and the mother of two children; Maud, the wife of Albert Keith, a resident of Chicago, by whom she has two children ; and Mary, the wife of O. S. Hopkins, of Oakland, California.
Mr. Richardson is a stalwart supporter of the democratic party and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Brethren church. He is numbered among the honorable and honored pioneers of this section of the state and can relate in interesting manner incidents of the early days when deer and wolves were roaming over the prairies and when all kinds of wild game were plentiful. He takes great delight in the wonderful changes which
398
HISTORY OF FORD COUNTY
have here occurred, transforming Ford county into a prosperous district and through the cultivation of the soil has acquired the competence that now enables him at the age of seventy-nine years to live in well earned ease in a comfortable home in Elliott.
HENRY RAAB.
HIenry Raab is a worthy representative of one of the honored and respected pioneer families of this section of the state. He is now closely associated with agricultural interests in Ford county and also figures in financial circles as vice president of the Farmers State Bank of Cabery. IIe was born in Morris, Grundy county, Illinois, May 9, 1863, his parents being George and Wilhelmina (Beaver) Raab, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to the United States in early life and were married in Illinois. The father died upon the farm which is now the home of his son Henry, his death resulting from the kick of a colt, on the 4th of September, 1864, when he was but thirty-nine years of age. Ilis wife, who was born in Germany, September 20, 1827, crossed the Atlantic in 1856 and died in Cabery, February 13, 1897. After losing her first husband she became the wife of Carl Rusag. There were no children by the second marriage and by the first marriage there was a daughter, Mary, now the wife of Herman Christ, of Kankakee county, Illi- nois ; and llenry.
IIenry Raab was only about a year old when his parents removed from Grundy county to Ford county and settled upon the farm which has since been his home. Ilere he was reared and was early trained to the work of the fields, gaining intimate knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of land, all on section 20, Rogers township, which includes the eighty acres contained in the original Raab farm. All of the improvements upon the place have been made by our subject and the family. It was a tract of unbroken prairie when the father came, and with characteristic energy he began to turn the fur- rows and plant the fields, while Henry Raab aided more and more largely in the work of the farm as his age and strength increased. Three years ago he erected his present dwelling, which is a substantial residence. and there are also other good buildings upon the place, indicative of the progressive spirit of the owner, whose energy and diligence have been the resultant factors in his
MR. AND MRS. HENRY RAAB
401
HISTORY OF FORD COUNTY
success. Aside from his farming interests he is now a director and the vice president of the Farmers State Bank of Cabery since its organization in 1903 and he is also a director and secretary of the Kempton Farmers elevator.
On the 17th of December, 1889, Mr. Raab was united in marriage to Miss Christina Ottmuller, who was born in Woodford county, Illinois, near El Paso, September 20, 1867, a daughter of Jacob and Jordena (Johnson) Ottmuller, who were natives of Germany, the former a native of Wittenberg and the lat- ter of Hanover. They were married, however, in Illinois and the father died in Cullom three years ago, at the age of seventy-eight years, while the mother still resides in Cullom. In their family were four children : Charles, who is living near Cullom; Mrs. Raab; Jacob, a resident of North Dakota; and Chris, who is now living in Montana. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Raab have been born four children, Jordena, George, Hattie and Frederick.
Mr. Raab is a stalwart advocate of the republican party, doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. IIe is now serving for the third consecutive term as supervisor of Rogers township and his reelection is indicative of his fidelity and capability in office. Ile belongs to the Lutheran church and is a man whose many excellent traits of character have won for him the respect of those with whom he has come in contact. He is loyal and progressive in citizenship, reliable and diligent in business, and true to the ties of friendship. Almost his entire life has been spent in Ford county and he has been a witness of its growth and upbuilding for forty-four years.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.