USA > Illinois > Henry County > History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 100
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY
ship, while he gave his religious support to the Swedish Lutheran church, which his father had helped to organize and of which he was trustee.
Like all the older members of the family Peter A. Samuelson obtained his education in the public schools of this county, while the younger children were able to enjoy better advantages. Until he was thirty years of age he remained with his father, assisting him in the operation of his large farm, and then left the parental roof, for having married he had the natural desire to possess a home of his own. He took up his residence upon the place of eighty acres on which he now lives and which he purchased in 1892, paying sixty-five dollars an acre. In 1896 he bought another place of equal area, which cost him ten dollars more an acre, and sometime later he bought eighty acres more, for which he paid seventy-five dollars per acre. The last addition to his landhold- ings was eighty acres, which he inherited from his father, bringing his total acreage to three hundred and twenty. Part of this area is devoted to general crops, but much of it is used as pasture land for the large herds of cattle which Mr. Samuelson raises, feeds and ships to market. He has made a signal suc- cess from his agricultural pursuits, as any might know who have seen the handsome and commodious home he erected in 1908.
In the church at Andover, June 26, 1889, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Samuelson and Miss Lottie A. Anderson, of Lynn township. She was born, however, in Andover township, March 12, 1861, a daughter of John Otto and Anna Sophia (Youngquist) Anderson, and received a good education in the common schools. Four children have been born of this union: Blanche Harriet, who died in infancy; Clifford Cylvin, who passed away at the age of four and a half months; Lester A., who was born September 17, 1897; and Mabel A., who was born March 30, 1900.
Mr. Samuelson has always been a stanch republican but no office seeker, although he has ever taken an active interest in politics. He holds membership in the Swedish Lutheran church, in which he has served as deacon. Industrious, honorable and imbued with strong principles, he enjoys the good-will of those who have come in contact with him, either in business or social intercourse.
HARRY COWELL.
Harry Cowell, who operates two hundred and forty acres of land about a mile and a half east of Nekoma in Weller township and is one of the successful agriculturists of his locality, was born on the Isle of Man, July 23, 1856. His parents, John and Isabella (Skinner) Cowell, were also natives of the same place, which remained their home throughout their lives. The mother died there in 1859, when her son Harry was but three years of age and when she herself was only forty-five years old. The father, however, who had followed the sea throughout his active life, lived until he had passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey.
Harry Cowell received his education in the public schools of his native island, but at that time, although they were denominated public, each pupil had
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY
to pay tuition according to the number of studies he prosecuted. Throughout his young manhood and until 1884 he worked as a farm hand in his old home and then in that year came to the United States, under the belief, which the years have proved was not unfounded, that he could better his fortunes here. For several years after his arrival in Henry county, he found employment upon farms in Galva township and then, in 1888, he leased a tract of eighty acres in that locality, where he lived for two years, gaining there his first experience as an independent farmer. Now he rents a tract of two hundred and forty acres about a mile and a half east of Nekoma. The land is all well improved, is un- der an excellent state of cultivation, and has been successfully operated, for bountiful harvests have repaid generously his devotion to his life's work. He has devoted the greater part of his land to corn. Having in his youth learned the invaluable lessons of industry and being endowed with a desire to progress, he has succeeded to a degree scarcely hoped for even in his most optomistic moments.
In Cambridge, Illinois, May 21, 1888, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Cowell and Miss Margaret G. Elsis, a daughter of William Ellis, a banker on the Isle of Man. Twelve children have been born to them, namely: Margaret E., who died April 10, 1908; Isabella A., who is the wife of James W. Gallo- way, a farmer in Canada ; Florence M., who is twenty years of age and is teach- ing school; Rose A., who at the age of eighteen is also engaged in teaching; May H., who is seventeen years old and lives at home; Lawrence H., a lad of fifteen who is attending school; Elsie M., who is thirteen years old and is a pupil in the public school; John W., who is eleven years of age and attends school; Lillian G., who at the age of nine is living in Canada, where she is at- tending school; Charles E., who is seven and has just entered upon his period of instruction; and Phillis V. and Robert E., who at the respective ages of five and two are still at home.
When he became a citizen of this nation Mr. Cowell decided to look to the democratic party for his guidance in political matters, and so confidently does he believe in the value of the principles it enunciates in its platform, that usually he votes the straight ticket. He has, however, taken no part in the local govern .. ment, but his life, conscientiously lived, might be an example of fine manhood that is worthy of recognition. Fraternally he affiliates with the Modern Wood- men, being an active member of the camp at Nekoma.
ALEXANDER MCAVOY,
Alexander McAvoy, deceased, who for many years carried on agricultural pursuits in Munson township, Henry county, was residing in Geneseo at the time of his demise, having removed to this city upon his retirement from active business life. His birth occurred in Pleasant Mount, Wayne county, Pennsyl- vania, in the year 1832, his parents being Paul and Susan McAvoy, and he was one of a family of five children, the others being, Richard, Christopher, Paul and Fannie. He was reared to agricultural life on his father's farm, and re-
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY
mained under the parental roof until the year 1859, when he came alone to Henry county, locating in Munson township. Here he secured employment as a farm hand, in which capacity he continued for nearly three years. In the meantime he was actuated by the ambition of one day being independent, and he labored diligently and perseveringly, carefully saving his earnings, until he had accumulated sufficient capital with which to purchase a farm of his own. He invested in eighty acres of land in Munson township and then returned to his native city, where he was united in marriage on the 25th of February, 1862, to Miss Ann E. McDermott, who had been the girl of his boyhood choice. Mrs. McAvoy's father, Andrew McDermott, was born in County Cavan, Ireland, and when a boy came to the United States with two brothers, settlement being made in Wayne county, Pennsylvania. They worked upon the Delaware and Hudson canal during the summer seasons, the winter months being devoted to clearing farms which they had secured. These farms were located in the wilds of Penn- sylvania and no improvements whatever had been made upon them when they came into the possession of the three brothers, panthers, wolves and other wild animals being very numerous throughout the district. Andrew McDermott later wedded Miss Elizabeth Riley, also a native of County Cavan, Ireland, although neither had met until after they had resided in this country some time. She was a maiden of fifteen summers when, with two older brothers and a younger sister, she crossed the Atlantic ocean, and the brothers established a home at Pleasant Mount, Wayne county, Pennsylvania, Mrs. McDermott be- coming the housekeeper for the little family, bravely enduring the many hard- ships incident upon frontier life. Wild animals abounded in the district sur- rounding their home and many times they were compelled to climb to the roof of the log barn to escape from wolves. It was during this period that her grandfather, Thomas Riley, passed away in County Cavan, Ireland, and the brothers sent for the grandmother, Ellen Riley, who came and made her home with them at Pleasant Mount, Pennsylvania, where her remaining days were spent. Mrs. McAvoy was the eldest in a family of four sons and four daugh- ters born unto Mr. and Mrs. Andrew McDermott. Ellen, the second in order of birth, became the wife of Richard McAvoy, a brother of Alexander Mc- Avoy, of this sketch, and they made their home on a farm in Wayne county, Pennsylvania. They were the parents of several children. Catherine was united in marriage with Christopher McAvoy, another member of the same family, and unto them were born two sons and two daughters. They conducted a hotel at Pleasant Mount, Pennsylvania, up to the time of the husband's death in 1903, since which time the wife has resided on the old homestead with her oldest daughter, Nellie. Louise, the fourth member of the family, wedded Patrick Hannon, and makes her home in Hutchinson, Kansas, where Mr. Han- non has charge of the supply store of the Rock Island Railroad. In their fam- ily are three children, Ada, Nora and Mathew. James McDermott married Mary Moran, and lived in Pittston, Pennsylvania, for some time. He was superintendent of a mine at that place, and was killed by a falling timber. He was the father of five children. Thomas was united in marriage to Miss Alice McCabe, who passed away in 1908, leaving four children to mourn her loss. He now resides upon the old homestead at Pleasant Mount, Pennsylvania, of which
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY
he is the owner .. John Andrew married Elizabeth Boyle, of Geneseo township, Henry county, Illinois, a daughter of Thomas and Eliza Boyle, her birth occurring in 1887. They resided at Webster City, Iowa, until the time of her death, which occurred in 1899. Later Mr. McDermott was again married, his second union being with Miss Catherine Pritchard, of Omaha, Nebraska, in which city they now make their home. Cornelius, the youngest in the family, is also married and makes his home in Dunmore, a suburb of Scranton, Penn- sylvania. He is a traveling salesman and is the father of seven daughters, all grown to maturity and caring for themselves.
Mr. McAvoy, whose name introduces this review, brought his young bride at once to Henry county and during the following summer they resided with a neighboring family while Mr. McAvoy erected a dwelling upon the farm which he had previously purchased. In the fall of 1862 they began housekeeping in their new home, and continued to reside therein until 1890. In 1869 he pur- chased a tract of eighty acres adjoining his original farm, and later, in 1876, invested in another adjoining tract of one hundred and sixty acres, so that he became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres, constituting one of the finest farms of its size in the state. He was a man whose knowledge of agricul- ture was thorough and comprehensive, and his well directed energies brought to him a most gratifying degree of success.
As the years passed Mr. and Mrs. McAvoy became the parents of two sons, namely: Alexander Sherman, who was born on the 13th of January, 1865; and Frederick Joseph, whose birth occurred May 11, 1876. A complete record of the lives of the two sons follows this sketch. Mr. McAvoy continued to engage in agricultural pursuits and remained an active factor in the world's work until 1897, when he retired from business life and took up his residence at Geneseo, Illinois, where his remaining days were spent. He passed away September 13, 1900, and with his death Munson township lost one of its valued and respected citizens who for about forty years had resided within its borders and had taken an active part in the work of development and improvement which has been carried on during that period. He was an honorable and up- right gentleman, whose many excellent traits of character won for him the high regard and good will of all with whom he was associated.
FREDERICK JOSEPH MCAVOY.
The agricultural interests of Munson township find a worthy representative in Frederick Joseph McAvoy, who is operating an excellent farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres on section 2, the farm being a part of his father's estate. He was born in the house which is now his home on the 11th of May, 1872, his parents being Alexander and Ann (McDermott) McAvoy, of whom extended mention is made in the preceding sketch. His boyhood and youth were spent upon his father's farm in the usual manner of country lads. During the winter months he attended the district schools and later benefited by a course of study in Geneseo Collegiate Institute at Geneseo, where he remained for three years,
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY
becoming well equipped for the practical and responsible duties of life. After completing his education he returned home and assisted his father in the work of the fields until twenty-one years of age, when he entered upon an independ- ent business career as an agriculturist, renting a portion of the home farm and boarding with his parents. He continued in that capacity until twenty-five years of age, when, in the spring of 1897, his father retired from the active duties of business life and removed to Geneseo. At that time his farm, which consisted of three hundred and twenty acres of the finest land to be found in the state, was divided between his two sons, Frederick J. McAvoy retaining the portion upon which the homestead was located. He hired a housekeeper for a few months until he established the foundation of a happy home life of his own in his marriage on the 7th of September, 1897, to Miss Margaret Welsh, of Woodhull, Illinois, where her birth occurred upon a farm. Her parents were James and Isabella (Paul) Welsh, the former now making his home in Oxford township, while the latter passed away in 1903. When he assumed the man- agement of his present farm Mr. McAvoy was well prepared by previous thor- ough training to carry on the excellent work which his father had begun upon the place, and through modern agricultural methods he has continued to keep the land under a high state of cultivation, being methodical, sysematic and pro- gressive in the conduct of his business affairs.
As the years have come and gone the home of Mr. and Mrs. McAvoy has been blessed with three children, namely: Verna, born on the 22d of January, 1899; Edward, whose birth occurred on the 28th of April, 1904; and Elsie, born May 19, 1909. The parents are members of St. Malachi's Catholic church, Mr. McAvoy having been confirmed in that faith in 1887 under Bishop Spald- ing. They are people of high social standing in the community in which they reside, and are popular with a host of warm friends who entertain for them the utmost respect and good will.
Mr. McAvoy gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never sought nor desired public preferment, the only office which he has filled being that of school director, in which he is still serving. He is not unmindful, however, of the responsibilities that devolve upon him as a citizen, but has given unfaltering allegiance to those interests which tend to promote the material, political, intellectual and moral progress of the community and in his business life has conducted his affairs so actively and honorably that he has gained suc- cess and also the respect and confidence of his fellowmen.
ALEXANDER SHERMAN MCAVOY.
Among the native sons of Munson township who are seeking their fortunes in agricultural lines and by their well directed efforts are meeting with credit- able success, is Alexander Sherman McAvoy, whose birth occurred upon a farm of which his present place is a part, in the house now occupied by his brother, Frederick J. McAvoy, whose sketch is found above. Born on the 13th of Jan-
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY
uary, 1865, he is a son of Alexander and Ann Elizabeth (McDermott) Mc- Avoy, full mention of whom is made in this volume.
Reared under the parental roof Alexander S. McAvoy is indebted to the schools of Munson township for the early educational advantages which he en- joyed,while later he profited by a three years' course of study at Geneseo Sem- inary and received thorough commercial training in the Davenport Business College, of Davenport, Iowa, from which he was graduated. Thus well equipped for the duties of an independent business career, at the age of twenty- two years he began agricultural pursuits on his own account, renting land from his father until the latter's retirement in 1897. He was then given control of one half of his father's estate, of which he became the owner at the latter's death. His farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres of the best soil to be found in the state, and in its midst he has erected good substantial buildings which stand as monuments to his industry and thrift. The soil, which is natur- ally rich and productive, yields abundant annual harvests, which prove a source of gratifying revenue to him, while his good business ability and close applica- tion have gained for him rank among the progressive and prosperous agricul- turists of the township.
On the 19th of October, 1886, Mr. McAvoy was united in marriage to Miss Frances M. Critz, of Richmond, Iowa, a daughter of John and Mary Critz, whose acquaintance he made while residing in Davenport, Iowa. Unto this union were born five children, Paul, Albert, Mark, Winnifred and Maude. The eld- est, who was born on the 26th of September, 1887, is now clerking in a grocery store in Geneseo. Mr. McAvoy belongs to the Roman Catholic church, having been confirmed in the faith of that church at the age of twenty-one years under Bishop Spalding.
In politics he has not allied himself with any party organization, preferring rather to cast his vote for the men and measures which in his opinion are best adapted to conserve the public good. Nevertheless he is not unmindful of the duties that devolve upon him as a loyal and public-spirited citizen, but does everything in his power to promote the general welfare and progress of the community. Having spent his entire life within the borders of Munson town- ship, he has gained a circle of friends that is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances, and his salient characteristics are such as have gained him the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been associated.
THOMAS M. HANNON.
Thomas M. Hannon, a farmer on section 25, Geneseo township, was born in Listhole, Ireland, in 1842, and is a son of Matthew and Mary (Callahan) Hannon, both natives of Ireland. The father, a son of Thomas Hannon, a ten- ant in Listhole, Ireland, came to the United States about 1849 and after remain- ing in Sandusky, Ohio, a year or two came to Illinois. The Rock Island Rail- road was then being built and he secured work upon it as section foreman, a position he held until he became too old to work. After he had been here
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY
about six years and had become fairly well established, he sent for his family -his wife, three sons and a daughter-to join him. They arrived in 1856 and made their home at Bureau Junction, Bureau county, Illinois, for a number of years. In 1867 the family divided, the mother going to live with her son Thomas on his farm, the daughter remaining with her father and brothers for whom she kept house until she married, when the father also came to live with his son. On the farm in Geneseo township Matthew Hannon passed the re- mainder of his days, and was eighty-four years of age when on the 26th of December, 1896, he was called away. His wife had died eight years before.
Thomas M. Hannon was fourteen years of age when he came to this coun- try and immediately upon his arrival commenced work upon the Rock Island Railroad, being employed in various capacities, from section man to fireman. In 1867 he came to Henry county, locating on the farm which had been bought with his own savings and those of the father, his mother coming with him. Here he has since lived, and to this he brought his bride and here he reared his family. In the forty years and more that he has tilled the farm he has met with success and has secured a comfortable fortune.
On the 31st of March, 1875, Mr. Hannon married Miss Mary Cavanaugh, of Rock Island. She was born in New York city, October 10, 1851, and was a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Quigley) Cavanaugh. The father, who was a son of John Cavanaugh, was a native of Dublin, Ireland, while his wife was born in County Limerick. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hannon. Matthew, born February 26, 1876, is unmarried and lives at home. Agnes, born November 5, 1878, married Henderson Frew, who lives in Atkin- son. Grace, born December 25, 1880, is unmarried and teaches in the schools of Geneseo. She makes her home with her parents. Daniel, born April 13, 1882, is the principal of the consolidated schools at Scotland, Illinois. Cecelia, born August 20, 1884, teaches in the country schools of Henry county and lives with her parents. Thomas, born July 18, 1887, is also at home. Elizabeth, the youngest, was born January 27, 1891. Surrounded by his family Mr. Hannon is in the enjoyment of a tranquility that is very gratifying to him as he looks back over the long years and their many hardships. Though he has a natural attachment for the land of his birth, he cannot regret that his father came to this country and gave to his family advantages they should never have had there. He is now the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which is well improved with good and substantial buildings.
WILLIAM HARVEY WITHROW.
William Harvey Withrow, one of the substantial farmers of Phenix town- ship, was born in the house he now occupies, April 5, 1862, being a son of Amariah Withrow, a sketch of whom is to be found in this work. His boyhood was spent on this farm and he was given a fair common school education. Until he attained his majority he worked for his father and then began farming by the day among neighbors. In this way he earned money to buy the neces-
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY
sary farming implements and a team, and then he began operating his uncle's farm in Hanna township. For two years he continued there, afterward going to his paternal grandfather's farm. About 1892 he removed to his father's farm, which has since been his home. He also owns one hundred and four acres adjoining and operates both properties. At one time he owned eighty acres in Hardin township,, for which he paid thirty-one dollars per acre, but he later sold it at a profit.
On August 30, 1887, Mr. Withrow was married in Geneseo township, to Miss Perilezette Merrimen, of Phenix township, a daughter of William and Margaret (Carse) Merrimen, who are now residing in Germany. While Mr. Withrow is an earnest republican he is not an office seeker. He belongs to Camp No. 40, M. W. A., and enjoys his association with his fellow members. An excellent farmer, good business man and reliable citizen, Mr. Withrow has not only succeeded in material things, but he has won the confidence and friend- ship of those with whom he has been brought in contact and is admitted to be one of the representative agriculturalists of Phenix township.
ASHER BEATTY LOVE.
One of the successful agriculturists of Western township is Asher Beatty Love, who operates a farm of one hundred and fifty-three acres belonging to his father. He was born in this township, May 1, 1875, his parents being James A. and Anna (Beatty) Love. The father was of Irish birth and parentage, but was a mere child when the family came to America in 1849 They settled first in Pennsylvania, where his father died, leaving his mother to rear their family of ten children. About 1871 she brought her family to Illinois, where several of the sons became interested in agriculture. In Western township James A. Love was married, and in the course of years became one of the successful farmers of his locality.
Asher Beatty Love was reared upon the farm which is now his home and attended the common schools of his district. Since he has assumed the man- agement of his father's place, he has given more and more attention to the raising and feeding of stock, from which he has derived an income commen- surate with that obtained from purely agricultural pursuits. The fields which are under his control have been cultivated with a care that bespeaks his skill as a farmer, while the improvements which adorn the place demonstrate his thrift, economy and good management-qualities which are as necessary as in- dustry in the prosecution of agricultural work.
On the 29th of June, 1905, at Kent, Iowa, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Love and Miss Susan Jeanette Campbell. She was born in Rock Is- land county, Illinois, is a daughter of Thomas Campbell, and was visiting in Orion when she met Mr. Love. She died April 11, 1909, on Easter Sunday. She was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Orion and Mr. Love also has given to it his support and allegiance. In political matters he affiliates with the republican party, but he has never aspired to any office with-
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