History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II, Part 106

Author: Kiner, Henry L., 1851-
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago : The Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1138

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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY

In Cambridge, Illinois, December 25, 1871, Mr. Gustafson wedded Miss Elizabeth Weech, whose home was in Knox county, this state. She was born in Somerton, Somersetshire, England, February 9, 1851, and is a daughter of Joseph and Martha (White) Weech. In 1859 her parents came to the United States, settling in Oneida, Knox county, Illinois, where they lived for a time before they secured the farm on which she grew to maturity. She received a fair common- school education there. She was the eighth in a family of ten children. The others were Ann, who married Daniel Cox, in England, but died in Linn county, Kansas, leaving four children; Steve who also lived in Linn county, Kansas, and left three children when he died; Daniel, who died in Linn county, Kansas, leaving three children; Joseph, who lives upon the homestead in Oneida, Knox county, Illinois, where he is rearing his ten children ; Jane, who is the wife of Julius Rose, of Linn county, Kansas, and has ten children; Sarah, who married William Cox, by whom she had four children, and after his death became the wife of John Burnison, who lives near Brooks, Iowa; Mary, who wedded John Burnison, and died in Red Oak, Iowa, leaving four children; James who lives at San Bernar- dino, California, and has two children; and John, who lives at London Mills, Illinois, and has four children.

Mr. and Mrs. Gustafson have had two sons: Dr. Joseph Ansley Gustafson and John E. Gustafson, sketches of whose lives appear elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Gustafson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his political views Mr. Gustafson has been a stanch republican since the time when he cast his first presidential ballot for Grant in 1868. He has however, steadily refused any office which the people might bestow upon him, feeling that his private interests demand the greater part of his time.

FORREST MICHISON LOWES.

Forrest Michison Lowes is prominently connected with the profession which has important bearing upon the welfare and stable prosperity of any community. Since 1899 he has continuously practiced law in Geneseo and has been identified with much of the important litigation heard in the courts of Henry county. His birth occurred in Atkinson township, this county, November 26, 1874, and he is the youngest of the three living children of William and Martha (Michison) Lowes, both of whom were natives of England. The paternal grandfather spent his entire life in England and following his demise his widow came to America and died in Atkinson, Illinois, when more than eighty years of age. The ma- ternal grandparents were also natives of the "Merrie Isle" and Mr. Michison there followed coal mining until his death, which occurred when he was well ad- vanced in years.

William Lowes, the father of our subject, became a coal miner in England and in 1869 crossed the Atlantic to America, settling in Cleveland, Illinois, where he followed the same pursuit. Later he removed to Munson township, Henry county, where for a short time he operated a mine of his own and later he con- ducted a mine in Atkinson township. In 1881 he removed to Geneseo where

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he entered upon the manufacture of brick and tile in partnership with his brother- in-law, John Mowbray, with whom he was associated for many years. He was recognized as one of the prominent representatives of industrial life in this lo- cality and his enterprise and energy constitute the salient features in the success which he won. He served as supervisor for several years and was active in com- munity interests, his support being given to many measures for the general good. He died September 17, 1908, at the age of sixty-three years and is still survived by his widow. They were the parents of five sons and a daughter, of whom three have passed away. The others are: William, now a resident of Sedgwick, Colorado; Elizabeth, the wife of Frank W. Sherman, also of Sedgwick; and Forrest M.

The last named has spent his entire life in Henry county, and has lived in Geneseo since 1881, with the exception of a few years passed in Chicago. He was graduated from the Geneseo high school with the class of 1893 and then entered the state university of Illinois at Champaign, where he spent two years. Subsequently he matriculated in the Northwestern Law School at Chicago, from which he was graduated with the class of 1897. The same year he was admitted to practice in the state and federal courts. While attending the university he played third baseman on the baseball team and was greatly interested in athletics. Following his graduation he entered the law office of ex-United States District Attorney Thomas E. Milchrist, of Chicago, with whom he remained for two years thus putting his theoretical training to practical test. In 1899 he opened a law office in Geneseo, where he practiced continuously since. He prepares his cases with precision and care, his analysis is sound, his reasoning logical and his deduc- tions are usually correct. He is also known in industrial circles as manager of the brick and tile business which was formerly conducted by his father and uncle, both of whom are now deceased.

Mr. Lowes attends the Unitarian church and belongs to Stewart Lodge, No. 92, F. & A. M., and to Geneseo Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M. He belongs also to the Sigma Chi, a college fraternity. His political endorsement has been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he served for two years as police magistrate in Geneseo. He finds his chief source of recreation in baseball and other athletic interests and made somewhat of a reputation in the former, both at Champaign and while in Chicago. He is an alert, energetic young man, who quickly notes and eagerly grabs every oppor- tunity that is presented and in professional circles he is making continuous and substantial advance.

ALPHONSUS DEPOORTER.

The Rev. Alphonsus Depoorter, one of the most distinguished and beloved priests of the Catholic clergy, and for nine years before his untimely death rector of the parish of Atkinson, passed away March 22, 1909, at Santa Rosa In- firmary, San Antonio, Texas. He was born August 1, 1872, at Poucques, Bel- gium, a son of Ivo and Louise (Van Landeghem) Depoorter, both natives of

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Belgium, where the father was born June 24, 1827, and the mother in 1835. His mother died in 1890, aged fifty-five years, and is buried in her native land. The father came to America in 1893, and in 1899 he located in Henry county, Illi- nois, dying in Atkinson, in 1906, and is buried there, his son Father Depoorter reading high mass at his funeral services. He and his excellent wife had a large family, there being nine still living: Mary, a sister in a Belgian convent ; Alberic, a resident of Moline, Illinois; Emma, who lives in Atkinson and during her brother's pastorate here was his housekeeper; Medard, a farmer of Atkinson township; Camille, also a nun in Belgium; Philipine who married Joseph Ball- weg, of Nebraska; the late Father Depoorter; Aloysius, who lives in Annawan, Illinois; Hortense, a resident of Davenport, Iowa; and Helen, who married Frank Weibel, of Nebraska.

Father Depoorter attended the public schools of Belgium until he was about ten years old, when he entered the college of Thielt, Belgium, graduating from there to go to the Rousselaere College, and after graduation from the latter school he entered the seminary of Bruges. From this he went to the great college of Lou- vair, Belgium, where he acquired a knowledge of English. His college course embraced eleven years, and on April 3, 1897, he was ordained in Belgium. Coming to America afterwards, he was appointed assistant to Father Crowe at Kewanee. After four months he was made pastor in charge of the church at Annawan, and in 1900 he was sent to Atkinson, where he continued throughout the remainder of his brief life. He also gave instruction, being the head of a remarkably good school. The new church at Atkinson was just completed when Father Depoorter came to the parish and through his efforts it was freed from the burden of debt. In 1907 he built St. Anthony's school, a structure of pressed brick, that is modern in every particular. Chairman of the building committee, he had everything in charge and never spared himself in this or any other particular. He had raised the money and was attending to its equipment when sickness overtook him and he never recovered. However, his work remains as a monument to his self- sacrificing life and noble spirit. There were three Sisters in the parochial school when Father Depoorter took charge, and now there are six of the Benedictine order.

While Father Depoorter always voted for the man he deemed best fitted for the office, he probably leaned more toward the democratic party. He belonged to the Catholic Order of Foresters of St. Anthony's Court and was its spiritual advisor, as well as of the Knights of Columbus. Possessed of a broad and liberal spirit, he exerted a wide influence for good and had friends throughout the en- tire county regardless of religious convictions. In 1908 he was stricken with nervous prostration from the effects of overwork on the school building, and while out on an automobile ride to Geneseo, in September, 1907, he had the mis- fortune to meet with a serious accident, breaking his collarbone. This proved to be a serious setback and finally he was induced to go to San Antonia, Texas, for a month. While there in Santa Rosa Infirmary, he died in March, 1909, attended by his devoted sister, Miss Emma Depoorter, and his remains were taken back to Atkinson for interment.

The funeral of Father Depoorter was the largest Henry county has ever known and the most imposing, over fifty priests with the bishop attending to do

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honor to this distinguished and good man. Thousands of those to whom he had given his friendship gathered, stricken with grief at their loss. Catholic and Prot- estant stood side by side and mingled their tears. It is impossible to do justice to the magnificent services presided over by Bishop O'Reilly in this brief space. Father Foley and Father Wolters directed the arrangements ; Father Julius Devos preached in Belgian on the life of the young priest both in Belgium and here, declaring he was an honor to his family and the glory of his people, as well as the blessing of his parish. Bishop O'Reilly delivered a touching tribute to his faith- ful worker taken from his charge by death, speaking in English. Special reso- lutions were adopted by the business and professional men of Atkinson regarding his death, expressing their appreciation of his life and work.

Many of the leading people of Atkinson attended, and the fraternal orders with which he was associated, attended in full regalia. St. Malachy's congrega- tion turned out in a body, prostrated with grief. The ladies of the Atkinson Altar Society donated the vault in which lie the mortal remains of Father De- poorter, which is visited daily by the many whom he helped in trouble or ad- versity.

Father Depoorter has passed from this mortal sphere after a too brief period here, and yet in the thirty-six years he was here he accomplished much more than those who have more than double that number to their credit. A lover of men, a worker who loved his people, he learned from direct contact with the sources of contemporary knowledge and of men, and his associates in the church, the school, the religious and fraternal societies and at large lost the comradeship of a noble soul. Any priest might be proud of such a career as that of Father Depoorter, and his is a character to remember with affectionate appreciation. He had conspicuous ability for his calling, for all in his heart were his special charges to be taught and led gently and firmly into what he felt was the only path of right living. However, he did not confine his work to church affairs but gave endorsement and aid to those movements he deemed would serve toward a general uplifting of humanity. No better monument can any man have, be he priest or layman, than that which is erected in the hearts of his intimates and shows forth in their lives, and judging by what he accomplished, Father De- poorter did not live in vain but made the world better and purer for his brief stay in it.

HENRY RUMLER.

Henry Rumler, a well known citizen of Atkinson, who is engaged in the hard- ware business and in selling farm implements, was born in Belgium, April 14, 1854. His parents, Francis and Amelia (Bonne) Rumler, who were also natives of that country, came to America in 1857, settling in Moline, Rock Island county, Illinois. The next year, however, they came to Atkinson, where the father ob- tained work as a section boss, though in the land of his birth he had been a farmer. He was not long permitted to enjoy the advantages of this country for after only a little more than twelve years' residence here he departed this life in

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1869. He was buried in the Catholic cemetery in Atkinson, in which his widow was also laid to rest. Nine children were born to them, six of whom are liv- ing : Henry, of this sketch; August, of Atkinson; Mary, the wife of Jacob Brog- hamer, of Cambridge, Illinois; John, of Atkinson; Wilhelme, the wife of John S. Iman, who lives in Montana; and Amelia, the wife of John Catour, of Atkinson.

Henry Rumler attended the district schools of Atkinson township and as- sisted his father with the work on the farm until twenty-one years of age, when he rented a part of the farm and in connection with its operation ran a corn shel- ler and threshing machine. In 1892 he and John S. Nowers bought the hard- ware stock of John Johnston, who had been in business here for years and es- tablished their store on State street. Besides a line of stoves, pumps and general hardware, they deal in farm implements, carrying windmills, Deering, binders, the J. I. Case and G. A. R. Scott threshing machines and other machinery used on a farm. Mr. Rumler devotes the greater part of his attention to this branch of the business, while his partner takes charge of the hardware department. Al- though so many of his interests are in the town of Atkinson, he still lives on his farm, about one mile west of the village, a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land. His wife in her own right owns eighty acres in Corn- wall township, so that they are closely identified with agricultural interests.

On the 15th of November, 1877, Mr. Rumler wedded Miss Wilhelme Bon- whuis, a daughter of Anthony and Theresa (Van Landschoot) Bonwhuis, both na- tives of Holland. The father was born in the city of Heerenveen, in 1820, and came to America in 1846, in one of the old sailing vessels, it requiring forty days to cross the ocean. He settled first in Wisconsin, which was then just beginning to be colonized by white people, who were greatly outnumbered by the red men. In fact Mr. Bonwhuis used to say that it was no infrequent occurrence for him to have his Sunday dinner in the company of these children of the forest. Leav- ing Wisconsin, Mr. Bonwhuis went to Rock Island, Illinois, and in 1865 came to Atkinson, where he opened a general store on State street, where his daughter Mrs. Goldberg, is now engaged in business. He retired from active life a few years before his death, which occurred in July, 1907. His first wife was Miss Theresa Van Landschoot also a native of Holland, whom he wedded in Rock Is- land in 1855. She passed away in 1863, and two years later, in St. Louis, Mr. Bonwhuis married Miss Demphinne Hendricks, who died February 18, 1907. There were three children by the first marriage : Christine, the wife of Peter Gold- berg, of Atkinson ; Wilhelme, now Mrs. Rumler; and Mary, the wife of August Rumler.

Mr. and Mrs. Rumler have had seventeen children: Frank, the eldest, died at the age of two years; William H., born January 13, 1880, is in Dallas, South Dakota, where he is interested in automobiles ; Annie is the wife of Peter De Reu, of Atkinson township, and they have four children, William, Edna, Alma and Roy; Edward married Miss Elizabeth Egert, of Atkinson, and they have two children, Blanche and Carl Joseph; Elizabeth is in Nauvoo, Illinois; Albert is at home, as are the remaining children who are alive, Charles, John, Henry, Alfred, Jennie, Amandus Calvin, Mary, Irene and Frances; Agnes, the eleventh child is deceased; and the fifteenth died in infancy. The children have received their edu-

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cation in the schools of Atkinson and are being reared in the faith of the Catholic church, to which the parents owe devoted allegiance.

In his political views Mr. Rumler does not confine himself to any one party but casts his vote for the man he believes best suited for office. While not an office seeker, he has rendered the community valuable services as highway com- missioner and as a member of the school board, in both of which capacities he served for ten years. A man of strong principles and fine character, progres- sive and enterprising, he is well known throughout Henry and adjoining coun- ties and is highly respected. His success is the result of his own efforts and might be envied were it not so well deserved.

MILTON T. BOOTH.

Milton T. Booth, a successful hardware merchant of Atkinson, where he has been engaged in business since 1905, was born in Bureau county, Illinois, on the 27th of October, 1869, his parents being C. N. and Henrietta (Tyler) Booth. The father, whose birth occurred in England, October 11, 1841, was brought to the United States when but two years of age. He followed farming throughout his active business career, being identified with general agricultural pursuits in Bu- reau county until 1907, since which time he has lived retired in Atkinson, Illinois. He is a republican in his political views and has capably served in various town- ship offices. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congrega- tional church. His wife, whose birth occurred near Hartford, Connecticut, on the 7th of January, 1842, came to this state when a maiden of about thirteen years. She is a devoted and consistent member of the Episcopal church.

Milton T. Booth obtained his early education in the district schools of Prov- idence and Tiskilwa in his native county and afterward pursued his studies in Knox College of Galesburg. He remained on the home farm with his father until he had attained his majority and then went on the road as a fireman, running an engine for a number of years, while subsequently he had charge of govern- ment machines during the construction of the Hennepin canal. In 1905 he pur- chased the hardware stock of J. J. Bloom, of Atkinson, Illinois, and has since suc- cessfully conducted the enterprise, dealing in stoves, tinware, gasoline engines, sheet metal, lightning rods, etc. Alert, enterprising and energetic, he has built up an extensive, growing and profitable trade and is widely recognized as one of the prosperous and representative business men of the county.

On the 7th of April, 1892, Mr. Booth was united in marriage to Miss Huldah J. Nelson, whose birth occurred in Princeton, Illinois, on the 10th of August, 1869, her parents being A. P. and Hannah (Eckstrand) Nelson. The father, who was identified with general agricultural pursuits in Bureau county, Illinois, passed away October 16, 1895. The mother still survives and makes her home in Bureau county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Booth have been born four children, as follows: Edith Darlene, who first opened her eyes to the light of day in Provi- dence, Illinois, on the 13th of April, 1893, and is now a student in the Atkinson high school; Adeline Johannah, who was born in Providence on the 19th of Aug-

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ust, 1895, and now attends grammar school; Maude Nelsie, whose birth occurred in Providence, August 1, 1897, and who is also attending school; and Alice Doro- thy, who was born in Atkinson on the 19th of February, 1903.

Politically Mr. Booth is a stalwart advocate of the republican party, while fra- ternally he is identified with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen. As a citizen he is public spirited to an eminent degree, deeply in- terested in the welfare of his community. All who know him entertain for him respect, while those who come within the closer circle of his acquaintance find him a genial gentleman and delight in his companionship.

CLARENCE THOMAS WARD.

The needs of his home farm make steady demands upon the time and energies of Clarence Thomas Ward, who owns one hundred and eighteen acres on section 31, Atkinson township, and eighty acres in Geneseo township. A native of the former township, he was born in the house he now occupies March 8, 1875, his parents being Joseph and Anna (French) Ward. The former was born in Som- ersetshire, England, January 13, 1836, and lived in the land of his birth until he was seventeen years of age, when, determined to try the opportunities said to abound in the United States, he crossed the Atlantic. He was in all probability the first of his family to come to this country, although two brothers, Benjamin and Thomas, came here later. He remained in New York state for two years after reaching our shores, obtaining work and attending school for a short period. When he was nineteen he started westward, reaching Henry county, Illinois, November 5, 1855. Here he found employment by the month, but in 1856, hav- ing married, he purchased the place where his son Clarence T. is now living. A few improvements had been begun and a frame house started, but for some time he and his wife lived in a log cabin. Later he erected other buildings, and as he won a pronounced success from cultivating the soil he invested in other farm property, buying eighty acres in Geneseo township and one hundred and sixty acres in Minnesota. A man who had been thrown upon his own resources early in life, he knew the full value of persistent industry and economy, and it was due entirely to his own efforts that he gained the success that enabled him to retire to Geneseo in 1893. There his last ten years were spent, his demise occurring May 2, 1903. On becoming a citizen of this nation he allied himself with the republican party and, while upholding its principles, was always loyal to the country of his adoption and rendered his community valuable services during the years he was school director.

On the 24th of June, 1856, Joseph Ward married Miss Anna Maria French, who still survives him. They were the parents of nine children, Elizabeth be- came the wife of William Chrisop and lives in Jamesport, Missouri, where she is rearing her two sons, George F., now residing in Phenix township, married Mary Key and they have three children. Elmer and Ella E. were twins. The former died at the age of three years, but the latter is now the wife of George

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Matson and lives in Geneseo. She is the mother of four children. Henry died at the age of seven years. Lily became the wife of William Mowbray and died at the age of twenty-eight years. A twin of Clarence Thomas died at birth. Bertha is the wife of Hartz Matson, of Citronelle, Alabama, and they have two children.

Clarence Thomas Ward was reared upon the home farm in Atkinson township, receiving his elementary education in the district schools. When about sixteen years of age he entered the high school at Geneseo and the following fall became a student in the Geneseo Collegiate Institute, which he attended for two winters. At the age of seventeen, however, he had started to make his way in the world by working for farmers by the month. In 1895 he married and assumed charge of the home place, to whose cultivation he has devoted himself since. He is pro- gressive in his farming, utilizing modern methods and machinery, and has found his labors rewarded by a handsome income, which has enabled him to carry for- ward the improvements upon his place, for in 1907 he bought the homestead and since that date has put up a modern crib and granary combined, has erected a corn elevator and built a new hog house. Of recent years he has given more and more time to stock raising and feeding, and as his animals have found a ready market he regards this enterprise as profitable. Through close application and indefatigable energy he has achieved the success which he now enjoys and which is well deserved.

On the 27th of March, 1895, in Geneseo, Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Grace Edwards, who was born in Western township, this county, April 23, 1869, a daughter of Herbert and Harriet (Gordon) Edwards. The former was born in Vermont in 1825, grew to manhood in that state and then with his parents drove through the mountains and over the prairies to Moline, Illinois, where he followed his trade as a mason. There he met Miss Harriet Gordon, who later became his wife. She was born near Battle Creek, Michigan, and when three years old, in 1836, came with her parents to Henry county, and it is believed that her brother Henry Gordon, and his twin sister, Henrietta, who is now Mrs. Cos- sun, of Moline, were the first white children born in this county. Her father, Amos Gordon, lived to see a great change wrought in the character of this section of the state, for he was ninety-nine years of age when he died in Moline. His wife also lived to witness these changes, for she had passed the ninetieth mile- stone on life's journey before called to her final rest. One of her sons, Daniel, is still living in Moline at the age of eighty-seven years. For a short time after his marriage Herbert Edwards was engaged in farming in Rock Island county, living near Moline, and then in 1867 they removed to Western township, Henry county, where Mrs. Ward was born, as was her sister who is now Mrs. Abel Ward. Mr. Edwards died in Western township about 1884, but his widow is still living and resides in Geneseo at the advanced age of seventy-six years. After the death of her father Mrs. Ward removed with her mother to Geneseo, where she attended the high school and later the Geneseo Collegiate Institute, and was within two months of graduating from the latter when she was compelled to aban- don her studies on account of ill health. She then undertook a course in music and received her diploma from that department of the institute in 1888. The sub- sequent five years were devoted to teaching music, in which she attained a marked success.

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History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II, Part 106

Author: Kiner, Henry L., 1851- Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Chicago : The Pioneer Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1138

Author: Kiner, Henry L., 1851-
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago : The Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1138