USA > Illinois > Henry County > History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 108
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GEORGE W. HARTMAN.
One of the finest homes in the town of Atkinson is that occupied by George W. Hartman, who is well known not only in Cornwall township, but throughout Henry county as well, as one of the large stockmen and the most extensive peach grower. This position and all its advantages have come entirely through his own exertions, for he was only eighteen years of age when he started upon his career unaided by any assistance from his father He was born in Chambersburg, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, March 3, 1859, and is a son of Benjamin and Catherine (Deffenderfer) Hartman, both natives of the Keystone state. The father was born in 1806 and in the years of his active life followed farming, en- gaging to some extent in the buying and selling of stock and in raising and dis-
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posing of fresh vegetables. He died in the state of his birth in 1882, while his wife, who was born June 27, 1820, lived until October 20, 1901. They were the parents of seven children, all living: Charlotte, born June 18, 1840, now the wife of Daniel Gelwick, who lives in Pennsylvania; John W., born January 5, 1842, whose home is in the same state; Samuel, born April II, 1846, also of Pennsylvania ; Daniel, born August 20, 1850, who lives in Pennsylvania; Henry, born May 13, 1855; George W., of this sketch; and Cyrus, born August 15, 1863. In politics the father was a democrat and with his wife was a member of the Lutheran church.
George W. Hartman was educated in the little school of St. Thomas, near Chambersburg, which was known as Gelwick's. He was eighteen when his period of studying was over and immediately started in life for himself. For one year he worked on a farm in his native state and then in the spring of 1877 came to Henry county, locating first in Geneseo and later in Phenix township. For a period of five years he worked for different farmers of the locality in the sum- mer months and in the winter was employed in the coal mines. He then returned to his old home for a year's visit, but as the advantages seemed to be better here he decided to try his fortune in this state. In 1891, he bought one hundred and twenty acres in Cornwall township, settled upon it and made it the scene of his labors until two years ago, when he removed to Atkinson and has here lived since. The many improvements which can be seen upon his farm are all the work of his hand and brain, the tangible evidence of the success with which he carried on operations. He has acquired forty additional acres in Cornwall and one hundred and sixty acres in Atkinson township, making a total of three hundred and twenty acres of arable land, not to mention the residential property, including a good corner on State and Main streets, which he owns in the town of Atkinson. He also operates a coal mine in Atkinson township, so that his interests are many and diversified. His first thought, however, is given to the farm, on which he follows general agriculture and on which he raises and feeds a large amount of stock, which he ships to the eastern markets. He has ten acres on which are one thou- sand peach trees, the largest orchard of its kind in the county, the crop from which in 1908 netted him one thousand dollars, and in a previous year fifteen hundred dollars. In short, a man with several interests, he has made each yield him the most possible.
When Mr. Hartman came to Illinois the first time, one of his early employers was John P. Foster, whose daughter Nellie was but a child at the time. On leav- ing there the memory of her companionship remained with him and when he felt able to marry he sought her and persuaded her to share his life with him. On the 6th of March, 1884, they were united in marriage and have now celebrated their silver wedding. Mrs. Hartman was born in Cornwall township, December 9, 1865, and is a daughter of John P. and Harriet (Browning) Foster. The mother was born in White county, Illinois, in 1828, and was a daughter of parents who came to Henry county in the early days, when the Indians were frequently seen and had given the name of Pink Prairie to Cornwall township. The father was born May II, 1815, in Kentucky, but came to Illinois at an early date, and in Cornwall township engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in De- cember, 1886. His wife passed away August 14, 1892, and like him was buried
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in Grand View cemetery, Cornwall township. By their marriage, which was celebrated in 1844, they had nine children, five of whom are now living: Rowena, born August 15, 1848, the wife of Robert Walever, of Moline, Illinois; Mary Frances, born October 9, 1853, the wife of Ogden Tatum, of Oklahoma ; William P., born October 4, 1857, who lives in Atkinson; Lenora, born September 5, 1860, the wife of J. A. Barnes, of Munson township; and Nellie R., now Mrs. Hartman. Politically Mr. Foster was a republican and with his wife was a stanch member of the Methodist church.
Mr. and Mrs. Hartman have had seven children, all living in Cornwall town- ship. They are Frank, born May 10, 1866, unmarried who lives upon his farm; Charles H., born April 8, 1888, who operates his father's land in conjunction with his brother Herbert B., who was born December 31, 1889; George H., born August 7, 1891, who is in the high school ; Flora E., born July 27, 1893, at home; Raymond R., born April 18, 1897, a pupil in the grammar school; and Nellie R., born September 10, 1904, who is still the baby of the family.
Politically Mr. Hartman affiliates with the republican party and has held several of the township offices. He belongs to the local lodge of the Woodmen, among whom he has made many friends. Successful in his agricultural pursuits he has also attained to a substantial position in the financial world, for he is a stockholder and trustee in the Savings Bank of Geneseo and has other interests of like character. Refined, liberal and broad-minded, he has every reason to find enjoyment in his good fortune and in the beautiful home he occupies in Atkinson.
ROBERT WILLIAM WOLEVER.
Robert William Wolever, one of the substantial men of Moline, Illinois, and for many years a farmer of Henry county, father of Calvin Franklin Wolever, was born in Elmore township, Peoria county, Illinois, November 23, 1844, a son of John E. and Margaret (Hulsizer) Wolever. The parents came from Warren county, New Jersey in 1837, to Peoria county, Illinois, with a wagon and two horses. In the spring of 1843 they went back to New Jersey for a visit, but re- turned in 1844, making both trips in the same manner as the first. The father was a blacksmith and farmer. His death occurred in Grandview county, Con- necticut, October 4, 1874. The mother died May 10, 1880, and is buried beside her husband. Nine children composed their family, as follows: Edward, who died January 18, 1903; Calvin, deceased; Lydia, deceased wife of Thomas Tre- kell; Ephlin, who died in January, 1907; Mrs. Mary Langley, a widow, living in Florence, Alabama; Robert William; Barbara, wife of William McBride of Galva, Illinois; Mrs. Ella J. Nowers, of Galva; Olive E., who married David Lucas of Blue Island, Illinois.
The education of Robert William Wolever was secured in the schools of Peoria and Henry counties. He studied reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic, and learned thoroughly this simple course. As a boy he helped his father with the farm. In 1866 he rented the homestead, located on sections 4 and 5, Corn- wall township, and operated it until 1884, when he purchased the property from
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the heirs and continued to farm it until 1897, with a fair degree of success. In that year he rented the farm and settled in Moline, Rock Island county, Illinois, where he is now living retired. He has been active politically and served as town clerk during the year 1881 in Cornwall township, and as assessor from 1883 to 1889, as well as supervisor from 1881 to 1897.
Mr. Wolever was married, October 25, 1865, to Mahala Fry, who was born in Cornwall township, a daughter of Abraham and Margaret (Laughery) Fry. Mr. Fry's father was a native of England, while his wife came of German ances- try. Born in Ohio, Mr. Fry early came to Cornwall township. He and his wife had eleven children, only two of whom survive,-James and Charles Fry who live in Leeds, South Dakota. Mr. Wolever had one child by his first marriage, -Cora M., who was born August 9, 1866, and married S. W. Bartlett, They live at Pueblo, Colorado, and had two sons: Willis W., who was born May 25, 1898, and died January 27, 1907; and Robert B., born January 20, 1900. Mrs. Mahala Wolever died May 24, 1867.
On September 24, 1868, Mr. Wolever married Roena Foster, at Cambridge, Illinois. She was born in Peru, Illinois, August 15, 1848, daughter of John and Harriet (Browning) Foster, natives of Kentucky and White county, Illi- nois, respectively, both being now deceased. Mr. Foster was a farmer and was brought to Illinois by his parents at a very early date. In politics he was a re- publican. He and his wife had four sons and three daughters, five of whom sur- vive: One died in 1844; H. C. is also dead, as are Franklin, and Freland; Roena, born in 1848, is the fifth child; Fannie is the widow of Organ Tatum and lives in Oklahoma; William P. lives in Atkinson, Illinois; Nora married J. A. Barnes and lives in Munson township, Henry county; Nellie married George W. Hartman, of Atkinson. By his second marriage Mr. Wolever had four chil- dren, namely: Letha, born May 9, 1869, married J. H. Hughey, March 9, 1892, and died January 13, 1901 ; Lota, born August 5, 1871, died April 6, 1879; Cal- vin F. whose sketch is below was the third; Lucy, born May 26, 1881, married F. W. Schneveker, January 31, 1901. They lived in Moline, but she died August 15, 1907, leaving to the care of her mother one son, Chester F., born May 9, 1903.
Mr. Wolever has an interesting war record. He enlisted in Company H, Fifty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, September 21, 1861, at Atkinson, Illi- nois, and was mustered out at Savannah, Georgia, December 25, 1864, on account of the expiration of his term of service. The regiment participated in the following battles: Fort Donelson, siege of Corinth, Resaca, Kingston, Rome, Altoona Pass, Savannah, Columbia, Bentonville, and Sherman's march to the sea. During the campaign in Georgia Mr. Wolever received an injury to his left arm which has left it stiff. He was a brave soldier who never shirked any duty and when he returned to private life he gave to the governing authori- ties the same obedience he rendered his superior officers when a soldier.
Other members of his family also proved their patriotism, for his brother Edward was in Company "D, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, serving until July 25, 1864, when he was discharged, having been wounded in the battle of Franklin. Henry C. Foster, the oldest brother of Mrs. Wolever, also served with the Illinois Volunteer Infantry. William Wolever,
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uncle of R. W. Wolever, was a soldier in the Civil war from De Witt county, serving in the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
Naturally Mr. Wolever has been interested in the Grand Army of the Re- public, now belonging to R. H. Graham Post, No. 312, Department of Illinois, G. A. R. of which he is quartermaster. He has belonged to this order since 1880. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, Camp No. 118, of Atkinson, having joined it October 19, 1885, as a charter member. In Decem- ber, 1886, he was elected to the office of worthy advisor in this camp, and in the following December was elected consul and served in that capacity until December, 1896, when he left the jurisdiction of that camp. Mr. Wolever has no sectarian religious associations. In political matters he agrees with the prin- ciples set forth in the platform of the republican party.
Mr. Wolever still retains one hundred and eighty-five acres of rich farming land in Cornwall township, located at the west end of Shabbona Grove. This is rented to a good tenant. Mr. Wolever has earned all he possesses through hard work, and strict economy. In all of his work he has been ably assisted by his loyal, devoted wife. They are comfortably located at No. 2029 Seventh avenue, Moline, Illinois, where their children and grandchildren love to gather, as well as their many friends, and enjoy the bountiful hospitality and friendly compan- ionship of these two who, having done their full duty towards their family and community, can now spend the remainder of their days in peace and plenty.
CALVIN FRANKLIN WOLEVER.
The farmers of Henry county are as a class far beyond the average Illinois agriculturist. Owning magnificent land that yields large annual incomes, they are able to adopt scientific methods in their work and buy the latest improved machinery. Therefore their farms are models and their standing is unexcelled in the state. One thus representative of so much that is good in farm life is Calvin Franklin Wolever, of Atkinson township, who was born in Cornwall township, this county, June 16, 1874, a son of Robert William and Roena (Fos- ter) Wolever, a full sketch of whom appears above.
The education of Mr. Wolever was secured in the common schools of Corn- wall township, and he has always been connected with agricultural pursuits. He first purchased land in Rock Island county, where he farmed for two years, then sold and purchased a second farm in this county. Later he came to the village of Atkinson and, after resting for a year, bought land in Geneseo township. Spend- ing four years upon it and improving it considerably, Mr. Wolever again re- moved to Atkinson township, which is now his home. He owns two hundred acres of fine land on section I, where he is carrying on general farming and feed- ing stock extensively.
On September 8, 1898, he married Margaret Wolf, who was born in Bureau county, Illinois, November 14, 1879, a daughter of Barnhardt and Dorothy (Cravenhurst) Wolf. The mother, a native of Germany, came to this country and is now living in Yorktown township, this county. The father who was also
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a German, died in 1893. He and his wife had three children, namely: Lavina, the wife of Edwin Seyler, of Hooppole, Illinois ; Margaret, the wife of our sub- ject; and Benjamin, the only son and eldest child, who takes care of the mother, they living together. Mr. Wolf had been married before and had other children. Mr. and Mrs. Wolever have one son, Robert Wolf, born November I, 1900, in Cornwall township. He attends Frog Pond school in Atkinson town- ship and is a very bright little fellow.
Mr. Wolever has worked since he was eight or nine years of age and since his marriage has been ably assisted by his wife. For some years he dealt in farm lands, buying, improving and then selling. Mr. and Mrs. Wolever have a beautiful automobile and enjoy the comforts their income warrants. They are constantly improving their home and when through will have one of the finest in Henry county's farming districts. Mr. Wolever is a broad-minded, liberal man, universally liked and a power in his community.
JOHN WILLIAM STEARNS.
After a long life spent in the diligent cultivation of land, which has brought him a large return, a good income and the satisfaction of a life's work well done, John William Stearns has put aside the weightier of his cares and has taken up his residence in the southern part of the village of Orion. He was born on a farm at Center, Waterbury township, Washington county, Vermont, April 28, 1835, and was a son of John and Abigail Hall (Toby) Stearns. The former, who was a son of John Stearns, was a native of Massachusetts, but was only two years old when his parents removed to Vermont, where he spent his years in the pursuits of agriculture.
John William Stearns grew to manhood upon the farm in Vermont and in the course of years became associated with his father in its operation, continuing with him until the latter's death in 1855. The next year he also spent there with his mother, but then as he had attained his manhood he decided to start out for himself and found employment by the month among the other farmers of the locality. In October, 1860, he married and shortly afterward started upon his journey to Illinois. He located first in Rock Island county, where he had an uncle, and then, as he had one thousand dollars with him, he rented eighty acres of land, bought a team and farm implements, and entered upon his career as an agriculturist in Western township, Henry county. In 1864 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on the southeast quarter of section 12, that township. It was uncleared and unimproved but brought a price of eleven dollars and three quarters per acre. On that he built a house, sixteen by twenty-four feet, and added a lean-to. His next purchase, which was made about 1877, was eighty acres on the southwest quarter of section 7, Osco township, for which he paid four thousand dollars. Subsequently he bought another tract of eighty acres, this time in Western township, paying fifty-two hundred dollars, which he gave to his son, Arthur. His last investment in arable lands in this county embraced one hundred and seventy-seven acres on the northwest quarter of section 18,
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Osco township, for which he paid sixty-five dollars an acre. As these extensive landholdings represent the success he has himself attained, he is fully entitled to the rest he now enjoys and to the justifiable pride which he in all modesty may feel in his achievements.
Mr. Stearns was twice married. In his native state in October, 1860, he wedded Miss Albina C. Stone, who was born in the township of Eden, Lamoille county, Vermont. One son, John Arthur, was born of this union. His birth occurred in Western township, where he grew to maturity and where he married Miss Susan Carlin. They have now two children, Bessie May and Willis Arthur, and live at Creston, Iowa. Mrs. Stearns died in 1866, and July 18, 1867, Mr. Stearns was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Glenn, who was born in the vil- lage of Martinsville, Clinton county, Ohio, February 9, 1840. When she was about fifteen her parents, Jacob and Julia (Daggett) Glenn, came to Henry county and settled in Colona township. There her father acquired a farm and spent the remainder of his days. She was third in a family of eight children and received a good common-school education. No children have been born of this marriage, but Mr. and Mrs. Stearns have reared three and given to them all the comforts and benefits of a home.
Since he cast his first presidential ballot for John C. Fremont, Mr. Stearns has continuously voted the straight republican ticket, serving, as the choice of that party, in the capacities of school director and trustee and road commissioner. In the latter office he has acted for a period of eighteen years, and he still exercises his influence for the progress of educational advantages. Mr. Stearns has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since she was thirteen years of age, when she was still in Ohio, and has ever been active in Sunday school work. At the time of its organization, both Mr. and Mrs. Stearns became members of the Farmers Social Club and frequently attend its meetings. In addition to his other duties and interests he is one of the directors of the Farmers State Bank.
HARRY CRAIG STEARNS.
Harry Craig Stearns, who operates one hundred and seventy-seven acres of land on section 18, Osco township, belonging to John W. Stearns, was born in the city of Rock Island, Illinois, May 10, 1881, his parents being William O. and Hen- rietta (Glenn) Rugh. His mother died when he was but eighteen months old and he was taken by his mother's sister, Mrs. John William Stearns, under whose care he grew to maturity upon a farm on section 12, Western township. He received his education in the district schools of that township, while he assisted in the work that was carried on upon the home place from his earliest years. Until he reached the age of twenty-one he remained with his foster parents and then un- dertook the cultivation of the tract on which he is now residing. He has proved that the lessons learned in his youth can be put to good use, and though still a young man has given evidence of the qualities which are sure to place him among the more substantial and influential farmers of his township.
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In Orion, October 21, 1908, Mr. Stearns was united in marriage to Miss Ellen T. Brodine, a daughter of Rev. P. J. and Louisa (Nordling) Brodine. Mrs. Stearns was born in Geneseo, February 6, 1885, and received a good edu- cation, having graduated from the Orion high school with the class of 1902 and on the completion of her own studies engaged in instructing others for a few years previous to her marriage to Mr. Stearns. She is a devout member of the Swedish Lutheran church and has ever been interested in its work. Since he has been of an age to exercise the franchise right of an American citizen, Mr. Stearns has given his support to the republican party, but aside from casting his ballot at election times he has taken no part in local affairs.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BAKER.
Inseparably interwoven with the history of Kewanee and Henry county has been the life record of Hon. Benjamin Franklin Baker for more than a quarter of a century. His constantly expanding operations and his intelligent applica- tion and utilization of opportunity have brought him to a prominent place in the business world, his labors constituting a source of general prosperity as well as of individual success. Through the consecutive steps of an orderly progression he has come to the vice presidency and treasuryship of the Kewanee Boiler Com- pany and is officially connected with other important industrial, commercial and financial interests of the city.
A native of Aurora, Illinois, Mr. Baker was born July 26, 1864, his parents being Nelson G. and Lucy (Cross) Baker. His father, a retail jeweler, came to Illinois in 1850 and continued to reside in this state until his death, which occurred in 1875. The mother, surviving him for about twenty-one years, passed away in 1896. In 1870 they had removed with their family to Sheffield, Illinios, where Nelson Baker established a jewelry store, continuing as its proprietor until his demise.
Benjamin Franklin Baker was but six years of age at the time of the re- moval to Sheffield and in the public schools of that city he acquired his educa- tion, his youthful days being passed in mastering the tasks assigned him in the schoolroom and in enjoying the sports in which the youths of the period in- dulged. He came to Kewanee in September, 1883, at the age of nine years, and made his initial step in business circles here as bookkeeper in the First National Bank, being thus employed until February, 1889. He then entered the employ of the Haxtun Steam Heater Company and in November, 1892, became one of the organizers of the Kewanee Boiler Company. From the outset he has been connected with the enterprise and his business ability, constructive efforts and executive force have been salient features in the growth and development of the business. In 1902 he was elected vice president of the company and has since performed the duties of that office and of treasurer as well. A man of ready resource, he has not confined his attention and qualities to one undertaking, for in January, 1902, he with others organized the Federal Boiler & Supply Com- pany and has been its secretary and treasurer since its organization. He is also
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one of the directors of the Kellogg-Mackay Company of Chicago and a director of the Union National Bank of Kewanee, so that he has voice in the manage- ment of various important business concerns in the city in which he has now made his home for twenty-six years.
On the 12th of June, 1901, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Mary H. Chandler, of Chicago, a daughter of Charles Blood. They are prominent in the social circles of this city and Mr. Baker is a valued member of Kewanee Lodge, No. 159, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master. When a dispensation was granted to Kewanee Commandery, No. 71, K. T., he was named as eminent com- mander and served until the first annual election. He is also connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with the Kewanee Club. Positive in his republicanism, he has never been neglectful of the duties of citizenship but has sought the public welfare through his advocacy of principles which he deems most conducive to good government. He was first called to office in 1885 when elected village clerk of Kewanee for a two year's term, and in November, 1906, higher official honors were conferred upon him in his election to the state senate from the thirty-seventh senatorial district. Strong and honorable purpose has characterized him in his official as well as his business life and his position on any vital question is never an equivocal one.
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