USA > Illinois > Henry County > History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 17
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On the 25th of June, 1901, Mr. Linn was united in marriage to Miss Leota Wilson, a native of Oxford township, Henry county, and a daughter of George W. and Mary A. (Kerr) Wilson, who were born in this state and are now resi- dents of Alpha. Their children are six in number, namely : Mrs. Linn; Glencoe. the wife of Ralph Streeter; Pearl, the wife of Malta J. Neutzman; Guy ; Dean ; and Catharine. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Linn were Samuel J. and Mary (Wright) Wilson. Her maternal grandparents were Valentine and Cath- arine (Fierling) Kerr.
Politically Mr. Linn is a stalwart advocate of the republican party. He is now acting as deputy county coroner and is also serving his second term in the of- fice of police magistrate. Fraternally he is identified with Cambridge Lodge, No. 49, A. F. & A. M., and the Improved Order of Red Men. In every relation of life he has been found as one true to his honest convictions, loyal in support of what he believes to be right. Moreover, he is widely recognized as a lawyer of broad knowledge, who prepares his cases with thoroughness and is strong in argument and logical in his deductions.
FREDERICK RICHARDS.
Frederick Richards, residing at No. 802 May street in Kewanee, is now the capable incumbent in the office of township collector and has discharged the du- ties devolving upon him in that connection since April, 1909. He was born in Toronto, Canada, on the 21st of November, 1877, his parents being William and Fanny (Chick) Richards, both natives of Somersetshire, England. In 1871, when eighteen years of age, the father crossed the Atlantic to America and took up his abode in Canada, while subsequently he removed to Michigan. In 1890 he came to Kewanee, Henry county, Illinois, where he has since been successfully engaged
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in gardening, though previously he had devoted his attention to general agricul- tural pursuits. His wife, who left her native land when fourteen years of age, is also yet living and they are well known and highly esteemed throughout the com- munity.
Frederick Richards attended the public schools of Michigan in pursuit of an education that would equip him for the practical and responsible duties of life. The year 1900 witnessed his arrival in Kewanee, this county, and here he secured a position in the rolling mill department of the Western Tube Company, remain- ing in the employ of that concern until business was suspended in the fall of 1907. He has mining interests in South Dakota, and has made various trips through- out the country, thus gaining that broad experience and culture which only travel can bring.
On the 24th of December, 1902, Mr. Richards was united in marriage to Miss Anna Pollock, a daughter of David Pollock, of Kewanee. They now have four children, namely: Clarence Melburn, Hazel Irene, Violet May and Majory.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Richards has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and is an active worker in its local ranks. In April, 1909, he was elected to the office of township collector and has proven a faithful and efficient incumbent in the po- sition. Fraternally he is identified with the Eagles and the Mystic Workers. He is a young man of strong character and sterling worth and well merits the high regard in which he is uniformly held.
DAVID SEYMOUR BROWN.
David Seymour Brown, who owns and cultivates the northwest quarter of section 5, Munson township, his farm being improved according to the most mod- ern methods of agriculture, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, Febru- ary 26, 1862, and is a son of William T. and Mary (Neal) Brown. The parents came to Henry county when their son David was but two years of age and for a number of years afterward Mr. Brown cultivated a rented farm, while subse- quently he lived for a time in Geneseo township. He afterward purchased eighty acres of land in Osco township, where he spent the remainder of his days. His entire life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits and he was a man of industry and perseverance, whose success was attributable entirely to his own labors. In the family were two children, but the elder, Margaret, died at the age of two years.
David Seymour Brown is indebted to the public school system of the county for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. Through the periods of vaca- tion he worked in the fields and after his school days were over he devoted his entire time and attention to the improvement of the home farm until about thirty years of age. He was then married, on the 28th of January, 1892, to Miss Lora Gilbert, a daughter of Nathaniel C. and Francelia (Amsden) Gilbert. Her father was born near Richmond, Ontario county, New York, while the mother's birth occurred near Rochester, Vermont. It was in the year 1856
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that Mr. Gilbert came to Henry county, settling with a brother in Geneseo town- ship. Mrs. Gilbert had come to this county during her early childhood days and made her home on what is known as the Amsden farm in Geneseo township. Here they became acquainted and were married in that township on the 9th of August, 1860. In the same year Mr. Gilbert broke the first furrow on land which he had purchased in Munson township and began the development of a farm. There was not a tree or twig on the place, but with characteristic energy he began to make improvements, set out trees, erect good buildings and carry on the work of general development, until the once wild land was converted into productive fields that annually brought forth good harvests. The family con- tinued to reside upon that farm until 1893, when they established their home in Geneseo, where the death of Mr. Gilbert occurred July 26, 1908. In the family were three children: May, is now living in Geneseo; H. Mark, who married Marion Richey and lives at North Yakima, in the state of Washington ; and Mrs. Brown.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born three children, but they lost their eldest, Ethel, at the age of seven years. The others are: Gilbert W., who was born on the home farm February 24, 1902, and Ronald Mark, born February 24, 1908. The parents hold membership in the Congregational church in Geneseo and are interested in its work. Mr. Brown also belongs to Geneseo Camp, No. 40, M. W. A. In his political views he is independent, caring not to ally himself with any party. His time and attention are largely given to his business affairs, which are carefully and successfully conducted. He is well known as a breeder of thoroughbred polled Durham cattle. He began to handle and breed high grade cattle when he took up the occupation of farming and since 1902 has han- dled registered stock. He has become well known in this connection and is one of the more prosperous cattle men of the district.
GEORGE WASHINGTON WEST.
George Washington West, of Geneseo, is well known in Henry county as a prominent and prosperous farmer, cattle feeder and landowner. That his business judgment is sound and his enterprise of a practical and effective char- acter is indicated in the success that he has achieved. He was born at Dryden, Tompkins county, New York, March 25, 1835, being one of the ten children of Gardner and Lavinia (Pease) West. The former was a son of John West, a native of England who came to America with two brothers, settling first in Rhode Island, where he followed the occupation of farming. Unto him and his wife were born three sons and four daughters: Gardner, William, Nathan, Polly, Percy, Flavilla and Lavinia. Of these the daughter Percy is still living at the age of one hundred and one years in Dryden, New York, and is the widow of George Hiles. In Dryden, also, lived Thaddeus Pease, the maternal grandfather of Mr. West. His parents were natives of England and were of Scotch-English descent. Thaddeus Pease was a cooper by trade and was well known locally for his splendid powers as an athlete. He was ninety-nine years
GEORGE W. WEST
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of age at the time of his death while his wife also reached an advanced age. They had but two children, Lavinia and Lydia.
Gardner West, the father of G. W. West, was born in Rhode Island but re- moved to Dryden, New York, where he carried on general farming and dairy- ing. His wife was also born in the east and both died at Dryden when about eighty years of age. They were the parents of ten children, two sons and eight daughters but only two are now living, the elder being Mrs. Lydia Space, the widow of Thomas Space. She makes her home in Dryden, New York, at the age of eighty-four years.
George W. West, the other surviving member of the family, was reared in Tompkins county, New York, on the home farm. He attended the old-time subscription schools and when twenty years of age sought the opportunities of the new but rapidly developing west. By rail he traveled to Beloit, Wisconsin, and thence rode a colt to Osco township, Henry county, Illinois. Atter reach- ing his destination he engaged in breaking prairie with a team, composed of one yoke of old oxen and a pair of young steers. Becoming identified with farming interests, he purchased eighty acres south of Geneseo and turned his attention to handling live stock. He afterward rented a farm belonging to his father-in-law, Major James M. Allan, which property was inherited by his daughter at the father's death. The corporation limits of Geneseo include twenty-six acres of this farm which at that time contained four hundred and twenty-five acres. Mr. and Mrs. West still reside on the old homestead which has now been their place of residence for thirty-six years and Mr. West has dealt quite extensively in stock, making a specialty of cattle. He has also success- fully carried on general agricultural pursuits and his careful management of his business affairs and honorable dealing have been the salient features in his financial progress.
On the 6th of June, 1865, Mr. West wedded Miss Mary Amelia Allan, who was born in Geneseo, July 17, 1842, and is a representative of one of the oldest families of this city. Her parents were Major James M. and Susanna (Stewart) Allan, natives of Tennessee and New York, respectively. They came to Geneseo when it was but a tiny village and here lived for many years, Major Allan oc- cupying a prominent place in the life of the community. He was a son of John Allan, a native of England, who became an early settler of Tennessee. He married Nancy Hodge, whose father was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. West were Robert R. and Clarissa (Dresser) Stewart. Unto Mr. and Mrs. West have been born three sons. James Allan, who is a postal clerk, married Effie Cinnamon and they have had two sons: Allan Cinnamon and Harold Thomas. George Gardner, the second of the family, is conducting a livery business in Chicago. John Edward, the youngest, is a dentist of Geneseo. He married Minerva Benedict and they have three children : Stewart Benedict, Evelyn and Catharine Anita.
Mr. and Mrs. West are members of the Congregational church and he is also allied with the Masonic fraternity. His life exemplifies the teachings of both organizations and he is in thorough sympathy with every movement and measure for the uplifting of the race and the advancement of civilization. While he holds to high ideals he works for their achievement along practical
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lines. Politically he is a republican and though he has no ambition for office he has done good work as a member of the board of education, acting as chair- man of the finance committee of the board at the time when the Geneseo high school building was erected. Energetic, prompt and notably reliable, he is classed with the representative business men of Henry county and with Geneseo's citi- zens whose labors in its behalf have been far-reaching and beneficial. He is now one of the oldest residents of the town in years of the continuous connec- tion therewith and his name is a prominent one on the roll of pioneer settlers.
WILLIAM RUXTON.
William Ruxton, a successful and enterprising agriculturist residing on his farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 34, Geneseo township, was born in Arbroath, Scotland, on the 17th of February, 1839, his parents being William and Mary (Hill) Ruxton. The father, a weaver by trade, followed that occu- pation during the period of his residence in Arbroath. Subsequent to the death of his wife, however, he brought his family to the new world, locating in Henry county, Illinois, where he continued to make his home until called to his final rest. His remains were interred in the old Geneseo cemetery. Unto him and his wife had been born eight sons, the record of whom is as follows: John, who is a machinist of Stanberry, Missouri; William, of this review; Jonathan, a re- tired engineer living in Chicago; Alexander, a resident of Ludlow, Massachusetts ; Robert, an agriculturist of Hardin county, Iowa; Adam, who is engaged in farm- ing in Story county, Iowa; James, living in Chicago, who is an engineer on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad; and Allen, who is likewise an engineer of Chicago.
William Ruxton received but a limited education in the schools of his native land, for when eleven years of age he was bound out to learn the trade of a shoe- maker, his term of apprenticeship covering five years. The first year he received a remuneration of two shillings or fifty cents per week and each year thereafter his wages were doubled. When his term of indenture had expired he remained with his employer as a journeyman for several years or until the time of his emigration to the United States. Many favorable reports had reached him con- cerning the opportunities and advantages of the new world and he had long cherished the plan of one day establishing his home on this side of the Atlantic. After landing in this country he made his way at once to Geneseo, Henry county, Illinois, where he secured employment as a farm hand during the summer months, while in the winter seasons he worked at his trade. At the end of three years, desiring that his labors should more directly benefit himself, he rented a tract of land and was thus successfully connected with agricultural pursuits for a long period. He rented the farm where he now resides on section 34, Geneseo town- ship, for about fifteen years, at the end of which time he purchased the property and has since devoted his energies to its further cultivation and improvement. In addition to his home farm, which is a rich and productive tract of land com- prising one hundred and sixty acres, he also owns thirty acres in Munson town-
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ship and is widely recognized as a most prosperous, energetic and progressive citizen of the community. His property is the visible evidence of his life of thrift, industry and careful management, and his record proves what may be accom- plished by one who has laudable ambition and determination to persevere in the course marked out.
Just prior to his emigration to the United States Mr. Ruxton had wedded Miss Mary Ann Bennett, and by this union there were born six children, namely : Robert, who is married and lives in Munson township; Albert and Henry, who are also married and make their home in Munson township ; Nellie J., who passed away at the age of eight years ; Agnes, the wife of Howard Hutchinson, of Mun- son township; and Frank, who is now on the home farm with his father. In 1904 Mr. Ruxton was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 3d of November of that year, her remains being interred in Oak- wood cemetery.
Where state and national questions are involved Mr. Ruxton supports the men and measures of the republican party but at local elections casts an inde- pendent ballot. He has capably served as a school director for many years but is not an office seeker, preferring to give his undivided attention to his private interests. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought- which, by the way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic man-and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward.
ROY THEODORE FERGUSON.
Roy Theodore Ferguson is one of the most enterprising and progressive young men of Western township, being extensively engaged in farming and stock-rais- ing. He was born on the home farm in Western township, December 29, 1876, a son of George W. and Inez E. (Hitchcock) Ferguson, both of whom still sur- vive. The son was reared on the home farm and after mastering the branches of learning taught in the country schools, entered the Collegiate Institute at Gen- eseo, from which he was graduated with the class of 1897. He then pursued a business course in Brown's Business College, at Galesburg, Illinois. Starting out in life well equipped for its duties and responsibilities, he has for the past few years managed his father's farm of four hundred acres in Western township, while in 1907 he purchased eighty acres on section II, paying for the same one hundred dollars per acre. He also has this tract under cultivation. In addition to general farming he raises and feeds. stock very extensively, shipping to the city markets, where his fine grades of stock demand high prices. In addition to his land in Western township, he also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Grand Forks, North Dakota, which is under cultivation. This he bought in 1902, pay- ing for it twenty dollars per acre, and in 1908 he bought one hundred and sixty acres in southern Alberta, Canada. Few men of his years have attained to such a degree of success as has Mr. Ferguson, but he is a man of push and energy and this is the secret of his prosperity.
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Mr. Ferguson was married March 2, 1904, to Miss Ella Bailey, a daughter of James and Margaret (Warnock) Bailey, and a resident of Rural township, Rock Island county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were both natives of County Down, Ireland, but of Scotch ancestry. They came with their respective parents to America at an early day, the father coming here in 1849, when twenty years of age, while the mother arrived the previous year when a little maiden of seven years. The two families were acquainted in the old country and settled near each other in Illinois. They reared a family of eight children and Mrs. Ferguson is next to the youngest in order of birth. The mother is still living and yet makes her home in Rock Island county, but the father is deceased. By her marriage Mrs. Ferguson has become the mother of a little daughter, Margaret Inez.
Mr. Ferguson gives his support to the republican party but finds little time for active participation in the party's public affairs. He has, however, served as school director. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist church at Orion. They are most genial and cordial young people, having a wide circle of friends in the community in which they reside and a hearty welcome is ex- tended to all who enter their hospitable home.
WALTER J. STAHL.
Walter J. Stahl finds his business in stock raising a profitable one, for he applies himself diligently and energetically to the tasks at hand and his labors are rewarded with a substantial financial return. His home is on section 34, where he has eighty acres of good land, and on section 35, Geneseo township, he has a ninety-acre tract. He was born on the farm which is still his place of residence but in a house that stood on the east side of the road. His parents were Charles F. and Louise (Rusberg) Stahl. The father was born in Holstein, Germany, which was also the birthplace of the mother, and both were reared there and were married ere their emigration to the new world. The father had been employed as a farm hand in his native country. Soon after his marriage he brought his bride to the United States with the expectation of locating at Daven- port, Iowa, but they were influenced by a brother of Mr. Stahl to locate in Henry county, where soon afterward Charles F. Stahl secured employment as a hod carrier. The parents were so poor at that time that they used the trunk for a table and the other furnishings in their little home were very meager. They had enough to buy a stove but little else, yet with unflinching courage and stout hearts they faced the difficulties and hardships of the situation and little by little were able to save from Mr. Stahl's earnings until they felt that the amount was sufficient to enable them to establish their home upon a rented farm. Mr. Stahl then began the cultivation of the fields upon the farm which he afterward pur- chased and which is now a part of the present homestead. He added to it until it comprised one hundred and seventy acres-the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift. Diligent and persistent and ever honorable in his business affairs he deserved and enjoyed the respect of all with whom he came in contact. He died January 19, 1909, at the age of seventy-nine years,
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while his wife passed away in August, 1896. There were six children in the family : Henry J., who is now living in Webster City, Iowa; Lewis, who married and died at High View, Iowa, leaving a widow and one child; Frank, who makes his home near High View, in Webster county, Iowa; Walter J., our subject ; Emma, who married Henry Yungclas and died near High View, leaving one daughter ; and Charles H., who is living in Osceola, Iowa.
Walter J. Stahl was afforded the educational advantages offered by the dis- trict school near the old home and served his father until twenty-one years of age without compensation. Later his father paid him wages for his services and he continued to work upon the old homestead until his marriage. It was on the 29th of December, 1887, that he wedded Miss Ida Jann, of Geneseo, who was born on a farm in West Prussia. Her father died in Germany when she was three years old and her mother afterward became the wife of John Schiefelbein. Mrs. Stahl was ten years of age when her mother and stepfather came to the United States. They established their home in Henry county and she attended the country schools and began to work out while quite young. For some years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stahl worked and kept house for William Walker, a worthy bachelor of Munson township, but they were ambitious to own a home of their own and, eventually, purchased ninety-two acres of land in Geneseo township, which they afterward traded to his father as part payment for the old homestead, to which place they then removed, making for the father a home in his old age. The farm is now a valuable tract of land of one hundred and seventy acres, supplied with modern improvements and equipments, the fields being devoted to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, while in the pastures and feed lots are seen good grades of stock.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stahl have been born eleven children: Lillian, who was graduated from the high school of Geneseo with the class of 1908 and is now a teacher in the home school; Nellie, who did two years' work in the high school; George; Minnie, who spent one year as a student in the Geneseo Collegiate In- stitute ; Alfred; Herbert; Earl; Frank, who died in infancy ; Myrtle ; Meta ; and one who died in infancy. The parents attend the Congregational church where the four older children hold membership. Mr. Stahl was reared to habits of industry and economy. His father realized that it was well to make his children learn the value of money and the power of diligence and there were few leisure moments in the youthful days of Walter J. Stahl. However, he came to man- hood well equipped for the practical and responsible duties of life and his worth is shown in the success which he has achieved, making him the owner of an ex- cellent farm property in Geneseo township.
HON. JOSEPH H. MULLIGAN.
Hon. Joseph H. Mulligan, well known in Kewanee, where he has served al- most continuously as station agent since November, 1885, save for the period of his service in the state legislature, was born in Union county, Kentucky, Septem- ber 8, 1855. He was less than a year old when his parents removed to Monmouth,
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Illinois, while subsequently they became residents of what was then known as "Young America," but is now the city of Kirkwood. There Joseph H. Mulli- gan pursued his education and afterward went to Biggsville, Illinois, in 1872. His youthful days were given to farm work through the periods of vacation and in 1869 he became connected with railroad interests as track repairer on the Chi- cago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Subsequently he was promoted to the po- sition of baggageman and switchman and eventually became telegraph operator and station agent. His rise has come to him in recognition of his capability and merit, and he is today regarded as one of the oldest, most trustworthy and there- fore one of the most valued representatives of the railroad company. He was acting as station agent at Biggsville when he left that place in 1884 and returned to Kirkwood, where he also acted as station agent. In November, 1885, how- ever, he was transferred to Kewanee and has remained here as station agent throughout the entire period that has since elapsed save for the time of his service as a member of the state legislature.
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