History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II, Part 21

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

USA > Illinois > Henry County > History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 21

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of his life were quietly passed in Geneseo, where he died March 18, 1907, at the age of eighty-two years and one day. His wife had passed away at the age of forty-five years, and both were faithful adherents of the teachings of the Catholic church. Their family of ten children was equally divided as to sons and daughters, the children being: John H .; May, the wife of W. W. White, of Chicago; Anna, the wife of Tony Meyer, of St. Louis; Milly, the wife of Allen Chipley, of Colorado; William C .; Edward, a resident of Chicago; Della, the wife of George Watrous, of Dubuque, Iowa; Frank, a resident of Gilchrist, Illinois; Joseph, whose home is in South Bend, Indiana; and Ella, the wife of Harry Anderson, also of Gilchrist.

William C. Voss was a young lad when his parents located on the farm in Henry county, which was his place of abode until he was twelve or thirteen years of age. During that period he had pursued his education in the district schools and in the public schools of Geneseo and when a young lad of thirteen years he started out to make his own way in the world. He followed various pursuits and when sixteen years of age began learning the barber's trade, at which he engaged for several years. During that time he patented a steam shampooing machine for which he found a ready sale. He has lived in Geneseo for the past twenty-five years, and he continued to engage in barbering until 1893, after which he spent five years upon the road as a traveling salesman. In 1898 he turned his attention to the real estate and insurance business, in which he still continues, representing a number of the oldtime insurance com- panies and negotiating many important property transfers.

Mr. Voss was married in 1885, to Miss Bernice Harbaugh, a native of Geneseo and a daughter of William and Matilda (Luther) Harbaugh, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The three children of Mr. and Mrs. Voss are Harry W., Herbert Perry and John Clayton. Mrs. Voss belongs to the Congregational church and Dr. Voss is connected with the Red Men and the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is a republican but does not seek preferment in office, his business interests making full claim upon his time and attention. In addition to his real-estate and insurance interests he owns the Wigwam, a building in which he is conducting a moving picture show- one of the most popular forms of entertainment at the present time. He also owns a farm of one hundred and twelve acres in Geneseo township and a good home at the corner of Center and Second streets, his property interests being the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift.

ROBERT W. McLEESE.

Robert W. McLeese is a successful farmer and stock raiser of Western township, owning a tract of one hundred and twenty-one and a quarter acres on section II. He was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, February 9, 1861, a son of James and Nancy (Love) McLeese. The father was killed by a train when the son was but a small boy and the mother subsequently married again. He was accorded fair educational advantages in the schools of his

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native state and when seventeen years of age began learning the harness maker's trade. In 1882 he accompanied his mother and stepfather to Henry county, the home being established on a farm now owned by William Love. After coming to Henry county Mr. McLeese worked at his trade in Orion during one winter and then began work on the farm of an uncle.

Mr. McLeese was married on the 4th of February, 1886, to Miss Ida May Washburn, who was born in Western township, July 16, 1859, a daughter of Chauncey E. and Emily (Piatt) Washburn. Following this important step in his life, Mr. McLeese operated land belonging to Mr. Washburn until he purchased his present place of one hundred and twenty-one and a quarter acres. He has made many improvements in the way of substantial buildings and occupies a good country residence. He carries on farming and also raises stock, botlı branches of his business bringing him a good profit.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. McLeese have been born three children but the eldest, Roy Washburn, who was well educated, died December 18, 1908, at the age of twenty-one years. Nellie May, who was born December 28, 1890, received a good education and is at home. Lester Otis, who was born February 10, 1895, is also under the parental roof. Mr. McLeese gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party, but has never sought nor desired office. He is truly a self-made man, for at an early age he started out to make his own way in the world and as the years have gone by he has met with well deserved success, so that he may be counted among the influential farmers of Henry county.

PHILIP MONROE GRIGGS.

One of the most attractive mercantile establishments of Kewanee is the Griggs Music House, which is owned and conducted by Philip Monroe Griggs, a man of enterprise, watchful of opportunity and utilizing every advantage which comes to him for the legitimate development of his commercial interests. He was born in Centerville, Allegany county, New York, on the 15th of January, 1849, his parents being Philip and Marytta (Marvin) Griggs, the former a farmer by occupation.

The son, Philip Monroe Griggs, is indebted to the public school system of his native city for the early educational privileges which he enjoyed, while later he had the benefit of instruction in Pike Seminary, at Pike, Wyoming county, New York. After leaving school he turned his attention to farming in Wyoming county and there resided until 1871, when he went to Georgia and lived upon a plantation near Madison, Morgan county. In 1877 he took up his abode in Madison and turned his attention to the farm implement business, being the first to introduce improved implements into that section of the country, which, some- what conservative, had not yet adopted the modern processes of agriculture. At a later date Mr. Griggs began dealing in sewing machines, continuing his residence in the south until 1893, when he came to Kewanee. Here he entered the employ of E. S. Whiting in the implement business and so continued for

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three years. In 1896, however, he bought out P. B. Keeler, a dealer in sewing machines, and in 1899 purchased the piano business of C. L. Lindburg, after which he established the Griggs Music House for the purpose of dealing in pianos, organs, talking machines, records, sheet music and sewing machines. In the ten years which have since elapsed he has built up a good business and now has a well appointed and well equipped establishment at No. 219 West Second street, his close application and readiness of resource in business being strong and salient features in the attainment of the prosperity which is now his.

On the 20th of November, 1872, Mr. Griggs was married in Pike, Wyoming county, New York, to Miss Anna M. Rockwell, a daughter of John D. Rock- well, late of Kewanee. Their children are: Arthur Platt, who wedded Elizabeth Ames of Davenport, Iowa; Victor Rockwell, of Havre, Montana; Theodore James, who married Hazel Collins; and Philip Hoyt.

In his political views Mr. Griggs has always been a stalwart republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and he served as post- master at Social Circle, Walton county, Georgia, for two years. He holds membership with the Yeomen of America and the Mystic Workers of the World, and is also a member of the Congregational church. He went south as a young man but found the enterprise and appreciation of the middle west more to his liking and in the years of his residence in Kewanee has made steady progress, which has brought him to a prominent position in the business circles of the city.

ISAAC N. WILSON.

In a history of Henry county there can be found the record of no man who is more highly respected or more justly deserves the esteem in which he is held than of Isaac N. Wilson. For many years he was closely associated with the work of public progress and improvement and also with the business develop- ment of the county. He is now living retired in Geneseo, enjoying well earned rest, which is the result of his former toil. He was born in Washington county, New York, on the east side of the Hudson river, near the Vermont line, May 7, 1824, his parents being Isaac and Phoebe (Temple) Wilson. The father, who was a native of New York, was a son of Lieutenant James Wilson, who was born in Greenwich, Rhode Island, and was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, par- ticipating in the battle of Saratoga and in other important engagements which led to the final victory that crowned the American arms. On the 29th of May, 1776, he married Martha Hopkins. His death occurred when he had reached the age of seventy-six years while his wife was about ninety years of age at the time of her demise. The Wilsons were of Scotch-Irish descent but, as is indi- cated, the family was established in this country in early colonial days.

Isaac Wilson, the father of him whose name introduces this review, devoted his life to the occupation of farming and for many years continued a resident of New York. He married Miss Phoebe Temple, who was born at Hillsboro in the

ISAAC N. WILSON

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town of Antrim, New Hampshire, her father being a farmer of that state. They began their domestic life upon a farm in New York and for many years Mr. Wilson was identified with agricultural interests in the east but finally followed his children to the west and took up his abode upon a farm near Geneseo. Later he removed to the town where he passed away in the '70s, having survived his wife for only a week. Both died of pneumonia. They were members of the Presbyterian church and people of the highest respectability, honored wherever known and most of all where they were best known. Mr. Wilson had served as police magistrate for several years in Washington county, New York, and had also filled the office of supervisor. Unto him and his wife were born seven children but only two are now living. David Wilson, the youngest of the family, resides near the old homestead at Hebron, Washington county, New York.

Isaac N. Wilson spent his youthful days on his father's farm in Washington county and attended the district schools, later supplementing his preliminary edu- cation by study in an academy in western New York. He remained at home un- til he had attained his majority and was busily employed in the work of the fields, receiving thus the practical business training which well qualified him for the duties that devolved upon him when he started out in life on his own account. In March, 1854, he arrived in Geneseo, traveling over the Rock Island railroad, which had been but recently completed, the first train reaching this city on the 22d of February, of that year. Here Mr. Wilson became connected with the grain business as a representative of a Chicago house and as his industry and careful expenditure brought him sufficient capital, he invested in land, purchasing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Munson township. He held that prop- erty for a few years and then sold it, after which he formed a partnership with James McBroom and purchased an elevator. They were together for many years or until the death of Mr. McBroom which occurred in February, 1895. They also handled live stock, both cattle and hogs. As the years passed their business was crowned with a gratifying measure of success such as always follows un- faltering perseverance, unabating energy and untiring diligence. Moreover in all of his business dealings Mr. Wilson was thoroughly reliable, ever regarding honesty as the best policy.

On the 26th of December, 1885, Mr. Wilson was married in New York to Miss Ann Eliza Joslin, a daughter of William and Ann (Stevens) Josiin, having returned to the Empire state for his bride. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were born five children : Ida, who died when eighteen years of age; Frankie, who died in infancy ; Eugene, of Exira, Iowa ; who married Jennie M. Bliss, who died in 1904, leaving a son, Irving Newton, while after her demise he wedded Belle Lancelot ; Edward Newton, who married Elma Henney and lives in Wausau, Nebraska ; and Emily Eliza, the wife of Fred L. Smith, a merchant of Geneseo, who is men- tioned elsewhere in this work. The wife and mother died March 4, 1886, at the age of fifty-six years. She was a member of the Presbyterian church and an earnest Christian woman, whose many good qualities endeared her to all with whom she came in contact, so that her death was the occasion of deep regret not only to her immediate family but also to her many friends.

Mr. Wilson was one of the charter members of the first Odd Fellows lodge in Geneseo. In politics he has been a stalwart republican since the organization

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of the party. He became a member of the first board of supervisors of the county and was chairman of the board when the present courthouse was built. He is now the only surviving member of that first board and was one of the oldest citizens of the county, having for more than a half century been a witness of the growth and development of Geneseo and this part of the state. The only brick building in the town when Mr. Wilson came here was the old seminary west of the Congregational church. He built his present home in 1863 which he has since altered and improved, it being one of the substantial and attractive old residences of the city. Mr. Wilson is undoubtedly one of the best known resi- dents of Geneseo, gaining a wide acquaintance in the years of his long business activity in the city. His characteristics, too, have been such as have won him friendship and regard and now in the evening of life he receives the veneration and esteem which should ever be accorded those who have traveled far on life's journey.

OSCAR E. SANQUIST.

Oscar E. Sanquist, editor and publisher of the Cambridge Chronicle, was born in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, May 1, 1875, his parents being John A. and Hannah (Johnson) Sanquist, both of whom were natives of Sweden. The father was a tailor by trade, learning the business in his native country, whence he came to America as a young man, settling at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he carried on the tailoring business. He was for a long period closely, actively and honorably associated with the business interests of that city and there passed away in September, 1901, when about fifty-seven years of age. His wife died March 2, 1893, when about forty-eight years of age. She was a member of the Christian church, and many excellent traits of her character left their impress upon the lives of her eight children. The family numbered six sons and two daughters, of whom six are now living: Oscar E .; Alfred Charles, who makes his home in Valparaiso, Indiana; Victor E., living in Cam- bridge, Illinois; Arthur N., who is engaged in the banking business in La Grange, Illinois ; Walter T., a farmer residing near Hemingford, Nebraska; and Ernest.

Oscar E. Sanquist was reared in his native city and attended its public schools. He began learning the printer's trade when about fifteen years of age and has since been identified therewith, his long experience bringing him thorough fami- liarity with the business in principle and detail. On the 6th of February, 1899, he came to Cambridge and on the Ist of October, 1903, he took charge of the Cambridge Chronicle as business manager. Three years later he purchased the plant and has since conducted it, publishing the Chronicle as a republican weekly, and also conducting a general job printing business. The paper has a good cir- culation and is regarded as an excellent advertising medium. It is printed in neat and attractive form and is devoted to the dissemination of general and local news.

On the 27th of June, 1901, Mr. Sanquist was married to Miss Edith C. Kinsey, a daughter of Jared C. and Sarah C. (Hawley) Kinsey, and a native of Cambridge. Two children have been born of this marriage, Leslie A. and

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Lillian, who died at the age of two years. The parents are members of the Bap- tist church, and Mr. Sanquist belongs to Cambridge Lodge, No. 49, A. F. & A. M., and to the Improved Order of Red Men. Constantly alert to the oppor- tunities for improvement and progress in the city, he champions all worthy public measures and has wielded a wide influence in his support of many move- ments for the public good. He has made steady progress in business since starting out for himself at the age of fifteen years, and his success is doubtless largely due to the fact that he has remained throughout the entire period in the line in which he embarked as a young tradesman.

EDWARD HENRY HORNECKER.

Edward Henry Hornecker, the owner of a fine farm comprisinng two hun- dred and forty acres on section 14, Osco township, devotes his time and ener- gies to agricultural and stock raising pursuits with excellent results. He was born in Western township, Henry county, Illinois, on the 10th of August, 1870, his parents being G. Jacob and Katharine (Ernst) Hornecker, both natives of Baden Baden, Germany. The father's birth occurred on the 30th of Sep- tember, 1838, while the mother first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 6th of February, 1839. When about eighteen years of age G. Jacob Hornecker accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States, the family home being established at Quincy, Illinois. Later they took up their abode in Henry county, and here Mr. Hornecker met and married Miss Katharine Ernst, who had crossed the Atlantic with her parents in her girlhood days. Mr. Hornecker has been identified with general agricultural pursuits in this county throughout his active business career and, owing to his well directed and untiring industry, has met with a gratifying measure of success in his undertakings, becoming an extensive landowner. He accumulated altogether seven hundred and twenty acres, a portion of which is located in Dakota. Coming to the new world empty-handed, the prosperity which he now enjoys is entirely the result of his own efforts and his record may well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, as follows: Katy, who became the wife of Louis Koch and passed away in Osco, leaving two children: Emma, who makes her home on a farm in Osco township and is the wife of Louis Blank, by whom she has five children; Edward Henry, of this review; Christina, who passed away when twenty-one years of age; George, who wedded Miss Clara Willie, has five children and resides in Geneseo; Ida, living in Munson township, who is the wife of Frank Hadley and has two children; William, who resides in Geneseo and who married Miss Mollie Pink, by whom he has one child; Rosa, who makes her home with her father in Geneseo; and Frank, who wedded Miss Bessie Reu- beck and resides in Geneseo.

Edward Henry Hornecker was about seven years of age when he removed with his parents to the farm on which he now lives and which has remained his place of residence to the present time. He obtained his education in the

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common schools and gave his father the benefit of his services in the work of the fields until twenty-two years of age. He then rented a tract of land from his father for a number of years and in 1900 purchased the old homestead place at ninety dollars an acre. The property comprises two hundred and forty acres on section 14, Osco township, and is now worth about one hundred and seventy-five dollars an acre. In 1906 he built a silo with a capacity of one hundred and twenty tons, but the residence, barns and outbuildings on the place were all erected by his father. In the conduct of his farming and stock raising interests he has won a most gratifying measure of success and well deserves representation among the substantial, enterprising and progressive citizens of the community.

On the 2d of November, 1893, Mr. Hornecker was united in marriage to Miss Theresa Hamann, a native of Geneseo and a daughter of Henry and Theresa (Sieben) Hamann, both of whom were born in Germany. The father, whose birth occurred in Wiesbaden on the 16th of April, 1830, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1854, landing at New York, where he remained for two years. In the year 1865, at Springfield, Illinois, he wedded Miss Theresa Sieben and after residing in that city for a time took up his abode in Spring Hill, Illinois. After a short period, however, he came to Geneseo, where he successfully followed his trade of shoemaking for a number of years. In 1870 he purchased a farm in Osco township and there spent the remainder of his life, passing away on the IIth of August, 1907, at the age of seventy-seven years, three months and twenty-six days. His was an active, useful and honor- able career and his death was deeply mourned by all who knew him. His widow still survives and makes her home in Osco township. Their children are four in number, namely: Henry, a resident of Edford township; Charles; Louie; and Mrs. Hornecker, all living in Osco township. Mr. and Mrs. Horn- ecker are the parents of three children : George Henry, born December 13, 1894; Lydia Ida, whose natal day was December 4, 1897; and Earl Edward, whose birth occurred on the 20th of June, 1905.

Mr. Hornecker is independent in his political views, casting his ballot in support of the candidate whom he believes best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliation. Both he and his wife are devoted and consistent members of St. John's German Lutheran church in Edford. They have always been resi- dents of this county and are well known and highly esteemed as people of genuine personal worth, and upright, honorable lives.

EDWARD B. DAWES.

His ready solution of business problems and capable control of industrial interests have led to the selection of Edward B. Dawes as manager and cashier of the Geneseo branch of the William Numsen & Sons Canning Company, in- corporated. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, August 18, 1844, and repre- sents one of the old families of that state. His grandfather, who was of Welsh descent, was born in Maryland, where he had a plantation and owned

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a number of slaves. Both he and his wife lived to a ripe old age, and they reared a family of twelve sons.

Edward B. Dawes, Sr., the father of our subject, was born in Maryland and his youthful days were spent on his father's plantation in Harford county. When a young man he began learning the blacksmith's trade and later became a stationary engineer, following that pursuit for many years. He was elected high constable, or sheriff, of the city and county of Baltimore, filling that posi- tion for several terms in a most capable and commendable manner. At length he removed to Ohio, settling in Ross county, where he died in 1882, when about seventy years of age. In early manhood he had married Ellen Sullivan, who was likewise a native of Maryland and a daughter of Florence Sullivan, who was born in London, England, of Irish parentage. Coming to America he de- voted his life to farming. He married Miss Parrish, a daughter of Aquilla and Priscilla (Belt) Parrish, the latter being a representative of one of the oldest, largest and most prominent families of Maryland,; descended from Umphrey Belt, who went to Maryland from England about 1650. He was accompanied by two brothers, whose names are now unknown. One here died on this side of the Atlantic, but the other returned to England, leaving Umphrey Belt and his five sons, John, Jeremiah, Richard, Joseph and Leonard, as the surviving representatives of the name in the new world. Of these Joseph Belt and one son died in Baltimore county and are buried there near Dover. His widow, Mrs. Elnora (Randall) Belt, took her three children to Ohio and settled in Fairfield county. Another son of Umphrey Belt also went to the Buckeye state, taking up his abode in Licking county and on the removal was accompanied by his eleven sons. The other children of Umphrey Belt remained in Maryland, one settling in Prince George county, where his descendants are now numer- ous. The Parrish family became connected with the Belt family through the marriage of Aquilla Parrish and Priscilla Belt. Their daughter became the wife of Florence Sullivan, and unto them was born a daughter, Ellen, who became the wife of Edward B. Dawes, Sr. She passed to her final rest at the age of sixty, some years prior to the death of her husband. Both were consistent members of the Methodist church, their Christian faith being exempli- fied in their upright lives. Their family numbered thirteen children, four sons and nine daughters, but only two are now living, the other being Mrs. Mollie G. Dol, of Philadelphia.

The elder is Edward B. Dawes of this review. He was reared in Balti- more, Maryland, where he attended the public schools. When twelve years of age he began learning the bookbinder's trade, which he followed for three years, and later he learned the tinner's trade. In 1863 he enlisted for military service as a member of Company C, Tenth Maryland Volunteer Infantry, with which he served as a private for eight months, participating during the period in a number of skirmishes but in no hard fought battles. After the war he served for one year in secret service and then resumed his trade, which he followed until 1868. In that year he turned his attention to the canning business in Balti- more and was associated therewith until 1881, when he removed to Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio. In 1887 he went to Davenport, Iowa, where he conducted canneries until 1898. For two years thereafter he was a resident of Webster

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History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II, Part 21

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