History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II, Part 32

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 32

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

308

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY

proved farm. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he has met with a most gratifying measure of success, following only the most practical and modern methods in carrying on his work.

On the 16th of March, 1869, . Mr. Coldy was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Brooks, who birth occurred in Starksboro, Vermont, November 19, 1850. Her parents, Henry and Melvina (Hastings) Brooks, who were likewise na- tives of the Green Mountain state, came to Illinois in 1852, and took up their abode in Weller township, this county. Subsequently they located on a farm which they had purchased near Bancroft in Kingsbury county, South Dakota. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brooks died in De Smet, South Dakota, the former passing away on the 14th of January, 1907, when he was almost eighty-six years of age. His wife was called to her final rest in 1904 at the age of about eighty years. Their children were six in number, namely: Ellen; Lucy, the deceased wife of Absalom Hoover, who served as a soldier in the Civil war; Mary; Harriet; Eliza; and George. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Coldy have been born four children, one of whom died in infancy. The others were as follows: Viola, who is at home; Norman, who passed away at the age of six years; Charles Eugene, also at home.

Mr. Coldy gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has served as a school director in his township. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church, with which his wife is also identfied. He is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community in which his entire life has been spent, and that his career has ever been upright and honor- able is indicated by the fact that the associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanchest friends and admirers.

JOHN M. COSTELLO.

John M. Costello is numbered among those who are active in the government of the city, and his official service has gained him a firm hold on the regard of those who appreciate fidelity and capability in public office. He was born in New York city, February 23, 1859, his parents being Michael and Maria (Mad- den) Costello, both of whom were natives of County Galway, Ireland. The father was a shoemaker by trade, and when he came to America in 1854 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, two and a half miles southeast of Geneseo, Illinois. He did not tarry in the middle west, however, but re- turned to New York, where he lived until 1856, when he brought his family to Henry county and here took up the occupation of farming, which he con- tinued to make his occupation until advanced age caused him to put aside the more strenuous cares of business life. He died on the home farm, when eighty- eight years of age, and his wife passed away at the age of eighty-six. They were both members of the Catholic church. Their family numbered three daugh- ters and a son : Margaret, the deceased wife of Richard Smith; Mary, the widow of J. A. Ballentine, of Geneseo; Anna Eliza, also of Geneseo; and John M.

309

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY

In taking up the present history of John M. Costello we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely known in this county, for, although born in New York city, his youth was passed upon the old home farm in Henry county. During that period he attended the district schools, devoting the weeks of vacation to farm work so that he early gained practical experience in the best methods of tilling the soil. After the death of his parents he continued to cul- tivate the home farm which he owned in partnership with his sister Anna. In 1905, thinking to find town life congenial, he removed to Geneseo and was soon afterward elected city marshal, which position he held for nine months. At that time there was a change of administration, but in September, 1907, he was reelected to the office, which he has filled continuously since. He had previously held the office of constable for twenty-five years, and has thus for a long period been a faithful warden of the public peace. In the spring of 1909 he sold his farm, expecting to remain continuously a resident of this city.

On the Ist of January, 1902, Mr. Costello was united in marriage to Miss Frances Gladman, a daughter of Joseph and Margaret Gladman. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp and also holds membership with the Owls and has many warm friends in the fraternities with which he is connected. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party, and he is recognized as an active and substantial worker in its ranks. He is fearless in the discharge of his duty, shows no favor but seeks to promote the interests of the city by always maintaining law and order.

JAMES ORR.

James Orr is now living retired in Geneseo, but for a long period he was closely associated with agricultural interests, and his business methods were so practical, his enterprise so keen and his energy so unabating that he won a place among the men of affluence in Henry county. He is one of the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Cornwall township, May II, 1855. His parents were James and Mary (Shale) Orr, both of whom were natives of County Down, Ireland. The paternal grandfather was a Scotch- man but removed to the Emerald isle, where he spent his last few days. Mr. and Mrs. James Orr, Sr., were reared, educated and married in Ireland, and, coming to the United States, took up their abode at Safe Harbor, near Phila- delphia, where Mr. Orr was employed for a number of years in the iron works. About 1850 he came to Illinois and spent a few months in Peoria, after which he arrived in Henry county and purchased a farm of eighty acres in Corn- wall township. His capital was then limited, and that he prospered in his under- takings was indicated in the fact that he added to his original holdings until his farming interests aggregated four hundred and eighty acres. He died upon his home farm in Cornwall township in 1883 at the age of seventy-two years, and his wife, who survived him for two years, passed away at the age of seventy-three years. Their religious faith was indicated in their membership in the Presbyterian church.

310

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY

James Orr, whose name introduces this review, spent his youthful days as do most farm boys, being reared in the old homestead in Henry county. The district schools afforded him his educational opportunities, and the periods of vacation were devoted to the work of the fields, while at times he was just as busily employed with the games and pastimes in which the youth of the period indulged. After attaining his majority he married and carried on farming in a part of his father's land for several years. His life has been that of an ener- getic agriculturist who carefully tills the soil, utilzing such modern, progressive and scientific methods as produce the best results in the cultivation of crops. In 1888 he removed to Geneseo where he purchased a good residence on South State street where he still lives. He derives a substantial income from two hun- dred acres of land which is his old homestead, and has also a half section of land in Manitoba, Canada.

On the 20th of December, 1882, Mr. Orr was united in marriage to Miss Mary Elizabeth Terpening, who was born in Munson townhip, this county, May 17, 1864. She is a daughter of William H. and Eliza Ann (Mason) Ter- pening. The former was a son of Henry Terpening, a native of New York and a farmer by occupation. His father was Levi Terpening, a native of Holland and the founder of the family in the new world. Henry Terpening married a Miss Gee, and both lived to an old age. Their children included William H. Terpening, who removed from Cortland county, New York, to Illinois in 1851. He had previously wedded Eliza Ann Mason, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was a daughter of George and Catharine (Sloop) Mason. Her father was a wheelwright by trade and conducted a large shop in Cincinnati at a time when everything was made by hand. He removed to Illinois when an old man, settling near Maryland City. Unto him and his wife were born three sons and three daughters, including Eliza Ann, who became Mrs. Terpening. As stated, the year 1851 witnessed the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Terpening in Illinois, at which time they settled in Munson township, Henry county. Subse- quently they removed to Iowa and lived near Creston for nine years. They then returned to Henry county in 1864 and the father died in 1902 at the age of eighty-four years. He had for about two years survived his wife, who passed away in 1900 and was also eighty-four years of age at the time of her demise. Their children were ten in number: George A, a resident of Seattle, Washington; Martha A., the wife of Samuel Wilson, who is living near Belle- ville, Kansas ; Missoura A., the widow of George Terpening, of Mokena, Illinois; Clinton W., of Bedford, Iowa; Francis A., whose home is in Albia, Kansas; Melissa, the wife of George Dorflinger, of Bryn Mawr, Washington; Minnie, the deceased wife of William Hutchinson; Marion C., whose home is near Lari- more, North Dakota; Charles S., who is located at Pendleton, Oregon; and Mary E., now Mrs. Orr.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Orr has been blessed with two children, Ona E. and Elbert G. The former is the wife of Albert Sheldon Bradley, and they reside with Mr. and Mrs. Orr. The parents are members of the Unitarian church, and Mr. Orr belongs to Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M .; Geneseo Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M .; the Modern Woodmen camp and the Knights of Pythias lodge. Both he and his wife hold membership in Geneseo Chapter,

311

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY

No. 175, O. E. S. His political endorsement is given to the democracy, but he neither seeks nor desires office as a reward for party fealty. He receives from his fellow townsmen the respect and confidence which the world instinc- tively yields as its tribute to genuine worth. He has long lived in this county, and his business enterprise is manifest in the success which has crowned his labors.

CARL STACH.

Carl Stach, residing on section 18, Cambridge township, is the owner of a finely improved farm of one hundred and thirty-nine acres. He was born in Westpruessen, Germany, on the 25th of October, 1858, his parents being Carl and Elizabeth (Knundt) Stach, who were likewise natives of the fatherland. Carl Stach, Sr., carried on general agricultural pursuits in his native country and in 1879, when quite well advanced in years, crossed the Atlantic to the United States, taking up his abode in Hamilton county, Nebraska. His demise there occurred when he was about sixty-eight years of age. He had long sur- vived his wife, who passed away in 1865 at the age of thirty-two years. They were both devoted and faithful members of the Lutheran church. Their union was blessed with seven children, three sons and four daughters, as follows: Carl, of this review; Herman; Adolph; Amelia, who is the wife of Gust Mar- quahrt, and resides in Canada; Augusta, the deceased wife of Julius Frank; Paulina, the deceased wife of Robert Fenster; and Minnie, the wife of Robert Fenster, of Hampton, Nebraska.

Carl Stach remained on the home farm in Germany until fourteen years of age and then learned the flour milling business. In the year 1880, when a young man of twenty-one, he set sail for the new world, and after landing in the United States made his way at once to Morristown, Henry county, Illi- nois. He first secured employment by the month as a farm hand and subsequent to his marriage rented a tract of land, being thus actively connected with farming interests for about nine years. At the end of that time, owing to his well di- reced energy and good management, he had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to purchase one hundred and forty-one and a half acres of land in Cambridge and Andover townships. He afterward sold two and a half acres in Andover township for a cemetery but has retained the remaining one hundred and thirty-nine acres to the present time and has devoted his energies to general agricultural pursuits with excellent success. The property is lacking in none of the improvements and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. and in fact everything about the place indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. In 1909 he erected the handsome and modern dwelling in which he now resides.

On the 20th of December, 1885, Mr. Stach was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Jane Wyatt, whose birth occurred in Youngstown, Ohio, February 19, 1865. Her parents, William and Betsy (Pollott) Wyatt, who were natives of England, located near Youngstown, Ohio, after coming to the United States. The father, who was a coal miner, died on the 22d of March, 1889, when about

312

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY

fifty-four years of age. His wife, who was born on the 3d of March, 1841, was called to her final rest on the 24th of January, 1905, when sixty-four years of age. She was a Baptist in religious faith. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt were born eleven children, as follows: Maria, the widow of Alexander Gee; Mary Jane; Emily ; Lizzie; Bridget, the widow of John Scott; John; William; Linnie; and three who died in early life. John and Lizzie Pollott, the maternal grand- parents of Mrs. Stach, crossed the Atlantic from England to the United States and took up their abode in the vicinity of Youngstown, Ohio, where they died at an advanced age. John Pollott was a coal miner. Unto him and his wife were born four sons and two daughters, namely : Mary Ann, Betsy, Ivan, Abram, John and Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Stach have become the parents of six children : Ella, who makes her home in Cornwall township and is the wife of Herman Schnowske, by whom she has two children-Raymond and Dorothy ; and Jennie, Rosa, Fred- die, Herbert and George, all of whom are still under the parental roof.

In his political views Mr. Stach is a stanch republican, being convinced that the principles of that party are most conducive to good government. He has capably served his fellow townsmen in the position of school director for three years. He belongs to the Mystic Workers and in all the varied relations of life has proven himself worthy of the trust and confidence so uniformly reposed in him. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for the opportunities which he sought he found and improved and as a result is now one of the men of affluence in his community.

JOHN OFFERLE.

John Offerle, who has passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey, is a retired shoemaker living in Geneseo. He was born in Alsace, France, Septem- ber 30, 1829, and is a son of John Jacob and Saloma (Peter) Offerle, both of whom were also natives of Alsace. The ancestors of the family lived in Nor- mandy, France, and were of the faith of the Waldenses. In the time of the Catholic persecution they fled from Normandy to Switzerland, and thence their descendants went to Alsace, settling in Baldenheim, in the department of Du- Pas-Rhine near Schlestadt. The great-great-grandfather of our subject was John Jacob Offerle, who was born in 1705, and died November 17, 1773. He was married in 1730 to Sarah Meinold, whose mother bore the maiden name of Adam Peter, a native of Alsace, France, and a linen weaver by trade. Both he and his wife died in that country. John Jacob Offerle, who was a farmer by occu- pation, died in Baldenheim in September 20, 1845, at the age of forty-eight years, his birth having occurred April 20, 1797. His first wife, who was born in Baldenheim in 1798, passed away November 27, 1841. He afterward married again, his second union being with Saloma Hertzel. He and both of his wives were members of the Lutheran church. By his first marriage there were five sons and two daughters, but only two are now living, the sister of our subject being Mrs. Mary Hessel, the wife of Charles Hessel, of London, Ontario. The two children of the father's second marriage were Catharine and Christian.

313

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY

John Offerle was educated in the schools of his native province in both the French and German languages and when sixteen years of age began learning the shoemaker's trade. In 1847 at the age of eighteen years he came to America, settling in Warren, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in shoemaking. Since 1864 he has resided continuously in Geneseo, where he and his brother George estab- lished a shoe store, which they conducted together for three or four years. On the expiration of that period they dissolved partnership and John Offerle continued to make boots and shoes, enjoying a good patronage in that line until 1900, since which time he has lived retired. He remained an active factor in the world's work until after his seventy-first year, and the rest which he has since enjoyed has been well merited, for his competence was honorably earned.

On the 23d of December, 1852, Mr. Offerle was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Fisher, a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Eisler) Fisher. Mrs. Offerle was born in Warren, Pennsylvania, April 12, 1836, but her parents were natives of Alsace, France, and her father was one of Napoleon's body guard. He was tall and handsome, and moreover, a man of high character, who led a consistent Christian life. He died in Warren, Pennsylvania, in 1848 at the age of fifty- three years, and his wife, long surviving him, passed away in 1891 at the age of eighty-four years, her death occurring in Geneseo. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Offerle have been born seven children: Josephine, the wife of John Minsch, of Hooppole, Illinois, by whom she has six children-Lora, Charles, Florence, Alice, Cora and Warren; Henry of Lane county, Kansas, who married Hattie Mc- Kinley and has four children-John, Eva, Charles and Freddie; Diana, the wife of Philip Sommers of Abilene, Kansas, who has three children-Stacy, Lynn, and Lorena; Lorena, the wife of Richard Arnold, of Geneseo and the mother of one daughter, Oneida ; Cora, who died at the age of twenty-five years ; Alfred, a farmer of Munson township, who married Lulu Wildermuth and has two chil- dren-Earl and Della; and Aaron, who resides in Enid, Oklahoma.

Mr. Offerle is a stanch advocate of all that he believes to be right and mani- fests his views in the temperance question by the loyal support which he gives the prohibition party. Both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical church and are good Christian people, active in the church work. They are highly esteemed for their genuine worth and have lived exemplary lives before their children and before all of the world. Because of this they can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear.

WARREN O. HOUGHTON.

Warren O. Houghton, the secretary, treasurer and general manager of the E. W. Houghton Lumber Company of Galva, was born at Wyanet, Bureau county, Illinois, on the IIth of October, 1868. His parents, Edwin W. and Adaline (Bean) Houghton, were both natives of the state of New York. The paternal grandfather, Warren Houghton, whose birth likewise occurred in the Empire state, was of English descent. Throughout his active business career he was successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits. Both he and his wife

314

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY

lived to a ripe old age and reared quite a large family of children. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Orson Bean, was also a native of New York and of English descent. He followed farming as a means of livelihood and made his home at Hume, New York, where he passed away when well advanced in years.

Edwin W. Houghton, the father of Warren O. Houghton, made his way from Houghton, New York, to Bureau county, Illinois, in the year 1864 and located at Wyanet. He was busily engaged as a carpenter and builder for some years and subsequently embarked in the lumber business at Wyanet, where he re- mained until 1879, when he took up his abode in Henry, Marshall county, Illi- nois. In 1882 he came to Galva, this county, and established the E. W. Houghton Lumber Company, of which he is still the president. He was thus actively and prominently identified with the industrial interests of the county for about two decades but for the past seven years has lived retired in Chicago. He is a stal- wart republican in his political views and while residing in Galva served as su- pervisor and also as president of the village board. He likewise represented this district in the Illinois legislature for one term and was widely recognized as a most influential, respected and substantial citizen. He is a Knight Templar Mason and a worthy exemplar of the craft. He attends the Congregational church, of which his wife was a member. The latter, whose birth occurred at Hume, New York, in 1835, passed away on the 30th of September, 1897, when sixty-two years of age.

Warren O. Houghton obtained his primary education in the schools of Wyanet and Henry, Illinois, and when fourteen years of age came to Galva, where he attended the high school and grew to manhood. On the Ist of November, 1887, he entered his father's office in the capacity of a bookkeeper and salesman. Two years later the company was incorporated and subsequently he was made secre- tary and treasurer of the concern, while since his father's removal to Chicago he has also acted as manager. The E. W. Houghton Lumber Company operates eight other yards at the following places: Altona, Bradford, Wyoming, Wyanet, Lamoille, Van Orin, Princeton and Victoria. The headquarters of the firm are at Galva. Mr. Houghton is likewise the president of the Kenova Manufacturing Company of Kenova, West Virginia, manufacturers of interior finish. His con- nection with any undertaking insures a prosperous outcome of the same, for it is in his nature to carry forward to successful completion whatever he is asso- ciated with. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business, and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods, which have won him the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellowmen.

On the IIth of July, 1899, Mr. Houghton was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Nowers, who was born near Atkinson, Illinois, her parents being James and Ella (Woliver) Nowers, the former a native of New York and the latter of Illinois, They took up their abode in this county at a comparatively early day and reared a family of three children, namely : Decima, the wife of Samuel West; Albert A .; and Mrs. Houghton. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Houghton was Thomas Nowers, a native of England, who crossed the Atlantic to the United States in early manhood and first located in Oneida county, New York. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Decima Foster, was the tenth in order of birth in her

315

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY

father's family. They were among the earliest settlers in this county and both passed away in Atkinson when well advanced in years, Thomas Nowers being more than eighty years old at the time of his demise. John and Margaret (Hul- sizer) Woliver, the maternal grandparents of Mrs. Houghton, were both born in New Jersey, the former being of English descent, while the latter came of Ger- man lineage. They were also numbered among the early settlers of Henry county and died in Atkinson when about sixty-three and sixty-five years of age respectively. Their children were nine in number. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hough- ton has been born a daughter, Helen.

In his political views Mr. Houghton is a stalwart republican, inflexible in support of the principles of his party. For one term he was president of the village board of Galva and proved a most loyal and efficient incumbent in that · responsible position. Fraternally he is identified with Galva Lodge, No. 408, I. O. O. F. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Congregational church, in which both he and his wife hold membership. In whatever relation of life he has been found he has been true and loyal to the trust reposed in him and his life has been in conformity with a high standard of conduct. Those who have regard for the true worth and value of character give to Warren O. Houghton their entire respect and accord him a position of prominence in public regard in Galva.

WILLIAM HENRY WILSON.

William Henry Wilson is the owner of a fine farm on section 30, Geneseo township. The land is rolling and the soil is naturally rich and productive. The place comprises almost one hundred and sixty-four acres, and, thereon Mr. Wil- son is engaged in general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of the breeding of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle and thoroughbred poultry. He is also well known in connection with the cultivation of seed corn and in the vari- ous branches is meeting with success, which is the merited reward of his labors. He is one of Henry county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Munson township, February 19, 1863, his parents being Abner and Elizabeth (Larue) Wilson. The father was born at West Amwell, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, May 31, 1823, and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He was married there December 18, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth Larue and in 1856 came to Illinois, accompanied by his family. Soon after his arrival he purchased land and for a time resided in Geneseo township, but later sold that property and removed to Munson township, where he resided for a few years. He then re- turned to Geneseo township and purchased a farm, upon which his son William H. now resides. He was an enterprising agriculturist, whose methods were at once practical and progressive and brought to him substantial success. In his political views he was republican, but was never an office seeker. The Metho- dist Episcopal church found in him a zealous member and his life was in con- sistent harmony with its principles. His wife was also a native of Hunterdon county, New Jersey, born November 23, 1825. She was reared in the Baptist

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II, Part 32

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