History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II, Part 33

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

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faith, but after her marriage joined the Methodist Episcopal church that she might be with her husband in his religious belief. She died July 11, 1881, and the graves of both Mr. and Mrs. Abner Wilson were made in Oakwood ceme- tery of Geneseo. Their family numbered six children: Howard J., who died June 10, 1870; Arabella, the wife of T. H. Clark, a resident of Los Angeles, California; Rebecca E., the wife of William Duff, a resident of Edford town- ship; John W., who died in infancy ; William H .; and Albert W., who married Cora Stimpson, died in Geneseo township on the 17th of March, 1902.

In his youthful days William Henry pursued his education in the public schools and was also trained to the work of the fields while spending his boyhood under his father's roof. He remained at home until about twenty years of age, when he started upon the road as a traveling salesman. He represented dif- ferent firms and traveled throughout the New England states, New York, New Jer- sey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia,West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Ken- tucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Kansas, Colorado and Oklahoma. In 1889 while in Meriden, Connecticut, he formed the acquaintance of Miss Agnes Hall of Island Pond, Essex county, Vermont, and on the 31st of January, 1891, they were married at her home in the Green Mountain state. Mrs. Wilson is a daughter of Austin and Semantha (Stevens) Hall. Her father was born in Waterford, Vermont, October 31, 1840, and died at Island Pond, that state, April 24, 1900. He was a member of the military order of the Loyal Legion, which at his death issued the following memorial :

"Companion Hall was born in the town of Waterford, Vermont, October 31, 1840, his parents being Ransom and Annie (Caswell) Hall. Of his early life and training your committee has not succeeded in getting any definite in- formation, but no doubt he had a good business education, from the admirable manner in which his duties as regimental adjutant and officer of the customs were performed.

"He enlisted June 20, 1861, as a private in Company D, Third Vermont Vol- unteers, was promoted sergeant July 16, 1861 and was mustered out with his regiment as first sergeant July 27, 1864. He immediately reenlisted and was commissioned first lieutenant of Company I, of the same regiment, July 28, 1864. On the 18th of October, 1864, he was appointed adjutant of the regi- ment, which position he held until the close of the war. He was mustered out of service July 11, 1865. He participated in the battles of Lewinsville, Lee's Mills, Savage Station, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Marye's Heights, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cedar Creek and around Petersburg. He was wounded in the left shoulder by a minie ball at Marye's Heights, May 3, 1863, and at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864, was again wounded, a bullet passing through his right hand.

"Companion Hall was married June 22, 1869, to Miss Semantha E. Stevens, by whom he had two daughters, Agnes Hall Wilson and Rena B. Hall, who with his wife, survive him.

"Soon after the close of the war he received an appointment in the customs service at Island Pond, where he remained until within a few days of his death, except during the administration of President Cleveland. When not engaged in

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the customs service he occupied himself in farming and the breeding and train- ing of horses at his farm near the village of Island Pond.

"He was of medium size, fair complexion, soldierly bearing, a brave, com- petent, reliable soldier, and always in his place. His duties as regimental ad- jutant were faultlessly performed. He was always cheerful, pleasant and com- panionable; of easy approach, an enthusiastic optimist, but of positive and uncompromising integrity. As a gentleman and a soldier his character was above reproach.

"In conclusion, we quote the following from an obituary notice of Companion Hall, written by Ex-lieutenant Governor Dale of Island Pond, who was a per- sonal acquaintance: 'As a man he was blithe, and of that various humor that on occasion (and he never let one go by) he was just the man to cheer up a heavy time or give eclat to a lively one. Like all such natures he exhibited ner- vous relaxation, almost to austerity, but which quickly gave way to bright returns of cheerfulness and snap and jest and lively and humorous conditions. In body and mind he was tasty, agile and faithful in active and efficient resources and devotion to friends and contemptuous of unfriendliness. His designs were clean cut and developed with care, vigilance and thoroughness. He was watchful of the comfort and care of his family, his friends and his business, even to anxiety. He was a valued member of the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of the Republic, managing the financial affairs of the former for a great many years with absolute exactness. He was a worker, always zealous and prompt, spurning negligence, rebuking indolence, adjusting irregularities and touching up the electrical currents of the order. A long time in the customs service, his work for neatness, dispatch and accuracy was excelled by that of no other man who has ever been engaged in such work at this port'."

Following the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson they spent a year in Rhode Island, Mr. Wilson at that time being still upon the road as a representative of the baking-powder business. Later he traveled in Massachusetts and New York and in 1892 returned to Henry county, where he took up the occupation of farming, renting land from his father. When but a boy he had purchased a thoroughbred heifer and had started his father in the business of breeding and raising fine cattle. After taking up the farm work again he turned his attention to live stock and is now well known as a breeder of thoroughbred shorthorns, having upon his place some very fine animals. He has also made a specialty of breeding and raising high-class poultry. Seeing the need of a more careful selec- tion of seed corn he began to furnish the best that was produced for the class of trade to which its worth would make appeal and is now widely known as a raiser of seed corn, which he ships to various states, both east and west. He produces a number of varieties and dries his corn by kiln. In all of his business he holds to high standards of excellence and his example has been one which has stimulated the efforts of his fellow townsmen, who, seeing the benefits to be derived from the course that he has pursued, have followed in his example.

Four children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Wilson. Howard, born on the home farm February 12, 1893, is now a student in the Geneseo high school, from which he will graduate with the class of 1911. Harold E., born on the home farm May 16, 1895, became a high-school student in the fall of 1909.

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Edna Ruth, born July 19, 1901, has but recently entered school. Edith Hazel, born March 4, 1903, has also just begun her education.

In politics Mr. Wilson is an independent republican, for, while he usually votes for the men and measures of the republican party, he does not consider himself bound by party ties, and in the exercise of his franchise follows the dictates of his judgment. He has long served as school director, and is a stal- wart champion of the cause of education. In 1909 he was made a member of Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are widely and favorably known in this section of the county and have a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.

JOHN DAVID HILL.

John David Hill, for fifty-four years a resident of Henry county, during which period he was long associated with agricultural interests, is now living retired in Geneseo, deriving a substantial income from valuable farm lands which he still owns. He was born in Rappahannock county, Virginia, March 19, 1843, and is a representatve of one of the early families of the Old Dominion. His grandfather, John K. Hill, was likewise a native of that state and at the time of the second serious difficulty with England served as a soldier of the war of 1812. He made farming his life work, devoting his attention to that occupa- tion in Rappahannock county, where he died when well advanced in years. His wife bore the maiden name of Grace Jenkins, and unto them were born a family of four sons and four daghters.

This included William T. Hill, also a native of Virginia, and a farmer by occupation. He married Miss Elizabeth Lockhart, who was born in the same state and was a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Bryan) Lockhart. Her father also was a Virginian planter and died in the prime of life, while his widow long survived. They had a large family, including Mrs. Tabitha Scott; Polly, who became the wife of Albert Jenkins; John W .; Mrs. Elizabeth Hill; Rachel ; and Mrs. Matilda Scott. Following the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. William T. Hill they resided for some time in the Old Dominion but in 1855 removed to Henry county, Illinois, settling in Cornwall township, where they lived for two years. They then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Munson township, Mr. Hill improving the farm and adding to it as his financial resources permitted until he was at one time the owner of two hundred and eighty acres. During the last few years of his life he regarded Geneseo as his home but spent most of his time in Nebraska. He passed away in Geneseo at the age of seventy- three years, having for nine years survived his wife, who died in Nebraska at the age of sixty-three. Both were consistent members of the Chrstian church and were people of the highest respectability. Their family numbered seven sons and seven daughters: William J .; John D .; George R .; Sarah E., the wife of George W. Dugdale; Julia F., the deceased wife of Samuel J. Murphy; Ed- ward L .; Rachel V. the wife of Porter Liken; Mary E., the wife of Adam Young; Philip D .; Virginia, the wife of Herman Weidenhoeft; James N .;

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Emma P., the wife of James Callender ; Stephen R .; and Estella L., who became the wife of William Lane.

John D. Hill was a lad of twelve years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Henry county. They drove a team from Virginia, it requiring thirty days to make the trip and thus the youth of Mr. Hill was passed on farms in the Old Dominion and in Illinois. His educational privileges were those offered by the district schools, and he continued in active work on the home farm until the 15th of August, 1862, when he responded to the country's call for aid, en- listing as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volun- teer Infantry, with which he served for almost three years. He took part in several important engagements and was wounded in the battle of Knoxville. He was also present in the fighting at Chattanooga, Atlanta, Franklin and Fort Fisher, being under command of General Sherman until they reached Atlanta. For eighteen months he acted as color bearer of his regiment and thus was in the thickest of the fight, for the fire of the enemy is usually directed against the flag.

When the war was over Mr. Hill returned home and for a time was em- ployed by the month at farm work, after which he engaged in the cultivation of rented land for eight years. During that period he carefully saved his earn- ings and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Iowa, which he subsequently traded for an improved tract of eighty acres in Cambridge town- ship, Henry county, Illinois. Two years later he sold that property and bought another farm in Munson township. In 1892 he made purchase of his father's old homestead, which then contained two hundred and eighty acres. He still owns the property and has added to it until his landed possessions now aggre- gate four hundred acres. As the years passed he carefully, systematically and successfully carried on farming until February, 1893, when he put aside the more arduous duties of agricultural life and removed to Geneseo, where he pur- chased and remodeled a residence which is now one of the beautiful homes of the city.

Mr. Hill has been married twice. On the 30th of September, 1868, he wedded Miss Esther E. Ayres, a daughter of Buenos and Sarah (Osborn) Ayres. Her death occurred February 6, 1900, when she was fifty-five years of age. On the 30th of July, 1901, Mr. Hill married Miss Augusta Ayres, a daughter of Orlando B. and Anna Louvina (Stone) Ayres. There are two children of that union : Helen Estella and John David. Mrs. Hill was born in Knoxville, Iowa, Sep- tember 25, 1868, while her parents were natives of Ohio. She was a grand- daughter of Buenos Ayres, a native of Massachusetts, who in early life learned and followed the carpenter's trade but later gave his attention to general agri- cultural pursuits. He came to Geneseo in 1854 and aided in building the Con- gregational church at this place. Subsequently he took up farming in Munson township, carrying on his business there on an extensive scale. His death oc- curred in Geneseo when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-six years. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Hill was Truman Stone, a native of New York, whence he removed to Canada and subsequently became a resident of Iowa, casting in his lot with the early settlers of Marion county, that state, where he died when more than eighty years of age. His wife, in her maidenhood Louvina

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North, was sixty years of age at the time of her demise. They were the parents of six sons and a daughter.

Orlando B. Ayres, father of Mrs. Hill, came to Henry county, Illinois, in 1854, and her mother, then Anna Louvina Stone, removed to Iowa about the same time from Coshocton, Ohio. They were married in Knoxville, Iowa, where they resided for about a quarter of a century and then removed to Des Moines, where Mrs. Ayres still makes her home. Orlando B. Ayres, however, passed away in San Diego, California, in March, 1900, at the age of sixty-three years. He practiced law for about forty years and for two decades was in part- nership with his brother-in-law, Governor William Stone. He was recognized as one of the distinguished attorneys of his state and for one term served as judge of the fifth judicial circuit of Iowa. He became recognized as a leading factor in financial and business circles as well as in his profession and was vice president of the Bankers Life Insurance Company from its organization. He left the bench to become president of the Iowa State Fire Insurance Company. Unto him and his wife were born eight sons and two daughter: Edward; Helen, the wife of C. C. Miles of Des Moines; Augusta, the wife of John D. Hill, of Gen- eseo; William ; Orlando ; George; Ransom; Arthur ; Sheldon ; and Warren. In his fraternal relations Mr. Hill is a Mason, belonging to Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M., and to Jenkins Post, G. A. R. His wife belongs to the Congregational church and they are both greatly esteemed for many sterling traits of character. Mr. Hill is now serving as alderman from the fourth ward. He is now largely independent in his political affiliation as he does not care to be bound by party ties, but votes as his judgment dictates. For more than a half century he has been a resident of the county and has there witnessed much of its growth and progress as the railway lines have been extended, as its telegraph and telephone systems have been built, as its farms have been cultivated and its towns im- proved. In the work of general development he has been keenly interested and through his own active life contributed much to agricultural progress. His record, too, is another proof of the fact that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously, for through straightforward business methods, which neither seek nor require disguise, Mr. Hill has reached the plane of affluence.

WILLIAM RINGLE.

For fifty-two years William Ringle has lived in Henry county and, retiring from agricultural life, took up his abode in Cambridge where he is now the senior member of the firm of William Ringle & Company, grain buyers and owners of an elevator. He is also the vice president of the First National Bank and is widely recognized as a man of affairs who wields a wide influence. His birth occurred in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 6, 1847, his parents being Joseph and Mary (Whitesell) Ringle, who were also natives of the Keystone state. The paternal grandfather was Mathias Ringle and he too was born in Pennsylvania when it was still numbered among the colonial possessions of Great

WILLIAM RINGLE

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Britain. When the yoke of British oppression became intolerable and the colo- nists made the attempt to sever all allegiance with the crown he was in hearty. sympathy with the movement and served for eight years in the army which won American independence. He was with Washington during the memorable winter at Valley Forge where the American troops underwent untold hardships and he participated in many of the long campaigns and hotly contested battles of the war. He was of German descent and died in Pennsylvania when well advanced in years. The maternal grandfather of our subject passed away in the Keystone state at the advanced age of ninety-two years after devoting his active business life to farming.

Joseph Ringle, the father of William Ringle, was a farmer and dairyman and came to Illinois in 1857, settling in Munson township, Henry county, where he purchased eighty acres of land to which he afterward added one hundred and sixty acres. Upon this he reared his family and greatly improved the property, making it a valuable farm. He died at the home of his son William in Osco township, his wife surviving him for several years. Both were members of the Presbyterian church. Their family numbered seven children who yet survive: James; Katharine, the wife of Harrison Moore; John; Louisa, the wife of An- drew J. Combs; William; Mary, the wife of John Sherrard and David W. Of this family John Ringle served for three years as a soldier in the Civil war with the Ninth Illinois Cavalry.

William Ringle was a lad of only ten years when he accompanied his parents to this county and upon his father's farm his youthful days were passed in the free and untrammeled life of the fields. He attended the district schools and the Orion Prairie Home Academy, while his business training was received under the direction of his father who assigned to him such farm duties as his age and strength permitted. He resolved to make his life work the occupation to which he had been reared and with one horse he started out for himself on a tract of rented land. For several years he continued to cultivate farms which he leased but during that period carefully saved all that he made above necessary expenses and eventually was enabled to purchase one hundred and sixty acres of land in Osco township. He still owns that property and has made other investments until his possessions in this county aggregate three hundred and twenty acres. while in Grant county, Minnesota, he owns six hundred and forty acres. He continued to reside on his farm in Osco township until the spring of 1909, when he removed to Cambridge. He is now the senior partner of the firm of William Ringle & Company, owners of a large elevator and conducting an exten- sive business in grain. He also has voice in the management of the First Na- tional Bank at Cambridge, being its vice president.

On the 23d of October, 1873, Mr. Ringle was married to Miss Ellen E. Wel- ton, whose birth occurred near Henry, Illinois. Her parents, Lester C. and Ora (Welton) Welton were natives of Connecticut and, coming to Henry county at an early day, settled near Osco. Her father was one of the foremost men of the township in pioneer times and took an important part in shaping its policy and promoting its growth. Both he and his wife died in Hutchinson, Kansas, and were laid to rest in the cemetery there. Their family numbered two sons and two daughters: James, Merritt, Helen and Margaret.

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In his political views William Ringle is a republican and for several terms served as supervisor and in other township offices. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. Mrs. Ringle is a member of the Episcopal church while Mr. Ringle is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Ringle is well known as a man of integrity, of business ability, of keen insight and of public spirit so that his words carry weight in matters of vital importance to the community and he is widely recognized as a most influential and progres- sive citizen.

KATE E. ARMSTRONG, M. D.

Well equipped for the life work she has undertaken, Dr. Kate E. Armstrong is winning substantial success in the active practice of medicine. She was born in Wethersfield township, a daughter of John and Jean (Rule) Armstrong. The father is a farmer by occupation and still resides upon a good farm in Wethers- field township, but the mother passed away in 1888.

Dr. Armstrong spent her girlhood days in her parents' home, pursued her early education in the country schools, afterward attended the high school at Kewanee and then completed her literary education in Knox College at Gales- burg. Her professional training was received in the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and thus in broad and practical experience of hospital practice she gained knowledge and ability that well quali- fied her to enter independently upon the profession she had chosen as a life work. In 1908 she opened an office in Kewanee, where she has since engaged in general practice of medicine and surgery, and although her residence here covers but two years she has already done good work and se- cured a gratifying patronage. She is a member of the Physicians Club of Ke- wanee, the Henry County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and through these connections keeps in close touch with the work that is being done by the fraternity. Her religious faith is that of the Prebyterian church and in the social circles of the city she has won many warm and enduring friends.

THE KEWANEE NATIONAL BANK.

One of the most substantial financial institutions of Henry county and of this part of the state, is the Kewanee National Bank, which was organized in 1893, with George A. Anthony, as president ; D. K. Fell, vice president; R. E. Taylor, cashier ; and R. O. Becker, assistant cashier. It was capitalized for fifty thousand dollars all paid in, and the success of the business is indicated in the fact that in 1907 the capital stock was increased to seventy-five thousand dol- lars, while the surplus now amounts to sixty-five thousand dollars. The officers are the same as when organized, with the exception of E. J. Faull, who is now

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assistant cashier, and in connection with the officers Dr. W. H. Cole, A. Hallin, W. B. McClure, Ed G. Green and Dr. John H. Oliver, are members of the board of directors. In 1902 a savings department was added and three per cent interest is paid on savings accounts. In the year 1909 about three hundred safety deposit boxes were installed. These are specially constructed in a vault with all modern equipment and the bank is supplied with every modern accessory that makes it a well appointed institution. The company owns its own bank building, a brick structure with stone front, twenty-five by sixty-four feet and three stories in height with basement. The second floor is utilized for offices while club rooms are on the third floor. The report of the Kewanee National Bank made April 28, 1909, shows the institution to be in excellent condition and the safe, conservative policy which was inaugurated at the outset has always been maintained and merits the support of the general public.

JOHN ROGERS.

John Rogers, successfully devoting his time and energies to general agricul- tural pursuits, was born on the farm where he now resides on section 28, Cam- bridge township, his natal day being September 8, 1876. His father, Joseph Rogers, was born in Ohio, and his mother, Mary (Eaton) Rogers, was a native of Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather, John Rogers, who was likewise born in the Buckeye state, came to Henry county, Illinois, in 1853, and took up his abode in Burns township. The farm which he there purchased remained his place of residence until he passed away at a ripe old age. Unto him and his wife were born the following children: Joseph; Edward; Jacob; Tena, the wife of Frank Taylor, of Tecumseh, Nebraska; Edith, the wife of Coe Corwin, of Burns township; and several who died in infancy. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Hugh Eaton, whose birth occurred in the north of Ireland, was of Scotch-Irish descent. In early manhood he wedded Miss Phebe Munson and they became pioneer settlers of Burns township, this county. They were both well advanced in years when called to their final rest. Their family numbered fourteen children, namely: Mary, Susan, Stephen, James, George, William, Oscar, Matilda, Margaret, Anna, Caroline and three who died in early life.

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History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II, Part 33

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