History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II, Part 75

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

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On the 6th of June, 1900, Mr. Hoos was married to Miss Tillie E. Gresser, who was born in Henry county, Illinois, and is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Gresser, who were natives of Germany and early settlers of this county. Their family numbered eight children: Herman, John, Henry, Edward, Louis, Pauline, Augusta and Tillie.

Mr. and Mrs. Hoos are members of the Methodist church and are much esteemed in that organization and in the community at large. They have lived for the past four years in Geneseo. On the Ist of October, 1907, Mr. Hoos formed a partnership with Charles P. Rose and purchased the implement busi- ness of Wagle Brothers. A year later he became sole proprietor and has since conducted the business alone, his enterprise and careful management making his undertaking one of substantial profit. Politically he is connected with the re- publican party and fraternally with the Knights of the Globe. He is a gentleman of genial disposition and courteous manner and has other sterling qualities which command the friendship and regard of those with whom he is brought in contact.

GEORGE WINDISCH.

George Windisch is a successful farmer, operating one hundred and fifty acres of land in Weller township, which he leases. He is a native of Des Moines, Iowa, born January 30, 1864, of the marriage of John and Anna (Anderson) Windisch, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Des Moines. The father now makes his home in Kansas City, Missouri, but the mother passed away many years ago, her death occurring in Des Moines in 1869.

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George Windisch, bereft of a mother's love and care when but five years of age, was reared in the home of his uncle, and acquired his education in the public schools of Bishop Hill, his father having established his home here during the early youth of the son. After putting aside his text- books he secured employ- ment with Swan Swanson at farm labor, working for him until the latter retired, since which time Mr. Windisch has leased the land. He cultivates one hundred and fifty acres in Weller township and although he is not in possession of the land he takes just pride in its appearance and has made many needed improvements on the place. He understands his work and his labors are productive of good results as is evidenced in the excellent crops which he stores in his granaries each year.

Mr. Windisch was married on the Ist of December, 1887, the lady of his choice being Miss Ida C. Olson, of Nekoma, Illinois, a daughter of John Olson, who is engaged in the mercantile business at that place. They lost their eldest child, Oscar E., when a little lad of nine years. The surviving children are: May A., a young lady of nineteen years, engaged in teaching; Pearl A., who at the age of seventeen is attending the public schools at Bishop Hill; Edna C., fourteen years of age, John E., eleven years old and Helen E., a little maiden of eight, all attending school.

Mr. Windisch in the main advocates the principles of the republican party although he is not strictly partisan and occasionally casts an independent ballot. He is a member of the Select Knights at Bishop Hill and his wife and daughters affiliate with the Swedish Methodist church. He possesses all the elements of what in this country we term a "square" man- one in whom to have confidence, a dependable man in any relation and any emergency.

THOMAS J. DUNN.

Thomas J. Dunn, a dealer in general merchandise and one of Kewanee's sub- stantial citizens, was born in Boone county, Indiana, May 19, 1872. His father, Josephus Dunn, was born in Kentucky in October, 1828. About the close of the Civil war he removed with his family to Boone county, Indiana, and took up a farm of two hundred acres, which he cultivated until 1879. In that year he went to Kansas, where he acquired a homestead and engaged in agriculture for a number of years. He died there on the Ist day of January, 1906, at the age of seventy-eight years. The mother of our subject, Katherine (Earskin) Dunn, was also a Kentuckian and was forty-five years of age at the time of her death, which sad event occurred October 5, 1888.

Thomas J. Dunn attended the public schools of Kansas and Hesper Academy in Douglas county, that state, finishing his education with a normal course at Geneseo, Henry county, Illinois. Thus becoming familiar with the science of pedagogy, he spent the ten ensuing years of his life as a school master in the district schools of Henry county. Deciding upon a change of occupation, he came to Kewanee and for a year and a half was employed as clerk in the grocery of Mr.

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Nobiling. Upon leaving there he entered the dry-goods house of J. R. & J. G. Hoffman, where he took charge of the carpet department. Seven years later he severed his connection with the Hoffmans and with John M. Pettitt opened a general store at the corner of Fifth and Tremont streets. Here they have built up a thriving trade and established themselves among the leading firms of the city. Their stock consists of dry goods, groceries, shoes, and some house fur- nishing goods.

On October 30, 1901, Mr. Dunn was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ibson, a daughter of Christopher Ibson, a farmer residing near Kewanee. Their home is pleasantly situated at 215 McKinley avenue.

In national politics Mr. Dunn gives an unfaltering devotion to the republican party, but in local politics he believes that the wiser course lies in non-partizan- ship. He is a member of the Fairview United Brethren church, a little north of Kewanee, but on account of the inconvenience of its situation, regularly at- tends the Baptist church in Kewanee. Of unquestioned integrity and known to have the best interests of the whole people constantly at heart he stands high among his associates.

THOMAS WARD.

Thomas Ward, now retired from the active labors of the farm after a well spent life, was born in Somersetshire, England, February 19, 1844, and is an ex- ample of the best class of men his country has given us. He is a son of Ben- jamin and Elizabeth (Andrews) Ward, both of whom were natives of England. The father was a teamster and small farmer, making a specialty of manufactur- ing cheese and working at the peat factory. He had eight children, of whom one died in infancy, and Thomas is now the only survivor. All of the others came to the United States except one. They were as follows: Robert died in Bureau county, this state; Eliza married William Cook, spent her life in England and, dying, left a large family ; Hannah married John Lane, who lives in Geneseo, but she is deceased; Joseph passed away in Geneseo; Benjamin lived in Geneseo but went to Boulder, Colorado, where he died; Fannie married Henry Ole and her death occurred in Geneseo; Thomas is the seventh ; as well as youngest.

Thomas Ward was only fifteen years old when he lost his mother, but his father survived until 1870, being buried by her side in an English cemetery. The education of Thomas Ward was secured in England, he remaining with his father until nineteen years of age. He then worked at various things until he was twenty- two years old, when on October 22, 1866, he married Mary Nuttycomb. She was born in Somersetshire, England, December 28, 1845, a daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Cook) Nuttycomb, also natives of England. Her father was a gar- dener, who came to this country when Mrs. Ward was twelve years old. After four years spent in Dubuque, Iowa, he returned to England and there died in January, 1876. He had lost his wife in 1862 and they lie buried in English ground. They had seven children, all living: Mrs. Ward is the eldest; Ann married Frank Milton and lives in England; William, living in Wales, was an English soldier, who served until twenty-one years old when he was honorably discharged; Jane

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lives in London; Sarah married Charles Cooper and lives in Minnesota ; Thomas lives in Kansas ; and Elizabeth married Daniel Dennis and lives in Syracuse, New York, he being deceased.

Immediately after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Ward came from England on the steamer Edinburg and located in Henry county, Illinois, first renting land. for three years. Following this Mr. Ward worked for Squire Harper on a farm in Geneseo township for nineteen years. Later he farmed on Dutch Bottom for several years, but he finally bought one hundred and twenty-three acres, which he now rents, and for the past six years he has been living on the old Mandle place. He is a strong prohibitionist and has never cast his vote for any but the candidates of his party. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist church, of which he has been trustee for some years.

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ward, namely: Elizabeth Ann, Sep- tember 23, 1867, married Manuel Vonhosteen and lives in Idaho where he is a farmer. Joseph Walter, October 22, 1868, married Tillie Gerkin. They live in Phenix township and have two children, Jennie and Ernie. Fannie Bethel, Feb- ruary 28, 1870, married Frank Torence, and lives in Geneseo. They have seven children, Lulu, Hallie, Glen, Katie, Olive, Alice and Ward. Anna Malinda, born June 3, 1871, married Edward A. Potter and lives in Iowa. They have five chil- dren, Lucy, Florence, Lucile, Annetta and Merle. Nettie May, born June 22, 1873, married Edward E. Darin, who lives in Phenix, and has three children, Harold Avery, Mary Eleanor and John Ward. Jessie C., born February 11, 1876, married Louis Carl, of Whiteside county, and they have four children, Mary A., Ruby Irene, Florence and Russell. Forest B., born September 25, 1877, lives in Phenix township. He married Annetta Mortenson February 18, 1903.

Mr. and Mrs. Ward are most excellent people who have worked hard to make their way in life and most certainly deserve the comfort and prosperity that is now their share. They are justly proud of their children and grandchildren and are among the substantial people of Henry county.

ROBERT G. NEVILLE.

Robert G. Neville, who devotes his time and energies to farming and the raising, feeding and shipping of stock, makes his home on the northeast quarter of section 29, Osco township. He was born on a farm in Kickapoo township, Peoria county, Illinois, on the 22d of June, 1862, his parents being George and Catharine (Moorehead) Neville. The father passed away when his son, Robert G., was but ten years of age and the latter at once went to work to assist in the support of the family, receiving a wage of ten dollars per month. When but fourteen or fifteen years of age he was able to do a man's work, but his salary was not always in proportion to his services. At the age of seventeen, however, he received a man's wages. He had but very limited educational opportunities in his youthful days and after he had attained the age of eighteen years he sent only a part of his wages home, saving the remainder in order that he might procure enough funds to enable him to continue his studies. It was at this time

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that he came to Henry county and during the first year worked in Munson town- ship for a Mr. Hadley. Subsequently he was in the employ of a Mr. Harriman in Osco for five years and it was while thus engaged that he spent two winter seasons as a student in the Davenport Business College.

On the 10th of February, 1886, in Osco, Mr. Neville was united in marriage to Miss Margaret McCurdy, of Osco township. She was a native of Westmore- land county, Pennsylvania, but came to this county with her parents, Alexander and Catharine (Coneghy) McCurdy. Soon after his marriage Mr. Neville re- moved to Kearney, Buffalo county, Nebraska, where he was engaged in the operation of a rented farm for two years. In the spring of 1888 he returned to Osco township, taking up his abode on the farm which has remained his home to the present time and which was given to him by his father-in-law, Alexander McCurdy. There was a small house on the place but he has since made many substantial improvements and it is now lacking in none of the equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. He is a man of untiring industry and good business ability, and has won a gratifying measure of success in his undertakings.

Unto Robert G. and Margaret (McCurdy) Neville were born four children, as follows : Alexander, whose birth occurred January 3, 1887, and who spent two years at the Geneseo Collegiate Institute; Robert, born August 4, 1888, who attended the Geneseo Collegiate Institute for three years after graduating from the grammar schools and is now a sophomore in the Northwestern University of Evanston, Illinois; Harold, born February 13, 1890, who is a grammar school graduate and has spent one year in the high school at Cambridge; and Margaret, whose natal day was July 4, 1896. The eldest child was born in Nebraska but the other three are all natives of Henry county, Illinois. The mother was called to her final rest on the 10th of July, 1896, just six days after the birth of her daughter Margaret, her remains being interred in Osco township. On the 2d of January, 1901, in Western township, Mr. Neville was again married, his second union being with Miss Jennie Carson, a native of that township and a daughter of William and Agnes (Ferguson) Carson, who were born, reared and married in Scotland. After the birth of their eldest child they crossed the Atlantic to the United States, settling in Western township, this county. Wil- liam Carson passed away on the 10th of March, 1909, but his wife still sur- vives and makes her home with her children in Western township.

Mr. Neville is a stanch democrat in his political views and has held every public position within the gift of his fellow townsmen except those of collector and supervisor, ever proving most faithful and capable in the discharge of his official duties. Fraternally he is identified with Sherman Lodge, No. 535, A. F. & A. M., in which he has been junior deacon and junior warden, declining, how- ever, to serve as worshipful master. Both he and his wife belong to Eastern Star Lodge, No. 96, at Orion, in which he has acted as worthy patron, while his wife has filled all of the offices, including that of associate matron. He is likewise a charter member of Maple Stump Camp, No. 2248, M. W. A., of which he was first venerable consul, thus serving continuously for four years. He was twice sent as a delegate to the state camp. Mr. and Mrs. Neville also belong to the Royal Neighbors, in which organization the latter has filled all of the offices

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except that of oracle. In religious faith Mr. Neville is an Episcopalian and a valued and consistent member of Grace church, in which he has served as vestry- man. Both he and his wife are widely and favorably known throughout the entire community, having gained many friends during the long period of their residence here.

JAMES H. WHITE.

James H. White, well known in business circles in Geneseo as bookkeeper of the First National Bank and as a young business man of substantial worth, was born in Arnot, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1873. His parents were James and Janet (Miller) White, natives of Cumbernauld, Dumbartonshire, Scotland. The former was a son of James White, Sr., also a native of the land of hills and heather. Coming to America, he spent his last days in Pennsylvania near Scranton, where he died at the venerable age of eighty-eight. He had been a sheep man in his native country but in the new world lived retired. His wife was also eighty-eight years of age at the time of her death. Their family num- bered five children. The maternal grandfather of our subject was William Miller, and he, too, was born in Scotland, where he died at the age of thirty- five years, having met death in a runaway accident. He was a milk dealer, using that business to provide a living for his family. His widow still survives and is now nearly one hundred years old. Their family numbered three children, in- cluding Janet Miller, who in her early womanhood gave her hand in marriage to Mr. White. He was a small farmer of Scotland and the favorable reports which he heard concerning business opportunities in America attracted him to this country. About 1865 with his family he made the long voyage across the briny deep to the new world, settling near Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he became foreman of a mine. About 1875 he removed westward to Ottawa, Illinois, where he became a large contractor in fire clay. He was not disappointed in the hope that led him to the United States, for here he found and improved the business opportunities which enabled him to acquire a handsome competence as the years passed by. His death resulted from an accident, as he was struck by the cars while crossing the track on the 9th of April, 1906, when sixty-five years of age. His widow still survives him and yet makes her home in Ottawa. She is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church, to which Mr. White also belonged. They were the parents of nine children, four sons and five daughters, of whom six are now living: Jessie, the wife of J. L. Johnson, of Ottawa, Illinois; James H., of this review ; Mary, the wife of W. H. Seward, residing near Ottawa; William C., a resident of Chicago ; Margaret, the wife of J. S. Rhoads, of Winona, Minnesota ; Walter H., of Hamilton, Montana; and three who died in childhood.

James H. White was a young lad at the time of the removal of the family to Ottawa, Illinois, where he was reared to the age of seventeen and during that period attended the public schools, passing through consecutive grades un- til he became a high-school student. On putting aside his text-books he began learning telegraphy in the office of the Western Union at Ottawa, and later was

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made manager of that office for a time. He then entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, being stationed at various places as telegraph operator and agent. Subsequently he entered the main office of the Western Union Telegraph Company in Chicago, where he continued for two years and at the time of the breaking out of the Spanish-American war, he was sent to a special telegraph bureau in Washington, D. C., where he con- tinued for two years and four months. Becoming ill with typhoid fever, he returned to Ottawa to recuperate his health and did railroad telegraphing there. He was then stationed at Geneseo as bookkeeper, agent and operator, acceptably filling the position until November 1, 1902, when he was tendered his present position in the First National Bank, where he has since served as bookkeeper. He is a thorough accountant and his ability and allegiance to the bank make him one of its most worthy representatives. He is also a director of the Central Life Insurance Company of Ottawa. While in the government telegraph service in Washington, D. C., he transmitted the peace protocol to Admiral Dewey, suspending hostilities until such time as they could arrange a permanent peace treaty.

On the 2d of June, 1902, Mr. White was married to Miss Louise Taylor a daughter of Peter H. and Ella (Hume) Taylor. There are two children of that marriage, Janet E. and Margery T., who are the light and life of the household. Mrs. White is a member of the Congregational church and has always been very active in its work. Mr. White holds membership in the Methodist church but attends the Congregational church with his wife. Fraternally he is con- nected with Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M., and Geneseo Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M., and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft, being in hearty sympathy with its principles concerning mutual helpfulness and uni- versal brotherhood. Politically he is a republican. His progress in a business way has resulted entirely from his own effort. He has learned to correctly value life's contacts and its experiences, to recognize and improve opportunities, and seeking his success along legitimate lines he has won the regard and esteem of his fellowmen as well as substantial advancement in the business world.

HENRY PETERSON.

Among the many natives of Sweden who have come to the United States to test the resources of a newer country, were Andrew and Magdaline ( Anderson) Peterson, parents of Henry Peterson, a prominent resident of Lynn town- ship. Both of them were in youth bereft of their parents and they came to America alone, the mother in 1852 and the father in 1854, and were soon after- ward married. They first located in Andover, Henry county, Illinois, where for a few years the father worked as a farm hand and by dint of rigid economy, saved enough money to buy a tract of land in Lynn township. It was there that Henry Peterson was born February 2, 1864. The father added to his property from time to time until he had considerable land. A republican in politics, he was active in public affairs and filled most of the township offices. He and his

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family were members of the Lutheran church and for some years Mr. Peterson held the offices of trustee and treasurer. Originally members of the Andover church, they later assisted in the organization of the Orion Lutheran church, to which they gave true Christian service. The mother passed on to her re- ward March 1, 1884, being survived by the father until July 27, 1902, and their remains lie in Orion cemetery. These worthy people were the parents of eight children, four of whom died in infancy. Those still living are Mary E., now Mrs. William Gabrielson, of Orion; Josephine, now Mrs. Charles Chinell, of Western township; John E., also a resident of Western township; and Henry, the subject of this sketch.

Henry Peterson enjoyed the free, unrestricted life of a country lad. He took a business course in the Northwestern Normal School at Geneseo, and then returned to his father's farm, remaining there until his marriage in 1891, when he and his bride took up their residence upon a desirable tract of land, two hundred and ninety acres in extent. This Mr. Peterson has brought to a high state of improvement, and has met with success in the line of stock buying, shipping and feeding.

The marriage of Mr. Peterson and Miss Ida C. Benson was celebrated March 18, 1891, and three children have blessed their union, two sons and a daughter, Clarence H. and Pearl E., who are still living; and Lawrence E., who passed away in infancy. Mrs. Peterson's parents were Olaus and Inga (Samuelson) Benson, Swedish by birth, who came to this country in 1869 soon after their marriage. They settled directly in Henry county Illinois, the father doing farm work. He died in 1881, but his widow is still living.

Mr. Peterson is one of the standard bearers of the republican party in Henry county. He has been a member of the republican central committee and is a frequent delegate to conventions both county and district. He has been placed several times on the board of elections and has served the public as township collector and assessor. He is now assessor and for twenty-two years was school director. The township pins its faith to his determination to secure good school- ing for the coming generation and all manner of benefits for the whole com- munity. He and his family are consistent members of the Lutheran church at Orion.

AUGUST BEUSTER.

August Beuster, reared to hard work and strict discipline, taught wholesome lessons of life and habits of economy and industry, has been able to grow from useful boyhood to successful middle age, helped rather than retarded by the re- strictions of rural life and limited opportunities for the development of business ability. He was born in Brandenburg, Germany, October 11, 1844, a son of Christ and Minnie Beuster. The father was a laborer and unable to give his son any advantages, and he grew up to a life of hard work, learning the trade of a mason.

By the time he was twenty-five, August Beuster decided that there were not enough opportunities for him in his native land, and so he emigrated to the United States and, coming to Kewanee township, Henry county, Illinois, found employ-

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ment among the farmers, working by the month and learning the language. Within a year he began renting a farm and three years later bought sixty acres of land. This was the beginning of his present fine farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres. All he has he has earned himself and he is truly a self-made man.

In 1874, Mr. Beuster married Amelia Schultz, of Kewanee township, and they had two children : Mary, who is at home; and William, who works on the farm. Mrs. Beuster died in 1877. The following year Mr. Beuster married Augusta Spiegel, of Kewanee, and they have had five children, of whom one son died at the age of twenty-four years, the others being: John, who is a carpenter ; Emma, who married Charles Wenderman, a farmer ; Ernest and Arnold, both at home.

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History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II, Part 75

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