History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II, Part 83

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

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As a farmer's boy John Woodbury received only a limited education in the district schools. He was three years of age when his parents removed from Davenport to Illinois, and about sixteen when they sought their fortunes on the prairies of Nebraska. During all his youth, he helped his father either on the farm or in the coal mines, and even after he had attained his majority he remained with the older man, assisting him in whatever way lay in his power. Of course in later years the union of father and son partook of the nature of a partnership, which was so mutually pleasant and profitable, that it existed to

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within one month of the father's death, when a settlement between the two men was made. By this the son obtained eighty acres of land to which he has added from time to time as opportunity offered until he has brought his holdings up to one hundred and forty-four acres, the extent of his present farm.

In Rock Island city on the 23d of August, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Woodbury and Miss Augusta Kane. She is a daughter of Julius and Eva (Fritz) Kane and was born in Coal Valley, Rock Island county, Illinois, but at the time of her marriage, her home was near his farm in Edford town- ship. To Mr. and Mrs. Woodbury have been born four children : Daniel, Bes- sie, Nellie and Clarence.

A successful farmer and stockman, Mr. Woodbury is also distinguished by the public spirit that has characterized his actions, and on occasion has assumed the responsibilities that the citizens of his township would put upon him. On the republican ticket he was elected to the office of road commissioner, which he filled for one term of three years; was for eight years constable; and has re- peatedly served as a member of the school board. In all of these capacities, he has fulfilled the duties incumbent upon him with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He has also been republican central commit- teeman from Edford township. For the past twelve years he has attended the meetings of Colona Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also a member of the Mystic Workers. His fraternal relations have been of the pleas- antest, for he is a man possessed of many social qualities as well as of those stronger characteristics that have gained for him the respect and confidence of his fellowmen.

SAMUEL A. ANDERSON.

Samuel A. Anderson, who since 1901 as a general merchant has been con- nected with the commercial interests of Green River, Edford township, Henry county, was born on a farm in the province of Lanneberga, Sweden, near a station of the same name. April 16, 1866, was the day of his birth. His father, Andrew P. Oleson, was a son of Olaf Nelson. The father died when Samuel A. Anderson was a lad of nine years, but the mother, on whom devolved the burden of rearing her family unassisted, is still living in the old country.

Samuel A. Anderson received a good common-school education in the land of his birth but was compelled to work hard during the summer months. Through relatives and friends the stories of the opportunities for young men of ambition in America came to his ears, and at the age of eighteen, alone and with no knowledge of the English language, he started on his journey to the United States. He came direct to Mercer county, Illinois, where his uncle lived, who gave him employment on his farm and taught him the English tongue. For seven years he worked as a farm laborer both in Mercer county and in Henry county, and then for a few months clerked in a grocery store in Galesburg. The experience opened to him a new field and in that city he started in the grocery business for himself. For ten years he carried on a good trade there, becoming

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known as a purveyor of fine articles of trustworthy grade. In 1901 he sold his interest in the Galesburg business and came to Green River, where he established himself as a dealer in groceries and general merchandise. In 1905 he built the store he now occupies and also his residence, and as his undertakings prospered he invested more largely in Green River real estate and bought several other dwellings.

While engaged in business in Galesburg Mr. Anderson married Miss Anna C. Mahlstedt, with whom he had become acquainted during the years he worked on a farm. She was a native of Rock Island county, Illinois, was born on a farm and is a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Kirchoff) Mahlstedt. The marriage cere- mony was performed in Green River on the 6th of April, 1892, and the union has been blessed with three children: Lawrence, born in Galesburg, September 4, 1893, who has now finished the eighth grade in the public school; Ralph, also born in Galesburg, June 22, 1895; and Marie, born in Green River, May 31, 1907.

Mr. Anderson and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Green River. He affiliates politically with the republican party and always ex- ercises his right to vote as a citizen of this republic. Still he is not an office seeker nor does he take much interest in public matters, being content if by his own ef- forts he makes a reputation as a merchant in whom the people may place con- fidence. He aims to give satisfaction in every instance, and the success that has attended his operations during the seven years he has been in Green River bears witness to the degree in which his aims have been realized.

VALENTINE GERSTNER.

Valentine Gerstner, who was for many years a successful farmer of Geneseo township and is now living retired in the city of that name, was born in Baden, Germany, January 20, 1841, and is a son of Peter and Christine (Allas) Gerstner, both natives of that country. The father was born in 1812 and died at the age of fifty-six years, having spent the greater part of his life in the pursuit of agricul- ture. He never left the land of his birth, for it was only after his death that his son came to this country and found the road to success. Mrs. Gerstner, who was born in 1816, survived her husband about seven years, her death having occurred in 1875. Of the nine children born to the couple only four are now living, and of these Valentine is the only one in the United States, while John, Margaret and Elizabeth all live in Germany.

Valentine Gerstner received his education in the schools of his native land and worked for his father on the farm until he was called upon to render the military service exacted of every German born male as soon as he reaches maturity. When he was honorably discharged in 1871 Mr. Gerstner started for America, and after landing upon our shores came to Geneseo, Illinois, where he found work in the brickyards. Two years later he was hired by Fred Hornecker as a farm hand and after two years' experience he decided to start in life for himself. First he rented land in Geneseo township, which he cultivated with such success that in 1891 he was able to buy eighty-four acres on which he lived until 1899, when,

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having acquired a comfortable competence, he retired from active life and took. up his residence in the city of Geneseo. Here he lives in a pretty home west of Spruce street and has become a factor of the life of the little city.

In January, 1868, Mr. Gerstner married Miss Margaret Masengorf, who was born in Baden, Germany, February 11, 1845. Her father, Michael Masengorf, was a marshal in his native land and was shot in 1876 while in the performance of his duties. He was sixty-four years of age at the time. His wife, who was Miss Catherine Wolf before her marriage, came to America in 1875, where she died in 1888. They had nine children, seven now living: Mrs. Gerstner; Eliza- beth, the wife of Peter Weiss, of Kansas; Adam, of Geneseo; Catherine, the wife of Peter Fry, of Peoria, Illinois ; George John, of Geneseo; Effie, the wife of August Weiss, of Iowa; and Dena, who is the wife of Fred Haak, of Geneseo. Mr. and Mrs. Gerstner have had ten children, all living and all but the two old- est born in Geneseo township. Susan, born in Germany, July 3, 1868, is a dress- maker and lives at home. Eva, also born in Germany, December 25, 1869, is the wife of John Papenthein, of Geneseo, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Barbara, born February 20, 1872, married Charles Rose, of Geneseo, and they have one child, Lester LeRoy. John, born December 28, 1874, married Miss Marcia Decker and lives in Kansas. They have a son, Royce. Margaret, born January 12, 1876, is the wife of William Santee, of Phenix township. They have two daughters, Lulu and Viola. Katie and Dena are twins and were born November 12, 1878. The former is the wife of Luther Henander, of Geneseo township, and they have five children, Ralph, Harold, Roland, Elon, and a baby unnamed. Dena married Emil Munter, of Geneseo township, and they have three children, Hazel, Gilbert and Grace. Elizabeth, born January 6, 1881, is the wife of Robert Crisop. They live in Loraine township and have two sons, Lyle and Kenneth. Mary, born August 19, 1883, married Herbert Smith, of Geneseo, and they have one son, Ivan. Emma, the youngest of the family, was born De- cember 27, 1886, and became the wife of James Ellingsworth. They live in Hanna township.

Mr. and Mrs. Gerstner are members of the United Evangelical church, as are their children, with the exception of Mrs. Santee, who is a Methodist. Politically Mr. Gerstner is a republican, and while not an office seeker he has served very efficiently as a tax collector. Frugal, yet progressive, having obtained what he now possesses through his own unaided efforts, he enjoys the good will of his friends and neighbors. He has reared a large family, who partaking of his own strong qualities of character, are a real credit to him.

FRANCIS EUGENE DAVIS.

Francis Eugene Davis, a farmer and stock raiser of Hanna township, was born in Herkimer county, New York, August 2, 1855, and is a son of Aaron and Ann (Eynon) Davis. His parents came to Illinois in 1861, and after a few years spent in Rock Island, bought a farm in Hanna township, on the same section where their son lives today. The original tract was half a section, but was con-

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tinually added to until Aaron Davis had two hundred acres of good land in Hanna and Edford townships.

Francis Eugene Davis was reared at home and received a good education, first in the common schools of this county and then for a term or two under Professor Comstock in Colona. At the close of his school life he returned to the farm, and until he attained his majority gave his father the benefit of his labor. When he became twenty-one, he started out as a farmer. For a number of years he rented land in Edford township and then, about 1890, bought one hundred and twenty acres on section 4, Hanna township, which has since been his home. At the time of the purchase he paid but fifty dollars an acre for his farm, that is now worth fully twice that sum. He has remodeled the house, built a good barn, and through his system of cultivation the soil has lost nothing of its fertility nor its value as a pasture for cattle. To the stock business Mr. Davis has given more and more at- tention every year and annually sends a large number of animals to market. His earnest efforts have won a substantial reward and he is accounted one of the prosperous men of his township.

On the 4th of January, 1883, Mr. Davis married Miss Catherine L. Gottsche. She was born in Rock Island county, where her grandparents located when the pioneers first came to this state and when the Indians were more numerous than the white men. Her father, John Gottsche, came to America in the '40s or '50s. He settled in Illinois near Moline Bluffs and there met Miss Catherine Korb, whom he later made his wife. She was also a native of Germany and had come to this country with her parents in 1845. The family landed in New Orleans, journeyed up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, where the father died, and then came to Illinois, locating near Moline Bluffs. Mr. Gottsche died August 28, 1899, while his wife survived until May 11, 1908, when she was killed by a cyclone that swept Hanna township. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis. Nellie Ann, the eldest, was graduated from the Geneseo Collegiate Institute in 1902, and for four years engaged in teaching. Then she married William H. Col- lis and lives on a farm in Hanna township. Catherine A., who was also grad- uated from the Geneseo Collegiate Institute in 1902, after teaching for three years, took a course in Brown's Business College and is now employed as a ste- nographer in the Davenport Locomotive Works. Margaret Eugenia was grad- uated from the Geneseo Collegiate Institute in the class of 1905 and like her sis- ters has taken up the profession of teaching. John A. was graduated from the Geneseo high school in the class of 1908, has taught one year and contemplates taking a course in Brown's Business College. Mary Esther is still a student in the Geneseo high school but looks forward to graduating with the class of 1912.

Mr. Davis cast his first presidential ballot for Hayes, the republican candi- date at the election of 1876, and has since always voted that ticket. He has ever taken taken an active interest in public matters and in 1898 was elected supervisor of his township, a position he held for eight years. He was made a member of the educational committee which gave him opportunity to cast his influence toward the improvement of the district schools and the conditions un- der which the teachers labor. His allegiance in religious matters is given to the Methodist Episcopal church and in that faith he has reared his children. The Clement Lodge, No. 680, A. F. & A. M., numbers him among its most active

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and zealous members and for three years confided its treasury to his keeping. A successful farmer, an exemplary citizen and a man of high moral standards, he enjoys the respect of all who have come in contact with him and who know him well as friends and lodge brothers.

ISAAC C. SNOW.

Isaac C. Snow, one of the agricultural community of Osco township, whose home lies on the southeast quarter of section 12, was born on a farm near Pio- neer, Williams county, Ohio, August 2, 1861, and is a son of Orrin and Elma Jane (Snow) Snow. He was reared at home in Ohio and received a good edu- cation in the district schools, at the same time working for his father. At the age of eighteen he agreed with the latter that for the compensation of two hun- dred dollars he might have the benefit of his own labor, which under ordinary circumstances would have belonged to the older man until he was of age.

Accordingly, in the spring of 1880, Isaac Snow came to Henry county, Illi- nois, where an older brother and a couple of uncles had already located. He began working for others and by the time he was twenty-three, as the result of careful saving, he was able to commence farming for himself in Knox county upon rented land. Until 1901 he lived there and in Osco, Western and Edford townships, Henry county, and then removed to the place on which he is living today. He had bought it in 1900, paying eighty-three and a third dollars per acre, though it is worth considerable more than that sum now. He has made a number of substantial improvements, remodeling the buildings that were already there and erecting others. In addition to general farming he has en- gaged extensively in the raising, feeding and shipping of cattle, with no small measure of success. Ambitious and industrious, he has found that his en- deavors met with large returns, so that he is now able to enjoy all the com- forts of life. He owns two hundred and forty acres of land-one hundred and sixty acres in Osco township and eighty acres in Munson township. In August, 1907, he bought an automobile and he has now purchased his second, which he finds meets with his approval in a higher degree.

In Cambridge, Illinois, March 8, 1886, Mr. Snow was united in marriage to Miss Angeline White, of Woodhull, this county. She was born in Lynn town- ship, July 26, 1865, and is a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Neal) White, both natives of Lancaster, England, coming to America as young people before they were married. They landed in New York and although they had in their possession only five dollars and a butter plate they decided to unite their for- tunes and brave the trials of the new country together. The marriage ceremony was performed in Buffalo, whence they went to Ohio. After a year's residence there they came to Henry county, Illinois, locating in Cambridge and then going to Lynn township, where Mr. White eventually became the owner of four hun- dred acres of land. He has now retired from active life and enjoys the rest he has so well earned in Woodhull. Surely he may look back to the time when

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his possessions were so few and be grateful for the success that has come to him.

Mr. and Mrs. Snow have had four children: Maude Estella, born May I, 1887, attended the Geneseo Collegiate Institute for one year and is now living at home; Winfield Everett, born October 4, 1890, was graduated from the In- stitute with the class of 1909; Harold Robert was born October 2, 1895, and like his brother Dale Reginald, who was born July 26, 1901, is at home with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Snow attend the Presbyterian church in Munson town- ship, although they hold membership in the Lutheran congregation in Edford township. Politically he affiliates with the republican party, but although in- terested in public affairs he has never sought office. The ambition which at the age of eighteen stirred him to start in life for himself has urged his progress through all the subsequent years and has pointed the way to the successful position he now occupies among the citizens of Osco township. It is the result of his own efforts and is not marred by the consciousness that it was attained through the misfortunes of another.

JACOB JACOBSON.

Jacob Jacobson, who for a number of years was actively identified with the farming and commercial interests of Bishop Hill and vicinity, but now has re- tired from active life and makes his home in the village, was born there May 24, 1859. His father, who also bore the name of Jacob Jacobson, was a native of Helsingland, Sweden, and was one of the band of men who established Bishop Hill. He arrived in New York in 1846, where he joined twenty men who left that city about New Year's for the west. They journeyed by way of the Hudson river to Troy, by canal boat to Buffalo, and by rail and stage the greater part of the remaining distance, walking from the terminus of the stage line to their destination. After his arrival at Bishop Hill he became closely connected with the interests of the community and took part in public affairs. He was one of the trustees of the colony and after its incorporation was one of the village trustees, holding the office through the greater part of the remaining years of his life. For many years, until 1872, when he retired from active busi- ness, he was engaged in merchandising as well as in agricultural pursuits in partnership with Swan Swanson, the father of the present postmaster. Indeed, these two were the closest of friends, not only having the same business and farming interests, but even uniting their public and home life so that they might almost be said to form one family. Mr. Jacobson died December 15, 1883, at the age of sixty-seven years, while his wife lived until 1888, when she also passed away at the age of sixty-seven years. She was Miss Helena Peterson before her marriage, was born in the same province of Sweden as was her hus- band and like him joined the colony in 1846.

Jacob Jacobson grew up in his home town and after attending the public schools he finished his education by a commercial course in Chicago. There- upon he clerked in a general store here and then went to Galva, where he was

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employed in dry-goods and clothing stores until his father's death necessitated his return to Bishop Hill. For the next two years he engaged in farming, for- saking that vocation to conduct a lumber business and for three years devoted himself to its operation. At the end of that period he retired from active life, although he still retains his agricultural interests, for he holds two tracts of land, one at Bishop Hill, the other near Nekoma, which are well improved and under the care of tenants. He has always been on the alert, however to give his support to whatever enterprise appeared feasible as a financial concern or as of benefit to the village. For a number of years he has been connected with the First National Bank of Galva as director and stockholder and his name ap- pears among those who have contributed to other important commercial enter- prises.

In Burlington, Iowa, September 2, 1886, Mr. Jacobson wedded Miss Hannah W. Wigren, a daughter of Rev. John Wigren, a prominent pioneer Swedish Methodist minister, who is now retired and is living in Chicago. Mrs. Jacob- son is a graduate of Rockford College and taught school for several years be- fore her marriage. Three children have been born to the couple. Helen C. is a graduate of Knox College, of the class of 1909, and is now teaching. Mar- garet E. is a student at Knox College. Robert E. is a senior in the Galva high school.

The family are stanch adherents of the Methodist faith and are closely iden- tified with all church work. Politically Mr. Jacobson is a republican and has taken an active part in local affairs ever since he was of an age to participate. He has held a number of the offices of the village, has been a member of the board of trustees the greater part of the time since he returned here, and was township school trustee until last year, having held the position for the past nineteen years. For nine years he was township highway commissioner. In 1900 he was a delegate to the state republican convention at Peoria, has since been a member of other conventions and is now the member from Weller town- ship of the Henry county republican central committee. In short, his ability and integrity have been recognized by his fellow citizens and the public spirit which has always marked his administration has won from them sincere regard and respect. His has been a life which has contributed no small share to the advancement of the village, and although he has relinquished the active partic- ipation in the more onerous duties of life, his days are still filled with thoughtful toil from which his community benefits. He still lives upon the old Jacobson homestead in Bishop Hill.

JOHN SHATTUCK.

John Shattuck, who has the advantage of not only being thoroughly en- grossed in agricultural work but is also a practical business man, was born April 7, 1853, in Highland county, Ohio, a son of Allen F. and Nancy S. (Wool- lums) Shattuck. The Shattuck family left their Ohio home in 1855 and settled near old Henderson, Knox county, Illinois, where the father engaged in farm-

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ing. In later years he became a minister of the Methodist church, having been ordained after locating in Henry county in 1864. This was during the trying days of the Civil war and as he was intensely loyal and outspoken in his views he was often engaged in heated discussions. However, being a man of great physical strength and courage, he was preserved from bodily harm. In the years following the war he was actively engaged in ministerial work and became well known throughout his district as a powerful evangelist and eloquent preacher. On October 21, 1890, he passed away, his remains being interred in Clover chapel cemetery in the vicinity of the scene of his clerical life. When his widow joined him, May 19, 1904, she too was laid to rest in that cemetery. The good clergyman was a great admirer of President Mckinley and it was his wish that he might live to cast his vote for him a second time, but death claimed him a few weeks before the election and he was denied what to him would have been a great privilege. Exerting a powerful personal influence, he turned many people to a godly manner of living and as a member of the county board for a number of years, as road commissioner, as a member of the school board and in various other township offices he showed the worth of an upright exam- ple. He was a man always true to a trust and faithful to every confidence re- posed in him. While a man of limited education, he read exhaustively and. possessing a retentive mind, kept himself well informed, so that he was always able to engage intelligently in any debate or discussion. Progressive and far- seeing, he was able to take a broad-minded view of current events either national or local, and his advice was followed upon many subjects. Although advanced in years, he was actively engaged until his death, preaching a magnificent funeral sermon two weeks before he passed away. He was a man of great sym- pathy and charitable toward all, and far and wide the poor knew him for their friend. No one was ever turned away without both spiritual and material help and when he died the whole county mourned him as a personal friend, and his funeral was the most largely attended of any ever held in Henry county. The tributes paid to his memory by his fellow clergymen were beautiful and touch- ing and stand as tributes to his worth and work.

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History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II, Part 83

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