USA > Illinois > Henry County > History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 84
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John Shattuck, the son of this most excellent man, spent his youth on the parental farm and, being the eldest child and only son of four children, much of the management of affairs fell on his choulders. He was educated in the dis- trict schools and has devoted himself to farming. On September 1, 1874, he married Rachel Petty, a daughter of Nathaniel and Mary (Brown) Petty, farm- ing people of Clover township. The family came from Muskingum county. Ohio, in 1867, settling in Clover township. Mr. Petty still survives and lives with Mrs. Shattack, but his wife passed away in 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Shattuck have had three children, namely: Mabel, who married Daniel Cameron, a farmer of Mercer county; Fay Allen, who is married and lives on the old home- stead in Clover township; and Bessie, who is a popular teacher of the public schools as was her sister Mabel before her marriage. Both the daughters are very well educated.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shattuck settled on the farm which has been their home ever since. It is a splendid tract of two hundred acres, well cultivated. Mr. Shattuck is a republican and has been interested in public mat-
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ters, serving as a member of the board of supervisors for two years, a member of the school board for eighteen years, and is now a school trustee, having always been 'a friend of the public-school system. He has served as a member of the county republican central committee and is usually a delegate to the party conventions as well as a member of the township election board. Fraternally he is quite prominent, belonging to Woodhull Lodge, No. 502, A. F. & A. M .. in which he has filled all the offices except that of worshipful master; is also a member of the Mystic Workers of the World and is active in all lodge work. He and his family are members of the Methodist church, supporting it liberally and engaging in its good work and in that of the Sunday school. For thirty years Mr. Shattuck has been a member of the choir and still sings at every serv- ice. On the occasion of the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the build- ing of Clover chapel church, in February, 1907, he was presented with a hand- some hymnal by the former pastors of the church who had grown up in the neighborhood and thoroughly appreciated Mr. Shattuck's services to the church. This beautiful testimonial is most highly prized by the recipient and will be treasured as long as he lives. He is fully informed on all current topics, whether of a public nature or those relating to his agricultural work, and as a conse- quence he is one of the representative citizens of Henry county. .
PETER G. BERGREN.
Peter G. Bergren, one of the successful farmers of Bishop Hill, was born in Mosocken, Helsingland, Sweden, April 5, 1868. His maternal grandfather, Jonas Wexell, came to this country and to this settlement of his compatriots in 1870, but his daughter, son-in-law and their family did not arrive here until five years later. When Peter Bergren, the father of our subject, came here in 1875, he settled near Bishop Hill and engaged in farming. After a few years' ex- perience he bought a tract of seventy acres west of the village, upon which he took up his residence. It is still his home, although about five years ago he gave up the active pursuit of farming, living in comparative rest from the toils of this life. His wife bore the maiden name of Martha Wexell.
As Peter G. Bergren was only seven years of age when his parents came to this country, he might be said to have passed the valuable years of his life in the locality in which he is now living. He was enrolled as a pupil in the public schools of Bishop Hill throughout his youthful period, and he soon became identified with agricultural pursuits through assisting his father in conducting the home farm. It was in 1895 that he started in life for himself. First he took a five years' lease upon his father's place; then rented one hundred and twenty acres of Hans Rosene; and next became a tenant upon two hundred and forty acres of land belonging to H. C. Hunt. In 1906, partly by his wife's inheritance and partly by purchase he acquired the sixty-five acres upon which he now lives and which he has tilled continuously, although he operates the fifty acres ad- joining. He engages in general farming and has made several improvements
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upon his place. These are indicative of the success with which he has pursued his life's work.
At Bishop Hill, March 14, 1895, Mr. Bergren was united in marriage to Miss Lottie Johnson, a daughter of the late John B. Johnson, who was one of the prominent farmers of Weller township. He and his wife had come to the col- ony in 1850, being of the company who left their native land to make a new home in this country of opportunities. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bergren, namely: Lloyd Raymond, who is thirteen years of age; Leon Ivan, who died in 1898 in infancy; and Ruth Elberta, who is now a little miss of seven years.
Mr. Bergren usually supports the principles of the democratic party, but at local elections he very frequently considers men and measures of more impor- tance than allegiance to party, so that in consequence the candidate who repre- sents the best interests of the community may safely count upon his support. As for himself he has served as highway commissioner, from 1899 to 1901 inclu- sive, and again from 1906 to the present. In his fraternal relations he is con- nected with the Modern Woodmen of America and he takes a sincere interest in the welfare of his lodge brothers. A man who has lived up to high principles and has spent his life in profitable toil, he enjoys the respect of all who know him.
AMARIAH WITHROW.
One of the distinctive features of the smaller cities and towns of Illinois is the residence of retired agriculturists who have settled down adjacent to their farms which were the scenes of former labor and are now enjoying themselves with plenty of time to look into civic affairs and to give their communities the benefit of their experience. One of the respected retired farmers of Geneseo is Amariah Withrow, who was born in White county, Illinois, May 4, 1831, a son of Neely and Paula (Everlith) Withrow. The father was born February 16, 1810, and the mother February 6, 1806, both being natives of New York state. Later they removed to Kentucky and then to White county, Illinois, probably several years before Amariah Withrow was born. In 1836 they set- tled in Phenix township, Henry county, at a time when the Indians were still troublesome. The father was first a whig and later a republican. His death' occurred January 23, 1839, but his widow survived him until June 25, 1891, and both were interred in the Phenix cemetery. They were married May 20, 1830. Five children were born to them, three of whom survive: Amariah, the subject of this review; John Wesley, born October 19, 1834, who lives in Geneseo; and Neely, born August 20, 1839, who lives in Central City, Nebraska. On Feb- ruary 24, 1841, Mrs. Withrow married Harvey Hiksox, who was born August 27, 1819, and died November 4, 1853. They had three children, all of whom died in childhood, except Eunice, who passed away February 7, 1897. She was the wife of Asoph King and lived in Central City, Nebraska.
Amariah Withrow attended school during the winter from the time he was ten years old until he was thirteen, when not otherwise engaged, and one term
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after he had attained his majority. He remained with his mother and stepfather until twenty-one years old and when he was twenty-five he had saved sufficient money to purchase forty acres of land in Phenix township. To this he kept add- ing until he now owns one hundred acres and at one time he had much more land but has disposed of some of it. Until 1895 he carried on general farming, but in that year he removed to Geneseo, wher he built a comfortable house on North Aldrich street, whic continues to be his home. He is a republican but advocates the temperance movement, and he is active in the Methodist church, of which he is a member.
On August 8, 1856, Mr. Withrow married Mary J. Huston, who was born in Ohio, October 6, 1832, a daughter of John D. and Margaret (Elder) Hus- ton. The father was born in Ireland in the early part of 1800, while the mother was born in Pennsylvania. He came to America when sixteen and was a card- er by trade. Both he and his wife died in Ohio. They had seven children, but Mrs. Withrow is now the only survivor. Mr. and Mrs. Withrow have had seven children, four of whom are living, and all were born in Phenix township: Eva Marian, born August 28, 1857, died at the age of three years; Sylvestor died when one month old; Ellis E. died at the age of thirteen months; William, born April 5, 1862, married Pearle Merriman, of Geneseo, and they live on the homestead; Letha Amelia, born in 1864, married Sheldon Farber and they live near Princeton, Iowa and have six children, Guy, Floyd, Ethel, Leonard, Jesse and Vera ; Lucinda, born June 25, 1867, married Clarence Ray, lives in Monmouth, Illinois, and while she has no children of her own she has adopted her husband's daughter ; and Jerome, born July 22, 1869, married Bessie Magnuson and they live in Geneseo township and have two children, Ellen and Carl. Mrs. Withrow is also a member of the Methodist church, and is an earnest, devout Christian lady.
Mr. Withrow is a self-made man and he admits that his wife has borne an important part in securing his success. Some of his pioneer recollections are extremely interesting and if space permitted the insertion of them in full would be desirable. He has seen Indians living in their wild state in Illinois, and when his family arrived here, they were one of three white households in Henry county. To these three white families there were one hundred Indians, but now nothing remains of the red men but a few relics, while the descendants of the paler face inhabit the land. Mr. Withrow is a kind-hearted, earnest man, kind toward all and extremely proud of his children and wife.
C. ARTHUR HENNINGER.
C. Arthur Henninger, senior member of the well known firm of Henninger & Smith, breeders of pure breed Duroc Jersey and Chester White swine, is con- veniently located on section 30, Phenix township, six miles northwest of Geneseo. He was born in Hanna township, September 12, 1877, a son of James A. and Cynthia Ann (Fuller) Henninger. The father was born in Medina county, Ohio, but came to Henry county, Illinois, when one year old with his parents,
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Jacob and Susan Henninger. They were pioneers of this locality, making the trip overland in a wagon and suffering all the privations incident to the life of. the early settlers. Among these exacting conditions James A. Henninger grew to manhood, learning early to work upon the farm. His wife was born in Whiteside county, Illinois, near Prophetstown, but came to Hanna township, Henry county, when six years old with her parents, Charles and Keziah (Rome) Fuller, old settlers here. James A. Henninger eventually became the owner of one hundred and sixteen acres of land. He was a republican and served his party in township offices. His death occurred on the farm where our subject now resides, February 27, 1907. During the Civil war he served in 1863 and 1864 as a member of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. Five children were born to James A. Henninger and wife, namely: Tillie K., who married Allen E. Smith and has one child, Guy E .; Frank, who lives in Hanna township; Jacob, a resi- dent of Colona township; C. Arthur, of this review; and James A., who lives in Hanna township and is in partnership with his brother C. Arthur.
After receiving a fair common-school education, C. Arthur Henninger worked for his father until he attained his majority. His father bred Poland China hogs and was the first man in Henry county who received fifty dollars for one of his hogs, and this success turned Mr. Henninger's attention toward the desirability of branching out in the same line of business. He has studied the matter carefully, made many experiments and has finally reached the conclusion that the best results are reached with Duroc Jersey and Chester White hogs. The firm sell to the markets and hold auctions twice a year. In 1908 the firm lost four thousand dollars because of an epidemic of cholera, which was con- tracted by some of their stock at the state fair, where they exhibited. They also exhibit at the state fairs of South Dakota and their hogs have won seventy-five ribbons. During the year 1909 they exhibited in Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Illinois.
Mr. Henninger is a republican but is in no sense an office seeker, being en- tirely wrapped up in his business. He is a young man of sterling traits of char- acter, a good judge of hogs, and one who understands his business in its every detail.
FREDERICK N. BAIRD.
For more than half a century Frederick N. Baird was one of the successful farmers of this county, although he has recently retired from active life. The names of Illinois and Henry county are associated in his mind with a memory of his childhood, which the years and the momentous changes they have wrought have not been able to efface. When he was nine years old, in Bergen, Geneseo county, New York, a small band of farmers decided to leave that state and come to Illinois to take up land which the government had opened. For weeks the preparations for the long journey overland were carried on with bustle and ex- citement, and then at last the huge wagon was filled with families and their household effects and the yoked teams were driven forth through the streets of the village and out into the country which was little better than unknown.
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Frederick Baird was one of the crowd of little boys who ran eagerly along be- side the great wagon, as it rolled away, youth alone preventing him from accom- panying it all the way, for his imagination had been stirred by the tales the older people had told of the horrors and hardships of the western world, of the In- dians, friendly and unfriendly, and of incidents which had grown to great pro- portions at each recital. But he was a child and had to wait until he was of the age of those who then set out before he, too, could travel to a new home.
Frederick N. Baird was born at Bethany, Geneseo county, New York, May 14, 1827, and is a son of Frederick and Roxana (Cone) Baird. The father was a native of Guilford, Connecticut, where he learned the trade of shoemaker, tanner and currier. Shortly after his marriage he removed to Geneseo county, New York, where he followed his calling until his death. His son received what was a good education for that day and at the age of eighteen began to learn the carpenter's trade. As soon as he had acquired a little skill he started for Henry county, Illinois, spending the winter of 1854-5 here working at his trade. Here he entered some government land. He went back to New York for a few months and then returned to Edford township, where he found plenty of carpenter. work. In 1856 he returned to New York for the second time, married and. brought his bride to this county, establishing her in the house he had built for his brother until he should have time to put up one of his own. He lived in Edford township for a few years and then removed to Geneseo, where he had erected a good house, and later bought the land in Osco township on which he has since made his home. It consists of eighty acres on section 12, is well improved and under good cultivation. As the years brought rich returns for his labors he was able to purchase more land and now owns in addition one hundred and twenty-two acres on section 6, Munson township. Assured of a competence for the necessities of life and for many of its luxuries, Mr. Baird has felt fully justified in relinquishing the management of the farm to his son, and is now enjoying a well earned rest.
In Attica, New York, March 12, 1856, on the occasion of the second return to the state of his birth, was performed the marriage of Mr. Baird and Miss Caroline Partridge. She was born in Middleburg, New York, July 24, 1832. a daughter of William Partridge. Two children were born of their union. Charles Irwin, the elder, was graduated from the Geneseo Collegiate Institute and for a number of years subsequent was connected with it in the capacity of a teacher. He also taught in Indiana where he lived for a long time, but returned to Henry county before his death, which occurred in 1903. He married Miss Emma Reese Dull, who bore him three children: Carrie Reese, who married Gilbert Samuel- son and lives in Osco township; Charles Glenn, who is with his mother in Iowa City, Iowa; and Nellie Merle, who is also with her mother and is fitting herself for a teacher. Mr. Baird's second child, William Norman, reveived a good edu- cation and during his school period and even now has a reputation as a fine pen- inan. He has not married and remains at home with his father, having the real management of the farm.
Mr. Baird was reared in the principles of the democratic party, but he be- came a whig when he surveyed the political situation for himself and cast his first presidential ballot for the whig candidate in 1848. In 1856 he voted for
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Fremont and has supported the republican party since its organization. He is not a politician, though he has served as road commissioner. Religiously he is connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, having become a member before his marriage. Having heard of Henry county when it was in its wild state and taken up his residence here while it was still in the early stages of development, he has witnessed its growth and has promoted and participated in its advance, financially and agriculturally, and the sight of the well tilled fields and the com- forts about him seem adequate compensation for the struggles of half a century ago.
LEWIS W. SLAUSON.
Lewis W. Slauson, one of the men who has served his township upon more than one occasion as a public official and who has passed a long and honorable life in agricultural pursuits, was born in Albany county, New York, August I, 1838, a son of Tryansel and Mary (Tenyck) Slauson, a combination of Irish and Holland Dutch. The father was a farmer by occupation. He and his wife never came to Illinois.
In the fall of 1857 Lewis W. Slauson landed in Galesburg and soon obtained employment on a farm in that vicinity, continuing there for one year. He then came to Henry county and for three years worked for farmers in Clover town- ship, by that time being able to buy a farm of eighty acres, which he operated for himself.
On December 25, 1866, Mr. Slauson married Wilhelmina Houghton, a daugh- ter of Thomas and Sarah (Barton) Houghton, who came to Clover township in 1858 from Vermont. Mr. Houghton, who became a large landowner and very active in township matters, died in 1870, his widow surviving him until April, 1892. Their remains are interred side by side in the beautiful God's Acre of Woodhull. Mr. and Mrs. Slauson became the parents of six children, namely : Horace, Solon, an unnamed infant son, and Louella, who are all deceased; Edith, who married Edwin D. Johnson, a farmer of Oxford township; and Carrie, who married Fred F. Kirkland, a farmer of Clover township.
Mr. Slauson has always directed his efforts towards farming and now owns three hundred acres of magnificent land which yields excellent crops. Although formerly a republican, his temperance principles have made him a prohibitionist and he is very active in the work of his party. Because of his recognized prob- ity he has been called upon to serve Clover township as assessor and for twelve years he has been a member of the school board. Ever since 1869 he has been an active member of Woodhull Lodge, No. 383, I. O. O. F., passing through all the chairs. While not a member of any religious denomination, he and his family are firm believers in Christianity and the Golden Rule has been his guide in his dealings with his fellowmen. He and his wife have aided many, notably the Rev. Oliver Stewart, widely known as a church and temperance worker, who became their ward when only thirteen years old. They took him into the family, sent him to the Woodhull high school and after his graduation he went to Eureka College and also to a theological seminary. They treated him exactly as one of
MRS. L. W. SLAUSON
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their own children, giving him every advantage, and they consequently feel very proud of him. It is such men as Mr. Slauson who maintain the moral tone of the community and who in their own lives set an example of upright living and honorable practice.
JULIUS SCHULTZ.
Julius Schultz, one of the enterprising agriculturists of Edford township, who owns a farm of three hundred and twenty acres on sections 35 and 36, was born near Swetz, West Prussia, June 3, 1859, and is a son of Adolph and Caro- line (Krueger) Schultz. He was about fourteen years of age when the family came to America. They were seventeen days in crossing the ocean and after landing in New York came to Henry county, Illinois, where his oldest brother, Gustav, was then living, as he had preceded the rest of the family by a few months. The father brought some means with him but rented land for a few years and then bought a tract in Geneseo township, for which he paid thirty- seven dollars an acre. This he sold soon after, however, and removed to the city of Geneseo, where he spent the remaining years of his life. Julius Schultz is the second in a family of five, the others being: Gustav, who resides near Kewanee; August, who lives in Burns township; Adolph, a resident of Moline; and Lena, who married August Leopold and lives in Keokuk, Iowa.
Julius Schultz had received the greater part of his education in the land of his birth, but after coming to America he attended school for a few months to learn the English language. Until he became twenty-one years of age he worked for his father upon the farm and then worked out for one year. With the optimism of youth he decided to start in life for himself, although it was ne- cessary to go in debt for his teams and implements and for the rent of the land he had chosen. He continued to rent until 1893, when, having accumulated about two thousand dollars, he was able to make the first payment upon the fanın where he now lives, going in debt for the balance. He bought it at the rate of forty dollars an acre, but it has now more than tripled in value, for were it put on the real-estate market it would easily bring one hundred and fifty dol- lars. He has made many improvements and increased its producing power. In 1906 he was able to buy another farm in Phenix township, consisting of two hundred and ninety acres. For this he paid seventy dollars per acre, but it has now almost doubled in value, being worth about one hundred and twenty dollars. He has devoted his time to general agriculture and has also engaged in the rais- ing, feeding and shipping of stock, meeting with an unusual degree of success. He also owns a residence in Geneseo.
In Geneseo, March 7, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Schultz and Miss Caroline Krueger, who was also a native of Germany and a daughter of David Krueger and his wife. Of this marriage eight children were born: Gus- tav, Minnie, Martha, David, Reinold, Hedwig, Edward, and one who died in infancy. The eldest daughter is now the wife of Hugo Ristan. After the mother's death in 1899, Mr. Schultz wedded Mrs. Minnie Hollatz, nee Ger-
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hardt. Of this union five children have been born: Emil, Alfred, Ernest, Rose and Arthur. Mrs. Schultz had five children by her former marriage and these together with his own children Mr. Schultz is rearing. They are Karl, Valiske, August, Walter and Freddie.
Mr. and Mrs. Schultz are members of the Lutheran church, and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has never sought for any office within the gift of the people of his township. The wide extent of his fields evince the measure of his success as a farmer, while the fact that in June, 1909, he purchased an automobile indicates that he is able to enjoy many of the luxu- ries of life.
ELMER E. and EDWARD B. JOHNSON.
Among the prominent and enterprising business men of Kewanee is the hard- ware firm consisting of the brothers Elmer E. and Edward B. Johnson, They are the sons of Albert T. and Harriet E. (Jarman) Johnson, the former for many years a merchant of Kewanee. Elmer E. Johnson was born there, Sep- tember 1, 1869. Having been reared here and receiving his education in the city's public schools, he has always been more or less closely connected with its interests. His first business experience was as a clerk in the dry-goods store of T. H. Phillips where he gave satisfaction during a period of six years, and later he was with the National Tube Company for six years. For the last two years with that concern he was in charge of the fittings department. During that time he gained practical experience in business methods so that he desired to embark in business on his own account. Accordingly, under the firm title of Johnson & Craig, he engaged in making and selling monuments. After two years, how- ever, he felt he could better his fortunes elsewhere, so in partnership with his brother Edward B. he opened the hardware store which he still conducts. It has proved one of the valuable additions to the commercial life of Kewanee, being both a credit to the abilities of the men who are its proprietors and the general financial stability of the town. On the 28th of June, 1900, Elmer E. Johnson wedded Miss Florence Kearny, of Washington, D. C., a daughter of James V. and Mary E. Kearny. The former was for many years the editor of the Galesburg Mail, but has now retired from active life and is residing in the city of Washington. One daughter, Doris, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. John- son. The family are members of the Congregational church, of which society Mr. Johnson is clerk. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to the commandery in Kewanee and is also a member of the Kewanee Club, in which organization he has played a prominent part. While participating in the social life of the town, he is also interested in its political welfare, for he is a member of the school board and for a time was a member of the village board of Wethersfield.
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