USA > Illinois > Henry County > History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 90
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY
When the war was over Mr. Magee, with a most creditable military record, returned to his father's home in Osco township, Henry County. For a few years thereafter they carried on the work in partnership but later Charles Ma- gee rented the farm and since then has made this place his home. Several years before the father had purchased the one hundred and sixty-six acre farm for fifty-five hundred dollars, and in 1880 the son bought the one hundred acres in Geneseo township for six thousand dollars, and while they were in partnership together they erected all the buildings upon the place, purchased the machinery used and added all the modern conveniences and accessories with which to carry on the work according to the most advanced methods. In 1882 Charles Magee put in a silo, which was the first in the township, and when that one wore out, after being without one for two years, in 1907 put in a new one.
Having been twice united in marriage, his first union was celebrated Sep- tember 27, 1870, the lady of his choice being Miss Nellie Paine, who passed away in 1882, leaving no children. On February 20, 1884, Mr. Magee wedded Miss Mary F. Duff, a daughter of George and Mary (Cyphers) Duff, and unto this union has been born two children. Elsie is a graduate of the Geneseo high school and later took a course in domestic science in the University of Chicago, since which time she has been engaged in teaching. Elon, also a graduate of the Geneseo high school, is now pursuing a course of study in the University of Illinois at Urbana.
Mr. Magee has always been a republican in his political faith, having cast his first presidential vote for U. S. Grant in 1868, but has never sought nor desired political preferment as a reward for party fealty. He holds a membership in Jenkins Post, G. A. R., and his life history is a fair record of responsibilities wisely carried, opportunities turned to the best account, wide-reaching influence used wholly for good and a public spirited citizenship manifest all through the succeeding years since his service to his country during the Civil war.
IRA W. WITHROW.
Ira W. Withrow, who has but recently joined the agriculturists of Edford township, owns one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 12, where he will carry on general farming. He was born in Phenix township, this county, August 1, 1862, and is a son of J. W. and Arvilla M. (Allen) Withrow, a sketch of whose lives appears elsewhere in this volume. Until he was nine years of age he lived in the township of his birth and then with his parents removed to Hanna township, where he grew to manhood. He received his early education in the district schools and later enjoyed two winters' instruction under Professor Com- stock at Colona. At the age of twenty-one he started out in life for himself as a farmer. For about two years he worked upon his father's farm in Hanna township, and then purchased a farm in that township, whereon he resided until 1892, when he removed to Geneseo. After a year's residence in the city he re- turned to Hanna township, where he remained four years. Then he sold the one hundred and thirty acres he owned there and bought an interest in an elevator in
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Geneseo, where for three years he carried on a grain and coal business. When an opportune occasion arose he disposed of that and engaged in the grocery busi- ness, but only for a short time, for he returned to farming and for five years cul- tivated his father's place in Hanna township. In 1909 he bought his present home in Edford township and intends making it a profitable investment.
In Hanna township, December 17, 1884, Mr. Withrow was united in mar- riage to Miss Lucina Fuller. She was born in that township, to which her parents, Charles W. and Catherine (Brady) Fuller, came in the early years of its settlement. Their former home was in New York state. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Withrow. Roy W., born in Hanna township, Janu- ary 10, 1887, was graduated from the Geneseo high school, and now, after hav- ing taught for two years, is a student at Ann Arbor, where he pursued a course in literature. Hazel, born in Hanna township, January 1, 1891, was graduated from the Geneseo high school with the class of 1909. Claude, the youngest, was born in Hanna township, October 21, 1895.
The family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Withrow has served as class leader and as superintendent and teacher in the Sunday school. In his political views he is a republican and is ever punctilious in his attendance at the polls at election times. Although he has never been a candidate for public office for three years he acted as assessor in Hanna town- ship and for many years served as justice of the peace.
NATHANIEL W. TIBBETTS.
Nathaniel W. Tibbetts has been in the public service for many years and is efficient as a statesman and as private citizen, and during the years he was an active and useful legislator he served his people by studying their needs and his duty toward them, and thus rendered his state inestimable service. He has also been successful in his business ventures and is associated with some of the sub- stantial concerns of Kewanee.
He was born in Neponset township, Bureau county, Illinois, November 15, 1845, a son of James P. and Julia A. (Sayles) Tibbetts. His father was born in Maine and on coming west traveled by boat on the lakes and rivers to Rock Island, Illinois, then across the country to Wethersfield, Henry county, whence he removed in 1843 to Neponset township, Bureau county, where he was the fourth settler. There he bought government land and developed a fine farm and became one of the leading men of his community, living to the advanced age of nine-three years. He had lost his wife many years before when she was but forty-nine years old.
The boyhood days of Nathaniel W. Tibbetts were spent upon the raw prairie farm and he pursued his education in a log school house. Until he reached his majority he remained with his father and while helping him learned the best methods of farming and raising stock. When he was twenty-one he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, and after improving it sold at a profit and. then bought more land until he now owns two hundred and eighty acres. He laid
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out an addition to Kewanee, known as Tibbetts addition, comprising thirty acres, in 1890. These lots have all been sold and the suburb is largely built up. Mr. Tibbetts possesses great executive ability and whatever he undertakes he carries through rapidly and effectively. He is president of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, of Kewanee, and is vice president of the Union National Bank, and his association with these companies has added to their solidity and business and financial standing.
In 1868 Mr. Tibbetts married Miss Mary R. Willey, a native of Maine and a daughter of Henry Willey, a farmer. Mr. Tibbetts has always been prominent politically and has held a number of township offices, serving as assessor from 1881 to 1891, was supervisor for fourteen years and school trustee for six years. In 1902 he was elected from the thirty-seventh district on the republican ticket a member of the general assembly and served two terms. His most important work was the introduction and passage of the bill which authorized the town- ship to levy for a fund to purchase a site and erect the present beautiful library building which is a credit to Henry county. He introduced the bill and had it put through without a dissenting vote. It was a magnificent piece of work and credit is due to him in no small degree for what has been accomplished through it.
Fraternally Mr. Tibbetts has been quite active, belonging to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and socially he is a member of the Kewanee Club. He has made a splendid record as a legislator and business man, and his life is without a blemish of any kind. An honest man, a faithful and able public ser- vant, he presents in his life an example for ambitious young men to emulate.
ALBERT C. DILENBECK.
One of Edford township's native sons who has attained to a position of pros- perity is Albert C. Dilenbeck, who owns two hundred acres of fine land on sec- tion 14, where he follows general farming and raises cattle of good breed for the market. He was born March 7, 1865, and is a son of Myron H. and Sarah C. (Spickler) Dilenbeck, who are now residents of Geneseo.
Albert C. Dilenbeck grew to manhood in the locality in which he was born and he lived for a few years with his parents in Geneseo. After completing the course prescribed by the public schools he entered the Northwestern Normal of Geneseo, and then after finishing his education returned home and worked for his father. At the age of twenty-three years he married and, leaving his father's employ, rented a tract of land from him and commenced farming. At the end of about six years of renting he was able to buy his present farm, for which he paid forty-five dollars an acre. When he removed to it in the fall of 1894 it was an unimproved tract with a poor house as its only building. This he has rebuilt and has besides put up a number of other buildings wholly modern in their construction. He has also brought the fields to a high state of cultivation in the fifteen years they have been under his care. .
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On the 3d of May, 1888, Mr. Dilenbeck and Miss Nannie E. Spickler were united in marriage. Mrs. Dilenbeck was born and reared in Taylor Ridge, Rock Island county, and is a daughter of John and Nancy (Walker) Spickler. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dilenbeck, but Mildred C. died at the age of ten months. Those living are: Glenn Myron, John Leland and Horace Cortland.
In political matters Mr. Dilenbeck gives his support to the republican party with whose platform he is in most accord. He has never been a politician in the sense of being an office seeker, although for several terms he has rendered the citizens of his township valuable service as a member of the board of education. With his wife and the other members of his family he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church in Geneseo and is not only regular in his attendance at its re- ligious services, but by his daily life gives evidence that its teachings are put to practical use. A hard working man and a good citizen, he has won from his labors more than a handsome competence and has gained the good will and re- spect of his neighbors by the strong traits of his character.
FRANK P. LADD.
The reverent affection felt for one who has passed away from this earth is best expressed outwardly by a handsome monument to mark the place where all that is mortal of the lost one is laid to rest. Some of the stones thus put up are works of art, executed by men who have given their lives to the business, and who express in their finished product the result of artistic perception and careful training. The best known dealer in monuments in Henry county is Frank P. Ladd, of Kewanee. He was born one mile east of Kewanee, July 19, 1876, and although still in the very prime of life has already attained a high position in his special line of business. He is a son of John and Caroline Ladd, farming people.
Frank P. Ladd was educated in the schools of his neighborhood and worked upon his father's farm until he was seventeen, but he was ambitious and not content to follow in his father's footsteps, and so he began learning the monu- mental business in all its branches, and for four years after he had learned it thoroughly he worked for others, but in 1898 he embarked in business with Wil- liam Bates at Galva under the firm name of Bates & Ladd. This connection continued until 1899, when he returned to Kewanee and established his present business. Because of the excellent quality of his work, he has built up a very extensive trade which extends over Bureau and Stark, as well as Henry, counties and he is the largest monumental worker in Henry county.
On June 28, 1899, Mr. Ladd married Carrie A. Nobiling of Kewanee, a daughter of Otto and Carrie Nobiling. Her father is a painter and decorator, whose work is well known in Kewanee. Mr. and Mrs. Ladd are the parents of two children, namely: Willis Otto and Frances Carrie.
Mr. Ladd takes a deep interest in his work and gives his business his personal supervision. Some of his most exclusive designs are his own and display a
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high degree of artistic merit and indicate that if he had turned his attention into another avenue of artistic endeavor he might have made himself famous as a sculptor. Social by nature, he finds pleasure in his membership in the Mod- ern Woodmen of America and the Improved Order of Red Men.
ALLEN KING.
The better class of druggists everywhere are men of scientific attainments. and high integrity who devote their lives to the welfare of their fellowmen in supplying the best of remedies and purest medicinal agents of known value in accordance with physicians' prescriptions and scientific formula. The conscien- tious druggist can always be trusted and because of his responsible position in the community enjoys a well earned popularity. Allen King, of the old estab- lished house of Hill & King of Kewanee, is one of the most reliable druggists of Henry county and with his partner controls a very desirable trade. He was born in Stark county, Illinois, April 8, 1863, a son of Robert W. and Fannie (Lawrence) King. The father was a physician, whose death occurred in 1906. and the mother died in 1886.
After attending the public schools of his neighborhood and making the most of his opportunities, Mr. King worked on his father's farm for a few years, and then, in 1883, began clerking in a drug store at Toulon and continued there five years, thus gaining a valuable insight into the business. He then went to Peoria, where he worked for two years in the same line, and at the expiration of that time he went to Canton, Ohio, where he spent a year. His next location was at Elmwood, Illinois, but after three years he came to Kewanee and entered the drug store of Grant McPherson and clerked for five years. In 1899 he and Hugh Hill formed their present business association and the firm is widely known as Hill & King.
On the 31st of March, 1904, Mr. King married Miss Katherine Steiner of Dubuque, Iowa. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, the Mystic Workers and the Kewanee Club and is deservedly popular in all. He is a very conscientious druggist and the reputation enjoyed by the firm is well merited for both partners are first-class pharmacists and have connections with wholesale houses that make it possible for them to handle a very fine assortment of goods outside of drugs, and the store is one of the most popular in this part of the county.
HORACE M. WILLSIE.
Horace M. Willsie, a farmer and stockman of Oxford township, was born in Galesburg, Illinois, May I, 1859, and is a son of Horace H. and Betsey Ambrosia (Nichols) Willsie. The father was born in Henningford, Canada, January 27, 1827, and at the age of fourteen years started to make his own way
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in the world. He learned the trade of a tanner, which he followed until 1853, when he decided to come to the states. The following year he arrived in Gales- burg and almost immediately occupied a prominent place in affairs there, for he was made deputy marshal and constable, positions he held for sixteen years, during four years of which period he was marshal of the city. In July, 1862, he recruited a company for service in the Union army during the Civil war and as captain took it to the front. The next year, however, he was compelled to resign his commission owing to ill health. He thereupon enlisted a second time, to make up the quota of the county, and as lieutenant of the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry he took his soldiers to the scene of activity. On the occasion of his third enlistment in February, 1865, he filled the quota from Knox county, and went to the field as colonel of the One Hun- dred and Forty-eighth Illinois Volunteers. He was one of the finest drill mas- ters of the army, and, while he permitted nothing to interfere with the per- formance of duty, he was always concerned for his men and manifested an in- terest in their welfare. After the close of the war Mr. Willsie returned to his Galesburg home, where he filled many offices of trust and responsibility for a number of years and where he engaged in the livery business and in the buying and selling of horses, of which he was accounted a very good judge. A memory, wonderful in its capacity and in its accuracy, was one of the elements of his success in his own private affairs and as a servant of the people. When he died, June 17, 1906, he was laid to rest in Hope cemetery at Galesburg. His wife, however, still survives. She was Miss Betsey A. Nichols in the days of her maidenhood and was united in marriage to Mr. Willsie June 5, 1855. Four sons and one daughter were born to them: Wilbur F., of Galesburg; Horace M., of this sketch; Alfred N., who is district superintendent of the Hannibal & St. Joseph division of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, having risen to that responsible position from one at which he earned fifteen dollars a month; John, of Galesburg; and Daisy, who is the wife of Edward Culp, of Irvington, New Jersey.
Horace M. Willsie received his education in the public schools of Galesburg and worked with his father in the livery business and in the handling of his horses. In 1880 he began firing on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, but as the work was too heavy for him he was transferred to the storehouse of the company at Galesburg. There he remained for nineteen years, at the end of which period he took up farming. It was in 1902 that he located on his pres- ent farm in Oxford township, Henry county. It consists of three hundred and twenty acres, all under good cultivation, on which besides general farming he has engaged extensively in the stock business, giving his attention especially to the breeding of thoroughbred horses and fine Poland China hogs. His stock is among the finest raised in this county, and he himself is accounted a judge of such discrimination that his services are eagerly sought after and his deci- sions as arbitrator are held in high regard.
On the 14th of November, 1887, Mr. Willsie wedded Miss Fannie M. Clay, a daughter of William L. and Anna M. (Johnson) Clay. The father was a son of John L. Clay, who was descended from one of three brothers who came from England in the seventeenth century. One of them settled in Massachusetts, an-
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other in Virginia, and the third in North Carolina. John L. Clay was one of the family of the first mentioned and came to Knox county, Illinois, in 1837. He assisted in building the first house erected in the city of Galesburg, where in 1840 he bought property and became a resident. His son, William L. Clay, was born in Chester, Windsor county, Vermont, August 29, 1831. Until 1854 he remained with his father and then bought half a section of raw prairie land in Oxford township, on which he followed agricultural pursuits until his death in 1901. He was twice married. He wedded, November 22, 1854, Miss Harriett A. Davison, who was born in Olin, Iowa, but was reared in Knox county, Illinois, whither her parents came as early pioneers. She died in February, 1868, leav- ing two children: Seth H., and Mary L., who is now Mrs. E. J. Richards. For his second wife Mr. Clay married Miss Anna M. Johnson, who was born in Sweden but was reared in Henry county. To this union three children were born: Fannie M., now Mrs. Willsie; Warren L., of Campbird, Colorado; and Eugenia M., the wife of Frank Welch. Mrs. Anna Clay is still living.
To Mr. and Mrs. Willsie have been born two children: Gracie E., who was graduated from the Woodhull high school with the class of 1908; and Roy C., who is a student of that institution. The family are members of the Presby- terian church and are active in its work and in the Sunday school. Politically Mr. Willsie affiliates with the republican party and has been conspicuous in local affairs, for in 1906 he was elected a member of the county board of super- visors and was urged, at the expiration of his two years term, to accept reelec- tion. This he steadily refused to do, although during his incumbency he had been put upon the important committee delegated to audit and settle the county's accounts. He has for a number of years been a member of the local school board and has always been interested in educational matters. Public spirited, he has ever urged all improvements which would better the condition of the town- ship and the welfare of its citizens. This quality, combined with the reputation he has made for himself in his own private concerns, has secured for him the high esteem of the members of his community.
CHARLES BAUM.
For more than three score years, Charles Baum has been a resident of Colona township, and during the greater part of that period his efforts have been devoted to the tilling of the soil. His labors have not been without large rewards either, for he is accounted one of the substantial agriculturists of his locality, and he en- joys the equally enviable reputation of being a man of high character and sterling integrity. A native of the state of New York, he was born in Jefferson county, February 22, 1839, a son of John J. and Marie (Petrie) Baum. They were also born in that county and there were united in wedlock. In 1848 they came to Illi- nois, taking up their residence in Dayton, this county, in June of that year. As the father was a carpenter, after coming to Henry county, he combined that trade with his agricultural pursuits, winning more than a competence for his labors. He died December 19, 1874, while his wife lived until March 31, 1879, when she
CHARLES BAUM
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY
too passed away and was buried in the cemetery at Colona. He was a republican in politics, was active in public affairs, and, being a man of upright character, enjoyed the esteem and respect of his fellowmen. Of the eight children born to him and his wife, two only are now living: Charles, the subject of this sketch; and Franklin, of Milan, Illinois.
Charles Baum early assisted in the work of the farm, indeed almost from the time his parents came to Henry county, when being eleven years of age, he was able to do considerable work as well as to assume the responsibility of some of the lighter tasks. He obtained his education in the district schools Shortly after the inauguration of the Civil war he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving for a period of three years or until hostilities ceased. He participated in twenty-three battles and ninety-seven skir- mishes, but he was never wounded, nor taken prisoner nor compelled to remain in the hospital. He was ever found at his post of duty and at the close of the war, when discharged, was given honorable mention for never having missed a day's service.
After the culmination of hostilities, Mr. Baum returned to his home in Colona township, married and engaged in farming upon his own responsibility. He has prospered with the lapse of years, so that now he is in possession of four hundred and eighty acres of fine, arable land. With advancing years he has given up the active operation of his farm, leaving that to his sons, who have ably followed out the lines of progressive and thorough cultivation which he planned and which served him so well during the past half century. He never spared himself nor his industry where he believed success lay in his exertion, but he was never a man to waste labor, any more than he permitted his substance to be squandered through thoughtlessness and poor management, but with the care and thrift which are characteristic of the best husbandman, he conserved all his resources. In this way he derived increased returns from his labor.
After Mr. Baum returned with such an honorable record from the scene of battle, he wedded, in November, 1866, Miss Angeline Meer, a daughter of John and Susan Meer. In 1854 her parents came to Colona township, from Bucyrus, Ohio, and here engaged in farming, which Mr. Meers pursued until his death. Both he and his wife passed away a number of years ago, but the memory of their useful lives still lingers. Mr. and Mrs. Baum are the parents of four chil- dren : Harvey, who is married and is engaged in farming in Colona township; Amos A., who is also married and engaged in agricultural pursuits here ; Etta M., who is the wife of Lewis Elwell, of Rock Island; and Charles, who is deceased.
Mr. Baum cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln, in 1860, and has since been a strong adherent of the principles of the republican party, taking an active interest in political affairs. For fifteen years he served as the Colona township member of the county board of supervisors ; he has also served as town- ship trustee, as road supervisor and as a member of the school board for a long term of years. In all of these capacities he proved himself faithful to every pub- lic trust, and a man actively concerned for the welfare of his fellow citizens. He is a member of Graham Post, No. 312, G. A. R., of Moline. While not a member of any religious denomination, Mr. Baum has guided his actions by the highest Christian principles and has put the golden rule to practical application. Pro-
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