USA > Illinois > Lee County > History of Lee County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 14
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Through much of the period of his boyhood and youth William P. Long spent the winter seasons attending the district schools and throughout the remainder of the year he assisted in the farm work. Being the only son of the family, he took charge of the farm fol-
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lowing his father's death and for a long period successfully car- ried on agricultural pursuits.
He is still the owner of valuable farming property including about four hundred acres. That his methods of developing his crops were practical is indicated in the generous harvests which he gathered and which returned to him a gratifying annual income. Mr. Long, since coming to Amboy in 1906, has been engaged in the live-stock business and annually handles a large amount of stock, shipping many carloads from this point each month. He is one of the directors and stockholders of the Lee County Fair Associ- ation and has done much to stimulate pride among the farmers and stock-raisers of the county in holding before them high ideals of their work and showing them what can be accomplished both in tilling the soil and in raising fine stock.
Mr. Long was married in Sublette, Illinois, May 1, 1878, to Miss Ellie M. Ayres, a daughter of Henry and Anna Ayres, pioneer farming people of the county, who have now passed away. Mrs. Long died May 30, 1908, leaving two children: Joe, a civil en- gineer residing in Springfield, Illinois; and Leon R., a mining engineer now in Ecuador, South America, where he is engaged in railroad construction.
Mr. Long is well known as a representative of the Masonic fraternity, holding membership with the Lodge and Chapter of Amboy. In politics he is a republican and is serving as road com- missioner of Amboy township. His position upon any vital ques- tion, political or otherwise, is never an equivocal one. He stands fearlessly for what he believes to be right and as the years go on his worth as a public-spirited man and one whose labors are of practical value is more and more widely acknowledged.
FRED D. DANA.
Fred D. Dana, filling the office of deputy county treasurer since 1910, is one of the native sons of Dixon, his birth having occurred in this city on the 6th of July. 1875. His parents were Josiah P. and Winifred M. (Nixon) Dana, the former a native of New York and the latter of England. They became residents of the middle west in early life, however, and were married in Wisconsin, while subsequently they established their home in this city.
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Fred D. Dana had a public-school education, taking up his studies at the usual age and passing through consecutive grades as the years went by. He also received business training in the Dixon College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1895. Much of his life has been devoted to journalistic inter- ests. He was in newspaper work for twelve years as city editor for the Sun and later became city editor for the Daily News. He thus continued in active connection with newspaper publication until 1910, when he was appointed deputy county treasurer, and is still the incumbent in the office, the duties of which he discharges systematically, methodically and capably. He has also filled other public positions, having been one of the city aldermen and a mem- ber of the school board.
On the 18th of June, 1902, Mr. Dana was united in marriage to Miss Evelyn C. McElhaney, of Amboy, Illinois. They now have two children, Evelyn F., and Ruth. Mr. Dana is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is popular in both. His political allegiance has always been given the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and it is upon that ticket that he has been elected to public office. He is prompt and faithful in the discharge of all the duties of citizenship and his public spirit prompts his active and helpful cooperation in many movements relating to the wel- fare and upbuilding of the city.
CHARLES A. FENSTEMAKER.
Charles A. Fenstemaker, a successful business man and rep- resentative citizen of Lee county, is the owner of the Fenstemaker elevator at Amboy, which he has conducted since 1909. His birth occurred in East Grove townhsip, this county, on the 3d of De- cember, 1862, his parents being George and Hannah (Williams) Fenstemaker. It was about 1858 that George Fenstemaker came to Lee county, Illinois, from Pennsylvania, where he had been engaged in business as a gunsmith, coal mine operator and hotel proprietor and was also prominent in public life as a represen- tative in the state legislature. He came here with the intention of devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits and took up his abode in this county when it was still largely wild and unim- proved. Hunting was his favorite sport and he often invited
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CHARLES A. FENSTEMAKER
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guests to join with him in the chase. In 1869 he established his home in Wheeling, Missouri, and there passed away in October, 1882, at the age of seventy-six years. His wife, surviving him for a period of twenty-six years, was called to her final rest in 1908, at the age of seventy-six, and her remains were likewise interred at Wheeling, Missouri. The Fenstemakers are of old Pennsyl- vania German origin.
Charles A. Fenstemaker was a lad of seven years when his parents removed to Wheeling, Missouri, and there he attended school until eighteen years of age, pursuing his studies through the winter months and assisting in the work of the home farm during the summer seasons. In 1882 he returned to Lee county, Illinois, and during the following four years worked with his brother, G. W., in a blacksmith shop. In 1887 he took up his abode in Walton and there carried on blacksmithing in connec- tion with grain buying until 1909, when he purchased the elevator at Amboy, which he has conducted to the present time with grati- fying success. He had erected his blacksmith shop and residence at Walton, Illinois, but acquired his present home by purchase.
On the 25th of January, 1887, at Amboy, Illinois, Mr. Fenste- maker was united in marriage to Miss Clara Corpe, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Corpe, of Michigan. He gives his polit- ical allegiance to the democracy and has ably served in the capacity of tax collector and also as town clerk of Marion township. He is an upright, straightforward and honorable man and has made an excellent record in business circles, both for reliability and for the practical methods which he follows and which have led him to success.
JAMES H. LINCOLN.
James H. Lincoln has since 1898 filled the office of postmaster of Franklin Grove and has proven a faithful and efficient incum- bent of that position. He is a native son of the community, born December 12, 1862, his parents being Henry and Helen M. (Nay) Lincoln, natives of Genesee county, New York. The father came to Illinois in 1847 and after residing for some time in Kendall county moved in 1852 to Franklin Grove, where he established himself in the mercantile business. In 1860 he built a substan- tial stone store and for many years thereafter remained one of Fol. 11-10
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the leading business men of the community, winning an enviable reputation for integrity and honor in all business and personal relations. In 1896 he retired from active life and his death oc- eurred in 1904, he having survived his wife since 1893.
James H. Lincoln is one of a family of four children. He was reared at home and acquired his education in the public schools of Franklin Grove. After he attained his majority his father admitted him into partnership in the mercantile business and he retained this connection until the enterprise was disposed of in 1896. In 1898 he was appointed by President Mckinley, post- master of Franklin Grove and he has since held this position, which he fills with credit and ability.
On the 12th of November, 1890, Mr. Lincoln was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Bill, a native of Lee county and a daughter of Charles B. and Catherine (Woodruff) Bill, natives of Ohio, who came to Illinois at an early date, both passing away in this state. Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln attend the Methodist Epis- copal church and are widely and favorably known in Franklin Grove. Mr. Lincoln owns in addition to his home here the busi- ness building, which his father erected in 1860 and one hundred and sixty acres of land in Linn county, Kansas. He is connected fraternally with Grove Camp, No. 45, M. W. A., and has filled all of the chairs in Franklin Grove Lodge, No. 504, K. P. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party. The public trust reposed in him has never been neglected in the slightest degree and his fidelity to honorable, manly principles has ever won for him the good-will and friendship of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
SUPERINTENDENT WILLIAM ROMANUS SNYDER.
Superintendent William Romanus Snyder, for five years su- perintendent of the schools of Dixon and throughout his entire life active in the field of education, is a native of Gettysburg, Penn- sylvania. His parents, Conrad and Catherine Jane (Fisher) Snyder, were also natives of the Keystone state, where the father followed the occupation of farming until his life's labors were ended in death in 1860. His widow long survived, passing away in 1902. They were the parents of eight children, of whom Super- intendent Snyder is the fourth in order of birth. Spending his
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boyhood in the historic town of Gettysburg and tramping many times over the battlefield where rest many of the bravest of the soldiers of both north and south, Professor Snyder devoted the greater part of his youth to his school work, attending the public schools, from which he was graduated with honor. His high stand- ing won him free scholarship in the Pennsylvania College at Get- tysburg, a scholarship founded by Edward G. McPherson, ex-clerk of the house of representatives. Mr. Snyder graduated from Pennsylvania College in 1873 and his alma mater has since con- ferred upon him the Master of Arts degree. Throughout his entire life he has followed the profession of teaching. He was first con- nected with the district schools of Wyandot county, Ohio, through one winter and later removed to Indiana, where he engaged in teaching until 1903. For twenty years he was connected with the schools of Muncie, Indiana, being for four years a teacher and principal in the high school. Later he was for sixteen years su- perintendent of the schools there, which under his guidance made rapid progress. He went from Muncie to Monmouth, Illinois, where he remained for two years as superintendent of schools, and in 1909 came to Dixon, where for five years he has now had charge of the city schools. He holds advanced ideas concerning education and believes with Kant that "the object of education is to train each individual to reach the highest perfection possible for him." All through his professional career he has been guided by the spirit of President Eliot of Harvard, when he said: "What is needed is continuous education which lasts all through life," and deep thought concerning the problems of the profession, ear- nest consideration of the methods of others, combined with wide reading and study have continually promoted his efficiency until his recognized power has gained him place among the foremost public-school educators of the middle west.
In 1878 Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Nannie B. Ferran, of Acton, Indiana, and they now have two daughters, Lilly E. and Myrtle Morrow, both at home. The family attend the Presbyterian church, of which Superintendent Snyder and his wife are active and helpful members, he serving as one of its ruling elders. His political support is given to the republican party and his wide reading on significant and vital questions of the day enables him to intelligently express himself upon im- portant questions of government. In Masonry he has attained high rank in both the York and Scottish Rites. He is a past master of the blue lodge, thrice illustrious master in the council
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and past eminent commander of the commandery. He also served as prelate in the commandery for nine years. He is a member of the consistory, having attained the thirty-second degree, there remaining before him only the last and honorary degree, the thirty-third. The spirit of Masonic teaching has found exempli- fication in his life and at all times he has endeavored to follow its tenets concerning mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness.
WALTER S. EARLL.
Walter S. Earll is a representative of the best type of American manhood and chivalry. By perseverance, determination and hon- orable effort he has overthrown the obstacles which bar the path to success and has reached the goal of prosperity, being today owner of one of the leading commercial enterprises of Dixon-the Earll grocery store, which was established in September, 1904.
Mr. Earll is a native of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, born in 1857 and is a son of S. W. and J. A. Earll, who in the year 1858 left the east and brought their family to Illinois, settling in Rochelle. Later they removed to Grand Detour, Ogle county, where the father engaged in farming, continuing in that pursuit until his life's labors were ended in death.
Walter S. Earll acquired a public-school education which was supplemented by a course in Bryant & Stratton business college of Chicago. He afterward went to Leadville, Colorado, where he remained for a year and later spent eight years in the hardware business in Augusta, Kansas. In 1891 he arrived in Dixon, where he entered the employ of the grocery firm of Morris & Sons, being thus engaged until 1904, when he embarked in business on his own account. He was ambitious to engage in merchandising for him- self and while acting as clerk, carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had made the sum sufficient to enable him to form a partnership for the conduct of a grocery business. In Sep- tember he was a junior member of the firm of Moyer & Earll. They opened a general line of groceries and the business prospered from the beginning, their trade increasing year by year. In 1909 Mr. Moyer died and in July of that year the business was reorganized under the name of the Earll Grocery Store, of which Walter S. Earll has since been sole proprietor. He carries a large and care- fully selected line of staple and fancy groceries and as a business
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man he has been conspicuous among his associates, not only for his success, but for his probity, fairness and honorable methods.
In December, 1902, Mr. Earll was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Shook, of Massillon, Ohio, who died in the year 1908. In Masonry he has attained high rank in the Scottish Rite, belonging to the Royal Arch Chapter and the Knight Templar Commandery. He also crossed the sands of the deserts with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is an Elk and to the teachings of both frater- nities is ever loyal. His political indorsement is given to the re- publican party, but he has no time nor inclination for office, owing to his growing commercial interests. His activity in business has not only contributed to his individual success, but has also been an active factor in the commercial progress of the city during the past decade.
WILLIAM E. JONES.
William E. Jones is a member of one of the well known families of Bradford township and represents the third generation of his line to live upon the farm which he now operates. He was born upon this property October 3, 1875, and is a son of William V. and Viola (Starcks) Jones, the former a native of New York state and the latter of Lee county, Illinois. The mother passed away in December, 1911, and is survived by her husband, who makes his home in Amboy. They had three children: Augusta, the wife of Dr. Everett Dekalb; William E., of this review; and Margaret, the wife of D. Berry, of Amboy.
William E. Jones was reared upon his father's farm and at an early age assisted in its operation, learning the details of farm operation and becoming familiar with the best agricultural meth- ods by practical experience. When he was twenty-one years of age he took charge of the homestead and he still operates this property. It comprises two hundred and twenty acres on sections 20 and 29, Bradford township, and has been in possession of the Jones family for three generations. Mr. Jones of this review has carried for- ward the work of developing and improving it in a progressive and able manner and has won for himself a place among the repre- sentative agriculturists of this vicinity. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock and has extensive interests along this line.
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On the 27th of January, 1896, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Emma Hoover, a daughter of James and Minnie Hoover. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have six children, Viola, Alta, Dorothy, James W., Esther and Margaret. The parents are members of the Con- gregational church and Mr. Jones gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He belongs to Lodge No. 1004, I. O. O. F., and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. His life has been such as to give him a high standing in the eyes of the community and his record is a credit to a name that has long been an honored one in his locality.
FRED G. DIMICK.
Thirteen years have come and gone since Fred G. Dimick en- tered the office of the county clerk in the capacity of deputy and, like his superior, William C. Thompson, he seems to know every phase of the work in principle and detail. He was born in Dixon in 1864 and is a son of Alfred S. and Emma M. (Levering) Dim- ick, who arrived in Lee county in 1855, casting in their lot with its early settlers. The father embarked in business in Dixon as a boot and shoe merchant and conducted his store with growing success until 1883, when, having acquired a substantial compe- tence through his well directed efforts, he retired to private life. He has now reached the advanced age of eighty-nine years and is numbered among the most respected as well as the most ven- erable citizens of Dixon.
Fred G. Dimick was one of a family of six children, five of whom are yet living. Excellent educational opportunities were accorded him, his public-school course being supplemented by study in Dixon College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1883. For two years thereafter he was in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company and later spent six years at Pullman, Illinois, in the service of the Pullman Palace Car Com- pany. He then went to Chicago in 1893 and occupied a position in the customs house during the period of the World's Colum- bian Exposition. Later he was located at Le Mars, Iowa, for two years, and since 1897 he has resided continuously in Dixon, where he holds the position of deputy county clerk. He is now a candidate for the position of county clerk and should he be elected to the office will prove a most capable official. He is already thor-
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oughly familiar with the work of the position and his thirteen years as deputy have acquainted him with every phase of the business which comes under the control of the county clerk.
Mr. Dimick has been twice married. In 1903 he wedded Miss Normandie Aileen Eberhart, of Cedar Falls, Iowa. By his first marriage there is a daughter and by his second marriage there were two children but one has passed away. His living daughters are Dorothy and Margaret, who are at home.
Mr. Dimick has always voted with the republican party and is a stalwart advocate of its principles. He is well known frat- ernally, holding membership in the Masonic lodge and chapter, with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His attractive social qualities have rendered him a popular citizen, while fidelity to duty has gained for him the high regard and trust of all with whom he has come in contact.
JOHN A. REITZ.
Among the younger agriculturists of Lee county who make a success of their vocation is John A. Reitz, who operates his father's extensive holdings, located on section 34, Ashton township. He was born on this farm February 21, 1886, a son of Henry and Mol- lie (Ventler) Reitz, natives of Germany, of whom more extended mention is made in another part of this history. John Reitz has spent his entire life upon the farm which he now manages, rent- ing the same from his father. He had the advantages of a fair education, having attended high school for some time. He en- gages in general farming and, being progressive and modern in his ideas, has achieved gratifying results along that line.
On December 21, 1910, Mr. Reitz married Miss Elizabeth Nass, a daughter of John and Augusta (Hannemann) Nass. Miss Nass was born in Bradford township. Her parents were natives of Germany, coming to America in the '50s, and the father is still living in Ashton, Illinois. The mother died in 1894 and was laid to rest in the Bradford cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Nass became the parents of eight children, of whom six are living. To Mr. and Mrs. Reitz was born a daughter, Myrtle Emma, on October 18, 1912.
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Mr. and Mrs. Reitz attend the Evangelical church and along political lines the former is a republican. Mr. Reitz is a modern representative of agricultural interests in Lee county and is to be numbered among the successful men along that line of occu- pation.
GEORGE HENERT.
In George Henert were exhibited the sterling traits of perse- verance, adaptability and enterprise which are chacteristic of the German race and after coming to the new world, in which he started out empty-handed, he steadily advanced in a business way until he was the owner of a valuable farm of four hundred acres. His parents were Justus and Anna Henert, also natives of Ger- many. On coming to the United States they made their way into the interior of the country, settling in Lee county, Illinois, where they lived until called to their final rest. In their family were ten children, five of whom survive.
George Henert spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof with the usual experiences of the lad who is reared upon a farm, his education being acquired in the public schools, while under his father's direction he was trained in all the work that is a factor in the development and cultivation of the fields. In 1879 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna K. Griese, who was born in Germany, December 17, 1858, and is a daughter of John and Dora E. (Kleinschmidt) Griese, who were likewise na- tives of the fatherland. The year 1862 witnessed their arrival in Lee county, at which time they established their home in Reynolds township, where they resided until called to their final rest. Unto them were born ten children, of whom four are yet living.
Mr. and Mrs. Henert began their domestic life in Reynolds township, establishing their home upon a farm, and as the years passed by our subject proved himself a capable and progressive agriculturist, developing his fields according to modern methods. productive of excellent results. He kept adding to his land from time to time as his financial resources increased until he was the owner of four hundred acres. He improved the place with splen- did buildings, barns and sheds, furnishing ample shelter for grain and stock, while the latest improved farm machinery facilitated the work of the fields. When a task was to be accomplished he did
GEORGE HENERT AND FAMILY
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not falter. The work nearest his hand was that which was first done and thus he won success.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Henert were born six children. Anna E., who was born August 24, 1880, died on the 7th of March, 1885. Justus H., born July 2, 1883, is a farmer of this county. Minnie D. is the wife of Arthur Kersten. The fourth child died in in- fancy. Rose E. became the wife of Harvey Heibenthal; and Wil- liam G., born March 12, 1894, completes the family. The husband and father died in 1901 and was laid to rest in Reynolds cemetery, leaving a widow and four children to mourn his loss. Mrs. Hen- ert still owns and manages the farm of four hundred acres, which is situated on sections 21, 22, 15 and 16, Reynolds township. She makes a specialty of raising and feeding hogs and derives a sub- stantial income from the business. She possesses sound judgment as well as energy and determination and her German thrift has enabled her to take up the work laid down by her husband and carry it forward to successful completion. She deserves much credit for what she is accomplishing and she is highly esteemed in Reynolds township and throughout the county wherever she is known.
WILLIAM C. THOMPSON.
William C. Thompson, occupying the position of county clerk since 1902, is accounted one of the most trustworthy and capable public officials, which statement finds verification in the fact that he has been again and again elected to the position. Lee county numbers him among her native sons, his birth having here oc- curred on the 28th of June, 1868, his parents being James H. and Catherine J. Thompson. They were early settlers of the county, the father coming from Pennsylvania to Illinois in 1852. The paternal grandfather died when James H. Thompson was but nine years of age and his mother afterward became the wife of John Colville, who settled in Lee county about 1833. He was one of the earliest settlers, the work of improvement and devel- opment being scarcely begun when he took up his abode in this part of the state. He bore an active and helpful part in ad- vancing the interests of civilization and was accounted one of the valued citizens of his community. For forty years he served as postmaster of Paw Paw. James H. Thompson was reared upon
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