USA > Illinois > Lee County > History of Lee County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 24
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In Pennsylvania in 1855 Mr. George was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Reed, who was born in York, Pennsylvania, June 7, 1833, and died on the old home farm near Ashton, Illinois, November 23, 1898, when sixty-five years of age. In their family were four children: Martha, who became the wife of Joseph Sand- ers, and who died in 1888 leaving three children; William, born in 1859, who passed away in 1877; Ira, born August 17, 1864, who died October 13, 1907, leaving a widow and three children; and Mary, who is the wife of Charles Weybright and resides upon the farm formerly owned by her father near Franklin Grove. Mr. Weybright was born at Harrisburg, now Englewood, Montgomery county, Ohio, June 12, 1874, and there resided until twenty-one years of age. He is a graduate of the commercial department of the Mount Morris (Ill.) College. In 1901 he wedded Mary George and removed to Wichita, Kansas, where they remained for eight years, Mr. Weybright being there engaged in the milling business. In June, 1908, they returned to the old home farm near Franklin Grove in order to care for Mr. George with whom they continued until the latter's death. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Weybright have been born three children: Leslie, Clare and Olive. Mr. Weybright is an enterprising, progressive business man and in the control of his farming interests displays excellent business ability and keen discernment.
The death of Mr. George occurred February 14, 1912, when he had reached the venerable age of more than eighty-three years. He was a member of the Church of the Brethren and made fre- quent and generous donations to various churches and charities,
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giving freely of his means to advance the interests of humanity and promote public progress. He was one of the early and hon- ored pioneer settlers of the community, having come here before the Northwestern railroad was built. When it was constructed the railroad and highway ran side by side along the border of his home place at Ashton, and he aided in securing the highway. He lived to see many notable changes as pioneer conditions gave way before an advancing civilization, and the change in nothing was greater than in his own financial condition which resulted from his busi- ness ability and unfaltering enterprise.
A. F. LYMAN.
A. F. Lyman, engaged in the plumbing and heating business at West Brooklyn, is winning success by reason of his thorough knowledge of the trades in which he embarked on starting out in life on his own account. A native of Lee county, he was born at Amboy, January 21, 1881, and is a son of Levi H. and Frances (Bruce) Lyman. The father was a locomotive engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad and volunteered for service in the Civil war. He died in 1906, at the age of fifty-nine years, and lies buried in the Prairie Repose cemetery at Amboy. His wife now makes her home in Lee Center.
A. F. Lyman was educated in the schools of Binghampton and the Amboy high school, but did not complete his course by gradu- ation. He put aside his text-books when eighteen years of age, wishing to enter business life, and, going to Chicago, he there learned the trade of plumbing and heating. He applied himself diligently to the mastery of the work and became quite expert in that line. He first located at Paw Paw, where he carried on busi- ness for three years, but in 1906 sold out there and afterward worked as a plumber at Rochelle for two years. He then came to West Brooklyn, where in April, 1908, he opened his present establishment, which has since brought him a gratifying degree of success. He is now well prepared to do difficult work along the line of his trade and a liberal patronage is accorded him. He pos- sesses much natural mechanical skill and ingenuity, which com- bined with his efficiency have prepared him for the performance of any task that devolves upon him in this connection.
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In Dixon, Illinois, on the 7th of May, 1904, Mr. Lyman was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Fisher, a daughter of Jacob and Elma (White) Fisher, the former a pioneer farmer of Wil- low Creek township, while both are now residing in Scarboro, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Lyman have two children: Bruce, attend- ing school; and Floyd, who is not yet of school age.
Mr. Lyman votes with the republican party, and reading keeps him in touch with the vital questions and issues of the day. He holds membership with the Modern Woodmen camp. He and his wife are worthy young people, enjoying the warm regard of many friends, and their own home is a hospitable one. Realizing at the outset of his career that there is no royal road to wealth, Mr. Ly- man has always depended upon the substantial qualities of indus- try and perseverance for the attainment of success.
AUGUST C. GRIESE.
August C. Griese, one of the prosperous and representative citizens of Bradford township, owning and operating seventy-five acres of land on section 1, was born in this township, March 3, 1875. He is a son of Civiacus and Anna K. (Becker) Griese, na- tives of Germany who came to America in the '60s, settling in Lee county. The father died in 1888 and is survived by his wife, who makes her home in Franklin Grove. She has been twice married and previous to her union with the father of the subject of this review was Mrs. Webber.
August C. Griese was reared in Bradford township and acquired his education in the public schools of this locality. He married in 1897 and in the same year purchased seventy-five acres of land on section 1, Bradford township. He still makes his home upon this property and has developed and improved it along prac- tical lines. He has valuable farming and stock-raising interests here, and he owns also three hundred and twenty acres of im- proved land in Cass county, near Fargo, North Dakota.
Mr. Griese married Miss Elizabeth Zimpel, who was born in Germany, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Oesterheld) Zim- pel, also natives of the fatherland. The parents came to America in 1882 and located in Lee county, Illinois, where both now reside. They were the parents of eight children, seven of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Griese have two children: Vera B., who was
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born February 27, 1899, and Robert J. H., born May 22, 1905. The parents are members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Griese is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America at Ashton. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party, being now in the fifteenth term of his able service as school director. He has spent his entire life in Bradford township and his industry, enterprise and ability have gained him high stand- ing in the community, where he is acknowledged to be a sub. stantial and representative citizen.
MARCUS VENTLER.
Marcus Ventler owns and occupies an excellent farm of three hundred and twenty acres on section 17, Reynolds township, and section 8, Bradford township, Lee county. This by no means com- prises the extent of his realty holdings, however, for he has other valuable farm land in this state and in South Dakota. Lee county numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Bradford township, December 13, 1862, his parents being Andrew and Katherine E. Ventler, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to America in the early '50s and crossed the continent to Lee county, Illinois, where they established their home upon a farm, the father devoting his remaining days to general agricultural pursuits here. He died in this county, but the mother is still living and makes her home in Ashton. In their family were nine children, six of whom survive.
Marcus Ventler spent his youthful days under the parental roof, his time being divided between the acquirement of an edu- cation and work in the fields. He supplemented his public-school training by study in college, and he is today a well informed man. keeping in touch with the world's progress along many lines. After he had attained his majority he started out in business life on his own account, renting a farm for six years. He next pur- chased the land upon which he now resides, having three hundred and twenty acres on section 17, Reynolds township, and section 8, Bradford township. He has made excellent improvements upon this property, which is one of the fine farms of the county, equipped with all modern accessories and conveniences. In addi- tion to this Mr. Ventler owns one hundred and eighty acres in Ogle county, Illinois, and a half section of land in South Dakota.
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. In 1887 Mr. Ventler was united in marriage to Miss Martha Albrecht, a native of Bradford township, this county, and they became the parents of seven children: Clara K., who was born December 16, 1887, and is the wife of Harry Schafer; Edward A., born January 9, 1890; Mollie K., born May 28, 1892; Oliver A., born August 22, 1895; George, who was born November 28, 1897, and who died in December of the same year; Amanda, born July 16, 1901; and Florence K., born June 13, 1906.
Mr. and Mrs. Ventler are members of the Lutheran church. They are well known in the community where they reside and have an extensive circle of warm friends. In his political views Mr. Ventler is a republican and is now serving as township asses- sor and has been school director. He is interested in everything that pertains to the advancement and improvement of his sec- tion of the state and especially in progress along agricultural lines. He is a self-made man, deserving much credit for what he has accomplished, for since attaining his majority he has made substantial progress and is one of the leading farmers of his district.
HARVEY W. HEIBENTHAL.
Harvey W. Heibenthal, engaged in general farming and stock- raising upon two hundred and forty acres of land on section 23, Bradford township, was born upon this property March 2, 1886. He is a son of William and Christina (Kersten) Heibenthal, na- tives of Lee county and residents of Ashton. In their family were seven children, of whom five are still living, as follows: Harvey W., of this review; Della, the wife of Fred Tadd; and Alta, Ada and Clarence, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Heibenthal lost two daugh- ters, Hattie and Clara.
Harvey W. Heibenthal grew up on his father's farm in Brad- ford township and was reared to farm life, becoming early famil- iar with the best and most practical agricultural methods. He married in 1911 and afterward rented the homestead, whereon he has since resided. This comprises two hundred and forty acres of excellent land on section 23, Bradford township, and Mr. Heibenthal has carried forward the work of its development and improvement along progressive and modern lines, making it increase in value and productiveness year by year. He makes a
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specialty of raising and feeding cattle and has extensive interests along this line.
In 1911 Mr. Heibenthal married Miss Rose E. Henert, a daugh- ter of George and Anna K. (Griese) Henert, natives of Germany. The parents came to America at an early date and lived for many years in Lee county, where the father passed away in 1901. Mr. Heibenthal is a republican in his political beliefs and is connected fraternally with Lodge No. 977, I. O. O. F., and the Rebekahs. His wife is also a member of the latter organization. Both are well known in Bradford township, and they have an extensive circle of friends within the borders of Lee county.
WILLIAM SANDROCK.
William Sandrock is numbered among the citizens of Lee county who owe their success entirely to their perseverance, determination and industry. He started out in life empty-handed, but he recognized the fact that success is due to the close applica- tion and diligence of the individual and in employing these quali- ties he has worked his way steadily upward. He now owns a fine farm on section 29, Reynolds township, and it was upon this farr that he was born February 8, 1871. He is a son of George an Martha E. (Thiele) Sandrock, both of whom were natives of Ger- many. They came to America in 1848 and cast in their lot with the early settlers of Lee county, contributing to the development and progress of their locality as the years passed on. They had a family of five children and with the exception of Charles, all are yet living.
The boyhood of William Sandrock was spent upon the farm which is now his home and which is endeared to him through the associations of youth and of manhood. At the usual age he entered the public schools and mastered the branches of learning therein taught. He was twenty-two years of age when, in 1893, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna C. Kersten, who was born in Ashton township, Lee county, and is a daughter of Hart- man and Anna E. Kersten, both of whom were natives of Ger- many, whence they came to America in early life. They too made Lee county their destination and the father continued his resi- dence here until his demise. He is survived by his wife, who is living in Ashton.
WILLIAM SANDROCK
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Following his marriage William Sandrock rented the old homestead for two years, during which period he carefully saved his earnings and was thus enabled to purchase the old home prop- erty comprising two hundred and forty acres of rich and pro- ductive land on section 29, Reynolds township. His labors have since wrought many changes in the appearance of the place. He has erected a fine and commodious residence, has built barns and sheds for the shelter of grain and stock and has added all the mod- ern equipments and improved machinery which so greatly facili- tate farm work. The actual work of the fields has been given over to a tenant and Mr. Sandrock lives practically retired. He also owns six hundred and forty acres of land in Canada, and the suc- cess which has crowned his efforts is the merited reward of his perseverance of purpose and his unfaltering labor.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sandrock have been born three children: Lydia M., who was born October 6, 1895; Joy William, born Janu- ary 13, 1906; and Ray William, born August 30, 1908. The par- ents are members of the Evangelical Association, and Mr. Sandrock is president of the board of trustees and superintendent of the Sunday school. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, but he has never sought nor held political office. He served, however, for four terms as school director, and he believes in giving to children the opportunity for acquiring a good education which will serve as a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties. A lifelong resident of this county, resid- ing always on the farm which is yet his home, he is well known in this section of the state and that his life has been a commendable one is indicated by the warm regard in which he is uniformly held.
JOHN P. FASSIG.
The success which came to John P. Fassig in former years now enables him to live retired. He took up his abode in West Brooklyn in the spring of 1913, at which time he erected his pres- ent pleasant and commodious residence and the barns and sheds upon his place. Prior to that time he had carried on general agricultural pursuits. A native of'Lee county, he was born on section 17, Brooklyn township, March 23, 1860, his parents being Phillip and Charlotte (Erbes) Fassig, the former being born June 1, 1822, and the latter August 24, 1825. The father came to Vol. 0-17
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the new world from Germany in 1854 and settled on a farm near Lamoille, Bureau county, where he remained until 1859. He then purchased a tract of land of eighty acres in Brooklyn town- ship and by degrees converted it into fertile fields, from which he gathered golden harvests. He practiced strict economy as well as industry and was thus able from time to time to add to his hold- ings until he had four hundred acres, bringing the entire farm to a high state of cultivation. Upon that place he reared his family of eight children, of whom six are yet living and are a credit to the family name. Of the two who passed away, Tina died at the age of seventeen years and was buried in the Mendota cemetery, while Phillip died in February, 1912, at the age of fifty-six years, and was buried in the Brooklyn Union cemetery. The living members of the family are besides our subject: Wil- liam, who followed the carpenter's trade in Mendota; Catherine. the wife of William Ulsh, of Compton, Illinois; Mary, the wife of John Yost, of Mendota; Charlotte, the wife of Edward Ulsh: and Louise, the wife of Conrad Yost, of Mendota. The parents have both been called to the home beyond, the father dying Janu- ary 5, 1904, and the mother October 4, 1897.
John P. Fassig was a pupil in the public schools of West Brooklyn until sixteen years of age, although he attended only through the winter months, while the summer seasons were de- voted to farm work. After putting aside his text-books his entire time was given to the labors of the fields on the old homestead until he reached the age of twenty-three years. Desirous that his efforts should more directly benefit himself, he then rented a farm, which he operated for four years, and the money that he saved during that period enabled him to purchase eighty acres of his father's farm. By degrees he increased this to three hun- dred and sixty acres and carried on general agricultural pursuits. His methods were practical, progressive and resultant. He placed substantial improvements upon his land, divided it into fields of convenient size by well kept fences and used modern farm ma- chinery to till the soil and harvest the crops. At length his finan- cial returns had made him the possessor of a handsome competence and, content with this, he put aside further business cares and removed to West Brooklyn, erecting his present home in the spring of 1913. Here he is pleasantly situated and is surrounded with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.
On the 4th of January, 1885, in Brooklyn township, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Fassig and Miss Sophie Florscheutz.
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a daughter of George and Margaret Florscheutz. The father was a German by birth and on coming to this country took up farm- ing, but both he and his wife are now deceased. They were con- nected with the German Lutheran church and were recognized as people of sterling worth in their community. Mr. and Mrs. Fas- sig had five children: Charles, who passed away in March, 1910, at the age of twenty-three years; Carrie, who is at home; George, a farmer residing on his father's land, which is situated about a mile south of West Brooklyn; Tina, at home; and Ella, who is attending school. Mr. Fassig votes with the democratic party, and he and his wife belong to the German Lutheran church. High principles guide them in life's relations and they have gained many warm friends, who esteem them highly for their genuine worth of character. Mr. Fassig started out in life empty-handed but was ambitious and willing to work, and his industry has brought him to the position of affluence which he now occupies.
GEORGE WAGNER. :
George Wagner, a successful and highly respected farmer, prominent in the affairs of Bradford township, was born here October 1, 1868, a son of Jacob Wagner. He acquired his education in the public schools of Bradford township and after completing his studies was employed in the work of the farm. Fol- lowing his marriage he engaged in farming upon rented land for nineteen years and at the end of that time bought a farm, whereon he now resides. He owns one hundred and sixty-five acres of land on section 12, Bradford township, and has added to the buildings and equipment of this property, which, through his able manage- ment, he has made one of the finest and most productive farms in this locality.
Mr. Wagner married Miss Anna C. Sandrock, a native of Lee county and a daughter of George and Martha E. (Theil) Sandrock, natives of Germany. The parents came to America at an early date and located in Lee county, Illinois, where both passed away. Of the six children born to their union four are living. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner have become the parents of a son: Arthur J., born June 28, 1892. The parents are members of the Evangelical church, and Mr. Wagner gives his political allegiance to the repub- lican party. For six years he served as school director of his
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district and discharged his duties in a capable and progressive man- ner. He is a man of high social, official and business standing and is recognized as one of the most honorable and valued citizens of the community.
HENRY SEMMLER.
There is a considerable German element in the citizenship of Lee county, and it has constituted a force in the material develop- ment and progress of this section of the state, for the sons of the fatherland brought with them to the new world the qualities of determination and enterprise, which have been factors in the attainment of success on this side the Atlantic just as they had been in the old world. Born in Germany on the 6th of June, 1866, Henry Semmler is a son of August and Anna Martha Semmler, who were likewise natives of the fatherland. The mother died in that country, but August Semmler is still living. He remains, however, in his native land. In their family were six children, four of whom survive.
Henry Semmler remained at home until nineteen years of age and during that time acquired his education in the schools of his native country. He has also learned many valuable lessons in the school of experience. Ambitious to enjoy better oppor- tunities than he believed he could secure in Germany, he came to America in 1886 and settled in Lee county, Illinois. Here he worked on a farm as a hired hand for three years, but he was not content to continue in such a position. He believed that he was capable of doing something better, and just as soon as he had saved a sufficient sum from his earnings he rented land and began farming on his own account. Seven years were spent in that way, during which period he saved a sum sufficient to enable him to purchase a farm. He became the owner of the one hundred and sixty acre tract upon which he now resides on section 18, Reynolds township. It was partially improved when it came into his possession, and he has since added various improvements and wrought a change in the appearance of the place through his care- ful manner of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He has always made a specialty of feeding sheep, and this has constituted a successful feature in his business. He has never been afraid of
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hard work, and it is this which has brought him the success which has crowned his labors.
Mr. Semmler is a republican in his political views. He has never sought nor desired office, however, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He has acted as school director, believing firmly in the cause of public education and the employment of competent teachers.
In 1890 Mr. Semmler was united in marriage to Miss Catherine E. Gonnerman, who was born in 1863 and is a daughter of Marcus and Christine E. (Ferneau) Gonnerman, both of whom were na- tives of Germany and in 1860 came to America. The mother died here in January, 1905, but the father is still living, making his home in Franklin Grove. They had a family of ten children, of whom two have passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Semmler have been born four children: Oswin Marcus, who was born May 22, 1891; Annette L., born December 5, 1893; Marie E., December 12, 1898; and Gertrude E., January 19, 1902. The parents are mem- bers of the Lutheran church and are well known in the community. in which they live, enjoying the warm regard of their many friends.
ANDREW LITTLE.
Andrew Little, a worthy native son and representative agricul- turist of Lee county, is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres on section 34, Viola township. His birth occurred in that township in November, 1850, his parents being Andrew and Charity (Ross) Little, who are deceased and lie buried in the old Burg cemetery. The father passed away on the 25th of March, 1857, while the mother's demise occurred on the 20th of November, 1850. They were among the esteemed pio- neer residents of the county and were sincerely mourned by an extensive circle of friends.
Andrew Little, Jr., attended the schools of this county until seventeen years of age and subsequently started out as an agri- culturist on his own account, beginning the operation of the farm which he had inherited from his parents. As his financial re- sources increased, owing to his capable management and untiring industry, he extended the boundaries of his place by purchasing adjoining property, and it now embraces one hundred and sixty-
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three acres of rich and productive land on section 34, Viola town- ship. As the years have gone by he has devoted his time and energies to mixed farming with excellent success and has long been numbered among the substantial and progressive citizens of his native county. He erected the residence and other buildings which adorn his property and which stand as monuments to his enterprise, thrift and energy.
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