USA > Illinois > Lee County > History of Lee County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 26
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DR. WALTER F. AYDELOTTE
6
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mick Medical College of Chicago, from which he was graduated as a doctor of neurology in 1907. He did some optical work before graduation and since completing his course at McCormick he has taken post-graduate work, for it is his desire to attain the highest degree of efficiency possible. In 1907 he opened an office in Dixon, where he has since engaged in practice, confining his attention strictly to neurology. This is an age of specialization and the practitioner who attains the highest measure of success is he who concentrates his efforts along certain lines. Recognizing this fact Dr. Aydelotte chose neurology as a school of healing which he believed would prove interesting to him and one in which he hoped to prove especially helpful to his fellowmen. He was duly licensed by the state board of health upon examination January 15, 1907, and he is now giving his life largely to original research into great forces and principles that make for human health and happi- ness. His broad study, his practice and his research are develop- ing a line of thought and teaching that have already proved of great benefit to mankind and will be of still further service as the years go by.
While the commercial features of his work are not neglected, he is primarily a delver after truth, seeking to find the solution for the mysteries of nature, that the work of man shall be more in accord with nature's great laws. He is, in other words, a student philosopher and in endeavoring to heal earthly ills, also makes at- tempt to put his patients in tune with the great forces of life which control as well the spiritual nature.
Dr. Aydelotte was married October 31, 1905 to Nannie Bertha Byrd, a daughter of Jacob and Katherine Byrd, prominent pioneer settlers of Willow Creek township. Both Dr. Aydelotte and his wife are highly esteemed in the city and have many warm friends.
THOMAS E. HILLESON.
Thomas E. Hilleson, renting two hundred and forty acres of the H. A. Hilleson estate, which comprises five hundred and sixty acres located on section 10, Willow Creek township, is a native of Lee county, born on the old Hilleson farm. His parents were H. A. and Anna (Nelson) Hilleson, the former a representative of a well known pioneer family of Lee county and a native of this locality. The grandfather settled here in 1835 and accumulated Vol. 11-18
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large landed holdings, his son inheriting at his death three hun- dred and twenty acres, which he increased to the five hundred and sixty acres which now comprise the Hilleson estate.
Thomas E. Hilleson acquired his education in the public schools of Lee county and in the Lutheran College at Decorah, Iowa. He afterward attended the University of Illinois for two years and at the end of that time returned home. He rents two hundred and forty acres of the estate and has made excellent improve- ments upon his property, erecting a modern residence and sub- stantial barns and outbuildings. He gives his attention to mixed farming and has been very successful, for he follows always the most practical and progressive methods and is careful in the man- agement of his business interests.
At Goldfield, Iowa, October 27, 1912, Mr. Hilleson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Oppedahl, a daughter of Swen and Anna Oppedahl, of Goldfield, Iowa, leading citizens of that com- munity. Mr. Hilleson is a member of the Lutheran church and a republican in his political beliefs. He is widely and favorably known in the community where he resides, enjoying in a large degree the friendship and esteem of those with whom he has been ยท brought in contact.
JOHN M. KILLMER.
John M. Killmer is a retired farmer living in Ashton. His present prosperity is attributable entirely to his persistent, earnest and intelligently directed efforts while he was engaged in farming. He was born in Binghamton, Lee county, Illinois, on the 28th of October, 1857, and is a son of Nicholas and Mary (Halbmaier) Killmer, who were natives of Germany. He remained at home until he reached the age of twenty-five years, pursuing his educa- tion in the district schools and in the schools of Ashton, while through vacation periods he was engaged in farm work and thus gained the experience which fitted him for practical duties later on. His first purchase of land comprised eighty acres on section 3. Bradford township, which had already been cultivated and im- proved to some extent. He received one hundred and sixty acres in section 10, from home and later purchased eighty acres in sec- tion 3. He afterward invested in one hundred and sixty acres on section 10 of the same township and there he built a new dwelling
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and made his home until about seven years ago. He bent his ener- gies to the further development and cultivation of the fields and converted his farm into a richly productive tract of land, from which he annually gathered good harvests. Everything about his place was neat and thrifty in appearance, and his progressive methods resulted in the attainment of success. About seven years ago he erected a beautiful residence in Ashton, since which time he has lived retired, enjoying the rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. His wife owns one hundred and sixty-five acres on section 3, Bradford township, adjoining her husband's land, and she has also purchased the Wilburn Paddock property in Ashton with money inherited from her father's estate.
It was in 1883 that Mr. Killmer was united in marriage to Miss Martha Kersten, who was born in Lee county in 1858, and is a daughter of John and Christina Kersten, who were natives of Ger- many and became early settlers of Lee county, but are now de- ceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Killmer have been born three children, but their two sons have passed away, William N. dying at the age of ten years and Frank at the age of nineteen. The daughter, Emma, who is a graduate of the Ashton high school, is at home.
The parents and daughter are members of the United Evan- gelical church and are interested in the moral progress of the com- munity. For thirty years Mr. Killmer served as one of the church stewards and is now one of its trustees. He exercises his right of franchise in supporting the men and measures of the republican party. He filled the office of road overseer and road commissioner while on the farm and was also a school director. He is a stock- holder and also a director in the Farmers State Bank at Ashton, Illinois. He stands for progress and improvement along all those lines which contribute to the welfare and upbuilding of the com- munity, and his own life proves that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
LAURENT E. GEHANT.
Laurent E. Gehant has been a resident of Lee county since 1865 and has been connected with agricultural interests of Viola township for thirty-one years. He has therefore witnessed a great deal of the growth and development of this locality, which numbers him among its most representative and valued citizens. He was
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born in Shelby county, Illinois, in 1860 and is a son of Laurent and Julia (Toullian) Gehant, of whom further mention is made else- where in this work.
Laurent E. Gehant came to Lee county with his parents when he was five years of age and acquired his education in the public schools. At the age of twenty he laid aside his books and after assisting his father with the work of the farm until he was twenty- two began his independent career, buying the property which he now owns. He has five hundred and fifteen acres of improved land on section 30, Viola township, and upon this has erected a comfortable residence and substantial outbuildings. Mixed farm- ing engages his attention and his stock-raising interests are im- portant, for he keeps on an average fifty head of cattle, forty hogs and twenty horses. His business interests are carefully and con- servatively conducted and have brought him a gratifying measure of success.
In Ohio, in 1882, Mr. Gehant married Miss Mary Henry, a daughter of August and Mary (Venier) Henry, the former of whom has passed away and is buried in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Ge- hant have become the parents of eight children : Louis and George, farmers in Lee county; Mary, the wife of George Montavon, also engaged in farming in this county ; Louise, at home; Frances, the wife of Lewis Choan, a farmer of Lee county; Albert, deceased; and Edna and Pauline, at home.
Mr. Gehant is a member of the Catholic church and is con- nected fraternally with the Catholic Order of Foresters. He is a democrat in his political beliefs and while not active as an office seeker takes a commendable interest in public affairs. He has proved capable and reliable in the conduct of his personal affairs, and his contributions to general agricultural development have been many and substantial.
ARTHUR R. KERSTEN.
Since the beginning of his active career Arthur R. Kersten has given his attention to general farming and stock-raising in Lee county and he is now the owner of an excellent property of one hundred and two acres on section 34, Ashton township. He was born in Bradford township, this county, January 23, 1886, and is a son of H. M. and Mary (Gross) Kersten, both natives of Lee
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county and now residents of Ashton. To their union were born three children: Arthur R., of this review; Rosa C., the wife of Edward M. Herwig, of Bradford township; and Alice E., deceased.
Arthur R. Kersten was reared upon his father's farm in Brad- ford township and there remained until he was twenty-one years of age. He afterward engaged in farming upon rented land for two years and then bought the farm which he now owns. This. comprises one hundred and two acres lying on section 34, Ashton township, and is in excellent condition as a result of the care and labor which the owner has bestowed upon it. Mr. Kersten is a progressive and industrious farmer, and his thorough knowledge of the details of farm operation constitutes an important factor in his growing success.
Mr. Kersten married Miss Minnie D. Henert, who was born in this county December 7, 1885, a daughter of George and Katherine Henert, both of Germany. The father passed away in 1902 and is survived by his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Kersten have become the parents of a son, Clarence H., born November 25, 1907. The par- ents are members of the Evangelical church, and Mr. Kersten gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is a member of Ashton Lodge, No. 977, I. O. O. F., of Ashton, and he and his wife belong to the Rebekahs, of which Mrs. Kersten is now matron. His entire life has been spent in Lee county, where. he has become widely and favorably known.
CHARLES EWALD.
A well known resident of Reynolds township is Charles Ewald, who, starting out in life on his own account upon a rented farm, is now the owner of a valuable property of three hundred and twenty acres, splendidly improved with good buildings and all the accessories and conveniences of the model farm of the twentieth century. He was born in Germany, February 5, 1865, and is a son of Henry and Anna Martha (Beck) Ewald, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was born in Hesse-Cassel, Au- gust 5, 1837, and was a son of Martin and Christina (Bogel) Ewald. He was married in Germany in 1864 to Miss Martha Beck and in the year 1873 they crossed the Atlantic with their family, making their way to Ogle county, Illinois, where the father worked at the stonemason's trade, which he had learned and fol-
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lowed in his native land. In 1879 he removed to Lee county, set- tling in Reynolds township upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. His place was located on section 27 and his time thereafter was devoted to general agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death, on the 10th of March, 1913. He had for a third of a century been a resident of this county and was widely known as a worthy and representative citizen. His widow survives and is now living with her son John on the old homestead, at the age of seventy-six years. Although now well advanced in age she yet enjoys good health, being a well pre- served woman. In their family were seven children: Charles; William A .; Anna E., the wife of William Christian, now of Iowa; C. M .; John; Henry; and Katherine, who died at the age of three years.
Charles Ewald was a lad of eight summers when brought by his parents to the United States, and for six years thereafter he lived in Ogle county. At the end of that time the family came to Lee county, and he has since been a resident of Reynolds town- ship. He continued under the parental roof until twenty-six years of age, after which he started out in life on his own account by renting land. He carefully saved his earnings until his economy and industry had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase a farm and in 1899 he invested in three hundred and twenty acres on sections 22 and 23, Reynolds township. With characteristic energy he began the further development of the property. He has here a comfortable residence, in the rear of which stand good barns and outbuildings, giving ample shelter for grain and stock. He uses the latest improved machinery in carry- ing on the work of the fields and makes a specialty of raising and breeding Hereford cattle, so that his farm has become known as the Reynolds Stock Farm. He handles only registered stock and has been the owner of some of the finest Herefords seen in this part of the state. His annual sales of stock bring him a very substantial income and, moreover, his labors have been of im- mense value in advancing the standards among stock-raisers in this part of Illinois.
On the 12th of March, 1891, Mr. Ewald was united in mar- riage to Miss Elizabeth Wagner, who was born in Reynolds town- ship, a daughter of Martin and Martha (Henerd) Wagner. Mr. and Mrs. Ewald have become the parents of five children: Ralph M., born January 25, 1892; Harry J., June 12, 1894; Rosa Anna, July 24, 1897; Hilda K., May 21, 1903; and Esther E., Septem-
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ber 23, 1909. The children have been given good school privi- leges, and the second son is a college graduate. The parents are members of the Evangelical church and are much interested in the moral as well as the material progress of the community. Mr. Ewald is serving as supervisor of his township, has been town- ship collector and for several years was a school director. His political allegiance is now given to the progressive party. He does not believe in the blind following of any party leader, but gives intelligent support to the measures in which he believes, keeping at all times well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has many of the sterling traits of his Teutonic ancestry which, coupled with western enterprise, have made him one of the substantial citizens and representative farmers of Lee county.
H. W. MORRIS.
H. W. Morris is a well known and popular citizen, having been a letter carrier of Dixon since the establishment of the delivery system here. He is also senior partner in the firm of Morris & Preston, funeral directors. He was born in Woodstock, Illinois, in May, 1869, and is a son of J. T. and Anna (Portus) Morris, who after living in Woodstock for a number of years, removed with their family to Dixon in 1875. The father was a farmer by occu- pation.
The educational opportunities afforded H. W. Morris were those offered by the public-school system of the state. He was a young man when the free delivery system was established in Dixon, at which time he secured appointment to the position of letter carrier and has since acted in that capacity. It was through the efforts and labors of Mr. Morris that the city was numbered under the hundred system. Always courteous, prompt and obliging, he is a popular official in his present position and all who know him have for him friendly regard. It was on the 1st of July, 1911, that he entered business as a member of the firm of Morris & Preston, funeral directors. Their place is at No. 123 East First street and they have the best equipped establishment of any firm of its kind in the county. They are the first and only firm in the county having a private chapel in connection with their business.
Mr. Morris has two children, a son and daughter. In politics he is independent, voting according to the dictates of his judgment.
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While he does not seek nor desire office, he is interested in the wel- fare of the community and readily espouses any cause which he deems of worth to the public. He possesses a social nature that readily wins friends and he is ever appreciative of true worth in others.
WALTER L. PRESTON.
Walter L. Preston is a partner in the firm of Morris & Preston, conducting an undertaking business in Dixon. He had previously been connected with commercial interests in the city as the repre- sentative of others and is both widely and favorably known here. He possesses the spirit of enterprise characteristic of the middle west. He has always lived in the Mississippi valley, his birth having occurred at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, January 10, 1875, his parents being L. T. and Rosie Preston, who in the year 1878 came to Lee county. The father was a school teacher and was also the owner of a small farm near Dixon, living in this vicinity until 1880, when he removed with his family to Sublette, Illinois, where he accepted the position of superintendent of public schools, where he remained for four years. He taught school in Lee county until 1905. He was a capable educator, holding to high standards in his profession, and his ability to impart clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired made his service of notable value to those under his instruction. He is now living retired and makes his home in California. He is numbered among the veterans of the Civil war, having enlisted in 1861, near Fergus Falls, Min- nesota, and served until the close of hostilities, making a most creditable military record. In politics he has always been a repub- lican, stanchly supporting the party which was the defence of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and has always been accounted a party of reform and progress.
Walter L. Preston, after attending the public schools, spent three years as a student in the Northern Illinois Normal School and thus received good business training, qualifying him for the responsibilities and activities which have since claimed his atten- tion. In 1889 he entered the furniture and undertaking business in the employ of the firm of Camp & Son and afterward worked for various people until July, 1911, when he joined H. W. Morris in opening undertaking parlors, which are conducted under the firm
H. W. MORRIS
WALTER L. PRESTON
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style of Morris & Preston. The enterprise has been attended with success, for it has been conducted along the most progressive and enterprising lines. They have quarters in a fine brick business block and occupy the first floor and basement. Theirs is one of the best equipped undertaking establishments, not only in the county, but in this part of the state. They have a large reception hall and parlor as well as a show room containing an extensive line of fine caskets and in addition there is a tastefully appointed chapel cap- able of seating two hundred people. Tact and care are exercised in the performance of the delicate duties which devolve upon them and their services are sought throughout the surrounding country. Business has steadily grown as it deserves to do as the result of the enterprising and progressive methods of the partners.
On the 2d of November, 1898, Mr. Preston was united in mar- riage to Miss Julia Fielding, of Dixon, and unto them have been born four children: Frances, Louise, Robert and Julia. Mr. Pres- ton belongs to Dixon Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M., and also holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Wood- men of America. His political indorsement is given to the republi- can party at the polls, but he is not an active worker in its ranks in the matter of office seeking. He is, however, interested in all matters pertaining to the public welfare and cooperates in many movements looking to the betterment and improvement of the community.
WILLIAM B. BRINTON.
The name of William B. Brinton figures promiently upon the pages of the history of Lee county, for he is today at the head of one of the most extensive and important business interests of this part of the state, being president of the Grand Detour Plow Company.
Mr. Brinton was born in Greencastle, Indiana. His ancestors were Quakers and his father was a farmer. The advantages of a public-school education were enjoyed by him in his youth, and in 1865 he moved to Illinois, then only ten years of age. When seventeen he was clerk in a retail implement store. Thus his initial step in the business world led him in a direction that brought him eventually to the head of the important enterprise in which he is now the controlling spirit. He continued to act as
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clerk until 1873. In 1876 he went on the road as traveling sales- man for the Moline Wagon Company, which he represented until 1893. In June of that year he was appointed United States marshal for the southern district of Illinois, and discharged the duties of that position in a capable manner for four years. He next bought an interest in the Peru Plow Company in 1897 and was its president until 1905, when he came to Dixon and entered upon active connection with the Grand Detour Plow Company as its president. Mr. Brinton was a director of the National Associ- ation of Manufacturers of Implements and Vehicles for several years and was its president for one term. For sixteen years he was treasurer of the state democratic committee. He has received appointments from republican officials, Governor Yates having made him a commissioner to the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, while Governor Tanner appointed him Illinois commis- sioner to the Omaha Exposition. He has been a delegate to national conventions of his party held in Denver, Colorado, and in Baltimore, Maryland. He has never been active as an office seeker, but in 1911 his fellow townsmen prevailed upon him to become the mayoralty candidate and at the election in April he was chosen to the office for a four years' term.
In 1875 Mr. Brinton was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda E. Wyeth of Tuscola, Illinois, and they now have two children: Helen, at home; and Bradford, a Yale graduate of 1904, who is now secretary and treasurer of the Grand Detour Plow Company. Fraternally Mr. Brinton is a Mason, and has attained the Knight Templar degree.
WILLIAM H. GONNERMANN.
A spirit of enterprise and progress actuates William H. Gon- nermann in all that he does. He has worked diligently and per- sistently to develop and improve his farm, which is today a fine property of one hundred and sixty acres in Bradford township. He was born in this township December 1, 1867, and is a son of Henry and Katherine Gonnermann, natives of Germany. The parents came to America in 1866 and located in Lee county, Illi- nois, where the mother died in 1902. The father makes his home in Franklin Grove.
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One of a family of seven children, William H. Gonnermann was reared at home and assisted in the operation of his father's farm until he was twenty-three years of age. His marriage occurred at that time and he afterward rented property, upon which he carried on general farming for some time. Eventually he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Bradford township. Upon this property he has since resided and he has steadily car- ried forward the work of improving and developing it so that it is today a valuable place, equipped with the accessories and con- veniences of a model farm property. Mr. Gonnermann engages in general farming and stock-raising and his interests are care- fully controlled, so that he has now reached a plane of affluence, being numbered among the substantial citizens of the community.
Mr. Gonnermann has been twice married. When he was twenty-three years of age he wedded Miss Lena H. Reinhart, a daughter of Anton and Catherine Reinhart, both natives of Ger- many. Mrs. Gonnermann passed away June 25, 1910, leaving two children: Arthur H. and Catherine H., both at home. In January, 1913, Mr. Gonnermann was again married, his second wife being Mrs. Marie (Stauffenberg) Wallace, the widow of Charles H. Wallace, a native of New York. Mrs. Gonnermann's parents were born in Germany and came to America in the early '70s. The father died in May, 1913, and is survived by his wife. Mrs. Gonnermann's first husband died in 1899 and was laid to rest in Ashton cemetery. He left two children, Henry and Wil- liam, residents of Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Gonnermann is a republi- can in his political beliefs and has served as school director. He is a progressive and public-spirited citizen and a capable and suc- cessful farmer and is held in high regard wherever he is known.
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