USA > Illinois > Lee County > History of Lee County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 30
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31
429
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
1867, when he sold the place and bought the property which he still owns. He is a veteran of the Civil war, having volunteered for service in the Union army and having been at the front for two years. He was wounded in the battle of Franklin, Tennes- see. William H. Grove resides retired in Willow Creek town- ship and has survived his wife since 1895. The family is of Ger- man origin, the name having been changed from Graaf to Grove during the lifetime of the grandfather of the subject of this review. Through his grandmother Mr. Grove is a direct descend- ant of Henry Clay.
John H. Grove acquired his education in the district schools of Willow Creek township, attending until he was seventeen years of age. He afterward assisted his father until he was twenty- four and then rented the homestead, which he has since operated. In April, 1911, he was elected supervisor of the township, and he has since served in that capacity, discharging his duties in a way which reflects credit upon his ability and his public spirit.
In Rochelle, Illinois, July 1, 1899, Mr. Grove was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Mae Willson, a daughter of Richard and Anna (Dugan) Willson, the former at one time a well known farmer of Earlville, Illinois, and now a resident of Rochelle. Mr. and Mrs. Grove have the following children: Luella, who is attending school; Richard H .; and Helen.
Mr. Grove gives his political allegiance to the republican party and in addition to the office which he now holds has been town- ship clerk, tax collector and president of the board of education. He has proved efficient and capable in positions of public trust and responsibility, and he holds the esteem and confidence of all with whom he has had official or business dealings.
WILLIAM A. SCHULER.
William A. Schuler, a member of the local board of improve- ments and street commissioners, has ever manifested a practical and helpful interest in matters of public concern. At the same time he has ably and successfully conducted important business affairs and is the owner of much valuable property in and near Dixon, from which he derives a substantial income, his capable management thereof being manifest in the success which has rewarded his efforts. He was born in Ottawa, Illinois, March 25,
430
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
1856, and is a son of George L. and Tressa (Munn) Schuler, the former a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The father came to Illinois on the same train on which Potter Palmer, the noted hotel man of Chicago, made his first trip to the west, and they became acquainted while en route. George L. Schuler made his way to Ottawa, where he engaged in the hardware business, and later was located for a time at Reading, Illinois. The year 1861 wit- nessed his arrival in Dixon, where he engaged in the dry-goods trade, purchasing a store of Judge Wood. Here he continued in business until his death, which occurred in 1895, and throughout the entire period, covering more than a third of a century, ranked as one of the leading and enterprising merchants of the city, being possessed of those traits and qualities which work for prog- ress and honor in business life. His widow survived him for about fifteen years, passing away in 1910. In politics Mr. Schuler was a democrat, active in the party ranks, and his cooperation could always be counted upon to further any movement having to do with civic betterment or improvement.
William A. Schuler was a lad of but five years when brought by his parents to Dixon, so that he had the advantages of train- ing in the public schools here. When his school days were over he went to southwestern Kansas, where he was engaged in the cattle business. At one time he was also connected with the dry- goods business at Streator, Illinois, for five years. About 1895 he returned to Dixon, where he established and conducted a lum- beryard, finding it a profitable source of income, owing to his capable management and keen business discrimination. From that time forward he has been closely connected with the develop- ment and improvement of the city along material lines and all of his investments have been made judiciously, bringing to him a very gratifying measure of success. In 1910 he erected the Dixon Inn, one of the leading hotels of the city, which he conducted suc- cessfully until the spring of 1913, making it a popular and well patronized hostlery. He sold out at the date mentioned and is now giving his attention to the supervision of his investments and to his public duties. He owns several farms and city buildings and from his realty derives a substantial annual income.
In January, 1895, Mr. Schuler was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Elizabeth De Mint and unto them have been born three sons, while by a former marriage Mr. Schuler also has one son. Mrs. Schuler is a daughter of Charles De Mint, one of the old- time and prominent residents of Dixon. In his fraternal rela-
431
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
tions Mr. Schuler is an Elk, while his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He has always been interested in mat- ters relating to the general welfare, and his cooperation can always be counted upon to further the public good. He is a mem- ber of the local board of improvements and street commissioners and is keenly interested in all of those things which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. What he has accomplished in a busy life represents the fit utilization of the innate talents which are his and proves that success is not a matter of genius, as held by some, but is rather the outcome of clear judgment and experi- ence.
CHARLES A. NICHOLS.
Among the valued and representative native sons of Lee county is numbered Charles A. Nichols, whose fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres lies on section 6, May township, and is a visible evidence of his life of industry and thrift. He was born August 1, 1860, and is a son of Henry and Eva (Barns) Nichols, the former of whom came to Lee county from New York state, settling first in Binghamton. From there he enlisted in the Union army for service in the Civil war and after his discharge he returned to this part of Illinois, turning his attention to farm- ing. He bought a tract of raw prairie land and for many years thereafter developed and improved it, making it eventually one of the finest properties in the locality. He passed away in 1896 and was survived by his wife for two years. Both are buried in Prairie Repose cemetery. The family is of Scotch and German origin and its representatives settled in Canada before coming to the United States.
Charles A. Nichols acquired his education in the district schools of Lee county, attending until he was eighteen years of age. He afterward assisted his father with the work of the farm until he was twenty-one and then rented one hundred acres of the homestead. He later inherited this tract, to which he has since added twenty acres, and upon this fine property he engages in general farming and stock-raising. Under his able management his interests have become extensive and important and he has taken a place among the substantial and representative farmers of his native county.
432
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
In May township, December 31, 1885, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Acker, a daughter of Jeremiah and Lucy Acker, the former for many years a prominent farmer of Lee county. Both have passed away and are buried in Prairie Repose cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have become the parents of four children: E. A., a farmer in Lee county; R. C., assist- ing his father; Eva L., at home; and Mabel E., attending school.
Mr. Nichols is connected fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. For the past five years he has been justice of the peace and he has been a member of the school board for fifteen years, the cause of education finding in him an earnest and able champion. Mr. Nichols is well known in his part of Lee county and in all relations of life has proved upright, capable and straightforward.
JOHN EWALD.
One of the excellent stock farms of Reynolds township is that owned by John Ewald, who is a member of a family that has been very prominent in advancing the farming and stock breeding and raising interests of Lee county. He was born in Scott town- ship, Ogle county, Illinois, November 15, 1874, and is a son of Henry and Anna Martha Ewald, of whom mention is made in connection with the sketch of Charles Ewald, elsewhere in this volume.
John Ewald spent the first five years of his life in his native county and in 1879 was brought by his parents to Lee county, where he has since lived. His experiences were those which usu- ally fall to the lot of the farm lad and his early training brought him practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He acquired a common-school educa- tion and when not busy with his text-books his time and atten- tion were given to various parts of the farm work. He continued at home until he attained his majority and eventually through purchase became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres on section 27, Reynolds township. This is the old homestead prop- erty and is one of the good farms of the county. The fields pro- duce good crops, for the soil is naturally rich and productive and his methods of crop production are practical and progressive.
435
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
However, he makes a specialty of raising and breeding Duroc Jersey hogs and shorthorn cattle and is successful with both, having at all times upon his place many head of high-grade stock. He is an excellent judge of both hogs and cattle and seldom makes a mistake in purchasing an animal. He is recognized as a thor- oughly reliable business man, straightforward in all his dealings and enterprising in all that he undertakes.
On the 2d of October, 1911, Mr. Ewald was united in mar- riage to Miss Rose May Hampton, who was born in Lee county, Illinois, April 1, 1879, and is a daughter of Jonathan and Mary ( Lambert) Hampton, the former a native of Canada and the lat- ter of Missouri. Removing to this state, they settled in Lee county and are now residents of Paw Paw, Illinois, where Mr. : Hampton is living retired, having put aside all business cares. They had a family of nine children, seven of whom survive. Mr. and Mrs. Ewald are the parents of one son, Arthur Adrian, who was born July 3, 1912, and is the light and life of the household. The parents belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Ewald is a progressive in politics. He has served as township clerk and as school director and is interested in all those meas- :. ures and movements which have to do with the upbuilding and - benefit of township and county. His has been a useful and well : spent life and the success which has crowned his efforts is the . merited reward of earnest, persistent and honorable labor.
.
SHERWOOD DIXON.
The city of Dixon has produced many prominent lawyers, a large number winning much more than local fame as representa- .: tives of the bar. To this class belongs Sherwood Dixon, who was :: born November 15, 1847, in the city which bears his family name, : his parents being James P. and Fannie (Reed) Dixon, while his -: grandfather was John Dixon. His youthful days were passed in .. his native city, and his preparation for the legal profession cul- : minated in his admission to the bar January 13, 1869. He was appointed United States district attorney for the northern dis- trict of Illinois by President Cleveland on the 18th of July, 1804 He had at that time engaged in practice for a quarter of a cen- turv and vear after vear had given further demonstration of his worth and ability. His devotion to his clients' interests was pro- VAI. NT-21
436
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
verbial, yet he never forgot that he owed a still higher allegiance to the majesty of the law. Following his presidential appoint- ment he entered upon the discharge of his duties in Chicago, De- cember 2, 1894. He had previously resided in Chicago for a few years in the decade between 1870 and 1880. Otherwise, save for the last few months of his life, he was continually a resident of Dixon, where he was most highly esteemed not only in profes- sional but also in social circles, and his upright life and character are evidenced in the fact that many of his stanchest friends were those who knew him from his boyhood.
JOHN M. EGAN, JR.
Through his enterprise, industry and natural ability John M. Egan, Jr., has made rapid and steady advancement as a civil engi- neer and is today ranked among the most able representatives of his profession in Lee county. He was born in La Crosse, Wiscon- sin, April 27, 1880, and is a son of John M. and Susanna (Gal- lagher) Egan, both of Irish ancestry. The father came to Lee county in 1854 in the interests of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, for whom he built the shops at Amboy. He has since become known as one of the greatest railroad builders in Illinois, thousands of miles of tracks having been laid under his super- vision. He is president of the Metropolitan Street Railway of Kansas City, Missouri, and also one of the largest landowners in this section of Illinois, having developed his extensive holdings here into a model farm.
John M. Egan, Jr., acquired his primary education in the schools of St. Paul, Minnesota, and was graduated from high school in 1898. He immediately afterward entered the Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology in Boston and after his gradu- ation engaged in railroad construction work in Georgia and Alabama for about eight years. At the end of that time he returned to Illinois and since 1907 has had offices in the First National Bank building in Amboy. He makes a specialty of drainage work and land reclamation and has already reclaimed about twenty thousand acres in this locality. He has assisted the engi- neer of the inlet swamp drainage district and has been chief engineer for several similar districts throughout the state, besides serving with credit and ability as city engineer of Dixon and
437
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
Amboy. He is recognized as a young man of superior profes- sional attainments and the work he has already accomplished reflects great credit upon his industry, capacity and ability.
In Marquette, Michigan, on the 11th of October, 1905, Mr. Egan married Miss Lottie Pendill, a daughter of Frank and Mary (Mitchell) Pendill. The former was for many years a well known druggist of Marquette and he died in that city in January, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Egan have a daughter, M. Jane, who is five years of age.
Mr. Egan is a member of the Roman Catholic church and is connected fraternally with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of Dixon. He is independent in his political views and inter- ested in public affairs, although not active as an office seeker. He is a young man of energy, resource and capacity and he will undoubtedly be carried forward into still more important pro- fessional relations.
SAMUEL P. ZELLER.
Samuel P. Zeller, who is filling the position of assessor in Ashton township and is also serving on the school board of Ash- ton, is one of the representative business men of Lee county, hav- ing conducted large and important interests. In earlier life he was connected with the grain and lumber business, and he is now engaged in the feed business, handling from fifteen to twenty thousand bushels annually. A native of Ohio, his birth occurred in Warren county, June 5, 1853, his parents being Andrew P. and Maria (Flickinger) Zeller, both of whom were natives of Ohio, where their entire lives were passed. They had a family of nine children, of whom three are living.
Samuel P. Zeller remained upon the old homestead until he had attained his majority. He then went to Iowa, where he engaged in the grain and lumber business for a year. On the expiration of that period he sold out and returned to Ohio, where he engaged in farming for a period of seven years. He next came to Lee county, Illinois, and engaged in the grain and lumber busi- ness for fifteen years, when he sold out. He was afterward located in Sterling, Illinois, in the same business for a short time but in 1902 came to Ashton, where he has since made his home. Here he embarked in the feed business, handling from fifteen to twenty
438
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
thousand bushels annually. He has prospered in his undertak- ing, brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by persistent and determined effort. He had as the basis for his success a col- lege education combined with energy and determination, and his persistency of purpose, his honorable dealing and his ambition have been salient features in making him one of the prosperous business men of his locality. He owns a fine residence in Ashton and is also the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land in Dakota.
In 1880 Mr. Zeller was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Foster, who was born in Ohio and is a daughter of Isaac and Eliza- beth Foster, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state, where they spent their entire lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Zeller were born five children: Nellie F., who is a graduate of the high school in Ashton and has also spent some time in studying music; Samuel P., who is married and lives in Ashton; Clarence A., deceased; Ruth L., a graduate of the high school; and Ralph, who has also passed away.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are interested in its work and progress. Mr. Zeller is a republican and is now capably serving as assessor of Ashton township. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend, and he has done good work as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Ashton Lodge, No. 531, A. F. & A. M. He has taken high degrees in the fraternity and is now a member of the Mystic Shrine. He is also well known as a member of Ashton Lodge, No. 977, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs. He is ever loyal to the teachings of these organizations, which are based upon the principle of mutual helpfulness and kindliness with a recognition of the brotherhood of mankind.
F. E. GATES.
F. E. Gates is a retired farmer residing at Paw Paw. He found in his business interests as an agriculturist the opportu- nity for the attainment of success, and making wise use of his time, he eventually gained the competence that now supplies him with all of the comforts of life. He resides in Paw Paw and has been a
439
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
resident of Lee county since 1847, arriving here when but two years of age.
He was born at Sugar Grove, Kane county, Illinois, March 20, 1845, and is a son of Erastus and Martha M. (Page) Gates. The father came from Knox county, Ohio, to this state at an early day and for many years engaged in teaching school in Kane county and also in Paw Paw. In conjunction with that profession he became one of the extensive farmers of his district, managing important property interests. He died in 1876 at the age of sixty years, while his wife passed away at the age of thirty-six years. Mr. Gates' remains were interred in the Sierra Valley cemetery of California, to which state he went in 1851. His wife lies buried in Knox county, Ohio. The family was of English lineage and the ancestry is traced back to Sir Thomas Gates of England and Stephen Gates, who came to this country in 1637. Among the ancestors were also those who won fame in connec- tion with military affairs, including Captain Stephen Gates and General Gates, who was one of the commanders of the American forces in the Revolutionary war.
F. E. Gates acquired his education in the district schools and in the academy at East Paw Paw, where he continued his studies to the age of twenty years. However, when a youth of eighteen years he had volunteered for service in the Civil war and had become a member of Company D, Thirty-fourth Illinois Volun- teer Infantry. In 1865 he returned to the academy and there remained until 1867. For a year he engaged in teaching school and afterward began farming on his own account, having four acres which he devoted to the raising of hops. With the profits of the crop he purchased seventy acres and from time to time increased his holdings until he was the owner of twelve hundred acres. He engaged in general farming, cattle raising and dairy- ing, conducting the business along extensive lines until he dis- posed of his land. He is now making investments in real estate in Illinois and Florida and also engages in making loans. When Mr. Gates was a small boy he hired out to a farmer, who sold his farm and with it young Gates, just as he disposed of the chattels and goods. This is an experience which perhaps no other man in the county has had.
Mr. Gates was married July 7, 1866, to Miss Polly M. Rob- inson, a daughter of Nathaniel and Dorcas Robinson, both now deceased, their remains having been interred in the South Paw Paw cemetery. Her father was one of the pioneer farmers of the
440
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gates have been born three children: Andrew, a civil engineer of Monmouth, Illinois; Albert R., an attorney at law with offices at No. 100 Washington street, Chi- cago; and Carrie W., the wife of Frank Pulver, a farmer of Indiana.
Mr. Gates is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and has filled all of the offices in his local post. In politics he is now a progressive. He has filled the office of justice of the peace for ten years and for many years has been a school director. He holds membership in the Baptist church and his has been a consistent Christian life. He has never neglected his church duties or his obligations to citizenship, even thoughi bis business affairs have been most extensive and important. He has erected a fine home and two other residences in Paw Paw and he improved all of the farms which he owns, thus contributing in substantial measure to the material development and prosperity of the county. In the winter he resides in St. Petersburg, Florida. The most envious cannot grudge him his success, so honorably has it been won and so wisely used.
HORACE G. REYNOLDS.
Horace G. Reynolds, organizer and promoter of the Reynolds Wire Co. is one of the leading business men of Dixon, who, recog- nizing business opportunities that others have passed heedlessly by, has worked his way upward, each forward step bringing him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. For almost twenty years the Reynolds Wire Factory has figured as one of the substan- tial, productive industries of the city, the business growing steadily year by year until this is now one of the chief industrial concerns of Lee county.
Mr. Reynolds was born in Jefferson county, New York, in 1854, and is a son of John Milton and Sarah Reynolds, the former an extensive farmer. His youthful days were spent under the parental roof and before he had attained his majority he became actively connected with the newspaper business, in which he con- tinued for nineteen years. He then sold out and came to Dixon, where in 1894 he organized the Reynolds Wire Co. He was asso- ciated with Elmer E. Reynolds, who retired June 30, 1903, selling out to Horace G. Reynolds. The latter has been president of the
---
--
-
-
441
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
business from the beginning and is the owner of three-fourths of the stock. In 1907 D. G. Harvey purchased an interest and is now vice president and treasurer with J. C. Schnele as secretary. George W. Reynolds, a brother of H. G. Reynolds, entered the factory in 1897 and has for some time been superintendent of one of the departments. The concern manufactures window screen cloth, its output being black painted copper bronze and galvanized screen cloth. They also make wire specialties, including corn poppers, fly traps, flour sifters, etc. At the time of the organization the company became interested in the dam and water power at Dixon and thus operate the mill but also have steam power for emergencies. All power is converted into electricity through a two hundred horse power Westinghouse generator. There are individ- ual motors and the plant is most thoroughly equipped in every particular. Their factory is four stories in height and includes one hundred thousand square feet of floor space. The building in 1911 was rebuilt of reenforced concrete of the flat slab type of construction. There is sprinkler equipment for fire, with two sources of water supply. Employment is furnished to one hun- dred and twenty-five people, and the output is sold mostly in the central west, but extensive shipments are also made to the coast and to the southwest. Something of the notably rapid growth of the business is indicated in the fact that their sales have doubled in the past two years, now aggregating over five hundred thousand dollars per annum. Since taking up this business Mr. Reynolds has concentrated his energies upon administrative direction and executive control. He has full faith in the enterprise and its possibilities, and his sound business judgment is shown in its con- tinuous growth.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.