USA > Illinois > McHenry County > History of McHenry County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 10
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Mr. Dufield was married to Miss Marie E. Mentzer, a daughter of Henry Mentzer. They have one son, Alan Curtis Dufield, born June 24, 1920. Fraternally he belongs to the order of Elks. His political views make him an independent voter. A fine workman, he had built up a large and valuable trade, and he stands well with his associates and in his community.
NEILL C. DUNHAM.
Neill C. Dunham, owner of one of the finest farms in Coral Township, is numbered among the enterprising young men of McHenry County. He was born in 1884 on a farm adjoining his present property. His grandfather, Artemas Dunham was one of the most distinctive figures
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in the early history of MeHenry County. When he was fourteen years old, this remarkable personage was the owner of a team, and with his horses began to be self-supporting, and from the little money he was able to make, saved enough to enter land from the government in 1836, which property is now owned by his grandson, Neill C. Dunham. Dur- ing the early period referred to, Artemas Dunham's father and brother frequently hauled wheat to Chicago and were glad to get fifty cents a bushel for it. One dollar per day was considered good wages, but then the purchasing power of a dollar was much greater than it is today. While developing his land Artemas Dunham worked at whatever he could find to do. He bought and sold farms, owning at one time 800 acres of land, and handling in all about 1,000 acres. The homestead contains 19712 acres, nothing having been added since his demise. He had given one tract of land to his son, but owned when he died about 300 acres. Ile traded three times, one of the farms having been at Union, and from it he took enough land to donate the site for the Meth- odist church, although he and his wife belonged to the Presbyterian church at Marengo, to which he was a liberal contributor. He died at Marengo, having retired to that village six years previously. For some years before moving to Marengo, he had not taken any active part in the farm management, renting it to a tenant, and living on the farm in a second set of buildings. He occupied himself with caring for his garden. His widow survived him and passed away at the home of her son at Marengo.
Neill C. Dunham was graduated from the Marengo High School, and then took a three years' course in the agricultural department of the University of Illinois. He then was travelling salesman for the American Radiator Company, selling rad ators, boilers, etc., and then, after three years with that concern, spent two years in California, handling automobiles. In 1914 he took charge of the old farm. Mr. Dunham specialized on growing and feeding pure bred Hampshire hogs, shipping largely for breeding purposes, and he also operated a dairy. Since becoming the owner of the farm, he built a silo, laid cement floors in his barns and modernized his house, putting in hot and cold water, and gasoline lights.
Mr. Dunham was married in 1900. He votes the Republican ticket, and was elected a member of the first community school board. He belongs to Marengo Lodge No. 138, A. F. & A. M., and to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Greek Letter Fraternity.
Ernest & Desk
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HARVEY G. DURKEE.
Harvey G. Durkee, supervisor of Alden Township, and one of the most extensive farmers of this section, is held in the highest esteem all over MeHenry County. He was born in Alden Township, September 20, 1866, one of the two children of George F. and Betsy (Stewart) Durkee. George F. Durkee was born in New York, later going to Ver- mont, and then coming to MeHenry County, his parents locating in Alden Township. He became one of the prosperous farmers of this region, dying here in 1SSS, his wife having passed away in 1887.
Harvey G. Durkee attended the local schools, and learned farming from his father. When he attained his majority, he began farming, and now owns 347 acres in Alden Township and twenty-seven acres in Hebron Township. Here he carries on general farming and stock raising, and is very important in the agricultural life of his community.
Mr. Durkee was united in marriage with Miss Mary Lordon, who belongs to one of the pioneer families of Alden Township. Mr. and Mrs. Durkee have the following children: George L .; Edward J., married Elizabeth Bailey, and they became the parents of the following children : Paul, Mary, Harvey, Francis and Mark; Harry D., who is a veteran of the World War as a member of Company A, Fifty-eighth, Fourth Division of Regulars, and was in France for nearly two years; Agnes M., and Vincent J. The family belong to the Catholic church. In polities he is a Republican, and served as assessor of the township before he was elected supervisor in 1917, and has been very valuable to his township in both offices. He is a charter member of Hartland Court No. 224, C. O. F., and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. His family is an old one in this section as is evidenced by the fact that his father hauled grain to the lakes and Kenosha before a railroad was built. His mother oftentimes saw deer to the extent of fifteen at a time, feeding in the timber about their place. Mr. Durkee is a man of more than usual capabilities, and he has devoted his talents to practical uses, and his present prosperity shows what a man can accomplish if he is willing to work and save.
CHARLES E. DYGERT.
Charles E. Dygert, a retired farmer of Algonquin, belongs to one of the pioneer families of MeHenry County, and is one of the oldest living
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residents of this county. He was born in Algonquin Township, Novem- ber 19, 1840, a son of Henry P. and Laura (Peck) Dygert. Henry P. Dygert was born in New York state in 1814, and died in 1898. His wife died in April, 1863. They were among the pioneer settlers of Mc- Henry County, where their five children were born.
Charles E. Dygert attended the district schools, and was given a practical knowledge of farming by his father, and he was engaged in farming until his retirement. During the Civil War, he was one of those who responded to his country's call, enlisting in July, 1861, and serving until September 23, 1864, as a member of Company II, recruited at Woodstock.
Mr. Dygert was married to Miss Lucina Lucas, who died at Algon- quin May 13, 1917. The family residence on North Main Street, Algonquin, is owned by Mr. Dygert, and he owns two other houses in that village, but sold his 160 aere farm in Algonquin Township, and another farm of the same area in South Dakota. In politics he is a Republican. He belongs to the local G. A. R. It is related that C. P. Barnes, now one of the most prominent attorneys of the country, when a law student, went to Mr. Dygert for assistance, and the latter paid hiin $5 for a pig he possessed, a big price in those faraway days. With this $5 the ambitious lad was able to secure necessary books to prosecute his studies. During the years he has lived, Mr. Dygert has seen remark- able changes take place, not only in his native county, but the nation, and as an old and patriotie soldier, has followed the late war campaign with expert knowledge and enthusiasm.
HENRY EARLE.
Henry Earle, postmaster at Hebron, is one of the substantial men and prominent citizens of MeHenry County, and prior to his appoint- ment to his present office in 1908, he was extensively engaged in farming and stockraising. He was born in Alden Township, October 6, 1851, one of the four children of his parents, Henry and Sarah Jane (Paul) Earle, natives of England, who came to the United States in 1850, and located in Alden Township. There he developed a fine farm, and died in 1872. The mother survived the father many years, dying in 1905.
Henry Earle, Jr., was reared on his father's farm, and attended the local schools. Having been reared to agricultural pursuits, he naturally
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followed them after attaining his majority, and was very successful as a farmer and raiser of good stock. When he was appointed post- master of Hebron in 1908, he moved to that village. Mr. Earle has one assistant and two mail carriers under his supervision.
On October 31, 1876, Mr. Earle was united in marriage with Miss Ella F. Mansfield, a daughter of Hollis and Cynthia J. (Mason) Mans- field, and a member of a very prominent MeHenry County family. Mr. and Mrs. Earle became the parents of the following children: Mary M., who married Frank O'Brien, who is superintendent of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad; Florence E., who is the widow of Thomas Cox; and Charles F., who lives at Harvard, Ill. Mrs. Earle died June 11, 1914, having been a devoted wife and mother. The family are members of the Protestant Episcopal church. In politics Mr. Earle is a Democrat, and he has been very active in local affairs. Under his intelligent supervision, the affairs of the post office are ably conducted, and he is rendered efficient assistant by Mis Verna E. Welbon.
ERNEST V. EASTMAN.
Ernest V. Eastman, dealer in furniture and undertaker of Wood- stock, is one of the substantial business men of MeHenry County, and a man who is held in high esteem by all who know him. He was born in Winnebago County, Ill., December 3, 1880, one of the eight children of his parents, Henry W. and Eliza (Wilson) Eastman. Henry W. Eastman was born in New York state, but he came to Illinois in 1845, where he continued to reside until his death in 1913, having been engaged in farming all of his active years.
Ernest V. Eastman attended the graded and high schools of Rock- ford, Ill., and took a commercial course in a business college. He then embarked in a furniture business and in order to fit himself as an under- taker, took a special course in the Barnes Embalming School in 1905. In 1913, he located at Hebron, Ill., and from there came to Woodstock in 1915, forming a partnership with F. C. Slavin, under the firm name of Slavin & Eastman. The business is located at No. 122 Main Street, and No. 360 Tryon Street, Woodstock, and here is carried a fine stock of furniture worth about $7,000, and a full equipment of undertaking apparatus, including a $10,000 auto hearse.
On June 19, 1907, Mr. Eastman was married to Miss Iva Moore,
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and they have two children, namely: Vernon M. and Everton V. Mr. Eastman and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally he is a Mason, Odd Fellow and Elk. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Eastman is a skilled embalmer, and every funeral entrusted to him is conducted with dignity and impressiveness that honors the deceased and reflects credit upon the living. Personally, he possesses those qualities which make him well fitted for his calling, and his customers look upon him as a friend as well as a highly trained professional man.
HOWARD D. EATON.
Howard D. Eaton, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Harvard, and a man widely known all over MeHenry County, is an honor to his profession. Ile was born in Bound Brook, N. J., February 10, 1878, one of the two children of his parents, James D. and Gertrude (Pratt) Eaton. James D. Eaton was a noted minister of the gospel, and for years was prominent in the Congregational church.
Howard D. Eaton attended the graded and high schools of Mont- clair, N. J., and Beloit Academy, and then matriculated at Beloit College, from which he was graduated with the degree of B. A. in 1900. Following that he took a medical course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Chicago, Ill., from which he was graduated in 1904 with the degree of M. D. Immediately thereafter, Doctor Eaton went to Chihuahua, Mexico, where he was engaged in practice for seven years, but then returning to the United States, on account of disturbed political conditions, spent three years in Shopiere, Wis., still continuing his prac- tice of medieine. In 1915 he came to Harvard, where he has since remained, building up a large practice. He served as secretary of the McHenry County Medical Society from 1920 to 1923, and is a member of the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical As- sociation.
In 1904 Doctor Eaton was married to Miss Katherine Ingleby, a daughter of John Ingleby, and they have three children. Fraternally Doctor Eaton belongs to the Masons and Loyal Order of Moose. In politics he is an independent voter. He and his family belong to the Presbyterian church. As a man and a physician Doctor Eaton stands very high, and he is a decided addition to Harvard, and McHenry County.
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In August, 1918, in response to his country's urgent call for physicians, he accepted a commission as first lieutenant in the Medical Corps, and after four months' service in the army, was honorably discharged, December 21, 1918. After his discharge he was offered a commission as captain in the Medical Reserve Corps for a period of five years, which lie accepted, so that in case of another national emergency his country could again have the benefit of his services.
EBEL BROTHERS.
Henry Carl Ebel and Clarence Joseph Ebel, proprietors of Ebel Brothers Garage of Algonquin belong to one of the old families of McHenry County, and are numbered among Algonquin's most repre- sentative younger business men. They were born in Algonquin Town- ship, Henry C., February 2, 1875, and Clarence J., November 13, 1896, two of the five children of Joseph and Katherine (Deuchler) Ebel, the former of whom is engaged in farming upon an extensive scale in Algon- quin Township.
Henry C. and Clarence J. Ebel were reared on a farm, and attended the district schools. They embarked in their present business at Algonquin under the firm name of Ebel Brothers. When Clarence .J. was called to the colors during the World War, he sold his interest in the business, but after his return to Algonquin he again entered into partnership with his brother, Henry C. They carry a stock valued at $10,000. In addition they do an extensive business in trucking and moving and give taxi service by day and night.
On December 21, 1912, Henry C. Ebel was married to Miss Hazel Rahn, a daughter of Charles Rahn, and they have three children, Charles, Gladys and Norman J. Clarence J. Ebel was married, Septem- ber 14, 1921, to Miss Irma B. Ritt, daughter of Carl J. and Mary Ritt of Crystal Lake, Ill. They are members of the Lutheran church. In polities they are Republicans. Thoroughly understanding the business in every detail, they are able to render expert service, and their garage is largely patronized by people from a wide territory.
JOSEPH EBEL.
Joseph Ebel, whose farm is conveniently located four miles east of the village of Algonquin, in Algonquin Township, was born in Branden-
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burg, Germany, about sixty miles from Berlin, June 23, 1842. He served the necessary three years in the German army, and participated in the Prussian-Austrian War of 1866, and, being stationed in Luxem- burg, was in none of the battles.
In 1868 he came to the United States and for a time worked at Dundee, Ill., receiving $20 per month for two seasons. He then bought a farm of 100 acres that he still owns, on which was a log house and stable, and that primitive dwelling still stands and is used as a summer kitchen. The land was covered with'stumps, and it was hard work to get them grubbed out. In order to get the land, for which he paid $40 per acre, he had to go into debt for it, and for his horses, implements and everything necessary to engage in farming, but he was given twenty years in which to clear off this indebtedness. Since then he has paid off everything, erected the present buildings, and his original one cow is now replaced by a fine herd of twenty. He assisted in organizing a creamery near him. Later Mr. Ebel bought sixty acres of land where he now lives, still later adding sixty acres more across the road, paying for each more than 360 per acre. He conducts this last farm, and his first one is operated by a son, Otto. For years he has produced milk, and has kept as many as seventy-five cows.
Mr. Ebel was married (first) to Mary Eckert, also born in Germany, who died ten years later, having borne him four children, namely: Albert, who lives near Algonquin; Anna, who is Mrs. Fetland Hager of Nebraska; Emma, who is Mrs. William Madden of Sioux City, Iowa; and Herman, who lives on a farm near his father. In 1883, Mr. Ebel was married (second) to Kate Denchler, a native of Baden, Germany, a widow with one child, Emil Denchler of Aurora, III. Mr. and Mrs. Ebel became the parents of the following children: Henry, who lives at Algonquin; Otto, who is on the old farm; Elsie, who is Mrs. Joseph Hart, of Chicago; Clarence, who is a veteran of the World War, was sent to France, but returned, and is with his brother Henry in a garage at Algonquin; and Theodore, who is engaged in farming on the old homestead. Mr. Ebel is a member of the Lutheran church at Barrington, one of its officers, and is now one of the oldest members. This church is five miles distant from his home. Politically he is a Democrat, but he takes little or no part in politics. He is a very hard worker, never sparing himself, and his wife is equally ambitious for their success, her efforts having aided him in getting ahead and coming to a place where his money would work for him.
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GEORGE ECKERT.
George Eckert, ex-sheriff of McHenry County, is a man who has taken a very active part in local affairs, and is also held in high esteem on account of his being a veteran of the Civil War, both at Woodstock, where he resides, and throughout the county. He was born in France, February 24, 1841, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Hartlett) Eckert. Henry Eckert was born in Alsace, France, where he was engaged in farming until his death. Following that sad event, his widow, with her small family, embarked for the United States, and died at Chicago, Ill. The children after her death, separated and made their own way in the world.
Being but a small child when he was brought to the United States, George Eckert had attended school but a short time in France, and he supplemented what educational training he had there received by attending school at Queen Ann, Ill. Until 1859, he was engaged in farming, but in that year entered employ of the A. W. Fuller & Company concern, later going with Fuller & Sherwood, with whom he continued until May, 1862, when he enlisted in defense of his country in Company F, Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served during the Civil War until August, 1865, when he was honorably discharged, and returned home. He then became associated with the firm of Fillback & James, selling dry goods, groceries and other merchandise, leaving that firm to go with I. T. and A. L. Solsbery with whom he remained until 1SS6, when he was elected sheriff of McHenry County, and so capable an official did he prove that he was re-elected to the same office in 1894. For the following two terms he was deputy sheriff under M. W. Lake, and Sheriff Wandrack, and then on December 7, 1914 he was appointed truant officer by Hon. D. T. Smiley, now county judge of McHenry County. For twelve years, Mr. Eckert served as a member of the city council of Woodstock, and in every way has taken a deep and intelli- gent interest in the progress of his city and county. He belongs to Woodstock Post No. 108, G. A. R.
ยท Mr. Eckert was married to Miss Amy Green, a daughter of Robert Green, and a member of one of the pioneer families of McHenry County. Mr. and Mrs. Eckert had one child Georgia C., who is at home. Mrs. Eckert is dead and is buried in the cemetery at Queen Ann, Ill. Mr. Eckert and his daughter belong to the Presby- terian Church, and their pleasant home is at No. 340 S. Madison Street. A man of enterprise, Mr. Eckert long ago invested quite heavily in
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North Dakota farm lands, and their increase in value proves the wisdom of his investment.
GEORGE F. ECKERT.
George F. Eekert, junior member of the well established lumber firm of Hall & Eekert of Woodstock, Ill., has fairly earned the reputation he enjoys for honorable dealing and uprightness of character. He was horn February 14, 1864, one of the eight children of his parents, Michael S. and Lena (Stoltz) Eckert, natives of France, who came at an early day to the United States. The paternal grandparents were Harry and Elizabeth (Herdklotz) Eekert, who were born in the central part of France, but died at Paris, France.
George F. Eckert attended both the graded and high schools, and when still a young man embarked in a lumber business with W. D. Hall, maintaining this association for twenty years. On January 1, 1907, the firm of Hall & Eckert was organized, and a complete stock of lumber, coal, sash doors, blinds, lime, cement, stueco, hair, building paper and similar supplies has since been carried. Mr. Eckert is also a director of the Farmers Exchange State Bank of Woodstock, and is a man of large interests in the county.
In 1888 Mr. Eckert was married to Miss Louise Wilber, a daughter of Joseph Wilber of Crystal Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Eckert have four children, namely: Wilbur D., who is a veteran of the World War, was on the battleship "Kansas"; Helen L., Ralph T. and Walter HI., all of whom are at home. Mr. Eckert and his family belong to the Presby- terian church. Fraternally he is a Mason, while in polities he is a Republican. A man of sound principles, he can be counted upon to give his hearty support to all movements calculated to be of benefit to his community or country, and is rightly numbered among the most representative of MeHenry's best element.
DANIEL E. ECHTERNACH.
Daniel E. Echternach, a rural free delivery carrier of Marengo, and owner of the Kiswaukee Stoek Farm, is one of the best-known men of MeHenry County. He was born at Reamstown, Lancaster County, Pa ..
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MR. AND MRS. JOHN PETER
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August 30, 1866, a son of Samuel H. and Susannah (Fry) Echternach, both of whom were reared in Lancaster County. The paternal great- grandfather of Daniel E. Echternach came to the American Colonies from France, while the maternal great-grandfather came to this country from Germany. Samuel Echternach and his wife came to Illinois in 1869, locating first at Naperville, DuPage County, where he was engaged in veterinary work, although he had been a coachmaker in Pennsylvania, and then, after about fifteen years, he moved to Boone County, Il. In 1888 or 1889, he came to MeHenry County, and spent two years on a farm in Coral Township, from whence he moved to Marengo, and there lived retired until his death April 8, 1898, when he was under seventy years of age. His widow survives him and makes her home at Marengo. Their children were as follows: Christian F., who lives at Painesville, Ohio, is a traveling salesman; Fanny, who is Mrs. Charles Green of Chili, Wis .; Anna, who is Mrs. Frank Morris of Aurora, Ill .; Clara, who is Mrs. John A. Chase of Denver, Col .; Daniel E., whose name heads this review; Henry, who is a farmer of Marengo Township; and Wallace, who is a farmer of Riley Township.
Daniel E. Echternach was twenty years old when he came to Mellenry County, and prior to that had been graduated from the Elburn High School in Kane County, Ill. He became a mechanic with the MeCormick Harvester Company, but after three years went with the Terry Manufacturing Company of New York, as a traveling salesman, covering Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota, handling their hard- ware specialties. Later Mr. Echternach went on the farm of his father- in-law for two seasons, in 1900 becoming a rural free delivery mail car- rier and one of the first in the county. He has held this position con- tinuously ever since. His associates are: Mrs. Ina Coonrad of Route 1; Roy Thomas of Route 2; and Lee Grover of Route 3; Mr. Echternach's route is No. 4. Route 5 is now discontinued There have been a number of men in this service since 1900, but Mr. Echternach is the only one who has continued. He is a member of the Carriers' Associa- tion, and has been a delegate several times to the state conventions, and has always been active in organization matters.
On November 29, 1897 Mr. Echternach was married to Ethel M. Pringle, who was born in Marengo Township, on the river road. Mr. and Mrs. Echternach have one son, Malcolm Gerald, who was born May 31, 1899, was graduated from the Marengo High School in 1918, is now at home, and is a very intelligent young man. Mr. Echternach has rendered faithful service to his community during twenty-one years,
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and has enjoyed his work. Fond of horses, he in former years took a pride in driving a good road horse on his trips, but an automobile now has replaced the horse. As he possesses a genial nature, he has made warm friends all along his route.
EDWARD EDDY.
Edward Eddy, one of the highly esteemed residents of Woodstock, is a retired farmer of Seneca Township. He was born in that township, three miles southwest of Woodstock, January 24, 1848, a son of James, and Louisa (Weeks) Eddy. James Eddy was born near Newark, N. Y. in 1807, but was taken to Steuben County, Ohio when fifteen years old. On April 20, 1845, he was married, his wife being a widow. On October 1, 1846 they came overland to McHenry County, and settled on the Kishawaka Prairie, Seneca Township. James Eddy secured govern- ment land on the prairie and here he lived until his death in 1SSS, at the age of eighty-one years. His wife died in 1886, aged seventy-two years, having been born in 1814. A cooper by trade, James Eddy was handy with his tools and made many things, including ox yokes, cradles and similar articles. The last ox yoke he made is in the possession of his son Edward, and is in good condition although over fifty years old. He was a strong Republican, and served on the school board. Prior to his marriage with the mother of Edward Eddy, James Eddy was mar- ried to Lorena Wilcox, who died in New York. Their children were as follows: Alonzo, who during the Civil War, went to Nebraska where he died at the age of seventy-six years; and Homer, who also went to Nebraska, and died there in 1877. By her first marriage, the second Mrs. Eddy had a daughter, Emma, who married Henry Palmer, and in 1855 went to Bear Creek, Iowa, where she died in April, 1916, aged eighty-three years, having been born in 1833. By his second marriage Mr. Eddy had three children, namely: Lorena, who married James Mitchell, lives at Carpenterville, Kane County, Ill .; Julia, who married John Donley, a stone mason, is now a widow of Woodstock; and Edward, who was the youngest.
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