USA > Illinois > McHenry County > History of McHenry County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 3
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 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46
Eber E. Bassett, postmaster of West MeHenry, is one of the sub- stantial men of MeHenry County, and one who has long been appreciated by his fellow citizens. His appointment came as the just reward of faithful service to the government as a rural free delivery carrier, and since taking hold of the office, he has increased very materially its annual business, and the efficiency of the service. Mr. Bassett was reappointed to the office in September, 1917, and he has one assistant under him. His appointment followed the raising of the office to third class.
Eber E. Bassett was born in MeHenry County, June 17, 1875, one of the two eliildren of Wilbur F., born in Ohio, and Jennie (Earl) Bassett. born in Vermont. W. F. Bassett came to MeHenry in 1854, with his parents, John E. and Celestia Bassett.
Jennie (Earl) Bassett came to MeHenry in 1868. For some years following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bassett were engaged in farming, but are now retired. Eber E. Bassett attended the local schools, and took a business course at the Elgin Academy during the fall and winter of 1896-97. Until 1905, he was engaged in farming, but in that year became a letter carrier on the rural free delivery route, and continued as such until his appointment as postmaster in 1914. He is a Republican in politics. On December 18, 1897, he was married to Miss Cora Martin, a daughter of Peter S. and Wealthy A. (Farmer) Martin, and they have two children, namely: Lisle E., and Floribel. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church of West McHenry. Mr. Bassett's fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, and Mrs. Bassett is a member of the Royal Neighbors. Accommodating and capable, Mr. Bassett is giving universal satisfaction as postmaster,
481
HISTORY OF MCHENRY COUNTY
and is correctly regarded as one of the most representative men of his community.
ROCKWELL M. BEAN.
Rockwell M. Bean, assessor of Seneca Township, and one of the leading farmers of MeHenry County, owns and operates a fine rural property known as Maple Farm, which is located three and one-half miles northeast of Marengo, and eight miles southwest of Woodstock. He was born on his grandfather's old home farm, October 10, 1863, a son of William and Philenia (Mead) Bean, and grandson of Simeon Bean of New Hampshire. William Bean was also born in New Hampshire, but when he was eight years old his father brought him to Illinois, and in 1836 secured government land in the woods of MeHenry County. Simeon Bean was a leading man of those early days, and lived to be sixty years of age. A man of educational advantages far beyond those of his associates, he was called upon to attend to much public business, as well as settle estates and act as administrator of estates. Both he and his wife were school-teachers in New Hampshire, and after coming to Me Henry County he continued to teach during the winter months, and at one time was county superintendent of schools. His children were as follows: Ellen, who married Daniel Fellows, died at St. Charles, Ill., at the age of fifty years; Louise, who married Allen Paddock, is deceased, having passed away at the Paddock home in New York, but she and her husband are both interred in the new cemetery at Marengo; Joseph, who died at the age of twenty years while a student at college; John, who lives in Minnesota; and William, who was the oldest born.
William Bean spent two years at Waterloo, Iowa, but returned to McHenry County, and securing the old homestead, lived upon it until his death, in August, 1907, three years subsequent to the death of his wife. Hc erected the buildings now standing on the Bean farm, and made other improvements, which are now being enjoyed by outsiders as the farm was sold after his death. He was a leader in his community, public spirited and able and served twenty-one years as a member of the school board. The Presbyterian church of Marengo had in him one of its most active workers and devout members. William Bean and his wife had the following children: Frank W., who left home at the age of sixteen years to go to Nebraska, attended college, became a
482
IHISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY
minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, and died at Clay Center, Nebr., August 24, 1918; Carlton S., who is a farmer of Davenport, Nebr .; Rockwell M., whose name heads this review; William K., who is a fruitgrower of Michigan; Mae, who is Mrs. L. J. Hand of Marengo; and Rose, who is Mrs. Edward Thomas of Belvidere, Ill.
On October 12, 1887, Rockwell M. Bean was united in marriage with Marian Drury, a daughter of L. and Roxa (Angier) Drury, natives of Massachusetts. Following his marriage Mr. Bean spent three years on a large rented farm owned by H. W. Belding, and then went to Davenport, Nebr., operating 600 acres of land, a portion of which he had purchased, and remained there for seven years. Here he met with disaster in the form of continuous droughts so that for the years he was there he made nothing and was glad to get away alive. When he finally arrived in McHenry County he had only twenty-eight cents in cash, and had to provide for his family comprising a wife and two little children. In addition to all this he had a debt of $1,000, and in order to secure his present farm he had to go still deeper into debt, but during the sub- sequent years he has cleared off his obligations, and not only has a valuable farm, but excellent buildings. His barn is a basement one and he has accommodations for twenty cows, for he specializes in dairying. Both he and Mrs. Bean are consistent members of the Baptist church, and he served for eight years consecutively as superintendent of the Sunday school of his church, and for one year was county superintendent of the temperanee department. In 1918 Mr. Bean was elected assessor of his township, and has proven very acceptable to the people. Mr. and Mrs. Bean have three children, namely: Arthur W., who married Cora M. Lowe, has a son, Clarence A., and conducts a garage at Marengo; Myron, who is on a farm near his father, married Caroline L. Lundy, and has two children, Marion L. and Marjorie W .; and Harold, who is at home. He went into the serviee under the First Draft, but was rejected after reaching the training camp in Georgia on account of disability. All of the sons have had high-school educations, and are young men of ability and a superior order of integrity.
ALFRED G. BEATH.
Alfred G. Beath, one of the foremost men of Marengo, owns and operates a fine, modern mercantile establishment, and is regarded as
1
٨٠٠ ١٠٥ ٥٠
Marlin J. Il = Ery
483
HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY
an excellent representative of the best business interests of McHenry County. He was born in England, June 17, 1851, one of the eight children of his parents, Robert and Sarah (Peck) Beath. Robert Beath was a baker by trade, and not liking conditions in England, he brought his family to the United States, settling at Rockford, Ill.
Alfred G. Beath was reared at Rockford, having been brought there when four years old, and attended its common and high schools. Learn- ing the trade of a baker, he worked at it, and November 6, 1883, he established himself in the baking business at Marengo, conducting it until 1912, when he branehed out as a general merchant, and now carries a stock valued at $10,000, and owns the building in which it is located.
In 1879 Mr. Beath was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Pherris, and they had one child, Mabel, who married Doctor Ashbaugh, one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Marengo. Mrs. Beath died in 1915. Mr. Beath belongs to the Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Republican, and he was elected a justice of the peace in 1918. He is a Mason, and is High Priest of Lansing Chapter No. 73; and belongs to Calvary Commandery, of Woodstock, and Tibutu Shrine, of Rockford, Illinois. Having traveled extensively and being an exhaustive reader, Mr. Beath is one of the best posted men of Marengo, and his advice is often sought by those who realize that they can rely upon his store of knowledge and good judgment.
EDWARD C. BELL.
Edward C. Bell, one of the substantial farmers of McHenry Town- ship, owns and operates a farm on the outskirts of Ringwood. He was born two miles north of Ringwood, in McHenry Township, May 6, 1856, a son of John B. and Naney (Coates) Bell, both natives of Ireland, who were married in England, and soon thereafter came to the United States. Immediately after landing in this country they came direct to Ringwood, reaching it in 1851 or possibly in 1852. For a short period they resided in the village of Ringwood, and then moved on the farm of eighty aeres on which Edward C. Bell was born. It was a new farm with poor buildings, but John B. Bell was an excellent farmer and business man and improved his property and added to his farm until he owned between 500 and 600 acres. Later on in life, he moved
1
484
IHISTORY OF MCHENRY COUNTY
to Ringwood, built a large house, and he died there in September, 1905, aged eighty-two years, his widow surviving him about twelve years, dying when eighty-seven years old.
Edward C. Bell was reared on the farm, and adopted farming as his life work. For twenty-five years he rented land from his father, and then bought 240 acres in Richmond Township, four miles north of Ringwood, remaining on it eleven years, during that period developing it into a dairy farm. He enlarged the barn and made other improve- ments, and then sold it in 1911, and bought his present farm of fifty acres adjoining Ringwood. The buildings are in excellent condition, and the house was ereeted by James Green after the loss of the original one by fire. Since buying this property Mr. Bell has built a sito and now carries on general farming, although on his other farm he bred cattle of the Holstein strain.
On February 10, 1881 Mr. Bell was married to Florence Motley, of Richmond Township, a daughter of Robert and Ann (Sill) Motley, natives of England, Mrs. Motley having been born in the same section of Yorkshire as Mr. Bell's father, and Mr. Motley was born in Lincoln- shire. They were married in MeHenry County, and lived on their farm until Mrs. Motley died. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have the following children: Louis, who is conducting the farm; Robert, who died at the age of twenty years; Bertha, who is Mrs. Esh of Spring Grove; Walter, who died in 1918, aged thirty years; Mary, who is Mrs. Glenn Esh of Spring Grove; and Howard, who is at home.
FRED B. BENNETT.
Fred B. Bennett, one of the prominent lawyers of McHenry County, real estate owner, and a director of the United State Bank of Crystal Lake, is recognized as a representative man of his locality. He was born in Lake County, Illinois, August 26, 1871, one of three children of his parents, John K. and Louisa (Lytle) Bennett, well-known farmers of Lake County, both now deceased.
Fred B. Bennett attended the local schools of Cuba Township, Lake County, and the high school of Barrington, Cook County, Illinois. He then read law with Hon. C. P. Barnes of Woodstock, and was sub- sequently admitted to the bar. Immediately thereafter, he commenced the practice of his profession in the office of Mr. Barnes, later leaving
.
485
HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY
to form a law partnership with Frank R. Jackman, the firm being known as Jackman & Bennett. This association continued for about eight years and until the death of Mr. Jackman in 1908, since which time Mr. Bennett has continued the practice of law alone. He is the legal advisor of the Hoy Banking Company of MeHenry, and of the Ringwood Bank, and the United States Bank of Crystal Lake, and is a recognized authority on real estate and corporation law. In politics, a Republican, he has served as city attorney for Huntley and MeHenry, and is in every respect one of the leading men of the county.
In 1898 Mr. Bennett was married toMiss Kate C. Hibbard, a daughter of John L. Hibbard of Woodstock, and they have a daughter, Katherine R., who is at home. Mr. Bennett and his family belong to the Congregational Church. He is a Thirty-second Degree and Knight Templar Mason, being a past commander of Calvary Commandery No. 25, and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Arcanum. A profound scholar and able lawyer, Mr. Bennett is naturally well versed upon many subjects, and his advice is sought by all classes.
FILLMORE S. BENNETT.
Page 151.
WALTER C. BESLEY.
Walter C. Besley, D. D. S., one of the leading dental surgeons of MeHenry County, is engaged in an active practice at Woodstock, where he is held in the highest esteem, not only in a professional capacity, but personally as well. He was born at Chicago, Ill., July 27, 1875, a son of George W. and Sophia (Conc) Besley, who had three children. George W. Besley was for thirty years a druggist of MeHenry, McHenry County, later on moved to Woodstock, where he died in January, 1916, his wife having previously passed away.
After attending the local schools of MeHenry County, and the McHenry High School, Walter C. Besley took a course in dentistry at the Northwestern University, from which he was graduated in 1897, and immediately thereafter embarked in a general practice at Wood-
486
HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY
stoek, where he has since remained. Ilis offices are conveniently located over the State Bank of Woodstock.
On June 6, 1900, Doctor Besley was married to Miss Cora G. Bennett, and they have the following children: George V., and Walter B. Doctor Besley and his family belong to the Congregational Church of Wood- stock. In politics he is a Republican, and for the past eight years he has served continuously as a member of the city council. He is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, and an Elk, and prominent in all of these orders. Skilled in his profession, his success with his patients has resulted in the building up of a large and constantly increasing practice, and the establishment of his reputation as a very valuable citizen in his community.
GUSTAVUS F. BINNEWIES.
Gustavus F. Binnewies, one of the retired farmers of Harvard, was formerly very active in agricultural matters in McHenry County, and still owns his farm in Dunham Township. He was born on this farm, three miles southwest of Harvard, August 22, 1858, a son of Christian and Caroline (Kappenberg) Binnewies, natives of Germany. The parents came to the United States in 1853, and after a stay in Pennsyl- vania, moved to MeHenry County, III., where they bought a small farm, adding to it until they had 160 acres, and forty aeres of timber in another farm. The original house is still in use, although different additions and many improvements have been made to it. The father put about half the farm under cultivation, carrying on general farming. He came to this country with nothing, but owing to the opportunities here offered, he was able to acquire a valuable property. Ifis death occurred on the farm, October 16, 1886, at the age of sixty-seven years. His widow survives and makes her home with her son, G. F. Binnewies. Of their children, four now survive, namely: Anna, who lives with her mother and brother; Minnie, who married Harve MeWithams, who is a factory man living at Harvard; Carrie, who married Henry Hopper- stead, who is in a store at Capron; and Gustavus F. One son died at the age of nineteen years while attending Rockford College and lda, Josephine and Caroline are also deceased.
Gustavus F. Binnewies remained on the homestead and took charge of it when his father was taken sick, and he is still interested in it,
487
HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY
although for the past fifteen years he has lived in Dunham Township. The present tenant had been on the farm for fifteen years, and he is Mr. Binnewies' partner in handling stock. With his leaving the farm, Mr. Binnewies did not lose interest in it, but has kept up the improve- ments, and has a very fine property, that he holds at a high figure.
Mr. Binnewies has never married, his sister, Miss Anna being house- keeper for him and his aged mother. He is a Republican, but aside from being a school director, as was his father before him, Mr. Binnewies has not cared to hold office. In the early days of MeHenry County, the home of the Binnewies family was the stopping place for the traveling ministers of the German Evangelical faith who used to hold services in the schoolhouses of the neighborhood. When a church of this creed was established at Harvard, they attended it, and gave it their support. Mr. Binnewies is recognized as one of the representative men of his country, and his family is justly numbered among the pioneer ones of this region.
RICHARD BISHOP. Page 131.
FRED A. BOHLANDER.
Fred A. Bohlander, one of the leading merchants of McHenry County, owns and operates a fine dry goods establishment at West McHenry, and he is also a director of the West McHenry State Bank. He was born at Monroe, Il., May 21, 1863, one of the seven children born to his parents. His father, Peter Bohlander, was born in Germany, but came to the United States in 1833. He lived at West Chicago, moving thence to South Chicago, and finally to Monroc, Ill., where he died in 1901. His wife, whose maiden name was Schroeder, died in 1894.
Fred A. Bohlander was reared on his father's farm, and early learned to make himself useful in its conduct. He attended the local schools, and was well grounded in the common branches. When he left home to start in business on his own account, he connected himself with the wholesale shoe trade, continuing in it until 1901, when he came to West
488
HISTORY OF MCHENRY COUNTY
MeHenry and founded his present house. He carries a full and com- plete line of ready-to-wear garments for women, men's furnishing goods, clothing, groceries, shoes and rubber goods, tin and granite ware, notions, toys and all goods ordinarily carried by a modern department store. His stock is a very large and comprehensive one, and the prices are as low as is consistent with the quality and service. In August, 1916, Mr. Pohlander was elected a director of the West MeHenry State Bank, his association giving added prestige to that institution.
In 1890 Mr. Bohlander was married to Miss Anna Warneke, a daughter of August Warneke, of Will County, Ill., and they have one son, Roy, who is now at Sycamore, Ill., married Viola Cole. Mr. and Mrs. Bohlander belong to the Evangelical Protestant Church. In political faith, he is a Republican. A man of importance in his com- munity, Mr. Bohlander was connected with the various movements connected with the war activities here, and has otherwise proven his good citizenship and worth as a man.
WILLIAM A. BOIES.
William A. Boies, one of the most highly respected men of MeHenry County, who was formerly a successful agriculturalist of Coral Town- ship, is now living retired on his fine farm one mile west of Marengo. He was born at Homer, Courtland County, N. Y., December 15, 1841, a son of Israel and Mary (Ives) Boies, the former born in Massachusetts, and the latter in Connecticut. The Horace Boies, one time governor of Iowa, was a first cousin of Israel Boies, and the family is one found all over the country. In 1859 Israel Boies brought his family west to Dar- lington, Wis., where they lived for five years, and then came to MeHenry County, settling at Marengo.
William A. Boies was educated in New York. He was married, February 20, 1865, at Darlington, Wis., to Lottie Shimmins, who was born on Long Island, N. Y., Oet. 23, 1842, but brought to Wisconsin when a child. After his marriage, Mr. Boies rented his present farm, and during the period he was preparing to buy it, his father, Israel, dealt in cattle, buying at Darlington and shipping to Chicago, having had much experience in stock dealing in New York state. In fact it was the realization of the better opportunities he would have in the west to buy cattle that brought him to Wisconsin. During his earlier
489
HISTORY OF MCHENRY COUNTY
experiences in the east, Israel Boies drove both cattle and sheep to the New York and Philadelphia markets, from rural regions, where he had bought them. In 1878 he went to Byron, Ill., and established himself in a butter manufacturing business, and after he had sold it at a fair profit, he built another butter factory at Davis Junction, Ill., and another at Genoa, Ill., and operated the latter until 1882, when he returned to MeHenry County and spent his remaining years at the home of his son, William A. Boies, in Coral Township.
In the meanwhile William A. Boies had been associated in the stock business with his father, operating the Marengo end of it, but in 1868 bought what had been the Orsan Rogers farm. Here during the follow- ing year he began making butter, producing his own milk and keeping forty cows. The butter was made by his mother, who was so expert that the demand for her product increased to such an extent that in 1870, William A. Boies erected a building that is still standing, and in order to increase the output, began buying milk of his neighbors. In time he commenced shipping to eastern markets, receiving what was then considered a gilt-edged price, forty cents per pound. Ordinary butter then sold for twenty cents per pound. Until about 1875 Mr. Boies practically controlled the milk supply of his neighborhood, but his success encouraged others to enter his line, and similar ereameries were established. His own butter was known as "Creamery" butter, and there was such a demand for it, especially in Rhode Island, that he could not supply it. Recognizing his ability, the owners of the other creameries endeavored to secure him as manager, and he undertook too many responsibilities, as during five years he had charge of nineteen creameries, one of them being in Boone County. Disaster overtook these many enterprises, numerous causes contributing, but the same . condition prevailed all over the state. The men who had assumed management were carried down, and the majority of them lost their entire investment, and Mr. Boies was no exception. About 18SI, the bottom having fallen out, a change began, which has resulted in the establishment of the present system of handling the milk. It is claimed that one contributing cause of failure was excessive speculation on the Board of Trade. While the project was not a success, the foundation was laid for the development of McHenry into the leading dairy county of Illinois. The early creameries had to contend with many difficulties, among them being the lack of proper equipment. They had no means of testing the milk, nor of preserving it, and disaster was certain.
Mr. Boies shouldered his responsibilities, and went to work to clear
490
HISTORY OF MCHENRY COUNTY
off his debts incurred by the inevitable bankruptcy. Although offered a very flattering position at a high salary in Pennsylvania, he borrowed sufficient money to go into general farming, and through that calling rehabilitated himself financially among the people who had so highly trusted him. Here he raised Holstein cattle, and was very active until about 1918, when he retired. To liquidate his debts he sold his farm, but bought it back again in 1890, and still lives upon it. He owns 5SS acres on the Grant Highway. To his credit be it said that while he lost everything, no farmer who dealt with him was out a cent, al- though he could, had he cared to do so, have evaded many of his obli- gations.
Mr. and Mrs. Boies have two children, namely: Philip, who operates the home farm, is unmarried, and lives at home; and Jessie M., who married N. L. Jackson, a real estate dealer of Belvidere, Ill. While he is not connected with any religious organization, Mr. Boies attends the services of the Presbyterian Church of which his wife is a member, and he gives it a generous support. Looking back over his life, Mr. Boies takes great pleasure in the fact that in spite of disaster he has kept his name clean, and his credit good. At no time was that credit impaired, for his associates knew that his word was good as gold and that what he promised to carry out, he would do without any evasion, and time has proved this to be correct. Such a man is a valuable asset to any community, and Coral Township is proud of him and what he stands for.
EMIL W. BOLLE.
Emil W. Bolle, a general farmer and dairyman of Grafton Township, owns and operates 200 acres of valuable land. He was born in Switzer- land, May 21, 1868, a son of Charles and Mary (Corsell) Bolle, and a grandson of Joseph Bolle, a native of France. Charles Bolle was born in Germany, and was a civil engineer.
Emil W. Bolle attended the common and high schools of Germany, and came to the United States in 1903, settling in MeHenry County. Prior to coming here, he was superintendent of a large tanning factory at Berlin, Germany. Since coming here, he has been engaged in farming. In 1913, he bought his present farm of 200 acres in Grafton Township, and he milks twenty-four cows.
Julia a Mclaughlin John 7. MeLaughlin
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.