USA > Illinois > McHenry County > History of McHenry County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 35
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You ask about future developments of the Seneca Ladies' Literary society? Please do not expect me to foretell what they may be. It is generally conceded hard to tell what women will do. Just at present the younger organized women's clubs of the county are coquetting with the 'old girl' trying to persuade her that along their pathway lies the attainment of greater good to women, admitting that to walk the way would mean death to the old Seneca Literary, but maintaining that out of the chrysalis would emerge a more perfect body. Will the old dame listening yield? Or will she, conscious of her own shortcomings, con- serve her strength for improvement along her own chosen lines, going forward judiciously as time changes, seeking to get all the good she can do all the good she can, and keep sweet! Wait and see."
All her life Mrs. Rose has revered her father, and it has been her aim to so order her life that she might live up to his ideals and follow the example set by his upright, godly life, and the many who have bene- fited by her generosity, Christian charity and kindness of heart, claim that she is a worthy daughter of an honored father and mother.
Mr. and Mrs. Rose had no children of their own, but they took a little lad of six years, Eugene Pettett, into their hearts and home, and brought him up to useful manhood. He is now a resident of Hebron, MeHenry County.
GEORGE F. RUSHTON.
George F. Rushton, vice-president of the American National Bank of Woodstock, is extensively interested in the real estate development of this section, and is a member of the firm of Rushton, Tappan and Rushton, heavy realty operators, with headquarters at Woodstock. Mr. Rushton was born in Wisconsin, September 27, 1853, a son of
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THOMAS WHITSON
MRS. THOMAS WHITSON
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Charles and Susan (Mabbot) Rushton, who had five children. Charles Rushton was born in England, and came to the United States in an early day, locating in Wisconsin, where for a number of years he was engaged in farming.
George F. Rushton was reared in his native state, and attended its public schools. Until 1872 he was engaged in farming in Wisconsin, but in that year he came to MelIenry County, with his parents, who settled in the town of Alden, and engaged in farming. While on the farm Mr. Rushton entered the railway mail service, and remained in it for seven years, when he resigned on account of poor health, and again gave his time to farming. A Republican, in 1890 he was elected super- visor of his township, serving four years. In 1894 he was elected county clerk of McHenry County, and served for sixteen years in that capacity, retiring to engage in the real estate business. He was one of the original stockholders at the organization of the American National Bank of Woodstock, and served as one of the directors from the beginning, later being chosen vice-president, a position he still holds.
In 1905 Mr. Rushton married Joan M. Berger, a daughter of Peter Berger, and she died June 30, 1913. A dignified, capable and widely- known man, Mr. Rushton exemplifies the best interests of his community, and is held in the highest regard by all who know him.
JOHN WINTHROP SANBORN.
John Winthrop Sanborn, now deceased, was one of the retired farmers of Burton Township. Not long before his death he disposed of his fine farm in this township, which was located one and one-half miles north- east of Spring Grove. He was born on this farm December 28, 1842, a son of John and Mehitabel (Sanborn) Sanborn, and grandson of Winthrop Sanborn, both natives of Salisburg, N. H. Originally there were three brothers in the Sanborn family who came to the American Colonies from England, and from them have come three distinct branches. In England the family is traced back for seven hundred years and a gene- alogy of it was published, giving these branches and all the descendants. The name was originally spelled Sanborne, but the final letter has since been eliminated.
John Sanborn was married at Salisburg, his wife being a cousin. They came west in 1836, to Michigan, and in 1837 to Illinois, securing
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the traet of land recently sold by John W. Sanborn, from the govern- inent. Winthrop Sanborn came with his son to the west, his wife having died in New Hampshire, and he died in MeHenry County in the spring of 1842, being then eighty-two years old. At the time of his demise, his grandson, J. W. Sanborn, was six weeks old. The old militia coat he wore in the service is still a cherished possession of Mr. Sanborn. John Sanborn served during the War of 1812 at Portsmouth, N. H., as gunner of the fort, and his shots fore, aft and direct, caused the flag of surrender to be raised on a British vessel loaded with clothing that had been driven by storm into that port. In 1836, while still in Michigan, John Sanborn was called into service to quell old Black Hawk, who came as far as Fort Dearborn, Chicago. After coming to MeHenry County he had to contend with the claims of English settlers, and assisted other Americans on English Prairie to maintain and retain their rights, includ- ing the Stevens family. He was one of the organizers of the township, served it as supervisor, and was a staunch Democrat. At first he used to go to Michigan City, Mich., one hundred miles away, with a cart hauled by four yoke of oxen, in which he could carry one hundred bushels of wheat to be ground at the mill there, bringing back flour for the neighborhood. This trip made in this way took a month. Later he was one of the founders of the Blivins mill at Spring Grove, and he displayed his public spirit in many other ways.
John Sanborn had a family as follows: Levina, who married S. P. Orvis, died on the old farm in 1918, but Mr. Orvis survives and a sketch of him appears elsewhere in this work; John W., whose name heads this review; Clorinda, who died at the age of twelve years; B. F., lives at Nice, Ore., having left McHenry County thirty-six years ago; Minerva, who died at the age of twelve years.
When his father died in 1866 John W. Sanborn took charge of the old homestead of 269 acres which he recently sold. Here, until his retirement, he carried on general farming and dairying, breeding Holstein cattle. While a Democrat, he worked with the Prohibitionists, and fought the saloon clement. Unlike some reformers, he was spared to see some results from his work in this direction, and no one was more pleased with the new amendment than he. For forty years he held office, having been township collector, road commissioner and school director. He was a charter member of the Richmond Post, but later became a member of the Kenosha Post, and kept in touch with the members of his old regiment.
On May 22, 1869, Mr. Sanborn was married to Olive Walker, who
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died December 20, 1902. On August 25, 1905, he was married (second) to Mrs. Kate (Patterson) Shotliff, widow of William Shotliff, of Burton Township, and a daughter of Robert and Nancy (Shaw) Patterson, who lived at Harvard, and later at Woodstock. Mrs. Sanborn was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, and was but a child when brought to the United States. Mr. Shotliff was a blacksmith of Spring Grove for twenty-six years, and died December 18, 1900. By his first marriage John W. Sanborn had the following children: Clyde Walker, who died in 1913, aged forty-four years, having lived in Richmond Township; Harry Winthrop, who is a carpenter of Lake Geneva, Wis .; Flora Mabel, who married C. C. Orvis, attorney at Oskaloosa, Iowa; Guy Chelsea, who is a farmer of Oklahoma; Lillian, who is now a Chicago school teacher, was formerly a teacher of MeHenry County; and Wade Hamp- ton, who is a farmer of Burton Township. By his second marriage Mr. Sanborn has one son, John B., who is attending school. Mrs. Sanborn had five children by her first marriage, namely: Walter E., who lives at Spring Grove; Alice M., who married Joseph Wagner, a confectioner of Spring Grove; Fred V., who is on the Sanborn farm; William II., who lives at Spring Grove; and Mabel Helen, who is Mrs. Leonard Franzen of Spring Grove. On January 16, 1920, Mr. Sanborn died, and in his passing Burton Township suffered a distinct loss. His memory is cherished by a wide circle to whom he had endeared himself by his many admirable traits of character.
FREDERICK W. SANFORD.
Frederick W. Sanford, manager of the Richmond yards of the Barker Lumber Company, is an experienced man in his line, and a prominent resident of MeHenry County. He was born in New York state, March 22, 1859, one of six children born to William H. and Mary E. (Jackson) Sanford. William H. Sanford was born in Connecticut, and was a hatter and merchant tailor. Both he and his wife are now deceased.
Frederick W. Sanford was brought to McHenry County by his parents and attended its common and high schools. After a stay at Woodstock, the family came to Richmond. Frederick W. Sanford learned the trade of a painter and paperhanger, and worked at both until 1898, when he became identified with the Barker Lumber Company, one of the largest concerns of MeHenry County, with headquarters in
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Wisconsin. He was first superintendent of the Richmond yards, and was then promoted to be manager and has held this position for sixteen years.
In February, 1896, Mr. Sanford was married to Miss Emma C. Stewart, a daughter of Charles Stewart, of MeHenry County, Mr. and Mrs. Sanford became the parents of the following children: Cyrus H., who is a veteran of the World War, in which he served as an enlisted man; Helen M., who is a popular teacher of Evanston, Ill .; Leslie B., who also enlisted for service in the World's War, was wounded in France; Jessie C., who is holding an office position in Chicago; and Eugene C. and Dorothy M., both of whom are at home. Mr. Sanford is a Repub- lican, and is now a trustee of the village board. He served as chief of police of Woodstock and deputy sheriff of MeHenry County. His fraternal connections are with Richmond Lodge No. 143, A. F. & A. M. A man of wide experience and natural ability, he has risen steadily and deserves the prosperity which has attended his efforts.
ANTON SCHAEFER.
Anton Schaefer, one of the most representative men of Spring Grove occupies his talents in a diversity of interests, carrying on a high-class undertaking and furniture business, a bank and a farm. He was born in Rhein Bezirh Coblenz, Kreis Maiern, Germany, August 3, 1871. When he was three years old he was brought to the United States by his parents, Mathias and Kathern Schaefer, who located in McHenry County where relatives had already settled. Mathias Schaefer secured a farm from the United States government and went to work to develop it. He was one of the most thorough of farmers, who made experiments in order to find out what kind of crops were best fitted for his land. Among others he tried raising alfalfa and the results were such that he continued to produce it for many years, being the first to grow it in this region. He remained on his farm until his death in 1900, when he was about seventy-five years old, his widow surviving him, and living on the farm near Johnsburg. They were devout members of St. John's Catholic church of Johnstown.
Anton Schaefer remained at home until he was seventeen years old, at which time he learned to be a carpenter and house mover, working at Johnstown for ten years. In 1901 he came to Spring Grove
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where he started in the furniture and undertaking business, which he still conducts. He, John H. Gerbracht and J. H. Meredith founded the Spring Grove Bank in 1905, as a private financial institution, of which he became sole owner, Mr. Meredith having moved to Pennsyl- vania, and Mr. Gerbracht to Dakota. There are about $50,000 in deposits. The business is strictly a banking one, and is a great accom- modation to the community. It is now a state bank, having been re- organized. Mr. Schaefer has a forty-eight acre farm near Spring Grove, and rents other lands, his farming being principally done by others. He carries on dairying and has a flock of Cotswold sheep. Mr. Schaefer was the first president of Spring Grove and is still on the village board.
In 1894, when he was twenty-three years old, Mr. Schaefer was married to Kate Freund, a daughter of John F. Freund of Johnstown, and they became the parents of the following children: Mary, who is assistant cashier of the bank, Nicholas, Christina, Anna, William, Mathew, and Paulina and Alvina, twins, Anton and George, all of whom are at home. The family all belongs to St. Peter's Catholic church of Spring Grove. Through persistent effort Mr. Schaefer has steadily risen, giving to cach line of endeavor due attention, and is justly re- garded as one of the. men of substance in the county, and one in whom implicit confidence may be placed.
HENRY J. SCHMID, M. D.
Henry J. Schmid, M. D., one of the eminent physicians and surgeons of McHenry County, is engaged in an active practice at Harvard, where he has won the confidence of his community. He was born at Racine, Wis., December 25, 1875, one of the nine children of Simon and Mary (Smith) Schmid. Simon Schmid was born in Switzerland, but came to the United States in 1865, and, locating at Racine, Wis., he became interested in a manufacturing line, and continued a resident of this county until his death, which occurred in 1904.
Doctor Schmid attended the common and high schools of his native city and then entered Leola University, from which he was graduated in 1906, following which he took a medical course at Bennett Medical and Surgical Institute, from which he was graduated in 1909, following which he commenced practicing his profession. In 1910 he came to Harvard, where he has since remained. Doctor Schmid belongs to the
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MeHenry County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
On April 18, 1901, Doctor Schmid was married to Miss Mayme Summers, a daughter of John Summers of Richfield, Wis. They have had the following children: Winnifred J., Grace M., Ruth M. and Henry N., who died January 11, 1919. Doctor and Mrs. Schmid are members of the Catholic church. Politically he is a Republican. A scholarly man, he keeps thoroughly abreast of the times in his profession, and his skill, augmented by his learning, makes him one of the most able prac- titioners of the county.
ANTON M. SCHMITT.
Anton M. Schmitt, one of the prosperous farmers of McHenry Township, is located on the old homestead of his father, three miles northeast of MeHenry and bordering on the Fox River. He was born on this farm, October 30, 1882, the youngest son of Stephen and Maria (Clapprich) Schmitt. Stephen Schmitt was ten years old when his father, Martin Schmitt brought him to MeHenry County, and he be- came one of its leading men and heavy landowners. A complete sketch of this excellent man and good citizen is to be found elsewhere in this work.
Anton M. Schmitt was reared on the homestead and attended the schools of the district. His life work has been farming and he under- stands it in all its branches. For some years he has made dairying his chief work, and milks about thirty cows. His place is in prime condi- tion, having been thoroughly improved. In 1920 he erected his present house. On May 5, 1920 Mr. Schmitt was married to Kathrine Lay Freund.
Anton M. Schmitt belongs to St. John's Catholic church at Johns- burg, of which his father was a leading member. He has never taken any part in polities. Although his fine farm is located on the Fox River and only three-quarters of a mile from Pistakee Bay, noted for its excellent fishing, Mr. Schmitt does not care for the sport, preferring to devote himself to increasing its already high state of fertility, and bringing about a still higher rate of efficiency in the conduct of the affairs of his property. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Order of Forresters.
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HISTORY OF MCHENRY COUNTY
JOHN M. SCHMITT.
John M. Schmitt, one of the substantial men of MeHenry County, and one who has taken active part in its agricultural operations, lives one mile north of Johnsburg, and three and one-half miles north of McHenry. He was born May 11, 1872, on the old Schmitt homestead, now occupied by his brother Anton, which is located three miles northeast of MeHenry, and bordering on the Fox River, a son of Stephen and Maria (Klapprich) Schmitt. Stephen Schmitt was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 25, 1832, and came to the United States in 1842, with his parents, who settled on the south side of the Fox River, at the point now crossed by the bridge, and there Martin Schmitt lived until his death, when he was over ninety years of age. His wife, Gertie, died when she was about sixty years old. In addition to his son Stephen, Martin Schmitt had the following children: Anna, who married Jacob Freund, lived in MeHenry County; Mary, who married John F. Schmitt and also lived in MeHenry County; Mary Ann, who married Anton Meyer; and Frederick. All are now deceased.
At the time of his marriage Stephen Schmitt located on the farm now owned by Anton Schmitt, and at that time the land was all covered with heavy timber. He cleared off the land, made it into a fine farm, and built the present house in 1872, and the barns at different periods. His death occurred on his farm September 17, 1917. He lost his wife July 2, 1914. Although he lived on the farm until his death, he had been retired for seven years prior to that event. He added to his original farm until he had 150 acres, and he owned another farm of 134 acres near Ringwood, and 169 acres now the property of his son, John M., which was two miles from his homestead. His land cost him different prices, the highest being $65, but he bought his original tract for $27 per acre. During the time he was engaged in farming, he produced sheep as his leading feature. A Democrat, he upheld the principles of that party with his vote, but did not desire office. A charter member of St. John's Catholic Church, he assisted in building four church edifices, and was one of the most active workers in the parish.
Stephen Schmitt was married to Catherine Kaut, who died two years later, leaving one daughter, Elizabeth, who married Matt Miller, a farmer in the vicinity of Johnsburg. Mr. Schmitt was married (second) to Maria Kłapprich, and their children were as follows: Susie, who is unmarried; Maggie, who is Mrs. John J. Schmitt, lives on the farm adjoining her father's homestead; John M., whose name heads this
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review; Mary M., who married Jacob M. Diedrich, died when she was twenty-four years old; Ann, who is Mrs. J. P. Schaefer, of Johnsburg; and Anton, who is on the old homestead, married Mrs. Kathrine Freund.
John M. Schmitt remained at home until he was twenty-four years old, at which time he was married to Elizabeth Thelen, of Johnsburg. Following his marriage, John M. Schmitt bought his present farm, since which time he has erected a silo, the house, barns and other buildings having been put up by his father, who had been the former owner. Mr. Schmitt carries on dairying, and keeps about thirty cows, nearly all of which are registered Holsteins. For the past eighteen years he has operated a threshing machine, and is acknowledged to be one of the best threshers in the county. In addition to this work, he fills silos, hulls elover and shreds eorn, doing this work for the same customers year after year.
Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt became the parents of the following children : Susie, Anton, Joseph, George, Albert, Louis, Henry, Emil, Mary, Eva, Alma and Steve. All of the Schmitt family, in its several branches, are held in high esteem and respect, and they are generally to be found tilling the soil and helping to maintain the country's prestige as the greatest dairy seetion in the state, for this is a line of business they like and understand. The farms under the Schmitt management are well developed and finely improved, and a credit to the township and county in which they are located.
STEPHEN F. SCHMITT.
Stephen F. Schmitt, one of the honored residents of MeHenry County, is now living in retirement from the activities of life at Johns- burg. Ile was born on the Fox River, one and one-half miles from Johnsburg, February 28, 1856, a son of John and Mary Schmitt, who were born at Munich, Bavaria, Germany, and brought to the United States in childhood. They were married at Johnsburg. John Schmitt was a son of Frederick Schmitt, and his wife was a daughter of Martin Schmitt, both of Munich, who came to the United States at the same time.
Stephen F. Sehmitt was reared on his father's farm near Johnsburg, where he remained until he was married at the age of twenty-one years, to Catherine Freund, a daughter of Nicholas Freund. Mrs. Schmitt
John & Williams
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was born near Johnsburg, and was eighteen years old at the time of her marriage. The young couple rented the farm owned by his grand- father, Martin Schmitt, but after five years they moved to the farm owned by Nicholas Freund, two miles north of Johnsburg, where they spent three or four years. They then bought a farm one and one-half miles north of Ringwood, consisting of eighty acres of improved land, on which there was a new barn. After some years on it, Mr. Schmitt rented that farm, and moved on his father's farm, which he operated for twenty years, and finally bought it for $67 per acre. The farm con- tained 198 acres, and he still owns it, his son, Matt conducting it at present. Mr. Schmitt owns valuable property at Spring Grove and his pleasant home at Johnsburg, where he has resided for two years.
Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt became the parents of the following children: Matt, who is on the homestead; John, who is in the employ of the United States government as inspector of fishing at Spring Grove; Joseph, who is on the farm with Matt; Mary, who is the next in order of birth; Anna, who is Mrs. Matt Lay, lives at Spring Grove; Emma, who is Mrs. John Lay, of Spring Grove; Christina, who is Mrs. Peter Miller of Spring Grove; and Agnes, who is at home. Mr. Schmitt has done considerable road work, and has long been a friend to the "Good Roads" movement. He and his family belong to St. John's Catholic church of Johnsburg.
FRED H. SCHROEDER.
Fred H. Schroeder, proprietor of the Crystal Lake Garage, agent for the Dodge and Oakland motor cars and a director of the United State Bank of Crystal Lake, is one of the foremost business men of his part of the county. He was born at Crystal Lake, July 31, IS74, a son of Charles W. and Fredericka (Oerkfitz) Schroeder. Charles W. Schroeder was born in Germany, but came to the United States in 1870, landing in New York City, from whence he came to Crystal Lake. He took out citizen papers and was loyal to his adopted country until his death, which occurred January 9, 1918. Until 1904, he was extensively en- gaged in farming, but in that year retired. His wife died in 1903.
Fred H. Schroeder attended the common and high schools of Mellenry County, and then, until 1913, was engaged in farming, having learned the practical details of his calling from his father. In 1913 he bought his present business from William J. Mayers for $3,500. Mr.
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Schroeder immediately added to the stock on hand, and now carries a full and complete line of auto tires and accessories, as well as of the International Harvester Company farm machines, and he has the agencies for the Dodge, Oakland cars. His business is a very large one, and is steadily increasing. When the United State Bank of Crystal Lake was organized, Mr. Schroeder was placed on the directorate and has continued a member of that board ever since.
In 1893 Mr. Schroeder was married to Miss Matilda Wokersin, a daughter of William Wokersin, and a member of one of the well-known families of Crystal Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder have two children: Alfred W. and Walter W. Alfred W. is working for his father. He was married to Anna Schroeder. The family belong to the Lutheran Church of Crystal Lake. In politics, Mr. Schroeder is a Republican.
OTTO H. SCHULDT.
Otto H. Schuldt, manager of the Bowman Dairy plant of Carey, is one of the men who is eminently fitted for his work. He was born at Crystal Lake, Ill., May 2, 1892, and has spent his life in McHenry County, where his father is very well and favorably known. He is one of eight children born to his parents, William and Sophia (Peters) Schuldt, natives of Germany, who came to the United States in 1890, and located at Crystal Lake, where they still reside, being farming people.
Otto H. Schuldt attended the public schools of Crystal Lake, and then learned the carpenter trade, following it until 1913, when he went with the Oatman Milk Company, leaving that concern in November, 1918, to assume the duties of his present position. His plant has a capacity of 18,000 pounds of milk per day, and employment is given to five people.
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