USA > Illinois > McHenry County > History of McHenry County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 46
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JOHN QUINCY WILCOX.
John Quincy Wilcox, one of the highly esteemed farmers of Seneca Township, is now living on his homestead, retired from active partici- pation in agricultural work. His farm, six miles west of Woodstock, is one of the finest in the township, comprising 216 acres of fertile land, and on it he has erected a new residence and a barn adapted for dairy purposes, there being thirty cows in his herd. The farm is now being operated by his sons, who follow the same line of work as their father. In addition to his homestead Mr. Wilcox owns another farm of small proportions, in Seneca Township, eighty acres of land in Wisconsin, ten acres in Florida, a city lot at Palatka, Fla., and 160 acres near
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Langdon, N. D. His sons Arthur and Earl own 200 acres on sections 9 and 16, and they work this in connection with his homestead. He served as road commissioner for his township at a time when several bridges were built, remaining in this office for two terms. With the organization of the Progressive party, Mr. Wilcox supported its prin- ciples, and was a delegate to the convention of that party at Chicago. For the last quarter of a century he has affiliated with the Marengo Lodge, I. O. O. F.
The children born to John Quincy Wilcox and his wife are as follows: Jennie Arvilla, who is Mrs. Ira Adams of Belvidere, Ill., has had nine children, Bernice, Ernest, Floyd, Glenn, Aurilla, Alonzo, Wilson, and two who died in infancy; Charles Elston, who died at the age of twenty- three years and seventeen days; May Mertie, who died at the age of twenty years, eleven months and twenty-three days, was engaged in teaching school in Illinois; Mary Jeanette, who died in childhood; Emma Ann, who is the wife of William Redpath, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Arthur John, who is engaged in operating his father's homestead, married Mary Meyer, has no children; William, who is a minister of the Baptist church, has a charge at Jackson, Tenn., married Nellie Markce and their children are: Alta, Gladys, Erbie, John William, and Boise; Earl Warren, who is in partnership with his brother, Arthur John, in operating the homestead, married Mabel Riley, and their children are, Eleanor, Robert, and Eldridge; Alice Aurilla, who is Mrs. Orvis Markcy of Seneca Township, has the following children, Lawrence, May, Melvin, Ivan, Lyle, Marian and Irwin; Luhman Arlow, who is conducting a small farm owned by his father in Seneca Township, married Abie Bebe, and they have three children, Harold, Dorothy and Floyd; and John Leslie, who died in infancy. Mrs. Wilcox died November 6, 1917, after over fifty years of married life. She was a devoted wife and mother, a kind neighbor and good, Christian woman, and her loss was felt by her community. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox brought up their children to be very desirable citizens, and the name stands for integrity, uprightness and public-spirited action.
MAXWELL C. WILCOX.
Maxwell C. Wilcox, one of the most progressive farmers of Coral Township, owns 280 acres of finely improved land, a portion of which
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was entered from the government by his grandfather, Chapin A. Wilcox, formerly of Coral Township. Chapin A. Wilcox was one of the pioneers of MeHenry County, and a man of considerable importance in his day. He lived far into old age, dying January 16, 1904. His son, Emmett S. Wilcox, father of Maxwell C. Wilcox, was born August 27, 1858, and died March 15, 1902, having been a farmer of Coral Township and a substantial man.
Maxwell C. Wilcox was born in his present house, May 30, 1884, and has spent his entire life upon the farm he now owns, and after taking the country school courses, he became a student of the Marengo High School; and still later went through the Metropolitan Business College of Chicago. When his father died, Mr. Wilcox took charge of the farm, and buying out the other heirs, became its owner. This farm of 280 acres is one of the best in the township, 160 acres of it being his grandfather's original homestead. Since becoming its owner, Mr. Wilcox has put in a large amount of tile, thus reclaiming 100 acres originally low land and ponds. He has also cleared off the brush and grubbed out the stumps, and has every reason to be proud of his prop- erty. The house was built in 1882, and the barn in the seventies. About the house he has put a fine porch, with nine concrete posts, and has two driveways. The basement of the barn is all fitted up for stabling, and he has erected two silos. Mr. Wilcox keeps about fifty cows in his herd, all of a high-grade Holstein strain, and he also raises consider- able grain.
CHARLES M. WILLARD. Page 135.
JOHN E. WILLIAMS.
John E. Williams, vice president of the Dairy State Bank of Marengo, is extensively interested in an insurance business at Huntley, and is also owner of a choice farm in Coral Township. He was born February 14, 1865, one of eight children born to William and Mary (Evans) Williams. William Williams was born September 30, 1833, and died January 30, 1890, his widow surviving him until August 1, 1916.
John E. Williams attended the common and high schools of his com-
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munity, and completed his studies in an Aurora Business College. Hav- ing been reared on a farm, he understands farming thoroughly and his farm of 170 aeres shows the results of his care and attention. For six years he was supervisor of his township, having been elected on the Republican ticket. In 1902, Mr. Williams was elected vice president of the Dairy State Bank of Marengo. For a number of years he has conducted an insurance business, representing four of the leading fire and tornado companies.
In 1890 Mr. Williams was married to Miss Elva Rugh, a daughter of Jesse Rugh of Coral Township. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have the following children: Roger W .; Ruth M., who is the wife of Harry Hilbert of Huntley; Ethel G., who has attained the degree of Master of Arts at the Northwestern University; Harold R., who is at home; Jennie E., who is engaged in teaching school; May M., who is attending the Huntley High School; and Roy C., Lucille, James E. and Philius, all of whom are at home. Mr. Williams and his family belong to the Congregational Church. They are deservedly popular and are numbered among the leading representatives of the best interests of MeHenry County.
In January, 1920, Mr. Williams, together with his son and son-in-law, incorporated "The William Works, Ine." of Huntley, Ill.
CHARLES NEWCOMB WILLIS.
Charles Newcomb Willis, who was formerly one of the aggressive agriculturalists of MeHenry County, is now living in retirement on his farm in Bull Valley, four and one-half miles east of Woodstock. He was born on the site of his present residence, October 25, 1846, a son of William N. and Mary (Hinard) Willis, the former of whom was born in Massachusetts, and was a school-teacher in the east. In 1845, accompanied by his widowed mother, he came to Illinois, and in the spring of 1846, was married in Ohio, bringing his bride to the farm he had bought in Greenwood Township. In this same township were located his sister, Eliza, wife of Orsamus Wilbur, their farm being two miles north of the Willis property. William N. Willis taught the first school of his vieinity, and his son, Charles N. received the greater part of his early education under his tuition. He also became deputy surveyor
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of McHenry County, always continuing to reside on his farm in Bull Valley. This region derived its name from the fact that a Mr. MeCollins here broke to the yoke five or six pairs of bulls, and used them as oxen. Becoming one of the best-known men in this part of the county, William N. Willis was made assessor and held that office for thirty years, and he was also a member of the school board, always giving the Republican party his hearty support. While not a member of any religious organization, he was a liberal supporter of several churches. Well-known in Masonry, he belonged to the Blue Lodge and Chapter, and was past master of the former when he died in 1896, aged seventy-five years, having been born November 18, 1819. His widow survived him for a few years.
Charles N. Willis is the only one of the children of William N. Willis left in MeHenry County, and he has spent his entire life on his present farm of ninety-seven acres. There were eight children in the family of his parents, two dying in infancy, the others being: Mary A., who married Alamon Miller; Eliza A., who married Dr. H. MeDiamond; Alice E., who married B. F. Ellsworth; Elmer J .; Frankie G., who mar- ried L. E. Meger; Eva and Foneta, who are deceased; and Charles N., of whom we write. Charles N. Willis has in addition to his portion of the homestead, a small farm of thirty-four acres, and all of his property is devoted to general farming. He has also made numerous surveys, served as tax collector, been a promoter of improvements in the town- ship, and is a Republican. The house on the old homestead was built by his father many years ago. Mr. Willis cherishes an old bible which his father brought with him in 1845, but lost in an accident on the Ohio River, in which the household goods were overturned and held in the ice all winter, but in the spring some of them were recovered, the bible among them.
In 1882 Mr. Willis was married to Hester Dufield, a daughter of James G. Dufield, and she died in February, 1916, leaving one son, Charles William, an employe of the Oliver Typewriter Company of Woodstock.
During the years he was occupied with farming Mr. Willis gained a knowledge of agricultural matters that is very valuable and those who appreciate the extent of his knowledge come to him for expert advice. Having always been connected with Greenwood Township he has had its interests at heart, and can be depended upon to give an effective support to all measures calculated to prove beneficial to it.
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PROF. SANFORD WILSON.
Prof. Sanford Wilson, superintendent of the public schools of Hebron, and one of the leaders in the educational fields of this part of the state, is a man whose scholarly attainments have won him appreciation that is widespread. He was born in Wisconsin, November 13, 1SS5, one of the three children of his parents, George M. and Alice (Vangtress) Wilson. George M. Wilson was early in life an educator, and later became a farmer of Wisconsin.
Professor Wilson attended the common and high schools of his native place, and then took a four years' course at the Oshkosh State Normal of Wisconsin, and one year at the University of Wisconsin. In 1910 he began teaching school, and has been eminently successful, both in Wisconsin and Illinois, he coming to this state in 1911. In 1917 he was offered the superintendency of the Hebron schools, and accepting, has brought them up to a high standard of excellence, and his labors have met with deserved recognition.
In 1914 Professor Wilson was united in marriage with Miss Ethel Angus, a daughter of J. D. Angus, and a member of a prominent family of Wisconsin. Professor Wilson and his wife belong to the Presbyterian church. In polities he is a Democrat. His fraternal affiliations are with the Masonic order.
JAMES W. WINGATE.
James W. Wingate, vice president of the Home State Bank of Crystal Lake, owns a very fine farm of 550 acres in Nunda Township, MeHenry County. He was born in New York, May 2, 1860, a son of Robert J. and Caroline (McDonald) Wingate, who had eight children, five of whom survive. Robert J. Wingate was born in New York, and in 1839, he came to MeHenry County, locating in what was then Nunda but is now Crystal Lake, where he died on November 29, 1914. He was a farmer. His wife died on May 7, 1881.
James W. Wingate attended the public schools of New York and of McHenry County, and has always been interested in farming and dairying, but for some years has lived at Crystal Lake. Since 1916 he has been connected with the Home State Bank of Crystal Lake.
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In ISSO Mr. Wingate was married to Miss Lillian A. Colby, who was born April 27, 1858 and died April 6, 1919. She was a daughter of Albert Colby of MeHenry County. Mr. and Mrs. Wingate have five children, namely: Clyde A., Bertha L., Clifton V., Bermi O., and Ralph A. Mr. Wingate and his family belong to the Methodist Epis- copal Church. In politics he is a Republican. Both as a farmer and banker Mr. Wingate has made his mark, and he is recognized as one of the most influential men and desirable citizens in this part of the state.
WILLIAM E. WIRE.
William E. Wire, cashier of the Bank of Hebron, belongs to one of the pioneer families of MeHenry County, and is well known throughout this section both as a man and financier. He was born in MeHenry County, March 27, 1858, one of the eight children of John and Bedelia (Brady) Wire. John Wire was associated with railroad work in the east. He died April 5, 185S, but his widow survived him many years, passing away February 9, 1907.
William E. Wire was reared in his native county and attended its common and high schools. For a number of years he was a teacher in the public schools, and in 1890 he was elected superintendent of the schools of MeHenry County, being re-elected to that office until 1902, when he was made cashier of the Hebron Bank. This bank, established in 1897, has a capital stock of $25,000, a surplus of $50,000, and undi- vided profits of $12,500.
In 1885 Mr. Wire was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Craine, a daughter of John M. Craine. Mr. and Mrs. Wire have one daughter, Winifred B. Mr. Wire is very prominent politically, and is now chairman of the Republican Central County Committee, was a member of the council for sixteen years, was city treasurer, and has been on the school board for many years. Fraternally he belongs to Hebron Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Harvard Chapter, R. A. M., Woodstock Commandery, K. T., Hebron Lodge, I. O. O. F., and is a member of the Woodmen and Mystic Workers of the World. His long connection with the bank has given him an insight into financial matters, and he is recognized as one of the leading men in his line in the county.
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PLATT WINNE.
Platt Winne, now deceased, a representative of one of the pioneer families of Grafton Township, and one of its successful farmers, was born on the farm he subsequently owned, on section 34, about one mile southeast of Huntley, March 14, 1859. He was a son of James Winne, who has born in Montgomery County, N. Y., January 23, 1839, a son of James Winne, also a native of New York state. The Winne family is of Holland descent. James Winne, the younger, was married to Jane Conover, born in New York state. They had four children, namely : James, who lives at Lyons, Wis .; Jacob, who is deceased; Platt; and Arnold, who lives at Elgin, HI. In 1843, James Winne came to MeHenry County, and located in Grafton Township on 343 acres of land. For many years he was one of the leading farmers of his township. The Congregational Church had in him an earnest member.
Platt Winne attended the public schools of Grafton Township, and those of Huntley, and grew up on the farm. He was married to Elizabeth Me Neeney, who was born at Huntley, a daughter of Patrick MeNeeney. Mr. and Mrs. Winne became the parents of twelve children, namely: Jane, Florence, Marie, Irving, Ada, Harry, Mabel, Clarence and Platt, who are living, and Margaret who died at the age of seven years; and two, who died in infancy. Mr. Winne spent his life in Grafton Township, and was much interested in its development. He carried on general farming and dairying, milking seventy-five cows. In politics he was a Republican. The Congregational church had in him a member. A man of natural ability, he showed what he could do in the conduet of his fine property and his devotion to his community was unquestioned. His demise, which occurred at Waukegan, Ill., August 12, 1921, removed from his community one of its best citizens, and his passing was deeply deplored.
CHARLES F. WOODBURY.
Charles F. Woodbury, now deceased, was long recognized as one of the leading citizens of Hebron, and a director of the Bank of Hebron, was extensively interested in agricultural pursuits, and left behind him several choice farms in MeHenry County. He was born in McHenry County, November 30, 1861, and died at Hebron, December 20, 1912. He was one of four children born to William H. and Allury (Barnes)
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Woodbury, and the family is an old and honored one in this part of the state, where its members have done much to develop the farming interests. William H. Woodbury was a farmer for many years, and he died at Hebron.
Charles F. Woodbury was reared on his father's farm, and attended the local schools. As soon as he attained his majority, he began farm- ing on liis own account, and in time became the owner of 160 aeres of land in Hebron Township, on which he lived for many years, and another farm of 100 acres in the same township, forty acres of land in Alden Township, and also 190 acres in Hebron Township.
On December 25, 1883, Mr. Woodbury was married to Miss Ella L. Fink, a daughter of Louis Fink, and one of the most prominent families of Alden Township. Mr. and Mrs. Woodbury became the parents of three children, namely: Walter H., who is operating the homestead, married Loulla Paul, and their children are, Charles, Clarence, Leona, Morris and Lurella; Nina M., who is Mrs. Frank C. Jones of St. Paul, Minn., has two children, Elaine and Herbert; and Edward, who died at the age of nine years. Mrs. Woodbury was made a director of the Bank of Hebron upon the death of Mr. Woodbury, succeeding him in that body. Mr. Woodbury was active in the Republican party in Hebron Township, but he never sought or would accept of office, preferring to work in its behalf, as a private citizen. Although some years have passed since his demise, Mr. Woodbury is still remembered as an upright, honorable gentleman and good citizen, and his community could ill spare one of his character.
WILLIAM CHAPIN WOODARD.
William Chapin Woodard, mayor of Marengo, is one of the sub- stantial business men of his part of the county. Not only does he con- trol The L. Woodard Pickle Company of Marengo, of which an extended mention is made in the chapter entitled Railroads and Industrial Enter- prises, but he is a director of the Dairyman's State Bank of Marengo, and owns an 800-acre ranch at Sedgewick, Alberta, Canada, which is managed by his son, Allen B. Woodard.
Mr. Woodard was born at Marengo, April 30, 1867, a son of John S., and Julia S. Woodard, and grandson of E. G. Wood, who came to McHenry County at an early day and pre-empted the farm now owned
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by George Bates. An uncle of Mayor Woodard. Loren Woodard, established the pickle business now owned by the Mayor, over forty years ago, and for twenty-two years the latter has been in this line of business, now having six piekle factories in Michigan and Illinois. In this connection he is chairman of the Growers' and Salters' Committee of the National Pickle Packers' Association, and is closely connected with the research work of Professor Doolittle, government plant path- ologist.
During the first sixteen years of his life Mayor Woodard continued to reside at Marengo, where his father worked at his trade of a stone and brick mason. At the time he was sixteen, his uncle took him to Grand Traverse, Mich., and for two years he worked on a farm. Finding that he did not make enough at farming, the determined lad went into a lumber eamp and worked there for two and one-half years for $26 per month, and out of it saved enough to discharge the mortgage on the home farm. He then came back to Illinois and for a period of several years held a managerial position at Elgin. In March, 1899, he returned to Marengo and entered upon what was to be his life work, and since then has been connected with the pickle industry. He, his wife and son, Allen B., own the large business which has been principally developed by them from the initial factory established by Loren Woodard.
In September, 1892, Mayor Woodard was married at Elgin, Ill., to Mary Roden, of Elgin, Ill. Mayor and Mrs. Woodard have one son, Allen B. Woodard, who was born September 10, 1894. They own their handsome residence at 405 Prairie Street, Marengo, and other vacant property in the city.
Always a strong Republican, Mayor Woodard has long been one of the party leaders in city and county affairs, and was elected mayor of Marengo in 1921 by a gratifying majority. He is a member of the Community Club of Marengo. He has now served as president of the club five years. The Methodist Episcopal church has had him on its membership rolls, since 1903, and he belongs to its official board. High in Masonry, he was made a Mason at Elgin in 1882, and passed through the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery in that same year, and he also belongs to the Eastern Star, of which he has been worthy patron. He has served the Blue Lodge as worshipful master, and the Chapter as high priest, and is very active in the Masonic bodies at Marengo. A practical man of large affairs, Mayor Woodard is capable of managing those of his home city efficiently and satisfactorily, while his decp sense
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of civic responsibility urges him to secure for it further improvements and advantages. It is such men as Mayor Woodard who give prestige to their communities and aet as a spur to others for whole-souled en- deavor along all lines of progress.
DELOS M. WRIGHT.
Delos M. Wright, supervisor of Marengo Township, is one of the leading agriculturalists of his township, owning and operating a valuable farm of 163 acres. He was born in Jo Davies County, Ill., in March, 1866, a son of Columbus P. and Mary (Lyons) Wright. Columbus P. Wright was born at Columbus, Ohio, and in young manhood moved to Jo Davies County, Ill., and from thence in 1886 to McHenry County. He bought the Rogers farm of 323 acres, later the Burke farm of 120 acres, and still later another Rogers farm of 120 acres, and finally bought seventy-three acres known as the Vicker farm. Since 1914, he has lived with his son.
Delos M. Wright attended the common and high schools of his locality, and Valparaiso University. After some years spent in farming, he went to Elgin, and for three years was engaged in handling pianos, but then returned to his farm.
On September 22, 1897, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Melvina E. Anderson, a daughter of Edward Anderson. In politics Mr. Wright is a Republican, and he has served as supervisor of his township since 1907, and for thirteen years he has been on the school board, and during that period has been its chairman a portion of the time. For three years he was superintendent of the poor farm of the county. Mr. Wright is a Knight Templar Mason, and he also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are very well and favorably known throughout MeHenry County, and deserve the popularity they enjoy.
GLENN E. WRIGHT, M. D.
Glenn E. Wright, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Woodstock, is conveniently located in the Murphy Block. He was
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born at Chicago, one of three children of James L. and Clara (Field) Wright. James L. Wright was a successful real-estate operator of Chicago.
Doctor Wright attended the grammar and high schools of Chicago. He then took a medical course at the Loyola University from which he was graduated in 1910. Following this, he studied medicine for two and one-half years in New York City hospitals, and returned to Chicago in 1913 where he became physician to the City of Chicago Contagious Disease Hospital and engaged in the practice of his profession there until 1917, when he came to Woodstock, where he has already won his place among the distinguished men of his calling in McHenry County. Professionally, he belongs to the MeHenry County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. His fraternal connections are with the Elks, Moose and Woodmen.
In 1912 Doctor Wright was married to Miss Anna V. Kelly, a daughter of William C. Kelly of New York City. Doctor and Mrs. Wright have two children, namely: Gilbert L. and Laura E. Doctor Wright is a Republican. A scholarly man, he has always increased his store of knowledge by reading and study, and is very well informed, not only on matters pertaining to his profession, but those relating to outside affairs, and his advice is often sought by those who appreciate his good judgment and range of information.
OMAR CLEMENT WRIGHT.
Omar Clement Wright, one of the aggressive and successful farmers of McHenry County, owns and operates a fine farm of well-cultivated land in Chemung Township, five miles west of Marengo. He was born at Morseville, Jo Davies County, Ill., January 4, 1874, the youngest son born in his father's family. He is a son of C. P. Wright, one of the pioneers of Marengo, and one of the best-known men of that region.
Omar C. Wright was reared on his father's homestead, and as soon as he was old enough to do so, he took charge of it, his father removing to another farm, and later going to Marengo, where he still lives. Omar C. Wright has been closely associated with his father in a number of agricultural ventures, and for a time lived on another of his father's farms, but in 1911 returned to the original one, that had been owned by the Poyer family. Here he owns and operates 315 acres, which
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extends from the south side of the Kiswaukee River for a mile and a half to north of the River Road, eighty rods fronting on the River Road. In addition to farming, Mr. Wright buys and ships stock for the Chicago market, succeeding his father in this line of business. He feeds 150 hogs and keeps 100 head, and generally about 100 steers. The territory covered by him in his stock operations is a wide one, but he buys through Marengo, which is his principal shipping point. It is a practice of his to buy a large number of feeders at St. Paul, Minn., bring them to his farm, where he keeps them until they are thoroughly rested, and then ships them to Chicago. For the past eight years Mr. Wright has served on the school board.
On April 5, 1899, Mr. Wright was married to Agnes Anderson, a daughter of Edward and Florence (Olcott) Anderson. Mrs. Wright was reared in Chemung Township. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have four children, namely: Clark, June, DeLos and Florence. The family belong to the Presbyterian church at Marengo. Mr. Wright does not belong to any fraternities. His farm is a model one, and he keeps on making improvements. In addition to his own set of buildings, which were erected by the former owner, he has a nice tenant house and build- ings, and keeps two tenants. As a farmer and citizen Mr. Wright measures up to the best standards and is doing his part to maintain the prestige of McHenry County as an agricultural center.
WILLIAM WRIGHT.
William Wright, one of the self-made men of MeHenry County, has succeeded in accumulating some valuable acreage in Nunda Township, and also in firmly establishing himself in the confidence and respect of his neighborhood. He was born in Sheffield, England, July 30, 1868, a son of John and Mary (Green) Wright, natives of Yorkshire, England. John Wright, a brickmaker by trade, came to the United States in 1872, and lived at Lake View, Chicago, until 1877, during that period following his profession. Then he moved to MeHenry County, and engaged in farming in Nunda Township, later buying a farm there. He and his wife had the following children: Thomas, John, William, George, Anna E., Eliza, Minnie, deceased and Mary E. The father of this family lived to be seventy-eight years old, but the mother died at the age of sixty years.
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William Wright attended the schools of Chicago, and those of Nunda Township for a short period after coming to MeHenry County. Early cast upon his own resources, he learned to be self-reliant, and has earned all he now possesses. After spending nine months in Nebraska, in 1892 and 1893, Mr. Wright returned to Nunda Township, and bought his present farm of ninety acres of land in 1909. Here he carries on general farming, and has made his property a very valuable one.
On June 23, 1897, Mr. Wright was married to Mary A. Neil, born in Indiana, August 25, 1870. They have four children, namely: William R., Marie E., George E. and Edwin C., who lives in Elgin. In politics Mr. Wright is a Republican. He belongs to the Odd Fellows and Mystie Workers of the World. A man of kindly impulses, he has always been a good neighbor, and his interest in the betterment of his community, makes him a desirable citizen.
WILLIAM C. ZANDER.
William C. Zander, one of the younger farmers of Nunda Township, owns his farm of forty aeres, and is conducting it according to approved scientifie methods. He was born at Elgin, Ill., August 1, 1878, and has always resided in Northern Illinois. He is a son of Charles and Minnie (Ernst) Zander, both of whom were born in Germany, but came to the United States when young, and became loyal Americans. Charles Zander is now deceased, but his widow still resides at the family home, No. 456 Addison street, Elgin, Ill. For many years he was connected with the Haiger Briek Company of Elgin. He and his wife had six children, three of whom survive, namely: Minnie, William C., and Mary.
William C. Zander attended the Elgin schools and worked in the Elgin National Watch factory until 1912, when he bought his present farm of forty aeres, which was part of the M. V. Miller farm in Nunda Township. Since coming here, Mr. Zander has made many improve- ments, and is very successful in his work. He milks thirteen eows in his dairy.
Mr. Zander was married June 23, 1904, to Josephine Hunt, born at Ridgefield, Ill., January 24, 1884, a daughter of Riley Hunt, a farmer of MeHenry County. In polities he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Zander are both members of the English Lutheran church at Elgin, Ill.
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ANTONIO J. ZOIA.
Antonio J. Zoia, senior member of the firm of Antonio J. Zoia and Sons, dealers in Scotch and American granite and Italian and American marble, is a well known artist in monuments and headstones, his work being ranked among the best in the country. He was born in Italy, July 18, 1857, one of the seven children, three of whom survive, born to his parents, Dominick and Mary (Barre) Zoia. Dominick Zoia was born in Switzerland, but went to Italy when a young man. He was a building contractor, and a prosperous man, who died in 1898, aged eighty-five years, and his wife died in 1895.
Antonio J. Zoia attended the public schools of his native land and learned the trade of a stone cutter prior to coming to the United States. After landing in New York City, he came west to La Crosse, Wis., and thence to Delavan Lake, where he remained for seven and one-half years. In 1897, he came to Woodstock, and the following year he embarked in business with J. J. Stafford, soon thereafter buying his interest, and continuing alone until he took his sons into the firm. This firm does a business ranging from $15,000.00 to $20,000.00 annually. On March 23, 1909, the people of MeHenry County dedicated a monu- ment to its soldiers and sailors, erected in the courthouse square at Woodstock, which was designed, and made by Mr. Zoia, and it is one of the best examples of his art and skill.
In 1892 Mr. Zoia was married to Miss Mary Spezia, a daughter of Antonio Spezia, also of Italy, who came to the United States some years after Mr. Zoia's arrival. Mr. and Mrs. Zoia have the following children: Charles D., who is associated with his father in business, is a veteran of the World War; Clyde J., who is in the law department of Notre Dame University; Eugene P., who is associated with his father in business; and Mary I., who is at home. Mr. Zoia belongs to the Knights of Columbus, Elks and Woodmen of the World. In politics he is a Republican. He and his family belong to St. Mary's Catholic church of Woodstock.
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA
977.322H628 C002 HISTORY OF MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS CHGO
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