USA > Illinois > McLean County > History of McLean County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 6
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Joseph S. Rich received his education in the Grandview district school, which was west of Gridley. He started life farming on rented land and later purchased his present farm of 400 acres, which is located near Gridley. Mr. Rich specialized in the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs and has been widely known throughout McLean County as a progressive and enterprising farmer. The Rich residence is mod- ern and is among the beautiful farms of the community.
On Dec. 1, 1887, Mr. Rich was united in marriage with Miss Katie D. Slagell, a native of Washington, born Dec. 29, 1869, and the daughter of Christian and Magdelene (Turk) Slagel, the former a native of Wash- ington and the latter of France. Mr. Slagell died Feb. 27, 1913, and his wife died Feb. 27, 1921. They had only one child, Mrs. Rich. To Joseph S. and Katie (Slagell) Rich 10 children have been born, as follows: Alvin, lives at home; Silas, World War veteran and now postmaster of Gridley,
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a sketch of whom appears in this work; Theodore, a veteran of the World War, having served with the 125th Engineers in France, and he lives at Gridley with his parents; Alice, married Mathew Heinold, a farmer, lives in Indiana; Ollie, at home; Simon, lives in Indiana; Elmer, a farmer, at home; George, Roy, and Lucille, all living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Rich have five grandchildren, as follows: Dorothy, Virgil and Fern Heinold; and Kenneth and Bettie Rich.
In politics Mr. Rich is a Republican and he has served as school di- rector for 12 years and also as road commissioner for two years. He is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Rich attribues his success in life to hard work, and he and his family are highly respected citizens and stand high in McLean County.
Samuel Rinkenberger is a successful farmer and stockman of Gridley Township and farms 140 acres of land. He was born in Gridley Town- ship, Jan. 1, 1885, the son of Peter and Christina (Funk) Rinkenberger.
Peter Rinkenberger settled on a farm in Gridley Township in 1883 and for many years has been among the leading farmers of the county. He owns 714 acres of land and was a shipper and feeder of stock. Mr. and Mrs. Rinkenberger, who now live retired at Gridley, are the parents of four living children, as follows: John F., a farmer, lives in Gridley Town- ship; Elizabeth, married Chris Stoll, lives at Peoria, Ill .; Mary, married Thomas Tully, lives at Gridley ; and Samuel, the subject of this sketch.
Samuel Rinkenberger spent his boyhood on the home farm and at- tended the public schools. He has always lived in Gridley Township and now farms his father's land of 140 acres, and raises Chester White hogs.
On Jan. 20, 1909, Mr. Rinkenberger was united in marriage with Miss Goldie E. Surber, a native of McLean County, born Feb. 27, 1892, and the daughter of Albert and Hester (Hall) Surber, deceased. Mr. Surber died April 23, 1915, and his wife died March 20, 1919. They were the parents of four children, as follows: Margaret, married Arthur Atkins, a farmer, lives in Gridley Township; Mrs. Rinkenberger; and two children died in infancy. To Samuel and Goldie E. (Surber) Rinkenberger five children have been born, as follows: Edward Lowell, born Nov. 20, 1909; Burl E., born Dec. 22, 1911; Lyle S., born Jan. 12, 1917; Gayle, born Feb. 26, 1919, died Aug. 28, 1921; and Perry L., born March 17, 1921.
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In politics Mr. Rinkenberger is a Democrat and in 1916 he was elected township assessor, which office he still holds. He is a member of the Methodist Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Rinkenberger is a progressive farmer and an excellent citizen of Mc- Lean County.
John F. Rinkenberger, a substantial farmer and stockman of Gridley Township, has lived on the same farm for 40 years. He was born in Ne- braska Township, Livingston County, Oct. 28, 1877, the son of Peter and Christina (Funk) Rinkenberger.
Peter Rinkenberger, who now lives retired at Gridley, is the owner of 714 acres of well-improved land, and for many years was a prosperous farmer of Livingston and McLean counties. He and his wife are the par- ents of eight children, as follows: Lydia, deceased; John F., the subject of this sketch; Lizzie, married Chris Stoll, lives at Peoria; Mary, married Thomas Tully, real estate dealer, lives at Gridley ; Samuel, a farmer, lives in Gridley Township; Leah, deceased; and two children died in infancy.
John F. Rinkenberger received his education in the district schools and started life farming with his father. He now operates 180 acres of his father's land in Gridley Township and is a breeder of Shorthorn cat- tle, registered Percheron horses, and Chester White hogs. The Rinken- berger farm is improved with modern farm buildings, and there is a silo on the place, 50-ton capacity.
On Aug. 26, 1909, Mr. Rinkenberger was united in marriage with Miss Anna Gasser, a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., born Dec. 19, 1892, and the daughter of Nicholas and Magdalene (Miller) Gasser, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Alsace-Lorraine. Mr. Gasser settled in Brooklyn, N. Y., after coming to this country. He was drowned July 13, 1893, while in swimming, and his widow resides in White Pigeon, Mich. Mrs. Rinkenberger has one brother, Joseph, a farmer, lives at White Pigeon, Mich. She has two half-brothers, William and Ernest, who live at White Pigeon, Mich. To John F. and Anna (Gasser) Rinkenberger seven children have been born, as follows: Glenn J., born July 12, 1910; Arthur H., born Aug. 24, 1911; Madlyn K., born Oct. 31, 1913; Clarence L., born Oct. 19, 1916; Ralph L., born March 15, 1918; Dale E., born Dec. 11, 1919; and Lester M., born June 10, 1922.
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Mr. Rinkenberger is a Democrat and served as a member of the school board. He is a director of the Farmers Elevator Company. Mr. Rinken- berger is a progressive citizen and is known for his industry and integrity.
Ira Gregory, a well known citizen of Gridley Township and the owner of 600 acres of good farm land, is a member of one of the early pioneer families of McLean County. The Gregory family came to Illinois from Ohio in 1844 and John Gregory, father of the subject of this sketch, set- tled on the present home place in Gridley Township. He was born in Fayette County, Oct. 8, 1821, and after coming to McLean County became one of the leading and influential citizens. He served as vice-president of The First National Bank of Bloomington and owned 3,200 acres of well improved land.
Ira Gregory was born on the farm where he now resides, Nov. 14, 1866. He spent his boyhood on the farm and received his education in the schools of Normal. For many years Mr. Gregory has been a successful breeder of pure bred Chester White hogs and he also raises bronze turkeys, many of which have won prizes at the poultry shows in Chicago. Mr. Gregory has shipped his turkeys throughout the United States and he is widely known. He now lives retired on his farm, which is among the fine stock farms of McLean County.
On Nov. 3, 1886, Mr. Gregory was united in marriage with Miss Min- nie Lanhan, a native of Sangamon County, Ill., born Jan. 14, 1869, and the daughter of Clifton and Elizabeth (Sappington) Lanhan, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Kentucky. Mr. Lanhan was among the first settlers of Sangamon County, where he improved a large tract of land. He died Jan. 10, 1884, and his wife died in 1899. They were the parents of 11 children, as follows: John, deceased; Mary, married W. J. McCann; Thomas, deceased; Sarah, deceased; P. T., a farmer, lives in Sangamon County ; Ardena, married J. W. Boules, lives in Ohio; Martha, married Robert Lee, both deceased; Cora, married Lincoln King, both deceased; Will, deceased; Iva, lives in Ohio; and Mrs. Gregory. To Ira and Minnie (Lanhan) Gregory nine children have been born, as follows: Edna, born Sept. 1, 1887, married B. J. Kinsella, a farmer, lives in Gridley Township; Harold, born Feb. 9, 1890, a farmer, lives in Canada; Iva, born
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March 25, 1893, married Charles Dodson, a farmer, lives on part of the Gregory farm in Gridley Township; Gerald and Earl, twins, the latter died in infancy, and Gerald died Jan. 10, 1919; Violet B., born Dec. 1, 1899, married Gilbert Dodson, lives in Gridley Township; Lawrence, born Aug. 30, 1904, lives at home; and two children died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Gregory have 10 grandchildren.
The Gregory Church and Gregory School sites were given to the county by Mr. Gregory's father, John Gregory. Mr. Gregory is a Demo- crat and a member of the Christian Church, and the Gregory family is representative of the best citizenship in McLean County.
Silas Rich, well known postmaster of Gridley, is a veteran of the World War, and a member of one of McLean County's pioneer families. He was born in Gridley Township, Sept. 12, 1890, the son of Joseph S. and Catherine D. (Slagell) Rich.
Joseph S. Rich and his wife are natives of McLean County, where they have always lived. He has been a widely known feeder and shipper of stock and owns 200 acres of well-improved land in Gridley Township. Mr. Rich is a Republican and is now serving as road commissioner and school director. He and his wife, who live retired on their farm, are the parents of 10 children, as follows: Alvin, a farmer, Gridley Township; Silas, the subject of this sketch; Theodore, further mention of whom is made below; Alice, married Matt Heinold, a farmer, lives in Indiana ; Ollie, at home; Simon, lives in Indiana ; Elmer, a farmer, lives in Gridley Town- ship; George, a farmer, lives in Gridley Township; Roy, at home; and Lucille, at home.
Theodore Rich was inducted into service during the World War and served with Company A, 124th Engineers. He saw active service in France for eight months and was discharged in Chicago.
Silas Rich attended the public schools of Gridley Township and started life farming on rented land. During the World War ne was in- ducted into service from Bloomington and served with Company A, 124th Engineers, for four months, when he contracted influenza and was dis- charged. After returning to Gridley Mr. Rich engaged in the oil business for two years and later served as rural mail carrier for seven months. In
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the fall of 1922 he entered the automobile business at Gridley which he conducted until Sept. 1, 1923, when he sold out and became postmaster at Gridley. He is well known throughout the county.
Mr. Rich is a Republican and is treasurer of American Legion Post No. 218 at Gridley.
William A. Gerken, deceased, was a successful business man and prominent citizen of Bloomington for many years. He was born at Mid- lum, Hanover, Germany, June 25, 1835, the son of Charles Albert and Catherine Gerken, the former a well known professor in Germany.
William A. Gerken came to the United States when he was 17 years of age, and located in Charleston, S. C. He later went to Kenosha, Wis., where he entered the grocery business. In 1870 he removed to Blooming- ton and the following year established the Gerken Baking Company, which became one of the leading business enterprises of Bloomington. The first year Mr. Gerken rented the store building, but purchased it the following year from Mr. Wakefield. The structure is one of the landmarks of the city. Mr. Gerken had the first scale in Bloomington for weighing grain and his business was one of the first of its kind to be established at Bloomington or in McLean County. He had a stepping stone placed in front of his shop, which was used by his customers in alighting from their carriages, and this stone still remains and gives evidence of its many years' use. Mr. Gerken's first cracker machine was propelled by horse power, which was later followed by steam. He continued as sole owner of the business until 1899 when several business men bought stock and the company was incorporated under the name of the W. A. Gerken Bakery Company. Mr. Gerken died Sept. 17, 1903.
On Nov. 5, 1863, Mr. Gerken was united in marriage with Miss Mary Amelia Stemm, a native of Canada, born in 1845. To this union three children were born: one died in infancy; Albert Frederick, who died sud- denly at the age of 17 years; and Catherine, the wife of Paul F. Beich, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Gerken lives with her daughter at 209 East Grove Street, Bloomington.
Mr. Gerken was an active member on the board of the Withers Pub- lic Library and served as a member of the Bloomington school board for a number of years. He was on the building committee when the Franklin
W.A.Merken
OF THE
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Ward School was built. He was also greatly interested in the erection of the Coliseum in Bloomington. When the tract of land for Miller's Park was purchased he took an active interest in the zoo addition and his gift to that department was two deer. Mr| Gerken was a member of the Unitarian Church and always contributed liberally to its support. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was an active member of the Turner Society, being for years treasurer of the latter society. He was a lover of outdoor life and was very fond of horses.
Mr. Gerken was a fine type of business man; honest, upright and courteous. He was an energetic man who stood well in the esteem of his fellow citizens.
Walter R. Steward, manager of the Gridley Electric Light Company, is a native of Paxton, Ill., and a substantial citizen of McLean County. He was born May 22, 1892, and is the son of Charles and Louise (Turner) Steward.
Charles Steward is a native of Illinois and has been a leading business man of Paxton for many years, being engaged in the automobile business there. He is a Republican, a member of the Congregational Church, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Steward died Aug. 17, 1913. They had eight children, as follows: Archie, lives in California; Walter R., the subject of this sketch; Ruth, died at the age of 19 years; Florence, married Captain Ralph Gibson, who is stationed with the air service in St. Louis ; Ray, lives at Paxton, Ill .; Frank, lives at Paxton, Ill .; Bessie, at home; and one child died in infancy.
Walter R. Steward received his education in the public schools of Paxton and then entered business with his father, where he remained until 1912, when he entered the employ of the B. and M. Railroad. Mr. Stewart remained in the electric shops of the railroad until October, 1913, when he was appointed manager of the Gridley Electric Light Company.
On March 2, 1916, Mr. Stewart was married to Miss Alberta Keller, a native of Cuba, Ill., born Dec. 13, 1891, and the daughter of C. M. and Mary (Anderson) Keller, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of England. Mr. and Mrs. Keller live at Gridley and Mrs. Steward is their only child. To Walter R. and Alberta (Keller) Steward three children have been born, as follows: Mary Louise, born May 30, 1917; Bud, born Aug. 3, 1919 ; and Victoria, born Nov. 11, 1921.
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In politics Mr. Steward is a Republican. He is a member of the Chris- tian Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. Mr. Steward is a pro- gressive business man and is well liked in the town and surrounding community.
Gilbert Reeves is a well known retired farmer of Gridley Township and the owner of 432 acres of good farm land. He was born in Ireland, July 1, 1858, the son of Gilbert and Sarah (Green) Reeves.
Gilbert Reeves, Sr., followed farming during his entire life in Ireland and he and his wife are now deceased. They were the parents of the fol- lowing children: Jane, married John Cleary, both deceased; Johanna, the widow of Edward Lynch, lives in Illinois; James, lives in Ireland; Eliza- beth, the widow of Martin Donahue, lives in Ireland; Margaret, married Dennis Maher, both deceased; John, a retired farmer, lives in Walnut, Kan .; Myra, deceased; Gilbert, Jr., the subject of this sketch; and Wil- liam, deceased.
Gilbert Reeves, Jr., came to this country from Ireland with his broth- ers when he was 14 years of age. He worked on a farm in Gridley Town- ship for $12.00 per month and attended school at the same time. Mr. Reeves then rented land for three years and later purchased the farm of 165 acres for $35.00 per acre. He was also an extensive grain farmer. About three years ago he had his land drained with tile at a cost of $4,000.00.
On Feb. 1, 1881, Mr. Reeves was married to Miss Mary Glasgow, a native of McLean County, and the daughter of John and Mary (Tully) Glasgow, natives of Ireland. Mr. Glasgow was a successful farmer for many years and is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves are the parents of the following children: Sadie, married J. T. Fruin, a farmer, Gridley Township; John, a farmer, Gridley Township; James, a farmer, Gridley Township; Thomas, a farmer, Gridley Township; Blanche, married Leo Render, lives in Panola, Ill .; Anna, married Earl Sullivan, lives in Minonk, Ill. ; Marcelle, married Burt Sullivan, lives in Marshall County, Ill. ; Joseph, is a veteran of the World War and now lives at home; and Helen, at home. Mrs. Reeves died Feb. 16, 1902, and is buried in the Catholic cemetery at El Paso, Ill. Mr. Reeves has 33 grandchildren.
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In politics Mr. Reeves is a Democrat and he is a member of the Catholic Church. He is one of the interesting men of his community, and a highly respected citizen of McLean County.
Charles S. Brown is a leading farmer and stockman of Gridley Town- ship and the owner of a fine farm of 114 acres. He was born on a farm in Indiana, May 1, 1872, the son of Lewis E. and Hulda (Laboytaux) Brown.
Lewis E. Brown was a native of Virginia and during the early days moved to Indiana, where he farmed for a number of years. He served throughout the Civil War with the Indiana Volunteer Infantry and shortly after the close of the war came to Illinois. Mr. Brown died in 1908 and his wife died in 1875. They were the parents of six children, as follows: Edgar, deceased ; James, lives in Indiana ; Rheta, died in infancy ; Norville, lives in Indiana; Frank, deceased; and Charles S., the subject of this sketch.
Charles S. Brown spent his boyhood on his father's farm and was edu- cated in the district schools. At the age of 14 years he came to Illinois with his parents and worked on a farm for $15.00 per month. He later went to Iowa, where he remained for three years, after which he came to Woodford County and farmed. Mr. Brown settled on his present farm in Gridley Township in 1899 and he is well known as a breeder of Duroc Jersey hogs and Shorthorn cattle. He is also an extensive grain farmer.
In March, 1896, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Eft, a native of Woodford County, Ill., born July 15, 1875, and the daugh- ter of Henry Eft, a native of New Jersey and an early settler of Illinois. Mr. Eft was a successful farmer of Woodford County and owned over 600 acres of land. He and his wife, now deceased, were the parents of six children, as follows: John, lives at Taylorville, Ill .; Anna, married William Kingdom, a retired farmer, lives at El Paso, Ill .; Joseph, retired, lives at El Paso, Ill .; William, a retired farmer, lives at El Paso, Ill .; George, a retired farmer, also lives at El Paso, Ill .; and Mrs. Brown. To Charles S. and Lizzie (Eft) Brown three children have been born, as fol- lows: Mabel May, born in April, 1897, married Castle Kingdom, a banker, First National Bank, El Paso, Ill .; Clyde Joseph, born July 15, 1906, at home; and Ruth, born in May, 1908, died in 1912 by accident. Mr. and
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Mrs. Brown have two grandchildren, Beth Lucile, born in 1920, and Iona Jean, born in February, 1923.
Mr. Brown is identified with the Republican party in politics and he has served as school director for a number of years. He is a member of the Christian Church, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Brown is among the substantial citizens of Gridley Township and is well known.
Homer Stuckey, a prominent business man of Gridley and a well- known and substantial citizen of McLean County, was born at Danvers, Ill., Nov. 14, 1893, and is the son of Samuel and Lydia (Augsburger) Stuckey.
Samuel Stuckey, a native of Danvers, is among the prosperous farm- ers of McLean County. He operates a well-improved farm near Lexing- ton and is a breeder of a good stock. He is a Republican and a member of the Mennonite Church. Mr. and Mrs. Stuckey have four children, as follows: Guy, deceased; Eva, married Ora May, a farmer, lives near Gridley; Earl, at home; and Homer, the subject of this sketch.
Homer Stuckey spent his boyhood on the home place and attended the public schools of Waldo Township. He then worked on a farm for two years and also as a thresher. Mr. Stuckey operated a grocery business at Gridley for three and one-half years and on April 15, 1922, entered the coal business at Gridley. His venture in that business promises to be successful, as he is well and favorably known throughout the county.
In April, 1917, Mr. Stuckey was married to Miss Edith Ogden, a na- tive of Lexington, Ill., born Feb. 19, 1900. To this union one child was born, Garnette, born Feb. 11, 1919. On Feb. 19, 1919, Mrs. Stuckey died, and on June 2, 1921, Mr. Stuckey was married to Miss Laverne Kibler, a native of Pontiac, Ill., born in February, 1902, and the daughter of Will- iam Kibler. Mr. Kibler, a native of Virginia and an early settler of Illi- nois, now lives retired at Pontiac. Mrs. Stuckey has two sisters, as fol- lows: Bessie, married George Young, Jr., lives in Bloomington; and Lela, married Otis Oldfield, real estate agent, Centralia, Ill.
Mr. Stuckey is a Republican, a member of the Congregational Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge.
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C. R. Hughes, a successful business man of Gridley and a member of one of the early pioneer families of Illinois, was born at Peoria, Ill., July 29, 1865, the son of James and Mary (Garber) Hughes.
James Hughes was a native of Pennsylvania and came to Illinois in 1831, making the trip across the country by oxen teams. He came from Pittsburgh, Pa., to Peoria, Ill., where he worked at his trade as carpenter. Mr. Hughes took part in the building of most of the early business houses at Peoria, as well as residences. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, deceased, were the parents of nine children, as follows: William, deceased; Ellen, mar- ried Mathew Lingo, lives retired in Iowa; Jonothan, deceased; Franklin, deceased; Sarah, the widow of George Tamplin, lives in Wichita, Kan .; Mary, deceased; Jennie, the widow of Henry C. Miller, lives at Peoria, Ill .; C. R., the subject of this sketch; and James, deceased.
C. R. Hughes' first business venture was in the lumber business with Jeff Carson at Peoria, where he remained for several years. He then was with the Kent Lumber Company at Gridley for five years. In 1888 he was promoted from fireman to engineer on the Toledo, Peoria and Western Railroad until 1895. He then was employed by the Kent Lumber Company. Mr. Hughes later operated the Statler farm, his father-in- law's land, and for a number of years was a successful breeder of Belgian horses. He has been engaged in the plumbing and heating business at Gridley since 1913, where he resides.
Mr. Hughes was married on July 21, 1889, to Miss Anna Statler, a native of Waldo Township, Livingston County, born June 20, 1866, and the daughter of Lewis and Anna (Schrock) Statler. Mr. Statler was born in France and came to this country when he was a boy, settling in Illinois, where he became a prominent citizen. He was the owner of 600 acres of land and was known as a prosperous farmer and stockman. Mr. Statler died in 1916 and his wife died in 1874. They were the parents of the fol- lowing children: Joseph, lives at Peoria, Ill .; Lena, married Robert White, both deceased; Mrs. Hughes; Peter, a farmer, lives in Illinois; Lewis, a farmer, lives in Ohio; and two children died in infancy. To C. R. and Anna (Statler) Hughes four children have been born, as follows: Edna F., married Oakley Osborne, employed with the telephone company at Pontiac, Ill .; Charles Roy, married Evangeline Rowley, and he is engaged in business with his father at Gridley; Millicent C., lives at home; and George Austin, also in business with his father. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have one grandchild, Randall Hughes, born September, 1918.
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Oakley Osborne was inducted into service during the World War and served for one year oversees. Mr. Hughes' nephew, Lewis White, served during the World War, and Mrs. Hughes' two nephews, Benjamin and Joseph Statler, are also veterans of the World War.
C. R. Hughes is a Republican, a member of the township board, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is known as a man of enterprise and ability, and is esteemed as a progressive business man.
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