USA > Illinois > Whiteside County > History of Whiteside County, Illinois, from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. II > Part 24
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two years later he married Miss Catherine McManus. There is one child by this marriage, Ella, who is now acting as her father's housekeeper, for the mother died in July, 1882, at the age of fifty-six years, in the faith of the Catholic church, of which Mr. Broderick is also a member.
His political support is given to the democracy. He is an honored and high- ly respected citizen, always industrious, and by good management and hard work he became the owner of a valuable property and won a gratifying com- petence for old age. He has lived an honest and upright life and well de- serves mention in this volume.
ANTHONY W. BASTIAN.
Anthony W. Bastian, sole proprietor of the Fulton Journal, a semi- weekly independent paper, was born in Geauga county, Ohio, June 26, 1846. His parents were Van S. and Ann E. Bastian, with whom he removed to Rochester, New York, in 1850. He acquired his primary education in the schools of that city, passing through consecutive grades until 1861, when he became a resident of Prophetstown, Whiteside county, Illinois. He after- ward engaged in teaching school here and at a later day removed to Bureau county, Illinois. Being ambitious to acquire a more thorough and compre- hensive education, he made his plans to this end. His financial circum- stances did not justify the necessary expense until he personally had earned the money with which to pay his way through college. He did this by teaching school and working at farm labor and when he had secured a sufficient sum of money he matriculated in Dover College, where he remained for three terms, and also spent two terms as a student in Wheaton College. Thus constantly broadening his knowledge, he was at length enabled to successfully pass the required examination for a state certificate. It was not until after his marriage, however, that he attended Wheaton College. For some time he was closely associated with educational interests in this section of the state. He taught the Yorktown school and also organized and graded the Tampico school and served as principal for seven years.
In 1881 Mr. Bastian came to Fulton and purchased a half interest in the Journal office, of which he is now sole proprietor. He has since given his attention to the conduct of the paper and the history of the Journal . under his direction indicates his capable management and his ability in this field of activity. Strict business principles are followed in carrying on the paper. In its mechanical construction it is most attractive, while its contents make it a most readable sheet.
Mr. Bastian was married in Yorktown, Illinois, March 4, 1872, to Miss Eva. A. Patterson, a daughter of Orin and Lucy M. (Chubbuck) Patterson. Mrs. Bastian was born in Bureau county, Illinois, and by her marriage bc- came the mother of one son, Sidney A., who was born December 15, 1875, and died in 1893.
Mr. Bastian has been prominent and influential in the public life of Fulton and served for two terms as mayor and for two terms as city clerk.
A. W. BASTIAN
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
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He was also chairman of the democratic county committee for two terms and for one term a member of the democratic state central committee. He also served as a member of the board of directors of the Modern Woodmen of America and was editor of the official organ of the society for two years. He is now today busily engaged in editing and publishing a paper which had its first issue on the 25th of February, 1854, and which for more than a half century has been a factor in molding public opinion in Fulton and White- side county. He is a man of strong intellectual force and keen discernment and his editorials usually present a clear, unbiased view of any vital situation and point out the possibilities for accomplishment in connection therewith.
WILLIAM PENN PALMER.
William Penn Palmer is one of Sterling's well known citizens, serving as justice of the peace and city engineer, at the same time conducting a good in- surance business with a desirable and growing clicntage. He was born near Chambersburg, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, October 9, 1846. His pater- nal grandfather, Michael Palmer, also a native of the Keystone state, was a farmer by occupation. Both he and his wife lived to old age and reared a family of three sons and several daughters, including Jonas Palmer, who was born in Pennsylvania and in early life became a clerk in a dry-goods store at Erie, that state. He afterward took charge of one of his father's farms near Chambersburg and his remaining days were spent in that locality, where he died in 1892, when more than seventy years of age. He married Cath- erine Flack, who died in 1886 at the age of seventy years. They were mem- bers of the English branch of the German Reformed church. Mrs. Palmer was a daughter of Christian Flack, who was born near Chambersburg, Penn- sylvania, and was a tanner by trade. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Palmer were born ten children, six sons and four daughters: Margaret, the widow of Augustus Keefer, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; William Penn, of this review : Charles F., of Chambersburg; Emma, the wife of Charles Dietrick, of St. Thomas, Pennsylvania; Katie, the wife of John Mish, living near Mercers- burg, Pennsylvania; Franklin, of Mansfield, Ohio; David D., of Modesta, Cal- ifornia: George and Harry, both deceased; and one who died in infancy.
William Penn Palmer spent his boyhood days in the usual manner of farm lads upon the farm in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and attended the district schools, while later he continued his studies in Iron City College at Pittsburg, from which he was graduated. Subsequently he went to Chambers- burg, where he engaged in the grain and coal business under the firm style of Kecfer, Palmer & Company for several years. In 1877 he came to Sterling and had charge of the lumber and grain business for the firm of Langford · & Hall until he embarked in business on his own account in the same line. He was thus connected with the trade interests of the city for a number of years. Subsequently he was chosen justice of the peace and was also employed by the city for a number of years as city engineer and superintendent of
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streets. His public service has been characterized by an unfaltering devotion to the general good and has won for him the unqualified endorsement and approval of those who are cognizant of the work he has done in publie office. At the present writing, in 1908, he is also serving as township and as city assessor, which office he has filled for the past five years. He served for sev- eral terms as a member of the city council, representing what was then the fourth ward. He has also been a member of the Wallace school board for a number of years and his duties have ever been discharged with a singleness of purpose that has regarded only the best interests of the public at large.
Mr. Palmer was married to Miss Margaret Rutt, a daughter of Michael and Mary (Baer) Rutt, who were natives of Pennsylvania and came with the Palmers to Sterling in 1877. They had one son and one daughter, John and Margaret. Both parents are now deccased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have been born two daughters and a son. Bertie is the wife of E. V. Crumb, of Rockford, Illinois, and they have three children, Helen, Burritt and William Palmer Crumb. Minnie is the wife of Ralph Copeland, of Rockford, Illinois. John G. is a civil engineer in the employ of the United States government and lives at Washington, D. C. He married Bertie Wilkins, of Tiskilwa, Illinois, and they have two children, Catharine and William Wilkins.
Mr. and Mrs. Palmer were originally members of the German Reformed church but as there was no organization of that denomination in Sterling they placed their membership in the Presbyterian church here. They reside at No. 308 Avenue G, where Mr. Palmer erected a good residence about 1894. His political allegiance is given unfalteringly to the republican party, while fra- ternally he is connected with Rock River Lodge, No. 612, A. F. & A. M .; Sterling Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M .; and Sterling Commandery, No. 57, K. T. For more than thirty years he has resided in Sterling and is well known here' as a man of many friends-à fact indicative of the good qualities he has dis- played in public and private life.
CONRAD HARMS.
Conrad Harms dates his residence in Whiteside eounty from 1866. Ar- riving here in July, of that year, he took up his abode on section 3, Hopkins township, and in the intervening years has been connected with agricultural interests in the county. He was born in Jever, Germany, October 22, 1838. His father, J. C. Harms, a native of Oldenburg, Germany, was born in 1804 and reached the age of seventy-four years, passing away in 1878, his remains being interred in the cemetery of the Lutheran church of Oldenburg. Throughout his entire business career he followed tailoring in the town of Jever. In 1836 he was married to Miss Catherine Miller and unto them were born six children: Conrad, of this review; Carl, who died in 1876; Carl, the second of the name, who died in 1878; Anna, Minnie, who died in 1868; and Fredericka, who is residing in Sterling and is the wife of Louis Sunderman, identified with the business interests of the city. The mother of this family
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was born in 1809 and died in 1849, her grave also being made in the Luth- cran church cemetery of Oldenburg.
Conrad Harms, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the common schools but his opportunities in that direction were somewhat lim- ited, for at a very early age he went to work on a farm. He was first cm- ployed by Henry Hayungs, near Jever, Germany, and continued in that line of activity until thirty-four years of age. His skill and efficiency gradually increasing, his wages were also enlarged proportionately in accordance with the scale of wages paid in his native country, but fecling that he would have better opportunities in the new world, he resolved to come to America and seek his fortune in the United States. Accordingly, he made the voyage across the Atlantic in 1866 and, as stated, arrived in Whiteside county in July of that year. He has since been identified with the agricultural interests of this portion of the state and now makes his honie on section 8, Sterling town- ship, where he owns one of the best improved farms of Whiteside county, for which he paid eighty-five dollars per acre seven years ago. This has since increased in value owing to the natural advance in prices and also owing to the improvements which he has made upon it.
In 1875 Mr. Harms was married to Miss Mary Tiarks, of Hooksiel, Ger- many, a daughter of Fred and Christine (Remners) Tiarks. Her mother was born in Jever, Germany, in 1809 and departed this life in 1887. The father was born about 1805 in Jever and passed away in 1885. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Harms have been born seven children: Mary Catherine is the wife of George Onken, a resident of Whiteside county. Jacob Fred married Alice Kophammer, a native of Whiteside county. Charlie wedded Margaret Boesen, who is living in this county. Anna is the wife of Ed. Mieners, also living in Whiteside county. Henry and Will are at home. They also lost one child, Charlie Conrad, who died in 1887.
. Mr. Harms possesses many of the sterling characteristics of the. German racc. He possesses the energy and determination which lead to success and also the resolute spirit which promises effective effort in the business world. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the United States, for here he has found the opportunities which he desired and not only gained a confortable competency but has also won the respect and good will of a large majority of those with whom he has been brought in con- tact. He has found here a pleasant home and many friends and is thoroughly content with his adopted country.
EDWARD O. HILLS.
Edward O. Hills is a member of the firm conducting an extensive hot- house business at Fulton and their enterprise is the leading one of this char- acter in the place. He has wrought out his success along well defined lines of labor, his energy and determination being the salient features in his business career. His birth occurred in Sterling, Whiteside county, Illinois, August
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29, 1867, his parents being Josiah and Lavina (Hill) Hills, who came to Whiteside county at an early day, probably about 1860. They settled in Ster- ling and the father, who was a tanner by trade, established one of the first, if not the first, tanneries of Sterling, a business which he conducted success- fully for a long period. He not only did the tanning but converted the leather into a finished product, for which he found a ready sale on the mar- ket. He was located at Sparta, Illinois, from 1871 until 1877, when he turned to Sterling, where he continued business in the same line in which he had formerly been engaged. This he followed until about 1881, or 1882, when he retired from that field of activity. He afterward established a dairy busi- ness, which he conducted with success until 1895. He then retired from all active work and removed to Tallapoosa, Georgia, where he resided until 1899. In that year he again came to Illinois and established his home in Morrison, where he is now residing in his eightieth year, enjoying remarkable health for one of his age, for he is a splendidly preserved man. On the 25th of January, 1908, for the first time in thirty years he was obliged to call in the services of a physician. His wife died September 17, 1906, at the age of seventy-four years. They were the parents of five children, four of whom reached adult age; Ella; Cora, the wife of Clarence B. Pierce, of Ustick township, this coun- ty ; E. O. and Fred A., who is a member of the firm of Hills Brothers & Kirman.
Edward O. Hills pursued his education in the schools of Sterling and at the age of twenty-two years secured a position in the office of the city engi- neer and while thus engaged gaincd a comprehensive knowledge of civil engineering. He has since followed that business in connection with other enterprises and in 1902 was elected county surveyor, to which office he was re-elected in 1904. In this position his knowledge of civil engineering and surveying was called into constant use and that his service was capable and ef- fective is indicated by the fact that he was chosen for a second term. Previ- ous to his election to the office which he now holds he was during 1897 and 1898 employed by the government, having charge of a crew of men in mak- ing geological surveys through the states of Utah and Wyoming. In 1900 he was employed as inspector by the government of the Hennepin feeder to the main canal running through this county. About 1897 he was appointed city engincer of Morrison, a position which he filled until 1908, when his other interests became of so much importance that he felt that he could no longer afford to give the necessary time to his official duties of civil engineer and withdrew from the office.
In 1905 Mr. Hills in company with L. G. MacKinzie established a busi- ness for the production of hothouse plants and vegetables. Mr. MacKinzie afterward sold his interest to Fred A. Hills and our subject and in 1907 John E. Kirman, a .brother-in-law, purchased an interest in the business which : . now conducted under the firm style of Hills Brothers & Kirman. This firm inakes a specialty of growing hothouse cucumbers and tomatoes. Their busi- ness has reached extensive proportions and is now one of the profitable cnter- prises of Fulton.
Mr. Hills was married in 1896 to Miss Alice Kirman, of Morrison, a daughter of Mrs. Mary Kirman, one of the early settlers of this county, and a
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sister of John E. Kirman. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hills hold membership in the Universalist church. Politically he is a republican and fraternally is con- nected with Grove Lodge, No. 50, I. O. O. F. He has led a very busy and use- ful life, his varied interests making constant demand upon his time and attention and throughout his career he has made that steady progress which is the outcome of close application, determination and ability.
GEORGE M. ADAIR.
George M. Adair, following the occupation of farming in Coloma town- ship, his time and energies being devoted to the improvement of an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres, was born in Monroe, Green county, Wis- consin, November 10, 1855. His parents were George and Martha (Simpkins) Adair, both of whom were natives of Canada, whence they removed to Wis- consin about 1853. The father was a blacksmith by trade. He lived at home until sixteen years of age and then served a two years' apprenticeship at blacksmithing, after which he followed the trade as a journeyman for six years. In the meantime he carefully saved his earnings, so that on the expira- tion of that period he was enabled to embark in business on his own account, opening a shop in Canada. When two years had passed he removed to Wis- consin, where he established himself in his trade, remaining there until 1860. He afterward went to Michigan, where he continued until the fall of 1871, when he returned to Wisconsin and acquired the same business he had left there. Later he again sold out and removed to Moline, Illinois, where he engaged in blacksmithing for two years. In 1879 he came to Rock Falls, where he opened a smithy and as the result of his efficient workmanship in his chosen occupation soon gained a liberal and growing patronage that brought to him a comfortable competence. Here he prospered and remained until his death, which occurred in 1907. He was a son of John and Anna (Teezel) Adair, who were natives of New Jersey. Further than this noth- ing is known concerning the ancestral history of the family.
George M. Adair accompanied his parents on their various removals during the days of his boyhood and youth and acquired a public-school edu- cation. When twenty-one years of age he started out upon an independent business career, working for the Keystone Manufacturing Company at Rock Falls. That he was capable, energetic and faithful is plainly indicated by the fact that his connection with that company covered the period from 1876 until 1905. He worked his way upward from one position to another, each bring- ing added responsibilities, and for some time served as foreman. After sever- ing his connection with the Keystone Company in 1905 he invested his sav- ings in the farm which he now occupies, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land, all now in fine condition. His fields are well cultivated, bringing forth productive crops. In the midst of the farin stands a beautiful country residence with pleasant surroundings and there are also commodious barns and outbuildings giving ample shelter for grain and
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stock. Everything about the placc indicates his enterprising spirit and his labors have brought to him a satisfactory reward since taking up the work of the fields. Hc. is justly accounted one of the representative agriculturists of the community and his farm yearly returns to him rich crops.
On the 14th of September, 1886, Mr. Adair was married to Miss Hat- tie Adkins, a daughter of Buford D. and Margaret F. (Bivens) Adkins, who were natives of Kentucky, born near Louisville. The father went to Missouri at any early day, settling in Platte county. Two children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Adair, Willie and Stanley. The family are well known in Rock Falls and in Coloma township, where they have an extensive circle of warm friends.
JACOB WETZELL, JR.
Jacob Wetzell, Jr., is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and seventy-two acres situated on section 9, Genesee township. It is a rich and productive tract of land, splendidly improved with every modern convenience and accessory known to the model farm of the twentieth century. It was in Genesee township that Jacob Wetzell first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 15th of May, 1856, his parents being Jacob and Susan (Bidler) Wet- zell. The father was a native of Stark county, Ohio, born September 12, 1814, while the mother's birth occurred in Pennsylvania on the 27th of September, 1815. They arrived in Illinois in 1855 and soon afterward the father in- vested in land in Whiteside county, where he continued to make his home until his demise. For almost a half century he lived within its borders and wit- nessed its transformation as it took on all of the evidences of a modern and progressive civilization, becoming one of the rich agricultural districts of the state, while in its midst sprang up important industrial and commercial concerns that constitute the clements of a city's growth and prosperity. He dicd January 5, 1902, and his wife passed away later in the same year. They werc the parents of ten children, namely: Henry, of Whiteside county; Sarah, the wife of N. H. Buntley, of Carroll county, Illinois; Elizabeth, who became the wife of J. B. Overholser and resides in Sterling; Samuel, also of Sterling; Mary, the wife of B. F. Buntley, of Genesee township; Catherine, the wife of William Peugh; Frank, deceased; Jacob, of this review; and Caro- line and an infant, who are likewise deceased.
In early boyhood Jacob Wetzell was sent as a pupil to the public schools and thereby acquired his education. During the periods of vacation he was trained in the work of the home farm and lessons concerning the value of in- dustry, enterprise and integrity were early impressed on his mind. He re- mained on the old home farm until thirty-four years of age, when he was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Julia Kennedy, who was born in Whiteside county, November 26, 1859, a daughter of William and Emeline (Bailey) Kennedy. The father was born in Washington county, New York, October 8, 1828, while the mother's birthi occurred in the Empire state
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on the 14th of August, 1840. They were the parents of eight children : Mary, deceased ; Mrs. Wetzell; Harold, of Clyde township; Jefferson, who resides in Missouri ; Harvey, of Whiteside county ; Lydia, the wife of J. M. Morrison, of Texas; Cora, at home; and one who died in infancy. The mother has now passed away but the father still survives. He lost his wife in 1888.
Following his marriage Mr. Wetzell purchased one hundred and seventy- two acres of land on section 9, Genesee township, and it has since been his home. It now constitutes one of the finest farms of the county and in its midst stands a palatial and beautiful country residence, built in modern style of architecture and containing fourteen rooms. It is supplied with all the latest conveniences and equipments and every necessary outbuilding for the shelter of grain and stock is also found upon the place. These have been built with a view to convenience and the farm is splendidly equipped. In addition to tilling the soil in the production of crops best adapted to climatic conditions here, Mr. Wetzell also makes a specialty of raising Poland China hogs.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wetzell have been born five children: Harold, now deceased; Frank and Leslie, in school; Glynn and Lyle, at home. The par- ents are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Wetzell votes with the republican party and for several years has served as school direc- tor, the cause of public education finding in him a warm champion. Other- wise he has never held nor desired public office, for he feels that his farming interests make full claim upon his time and energies. That he has prospered as the years have passed is indicated in the appearance of his beautiful home and well kept farm, while throughout the county it is a well known fact that his name is an honored one on commercial paper.
JOHN AGGEN.
John Aggen, extensively engaged in raising vegetables in Fulton, was born in Holland on the 3d of March, 1858, a son of John and Ledena (Wier- sema) Aggen, who died in that country. In 1878 John Aggen crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Chicago, where he was employed as a farm hand for three years. On the expiration of that period, in association with his brothers, he engaged in gardening on leased land, following that line of activity for twenty-two years in and near the western metropolis. Arriving in Fulton, Whiteside county, in 1903, he here established the first hothouse devoted to the production of lettuce, onions and other vegetables in this part of the state. His present plant was erected in 1906 and is one of the most extensive in the entire county, Mr. Aggen having spent some twenty-five hundred dollars in perfecting the establishment, which cannot be excelled in the beauty of its surroundings. It is located in one of the most desirable spots in the town of Fulton, being near the business center and not far from Lyons and Clinton, Iowa. As previously stated, Mr. Aggen arrived in this country in 1878, handicapped by a lack of funds and unfamiliarity with the English language. In spite of these serious disadvantages he resolutely set to work,
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