USA > Illinois > Bureau County > Past and present of Bureau County, Illinois : together with biographical sketches of many of its prominent and leading citizens and illustrious dead > Part 44
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FRITZ STIER.
Fritz Stier dates his residence in Bureau county from 1880, and since 1890 has resided upon his present farm. He now owns more than two hun- dred acres of land in the home property, all of which is under a high state of eultivation. He was born in Stratzund, in the province of Pomerania, Germany, August 19, 1849, his parents being Chris and Mary Stier, who were farming people. Reared and educated in his native country, Fritz Stier remained in the fatherland until 1880, when at the age of thirty-one years he sailed for the United States, arriving on the 6th of November. Ile spent the first year as a farm hand and then rented land in the northern part of Bureau coun- ty, where he lived for seven years. He afterward spent two years east of the home place, and for five years rented his present farm before making
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purchase of this on the 9th of August, 1895. That date made him owner of one hundred and sixty acres, and in 1904 he added to this an adjoining traet of forty-five aeres, so that he is now the own- er of two hundred and five acres of good land, which he has highly cultivated. All of the build- ings upon it are new and modern, and none of the accessories of a model farm are lacking. He raises horses, cattle and hogs, all of which are standard bred, and this branch of his business proves a good source of income.
In June, 1876, Mr. Stier was married to Miss Minnie Rosenow, of Germany, and their eldest child, Fred Morris, was born ere their emigration to America. His birth occurred December 14, 1877, and he now operates the home farm with his father. The other children of the family are: Emma, born September 6, 1882; Alfreda Alberta, December 2, 1885; Charles August, July 11, 1888, and Mina. Fred has purchased forty-five acres of land adjoining the home place, on which he has built a neat residence. Fred and Emma both be- long to the Christian church of Greenville, while the others are members of the German Lutheran church at Manlius.
Mr. Stier possessed a capital of bnt eighty-five dollars when he came to America, and all that he has since accumulated has been gained through hard work, industry and economy. The hope that led him to seek a home in the new world has been more than realized, and in the county of his adop- tion he has gained warm friendships as well as material possessions.
WILLIAM HARRY NORTON.
William Harry Norton, a native of Bureau county, Illinois, was born September 20, 1875, and is a son of Edward L. and Rosella ( Lorey) Nor- ton, the former an employe of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway Company, located at Sheffield, Illinois.
William H. Norton, the subject of this review, was educated in the schools of Sheffield, and after putting aside his text-books engaged in farming for a time. He then entered the employ of H. L. Wood, at Sheffield, who was engaged in the lum- ber business, Mr. Norton acting as foreman of this enterprise for five years. On the expiration of that period he severed his connections with that firm and entered the employ of A. W. Boyden & Sons, engaged in the banking business, with whom he remained for a time, but later engaged in the lumber business, and has for the past three years been employed as manager for F. G. Lindner & Company, at Buda. He is capably filling this po- sition, and his service, are highly acceptable to his employers. On the 1st of November, 1906, he expects to take charge of a lumber yard at Somo- nauk, De Kalb county, under the name of W. H. Norton & Company.
On the 30th of April, 1899, Mr. Norton was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Amelia Woods, of Keithsburg, Illinois, a daughter of J. W. Woods, who is engaged there in horticultural pur- suits. Their home has been blessed with two chil- dren : Harry Woods, born JJuly 2, 1901, and Rose Genevieve, born June 21, 1906.
Mr. Norton is a stanch democrat, having sup- ported that party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and is acting as vice chancellor of that order. Popular socially, Mr. and Mrs. Norton have a host of warm friends in Buda, where the hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed.
ROBERT WHITAKER.
Robert Whitaker, who owns and operates a good farin of eighty acres on section 20, Indiantown township, was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, March 6, 1843. His father, William Whitaker, was lost on the ocean after going to England in 1856, the vessel going down upon his return voy- age to this country. The mother died when our subject was only eleven years old. Robert and an elder brother remained at home and took care of the younger brother and sisters. There were ten children, and seven reached years of maturity.
Robert Whitaker was educated in the common schools, but when thirteen years of age began working on a farm by the month. At the outbreak of the Civil war his patriotie spirit was aroused, and in October, 1861, he enlisted, joining the boys in blue of Company II, Thirty-seventh Reghnent of Indiana Infantry. He served for two and a half years and was honorably discharged in May, 1863, at Quiney, Illinois, on account of disability. He had a horse stolen from him by John Morgan, who was then making his raid through Indiana. In August, 1863, Mr. Whitaker again enlisted, joining the Seventh Indiana Cavalry, with which he served until March, 1866, and during that time he was sent to Texas, where he remained for near- ly a year. During his first enlistment he served in Louisville and thence went down the Ohio river to West Point, Kentucky, on to Bowling Green, to Nashville, to Murfreesboro and to Huntsville, Ala- bama, where the Union troops captured some pris- oners under General Mitchell. They afterward proceeded to Athens, Alabama, and subsequently operated in Tennessee and Mississippi. Mr. Whit- aker was never woundedl, but on one occasion had his horse shot from under him. Becoming ill, he was in the hospital for eight months, spending six weeks of that time in Nashville, while later he was at New Albany, Indiana, and subsequently in the hospital at Quincy, where he was discharged in May, 1863.
Mr. Whitaker remained a resident of Indiana until 1880, when he came to Bureau county. Here
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he has since followed farming, with the exception of two years spent in Kansas. He bought his pres- ent place of eighty aeres in January, 1902, and carries on general agricultural pursuits and stoek- raising, making a specialty of cattle, hogs and sheep, and raising a large number of ealves each year. In 1905 he built a fine residence, containing eight rooms, each one of which is sixteen feet square. This is one of the best houses in this part of the county, and he has new barns and other modern buildings upon his place, and the farm is one of the neatest and most attractive in the township.
In his political views Mr. Whitaker is a stal- wart republican, and has served as highway com- missioner and as a member of the school board, while socially he is connected with Swain post, No. 606, G. A. R. In his family are four chil- dren : Hettie, now engaged in school teaching; Mattie, who also taught school prior to her mar- riage to Nicholas Scherty; Flora, also a school teacher, and May, at home. Mr. Whitaker and his family are very sociable people, and are highly esteemed in the community where they live. He owes his success entirely to his own labors, for he started out in life empty-handed, and has worked his way steadily upward through persistent pur- pose and intense and well directed energy.
JAMES CONLEY, JR.
James Conley, Jr., living in Manlins township, his attention being given to the supervision of his farming and stock-raising interests, was born August 8, 1862, in Concord township, this county. His parents were James and Mary ( Freeman) Conley, and the father followed the occupation of farming, so that the subject of this review was reared to agricultural life. Ile was educated in the common schools and in Dixon Normal School at Dixon, Illinois, and when he had put aside his text-books he took up the vocation of teaching, in which he engaged for about three years. He first taught in the Red schoolhouse in Manlius town- ship and afterward in the Douglas school at Ne- ponset, while later he became principal of the schools of the town of Mineral. He was a capable educator, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge that he had acquired, but thinking that he would find agricultural interests more profitable he purchased eighty acres of land in Manlius township, whereon he has since lived. Here he has carried on general farming and stock- raising and now has good standard bred horses, cattle and hogs. He likewise operates a thresher, culler and sheller and has all he can do in this line during the season. In fact he leads a very busy life and his snecess may all be attributed to his own well directed labors.
Mr. Conley was maried, August 29, 1893, to Miss Ella L. Baxter, of Manlius, a daughter of
Newton and Naomi ( Davis) Baxter, a farmer of this locality. Her father, however, has now passed away but her mother is still living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Conley has been born one son, Guy El- win, whose natal day was December 29, 1894. The parents attend the United Brethren church, of which Mrs. Conley is a inember. Mr. Conley has spent his entire life in Bureau county, where he is favorably known as a teacher, agriculturist and citizen, having in all life's relations displayed ster- ling qualities which have commanded for him the respect and good will of those with whom he has been brought in contaet.
GEORGE F. RACKLEY.
George F. Rackley, a native of Bureau county, is the owner of eighty acres of land in Berlin township and it was in this locality that he was born June 22, 1860. Throughout his entire life he has been identified with farming interests and is now a worthy representative of agricultural life in this part of the state. He is a son of N. F. Rackley, who was an early settler of the county. The father purchased this farm in 1851, at which time he paid twenty dollars per acre for the land. He went to California in 1850, making an overland trip and spending two years on the Pacific coast. Hle made enough money there in Lis mining ven- tures to purchase what is now the old homestead farm upon his return to Illinois. He made the trip across the plains after the manner of travel at that time, being one hundred days without seeing any settlement in crossing the arid desert land and in climbing the mountains of the west. For many years he was closely associated with agri- cultural interests in Bureau county as one of the leading and enterprising farmers.
George F. Rackley acquired his education in the public schools and was trained to farm work, no event of special importance occurring to vary the routine of farin life for him in the days of his boy- hood and youth. Having arrived at years of ma- turity he was married in Berlin township on the 10th of January, 1884, to Miss Anna MI. Wilson, who was born in Chicago, January 28, 1861. Her father, William R. Wilson, was a native of Scot- land, born April 17, 1838, and he is now living on Prairie avenue in Chicago. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Martha Alexander and was also born in the land of hills and heather, died in Chicago in 1814. In their family were four chil- dren: Anna M., now MIrs. Rackley: Agnes, de- ceased ; Margaret, still living; and Elizabeth, who has passed away. Mrs. Rackley was educated at Breen school in Bureau county, while Mr. Rackley pursued his studies in Malden and in Dover Acad- emy. By their marriage they because the parents of one son, who is yet living, Williaz. F., who was born November 9, 1884, and was married June 6, 1906. to Lizzie B. Keel. who was born June 4,
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1885. The other children of the family were: May M., who was born September 6, 1886, and died November 1, 1891; Ellen 1., who was born December 15, 1887, and died October 31, 1891; and George A., who was born March 22, 1891, and died January 19, 1895.
Since attaining his majority Mr. Rackley has carried on farming on his own account and, re- siding upon the old homestead, is now the owner of a valuable property of eighty acres, which has been in possession of the family for more than half a century. It is a well improved tract of land, equipped with modern conveniences and accessor- ies and everything about the place is indicative of the care and supervision of a progressive owner. He is prominent socially as a member of Daunt- less lodge, No. 150, K. P., and Modern Woodmen camp, No. 468. Ilis political allegiance is given to the republican party and he adheres to the faith of the Baptist church, of which his family are also members. His entire life having been passed in the county, he is widely known to many of the citizens of Berlin township and other districts and through forty-six years he has now been an inter- ested witness of the changes which have occurred as man has wrought for the improvement and de- velopment of this part of the state.
JAMES E. RILEY.
James E. Riley, dependent upon his own re- sources from an early age, is now a substantial resident of the village of La Moille, trusted by his fellowmen by reason of his personal worth, his business ability and the fidelity which he has dis- played toward every trust that has been reposed in him. He is, moreover, deserving of representa- tion in this volume as one of the veterans of the Civil war, who stood loyally in defense of the Union during the dark hour in our country's his- tory.
Mr. Riley is a native of Greene county, Indiana, born July 19, 1842, and is the eighth in a family of eleven children. The father, John Riley, was born in Bradford, England, February 23, 1805, and was married there to Miss Rachel Dalby, who was born in the same place on the 20th of Septem- ber, 1805. They came to America in 1830 and settled in Indiana, where they reared their family.
James E. Riley spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the state of his nativity and com- pleted his education in the schools of New Albany, Indiana. He then learned the cabinet-maker's trade, at which he worked until the outbreak of the Civil war. IIe had watched with interest the progress of events in the south, had noted the growing movement toward secession and had re- solved that if a blow was struck to overthrow the Union he would stand loyally for its defense. Hardly had the smoke from Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when on the 16th of April, 1861, he
joined Company A of the Twelfth Indiana In- fantry in response to the first call for soldiers to crush out the rebellion in the south. Later he served with Company F of the Fifty-ninth Indi- ana Infantry, subsequently with Company A of the Forty-ninth United States Colored Infantry and afterward with Company B of the First United States Veterans. He was with the army continu- ously throughout the period of the war and it was not until the 4th of January, 1866, about eight months after the actual cessation of hostilities, that he was honorably discharged. He participated in the only battle where the black flag was raised, which meant "no quarter." His regiment guarded the scaffold at Washington whereon the conspira- tors connected with the assassination of President Lincoln were hung. It was his regiment that bur- ied the dead on the field thirteen months after the battle of the Wilderness, covering a territory twen- ty-one miles long. Mr. Riley saw arduous service, fraught with every difficulty and danger known to the life of a soldier, but was never known to falter in the performance of any duty, displaying marked valor and loyalty throughout his entire connection with the army. Following the close of the war he returned to his home and took up work at the carpenter's trade, which he has followed during the greater part of his life, being closely associated with building operations in this section of the eounty for many years. As he has prospered in his undertakings he has invested in real estate and is now the owner of town property in La Moille.
On the 8th of April, 1869, Mr. Riley was mar- ried to Miss Hattie E. Phillips, who was born in Buckland, Massachusetts, August 18, 1848, and was educated in the schools of La Moille and in Dover academy. Her parents were Elijah B. and Elizabeth (Rood) Phillips. Her father was born in Massachusetts and was of the eighth generation of the descendants of Miles Standish. With his family he came to La Moille in 1856 and remained a resident of Bureau county until his death, save that for a short period he resided in Livingston county, Illinois, and in South Dakota. He then returned to Bureau county, where he and his wife spent their remaining days. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Riley has been blessed with three chil- dren : Benjamin B., born January 23, 1870; Ralph E., May 23, 1882, and Glenn A., June 15, 1892.
Mr. Riley has filled all of the offices in the Odd Fellows lodge, of which he is a member, and has been distriet deputy grand master for five years. He is one of the leading members of this organiza- tion in his section of the state and has done much for its advancement. He votes with the republi- can party and has filled various offices, serving as township collector, as president of the village board, as trustee for eight years and for four years as clerk. Hle and his family hold membership in the Congregational church. Friends and neigh- bors esteem him, for he is a publie-spirited citi- zen in the truest and best sense of the term, mani-
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festing in days of peace the same loyalty to the government in its local and national interests as when he followed the stars and stripes upon the battlefields of the south. He has fully merited the confidence of his fellowmen by an upright life, has been a trustworthy official and in business has ever been honest and reliable.
ORMOND J. CONNER.
Among the leading and influential merchants of Ohio, Bureau county, Illinois, is numbered Or- mond J. Conner, who with his father, William M. Conner, is interested in the lumber and coal busi- ness. He was born in Ohio township, this county, September 18, 1871, a son of William M. and Maria Winkler, the former a native of Leesburg, Virginia, born March 2, 1831, and whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume, and the latter born in Summit county, Ohio, August 20, 1841, a daughter of James and Lucinda (Boydston) Winkler. In their family have been born four chil- dren, namely: Lucy B., born November 2, 1865; Clarence E., May 21, 1867; Roberta V., born Sep- tember 26, 1869, and Ormond J., the subject of this review.
Ormond J. Conner, the youngest member of his father's family, received his education in the pub- lice schools of Ohio, and after putting aside his text-books entered into business in connection with his father as a dealer in lumber and coal in the vil- lage of Ohio. By honesty and strict adherence to business they have built up a large trade, handling all kinds of lumber for building purposes, as well as coal, and they enjoy a large patronage both in the village of Ohio and in the surrounding coun- try as well.
Mr. Conner was united in marriage to Miss Mae E. Fagan, the wedding ceremony being per- formed on the 29th of August, 1895. Mrs. Con- ner was born January 20, 18:4, and is a daughter of Michael and Mary E. (Shehan) Fagan. The father was born in eastern Canada, December 25, 1850, and when a small boy was brought by his parents to the United States. The mother was born in Lee county, Illinois, August 17, 1852. They became the parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. Conner is the second in order of birth. She was educated in the public schools of the village in which she yet makes her home. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Connor have been born four children, name- ly: Ivan E., born January 10, 1897; Glen O., born December 9. 1898; Margaret M., born March 11, 1901, and Helen M., May 7, 1906.
In politics Mr. Conner is a republican and takes an active and helpful part in local political ranks, having served as councilinan of the village of Ohio, and was also township clerk for four years. Fra- ternally he is a member of the Independent Ouler of Odd Fellows, belonging to Schamo lodge, No. 627, and is also a Modern Woodman. belonging to
lodge No. 17. Mrs. Conner is a communicant of the Catholic church.
Mr. Conner is an energetic young business man, having through his well directed efforts and straightforward dealing built up an excellent busi- ness as a dealer in lumber and coal, and in addi- tion to this business he is also the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Wisconsin and owns his residence in the village of Ohio. Thus it will be seen that he has accumulated a hand- some competence which classes him among the prominent citizens of Bureau county. Ile possesses a genial nature, is courteous in manner, and both he and his wife are popular socially.
NELS ERIKSON.
Nels Erikson is one of the extensive land owners of Bureau county, his holdings comprising five hundred and seventy acres in Arispie township. A noted lecturer has said that "Sweden is the home of the honest man," and throughout the world it is a recognized fact that the sons of that country are among the most industrious people on the face of the globe. The life record of Nels Erikson is another illustration of these statements, for his unfaltering energy. combined with his business integrity, have been the strong elements in his success, which has made him one of the prosperous residents of his adopted county.
He spent the first twenty-one years of his life in the land of his nativity, and in the year 1856 came to the United States, hoping to enjoy better business opportunities and advantages in the new world.
He lived in Minnesota for a few months, after which he removed to Moline, Illinois, where he spent a year and a half. He then came to Bureau county, and entered business life here as a farm hand, working for eleven dollars per month. Am- hitious, however, to engage in farining on his own account, he at length rented land, which he op- erated for a few years, and when his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital he made purchase of a farm of sixty aeres in Arispie township. He became owner of this property in 1868, and it has since been his place of residence, although from time to time, as his financial re- sources have increased, he has extended its boun- daries, until he now owns five hundred and sey- enty acres of very valuable land. Much of this was covered with timber when it came into his possession, but it now constitutes one of the finest farming properties of the county, the fields having been brought under a high state of cultivation, while all modern equipments have been added, to- gether with the latest improved machinery to fa- eilitate the work of plowing. planting and har- vesting. He has been very progressive in all his work and has made a specialty of the raising of
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MR. AND MRS. NELS ERICKSON.
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fine stock, which has proved an important source of income to him.
In 1866 Mr. Erikson was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Pierson, a native of Sweden, who came to the United States when nine years of age and died in April, 1899. Five children graced this marriage: Albert, deceased; Oscar, now a pros- perous jeweler of Pittsfield, Illinois; Edward, who married Freda Oberg and is living on a part of his father's farm; Esther, the wife of S. M. John- son, at Kewanee, Illinois; and August, who has charge of one of his father's farmis in Arispie township.
Mr. Erikson is a member of the Lutheran church and is living a life in harmony with his professions. _ Ile has now passed the seventy-third milestone on life's journey, and in a review of the past it will be seen that he has displayed many of the sterling traits of character which command respect and confidence in every land and elime.
JAMES G. LORD.
James G. Lord, after many years of active con- nection with agricultural interests, is now liv- ing retired on his farm on section 8, Milo town- ship. He was born near Manchester, England, July 21, 1830, and is a son of Lawrence Lord. He was reared in his native country and acquired his education in private schools there, having lib- eral advantages for intellectual development. He also attended evening schools to some extent and prepared for a business life by a ten years' appren- ticeship to the iron molder's trade. He came to America in 1844, when only fourteen years of age, but after remaining for a year returned to his na- tive country. In 1850, however, he once more came to the United States and in 185? he went back to England, where he was married. The same year he brought his bride to the new world and has since continued in America. He first lived in New York city but in 1855 came to Bu- reau county and purchased eighty acres of land, whereon he now resides. He made the purchase, however, for his father, while he maintained his residence in Chicago until 1877, when he took up his abode upon the farm which has since been his home. For twenty-two years he worked at the iron molder's trade in Chicago and his capability always seeured to him good positions. It was in 1839 that his father first came to America but later he returned to England, again coming to the United States in 1844, onee more went back to his native land and in 1851 took up his abode permanently in the new world. After living for a number of years in Bureau county he removed, in 1877, to New Jersey, where he spent his re- maining days.
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