USA > Illinois > Iroquois County > Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois > Part 41
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F. H. Luebchow is a general merchant carry- ing on a large and growing business in the vil- lage of Martinton. He was born in Germany, February 28, 1808, and was brought to America when three years of age by his parents. His father. August Luebchow, was also horn in Ger- many and came to the new world in 18;t. For a year he resided in Will county, Ilinois, and then settled in Ash Grove township. Iroquois county. Later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in AArtesia township, which he broke and cultivated, making his home there- on continuously since and carrying forward his farm work along progressive and substantial lines. His wife. Mrs. Louisa Luebchow, is also a native of Germany.
In the common schools F. H. Luebchow ac- quired his education and lived at home until sev- enteen years of age, during which time he be- came familiar with all the work of the farm. He then started out upon an independent busi- new career by securing a clerkship in the employ of Mr. Frechette in Martinton. In March, 1803.
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he purchased the store of Mr. Kauffman. who had been engaged in merchandising in this town for about twelve years. The store building was thirty by sixty fect and he has increased the length sixteen feet by the building of an addi- tion. He carries a full line of general merchan- dise, inchiding groceries, boots, shoes, furnish- ings and dry goods. The business has greatly increased since he assumed the management and he now carries a stock valued at about seven thousand dollars. The wise system of indus- trial economics which he has followed and his enterprising spirit challenge the admiration of all, and he is thus making substantial progress as a factor in the business life of Martinton.
Mr. Luebchow was married in Martinton to Miss Ida Laughlin, who was born in Parke county, Indiana, in 1868, and they have become the parents of two children, Kenneth and Evelo, aged respectively six and four years. The par- ents are highly esteemed, occupying an enviable position in social circles. Mr. Luebchow is a valued representative of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen camp, while his political allegiance is given to the republican party.
HENRY P. WEBBER.
Henry P. Webber, whose time and energies are given to general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising interests, makes his home on sec- tion 27, Lovejoy township, his farm embracing eighty acres of land there. Ile also operates an adjoining tract of eighty acres belonging to his mother. He has resided continuously in this county for thirty years, arriving in 1877, al- though the father purchased the farm in 1875.
Mr. Webber is a native of Illinois, having been born in Stark county, December 11, 1866. He was one of four children born unto Philip and Caroline ( DeGroft) Webber. The father, a na- tive of Kentucky, was born in 1817 and when a young man removed to Indiana. Ife was mar- ried that state and lost his first wife there. Subsequently he removed to Stark county, Illi- nois, and opened up a farm near Wyoming. There he carried on general agricultural pur-
suits for several years, after which he disposed of the property and in 1877 removed to Iroquois county, having purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in 1876. There were only slight improvements upon the farm at that time but he at once began the further development and cultivation of the property and added to it a good set of farm buildlings, including a comfortable residence and barns and sheds entirely adequate for the shelter of grain and stock. He drained the land by placing many rods of tile on the farm and he also fenced the fields. Following his re- moval to Stark county he was married here to Mrs. Caroline ( DeGroft ) Ames, a widow, who was a native of Ohio and there spent her girl- hood days to the age of twelve years, when she came to Illinois with her father. James De Groft. who was one of the early settlers of Peoria coun- ty. After removing to Iroquois county, Mr. Webber continued to reside within its borders until called to his final rest on the 21st of Jan- uary, 1896. He was a resident of the state for more than a half century, helped to improve it. drain the swamps and make the country a rich and fertile tract. Ile was well known as a law- abiding citizen and a man of genuine integrity and sterling worth who deserves prominent men- tion among the pioneers, for he assisted in lay- ing broad and deep the foundation upon which has been erected the superstructure of the coun- ty's present prosperity and progress. His widow survives him and is now living on the old home- stead at the age of seventy-eight years.
Three children are living of the father's second marriage but Henry Webber is the only son. One son, James E., died at the age of twenty- eight years. lle was reared to manhood on the old homestead farm and pursued a public-school education. Through the period of his youth he remained with his father and aided as his age and strength permitted in the care and develop- ment of the fields. After he had attained his ma- jority he bought eighty acres of land from his father and the house, barn and granary upon this place have all been erected by him. lle has also put up a windpump, has tiled the land and en- closed the fickls with a neat woven wire fence. The farm presents an attractive and well kept appearance and owing to his systematic labors and progressive methods he has become a valu-
IROQUOIS COUNTY, ILLINOIS
able property. He annually harvest good crops and he is also raising high grade Polind China hogy, shorthorn cattle and good horses. Every year he fattens hogs for the market, shipping quite a large number.
On the 11th of January. 1893. in Vermilion county, IlInois, Mr. Webber was married to Mas Ida F. Hunt, who was born and reared near Lafayette, Indiana, but was left an orphan at the age of three years and was reared by an aunt in Indiana. U'nt, Mr. and Mrs. Webber have been born on children : Arthur 11 .. Ralph S .. Walter 11., Emma O., Bert P., and Harry F.
Mr. Webber exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the re- publican party. He is a believer in good schools and the employment of competent teachers and has done effective service in behalf of education while a member of the school board through a number of years. His wife is a member of the Hopeston Universalist church and he belongs to the Odd Fellows society at Wellington. 1 resident of the state throughout his entire life. he has helped to turn the sod, to drain and ditch the land and to carry forward the work of im- provement, the county being benefited thereby. while his individual resources have been in- creased. He has recently improved his own resi- dence and is comfortably situated in life as the result of his unfaltering diligence and his keen discernment as manifested in the management of his business interests.
FREDERICK W. GREENBURG.
Frederick W. Greenburg, living on section 24. Prairie Green township, is one of the progressive farmers of Iroquois county, and his holdings of seven hundred and twenty acres include five well improved farms with two hundred and forty acres in the home place. Upon this farm are many modern epipments and accessories. and in all its departments the farm indicates the spirit of progress which has dominated the owner in his business carcer. Born in Prussia. January 24. 1833. he was there reared, and in that country followed sheep-raising as a shop-
herd and tender of sheep. In 1855. when a young man of twenty-two years, he came to the new world, taking passage on a sailing vesel at Hamburg, which, after encountering heavy "cas and severe weather, reached New York har- bor after a voyage of five weeks.
Mr. Greenburg at once made his way to Mil- waukee, Wisconsin, where he spent one summer on a farm and in the winter worked in the him- ber words. He then went to Racine county. Wisconsin, and for two seasons was employed at farm labor there. About 1800 he removed to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, where he was em- ployed at farm work until 186;, when he came to Iroquois county. Illinois, and traded a horse worth two hundred dollars for eighty acres of raw land, upon which he resides. The place was almost entirely destitute of improvements save that there was an old shell of a house. Ile at once began the development and cultivation of the land and with the assistance of his sister and his father's family continued the farm work. He bought more land from time to time, broke the prairie, fenced the fields, erected necessary buildings and made the farm a good property. Today he is the owner of more than seven hun- dred acres and the home farm comprises a tract of rich and arable land of two hundred and forty acres, in the midst of which stands a comfort- able and commodious two-story residence. He has also built a good barn, put out an orchard and tiled and fenced the place and altogether the farm presents a most attractive appearance.
On the 20th of March, 180m. in Bloomington. Illinois, by his marriage to Miss Maggie Smith. Mr. Greenburg secured a helpmate and compan- ion for life's journey. She was born and reared in Bavaria, Germany, and has indeed been of much assistance to him as the years have passed by through the capable management of the household and in other ways. Six sons and a daughter have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Greenburg: John, who is now married and has two children, Reed and Bessie, their home being in Ambia, Indiana: Fred, who is married and lives in Hoopeston: Louis, who is married and has two children, Cora and Ina, their home be- ing upon a good farm in this county ; Fannie. the wife of Charles Fields, who is operating one of her father's farms: James, who lives on one
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of his father's farms : William, who is married and carries on the farm; and Lester, at home.
In politics Mr. Greenburg and his sons are all stanch republicans. Ile has served as road com- missioner and has been a member of the school board for a number of years, believing in good schools and the employment of competent teach- ers. He was reared in the Lutheran faith and his wife in the Catholic church. He is one of the well known and substantial farmers of Prai- rie Green township, and his labors have been an element in the substantial development and improvement of his section of the county. He started out in life empty-handed and in fact when he came to this country he borrowed the money with which to get him from New York to Wisconsin. He soon displayed a spirit of willingness and industry. however, that secured him good employment and as the years passed he carefully saved his earnings until he was at length enabled to purchase land. Adding to this as opportunity has offered he is today the owner of five well improved farms and his record is alike honorable to the land of his birth and the land of his adoption.
FREDERICK LOCKWOOD.
At the present date, 1907. Mr. Lockwood may be found at his home in Onarga enjoying in a well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. At an earlier period he was closely associated with agricultural interests in Onarga township and was the owner of an excellent farm of two hun- dred and seventy-six and a half acres within a mile and a half of Onarga. For fifty years he has lived in this county, so that his fellow towns- men are familiar with his history, which in its es- sential features has won for him the respect and good will of all with whom he has been asso- ciated.
Hle has now passed the eighty-second mile- stone on life's journey, having been born in Wa- sisco county in Lower Canada, Angust 14, 1824. Ile was there reared to the age of twelve years. when he went to Franklin county, New York, in company with his father, Walter Lockwood, and the family. A residence of eight years there
was followed by a removal in 1844 to Union county, Ohio. His educational privileges were those afforded by the common schools and un- der the parental roof he was trained to habits of industry, economy and integrity-habits which have characterized his entire life and have been strong features in his success.
He was first married while living in Union county, Ohio, Miss Emily Avery becoming his wife in November, 1848. She was a native of Saratoga county, New York, and was there reared, her father being Lewis Avery, who be- came one of the early settlers of Ohio. In 1856 the young couple removed from the Buckeye state to Illinois, Mr. Lockwood having purchased land here in 1854. Upon his arrival in April. 1856. he located upon the farm that he had pre- viously secured but which at that time was a tract of unbroken prairie land. He at once be- gan to turn the sod and he built upon and opened up his farm, commencing with one hundred and twenty acres of land. His first house was a log cabin, in which he lived for five years. As his financial resources increased he extended the boundaries of his farm from time to time until it embraced two hundred and seventy-six acres, in the midst of which he erected good, substantial farm buildings. He also placed over three miles of tiling on his land. thus draining it and making it very productive. He likewise planted an or- chard and shade and ornamental trees and thus added much to the attractive appearance as well as to the value of his place. The years consti- tuted a period of earnest and persistent toil but his labors at length brought him success and en- abled him in 1887 to retire from active farm life and take up his abode in the city of Onarga, where he is enjoying a peaceful and prosperous existence.
While living upon the farm Mr. Lockwood lost his first wife, who died March 23. 1863. There were four children by that union: Eugene, who is married and resides in the state of Washing- ton, where he owns a section of land, his home being in Spokane; William L., who now owns the old home farm and is married and has two daughters. Junie and Gertrude ; and Emily, the wife of (). L. Skeels, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. by whom she has one son, Charles, now a young man. She also lost one son, Fred, who died
MR. AND MRS. FREDERICK LOCKWOOD.
THE UNVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
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June 11, texty, at the age of twenty years and Mrs. Lockwood also lost at sull, Atel . who was killed by lightning in 18os, when abon twenty years of age.
Having lost his first wife Mr. Lockwood W. married agam in Onarga m April. 1870. to Miss Mahala Evans, a native of this confits and daughter of Lovead Evans, who was born in Vermont and m early hie removed westward to Olio, There he was married to Mahala Kirk, „ native Để that state He became an early set fler di Iroquois county, where he reared his fan is, and later he went to Kansas, where his last days were passed. Four children have been born of the second marriage of Mr. Lockwood: Uma, now the wife of Edward Everett, of Ben- ton county, Arkansas, In whom she has two chil- dren, Frederick and Marion; Grace, who is the wife of Charles Hildebrand, of Onarga, by whom the has one son. Harold; and two, who died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood are members of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they are actively and helpfully interested. Their- is a pleasant residence which was erected by Mr. Lockwood and which is noted for its warm- hearted and gracious hospitality. For many years Mr. Lockwood gave his political support to the republican party but now votes with the pro- hibition party. For several years he served on the school board and the cause of education has ever found in him a warm and stalwart friend. In the half century which has been added to the cycle of time since he took up his abode in Iro- quois county he has witnessed many changes here and a marvelous transformation. He has in fact helped to improve and make the county what it is today and an old barn which he built in 1860 with hard wood heavy sills and a dwell- ing which he erected in 1861 are still standing. Since 1868 Mr. Lockwood has kept a diary of all the important local events and throughout the years he has also kept a cash book, showing his receipts and expenditures of money. In his busi- ness interests he has been systematic and method- ical which, combined with his energy and perse- verance, have made him prosperous. He is now a well preserved man for one of his years and though well advanced in age in spirit and interest seens vet in his prime. He keeps in touch with
the general advancement and progress and with the trend of modern thought, conversing enter- tutmgh upon the questions of the day and cur rent events as well as relating many interesting references of the past
MIFAIR MEE\IS
'Il specific and distinctive office of biograph. is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of Imosdf and his accomplishments but rather to leave a perpetual record, establishing his charac ter by the consensus ci opinion on the part of his fellowmen. That Mount R. Meents occupies a notable position in business circles in Iroquois county is a uniformly accepted fact, and that Ins labors have been of a character that have contributed to general progress and prosperity as well as to individual success is also known. He is the senior partner of the firm of M. R. Meents & Sons, bankers, and dealers in grain, lumber. coal and seeds at Ashkum and Clifton. The firm has also extended its activities to other localities. and the business interests of the house are of direct benefit to the community.
Mr. Meents was born in Ostfriesland, Ger- many. June 15. 1851, the family home being on the shore of the North sea. His parents were Remmer H. and Ocke M. (Uliers) Meents, both of whom died in Germany about twenty or twen- ty-five years ago. The father was a farmer there and was also an overseer on the dykes an hon- orary position. Mr. Meents of this review has two brothers in Iroquois county. Frank E. and George H. while one brother. R. H. Meents, is living in Nebraska, and another brother, Comme- lius Meents, resides on the old homestead in Germany. Two sisters, however, have passed away.
Meent R. Meent- was reared under the paren tal roof to the age of seventeen years, and in May. 1800). he crossed the Atlantic to the new world. He attended school in both his native land and in this country. He may well be termed a self- made man, for his success is the direct outcome of His own labors. His residence in Iroquois county dates from the winter of 1800, and in 1871 he came toAshkum, where for thirteen
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years he was connected with Mr. Comstock in the grain business. On the expiration of that period he embarked in business on his own ac- count. The present firm, which inchides his sons. Richard R. and Frank W. Meents, was organized in August, 1800. They are carrying on a bank- ing business and are also well known as grain. lumber and coal merchants. The son. Richard. manages the bank, which is a private institution. while Frank Meents is the manager of the branch bank and of the grain trade at Clifton, where the firm are successors of S. B. Walden. He formerly acted as manager of the grain trade at Ashkum and his place is now ably filled by Arthur J. Meents. The father has been dealing in grain, coal and lumber in Ashkum since 1884 but the bank was not organized until 1896, when the present firm was formed. The institution was capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars, and the working capital of the combined institu- tion owned by the firm is not less than seventy- five thousand dollars. They are enjoying an ex- tensive trade as dealers in the commodities which they handle and the banks which they control are a most important element in the financial life of the community. Mr. Meents is also the owner of the famous Rossland Park farm, comprising about eight hundred acres. This farm is stocked with blooded animals, including English shire horses, polled Durham cattle and Shropshire sheep. He owns two English mares, Ringsand Lass and Ringsand Lady, that took ribbons at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis and also at the various state and county fairs, likewise at the lowa State Fair and the Chicago International Stock Show, where they won first and second ribbons, competing against each other. In all his business life Mr. Meents shows keen discernment and has managed his varied inter- ests with an ability that has brought him a goodly measure of success.
Mr. Meents was married in Iroquois county to Miss Philadelphia Cloke, a daughter of Rich- ard and Mary ( Stoppols ) Cloke, who were na- tives of Kent, England. The daughter was born in New Jersey and accompanied her parents to Champaign county, Ilinois, where they remained but a short time, removing to Ashkum in the late '50s. The mother died here, and the father passed away in England but his remains were
brought back to Ashkum for interment. Through many years he was actively and suc- cessfully connected with farming interests but in the later years of his life he lived retired. and during that period made several trips to his na- tive country. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Meents have been born five sons and five daughters, who are yet living and they also lost two children in infancy. Those who still survive are as follows: Richard R., who married Miss Hulda Carpenter, of Piper City, Illinois, and has five children, is a member of the firm and manager of the bank at Ashkum. He is also prominent and influen- tial in political circles, is chairman of the repub- lican central committee and was a candidate for the state legislature. Frank, now managing the interests of the firm at Clifton, married Miss Frieda Muehlenpfordt, of Ashkum. Annie is the wife of John J. Ruckrigel, a merchant at Ash- kum, and they have two sons. Grace Olive, who has taken advanced work in elocution and music at the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illi- nois, is now at home. Walter H., a graduate of the Onarga Seminary and of the literary depart- ment of the Northwestern University, is now a student in the Rush Medical College at Chicago, from which he will graduate in the spring of 1907, and he has already won the degrees of .\. B., A. M. and M. D. Arthur J .. a graduate of Onarga Seminary and afterward a student in Leland Stanford University of California, is now manager of the grain department of the business at Ashkum. Delphia C., who was graduated from Onarga Seminary in the spring of 1906. is continuing her musical education in that in- stitution. Mildred R. will graduate from Onar- ga Seminary in the spring of 1907. Alta is a student in the high school at Ashkum, and Wil- lard is attending school in this village.
Politically the family are all republicans and the father has been a member of the board of review for the past four years. He has always taken an active interest in local politics and has ever kept well informed on the questions and is- sites of the day. For the past twelve years he has served as chool treasurer. as township clerk for seven years, and has held various other offices in the township and village. Socially he is con- nected with the Modern Woodmen of America as is his son Richard, who also belongs to the
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Mas me fraternity, in which he has attained the Royal Arch degree, while Frank Meents is a member of the Knights of Paths internity. The family are members of the Methodist church it Ashkum, of which Mr. Ments has Men at heral and faithinl supporter.
Among those who have come from foreign and to become prominent in business circles n Illmois he is numbered. His success in all Is undertaking, has been so marked that his methods are of interest to the commercial world. and investigation into his history shows that he Las based his business principles and actions upon strict adherence to the rules which govern industry, como and unswerving integrity. His enterprise and progressive spirit have made him a typical American in every sure of the word By constant exertion associated with god judgment le has raised himself to the procuro position which he now holds, having the friendship of many and the respect of all why
HENRY CLAY CASE.
Henry Clay Case, living on section 6, Obriga township, is one of the few remaining of the early settlers of Ullmois and also one of the few survi r- among the veterans of the Civil war. He has lived in this state since 1834. Only two years before the Black Hawk war had been fought and the Indians still lingered in various sections, although their reign on the broad prairies of Illinois was a waning one. The land was largely covered with the native prairie grasses and here and there along the banks of the streams would be tracts of timber land, while the rich soil invited the efforts of the agricul- turist. the fields responding readily to the care and labor bestowed upon them in rich crops. In the marvelous transformation which has been wrought Mr. Case has barne has part as a pro noter of agricultural development and has ever ben an interested witness of the growth and im- provement along other lines.
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