Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Illinois : containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 78

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 850

USA > Illinois > Henry County > Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Illinois : containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 78

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Since his removal to Geneseo, Mr. Lieberknecht

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has been actively interested in the projects designed to advance the permanent interests of the place. He has served as Trustee of the township and has been a member of the Geneseo Board of Education. In the spring of 1885 he was made President of the Board of Canal Commissioners. At the time of the establishment of the Normal School at Geneseo, he was one of the first to discover all it promised to a town which should secure it, and he gave substantial proof of the sincerity of his opinions by contributing liberally to the end desired. "By their works ye shall know them."

Mr. Lieberknecht was united in marriage to Caro- line Kiefer in 1859, at Geneseo, and they had one child, who is living. He is named Frank. The mother died in the fall of 1864. In the fall of 1865, Mr. Lieberknecht was married to Rosina Rieger, and they have three children,-William, Charles and Enima. The mother was removed by death, in January, 1874. The third marriage of the father, to Priscilla Fehlman, took place in November, 1875, and they are the parents of two children,-Amelia and Leonora.

Mr. and Mrs. Lieberknecht are members of the Evangelical Association in religious connection.

dwin Wallace Houghton. Among the most enterprising as well as energetic business men of Galva, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. The ancestors of Mr. Houghton were of English extraction. His grandfather, Luther Houghton, was a na- tive of Windsor, Vt., and was a farmer by occupa- tion and struggled for the liberty of the Colonists in the War of the Revolution. He was married in the Green Mountain State, to Miss Munn, and they re- moved to the State of New York, where they con- tinued to reside until their deaths. Their children were five in number,-Loren, Leonard, Luther War- ren, Eunice and Abigail. Luther Warren is the only survivor. He was born in 1799, in Windsor, Vt., but was reared on a farm in New York, whither his parents had removed at an early day. He was mar- ried in the latter State to Alzina Mason, who was born in Oneida, that State, in 1811. Both are yet living, in Guthrie Co., Iowa. They became the par-

ents of II children, seven of whom yet survive, viz. : Caroline, Edwin W. (subject of this sketch), Cor- delia, Alvira, Charles, Wesley and Addie. Of the deceased, Selden was the only one who reached ma- turity. The parents moved West during the late Civil War, and settled in Guthrie County, where they are yet living.

Edwin Wallace Houghton was educated in his native State. He was reared on a farm, and at the age of 22 years had mastered the carpenter's trade, which he followed for nearly two years, and then engaged in the lumber and hardware business at Wyanet, Bureau County, this State. After continu- ing in the business 15 years, and meeting with finan- cial success, he came to this county, where he engaged in the same business three years. In De- cember, 1882, he came to Galva, and there conducts a large business, under the name of Houghton & Co. He has also branch stores at Altona, Bradford and Buda. Their lumber and supplies are received direct from the pineries, and they are specially pre- pared to fill all orders of contractors and builders, and constantly invite inspection of their prices. Be- sides assuming the general management of all the yards, he is also a director of the Galva Gas Works.

Mr. Houghton was married in his native county in New York, in December, 1860, to Miss Adeline Bean, a native of that State, where she was born in 1835. The names of their children are: Hattie, Orren, Shelden, Warren Orrison, Edwin, Jr., and Blanche Estelle. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Hough- ton, together with their eldest daughter, Hattie, are active members of the Congregational Church. So- cially, Mr. H. is a member of the A. F. & A. M. The success of his life is due to his own indomitable energy, good judgment and perseverance.

M. H. Hunter is a prosperous farmer of the township of Munson. He was born in the county of Muskingum, Ohio, Dec. 5, 1847. His parents, William and Margaret (Dugan) Hunter, were born in Ireland, and came in childhood to America. They were members of families in the north of Ireland, and were Presby- terians. They sprung from ancestry who went from Scotland to Ireland to escape the persecutions of

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the Scottish " kirk." They were married in Ohio, and lived in Muskingum County until 1856, when a removal was made to Illinois, and they settled in Peoria County, where they remained three years. In the fall of 1858 the father came to Henry County, and located a tract of land which contained 120 acres. It was situated on section 25, of township 16, which is now called Munson. In the spring of the next year-1859-the father removed his family to the new farm, and they took possession of a small frame house that had been erected on the place. There was also a straw-covered stable, and these were all the buildings on the place. The father and his sons devoted their attention and en- ergies to the improvement of the home. The elder Hunter was a man of industrious habits and good judgment, and the farm was soon under excellent cultivation. Good buildings were also erected, and other changes made, which improved the appearance of the place and added to its value. The death of the father occurred in 1874, when he was 74 years of age. The mother died in December, 1884.

The son, who is the subject of this sketch, was less than ten years of age when his parents came to Munson Township. He passed the remaining por- tion of his minority in the town where he is now a citizen, and was there educated in the public schools. He was a member of the family of his parents as long as the lived, and at the death of his father he assumed charge of the homestead.

In 1875 he was married to Miss Maggie J. Fergu- son, and they have two children,-Willie F. and Carrie B.

Mrs. Hunter is the daughter of George and Ann (Hall) Ferguson, who were pioneers of the township of Cornwall.

giram T. Lay, head of the firm of Lay & Lyman, the largest and most complete 00 mercantile establishment in Kewanee, Ill., was born at Kenosha, Wis., Jan. 16, 1839. His parents, Nelson and Maryette (Towsley) Lay, were born respectively in the States of Con- necticut and New York. (See biography of Nelson Lay, this volume.)

Hiram T. Lay was educated at the common

schools of Kenosha, Wis., and was 16 years of age when he came to Kewanee. Here he entered the mercantile establishment of his father as clerk, and from that time to the present he has continued in the business. His clerical experience was with Nel- son Lay (his father), Lay & Tenney, Tenney & Howard, Tenney, Hardy & Co., Little, Perkins & Co., assignee of Little, Perkins & Co., assignee of C. N. Cutter, Lay & McIntyre, and Parker & Galloway. The spring of 1860 found him trying his hand at mining in Colorado, with what success does not appear. Any way, he was there but a few months, when he returned to Kewanee and with his father engaged for a few months in the grain business. He was variously engaged during the succeeding three years, and in the spring of 1864 entered the service of the United States as First Lieutenant of Co. H, 134th Ill. Vol. Inf., and served to the expiration of his term.

Returning from the army to Kewanee, Mr. Lay again entered the employment of Mr. H. C. Parker, and in January, 1865, accepted a clerkship in J. R. Payson's general insurance agency, Chicago, where he remained for one month. In February, of 1865, he returned to Kewanee, entering the employ of Elias Lyman, March, 1867, becoming a partner in his business. W. H. Lyman became a member of the firm of Lyman, Lay & Lyman in 1874, and in 1883 the senior member retired, and the present firm was created. This firm is the outgrowth of the pio- neer dry-goods house of Willard & Morse, who were succeeded by Parish & Faulkner, they by Willard & Lyman, they by Lyman & Trask, they in turn by Elias Lyman, and he by Lynian & Lay and Lyman, Lay & Lyman, and they, on May 29, 1883, by the present firm of Lay & Lyman. The business history of this house from the beginning has been highly creditable to its various owners, and under the management of none has it been more so than under the gentleman now at its head. Mr. Lay was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Ke- wanee, and was one of its Directors for two years. He also helped to organize the Union National Bank, and is now a stockholder

He is no office-seeker, though somewhat interested in the success of the Republican party at all times. The only organization he is identified with, aside from the Congregational Church, is the G. A. R. November, 1861, he was married at Malden, Bureau

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Co., Ill., to Miss Martha Morrill, the accomplished daughter of Asa Morrill, a native of Vermont and a cousin of the distinguished Senator of that name. Mr. Lay's children are Carliss W., now a farmer in this county ; Maryette, Frank M., Louie E. and Henry H.

eter E. Walline, a merchant of Cambridge, was born Jan. 7, 1850, in Nora, Upland, Sweden. He is the son of Olaf E. and Brigitta (Peterson) Walline, who were natives of the same place in the old country. They came to America in 1868, and located at once on their arrival in this land, in Henry County. They made their settlement at Bishop Hill, and are now living in the township of Andover. Mrs. Margaret Olenius, Eric (deceased), Olaf and Peter E. are the the names of all the children of which they became the parents.

In the spring of 1867, Mr. Walline came to the United States and settled in Altona, Knox Co., Ill. He was there employed a short time as a clerk, and on coming to Henry County bought a tract of land situated south of the village of Cambridge. It con- tained 80 acres, and not long after he added a sim- ilar amount and found himself the independent possessor of 160 acres of land in good farming con- dition. He is still the proprietor of the tract which made him a land-holder under the laws of a Repub- lic. In 1875 he came to Cambridge and passed a short time in the capacity of a clerk in a mercantile establishment, but soon returned to look after the interests of his farm. In 1880 he bought an inter- est in the mercantile concern of J. Mascall, Dimick & Co., the firm style becoming J. Mascall, Dimick & Walline. Two years later Mr. Dimick retired, and Mr. C. F. Wennerstrum was admitted in his place. The establishment is one of the most popu- lar and extensive in the place where it is located, and the assortment of goods kept in stock is such as to meet the demands of the local trade. In addition to his business and other relations in Henry County, Mr. Walline is part owner of 640 acres of land in Minnesota.

He is what would be termed a self-educated man. When he came to America and set himself up in

business he was comparatively without means or influence. His cash capital on opening relations in Henry County amounted to but $2.50. In political connection he is not identified with either the Demo- cratic or Republican party, but has adopted the principles of the Prohibitionists. He is a member of the Order of Good Templars.

Mrs. Jennie S. Walline is the daughter of James Mascall, Esq., of Cambridge. She is a native of the county where she is a resident, and was born June 27, 1853. Her marriage to Mr. Walline took place Nov. 17, 1874. To her and her husband four children have been born, in the following order : Emily I., Oct. 1, 1877 ; Austin, Oct. 31, 1884; Lu- ella, deceased, and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Walline are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

obert Linton, retired farmer and mechanic, resident at Kewanee, Ill., was born in County Down, Ireland, April 1, 1803, and came to America in 1827. For 19 years he resided in the city of Philadelphia, worked six years at his trade of carpenter and joiner and served on the police force for 13 consecu- tive years. In 1846 he left the police force of his own volition, and removed to Lancaster, Pa., where he was engaged in farming and boating for about eight years. In 1854 he came West and lived at Cornwall, Henry Co., Ill., about 1 1 years, remov- ing thence to Kewanee, where he has since lived, having retired from active business in 1869. He re- ceived a common-school education in Ireland, where he was brought up to the trade of carpenter and in the faith of the Episcopal Church. At this writ- ing, however, and for many years past, he has been a consistent member of the Primitive Methodist Church.

The day he was 24 years of age, and just before leaving the Green Isle, he was married to Jane Orr, who accompanied him to the New World and lived with him, sharing alike his joys and sorrows for about 30 years. She died at Cornwall in 1857, leav- ing three children: Mary Jane (Mrs. Ackman, de- ceased), Samuel, a resident of Black River Falls, Wis., and Margaret Ann (Mrs. Morrow). In 1862, at Wethersfield, Henry County, Mr. Linton was mar-

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ried to Sarah Martin, a native of County Down, Ire- land, who died at Kewanee, Feb. 17, 1881, leaving one child, -- Sarah Jane, now living at home with her father.

Mr. Lintonn landed in America, as have thou- sands of his countrymen, possessed of naught but strong hands and a willing and honest heart. For more than 50 years, aided by a prudent, industrious and Christian wife, he fought life's battles, aye, from year to year, from manhood to middle age and still on through the declining years, until by the immutable laws of God the seasons of more than three-fourths of a century have bleached his once raven locks to the whiteness of snow, Robert Linton has practiced lessons of honest toil. In a little box house at the rear of his comfortable residence, even at this writ- ing, the octogenarian may be found turning the old style lathe with a treadle, and forging from the sea- soned wood some little article of usefulness for the household. His long, white hair floats back from his forehead and his kindly face clearly shaven greets you with a smile. His hand is steady and his eyes are yet bright, but, unlike the pages of a book that tells briefly the outlines of his simple life, he will not live always in this world, but by the great wisdom of the Creator, his earthly career will be closed by his usefulness, and the spirit which never grows old shall fly away to join those he loves in life so much and whose memory in death was ever so dear.

eter G. Johnson, a farmer in the township of Munson, is a self-made man in every sense, and also an independent thinker. He was born in Smolen, Sweden, Feb. 28, 1838, and is the son of John and Anna John- son. His parents were poor and could give him but few advantages. His own mother died when he was two years old, and he was soon pro- vided with a stepmother by his father's second mar- riage. He was under home care until he was eight years of age, and he then went to live with his grand- mother on his mother's side, and was brought up by her. He was put to work as soon as he was large enough to earn anything, and the pay he received for the labor of a year would amount only to a dollar in the currency of the United States. As he grew

older and stronger he was able to earn more, and when he was 15 he received for the service of a year $3 in money, a suit of linen clothes and two shirts.

In 1866 he came to America. He landed at New York after a voyage of a month's duration. Imme- diately after reaching the shores of this country he came to Geneseo. Instead of having money to help himself with in a strange land, he was in debt $20, and as he wished to present a tidy appearance, he borrowed $to more to purchase some clothes. He found no trouble in obtaining employment as a farm assistant, and he worked for his first employer, Bruce Paul, one year. He then thought that he could operate profitably on his own account, and he rented land, which he continued to manage until 1876. In that year he bought the farm which he now owns and which is situated in section 3. The place con- tains 160 acres, which is all under improvement. It is all enclosed and supplied with good and suitable buildings. The vicinity of the residence is beautified with trees that have been set out by the proprietor.

Mr. Johnson and Miss Caroline Linquist were united in marriage Dec. 26, 1869. Mrs Johnson is a native of Sweden. Their children are named Delia C., Jennie A., Jessie and Florence O.

lijah T. Cowl, retired farmer living at Ke- wanee, was born in Sullivan County, State of New York, at a place now called Wertz- burg, Nov. 21, 1808. His parents, William and Lydia (Perry) Cowl, natives of Cape Cod and the county of Putnam respectively, reared five sons and three daughters, Elijah T. being the third in the order of birth. The senior Mr. Cowl was a tanner and currier by trade, and the subject of this sketch alternated his labors, before arriving at his majority, between those of farming and the trade of his father. The family removed from Sullivan to Putnam County in 1817, and there the two old peo- ple spent the remainder of their lives, Mr. Cowl dying in 1853, at the age of. 72 years, and Mrs. C. four years later, at the age of 70 years.

Elijah T. Cowl remained with his parents until he was about 25 years of age, at which time he set up for himself. In 1849 he left Putnam County and removed to the State of Connecticut, where he fol- lowed farming about five years. In, 1854 he came

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into Henry County and purchased a farm in Wethers- field Township, from which he removed into Burns Township three years later. At the last named place he resided until 1833, when he retired from manual labor and took up his abode in the village of Kewanee.

In December, 1834, in the county of Putnam, in his native State, Mr. Cowl married Miss Caroline Hinman, and their union, always a happy one, was blessed with two children-Mary, the estimable and amiable wife of Mr. Ira Parker, a farmer of Burns Township, Henry Co., Ill., and Lydia A., the hand- some and accomplished Mrs. Charles Burti , whose husband is a wealthy stock dealer and ranch owner of Kansas.

Originally, Mr. C. was a Whig, but upon the de- mise of that party, like a large majority of its whilom adherents, he became a Republican, to which party his loyalty is unimpeachable. In the battle of life he began as he continued, relying upon his own re- sources. The legacy left to him was that of a strong physique, an iron constitution and a well balanced head. He has been the recipient of no gifts, no gratuities. Aided only by the good woman who early in life allied her fortune with his, he has, to use a homely phrase, " paddled his own canoe; " and the story of his many trials, of his struggles, of his de- feats, disappointments and ultimate successes can not be told in his history ; for it, like the life of a sol- dier in Sherman's grand march from Atlanta to the sea, is but the recital of an individual experience, a common factor in the mighty army of hardy pioneers who preceded civilization as it were, and by their daring and endurance made life in the newer States not only possible but in thousands of cases luxurious.

harles J. Hofland, Treasurer of Henry County, is a citizen of the United States by adoption. He is the oldest child of G. P. and Anna B. Hofland, and was born Oct. 11, 1834, in Djurrdala Parish, Province of Kalmar, Sweden. He came to America with his parents in the year 1850, who came at once to Illinois and settled in Western Township, Henry County, where the parents are now living. Mr. H. is the oldest of nine children born to his parents, seven of whom are now living.

Mr. Hofland, of this sketch, has followed the pur- suit of farming since his advent into the country ex- cept for five years, from 185 1 to 1856, which he spent in the lumber business in Wisconsin. He returned to Illinois and was on New Year's day, 1859, married to Miss Christine Anderson, of Andover. She was born in Sweden, Feb. 11, 1841, and came to this country in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Hofland have had five children, born in the following order: Edmond (deceased), Julia, Charlie E., Almeda C. and Oli- ver E.

In 1865 Mr. Hofland bought a farm in Osco Township, and is now the owner of 294 acres of choice land as his homestead. He was elected Treasurer of Henry County in the fall of 1882. This position he is now occupying with credit to himself and with satisfaction to the people of the county. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a staunch Re- publican.

tarks N. Barker, merchant at Annawan, is a native of the State of New York. He was born Jan. 1, 1835, in Oswego County, in the town of Albion. He was reared in the place of his nativity and remained with his parents until he was 23 years old. He was engaged on the farm and worked in the blacksmith shop of his father. The last four winters that he remained in his native State he was engaged in teaching, and after he came to Illinois he was similarly employed through one winter season. He was married Jan. I, 1862, to Helen J. Hartley. She was born Nov. 27, 1840, in Bureau County ; has three children living, born as follows : Frank S., Dec. 5, 1864; Duke F., March 17, 1868; Sadie A., Aug. 9, 1875. The father of Mrs. Barker, James B. Hartley, was born in Penn- sylvania, Dec. 25, 1818. He married Sarah Fritchey in 1839. She was born April 17, 1819. They had 13 children, named Mathias F., Helen J., Lois S., Maria L., Robert M., John H., Ida B., Charles W., Augusta J., Emma J., Jessie F., Harry and Mary. They are all living.

Mr. Barker is the son of Ebenezer Barker, who was a native of Bridgewater, N. Y., and was born Nov. 17, 1800. He was married to Clarissa M. Starks,

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June 22, 1823. She was a native of Massachusetts, where she was born March 12, 1805. They had 13 children, of whom Mr. Barker, of this sketch is the oldest son. Polly B. was born May 25, 1824; Clar- issa M., Sept. 25, 1825; Susan, Aug. 21, 1827 ; Mary A., Feb. 7, 1829; Electa J., Jan. 31, 1830; Eliza C., July 22, 1832 ; Sarah A., May 2, 1837 ; John, March 29, 1839 ; Harriet A., Jan. 11, 1842; Francis M., Jan. 21, 1844; G. Scott, Oct. 30, 1846; William L., Sept. 14, 1850. The father was a black- smith by trade, as was his father and grandfather be- fore him. The mother died Sept. 15, 1879. The death of the father took place Jan. 2, 1881.

In 1859 Mr. Barker came to the village of Anna- wan and established himself in the business of a blacksmith, in which he was engaged until he de- cided to change his calling for that in which he has since operated. Feb. 14, 1866, he purchased a stock of general merchandise and has since been engaged in the management of a successful and prosperous trade. He has been prominent in the discharge of the duties to which he has been called in the public interest and has served two years as Justice of the Peace. He has officiated as School Treasurer ten years. He is connected in membership with the Order of Masonry and belongs to Annawan Lodge, No. 433. He has held and is still holding official positions in the organization. He is a Republican in political connection.

ames E. Breckenridge, residing at Galva, was born July 7, 1834, in Bourbon Co., Ky., and is a son of Oliver H. P. and Nancy (Ellis) Breckenridge. The Brecken- ridge family came from Scotland to America in an early day, and settled in Virginia. The grandfather of James E. (John Breckenridge) moved to Bourbon Co., Ky., when he was a young man, and there followed the occupation of a farmer. He was married twice, his first wife being Miss M. Duncan, a native of Kentucky, and a sister of Governor Joseph Duncan, of this State, and was the mother of Oliver H. P. Breckenridge, who was the father of the sub- ject of this notice. His mother died when he was six weeks old, and his father was a second time mar- ried, to Nancy Brooks, also a native of Kentucky.

She is yet living near Paris, that State, and is the mother of eight children, five boys and three girls. · Her husband died in Kentucky in 1853, aged 81 years. He was a farmer by occupation. The father of our subject removed to Schuyler County, this State, in 1852, where he resided until the following year, when he returned to Kentucky on a visit, and there died, in 1853, at the age of 51 years. He married Nancy Ellis in Bourbon County, who is yet living i n Plattsburg, Mo., aged 7 1 years. She bore him eight children, namely : James E., subject of this notice ; Mary J., Susan, Sarah Ann, John B., and three who died in infancy.

James E., whose name heads this sketch, attended school in a log school-house in Kentucky, about three months in the year, until he attained the age of 16 years, devoting his other time to assisting his father on the farm. Arriving at the age mentioned, he en- gaged in farming, in which vocation he continued in Kentucky until he came to this State with his father, who located in Schuyler County, and there continued his former occupation. In September, 1861, James E. enlisted in Co. E, 7th Mo. Cav., and remained in the army until 1862. At the expiration of his time of enlistment he came back to this State and engaged in railroading on the Wabash Railroad, at Denver, this State, and on the Keokuk & Clayton Branch, as a section hand. Soon afterward he was promoted to the position of section foreman, but quit the road and engaged to work for the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis, now the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail- road, where he took charge of a construction train, and was conductor of the same for six months. He was then promoted to the office of Road Master, and held that position about one year, when he resigned and engaged as a freight conductor for the same road. He was conductor on a freight train for about nine months, then passenger conductor, and was again made Road Master. Dec. 1, 1865, when the road changed hands, Mr. Breckenridge one evening re- signed his position, and the next morning he took a similar position on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pa- cific Railroad, which he held until May, 1877, when he was transferred to the Rock Island & Peoria Rail- road, under the same management, and which posi- tion he has continued to hold until the present time. He has resided in Galva since 1878, having lived in Rock Island and Cambridge previous to that time.

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Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Illinois : containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 78

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 850

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 850