The History of Stephenson County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches war record statistics portraits of early settlers history of the Northwest, history of Illinois, &c., Part 72

Author: Western Historical Co., pub; Tilden, M. H., comp
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 746

USA > Illinois > Stephenson County > The History of Stephenson County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches war record statistics portraits of early settlers history of the Northwest, history of Illinois, &c. > Part 72

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

M. D. CHAMBERLIN, dealer in hats, caps, furs and gents' furnishing goods, Stephenson street, corner Chicago street; is a native of Onondaga Co., N. Y., and was born Aug. 23, 1829; he grew up to manhood in that State; he came West to Illinois, and located in Freeport, in 1853, and established his present business ; he has carried on the business for twenty seven years, and is, with one exception, the oldest merchant in Freeport, and is the oldest dealer in hats, caps and gents' furnish- ing goods in this section of the State; he carries a full stock of the best and most standard goods, and has the leading established trade. Mr. Chamberlin was united in marriage, Jan. 3, 1855, to Miss Louise V. Loveland, a native of Hartford, Conn. ; they have six children, three sons and three daughters.

JAMES B. CHILDS, deceased ; was a native of the State of Pennsylvania, and was born in Bucks Co., in May, 1815; he grew up to manhood there, and learned the trade of cabinet and sash maker ; he came West to Illinois, and settled in Stephen- son Co. in 1842, and began working at his trade; he bought land on Stephenson street, and improved it. In November, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah D. Reel, a native of Chester Co., Penn; she came to this county in 1852. Mr. Childs was engaged in building, and made substantial improvements to the city; he was honored with many offices of trust, having been elected a member of the Board of Supervisors, Assessor and School Treasurer, and other town and school offices ; he was identified with the interests of the city and county until his death, which occurred in 1868; he left one daughter-Anna M., now Mrs. John V. Vickers. Mrs. Childs has lived in her present location, corner Galena and Mechanic streets, since 1853.

SILAS D. CLARK, Galena Ave .; is a native of Bennington Co., Vt., and was born April 14, 1810; he grew up from early boyhood in the State of New York, and lived there until he came West in 1849, to Stephenson Co., and located in Freeport ; he engaged in mercantile business, and continued in trade here for some years ; he also engaged in contracting and building railroads. Mr. Clark entered from Government a part of the farm where he now lives, within the city limits. He has held the office of City Alderman. In 1833, he was united in marriage to Miss r.mily Keith, a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y .; they have one son-George W., engaged in the grain trade here, and have lost one son-Russell.

GILBERT M. CLAYTON, dealer in toys and fancy goods, Stephenson St .; is a native of New York City, and was born Feb. 22, 1826; he grew up and attended school there; when 17 years of age, he came West with his parents to Chi- cago, when that city contained only 8,000 people ; he entered the extensive mercantile house of Alexander White & Co., who were then, and for many years, the largest deal- ers in paints and oils in that city, or west of it; he remained with this house for ten years ; he came to Freeport in 1853, and established the same character of business ; he had, besides his own capital, an unlimited letter of credit from Alexander White & Co .; he bought carefully, and, with his large experience and energy, built up an extensive trade; he carried on the business for twenty-five years, and was noted for his enterprise

624

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

and liberality ; he built one of the finest dwellings in the city; in aiding others he became embarrassed in business, and was obliged to suspend ; the letters received from his creditors bore high testimony to his business integrity. In 1849, Mr. Clayton was united in marriage to Miss Catharine C. Miller, from Rahway, N. J .; they have five children-Sylvester, Joseph, Addie, Freddie and John Middleton.

JUDGE JOHN COATES, attorney and counselor at law, Exchange St., opposite court house; is a native of Lycoming Co., Penn., and was born June 23, 1819 ; he grew up and attended school there, and after reaching manhood came West to Illi- nois, in 1845, and began reading law; he came to Stephenson Co. in 1847, and the following year, in the spring of 1848, was admitted to the bar ; after being admitted, he engaged in the practice of law. In 1853, he was elected County Judge of Stephen- son Co., and held that office four years ; he has held the offices of City Attorney, Jus- tice of the Peace, County Attorney and Supervisor. Judge Coates was united in marriage, Nov. 10, 1856, to Mrs. Ellen V. Carroll, a native of Princeton, N. J., and widow of Rev. James W. Carroll, Presbyterian minister. Judge Coates is, with one exception, the oldest attorney in practice in this county. Judge Coates has, for a great many years, been a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church ; he helped to organ- ize the Second Presbyterian Church, and was, for many years, one of its strongest sup- porters. Judge and Mrs. Coates have one daughter-Helen J., now in Europe, com- pleting her musical education ; she graduated at a seminary in Pennsylvania in 1877, then went abroad, and, for one and a half years, studied music in Dresden, and is now in Switzerland.

ROWELL COLBY, residence corner Walnut and Clay Sts. ; is a native of Grafton Co., N. H., and was born March 20, 1809 ; he grew up in that State. After reaching manhood, in 1833, he was united in marriage to Miss Abigail Livingston, daughter of Maj. William Livingston, of Massachusetts. In 1835, Mr. Colby went to Roch- ester, N. Y., and was in business there ten years ; in 1845, he came West on an exploring trip, traveled through thirteen States, and upon his return figured up his expense, and the whole amount for the trip was only $25, such was the hospitality of the people ; he says that he did not beg nor steal. Mr. and Mrs. Colby came West in a covered wagon, to Stephenson Co. and located permanently in December, 1849 ; he did not have a sur- plus dollar in the world ; the first year he had to walk three miles to work, and only got 50 cents a day, and had to take his pay in trade ; he began making a farm in Sil- ver Creek Township; he has cut and carted hay and sold it for $1.50 per ton ; he made one of the finest improved and most valuable farms in Stephenson Co. ; he con- tinued farming until a few years ago ; since then he has lived here in the city. Mr. Colby is a consistent member of the M. E. Church, and is an ardent advocate of tem- perance ; he has written a series of able and convincing articles on temperance and other subjects. Mr. and Mrs. Colby have had seven children, five of whom survive- Edward L., a merchant in Freeport ; Albert H., engaged in farming in this county ; Leonard W., attorney at law, Beatrice, Neb. ; David R., Abbie J., now Mrs. Dr. Fos- ter, of New York.

ALBERTUS COLLMANN, wholesale dealer in leaf tobacco, corner Adams and Clay Sts. ; is a native of Germany, and was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, Nov. 27, 1828 ; after reaching manhood he came to the United States, in 1849, and came to Stephenson Co. in the fall of the same year, and began making a farm ; he continued farming until 1865, when he came to the city and engaged in mercantile business, and buying and selling tobacco ; he sells his tobacco in the Eastern markets, and exports to Hamburg and Bremen; Mr. Collmann is a member of the banking firm of M. Hettinger, Collmann Bros. & Co. ; he is a stockholder and Director in the German Insurance Co .; he is a large landholder in Iowa, owning several large farms there under cultivation ; he had very little when he came here, and owes his success to his own efforts and good management. He married Miss Henrietta Janssen, a native of Han- over, Germany ; they have six children-Gelle, Rosa, Onnie, George, Willie and Alice.

C. O. COLLMANN, of the banking house of M. Hettinger, Collmann Brothers & Company, Chicago street, north of Galena avenue; is a native of Germany,

625

FREEPORT.

and was born in the Kingdom of Hanover Nov. 1, 1822 ; he grew up to manhood there and came to the United States in June, 1850; he came West to Illinois, and located in Stephenson Co. the same year, and engaged in farming in Ridott Township; he con- tinued farming until 1866, when he came to Freeport and engaged in mercantile busi- ness ; he continued the business nine years; in 1876, he engaged in the banking business, and became a member of the present firm upon its organization. Mr. Collmann is a stockholder and Director in the German Insurance Company ; he has held the position of Vice President of the company two years, and was elected President of the company two years: he has held the position of Treasurer of the company for the past six years. In 1855, Mr. Collmann was united in marriage to Miss Aafke Rademaker, a native of Hanover, Germany ; they have nine children-Rosa, John, Lena, Maggie, Jennie, Onnie, Willie, Harry and Charlie.

J. A. COTTON, freight and ticket agent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad ; is a native of Greene Co., Penn., and was born March 13, 1835 ; during early boyhood his parents moved to Zanesville, Ohio; he came to Rockford, Ill., in 1852 ; he began railroading in 1857, with the Racine & Mississippi Railroad ; he was agent for the road at Durand, at Davis, at Delavan and at Freeport, and was afterward appointed Division Superintendent from Freeport to Rock Island ; when the present corporation came in control of this road, he became connected with the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis Railroad, as agent at Rock Island, and was then appointed general agent of the line at St. Louis, and remained there several years, when he returned to Freeport and accepted his present position ; he is one of the oldest officials connected with the road. In 1860, Mr. Cotton was united in marriage to Miss Minerva Coshun, a native of New York ; they have three daughters-Lizzie, Maggie and Emma.

A. B. CRANDELL, proprietor of Crandell's Commercial College, Stephen- son street, corner Adams ; is a native of Mercer Co., Ill., and was born Aug. 5, 1858 ; he grew up and received his education in this State, completing his commercial course at the Davenport Business College, and afterward engaged in teaching; he came to Freeport in 1879, and on the first of January became proprietor of the school.

HENRY DAVIS, of the firm of Mernitz & Davis, blacksmiths and wagon- makers, Bridge street, is a native of Stephenson Co., and was born in Freeport Aug. 14, 1850 ; he grew up and learned his trade here ; he continued working at his trade until recently, when he associated with Mr. Mernitz and engaged in their present busi- ness. in 1876, he married Miss Lizzie Koym, of this city ; they have two children- Walter and Emma.

L. M. DEVORE, manufacturer of the Stover wind-mill and Devore's rotary feed grinder, corner Stephenson and Walnut streets; is a native of Bedford Co., Penn., and was born July 4, 1845 ; his parents came to Stephenson Co. in 1854 ; he grew up and attended school here. Upon the breaking-out of the rebellion, he entered the serv- ice ; he was so young they would not allow him to go in the ranks; he was with the 46th I. V. I; then served as Colonel's orderly in the 71st I. V. I .; he afterward enlisted, and served in Company G, 149th Ohio V. I .; he was wounded in the battle of Monocacy Junction. After the war, he returned here, and in 1876 engaged in the agri- cultural implement business ; in 1877, he was connected with and had an interest in the Stover Wind Engine Company ; in 1878, he established his present business, and is building up a large trade ; he has held the office of Justice of the Peace. In 1868, Mr. Devore was united in marriage to Miss Julia B. Higley, a native of Vermont ; they have three children-Edith, Julia and Mabel.

JOSEPH EMMERT, of the firm of Emmert & Burrell, wholesale and retail dealers in drugs, medicines, paints and oils, No. 111 Stephenson street ; is a native of Lebanon Co., Penn., and was born March 13, 1831; in early boyhood, removed to Center Co., and grew up and attended school there; after reaching manhood, he came West to Illinois, and located in Freeport in 1855, and engaged in the drug trade ; the business was established by his brother, John S. Emmert, in 1846; Emmert's drug store is well known throughout the county and this section of the State, and the house

626

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

has a large established trade ; Mr. Emmert has been connected with the house a quar- ter of a century. In 1862, Mr. Emmert was united in marriage to Miss Mary Coch- ran, a native of Pittsburgh, Penn. ; she came to Freeport in 1859.

W. EMMERT, manufacturer of the Climax churn and step-ladders, Manufacturers Island; is a native of Lebanon Co., Penn., and was born July 7, 1833 ; he grew up and attended school in Center Co., and learned the trade of carriage-maker ; after reaching manhood, he came West to Illinois, and arrived in Freeport in May, 1854; in 1861, he engaged in the hardware trade, and continued for four years ; he ran a tug boat on the Pecatonica River for two years ; in 1868, he engaged in his present business, and has successfully carried it on for the past twelve years, and has built up a large trade ; when he began life he had nothing, and owes his success to his own efforts. In 1855, Mr. Emmert was united in marriage to Miss Sarah L. Mease, a native of Pennsylvania; they have four children-Carrie J., Wesley, Mollie and William.

ADOLPH F. ERFERT, with Beyer & Seyfarth ; was born in Germany Oct. 3, 1848; he grew up there ; after reaching manhood, he came to the United States in 1871, and came to Freeport the same year. He married Miss Maggie Ellen Long, a native of this State, Feb. 18, 1876 ; they have one son - Henry.

JOHN ERFERT, dealer in groceries and provisions, 48 Stephenson street ; is a native of Prussia, Germany, and was born Jan. 14, 1835 ; he came to the United States in 1853, and came to Stephenson Co. in 1857 ; after remaining a short time, wert to Kansas, then came to Monroe, Wis., and lived there two years ; in 1861, he 1 cated permanently in Freeport, and in 1866 engaged in his present business, and has successfully carried it on for the past fourteen years, and has built up a good trade ; he had nothing when he reached this country, and owes his success to his own efforts. He has held the office of Assistant Supervisor, and is a Director in the German Insurance Company and a member of the Finance Committee; he is prominently identified with the order of I. O. O. F., and has been Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge for many years. Mr. Erfert was united in marriage Nov. 18, 1860. to Miss Nettie Muel- ler, a native of Hanover, Germany ; they have seven children-Fred, Ida, Alma, Birdie, Nettie, Walter and Clara.

JOHN H. FARINGER, Galena avenue, south of Stephenson street ; is a native of York Co., Penn., and was born June 23, 1832; he grew up in that State and came to Freeport in 1854, and learned his trade here; in 1857, he returned to Pennsylvania ; in 1865, he again came to Freeport and engaged in his pres- ent business, and has carried it on since then. In Feb., 1862, he married Miss Mary Spotts, from York Co., Penn. ; they have eight children-John F., Mary E., Henry E., Ida J., Albert W., Tillie, Hattie and Mabel.

E. C. FITCH, bakery and confectionery, 151 Stephenson street ; is a native of Columbia Co., N. Y., and was born in 1827 ; he grew up in that State ; after reach- ing manhood, in 1853, he went to California; remained there five years, and came to Freeport in 1858, and engaged in the grain business ; in 1861, engaged in railroading; was connected with the Racine & Mississippi and the Western Union Railroads for six- teen years, and held the position of Ticket Agent for ten years. Mr. Fitch married Miss Margaret Bonner, a native of Massachusetts; they have four children-Harriet, Albert, Edward and Nellie ; they have lost two children-Benjamin and Margaret.

JOHN FITZ, dealer in fresh and salted meats, Galena avenue, between Galena and Stephenson streets; is a native of Austria, and was born June 14, 1832; he grew up to manhood there, and came to the United States in 1864; lived in St. Louis and in Pennsylvania, and came to this county in 1867, and located in Freeport ; he engaged in his present business, and has carried it on since then ; has a good trade. He married Miss Louise Brel, a native of Germany, Jan. 25, 1869; they have three chil- dren-Albin, August and Alma. ·

FRED FLACHTEMEIER, proprietor Freeport Marble and Stone Works, dealer in foreign and American marble, corner Galena and Adams streets,

627

FREEPORT.

Chicago; is a native of Germany, and was born July 5, 1851 ; he grew up and learned the trade of stonecutter ; he came to the United States in 1868, and came to Freeport the same year, and began working at his trade in 1875; he engaged in stone-cutting business, and in 1878, established the Freeport Marble and Stone Works, and is building up a large trade in this city and county, and in adjoining counties. He is a member of Freeport Lodge, No. 239, I. O. O. F., and also of the Germania society. In 1874, he was united in marriage 10 Miss Minnie Wittbaker, a native of this city ; they have one daughter-Ada Louise.

JOHN F. FRANZ, of Franz Bros. & Co., dealers in dry goods and groceries ; is a native of Stephenson Co., and was born in Freeport, March 25, 1856; he grew up and attended school here, and completed his education in Chicago and Milwaukee. In 1872, he engaged in mercantile business with his father; he has the active management of the business. He was united in marriage, Sept. 9, 1879, to Miss Johanna Schaedle, a native of Stephenson Co.

D. FRANZ, of the firm of Franz Bros. & Co., dealers in dry goods and groceries, corner Galena and Chicago streets; is a native of Germany, and was born Sept. 29, 1822; he emigrated to the United States in 1840, and came to Stephenson Co. and settled in Freeport, in April, 1853, and has lived here twenty-seven years; in 1865, he engaged in mercantile business, and has successfully carried on the business for the past fifteen years. When Mr. Franz came to this country he had nothing. He owes his success in life to his own efforts and good management; he owns the brick block corner Chicago and Galena streets, two good farms and other property. On May, 1850, Mr. Franz married Miss Catharine Grosell, a native of Alsace, France ; they have nine children, four sons and five daughters.

PHILIP FREIDAG, of the firm of Freidag & Molher, manufacturers and dealers in harness, saddles and collars, 59 Stephenson street ; is a native of Genesee Co., N. Y., and was born in April 5, 1843; his parents came to Stephenson Co. in 1850; he grew up and learned his trade here; he engaged in business for himself in 1869, and has built up a good trade. During the war he enlisted in the 46th I. V. I., Co. C, and served until the close of the war. In August, 1870, Mr. Freidag was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Knecht, of this city ; they have three children-Herman, Lizzie and Willie.

THOMAS FRENCH, residence corner Galena street and Galena avenue ; is a native of Burlington Co., N. J., and was born Dec. 12, 1815 ; he grew up to manhood and lived there until he came West to Illinois, and located in Freeport in Sep- tember, 1854; he engaged in the hotel business, and continued successfully in that business until 1872; he has lived on the corner of Galena street and Galena avenue a quarter of a century ; his success in life is owing to his own efforts. In October, 1853, Mr. French was united in marriage to Miss Sarah B. Winchester, of Pennsylvania; they have two children-one son, William L. D., attorney at law in this city, and one daughter, Ida I. engaged in teaching music.

PHILIP FRONING, physician and surgeon, corner Galena street and Galena avenue; is a native of Prussia, Germany, and was born April 29, 1827; he grew up and received his education there, and studied medicine and graduated in a col .. lege of pharmacy in 1850 ; he came to the United States in 1855, and came to Stephen- son Co. and located in Freeport in 1856, and engaged in the drug business; in 1865, he went to Germany and took a special course in medicine, and graduated at " The University of Bonn," Prussia, May 16, 1866; since then he has successfully practiced his profession here; he built the block on the corner of Galena avenue and Galena street in 1869. He has held the office of Town Physician for six years. In 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Maria Zenke, from Bremen, Germany; they have three children-Christian, Adolph and Matilda.

J. N. GALLOWAY, of the firm of Galloway & Snooks, proprietors of the Freeport Soda Water Manufactory, corner Jackson and Walnut streets ; is a native of Lycoming Co., Penn., and was born April 22, 1837 ;' he came to Stephenson Co. and

628

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

located in Freeport March 22, 1858; he associated with W. H. Snooks, and engaged in their present business in 1873; they have an increasing demand for their goods here and in several adjoining counties, and have a good trade. In 1862, Mr. Galloway was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Snyder, a native of St. Joseph Co., Mich .; they have two children-Ida and Jennie. Mr. Galloway is a member of Excelsior Lodge, A., F. & A. M.

S. B. GARDNER, passenger conductor C. &. N. W. R. R .; residence Car- rol street ; is a native of Erie Co., Penn., and was born Aug. 14, 1836; his parents came West to Illinois in 1844; after reaching manhood he began railroading, on the old Galena & Chicago R. R., now the C. & N. W. R. R., and worked upon the con- struction of the road when it was built; he run a freight train on this road for twelve years, and during that time he only laid off once, and then only for ten days, on account of sickness; there are very few now connected with this great corporation that were with it when Mr. Gardner first entered its employ ; he came to Freeport to reside July 1, 1867. Mr. Gardner was united in marriage to Miss Esther Wright, a native of Syracuse, N. Y., Feb. 5, 1859; they have two sons-Friend J. and Freddie Day.

JAY S. GATES, proprietor Brewster House, corner Mechanic and Ste- phenson streets, Freeport.

T. S. GEMMILL, Assistant Postmaster, Freeport; is a native of York Co., Penn., and was born Jan. 21, 1830 ; he grew up and attended school there ; after reaching manhood, he came to Stephenson Co., in 1853, and engaged in teaching school ; the following year he entered the post office, and was appointed Assistant Postmaster by F. W. S. Brawley ; he has held that position for twenty-six years, and is one of the oldest Government officials in the State. In October, 1870, Mr. Gemmill was united in marriage to Miss Maggie G. Baird, a native of Lycoming Co.,. Penn .; they have two children-Laura M. and Lizzie Edna.

BENJAMIN GODDARD, retired ; residence, Webster street; was born in Grafton Co., N. H., July 22, 1804 ; his parents removed to Vermont when he was 2 years of age, and he grew up there ; after reaching manhood he went to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in 1825. A few years after that, on the 31st of May, 1829, he was united in marriage to Miss Mercy Ann Pierce, a native of Grafton, N. H .; she came to New York when 10 years of age ; they came West by wagon 10 Iowa, and were seven weeks on the way, and arrived in this county in December, 1835, and located about three miles from Freeport ; built a log house, and began making a farm ; they were among the very earliest settlers ; there were plenty of Indians, and Mrs. Goddard tells of how they used to come to the house when she was all alone, and want bread and meat, and more than once they understood that she was not frightened, and would not give them all the food in the house ; after living there three years, they moved to where the city is now located, and Mr. Goddard built the first house that was built in Freeport ; he had a farm adjoining the present town site; they kept hotel for some years, it being the old Stage House ; he bought a saw-mill and run it about twenty years; in 1860, he engaged in the flouring-mill business, and since then he has been interested in that bus- iness, which is now managed by his son. Mr. and Mrs. Goddard are the oldest living settlers of Freeport ; there is no one living now that was here when they came ; when they first came, he only had his team and the little furniture they brought with them ; he now owns 170 acres of good land adjoining the city limits, besides city property ; owes his success to his own efforts ; he has seen good winter wheat sell for 25 cents per bushel ; he relates of a man named Hill who carted a load of wheat to Chicago, and his expenses for the trip were $9 more than he got for the wheat. Mr. and Mrs. Goddard have four children-Miriam (now Mrs. Frisbie), Alpheus P., Benjamin E. and Byron S .; they lost one son-Franklin.

A. P. GODDARD, proprietor of Goddard's Flouring Mills ; residence on Webster street ; is a son of Benjamin and Mercy Pierce Goddard, the oldest living set- tlers of the City of Freeport, and was born in Franklin Co., N. Y., Aug. 29, 1833; he came with his parents by wagon from that State to Illinois; they arrived here in De-

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

The History of Stephenson County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches war record statistics portraits of early settlers history of the Northwest, history of Illinois, &c., Part 72

Author: Western Historical Co., pub; Tilden, M. H., comp Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Co. Number of Pages: 746

Author: Western Historical Co., pub; Tilden, M. H., comp
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 746