USA > Illinois > Henry County > The biographical record of Henry County, Illinois > Part 4
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Jacob Goembel was reared on the home farm and educated in the German language, having never attended English schools. He assisted in opening up the farm in Tazewell county, which was only five miles from Peoria. At the age of twenty-one he left home and went to Chicago, where he worked a. a temister for ten dollars per month. In 1846 he was married in Lake county, Illi- nois, to Miss Louisa Luther, who was born in New York, January 28, 1826, a daugh- ter of John Jacob and Louisa (Saunders) Luther, both natives of Linbach, Neibeirn, then a province of France, but now a part of Germany. Her father served under Na- poleon Bonaparte, for seven years as a member of the old Imperial Guard, and ac- companied that famous warrior on his inva- sion of Egypt and Russia, taking part in the siege of Moscow. He was under the com- mand of General Ney for a time, and while in the service had a horse shot from under him. In 1821 he came to this country and first settled in Allegany county, New York, where he made his home for a few years. The following seven years were spent in Warren, Pennsylvania, and in 1836 he re- moved to Chicago, Illinois, which city at that time contained only two good houses. The
Indians were just leaving for the westin reservations beyond the Mississippi. family made their home in the vicinity of Chicago until coming to Henry county By 1852, when they took up their residence my Yorktown township. Mr. Luther died Geneseo, in 1862, at the age of seventy-four years, six months and five days. His wie passed away at their home near Chicago in 1850. They were members of the Evangel- ical Association and most estimable people. Of their eleven children, ten reached matur- ity, but only three are now living, namely : Louisa, mother of our subject; Elizabeth, wife of Jesse Wilmot, of Leonora, Kansas ; and David, a resident of Geneseo.
After his marriage Jacob Goembel worked in a slaughter house in Peoria for a year, and then purchased eighty acres of land on Farm creek, Tazewell county, which he sold in 1851 on coming to Henry county. Here he entered a tract of government land on section 30, Yorktown township, and en- gaged in its cultivation until 1863, when he bought another farm in the same locality. and made his home there until his removal to Geneseo in 1876. 1Ie is still the owner of ninety-one acres of land in Yorktown township, but is now living retired in Gene- seo. His political support is given the Re- publican party, and he filled the office bi school trustee for many years. He and his wife are prominent members of the Evan- gelical Association, and he is now a trustee of the church.
This worthy couple are the parents of nine children of whom our subject is the oldest. Samuel, a prominent grain dealer of Geneseo, is represented on another page of this volume: Jacob Edward, a farmer of Yorktown township, married Emma Rapp and has three children, Ada, Harvey and
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Bessie. Peter, a farmer wi Minnesota, mar- ried Christina Rapp and has six children, Olive. Arthur, Jesse, Perry, Edith and Ver non: Anna is the wife of Henry Glabe, a contractor of Tazewell county ; Lydia is the wife of Isaac Krimbill, of Minnesota, and Das five children, Blanche, Vera, Winnie, Clarence and Archie: John E., an attorney of Rockford, Illinois, married Minnie Grosskopp; Wilhelmina died at the age of seven years; and Catherine died at the age of eighteen months.
Mr. Goembel, of this review, was only three years old when brought by his par- ents to this country, and in Yorktown town- ship he grew to manhood. His early edu cation was obtained in the public schools. and at the age of eighteen he entered the Northwestern College at Plainfield, Illinois, where he was a student for a time. Subse- quently he engaged in teaching school in Henry county for four years, and during the following two years engaged in farming in Yorktown township. In 1872 he made an extended trip through Missouri, Kan- sas, Colorado, Nebraska and lowa, in com. pany with his cousin, Levi Copp. They spent a delightful summer in this way, driv ing the entire distance of two thousand seven hundred and sixty miles.
On his return home Mr. Goembel suc- cessfully engaged in stock buying for two years in Yorktown township, and in the fall of 1873 removed to Moline, where he embarked in general merchandising, in company with John Rapp, under the firm name of Rapp & Goembel. The following June Samuel Arnett became a member of the company and the name was changed to Rapp, Goembel & Arnett. Two years and a half later Mr. Rapp sold his interest to his partners, who continued business under
the name of Goembel & Arnett unut the fall of 1878, when Mr. Goembel withdrew from the firm. The following year he en- gaged in the implement business with Mow- ery & Hawkins, and in 1880 went upon the road for the Johnston Harvester Company, of Batavia, New York, representing their western branch, with headquarters at Chi- cago. In 1881 he became connected with the Sterling Manufacturing Company, of Sterling, Illinois, being the first man to represent that company as a traveling sales- man. He remained with them two and 3 half years, and in 1883 entered the service of the Janesville Machine Company, of Janesville, Wisconsin, his territory incluid. ing the states of Wisconsin, Mmnesota, tho Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Colo- rado and Wyoming, with headquarters at Lincoln, Nebraska. On leaving that con- cern, in the fall of 1889, he entered the employ of the Moline Wagon Company, with which he is still connected. \ genial and obliging gentleman, he makes a very popular salesman, and is held in high re- gard not only by the company which he rep- resents, but also by his many patrons and the acquaintances he makes upon the road. Mr. Goembel now makes his home in Gene- seo. As a business man he has prospered and is now the owner of a ranch of six hur- dred and forty acres near Sherman, Minne- haha county, South Dakota, and has a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Rock county, Minnesota, which he rents, it be- ing worked on the mutual plan. He also has city property in Geneseo, Illinois, and Wichita, Kansas.
On the 8th of October, 1870, Mr. Goem- bel was united in marriage with Miss Mar- tha Greenwood, a native of England, and a daughter of John and Mary (Sound)
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
GreenwoodL who became residents of York. is one of prominence in the commonity town township, this county, in 1863. Mr. Greenwood is now deceased, but his wife is still living and makes her home with her son Joseph, in that township. Mrs. Goem- bel died September 11, 1871. and our sub- ject was again married November 17, J. C. SMILEY, M. D. 1874, his second union being with Miss Laura E. Early, who was born in Saxony, Germany, in December, 1848, and came to America in 1853 with her parents, Lave- recht and Leonora ( Bartholt ) Early. On landing in New York the family proceeded at once to Henry county, Illinois, and lo- cated in Burns township, where Mr. Early followed the occupation of farming. His wife died September 17, 1800, at the age of forty-three years, and the following year he removed to Geneseo, where he engaged in the hotel business until 1867. He passed away in September, 1868, at the age of fifty years. Mrs. Goembel has a half- brother, William F. Crangle, of Holmes- ville, Nebraska ; and has three sisters, name- ly : Amelia, deceased wife of Andrew Mar- ti, of Atlantic, lowa: Aurelia, wife of J. J. Shuck, of Geneseo, Illinois; Lizzie, wife of Joseph Dobbs, a jeweler of Geneseo. U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Goembel have been born three children: Lowell Sydney, who was born July 13, 1878, and died May 1, 1800; Ethel Pearl, born November 13, 1881 : and Lela May, born June 4, 1883.
In politics Mr. Goembel is a stanch Democrat, and is a personal friend of Will- iam J. Bryan. Hle is a member of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the lowa Travel ing Men's Association, and holds an en- viable position both in business and social circles. His wife and daughter are mem- bers of the Baptist Church, and the family
where they reside, having an extensive Ow- cle of friends and acquaintances.
Among those who devote their time and energies to the alleviation of human suffer- ing is Dr. J. C. Smiley, of Kewanee, who is to-day the oldest practicing physician of Henry county. He was born on the 14th of September, 1830, in Winchester, Virginia. near the battle ground of Bull Run, and is a son of Walter and Susan ( Kraus) Smiley The latter was born in Ohio of German parentage, while the Doctor's father was a native of Scotland, though he came to America in boyhood and was only a lud when his father died. He was educated for the Presbyterian ministry, and devoted his entire life to that noble calling, preaching ri Winchester for many years. He removed to Randolph county, Indiana, when our sub- ject was nine years of age, and there fol- lowed farming for five years. He died at the age of sixty-six years, and the widow subsequently married Ephraim Bragg. Her death also occurred in Randolph county. Indiana, when she was sixty-nine years old. By her first marrrige she had nine children, all of whom reached years of maturity. while five are still living, namely : J. A .. a resident of Indiana; J. C., our subject; Maria, widow of Perry Hinesley and a resi- dent of Indiana: Sarah, wife of Benjamin Cleavenger, of Indiana : and C. M., a farmer of Randolph county, the same state.
Dr. Smiley's early educational and- vantages were meager, as he had to go three and a half miles to school and was
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
only able to attend a few months in winter. wading through slush and snow. As his father died when he was not nine years old he hired himself out to a man who taught school in winter and farmed in summer. While in his employ he was sent on errands to the neighboring towns and in this way formed the acquaintance of a Mr. Searle. who conducted a general store at Deerfieldl. and who later hired our subject to work for him at five dollars per month. He remained with him thirteen years and then came to Cambridge, Illinois. In the meantime he commenced reading medicine with Dr. Longshore, who came west the year before our subject and it was through his influence that Dr. Smiley located here. For a year and a half he continued his studies under Dr. Edwards, of Cambridge, and then at tended lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago. On his return to Henry county. in the spring of 1860. he took charge and cured the first case of diphtheria which is known to have occurred in the county. For about four years he was in partnership with Dr. C. H. Grand, and was then alone in practice for a few months. In the spring of 1865 he came to Kewanee, and has suc- cessfully engaged in practice here ever since. On locating here there were six other physi- cians in the place, but he is the only one remaining. He was in partnership with Dr. Day for about four years, and was then alone until he formed a partnership with his son in 1887. He has met with excellent success in his chosen profession and enjoys a large and lucrative practice.
On the 25th of September, 1852. Dr. Smiley was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ellen Cook, of Jay county, Indiana, who was a native of Ohio, and a daughter of John R. and Mary Cook. He has been
called upon to moura the loss of ins wife. who died January 12. 1899, at the age of sixty-six years. Of the four children born to them two died in infancy. Florence is now the wife of Louis Krans, of Kewanee, and they have one child, Charles. Francis M., now a physician engaged in practice with his father, was born in Cambridge. November 3. 1858, and received his early education in the schools of Kewanee. He then entered Notre Dame University, where he pursued both the literary and medical courses, and was graduated in 1876 with the degree of M. D. He was next a stu- dent at Ann Arbor one year, and having contracted ague at that place returned home. For two years he attended lectures at Rush Medical College, and was graduated from that institution February 22. 1879. Lo- cating at Atchison, Illinois, he was engaged in practice there for three years, and for the following four years was connected with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. He then spent some time at the receiving hospital of Belle- vue, New York, and the insane asylum at Staunton, Virginia, making a study of the patients at both places, and then returned to Kewanee in 1887 and entered into part- nership with his father. In 1800 he took a special course at the Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary, where he spent one year. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Tribune, Royal Circle and Home Forum, and also lelongs to Canton Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Kewanee. He assisted in organizing the Rebecca lodge of the same order, and also the Improved Tribe of Red Men, at Kewa- nee. In politics he is independent. He was married. May 1. 1879, to Miss Minnie Mac- Farland, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, and a daughter of William MacFarland, now of Wichita, Kansas. By this union was
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
borra laughter. Grace I., a graduate of the Kewanee high school.
At national elections Dr. J. C. Smiley votes the Democratic ticket, but at local elections, when no issue is involved, he sup ports whom he believes to be the best man for the office, regardless of party affilia- tions. Ile has served as a member of the town council and for many years was presi - dent of the school board, during which time school houses were built and the public school system put on a good running basis. Other offices have been tendered him, but he has always refused such honors. Hay- ing met with success in his chosen calling, he is now the owner of considerable prop- erty in Kewanee, and also in Omaha, Ne- braska, and has farming land in that state. Ile is one of the oklest Odd Fellows in Henry county, and has been a Mason since 1868, now holding membership in Kewanee Lodge. No. 150. Ile is widely known throughout the county where he has so long made his home, and is universally esteemed and respected.
PETER HERDIEN.
One of the most prominent citizens of Galva, well known for his business ability And enterprise, is Peter Herdien, president wi the Hlayes Pump and Planter Company, and the orginator and treasurer of the Her lien Coal Company, the latter being estab- Ished in 1880. He was born in Lingbo. Shog. Socken, Sweden, May 23, 1844, and is the son of Hans Hanson, who, through les five years' service in the National Canards of Sweden, acquired distinction and won the military name of Herdien. Ilis
wife, Catherine Johnson. Was also a native of Sweden, and they were the parents of three children. Hans, born in 1836, died in Sweden in 1885. Christine, the only daugh- ter, still makes her home in her native land. Peter is the subject of this sketch. The parents both died in Sweden, the father in 1865. at the age of forty-five years. The mother survived him many years, and died in 1891.
The subject of this sketch is the only one of the family caming to America. He re- ceived his education in the schools of his native country, and while the instruction was not all that he desired. it was the foun- cation for knowledge afterwards acquired by reading and contact with the world, and for the business career for which he had a natural inclination. He was but twenty years of age when he came to the United States, and although he came with limited means, he had the steadfast determination to achieve success, if it were at all possible. Locating first in Knox county, Illinois, he worked for a time as a carpenter, but in the winter following his arrival he commenced to learn the cabinet maker's trade, at which he continued for five years, securing in that time a thorough knowledge of the trade.
In 1869, Mr. Herdien came to Henry county and was employed by Mr. Alger in his furniture store in the village of Wood- hull, and there remained one years, during which time an excellent trade was built up. Leaving the employ of Mr. Alger, he went to Galva, where he formed a partnership with O. L. Peterson, and purchased the fur- niture interests of L. Iledstrom, who was a partner of Mr. Peterson. For a number of years the partnership thus formed was con- tinued, and the business is yet carried on by Mr. Peterson. The firm of Herdien & Pe-
PETER HERDIEN.
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lerson. soon after its organization, opened in Chicago. In all ke look a seven Wehrs' up a braneli store in Cambridge, Illinois, course in the University. Elmer Forrest, born May 22, 1876, also took the classical. later the medical, course in the same insti tution, receiving first his degree of .A. B .. and afterwards the degree of M. D. Ile was in attendance at the University for eight years. which they continued until 1876, when the stock was disposed of and Mr. Herdien be- came interested in coal mining and in the general coal trade. Soon after this, how- ever, he and Mr. Peterson purchased a fur- niture store in Kearney, Nebraska, which they continued to operate for one year. when they sold out to a Mr. Swift. In company with seven others, he then formed the Galva Mining Company, but later this was merged into the Herdien Coal Company. In the years that have since passed, he has built up) an excellent trade, supplying nearly all the coal for the local trade, and at times shipping to other points. Some years ago the firm of Lewin & Corkhill started up in the coal trade, and, after running for a short time, the company purchased their inter- ests, and has since conducted a profitable business.
On the 6th of November, 1870, Mr. Herdien was united in marriage with Miss Martha Johnson, of Victoria, Knox county. Illinois, a native of Sweden, born July o. 1848, and daughter of Louis Johnson, who came with his family to Illinois in 1857 and settled in Knox county. By this union three children were born. Jennie M., born Octo- ber 17, 1871, was married September 26. 1900, to F. P. Bodinson, a druggist, and they now reside in Baker City, Oregon. Walter L., born August 8, 1874, after re- ceiving his primary education in the schools of Galva. entered Northwestern University. Evanston, Illinois, and, taking the classical course, was graduated with the degree of A. B. He later entered the law department of the same institution, from which he was also graduated, and in 1900 was admitted to the bar of Cook county, and now resides
His business interests calling him to Chi cigo, in 1891, Air. Herdien moved his fam- ly to that ctv, where they remained until 1895 and then returned to Galva. In that year he became identified with the Ilayes Pump and Planter Company, as man- ager, investing some capital in the concern. With his well known energy and business tact, he has built up a good trade for the productions of the company, and placed its business on a sound financial basis, and in July, 1899, was made president. In other concerns he has also become interested, and is now the president of the Galva Gas Light and Coke Company, and vice-president of the First National Bank of Galva.
Religiously, Mr. Herdien is a member of the Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church, of which body his wife is also a member. Both manifest much interest in the work of the church and in the cause of the Master. Politically he is a Republican, and while lie is an active worker for his party, attend- ing and participating as a delegate in its various conventions, he has never aspired to political offices. It is as a business man that he is best known, and for thirty years he has been identified with the business interests of Galva, and it is conceded by all that his influence has been felt in a remark- able degree, and always on the side of right. While conservative, he is yet wide-awake to every nterest that will best advance the general good of his adopted city and county.
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
DANIEL LAVERY.
This well-known and successful farmer, whos fine farm, comprising two hundred and eighty acres of land, is pleasantly lo- cated on section 36, Hanna township, is a native of the Emerald Isle, and a son of Daniel and Esther ( Bann ) Lavery, who, as farming people, spent their entire lives in. Ireland. The father was about sixty years of age at the time of his death. Our subject hats one brother, Patrick, who is a farmer of this county.
In 1855, when about twenty-two years of age, Mr. Lavery, of this review, emi- grated to America, and first located in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, where he worked by the month for one year. He then went to California, where he spent two years in prospecting and mining, and on lis return east again took up his residence in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, where he followed farming for the following two years. In 1863 he came to Henry county, Illinois, and purchased eighty acres of hi- present farm in Hanna township, to which: he has added from time to time as his financial resources have increased until he is now the possessor of a valuable place of two hundred and eighty acres, all under cultivation and improved with good and substantial buildings, including a pleasant residence. In connection with general farming he is also engaged in stock raising with excellent success.
In Wayne county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Lavery was married, in 1861, to Miss Mary ('Neill, a native of that state, and a daugh- ter of James and Eliza ( Boyle ) O'Neill, both now deceased. Her father was born in. Ireland and was about four years of age when he came to the United States. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Lavery were born the follow- ing children: John, who died at the age of eighteen years; James, who married Lucy Hannon and is engaged in farming in .At- chison -township, this county; Lizzie, who died at the age of thirteen years; Daniel, a farmer of Amawan township; Charles, at home; Celia, now in a convent at Sus- quehanna, Pennsylvania; Salie, Frank and Margaret .\., all at home; William, who died at the age of eighteen years: and Min- nie, at home. All were born in this county, with the exception of John, whose birth oc- curred in Pennsylvania.
In his political affiliations Mr. Lavery is a Democrat, but he has never sought pub- lice office, preferring to give his attention to his business interests. He gives his support to all enterprises for the public benefit, and in many ways has materially advanced the interests of the community in which he lives. In religious belief he is a Catholic and his family also attend that church.
FREDERICK W. WEINRICH.
One of the prosperous farmers and suc- cessful stock raisers of Henry county, Frederick W. Weinrich, is now carrying en operations on section 6, Munson township. He is a native of this county, born in Gene- seo township, June 15, 1862, and is the eldest son of William F. and Christina (Kipping ) Weinrich, who were born, reared and married in Germany, and as a wedding journey came to America in 1852. The fa- ther had received a limited education in his native land and had learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for ten years after coming to this country, making his home
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
during this time at Geneseo, Illinois. He hogs, which he raised my sale ami bree bis then took up agricultural pursuits, to which purposes. Although still a young not be is one of the oldest dealers in Im- community. Hlis stock is all of a high grade and very valuable. Each year he has his stock on exhibition at the fairs, and has thus far se- cured first prize and sweepstakes for his hogs. Ile is also extensively engaged in feeding cattle for market, and by a visit to his well kept farm one can see some fine animals as evidence of his skill as a practical stock feeder. In connection with his brother Edward he is also interested in rats ing full blooded draft horses and pulled Angus cattle, which have recently been added to the list of high grade animals which they raise. In each business venture Mr. Wein- rich has met with decided success, and we predict for him a brilliant future as one of the leading stock dealers of the county. From 1888 to 1804 he rented land in Gene- sen township, but in the latter year pur- chased his present farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres on section 6. Munson township, upon which he has made some valuable improvements, including the erec- tion of additional buildings for the accom- modation of his constantly increasing stock business. he devoted his attention from 1862 until he retired from active labor, in 1893. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Geneseo township, which had pre- viously been broken, but he added to it many valuable improvements, making it onc of the most desirable farms of its size in: the locality. In connection with general farming he was also interested in the stock business until 1893, when he laid aside ali business cares and removed to Genese ). where he now makes his home. He is a supporter of the Democratic party, but has never taken an active part in political ai fairs. He attends the Methodist Church of Geneseo, and is highly respected and es teemed by all who know him. In his family were nine children, all of whom reached ma turity, namely: Emma, widow of Gottlich Zimmerman and a resident of Geneseo; Clara, who died ummarried at the age of thirty years: Christina, at home with her parents: Frederick W., our subject : Will iam, salesman for a wholesale liquor house of Rock Island : Matilda, at home : Edward. who is extensively engaged in the stock business on the old home farm in Geneseo township: Charles, a printer by trade, who died in 1897; and Herman, who is engaged il. the poultry and commission business in Cambridge.
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