USA > Illinois > Henry County > The biographical record of Henry County, Illinois > Part 65
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At the time of his marriage Mr. Maloney lived in what is called the Scott settlement near Kewanee, and was working on the Chi- cago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Later he rented a farm in Cornwall township, where he resided for twelve years, and then purchased eighty acres on section 12, the same township. On selling that place he bought one hundred and eighty-two acres
in Shabbona Grove, which he operated until 1888, and also owned three hundred and twenty acres in Loraine township, all of which property he acquired through his own industry, perseverance and good manage ment. In 1888 he removed to Atkinson, where he made his home for ten years, and then came to Geneseo, building a large house fitted with all modern improvements, where lie expects to spend his remaining days. In his political views he is a Democrat, an I he and his family are all members of the Catho- lic Church. In looking back through the past we see a young man who came to the new world empty-handed in search of home and fortune, and at present we see his ambitious dreams realized, for he is now one of the most substantial as well as one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Geneseo, and well deserves mention in the history of his adopted country.
THOMAS HUDSON.
Probably no man in this section of the state is more widely known than Thomas Hudson, who for many years has efficiently served as state inspector of coal mines for the second inspection district. He has made his home in Galva since 1883, it being about the center of his district. A native of Eng- land, he was born in the county of Northum- berland on the 22nd of May, 1846, and is a son of George and Margaret (Robinson) Hudson, who spent their entire lives in that country as agriculturists. Thomas is the older of their two children. the other being Robert, who is still a resident of the mother country. There the father died when our subject was a small boy, and the mother later became the wife of Thomas Smiles, by whoni
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She had antonguter who died in Pennsylva- tor by Governor Hamilton in 1883, having nia. Mr. Smiles, who was a miner by occu- petri. came to America and followed that poursuit in Pennsylvania for a time. Later he spent some time in Texas and then re- turned to the Keystone state.
During his boyhood Thomas Hudson pursued his studies in the common schools di his native land until thirteen years of age, when he commenced work in the mines of England as a trapper, and gradually worked his way upward to his present responsible position. He came to the new world in 1871, hus destination being Henry, Illinois, where he had friends living, and after a short time spent near that city, he became a resident of Galva, where he engaged in coal mining for six months. Subsequently he followed the same occupation at Streator for ten years, and served as pit boss for a time.
In Marshall county, Illinois, Mr. Hud- con was married in 1871 to Miss Eleanor Fairbairn, also a native of England, who lied about a year after their marriage, leav- mig one daughter, Bella, now the wife of Le Roy Miller, a carpenter of Galva, by whom Mrs. Miller is a graduate of the high school of Galva and prior to her marriage success- billy engaged in teaching school for a time. lu 1877, Mr. Hudson was again married, his second union being with Miss Lizzie Hug- Mais, who was born in New Jersey but was only two years old when she removed with hen parents to Streator, Illinois. Of the Wanchildren born of this marriage the two degliter- the in early childhood. The sons Siste. And are Fred, a barber of Galva. Charle B . Harry, James Edward, and Will- ( Mcknile !. All are at home, and have lamy cineated ih the public schools of Galva.
Mh Hudsen was appointed mine inspec-
passed an examination as to his competency in mining affairs on such important matters as mining engineering, mining machinery and appliances; operation of coal mines; ventilation : geology and chemistry. He is a self-educated man, having had no opportu- nity to attend school since thirteen years of age, but is well informed on general topics and especially proficient on subjects pertain- ing to his chosen calling. Since first pertain- mine inspector of the second district of Ill- nois, he has filled that position under every governor except Altgeld, passing the re- quired examination every two years. His long retention plainly indicates his efficiency and trustworthiness. Galva being centrally located in his district he has since made it his home, and has been called upon to serve as a member of the town board of trustees of the village for six years. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and has been a member of the township Republican central commit- tee. In the mining industry he is one of the most competent men of the city, and has made a thorough study of the two hundred she has two children. Virginia and Helen, . mines now in operation in his district. He is one of the directors of the Homestead & Loan Association of Galva. He owns the property which he has made his home since his return to Galva in 1883. Fraternally Mr. Hudson is a Royal Arch Mason, belong- ing to the blue lodge of Galva and the chapter of Kewanee, and he is also a member of the Court of Honor of Galva, of which he is a trustee.
L. T. DOW.
This well-known hardware merchant of Annawan, was born in that town on the Ist of April, 1866, and for the past six years
CAPT. JOHN L. DOW.
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
has been a leading representative of its busi- ness interests. His father, Captain John L. Dow, was born in Canterbury, New Hamp- shire, May 6, 1830, and came west in 1840 with his father, Tristram Dow, who settled at Buda, Bureau county, Illinois. The house the grandfather erected at that place is still standing. There he took up a tract of unbroken prairie land from the govern ment and to its improvements and cultivation devoted his time and energies until 1854, when the family came to Annawan. On coming west the journey was made by the Erie canal to Buffalo, the Great Lakes to Chicago, and by wagon the remaining dis tance. The family consisted of the following children : Joseph conducted a hotel and livery stable at Morris, Illinois, for some time and later ran an elevator at Wilton Junction, Iowa, for several years. From there he re- moved to Bedford, Taylor county, Iowa, where he died in 1893. Tristram T. removed' to Davenport, in 1870, and died there in 1882. During the Civil war he enlisted as a private and during his service was promoted to major. Elmira married Ezra Austin, of Buda, Illinois, and died several years ago. Josiah is a resident of Davenport, Iowa. John L., father of our subject, was the next of the family. Mary became the wife of Jacob Miller and died in Princetown, Illi- nois, in 1895, and Lyman, now deceased.
John L. Dow was educated in the public schools of his native place, and remained' with the family until after their removal to Annawan, where he was engaged in mer- cantile business with his two brothers, Tris- tram T. and Josiah, for about ten years. They next turned their attention to the grain business, owning the old elevator which was destroyed by fire. They were also very ex- tensive land owners in this locality. Sub- 31
sequently John L. Dow built the elevator now conducted by Mr. Dewey. In 1882 he re- moved to Davenport, Iowa, where he was interested in an elevator and also in the Crescent Mills, as a member of the firm of Dow, Gilman & Hancock. He was connect- ed' with the hardware business at Anna- wan, but throughout life devoted his time principally to the grain business. He died at his home in Davenport, July 5, 1899, hon- ored and respected by all who knew him. October 1, 1861, he enlisted as a musician in a regimental band. When the regimental bands were discontinued and only one band' for each brigade retained he was discharged and in August, 1862, re-enlisted in Co. A, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volun- teer Infantry. Upon the organization of the company he was elected' second lieutenant of his company by a unanimous vote. He was mustered into the United States service at Peoria, Illinois, September 20, 1862, and promoted to first lieutenant April 13, 1863, to take effect February 1, 1863. On Novem- ber 18, 1863, Captain Asa .A. Lee was killed in action at Knoxville, Tenn., and March 5, 1864, First Lieutenant John L. Dow was promoted to Captain, his commission taking effect November 18, 1863, the day of Cap- tain Lee's death. John L. Dow remained with his regiment from the time of his enlist- ment until the close of the year. excepting when detailed to other special service. As a soldier and an officer he always knew his duty and did it. In action he was always on the front line of danger with his men, in camp he was ever solicitons of the welfare and comfort of his comrades. October &, 1862, his command left Peoria and went to Covington, Kentucky. From there they went to Lexington, arriving at the latter place October 24. Here his company was
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engaged in scouting and skirmishing, against self he was first engaged in the grain business at Winterset, Iowa, for four years and in 1894 returned to Annawan, becoming pro- prietor of the hardware store which he has since conducted. He is an energetic and progressive business man, and is meeting with well-merited success. He was married on the 4th of February, 1895, to Miss Myrtle Sweet, of Stuart, Iowa, a daughter of John L. Sweet, now deceased. They are quite the best homes of Annawan. Morgan. Subsequently he was engaged in Monticello, Kentucky. During this ser- vice his regiment was mounted, doing cav- alry service. He also participated in Gen- eral Saunder's raid, Franklin, Tennessee, and Nashville, Tennessee. He was wounded in action at Kelley's Ford, Tennessee, January 28. 1864. On July 15, 1863, he was detailed as assistant inspector general and provost marshal until January 1, 1864, and April 3 .. popular socially and enjoy the hospitality of 1865, he was again detailed as provost mar- shal of the Twenty-third Army Corps in which capacity he served until mustered out at the close of the war. He was a member of the commission appointed to carry out the terms of the military convention of the Fed- PERRY THEODORE LEWIS. eral and Confederate armies. At the close of the war he returned to Annawan.
He married Miss Maggie Lamb, October 4. 1862. a native of Galashiels, Scotland, born July 15, 1841, and came to America with her parents in 1850, settling in Anna- wan, Ilinois. The marriage took place when Mr. Dow was encamped with his regiment at Peoria, Illinois. She now makes her jome in Davenport. Our subject is the ohlest of the five children born of this union, The others being Mary. wife of Charles Wasche, cashier of the lowa National Bank wi Davenport: J. H., who is engaged in the Heck business at Winterset, Iowa: George, Time-keeper for the Johnson Construction Company of Davenport ; and Jennie, at home with her mother.
The first sixteen years of his life L. T. Don passed in his native town, and then Accompanied' his parents on their removal o Davenport. He attended the public schools ( both places, and acquired a good practical ohne tion which has well fitted him for busi- my life. On starting out in life for him-
Among the young and enterprising farm- ers of Cornwall township, who are meeting with success in this chosen calling is Perry T. Lewis, who owns and operates a well in- proved and highly cultivated farm of eighty acres on section 6. A native of Henry coun- ty, he was born in Cornwall township, June 16, 1874, and is one of the four sons of Will- iam J. and Eliza ( Claypool) Lewis, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume.
During his boyhood and youth our sub- ject attended the local schools. and made his home with his father until twenty years of age. When not in school his time and at- tention was devoted to the work of the home farm, and' in this way he acquired a good practical knowledge of the occupation which he now follows. In connection with general farming he devotes considerable time to the raising of stock, his specialty being Hereford cattle, which he raises for breeding purposes.
On the 28th of February, 1895, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Lewis and Miss
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Hilda Borkgren, a native of this county, and a daughter of Charles and Mary ( Sell ) Borkgren, who were born in Sweden and came to America in 1866, locating in this county. Her parents are still residents of Cornwall township, where the father is en- gaged in farming. In their family are six children, namely: Theodore, born October 30, 1872, married Effie Willard and lives in Munson township, Henry county ; Hilda, born October 29. 1874. is the wife of our subject ; Frederick, born February 3. 1877; Martin, born November 9, 1880; Raymond. born December 28, 1886; and Mabel, born May 21, 1891, are all at home. Mr. and' Mrs. Lewis are the parents of two children : Kyle Raymond, born December 2, 1895, and Ora Marie, born June 23, 1899.
Mr. Lewis uses his right of franchise in support of the Republican party and its prin- ciples, and he takes a commendable interest in public affairs. He is a member of No. 201, Mystic Workers, a beneficiary organization, and is one of the most popular young men of his community.
WILLIAM R. WINTER.
William R. Winter, a representative far- mer of Cornwall township, residing on sec- tion 24. is one of Henry county's native sons. his birth having occurred in Annawan town- ship, on the Ist of March, 1860. His father, George Winter, was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1833. He was one of a family of twelve children, four of whom came to this country and three are still living, namely: Jane, who married Robert Broad- bent and resides in Cornwall township: Sarah married J. Little and resides in Bureau
county: Charles, who lives in Iowa. The other brother, John, was killed in the Civil war.
There he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Gash, a native of the same place, by whom he has one child. In 1858 he emi- grated to America, the voyage from Liver- pool being made on a sailing vessel. He landed at Castle Garden and after spending two days in New York proceeded to Chicago. where he staid over night, and then came direct to Annawan, Henry county. For one year he was in the employ of various far- mers in that locality, then rented land for five years : and at the end of that period pur- chased one hundred and thirty acres of par- tially improved land in Cornwall township. to which he subsequently added one hundred and fifty acres. He placed his land under a high state of cultivation and made many improvements thereon. Having come to this country in limited' circumstances he has ever made the most of his opportunities and through his own unaided efforts accumulated a handsome property, his life illustrating what can be accomplished through industry, perseverance, good management and a deter- mination to succeed. He died on the 23d of September, 1899, and was buried in Fair- view cemetery. His wife who was born Oc- tober 3. 1818, is still living, making her home with our subject.
Reared upon the home farm William Winter acquired his literary education in the district schools of the neighborhood, and early obtained an excellent knowledge of ag- ricultural pursuits. He is now the owner of the old homestead' and is successfully en- gaged in general farming and stock-raising. On the 18th of February, 1891, he led to the marriage altar Miss Priscilla Plumtree, a daughter of Elijah and Sophia ( Bowler)
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Plumtree. how residents of Kewanee. Her father was born in Cambridgeshire, England, and came to the new world in 1849, while the mother was born in London, England, and crossed the Atlantic to this country in 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Winter have had three children : William, who was born February 9. 1892, and died in infancy; Ethel Jane, born February 17, 1893; and Elijah, born June 30, 1897. In his political affiliations Mr. Winter is a Republican, and he has capably filled the office of school director for a num- ber of years. He is public-spirited and pro- gressive and takes a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his community.
LEWIS HUNT.
Among the leading representatives of the agricultural interests of Cornwall town- ship is Lewis Hunt, whose home is on sec- tion 25. For almost sixty years he has been a resident of the county, and has therefore witnessed almost its entire development. When he located here in 1842 Morristown was the county seat, and the court house was a frame structure eighteen by twenty-four feet. The following year, however. this building was converted into a school house. as the county seat was removed to Cam- bridge.
Mr. Hunt was born in the town of Led- ger, Cayuga county, New York, January 6, 1829, his parents being Thomas and Electa ( Erwin ) Hunt, both natives of Roxbury. Connecticut. In early life the father fol- Towed the trade of a cloth dresser and also engaged in farming to some extent. He lived for a time in Canada, about one hun-
dred and seventy-five miles east of Detroit, and' from that place removed to Iowa, it re- quiring twenty-two days to make the jour- ney. After two weeks spent in that state, however, he came to Illinois. In coming down the Mississippi the boat on which he was a passenger was frozen in the river and they crossed that stream on the ice April II, 1842. Three days later the ice in the river was two feet thick, that being one of the coldest winters known in this section of the country. Our subject's brother purchased two hundred and ten acres of raw prairie land about a mile and a half from Colona Station, and our subject aided in its develop- ment. In early days he mowed grass where the station now stands, and at that time knew almost every man in the county. He is the second in order of birth in a family of three children. His brother, Charles, was born in New York, in 1819, and was married in Canada to Elizabeth Knight. By trade he was a shoemaker. He died' and was buried at Geneseo, this county. The sister, Eliza- beth, was born in New York in 1838.
Lewis Hunt made his first purchase of land in 1851, consisting of eighty acres of unbroken prairie land one mile south of An- nawan, which he placed under cultivation and afterward traded for one hundred and twen- ty acres of partially improved land on section 25. Cornwall township, where he now re- sides. To this he has since added a tract of sixty acres, and now has a well improved and highly cultivated farm, whose neat and thrifty appearance is an evidence of his care- ful supervision and good business ability. In connection with general farming he is also engaged in stock raising.
In 1860 Mr. Hunt was united' in marriage with Miss Sarah Rooney, a native of Tus- cara was, Ohio, and one of a family of nine
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children. She came to this county in 1854 with her parents, Gabriel and Fannie ( Baltz- ly) Rooney, the family locating in Cornwall township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hunt were born five children, namely: Leonidas, born December 28, 1861, died in childhood ; John, born February 19, 1863, is at home; Edgar ; Edward, born March 5, 1865, married' Al- mira Bishop, a native of Ohio, and is now engaged in farming in Cornwall township, and Clarinda, born February 19, 1871, is at home. The wife and mother died March 18. 1898, and was laid to rest in Fairview ceme- tery, where the children have also been buried'.
Mr. Hunt cast his first presidential vote for General Scott, the Whig candidate, and is now a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He is a member of the United Bretli- ren Church, and is a man who commands the confidence and respect of all with whom he comes in contact either in business or social life.
JESSE E. BIEBINGER.
As manager of the Allerton farm, comprising four thousand acres of land in Loraine township, the subject of this sketch has become widely known throughout Henry county as a man of more than ordinary bus- iness ability and keen discrimination. A na- tive of Ohio, he was born near Portsmouth, Scioto county, September 23, 1863, but al- mnost his entire life has been passed in the Prairie state.
John Biebinger, father of our subject, was born in Germany and was six years old when he came to the United States with his father, Conrad Biebinger, who settled in Scioto county, Ohio, where he made his
liome until his death. He followed farming both in his native land and in this country. John was the third in order of birth in his family of five children, and grew to man- hood on the home farm, his education being acquired in the local schools. On the 27tl1 of January, 1861, he was united in marriage with Miss Naomi Ellen Cockrell, who was born in Sciota county, a daughter of Jesse and Anna ( Marsh) Cockrell, natives of Vir- ginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. The marriage of her parents was celebrated' in Sciota county, Ohio, where her father, with two brothers, located in the early part of the nineteenth century. He took up government land and became an extensive land owner. In his family were twelve children, and with une exception all reached years of maturity, Mrs. Biebinger being the youngest of the family. Her father died when she was but nine years old.
After his marriage John Biebinger car- ried on farming in his native state until January, 1865, when he came to Illinois, lo- cating near Monticello, Piatt county, where he purchased land' and engaged in the same pursuit with good success. He is now the owner of a well-improved and valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres near that place. In politics he is a Republican and he has been elected to a number of local of- fices. Religiously he is a faithful member of the Christian Church, and socially is a Royal Arch Mason. In his family are six children, namely : Anna Laura is the widow of Will- iam Kinder and a resident of Piatt county, Illinois; Jesse. E., our subject, is the next of the family ; David A. married Daisy Stroble, and is in the employ of the John Deere Plow Company at Moline; Isaac Newton, a resi- dent of Piatt county, takes a very active and prominent part in county and state politics,
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and was one of the presidential electors of Illinois in 1900; Marguerite and Leo are both at home. The daughters have all been school teachers of Piatt county.
After attending the common schools for some years Jesse E. Biebinger entered Union Christian College at Merom, Sullivan coun- ty, Indiana, where he completed' his educa- tion. Later he was in the employ of the Wabash Railroad company as brakeman for three years and was then engaged in farming for Samuel Allerton, near Monticello, for three years. Subsequently he spent a year and a half in this county, constructing the levee on the Allerton place in Loraine township, and aiding in its improvement, as it was orig- inally all swamp land. After this he again spent three years near Monticello, but since 1897 has acted as manager of Mr. Allerton's farm in Henry county, and has most credit- ably and acceptably filled that responsible position. He has from ten to fifty men in his employ and raises about two thousand three hundred and fifty acres of corn, while the remainder of the four thousand acres is devoted to oats and pasture. His corn crop amounted to about one hundred and twenty- five thousand bushels in 1900. Stock raising claims considerable of his attention and he ships annually about one thousand head' of cattle and eight carloads of hogs. He is a very progressive and enterprising farmer, and is a man of sound business judgment.
On the 23d of February, 1800, Mr. Bie- Linger was united in marriage with Miss Mary Le Fevre, a native of Piatt county, and a daughter of Isaac and Annie ( Peck ) Le Fevre, who were born in Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively, and in early life removed to Pintt county, Illinois, where Mr. Le Fevre tkomed farming. Our subject and his wife Live tivo children, Vena and Vera, twins,
born November 11, 1900. In his political affiliations MIr. Biebinger is a Republican, but cares nothing for political honors. He takes an active part in those interests de- signed to promote the general welfare, and is one of the leading citizens of his community.
On March 1, 1901, Mr. Biebinger re- signed his position as manager of the Aller- ton estate and accepted a position as super- intendent of the shipping department of the John Deere Plow Company, of Moline, Illi- nois, where he has one hundred and fifty men under him.
JOSEPH WELLS.
Among Henry county's most prosperous and influential citizens are many whose early home was on the other side of the Atlantic. Joseph Wells, now one of the leading agri- culturists of Cornwall township, is a native of England, his birth having occurred in Billinghay, Lincolnshire, in 1836. His par- ents, William B. and Elizabeth ( Bee ) Wells, were life-long residents of that country. In their family were seven children.
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