USA > Illinois > Henry County > The biographical record of Henry County, Illinois > Part 69
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unteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war: Andrew, who was a member of the same company and was killed in bath at Corinth, Mississippi, October 4, 1862; Anna, widow of James W. Kennedy and a resident of Galva, Ilinois: Eric, the subject of this sketch ; and Justus, a farmer of Wel- er township. The mother of these children died November 10, 1891.
During his boyhood Eric Anderson at- tended the district school at Bishop Hill, and on completing his education worked with his father on the home farm until twenty years of age. During the following three years he was employed as a farm hand by others, and then engaged in farming for him- self on a tract of rented land in Weller town- ship. \ few years later he made his first purchase, consisting of twenty-five acres, which he operated in addition to rented land. He has increased his landed possessions from time to time by the purchase of small tracts, until he now has one hundred and two acres of well improved and valuable land.
In 1870, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage with Miss Martha Peterson, who was also born in Sweden and came to Amer- ica alone in 1866, her people never emigrat- ing to this country. By this union was born one child, Andrew, who remains on the home farm. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are people of promi- nence in the community where they reside. By his ballot Mr. Anderson supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and his fellow citizens recognizing his worth and ability have called upon him to serve as su- pervisor of Weller township since 1890. He has also filled the office of school director for many years. He is what the world terms a self-made man as he started out in life for himself with no capital, and the prosperity
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that has come to him is due entirely to his own industry. perseverance and good man- ugement.
PROFESSOR MARTIN LUTHER.
In this age of intellectual activity, when success in the business world depends not upon mere physical prowess but upon men- tal activity, upon an ability to master the principles and details of any enterprise, the work of the educator has become of even greater importance than ever before. Long occurping a prominent rank among the edu- cators of Henry county is Professor Martin Luther, of Geneseo, who is now filling the important position of county superintendent of schools.
A native of Illinois, he was born in Waukegan, Lake county. December 27, 1840, and is a son of John J. and Mary U'rsilla ( Fehlman ) Luther, the former a pative of New York, the latter of France. In 1862 the family removed to Hooppole. Henry county, where the father engaged in farming until his death, which occurred November 7. 1900. He was a member of the Evangelical Association and a supporter of the Republican party. As one of the prominent and influential citizens of his community he was called upon to serve as supervisor of Yorktown township, and also filled the office of school director for a num- ber of years. His widow still resides in Hooppole.
Professor Luther is the third in order of birth in a family of thirteen children, the others being John Jacob, a resident of God- dard. Kansas: Sarah S .. wife of George Luge, also of Goddard, Kansas; William L. who is married and lives in Glasgow,
Montana: Mary A., wife of Edward Smith. of Paton, Iowa: Louisa B., wife of Abra- ham Miller, of Hooppole, Illinois; Hannah M., who died in Hooppole, in March, 1897; Helen, a resident of Hooppole; Daniel E .. who married Lucy Hoffman and lives in Adel, Iowa: Rosetta A., wife of George Hoffman, of Adel, Jowa; Irvin E., who married Bertha Ott and resides in Walnut, Illinois: Clinton F., who married Nina With- row and makes his home in Sheffield, Illi- nois; and Josephine L., a resident of Hoop- pole.
In the district schools of Henry county Professor Luther acquired his elementary education, and later attended the Evan- gelical College at Naperville, Illinois. On leaving that institution he commenced his educational work. and has since taught school in Boone and Greene counties, Iowa, and in Bureau, Whiteside and Henry coun- ties, Illinois, having devoted thirty-two years to that profession. He is not only a well-educated man, but possesses, so essen- tial to a successful educator, the faculty of imparting to others the knowledge he has acquired. In 1893 he was appointed coun- ty superintendent of schools in Henry coun- ty, to fill a vacancy caused by the resigna- tion of his predecessor, and after creditably filling that office for fifteen months was elected to the same position, in which he is now serving his third term. With a correct appreciation of the responsibilities that de- volve upon the teacher he is well fitted for this office, and is making continual advance- ment along the lines of educational progress, each year witnessing an improvement in his methods of instruction.
Professor Luther was married December 27. 1877, on the twenty-eighth anniversary of his birth, to Miss Augusta L. Ringel, who
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is one of a family of eight children, their par- ents being John and Georgena Frederika Matilda (Voigt) Ringel, who were born in Germany and came to America in 1840. More extended mention is made of her fam- ily in connection with the sketch of Henry I. Ringel on another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Luther have four children, namely : Bernice M., born January 5. 1879. was appointed by the school board as assist- ant county superintendent in September. 1900, and is now aiding her father in the work of the office : Jessie I., born August 31. 1880, is teaching in the district schools of Henry county : Leroy E., born February 21. 1883. is a student in the high school of Gen- eseo ; and Georgiana M., born January 13. 1887, is also attending school in Geneseo.
As a Republican Professor Luther takes an active interest in political affairs. In his social relations he is a member of Utopia Lodge, No. 310, K. P. ; the Camp of Modern Woodmen, No. 40; and the Knights of the Globe, No. 176. He is a man of high in- tellectuality, broad human sympathies and tolerance, and imbued with fine sensibilities and clearly defined principles. Honor and integrity are synonymous with his name and lie enjoys the respect, confidence and high regard of the people of Henry county.
HENDRICK VASTINE FISHER.
The ancestors of this prominent citizen. on both the maternal and paternal sides. were eminent in public affairs in colonial days, and bore an active and honorable part in the Revolutionary war. The family tree first took root in Holland, and was trans- planted by Hendrick Fisher, the great grand-
father of Colonel Fisher. Who came to this country in 1703. This ancestor was one of the founders of the Dutch Reformed church in America, and was the first president of the old Queen's College, not Ruter's. . At the beginning of the Revolution he was a member of the New Jersey Assembly, was president of the historic primeval congress which met in New York from 1756 until independence was declared in 1776. The study of history of that period will show that no man was so frequently honored and entrusted with responsible duties as this sterling patriot. The parents of Colonel Fisher were Caleb Brokaw and Mary Vas- tine Fisher. The father was born at Bound Brook, New Jersey, and when a young man removed to Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, and for many years was prominent in financial and business affairs. He was a pioneer in anthracite coal operations. He was an ar- dent Abolitionist, and was a member of the Republican party for its inception.
Colonel Fisher was educated in the public school of Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, where he resided, and at Wyoming Seminary, at Kingston, Pennsylvania. Upon starting in life on his own account, he first secured a po- sition in the office of the L. & B. R. R., now the D. L. & W. In 1867 he came to Illi- nois, locating first at Aurora where he lived for about two years, and then removed to Geneseo where he has resided ever since. He early engaged in the general hardware business and later in the manufacture of stoves, and was the first president of the Geneseo Stove Company, and is interested in real estate and banking. His business af- fairs have been both honorable and success- ful. He married Miss Abbie F. Steele, only child of Robert F. and Anna E. ( Hardy ) Steele. They have three children : Eliza E.,
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Hele: Va dild Aileeit S. He has always freen fo viene in everything that pertains to the dkamicement of the financial. social The religious prosperity of the city, and has Heen called to fill many positions of honor and trust. such as member of the city council. member of the board of education, trustee of the Northwestern Normal School and ed- nor of the Henry County News.
He has always been an unflinching Re- pidican, and has distinguished himself in the councils of that part of the state. He Was elected to the legislature in 1887. and al- Though it was his first term he was assigned to the chairmanship of the important com- mittee of canal and river improvement, be- fore which came the important question of the cession of the property of the Illinois and Michigan canal to the government in the construction of the Hennepin canal. He was appointed chairman of the committee on mailroads, one of the most important in the Mouse. In both thirty-fifth and thirty- -ikth sessions be introduced and strongly supported bills which had for their object die erection of an insane hospital in the northwestern part of the state, but although these bills were at the time defeated. the measure was made successful, through his efforts, during his first term in the senate. This hospital is located at Watertown. in his district. In 1894 his election to the senate occurrel. The thirty-third district he rep- ve-ented, comprised the counties of Rock Mand and Henry. His majority was eight Men-and one hundred and seventy-four. President Harrison's majority in that district worthy about three thousand five hundred. The ber ed as president pro tempore of the teniste of the fortieth general assembly ing me unanimous choice of the Republi- Hle presided with dignity and
impartiality and was governor of the state during the absence of the governor and lieutenant governor. He is a member of the Congregational Church and a Knight Templar. He was commissioned colonel and aid-de-camp to the commander-in- chief of the Illinois National Guard, in which organization he is very popular and which has no better friend. No resident of the state stands higher in citizenship and no Republican more sincere.
ERNEST SALZMANN.
This well-known farmer residing on sec- tion I, Alba township, is one of the worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to the new world. He was born in Loudefeld, Hesse-Cassel. June 11, 1845, a son of Henry and Anna Sabina Salzmann, also natives of Germany, where the father died in 1856. By occupation he was a miller and farmer. The mother came to America in 1880, and now makes her home with her son Christian in. Alba township, five miles from Annawan. He was married at our subject's house to Martless Brandow. There is also another brother Reinhart, the oldest of the three, who married Eva Ott and came to America int 1880. Those of the family now de- ceased were Conrad. Henrich, Sabina, Mol- lie and Frederick.
Ernest Salzmann was educated in the dis- trict schools of his native land, and by as- sisting in the work of the home farm he acquired a thorough knowledge of agricul- tural pursuits. He crossed the ocean, land- ing in New York on the Ioth of April, 1869, and proceeded at once to Ottawa, Illinois, where he worked for a Mr. Ackerman, now
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of Genesen. Imuline ice and doing general farm work. From September of that year until the last of January. 1870. he was in the employ off Henry Goembel, of Annawan township, this county. He then purchased tw . hundred and five acres of land in Alba township, for which he paid one thousand dolar-, having brought with him to this country twelve hundred dollars in gold that he had received from his father's estate. The timber had been cut from the land, but 11 was a great task to remove the stumps and place the land under cultivation. He met with many other hardships and difficul- ties in those early days. His land was near what is now known as the swamp, fifteen Inindred acres of which are still uncultivated. At that time it was suposed to have no bot- tom and no teams ever crossed it. It was inhabited by millions of black birds, wiki ducks, geese, etc., which would flock to Mr. Salzmann's fields and destroy his corn, so that he lost from three to four hundred bushels each year. This was very discour- aging but he determined to remain. Grad- ually a part of the swamp was tiled and the birds became scarce. To the cultivation and improvement of his land Mr. Salzmann l'as devoted his energies until he now has one of the best farms in this section of the state. In his labors he was ably assisted by his estimable wife, who in their early strug- gles often helped him in the fields, and was to him a true helpmeet. In connection with general farming he raises cattle for market.
On the Ist of January, 1870, Mr. Salz- mann was united in marriage with Miss Martha Lickhart, of Ottawa, Illinois, who was born in the same place as her husband, September 15, 1845, and in 1869 came to America with her parents, John and Annie Sandrock ) Lickhart, also natives of Ger-
many. The mother died in Bureau county, Illinois, in 1880, and the father, who was a mason by trade, passed away the following year. They had four children, three sons and one daughter, namely : George, Casper, Conrad and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. Salz- mann are the parents of eight children : Sa- bana, born May 11. 1871, died April 18, 1881; Christian, born AApril 5, 1874, died August 20, 1874: George, born November 4, 1876, died August 22, 1878; Mollie, born June 18. 1878, died October 24, 1878; Henry, born October 15, 1879; Lizzie, born April 11, 1882, Theodore, born September 18, 1883, and Amil, born February 18, 1887, are all at home.
Mr. Salzmann is insured in the Aetna and Northwestern Insurance Companies. He has filled the office of road commissioner, and also served as school director for two years, proving a most efficient officer. Re- ligiously he is a member of the Evangelical Church of Hooppole, and as one of the lead- ing and representative citizens of his com- n unity he is certainly deserving of promi- nent mention in the history of his adopted county.
HUGH ARMSTRONG.
Numbered among the prominent citizens and successful agriculturists of Cornwall township is the gentleman whose name in- troduces this review, his home being on sec- tion 27, where he owns and operates a val- uable farm of two hundred and forty acres. He was born in Cornwall township, April 5. 1859. His father, Hugh Armstrong, Sr .. was a native of Ireland, born in 1816. In 1853 he came to America, sailing from Liv- erpool to New York, and first located in
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where for some time he was employed in a rolling mill. There he married Miss Mariette Livingston, a na- tive of that city, and in 1855 they came to Henry county, Illinois, locating in Corn- wall township, one-half mile west of the pres- ent home of our subject. The father first purchased forty acres of unimproved land, on which he erected a log cabin, and at once commenced to improve his property, doing his plowing with an ox team. Later he sold that place and bought eighty acres of wild land, which after placing under cultivation he sold. His next place was an improved farm of one hundred acres, and on disposing of that he bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which he retained throughout the remainder of his life, adding to it from time to time until he had five hundred acres of well improved and valuable land at the time of his death, which occurred in 1884. His remains were interred in Liberty cemetery. His wife died in 1879 at the age of sixty- seven years, and was laid to rest in the same place. He was engaged in stock-raising as well as farming and found that branch of his business quite profitable. By his ballot he supported the men and measures of the Republican party, and always took a com- mendable interest in public affairs, as every true American citizen should.
The subject of this sketch is the second ili order of birth in a family of four children, the others being as follows: George, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1854, mar- ried Matilda Fronk, a native of Illinois, and died August 19, 1900, leaving eleven chil- dren. Martha, born in 1861, died in 1890, und was buried near her parents in Liberty cometery. William, born in 1862, married Va Dynes and died in 1897, leaving a wid- way and one child living in Atkinson.
Hugh Armstrong, whose name stands at the head of this sketch, was reared upon his father's farm and early acquired an excellent knowledge of all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist, while his literary education was obtained in the local schools. His fine farm of two hundred and forty acres is under a high state of cultivation and is improved with good and substantial build- ings, in fact everything about the place tes- tifies to the industry and progressive spirit of the owner, who is accounted one of the most thorough and skillful agriculturists of the community. Since attaining his major- ity he has always identified himself with the Republican party, and has most creditably filled the office of school director. On the 12th of October. 1881, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Dynes, a daughter of Joseph and Hannah ( Crosby ) Dynes, of Atkinson. By this union there is one child, Martha, born in June, 1893.
HENRY J. RINGEL.
Henry J. Ringel, a successful farmer residing on section 35. Yorktown township. was born in New York on the 29th of March, 1852, and is a son of John Ringel, a na- tive of Hesse-Darinstadt, Germany, who came to America in 1848 and settled in New York. In 1851 he married Miss Georgiana Voigt, a native of Prussia, Germany, and a daughter of Frederick Voigt, who became a resident of Peoria, Illinois, where he lived retired until called from this life at the ad- vanced age of ninety years. John Ringel also removed to Peoria county, where he worked at his trade of broom making and
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also engaged in farming until 1865. when he came to Ilenry county and bought eighty acres of land on section 36. Yorktown town- ship. He kept adding to his property until he had three hundred and twenty-five acres. and throughout the remainder of his life suc- cessfully engaged in its operation. He died in 1899, at the age of seventy-nine years, and was buried in Hooppole cemetery. His wife is still living and makes her home with our subject.
The nine children born to this worthy couple were as follows: Henry J., our sub ject : Mary, the wife of Jolm Brown, of Yorktown township ; a daughter who died in infancy; Augusta, wife of Martin Luther, county superintendent of schools and a resi- dent of Geneseo; Minnie, wife of Reuben Ott, of Oklahoma ; John, who died at the age of nineteen years; William, a manufacturer of hardware novelties at Peoria: Rebecca. wife of George Urban, of Yorktown town- ship: and Emma, who died at the age of fourteen years.
Henry J. Ringel was only six months old when brought from the state of New York te Illinois by his parents, and was thirteen years of age when the family took up their residence in this county. He began his educa- tion in the common schools of Peoria county ; later attended the public schools of Henry county ; and subsequently became a student at Naperville College. After completing his education he worked with his father on the home farm until he attained his majority.
On the 3d of February. 1887, Mr. Rin- gel was united in marriage with Miss Katie E. Vetter, a native of Henry county and a daughter of Michael and Mary ( Haeffer ) Vetter, who were married in this county. The father was born in Germany and was sixteen years of age when he crossed the At-
lantic and took up his residence in Pennsyl- vania, coming to Henry county, Illinois, twelve years later. The mother is a native of the Keystone state. They are the parents of five children : Kate E., wife of our sub- ject : John, a farmer of . Alba township; Min- nie, a school teacher residing with her par- ents; Anna and Alfred, both at home. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ringel were born five children, namely : John, now attending school : Clay- ton, who died at the age of two weeks ; Vera Standly and Gertrude.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Ringel was working for his father and he and his wife began their domestic life on the old homestead. He has since purchased the in - terests of the other heirs in this place, and in its operation has met with excellent suc- cess. He not only settled his father's estate, but was also appointed administrator of the Swanson estate, being noted for his reliabil- ity and sound judgment in the management of business affairs. Like his father he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and has been a delegate to numerous county and state conventions. He has served as school director nine years, and has also filled the office of town clerk, tax collector and assessor, holding the last named position at the present time. Religiously both he and his wife are members of the United Evangel- ical Church, and socially he belongs to Hoop- pole Camp. No. 126, M. W. . A., of which he has been clerk ten years. He is one of the most popular and influential citizens of his community.
GEORGE ARNETT.
Prominent among the successful agri- culturists of Henry county is George Arnett, who for over sixty years has been closely
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identified with the history of the county, while his name se neseraably connected with its farming interests; He is a man of keen discrimination and sand judgment, and his proonounced In. mess ability and excellent management have brought to him a high de- gree of success, so that he is now one of the wealthiest citi cis of Geneseo, where he is now living a retired life.
Mr. Arnett was born in Warren, War ren county. Penneyivama, June 6. 1833. and is a son of Lottis and Clara (Schotte ) Ar nett, natives of France and Germany, re- spectively. On first coming to this state the father located in Chicago, at which time it was a mere village, and he was offered a house and lot near the present post office for six months' work, but refused the offer. In 1837 he came to Henry county and took up two hundred and forty acres of government land in Loraine township. Upon the wild unbroken prairie, he built a log house, and commenced the cultivation of his land. La- ter he added more land to this farm, but final- lv sold the place and purchased a farm in Whiteside county. There his wife died in March, 1866, and about four years afterward he disposed of all his farming interests and went to live with his son-in-law, David Hel- ler. Being unable to speak a word of Eng- Ish on coming to America, he met with many hindrances in business transactions, but he finally acquired a knowledge of the language through his own unaided efforts, and could converse very fluently, thus showing what can be accomplished if one has persever- ance and a determination to succeed. Ile Was a member of the Evangelical Church. polen politie- was first a Whig and later a Bpohh and He died in January, 1868, for retail respected by all who knew him. 10006 20 Yriett, of this review, is the
eleventh in order of birth in a family of twelve children, eight of whom were born in Germany, the others in Warren, Penn- sylvania, where the parents located on their emigration to America. The children were Louis, who died in Warren, Pennsylvania; Jacob, who died in Geneseo, Illinois, in 1899; Mary, who wedded Samuel Cogswell, and both died in the Keystone state; Anthony, a resident of Colorado; Catherine, who mar- ried David Heller, and lived for some years in Loraine township, this county, but was a resident of Geneseo at the time of her death, which occurred in 1900; Joseph, whose home adjoins that of our subject in Geneseo; John, who died in this county in 1898; Phil- lip, who died in California in 1850; Susan,
who married Simeon Heller, a brother of David, and both died in Henry county ; Will- iam, who died in Loraine township in 1898, while his widow is now a resident of Geneseo ; George, our subject; and Samuel, also a resident of Geneseo.
During his boyhood and youth George Arnett had scarcely any educational advan- tages, and the knowledge he has acquired has been obtained in the practical school of experience. He remained on the home farm until he attained his majority, when on the 28th of March, 1853, he started for Cali- fornia with fifty dollars in his pocket. this being the capital with which he began life for himself. He crossed the plains and over the mountains in a large covered wagon, known as a prairie schooner, drawn by sev- eral teams of horses. As there were no bridges the rivers had to be forded, and to keep the wagons from running over the horses in going down the moun- tains, trees had to be chained to them. and trailed behind tops foremost. The company with which Mr. Arnett tray-
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