USA > Illinois > Henry County > The biographical record of Henry County, Illinois > Part 70
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ded in several fights with the Indians, and their horses were stolen by the red men a number of times, but were afterward recaptured. In 1854 during his residence in California, he participated in one of the Indian wars. On his way to that state he stopped in Oregon where he was employed as a farm laborer a short time. Here he contracted fever and ague, from which he suffered for two weeks. He bought an In- dian pony on which he traveled over five hundred miles through a trackless wilder- ness, carrying his provisions with him. He had nails driven into the heels of his boots for spurs. On his arrival at the Golden Gate Mr. Arnett found employment with his brother at seventy-five dollars per month, having charge of his pack train up in the mountains for six months. He then pur- chased the train and outfit from his brother, and engaged in the same business on his own account with good success. Ile can relate many thrilling and interesting experiences of his life in the far west.
After about four years spent in Califor- nia. Mr. Arnett returned to Henry county, Illinois, arriving home just before Christmas of 1856, and took charge of the farm. His first purchase of land consisted of one hun- dred and sixty acres in Loraine township, which he bought of his father. During the war he had the misfortune to have his house destroyed by fire. In the summer of 1864 it was impossible to find men willing to work upon the farm, and his wife drove the horses to the reaper, while he and his hired man bound one hundred and seventy-five acres of grain. As wheat advanced in price to three dollars per bushel, he was enabled to get a good start in life. From time to time he added to his landed possessions until he now owns thirteen hundred acres of good land in
Henry county, and also has twenty-four hun- dred and eighty acres of land under cultiva- tion in Minnesota. In connection with farm- ing he has engaged in stock-raising, his specialty being fine Durham cattle, and he has been most successful in this as well as other business transactions.
On the 15th of November, 1857, Mr. Ar- nett married Miss Margaret Sieben, who was born November 2, 1841, a daughter of Joseph and Apollonia (Gabel) Sieben, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of Leonard Sieben, on another page of this volume. Six children bless this union, namely: (1) Harriet M., born September 12, 1858, in Loraine township, is now the wife of William Hudnell, a druggist of Ilelena, Montana, and they have one daugh- ter, Inez. ( 2) Julia, born January 8, 1862, is the wife of Almont .A. Row, of Washing- ton, lowa, and they have four children, Will- ma, Arnett, Marguerite and Catherine. (3) Frank, born August 8, 1865, was married June 6, 1900. to Dr. Elma Brockman, who is a graduate of the Western Dental College of Kansas City, Missouri. He is now en- gaged in the cattle business in Culbertson, Montana. (4) Alberta, born February 2, 1870. is the wife of P. W. Kempster, who is engaged in the hardware and implement business in Prophetstown, Illinois, and they have three children : C. C. AArnett and Oliver. (5) Perry E., born February 2. 1874. is now a successful farmer of Rock county. Minne- sota. His father gave him a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, and to this he has since added a tract of similiar size. (6) Floyd H., born March 31, 1881. makes his home with his parents, and is now studying pharmacy at the Northwestern University of Chicago.
By his ballot Mr. Arnett supports the
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men and measures of the Republican party, and has taken quite an active interest in local politics. He served as school director in Phenix township for twenty years, where he also served as supervisor eight years. Commencing life in limited circumstances, lic has made his own way to the front rank in business affairs, having the ability to plan wisely and execute with energy, which char- acteristics never fail to bring success. After a useful and honorable career he can now well afford to lay aside business cares and enjoys the fruits of former toil. Mrs. Arnett is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN J. WEAVER.
Prominent among the business men of Geneseo is the gentleman whose name in- troduces this review. As a dealer in poultry and fine horses he is now doing a success- ful and profitable business. He is a man of superior executive ability and sound judg- ment, and occupies an enviable position in the business world.
Mr. Weaver was born at Hampton, Rock Island county, Illinois, on the 26th of July. 1858, and is a son of Jacob and Mary ( Wei- gand ) Weaver, both natives of Germany. The father was born September 22, 1829. and was only five years old when he came with his parents to the new world. the voyage Theting nine weeks. In 1838 the family lo- vatel in Rock Island county, Illinois, taking up their residence in Moline when it con- Thiined only four or five houses, while most of the country round about was still in its prim- have condition. There the grandfather of eur subject. John Weaver, died in 1840. Ilis widow subsequently married a Mr. Yost. who purchased land on Hampton Bluffs
and in the midst of the heavy timber de- veloped a farm. John Weaver lived with his mother and step-father until twenty-one years of age, and then entered the employ of M. W. Wright, who conducted a store and packing house in Hapton. Mr. Weaver was subsequently engaged in the pork packing business for many years, and in 1869 he came to Henry county, becoming one of the exten- sive and successful farmers here. In 1891 he retired from active labor, and has since made his home with our subject in Geneseo. where he is enjoying a well-earned rest. In two different townships he served as road commissioner for many years. He was reared in: the Catholic Church and still adheres t) that faith. His estimable wife held mem- bership in the Lutheran Church. She was born January 31. 1830, in Germany, and came to America with her parents in 1847. Her death occurred on the 20th of February, 1896. She was a devoted wife, an excellent mother, and obliging neighbor, who was highly respected and esteemed by all who knew her. In the family were only two chil- dren, of whom our subject is the younger. His sister Maggie C. is the wife of Albert Grossenburg, who holds an excellent position in the cutlery works at Fremont. Ohio, and they have two children. Elmer J. and Della M.
From the age of eleven years John J. Weaver was reared upon a farm, and his education was obtained in the schools of Hampton and Geneseo. When his school days were over, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he successfully carried on until 1894, when he sold his farm of two hundred acres and invested his cap- ital in his present business, becoming a mem- ber of Farber & Weaver, of Geneseo. Later lic sold his interest to his partner, and has
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since carried on operations in connection with L. F. Glawe. They deal in poultry and eggs and also handle track horses. Although they have met with much opposition from similar firms in the county, they have al- ready built up an excellent trade, and their business proves quite profitable.
In 1891 Mr. Weaver married Miss Laura A. Way, a native of Geneseo and a daughter of E. M. and M. E. Way, of this city. By this union were born twin daughters, Mary L. and Minerva C. The wife and mother died June 19, 1894. at the age of thirty-two years. She was a very devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, sang in the choir and took an active part in all church work. Prior to her marriage she success- fully engaged in teaching for several years, two years of this time being a teacher in the city schools of Geneseo. She was an excel- lent woman, and was beloved by all who knew her. On the 7th of June, 1896, Mr. Weaver was again married, his second union being with Miss Addie MI. Cooper, also a na- tive of Geneseo and a daughter of the late J. H. Cooper, of this county. Our subject and his wife are active members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and he is also con- nected with Stewart Lodge, No. 92, F. & A. MI. He takes quite an active interest in po- litical affairs, and has always cast his ballot with the Republican party. He is a man w hose genial temperament, sound judgment and well-proved integrity have brought him the esteem and friendship of a host of friends far and near.
WILLIAM J. LEWIS.
William J. Lewis, deceased, was for many years one of the most substantial and prosperous agriculturists of Cornwall town-
ship, as well as one of its most highly es- teemed citizens. He was born in Ohio, on the 18th of June, 1849, a son of John and Mary Elizabeth ( Cozad) Lewis. In 1852 he came to this state with his father and took up his residence in Cornwall township, Hen- ry county, where he continued to make his home until called to his final rest September 6. 1896.
Mr. Lewis was educated in the district schools near his boyhood home, and upon his father's farm early acquired an excel- lent knowledge of agricultural pursuits. Throughout his business career he engaged in farming and stock-raising, and met with marked success in his labors, having accum- ulated at the time of his death four hundred and ten acres of land, all under excellent cul- tivation and well improved, and some real estate in Geneseo.
On the 6th of March, 1869, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Claypool, a native of Illinois, and they be- came the parents of four children, namely : Edward W., born February 7, 1870, is the executor of his father's estate, and is suc- cessfully engaged in farming and stock-rais- ing in section 6. Cornwall township. He has filled the offices of tax collector and road commissioner and is one of the leading young farmers of his community. On the 6th of March, 1895, he married Mary E. Wood, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Bowlman ) Wood of Rock Island. James Frederick, born September 4. 1871, married Fanny C. Wonderly, a native of this county, and is now living in Geneseo township, where he has a fine farm of one hundred and forty acres besides eighty acres of well cul- tivated land in Cornwall township. Perry Theodore, born June 16, 1874. married Hil- da Borkgren, a native of this state, and they
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live in Cornwall vonslip. David Harry, ing of the rudder, and after having been on born October 16, 1877. married Virginia C. Wood, a sister of his brother's wife. For his second wife Mr. Lewis married Miss Eveline Doyle, a native of Pennsylvania, who still survives him and makes her home in Geneseo.
Mr. Lewis gave his political support to the men and measures of Democracy, and took quite an active interest in local politics. He capably and satisfactorily filled a number of township offices of honor and trust, and was justly regarded as one of the represen- tative citizens of his community.
JACOB JACOBSON.
Among Weller township's prominent and influential citizens none stand higher in pub- lic esteem than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He was born on the 44th of May, 1859. in the Bishop Hill colony, of which his father. Jacob Jacobson, Sr., was one of the founders, having located here in 1847. The birth of the father occurred in Sweden, March 18, 1817, and in the fall of 1846 he came with the colony to . America. Ile left Sweden in charge of a company of the colonists in the latter part of the summer of 1846, sailing from Stockholm on a small sailing vessel. When within a day's voyage of land they were caught in a terrific storm which completely disabled the vessel and car- ried away the rudder, rendering them entire- ly helpless. The captain and crew gave the ship up as lost, but five of the company, in- Cluding Mr. Jacobson, went down in the hold end hunted up iron and material with which they set to work and repaired the rudder. The vessel arrived in New York shortly be- Tore Christmas, four weeks after the break-
the ocean over thirteen weeks. The major portion of the company was left in Brooklyn until spring, while Mr. Jacobson, with a party of thirty of the strongest and most robust of the men left New York shortly after New Years, and set out for their des- tination. Bishop Hill. From New York to Albany they traveled by boat, after which they traveled mostly by rail and stage until they reached Toledo, Ohio, the remainder of the journey being made on foot, reach- ing Bishop Hill in the middle of February, 1847. They were accompanied by one woman, Sohia Shon, who did the cooking for them.
Mr. Jacobson was one of the seven trus- tees of the colony and had charge of their horses and oxen, each of the company be- ing assigned some special work as best suite.1 their abilities. After the breaking up of the colony in 1860, he embarked in general mer- chandising, in partnership with Swan Swan- son, who still survives, and carried on the business until 1872, when owing to the ill health of Mr. Jacobson the partnership was dissolved. At the time the colony broke up he came into possession of considerable land in Weller township, which he later added to by purchase, and which was successfully op- erated under his personal supervision, and was converted into one of the most highly cultivated tracts in the locality. He made a specialty of raising stock and broom corn, and met with marked success in the latter venture. Having had to work hard from early boyhood he was self-educated, but was well informed on the leading questions and issues of the day. He was public-spirited and progressive, and took quite an active and prominent part in public affairs. He was one of the original trustees of the Bishop Hill colony, and after the breaking up of the
JACOB JACOBSON.
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sony was supervisor of Weller township two terms and constable of the township. He was one of the directors who superin- tended the erection of the school building at that place, and was prominently identified with all enterprises for the good of the com- munity. In 1873 he united with the Meth- odist Episcopal Church and was an active worker and supporter of the same until his «leath, which occurred December 15. 1883. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Helena Peterson, was born January 25. 18_1. and died September 8. 1888. They were the parents of four children, but our subject is now the only survivor, the three daughters having died in infancy. Two of the father's brothers also came to America with the Bishop Hill colony, these being Olof, who died of cholera in 1852 ; and Swan Bjørklund, who died in this county in 1880.
During his boyhood and youth Mr. Jacobson, of this review, pursued his studies in the public schools of Bishop Hill. As soon as large enough to be of any assistance he commenced to aid in the farm work, and for four years he engaged in clerking. first in the stores of Bishop Hill and later in Galva, though always making his home in the former place. After the death of his father he operated the farm for two years. and then rented it and embarked in the lum- ber business, which he carried on for three years. Since then he has practically lived retired though he continues to personally manage his business affairs. He has made a number of valuable and useful improve- ments upon the old homestead and has a very comfortable home. He is one of the stockholders and directors of the First Na- tional Bank of Galva, and has been called upon to administer several estates, his fel- low citizens having the utmost confidence in him.
On the end of September. 1886. Mr. Jacobson was united in marriage with Miss Hannah V. Wigren, who was born near At- tica. Indiana, March 11, 1859. Her father. Rev. John Wigren, was a prominent minister of the Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church and one of the pioneers of Fountain county. Indiana, but is now living retired in Chica- go with his wife and one son. He reared a large family, of whom three sons were Methodist Episcopal ministers, while an- other is connected with the bank at Galva. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson have three children : Helena C., Margaret E. and Robert E., who are being educated in the common schools of Bishop Hill.
Since attaining his majority Mr. Jacob- son has affiliated with the Republican party, and has several times been a delegate to county and congressional conventions, while in 1900 he was a delegate to the state con- vention at Peoria. His father also served as a delegate to the conventions of his party. Our subject has been honored with a number of local offices, which he has most capably and satisfactorily filled. In March, 1889. he was appointed school treasurer, and has been re-appointed to that position every two years since. He was census enumerator of Weller township in 1900, and was for nine years commissioner of highways and treas- urer of the same. Mr. Jacobson is now an active and influential member of the village board of Bishop Hill, and at various times has served as trustee and clerk, having al- ways been prominently identified with the in- terests of the community. He is president the Swedish-American Republican League of Henry county ; and is recorder of Seva Legion No. 6. Select Knights of America, of Bishop Hill. He is also a Master Mason, belonging to the lodge at Galva. His wife holds membership in the
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Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a liberal supporter, and while the church was being rebuilt in 1900 he served as a member of the building committee and treasurer. He is of a very genial and social nature, and is held in high regard by all who know him.
WILLIAM LAMIB.
Many years ago there came to Henry county William Lamb and family whose early home was on the other side of the At- lantic. He was born in Selkirk, Scotland, en the 3d of November, 1810, and there he grew to manhood. At Edinburg, he was married July 1. 1834. his wife, Mrs. Mar- garet M. Lamb, being a native of that city, born January 26, 1816. In 1849 they crossed the ocean to Boston, Massachusetts, and six years later came to Henry county, Illinois, locating at Annawan, where Mr. Lamb was serving as agent for the Rock Island Railroad at the time of his death. which occurred November 22, 1856. 1866 his wife was appointed postmistress of that place. and continued to fill the office un- til she was called to her final resting place July 18, 1900, at the age of eighty-four rears.
Unto this worthy couple were born nine children, namely: Catherine, born in Sel- kirk, Scotland, May 21, 1835, is the wife of Joseph Stevens. of Annawan; William, born in Selkirk, June 14, 1837, died in Annawan, October 9, 1854: Mary R., born in Selkirk. March 29. 1839, was married, January 20. 1863, to Theron Smith, and died July 18. 1876: Margaret B., born in Galashiels, Scot- Dend. July 15. 1841. was married October 4. 1862, to John 1. Dow, a prominent hard-
ware merchant of Annawan; Isabella, born in Galashiels, August 1, 1843, was married January 12, 1873. to Caleb Swayze of Anna- wan : Johanna, born in Edinburg, Scotland, May 18, 1847. succeeded her mother as post- mistress of Annawan in 1900, and is now filling that position : Robert H., born in Bos- ton, November 14. 1849, married May Cronan, October 29. 1889. and resides in Kewanee, Illinois: Jesse, born in Belle Isle, Massachusetts, November 3. 1851. died November 15, 1851: and Ellen, born in Morris, Illinois, November 20, 1854, was married. August 30, 1881, to D. A. Jones and resides in Moline, Illinois. The fam- ily is one of the highest respectability, and its members are held in the highest esteem wherever known.
JAMES McRELL.
Burns township has no more popular or influential citizen than James McRell, who has been honored with a number of local offi- ces, and has always been found true to every trust reposed in him. He was born in Ire- land in 1838, and was a son of Robert Mc- Rell. When quite young he emigrated with the family to America and took up his resi- (lence in Philadelphia. On leaving that city he removed to Wisconsin, and in 1856 came to Henry county, Illinois. Subsequently his' parents also came to this county, where they spent the remainder of their lives, the death of both occurring here.
On coming to Henry county James Mc- Kell located upon his present farm in Burns township, where he owns two hundred and eighty-two acres of valuable land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation
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and improved with good buildings. In his political affiliations he is a stalwart Demo- crat, and on his party ticket was elected sup- ervisor of his township, which office he cred- itably and satisfactorily filled for six years. He has also served as commissioner of high- ways and school director for several years. and his official duties have always been most conscientiously and faithfully performed.
WILBUR F. STOWELL.
Wilbur F. Stowell, one of the leading and representative citizens of Yorktown township, was born there on the 16th of Au- gust. 1853, and belongs to one of the lon- ored pioneer families of Henry county. His father, Lyman Stowell, was born in Coles- ville, Broome county, New York, February 19. 1810, and was the oklest son of Aaron and Elizabeth ( Pratt ) Stowell, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of Broome county, New York. When twelve years of age Lyman accompanied his parents on their removal to Chenango county, New York, where he grew to manhood upon a farm, his education being acquired in the subscription schools then in vogue in that section. When twenty-two years of age he went to Steuben county, the same state. for the purpose of learning the millwright's trade, having a natural aptitude for the use of to: Is. His brother Allanson was a crafts- man of the same kind. In 1836 they came t. Illinois, floating down the Ohio river on a raft to Louisville, Kentucky, whence they procee led on horseback to Quincy. this state, a distance of four hundred miles. There they spent two months in building a mill, but on account of malaria left that place and went to Pleasant Valley, Iowa,
that state being then a territory. There ser- eral months were passed in the constructi p of mills, but they returned to Quincy in the fall of 1836. The following spring they again went to Pleasant Valley and resumed work at their trade. In the fall of 1837 they went to Prophetstown, Whiteside coun- ty, Illinois, and erected a sawmill on Coon creek, and also built the first frame house in that town. In 1838 they came to Henry county for the first time and built a mill on Spring creek in Atkinson township.
Lyman Stowell then discontinued work at his trade and turned his attention to ag- ricultural pursuits. In 1844 he rented a farm at Woodwards Bluff, six miles from Prophetstown, and was its occupant and manager until 1848, when he removed to Henry county, becoming the first settler of Yorktown township, which was then known as township 18, range 5. He made a claim on section 9, and built thereon a log house. which he covered with shingles, which he manufactured out of burr oak from his own timber. Six years later he entered the land and secured the title to the same. He placed it under a high state of cultivation and later bought additional tracts, having at the time of his death one hundred and seventy-seven acres, which is now the property of our sub- ject. It is one of the best improved places of the locality, being supplied with every- thing found upon a model farm of the pres- ent day, including an elegant home. The log house which he first erected was locat- ed sixty reds west of our subject's present residence. The Stowell school, located upon this farm, was the first in the township, and was built a short time after Lyman Stowell's arrival here and mainly through his indi- vidual efforts. There his children all re- ceived good common-school educations. He also assisted in laying out the first road be-
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iween Anaswar and Yorktown. Among the years often wondered how Smith gained so most important mills constructed by Mr. many followers. He cast his first presi- dential vote for William Henry Harrison, and on the organization of the Republican party became one of its stanch supporters. His fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, often called him to office. He was the first justice of the peace in Yorktown township and held that position a number of years. He also served as township col- lector and school director, taking a great interest in educational matters. Prior to his marriage he engaged in teaching school for a number of years. On account of a crippled foot he could never enter the mili- tary service of his country, but was always a loyal and patriotic citizen, and took a deep and commendable interest in public affairs. He was a member of the Methodist Church. being converted under the ministry of Rev. Barton Cartwright in 1855. He died De- cember 31, 1899, honored and respected by all who knew him. Stowell was the Camden mill on the Missis- sippi river south of Rock Island and op- posite where Milan now stands. At that time it was the leading mill in this part of the country. During the early years of his residence in this state hie formed the ac- (maintance of many celebrated Indians, in- cluding Wa-bo-kie, chief of the Winneba- goes and commonly known as the Prophet, after whom Prophetstown was named; and he also knew Keokuk, chief of the Sacs and Foxes. In his youth he was a schoolmate of Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, who was killed at Carthage. Illinois, in 1844. and both boarded with the former's uncle, Josiah Stowell. It was there that he over- heard the planning of the Mormon bible after the discovery of the Uram and Thumim, the glasses and engraved tablets, and he used to relate many interesting stories of Smith and his followers. One day he found the prophet in the wood house search- mig earnestly, Smith explaining that he had Tost one of the magic glasses, which he al- leged enabled the wearer to disc wer hidden treasures, as well as to translate the tablets of the book of Mormon. Mr. Stowell want- to know why he did not take the other glass and find the one that was lost, but re- Ogvel no satisfactory reply. Smith used to take his adherents out at night and search for hidden treasures, one of the essentials bemg that no word was to be spoken during 11 .wirch. Often Mr. Stowell and his com- goles who were not under the prophet's in- denice, would follow them and watch their endeavors, but the charm would always be broken by some incautions exclamation on the part of the searchers or by interference of the boys. As he overheard the planning 01 the Mormon bible, Mr. Stowell in later
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