The biographical record of Henry County, Illinois, Part 8

Author: Clarke (S.J.) Publishing Company
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 734

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York and the paternal grandfather of our subject was born in the Emerald Isle, whence he crossed the Atlantic to the new world in early manhood. About the time of their marriage the parents of our sub- ject removed to Ohio where they remained until called to the home beyond. The moth- cr passed away in 1862 and eight days later the father died, his death being occasioned by his great grief for the loss of his wife. She left an infant daughter, Agnes, who is now the wife of Joseph A. Miller, a con- tractor and builder residing in Galva.

There were but two children in the fam- ily, the son being Henry Quinn, who was left an orphan at the early age of eight years. He then went to live with his ma- ternal grandfather, who removed to Wis- consin, where the subject of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth. The educational privileges which he re- ceived were those afforded by the common schools, but his opportunities in that direc- tion were limited, as he early began to earn his own living. His first independent ven- ture was in carrying newspapers and he afterward learned the printer's trade, work- ing in the pressroom of the Cantwell printing house of Madison for two years, and in the composing room for three years, during which time he not only mastered the business. but also acquired considerable general in- formation which greatly supplemented the knowledge he had gained in school. His efficiency as a printer made it easy for him to obtain work in that line and he was em- ployed in a number of large cities of the United States. He was employed at vari- ous places in the Mississippi valley between St. Anthony and St. Louis, and in 1878 he accepted a position as business manager of the Galva News, in which capacity he served

THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

for eight years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a half interest in the business, since which time he has been a member of the firm of Fitch & Quinn. His thorough knowledge of journalistic work and his particular experience in this line have enabled him to give to the public a most creditable paper that finds its way into many homes in this part of the state, having a very large circulation. It is one of the leading papers in the county, neat in appearance, and is the advocate of all movements and meas- ures calculated to prove of public good. It has been an important factor in promoting the welfare of the county, as well as in up- holding the principles of Republicanism.

On the 11th of April, 1877, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Quinn and Miss Ettie Carico, a daughter of John and Eliza- beth Carico, who are natives of West Vir- ginia, but emigrating westward in 1832 they cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Bureau county, Illinois, where they long re- sided. At the present time they are living in Stark county where they have a large circle of warm friends. Mr. and Mrs. Quinn have one child, a son, Harry.

Mr. Quinn is recognized as one of the leaders of the Republican party in this coun- ty, and his fellow townsmen have called him to public office. In 1894 he was elected sheriff of Henry county by a majority of eighteen hundred and sixty-five, for a term of four years. He discharged his duties in a prompt and fearless manner and won high commendation by his faithful service. He handled many important cases during that period and was ever just in his enforce- ment of the law. Among his deputies was the present sheriff, E. Swain, who, on be- ing elected to the office, chose Mr. Quinn to serve as his deputy, the appointment being

made on the 5th of December, 1898; thus our subject has continued his connection with the office for six years and his pres- ent term will include eight years' service. Ile has always been a stalwart Republican in his political association, keeps well in- formed on the issues of the day and does all in his power to promote the growth and in- sure the success of the party. The journal of which he is a part owner has done much to advance the cause of Republicanism in this portion of the state, being an earnest champion of the measures of the party which stands for protection to American indus- tries, for the gold standard and for the su- premacy of the flag in every section of the world in which it has been planted.

Of the Masonic fraternity Mr. Quinn i- a valued and prominent member, being a representative of Blue Lodge, of Galva, the Royal Arch Chapter of Kewanee, of the Council of that place, of Everett's Command- ery, K. T., of Rock Island, and Kaba Tem- ple of the Mystic Shrine of Davenport, l wa. Both he and his wife hold member- ship in the order of the Eastern Star and in the Blue Lodge he has been honored with office. Mr. Quinn is a public-spirited man to an eminent degree. National progress and local advancement are causes both dear to the heart of this thoroughly loyal son of the Republic, and his devotion to his country is above question. In manner he is pleas- ant and genial; an approachable gentleman who enjoys the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances.

FRANCIS W. LARSON.

Among the substantial agriculturists of Western township is the subject of this re- view, who owns and occupies an excellent

THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sec- tien 32, two miles west of Orion, and also has another farm of similar size on section 33. He is a native of Henry county, his birth having occurred in Lynn township on the 24th of September, 1855. His father. Samuel B. Larson, was born in Sweden, in 1815, and there grew to manhood and mar- ried Anna Collen, a Swedish lady, born in 1814. In 1852, with their two children. they crossed the Atlantic and came direct to Andover, Henry county, Illinois. The fa- ther purchased a small farm, to which he later added a tract of raw prairie land ad- joining, making a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he erected a good set of buildings and made other improvements. There he died February 12. 1884, and his wife departed this life July 18. 1888. In their family were three children of whom our subject is the youngest and the only one born in this country. John, the oldest. is a farmer of Lynn township, while Matilda married P. J. Anderson, and died January 1. 1880.

On the home farm in Lynn township Francis W. Larson grew to manhood, pur- sting his studies in the local schools and as- sisting his father in the labors of the farm until he attained his majority. On starting out in life for himself he rented the old homestead, which he operated for a few years. In 1882 he bought his present place. but rented it out for two years before mov- ing to it. Since then to its further improve- ment and cultivation he has given his time and attention. Ife raises a good grade of short-horn cattle and Poland China hogs, and in all his undertakings has been uni- formly success ful, so that he is now number- ed among the prosperous and substantial men of his community.

In Mercer county, Illinois, Mr. Larson

was married March 17, 1877. to Mis: Anna Louisa Plym, a native of Sweden, ant daughter of John Plym, who settled in Ale- do. Mercer county, where he remained until lis death. She was a miss of twelve summers when she came to Henry county, Illinois, and was reared and educated here. She died June 18. 1893. and was laid to rest in the Swedish cemetery at Orion. Six children were born of this union, as follows: Emma, who is now keeping house for her father ; Anna Victoria, who died at the age of twelve years ; Minnie, who died at the age of elev- en ; John Edward, who was the second in order of birth and died in infancy: Edna Matilda and Mabel Violet, both attending the home school.

Since casting his first presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes, in 1876, Mr. Lar- son has been a stanch supporter of the Re- publican party, but has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office, pre- ferring to devote his entire time and atten- tion to his business interests. He has. how- ever, efficiently served as a member of the school board for twelve years, and his du- ties of citizenship have always been most faithfully and conscientiously performed. He and his family are members of the Lu- theran Church, and are prominent in the best social circles of the community in which they reside.

WILLIAM LEMBKE.

William Lembke, an honored and high- ly respected citizen of Lynn township. whose home is on section 17. has been a resident of Henry county since August. 1857, and as a farmer he has borne a very active part in its development and upbuild-

THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1. He comes from across the self le 1837 came to Illinois, being one of the first birth occurring in Prussia, Germany, Tomme uary 28, 1829, and in that country he gien to manhood and learned the abinet unter's trade, which he followed there for cone rears.

With the hope of benefiting los finnerd condition Mr. Lembke emigrated to. Amen. ca in 1855, going from Rotterdamto lay- erpool, where he took passage ma piling vessel, which was forty seven days auf crasse ing the Atlantic. They encounter ed Jiggle revere storms, during whichone Den wa carried away and other f: mage denem fine vessel, while one man was lost eye wany Prior to his first marriage Mr. Lembke polacoused his present farm in Lynn town- Pop pily a small portion of which had been broken and the only improvement on the page Nos a small frame house. To the fur- Wher development and cultivation of his land me has since devoted his energies, has erect- with shade trees, making an attractive and 1/cturesque home. Most of the fruit and Arriving in New York on the que di Mas Mr. Lembke at once proceeded to Malware kee, Wisconsin, where be found employ- ment at the carpenter's and joiner's trodde and after working for ten dy- the e mp:on disposed of their old forenon and put our subject in his place. He held that position on a pleasant residence and surrounded it until Christmas, 1856, when he came in Mercer county, Illinois, and decided mure main in this state. He took a contract for forest trees upon the place he has raised working on G. B. Pillsbury's house in Lyft from the seed. The neat and thrifty ap- township, Henry county, til contimed ne pefrance of the farm denotes the supervis- work at his trade in this and Mercer combe un of a careful and painstaking owner, ties for two years.

On the 17th of AAugust. 1857. m Cam- bridge. Mr. Lembke was unted in mar- as a life work.

riage with Miss Amelia A. Huyck, who was born and reared in Ohio, and was one of the early teachers of Henry county, Illinois. She died in 1863, ail on the 21st of De- cember, that year. Mr. Lembke was again married in Rock Island, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth Rhodenbaugh. a native of Mercer county, where she was reared and educated. Her father. John Rhodenbaugh, was born in Northumber- land county, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and in

settlers of Mercer county, where he im- proved a large farm. There he died May 2. 1892, and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Polly Arrowsmith and was a na- tive of Indiana, passed away March II, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Lembke are the par- etits of two children: Lena, wife of Frank De Witt, a farmer of Coal Valley : and Mary L .. wife of G. B. Krapp, a merchant of Coal Valley, by whom she has two children, William Lembke, and Earl H., who died Derober 31, 1900, at the age of three years OM seven months.

amel show conclusively that he thoroughly understands the occupation he has chosen

Politically Mr. Lembke is a Douglas Democrat, and cast his first presidential bal- lot for James Buchanan in 1856. He is alt earnest advocate of good schools and competent teachers, and did much to ad- vance the educational interests of his com- mitinity while serving for twenty-one con- secutive years as township school trustee. He also served as township assessor three years, but has declined further honors. .Although reared in the Lutheran Church,

THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he and his wife now attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are members of the Eastern Star Chapter, No. 93, of the Ma- sonic fraternity at Orion. Mr. Lembke is also an active and prominent member of Sherman Lodge, No. 535, F. & A. M., in which he has filled all the chairs and has twice served as master, while he has also represented the lodge in the grand lodge of the state. In token of their high regard for him the members of that lodge, on the 28th of December, 1892, presented him with a handsome gold headed cane on which was engraved the name and number of the lodge. The whole thing was a great surprise to Mr. Lembke. He is widely and favorably known throughout his adopted county, and is justly deserving of honorable mention in her his- tory.

FRANK J. JOHNSON.

Frank J. Johnson, the present well- known assessor of Andover township-a po- sition he has held for four consecutive years -was born in Sweden on the 30th of June, 1859, and in 1870 was brought to the United States by his parents, Peter and Hannah Johnson, also natives of that country, who on reaching the shores of America came at once to Andover township, this county, where the father rented land. For some time he followed farming, and then retired from active labor, moving to Andover, where he died December 29, 1899. at the age of seventy-five years. His wife survives him at the age of seventy-six, and now lives with a daughter, Mrs. Matilda Anderson, of Andover township. Both held member- ship in the Lutheran Church of Andover, and he affiliated with the Republican party.

They were the parents of eight children, all of whom reached years of maturity, name- ly : Christine, wife of A. V. Hultgren, of Andover township: Mary, deceased wife of John Reed : Hannah, deceased wife of Eric Ericson, of Western township; Emily, wife of Charles Eckman, of Nebraska; Frank J., our subject ; Maggie, deceased wife of Clar- ence Anderson, of Osco township; Matilda, wife of Bengt Anderson, of Andover town- ship; and Otto, a turnkey in the state peni- tentiary at Joliet.

Frank J. Johnson received his education il: the public schools of this county and grew to manhood upon the home farm. He start- ed out in life for himself as a farm hand and was thus employed until 1886, when he had secured enough capital to purchase some land. Nearly all this time he worked in An- dover township.

In 1885 Mr. Johnson was united in mar- riage with Miss Ella Johnson, whose birth occurred in Sweden May 14, 1863. Her parents, John and Mary ( Peterson ) John- son, emigrated with their family to the new world in 1869, and settled in this county, where the mother died March 1, 1889. The father now makes his home in Western township. Besides the wife of our subject they had six other children : Ella S .; Hul- da, wife of Nels Anderson, of Clover town- ship; Charles; John, also a resident of Clo- ver township; Frank; Augusta, wife of Charles Hultstreet; and Edwin. Of the seven children born to Frank J. Johnson and wife, two died in infancy, Cora and Nora, the others being Fred N., Herman F., Gil- bert V. S., Dora M. and Martin P.

For six years after his marriage Mr. Johnson engaged in general farming and stock raising on rented land in Andover and Clover townships, but in 1892 he pur-

THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

chased his present farm of one hundred and forty acres, to the cultivation and further improvement of which he has since devoted his energies. In connection with the regu- lar farm products he raises broom corn, and has found that industry quite profitable. He also raises cattle and hogs for market, and in all his business undertakings is meeting with gratifying success. He was one of the first to become interested in the Farmers' Telephone, and is serving as one of its di- rectors.

Mr. Johnson is what is styled a self made man, for all that he has has been acquired by industry, perseverance and good manage- ment. The Republican party finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles. In 1896 he was first elected assessor of Andover township, in which capacity he has since served the people faithfully and well. He has always been officially connected with school affairs, and is now a director in district No. 5; Andover township. Religiously he is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church of Andover.

CHARLES A. CARLSON.

The subject of this sketch, who is an energetic and progressive agriculturist re- siding on section 26, Andover township, Henry county, Illinois, was born in that township March 11, 1863. His father, Swan A. Carlson, was one of the men who came from Sweden to found a home for himself and better his financial condition. He was born in 1832 and as soon as old enough to care for himself turned his at- tention to farming, following that pursuit in his native land until 1858, when he de- cided to come to America. He had pre-

viously married Christina Swanson, and to- gether they crossed the Atlantic, the voy- age consuming eighteen weeks. They first located in Galesburg, Illinois, and on reach- ing that city found that their means were about exhausted. Coming to AAndover township, which was the first settlement made by the Swedish colony, he operated rented land for a short time and then pur- chased a small tract of forty acres, to which lie added from time to time as he succeed- ed in business until he had one hundred and sixty acres. He now resides in Andover township. His first wife died September 5. 1872, and of the eight children born to them three are now deceased. Those liv- ing are Axel, a resident of Evanston, Illi- mois; Mary, wife of Gust Sanberg, living on section 22, Andover township; Charles A., our subject; Frank, who lives on the home farm; and Hulda, wife of John Sand- quist, also a resident of Andover township. Mr. Carlson again married, and by that union had two children: John E., a farmer of Andover township; and Ellen, at home. The father has always voted the Republi- can ticket, but would never accept or hold political office. He has ever been interested in the maintenance of good schools and efficiently served as director of the district school for several years. He is a member and liberal supporter of the Swedish Lu- theran Church of Andover, and is a man highly respected and esteemed by all who know him.

The preliminary education of Charles A. Carlson was received in the common schools of Andover township, and later he took an elective course at the Northern Illinois Normal School of Dixon. He grew to manhood on the home farm, becoming a thorough and practical farmer. On the 11th

THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of February. 1800, he Was united in mar- Dage with Miss Emma Swanson, who was born in Cambridge township, this county, A vember 22, 1869, a daughter of Charles and Johanna ( Hanson) Swanson, na- Iwes of Sweden, where they were reared. About 1864 her father came for the United States, and her mother in: 1868. After spending ten years in Cambridge township, Henry county, Illi- nois, Mr. Swanson purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Andover town- chip, to which he has added since small Tracts of land as his financial resources per- mitted until he now owns a valuable place at two hundred and forty acres on section -0. When it came into his possession it was wuly partially improved, but intending to take it a permanent home he has remodeled WJ! the buildings as well as erecting new ones. For many years he followed general farming wwith good success, but is now liv- me a retired life, enjoying the fruits of

wginer labor. Politically he is identified with the Republican party, and religiously a consistent member of the Swedish Ln- theran Church of Andover and one of its Pberal supporters. To himself and wife have Been born four children, one of whom died m infancy. Of those living Emma, wife 40 our subject, is the eldest ; Mamie is the wie of Gust Bjorling, of Weller township: all Alma is at home with her parents.

After his marriage Mr. Carlson rented a Bit in Clover township, where he made lav nome for two years, and met with stic- jess in every undertaking. In 1802 hie moved to his present farm on section 20, Sinlover township, where he rents two hun- dred'acres of his father in law, Mr. Swan- sony, mild here he carries on general farming MAI stock raising with marked success. In

1895 he purchased eight acres of land on section 27, adjoining the farm which he rents, and now operates both places. Two children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Carlson, namely: Esther M. and Millia Evalma E.

In his political views our subject is a Republican, though at local elections he sup- ports the men whom he considers best quali- fied to fill the offices, regardless of party lines. He has filled the office of school director for nine years. Mr. Carlson is a leading mem- ber of the Lutheran church of Andover, and since his residence in Andover township has taken an active part in Sunday school work, the meetings being held in the school house of his district. He has been superintendent of the American Sunday school, and is dis- trict president of the Union Sunday School Association of Andover and Lynn town- ships, devoting a large share of his time in promoting the work.

GEORGE W. KINCAID.

We are now permitted to touch briefly upon the life history of one who has re- tained a personal association with the affairs of Illinois throughout life and whose ances- tral line traces back to the colonial epoch. Ilis life has been one of honest and earnest endeavor and due success has not been de- nied lim.

A native of this state. Mr. Kincaid was born in St. Clair county, on the 23d of De- cember, 1821, and is of Irish descent on the paternal side. His grandfather, Andrew Kincaid, who fought for American inde- pendence in the Revolutionary war, was a native of Ireland and an early settler of

GEORGE W. KINCAID.

THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Pennsylvania. The father, James Kineand. moved to Rock Iskoval county, while in 1850 was born in that state about 1790, and at any he came to Henry county, and purchased an early day went to Kentucky, being andmy the pioneers of the Blue Grass state. There he grew to manhood and married Miss Pally eighty acre tract of land in Colora township, Enown as the Dr. Baker farm. Upon this place he has since made his home, and to it Sanders, who was of England and Securein The has added from time to time until he now extraction, and whose father bad! . hon- owns nearly five hundred acres of land in moved to Kentucky if piner les. The ore ily. Three hunderd acres of this amount has been placed under the plow, and unpred with two sets of good buildings. Athonglobe startel out in life for himself att Tinnted creminstances Mr. Kincaid has Steph y worked his way upward by diligence, In 1823 he took his famdy pourrepe conory,, por dening and Dintiring industry until he a new one of the most prosperous citizens was from Virginia. James Kim anl follon el farming in Kentucky uotif abeit is2. when he removed to St. ( For como; . Mi mois, locating within ten mille - an' S. Lalla where our subject was botte nett Belegtin subsequently spent one year we Kod Tamml county, and then located WE Meten contdi, in- companhity. where he improved a form of re col for children. Ile continued in- madenice there throughout the remainder of In - Wie, im mini while on a visit t ofr Sulfora Hans

Why Kidding's first wife died in the fall để 1958 By that union he had six chil- drey. walley : William, a resident of the Se & Waslington; Mrs. Anna Anderson, county, in 1855. He was a saber vof lent OF Kewanee. Ilinois; Lucy, wife of Maxwell the war of 1812 and the Blet Haok kill. and was ever a true an Goyakeinedin

George W. Kincan is one ofa Family of eight children, four sous 200 fone laven- ters, of whom two sons and @were ilanelfter- are still living. Franklin & w -vjen of Mercer county, IlInois. Auky Rensel James Glenn, of Henry county. and both are now deceased. Martha is me vale. edf George Sinley and a resident vo Colma Emma is the wife of Charles Dasts of Mps souri. Mrs. Sophia Mendenhall restled m1 Hancock county, Illinois, until her dead

Murray, of Nebraska; Harriet, wife of Dynas Davis, of lowa; A. Jackson, who is engaged in farming on the home place ; Lom-a, wife of James Montgomery, of Rock island. Mr. Kincaid was again married in 1850, his second union being with Mary Walker, who was born in Kentucky, but neared in Missouri. She died January 19, 1900, leaving one son, John F., who is mar- red and engaged in farming and the manu- Tecture of cheese at Briar Bluff, Illinois.

Since the formation of the Republican party, in 1856, Mr. Kincaid has been an ar- The days of his boyhood and soul George W. Kincaid passed in Mercer com There he was married in 1844 to Miss Lon- isa Smith, who was born in Ohio, and came to this state in 1837, locating in Mercer county. After his marriage he continued to reside in that county for a time, and then re- dent supporter of its principles, and has voted for all its presidential candidates, but ty, but he received only a limited education. was never cared for official honors. His in- terest in educational affairs was manifest To: fifteen years of faithful service as school director in his district. He has been an eye witness of almost the entire growth and de- velopment of this state, and for half a cent-

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The biographical record of Henry County, Illinois, Part 8

Author: Clarke (S.J.) Publishing Company Publication date: 1901 Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Number of Pages: 734

Author: Clarke (S.J.) Publishing Company
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 734