USA > Illinois > Livingston County > The biographical record of Livingston County, Illinois > Part 46
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During his boyhood Frederick K. Hack attended the district schools of Sullivan township, and remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, when he commenced farming upon land rented from his father. On the 8th of October, 1884. he was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Keck, of the same township, a daugh- ter of Andrew and Catherine Keck, who 23
county, Ilinois, at an early day, and are now living retired in Cullom at the ages of seventy-six and seventy-two years, respect- ively. In their family of eight children Mrs. Hack is the seventh in order of birth. Our subject and his wife have five children, namely: Albert, Ernest, Willie, Roy and Gertie, all attending the home school with exception of the youngest.
In 1889 Mr. Hack purchased eighty acres of land on section 14, Sullivan township, of Edward Cook, a part of which was improved and under cultivation, and which he has since tiled and converted into an excellent farm. In 1895 he bought an adjoining eighty acres of Linden Bute, and the same year erected a barn, crib and wind-mill. lle has no specialty, but is successfully engaged in general farming. For three years, from 1802 to 1805. he had charge of his father's general store in Cullom, but since then has devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits alone.
Mr. and Mrs. Ilack are both active mem- bers of the Lutheran church, of Cullom, of which he has been a trustee for the past two years. On national issues he votes the Democratic ticket, but at local elections sup- ports the men whom he believes best qualified for office regardless of party lines. In the spring of 1900 he was elected road commis- sioner, and is now most creditably filling that office.
ALBERT MANHSER.
The subject of this sketch, who is now successfully engaged in farming in Nebras- ka township, Livingston county, Ilmois, Was born in Germany, on the 4th of November,
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1852. and is a son of Manert and Fannie ( Strunk ) Manhser, also natives of that country. In 1873 the family emigrated to America and on landing proceeded at once to Ilinois. They first located in Mason county, where they remained two years, and then removed to Tazewell county. Shortly afterward the parents settled in Amden, Illi- nois, where they now reside. After a long and useful carcer the father is spending his declining years in the quietude of a retired life. Ile is now eighty years of age, while his wife is eighty-six, but they still enjoy good health. In 1897 this venerable couple celebrated their golden wedding. They are widely and favorably known and are held in the highest regard in the community in which they reside. In their family are six children, namely: John, a resident of Am- den : Maggie, wife of Lambert Helman, of San Jose, Illinois; Barney, of Pekin, Illi- nois : Albert, our subject ; Maynard, of Dela- van. Illinois : and Lena, wife of Albert Wei- mer, of San Jose.
Albert Manhser was reared and edit- cated in his native land. and during his youth served in the German army. At the age of twenty-one he came with the family to the United States, and worked as a farm hand in Mason and Tazewell counties until 1891, when he moved to Livingston county, and was engaged in tile-making in Flana- gan for eight years. In 1899 he commenced farming upon his present place in Nebraska township. and has since devoted his ener- gies to that occupation, meeting with good success in his labors.
In 1880 Mr. Manhser was united in mar- riage with Miss Kate Sleeter, also a native of Germany, and to them have been born five children : Timothy, Grace, Fannie, Jennie and Maggie. Politically Mr. Manh-
ser affiliates with the Democratic party, and religiously is a member of the German Re- formed church. Upright and honorable in all things, he commands the respect and con- fidence of those with whom he comes in con- tact, either in business or social life.
FRED REINEKE.
Fred Reineke, one of the most energetic and progressive agriculturists of Waldo township, Livingston county, was born in Germany. October 28, 1862, and is a son of Ludwig and Geshe ( Theesfield) Reineke, natives of Germany, and now residents of Cissna Park, Illinois. He is the oldest of their seven children, the others being as fol- lows: Maggie, born April 2. 1866, mar- ried John Toelstede, of Nebraska township, and she died April 30, 1892: Ulrich, born January 1. 1868. resides in Iroquois, Illinois; Ilenry, born January 5. 1871. lives in Indian Territory; Charles, born February 9, 1877. resides in Iroquois, Illinois : Christian, born May 10, 1879, is also a resident of Indian Territory; and John, born January 13. 1887, lives with his parents.
Our subject came to America with his parents when eleven years old, was reared on the home farm in Livingston county, and educated in the common schools of the neigh- borhood. Since starting out in life for him- self he has devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits, and in his labors has met with well deserved success. That he thoroughly understands his chosen occupa- tion is shown by the neat and thrifty ap- pearance of his farm in Waldo township.
On the 17th of November. 1887. Mr. Reineke was united in marriage with Miss
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Adelhaid Jenson, of Rooks Creek township, Livingston county, who died December I, 1896, leaving three children, namely: Tena, born December 19, 1889; Ludwig, born Sep- tember 7, 1891 ; and Maggie, born June 16, 1893. For his second wife Mr. Reineke married Miss Grace Sprague, an adopted daughter of Nicholas Randall Sprague, of Wood county, Ohio.
1
GEORGE W. BENTLEY.
George W. Bentley, who is now success- fully engaged in agricultural pursuits on section 20, Avoca township, has been a resi- dent of Livingston county since 1866, and . since reaching manhood has been actively identified with its business interests. He is a native of Illinois, born in Peoria county, December 21, 1857, and is a son of John W. and Diana MI. (Myers) Bentley, the former a native of England, the latter of Pennsylvania. They are now living in Pontiac a quiet, retired life, after many years of hard work, during which they acquired a competence sufficient to keep them the re- mainder of their days. The father followed farming quite successfully until 1891, when he moved to the city, after selling his farm. He also owned a farm in Kansas which he disposed of a few years ago. He has al- ways affiliated with the Republican party, and is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as well as one of its lib- cral supporters. Ten children were born to John W. Bentley and wife, of whom two died in early childhood. Those living are Albert M., a farmer living near Rochelle, Ogle county, Illinois ; William II., a resident of Pontiac; Roger P., a farmer of Avoca
township; George W., our subject: Edward N., a prosperous farmer of Eppards Point township; John E., who lives in the north- ern part of Pontiac township; Gilbert 11 .. an employe in a lumber yard at Pontiac ; and Benjamin F., a farmer of Esmen township.
George W. Bentley attended the common schools of Livingston county, and remained at home with his father on the farm until 1878. In 1885 he married Miss Dora Bod- ley, a native of Avoca township, and a daughter of John Bodley, one of the old set- tlers still living in that township. She died in 1888, leaving one daughter. Daisy, who is with her father. After the death of his wife Mr. Bentley sold his stock and imple- ments and moved to Pontiac, where he en- gaged in the coal business and later dealt in lumber for two years. He was identified with the representative men of Pontiac, and served as assistant postmaster of that city for three years. By good business ability he succeeded in saving some money, and in 1895 he purchased one hundred and fifty- one acres of improved land on section 20, Avoca township, paying eighty-seven and a half dollars for the same. He located upon his farm three years later, and there he has since successfully engaged in general farm- ing and stock raising. He has erected new outbuildings and made other improvements, and the farm now yields him good returns.
In 1893 Mr. Bentley was again married, his second union being with Miss Martha Augustine, who was born in Pennsylvania, and came to this state with her parents v. hen quite young. In his political views Mr. Bentley is a Republican, and while a resi- dent of Pontiac served as city treasurer two years, as well as assistant postmaster. Hle has always taken an active part in political affairs, and was appointed census enummer-
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ator in Avoca township in 1900. He is a living a retired life at the age of seventy-five member of Pontiac Lodge, No. 294. F. & A. M .. and Pontiac Lodge. No. 262, I. O. (). F., and in social as well as business circles he is highly respected and esteemed.
GEORGE W. HORTON.
George W. Horton, superintendent of the city schools of Dwight, Illinois, was born in Channahon. Will county, near Joliet. this state. June 17. 1858. a son of William H. and Charlotte ( Lish) Horton, both natives of Sussex county, New Jersey, the former born in 1825. the latter in 1835. The fam- ily was founded on Long Island at an early day, and was represented in the Revolution- ary war and the war of 1812. The P'ro- fessor's paternal great-grandparents were Caleb ( or Caleph ) and Phebe ( Terry ) Hor- ton. while his grandparents were Terry and Rosanna ( Stine) Horton, natives of Sus- sex and Warren counties. New Jersey, re- spectivelv.
In the carly '50s William II. Horton, our subject's father, came west. and first located in Wisconsin, but remained there only a short time before removing to Joliet, Illinois, where he engaged in wagon-making, carry- ing on the business quite extensively there and elsewhere until that class of manufactur- ing was monopolized by the large factories. In 1800 he moved his business to Lincoln, Illinois, where he conducted it until 1874. and then went to Fresno, California, at which place he continued to engage in the manu- facture of wagons and carriages until 1899. when he returned to Illinois, and has since made his home with our subject in Dwight.
years. He is a man of sterling character and strict integrity, who has won the respect of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and whose word has always been considered as good as his bond. In political affairs he has never been an aspirant for office, though a stanch Whig and Republican. The mother of our subject died in February, 1863. when he was only four years oldl. leaving three children. The oldest. Henry Lish Horton, is a resident of Joliet. Will county, Illinois; and the youngest, John Curry Horton, is a resident of El Paso, 'Texas.
.At the age of twelve years Mr. Horton began learning the painter's trade with G. M. Seick, a painter and decorator of Lincoln. Illinois. After four years' apprenticeship he removed to Joliet, Illinois, and to that busi- ness gave his attention until 1881. His preliminary education was received in the common schools, from private teachers, and from the West Chicago Commercial Col- lege. which he attended at intervals while at work. In 1881 he entered Doane College. Crete. Nebraska, from which he was gradu- ated a bachelor of arts in 1886. After his graduation he entered the law office of Judge John K. Cravens, of Kansas City, Missouri. and devoted a year and a half to the study of law, but on account of failing health he was forced to give up study, and then turned his attention to teaching in Lyon county. Kansas. Mtogether he spent five years teaching in the district and city schools of that state, his last position being as princi- pal of the high school of Beloit, which he gave up to take the chair of languages at Salisbury Academy, Salisbury, Missouri. In September, 1805. he came to Dwight. Illi- pois, to accept the position of superintendent
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of schools, which under his management have been greatly improved. The present high school buikling has also been erected during his administration and other improve- ments made. Dwight now has two school buiklings, the other being known as the West Side school; thirteen teachers are emploved and five hundred pupils enrolled. The high school curriculum comprises a complete preparatory course of four years which fits the student for entering the State Univer- sity, and many of the graduates of this school are now attending various colleges and state universities, including those of Illinois and Missouri, and Brown University, of Rhode Island.
On the 3ist of December, 1890, at Gay- lord, Kansas, Professor Horton married Miss Cora A. Blake, who was born in Mus- catine, lowa, a daughter of Jacob and Emily ( Berkshire ) Blake, natives of Pennsylvania and Indiana, respectively. She is one of a family of nine children, two of whom died in infancy, the others being as follows : Ella, who resides with her mother in Sargent. Missouri; Philip, a merchant at Sargent, Missouri: Emma, a resident of Willow Springs, Missouri: Edward, an attorney of Gaylord, Kansas; Charles, a merchant at Dawson, lowa : and Martha, a teacher in the schools of Mazon, Illinois.
In politics Mr. Horton is a Republican, supporting the men and measures which in his estimation serve the best interests of the public. Fraternally he is a Master Mason. and has filled most of the offices in his lodge. He is a leading member of the Congrega- tional church, of Dwight, and as a teacher takes an active interest in Sunday school work. He is recognized as one of the able and progressive educators of the state, whose influence and personality are demonstrated
in the high standard and satisfactory condi- tion of the Dwight city schools at the pres- ent time.
ALEXANDER S. PIPER.
Alexander S. Piper, a well-known citi- zen of Amity township, is classed among the influential and successful agriculturists of Livingston county. He has been a stanch friend to education and public improve- ments and has loyally given his aid and voice to progress along all lines.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was Samuel Piper, of Revolutionary fame, for he fought for the independence of this land, with whose destiny he had cast his own some years before. He was a native of Ire- land, and prior to his emigrat on from the Emerald Isle he married Jane . Alden. After his arrival in the new world he located in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and con- ducted a large flouring mill there for ser- eral years. Ile owned considerable prop- erty, carried on a large farm, and was looked upon with respect as a man of means and en- terprise. He died when eighty-four years old, and his wife at the age of ninety three years. His son. John Piper, father of our subject, was born on the old home place in Cumberland county, in 1788, and when he arrived at maturity he married Maria Ran- dolph. Four children were born to them. and after the death of the wife, Mr. Piper wedded Ann Quigler, the mother of Alex- ander S. of this sketch. He spent his en- tire life in his native county, and died at the ripe age of seventy-five years.
The birth of Alexander S. Piper ec- curred July 11. 1835. in Cumberland county. Pennsylvania. His youth was spent in the
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labors of the farm and in the common schools, where he obtained a good educa- tion. In 1858 he came to Illinois, and in or- der to make a financial start he worked by the month for farmers in Woodford county. Ile was still industriously employed in this manner, and was about to embark in inde- pendent business for himself, when the great crisis of the past half century occurred. As soon as he was able to enlist in the defense of the Union, the young man became a mem- ber of Company 1. Eleventh Illinois In- fantry, and was sent to the front immedi- ately. His first important battle was at Fort Donelson, and in the charge he was wounded in the knee and calf of his leg. Thus seriously disabled. he was necessarily sent to the hospital, and when able to travel he was given a furlough and returned home. In the following May he joined his regi- ment at Jackson. Tennessee, and soon after- wards took part in the battle of Holly Springs, and later in the siege of Vicks- burg. When that city had surrendered his regiment was sent to Yazoo City, and there a severe fight occurred, and, later. it partici- pated in the battle of Morganza, Louisiana. Many minor engagements and several dis- astrous battles were waged by the Eleventh lilinois against the Confederates, as the rec- ords of the war department show, and from first to last of the term of their enlistment these brave boys in blue won commendation and high praise from their superior officers. They were honorably discharged Septem- ber 25. 1864. at Springfield, Illinois.
On the 28th of December, 1865. Mr. Pi- per married Delaney F. Rice, whose birth had occurred in Cazenovia, New York, and who had removed to Woodford county with her father. Elisha Rice, when she was a child. A son and two daughters were born
of this union: Rebecca Ann is living in Woodford county, Illinois. Charles is liv- ing on part of the home farm. Ada is the wife of Frank Swords, who was born and reared in this county, and is now engaged in cultivating a portion of our subject's farm.
For some time after his marriage Mr. Piper was employed by a brother-in-law on bis farm. In the spring of 1867 he pur- chased a quarter of section 31, Amity town- ship, and ever since has made his home here. The old house and stable was supplanted by commodious, modern buildings in the course of time, a good orchard was set out and many other improvements were institu- ted by the energetic owner. Beginning life a poor man, he has steadily pressed forward to the goal of success which he always has had in view, and long ago prosperity crowned his efforts.
In 1856 Mr. Piper cast his first presi- dential vote for Fillmore, but in 1850 he voted for Lincoln, and since that time has been a stalwart supporter of the Republican party. He has been averse to holding pub- he offices, but his interest in our schools led to his acceptance of a portion of the respon- sibility of acting on the local board of trus- tees. In religious faith he was reared as a Presbyterian, but now holds his membership with the Methodist Protestant church.
MICHAEL SOMERS.
Michael Somers, a prominent farmer, who owns and operates a valuable and well- improved farm of two hundred and eighty acres of land on section 31. Forrest town- ship. was born in Cambria county, Pennsyl-
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
vania, March 21, 1846, and is a son of Peter and Mary Ann (Mc. \teer) Somers. The father was born in county Westmeath, Ire- land. June 23, 1815, and his early life was spent with his grandparents in his native land. In 1835 he emigrated to America. and on landing in this country found him- self in a strange land with only half a dollar itt his pocket. When he sailed he had a little money, most of which he loaned to his fellow passengers and never received again. Immediately after his arrival he set to work as a laborer to supply his daily wants. In 1836 he settled in Cambria county, Penn- sylvania, where he engaged in farming until coming to Livingston county, Illinois, in March, 1867. Renting an acre and a half of land on section 20, Forrest township. he located thereon and made it his home until the latter part of the following year, when he removed to his own farm on section 32. the same township, having purchased a half- section of land on coming to the county. In the meantime he began its improvement. and soon converted the raw land into a well- improved and highly cultivated farm, tiling and draining it, and erecting thereon good and substantial buiklings. He was a very progressive man, and in connection with general farming engaged in stock raising to some extent. In July, 1842, he married Mary A. McAteer. of Pennsylvania, who died in that state in August, 1859. By that union were born seven children: Michael, our subject; Peter F., a retired farmer and grain dealer of Fairbury: Mary .A., wife of Joseph Mangan, a retired farmer of Gales- burg, Illinois, formerly of Forrest township, Livingston county ; and four who died quite young of diphtheria. The father was again married. September 18, 1860, his second union being with Elizabeth Kearns, also a
native of Pennsylvania, by whom he had two children : William A., who is mentioned below; and Frank P., a resident of Kanka- kee, Illinois. The family hold membership in the Roman Catholic church, and the fa- ther always affiliated with the Democratic party. He died at his home in Forrest township, in February, 1892, at the age of seventy-six years, and was laid to rest in Strawn, Livingston county. He was a pub- lic-spirited citizen, and was highly respected and esteemed by all who knew him.
The early education of Michael Somers was obtained in the public schools of his na- tive state. He came to Illinois, in August, 1866, and purchased the home place for his father in Forrest township, Livingston coun- ty. Ile aided in its operation until twenty- seven years of age, when he bought a part of his present farm on section 31, the same township, to which he has added from time to time as his financial resources have in- creased until he now owns two hundred and eighty acres of land. He has built a com- modious and pleasant residence, a large barn and granary, has tiled the land, and placed it under a high state of cultivation. A thorough and systematic farmer, his la- bors have ever been crowned with success, and he well deserves the prosperity that has come to him. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Democratic party. and he has efficiently served as school direc- tor twenty-eight years, during which time he has been instrumental in getting better schools and teachers. Religiously he is a member of the Roman Catholic church.
In January, 1873. at Fairbury, Illinois, Michael Somers married Bridget Campbell. who was also born in Pennsylvania, but came to Illinois with her parents when only three years old, locating in La Salle county.
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Iler father, Philip Campbell, a farmer by occupation, died at the age of seventy-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Somers have a family of six children, all born in Forrest township. and all still at home. They are: Mary .\ .. born in September, 1875: Peter M., in Sep- tember. 1877: Philip .A., in October. 1879: Marcella, in December, 1881: Bridget, in August. 1885: and Michael, in AAngust. 1880.
WILLIAM .A. SOMERS, a brother of Mi- chael, was born at Wilmore, Cambria coun- ty, Pennsylvania, June 11. 1861, but was only five years old when the family came to Forrest township. Livingston county. Illinois, He remained at home until he was married, August 2, 1883. to Miss Minnie J. McCormick, a daughter of James McCor- mick, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. To them were born nine children, but only six are now living, name- lv: Frank, Lizzie, Peter, Cora. Marie and William, all born in Livingston county, and educated in its public schools. Those de- ceased are : William, who died in Kansas City at the age of one year: Geneva, who (bed in Streator, Illinois, at the age of three years: and Katherine, who died in Strawn, at the age of ten years.
After his marriage Mr. Somers contin- ued on his father's farm until 1886, when he went to Kansas City and worked in the shops of the Missouri Pacific Railroad one year. The following two years were spent in Kangley, La Salle county, Illinois, where he was in the employ of the Star Coal Com- pany, and from there he came to Strawn. Livingston county, where he has purchased a residence and still makes his home. As a Democrat he has taken quite an active and prominent part in public affairs, has served a marshal of the village seven years, and
clerk of Fayette township four years. He and his family hold membership in the Cath- olie church, of Strawn, and are highly es- teemed by all who know them.
WILLIAM S. BRUNSKILL.
William S. Brunskill, a prosperous and successful farmer and stock raiser on sec- tion 5. Esmen township, is one of Living- ston county's native sons, for he was born in that township August 8. 1867. His fa- ther. William Brunskill, was born and reared in England, and in 1854, when a young man, emigrated to the new world and became one of the early settlers of this county. Here he married Susan Ross, who was born in Ohio of English parentage, and came to Livingston county with her parents, Moses and Elizabeth Ross, during childhood. For many years the father of our subject was actively engaged in farming in Esmen town- ship, where he still owns a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres, but is now liv- ing a retired life in Cayuga.
On the home farm William S. Brunskill grew to manhood, and was educated m the common schools of the neighborhood. He remained under the parental roof, assisting in the operation of the place until he at- tained his majority, and then bought eighty acres of his present farm, which he at once commenced to improve and cultivate. He has added to the original purchase from time to time until he now has a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, and has a half- interest in a large stock farm of seven him-
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