Henry Uhl was a well-informed and progressive man in Lee County, Illinois, who built a comfortable fortune through industry and enterprise. Born on November 19, 1827, in Allegany County, Maryland, he moved to Illinois in 1852, where he cultivated and improved a 260-acre farm in South Dixon Township. In 1882, he relocated to Dixon, residing in a good home on Hennepin Avenue. His father, Peter Uhl, born in 1794, moved the family to Illinois in 1852. Henry married Susan Wilhelm from Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Active in politics as a staunch Republican, he held numerous local offices and was dedicated to…
Sardias Vosburgh, born on July 8, 1836, in Lackawanna Township, Pennsylvania, is a key figure in Willow Creek Township, Illinois. He moved to Illinois in 1855, initially farming in DeKalb County before purchasing and improving a 120-acre farm in Willow Creek Township. His farm, now 240 acres, is one of the finest in the area. Married to Ellen Atherton in 1864, they have three children. Vosburgh has played a significant role in local governance, serving multiple terms as Supervisor and Assessor, and is a staunch Republican, highly regarded for his contributions to the community’s development.
Thomas Clayton, born on April 19, 1814, in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, was a prominent farmer and community leader in Nelson Township, Illinois. Moving to Illinois in 1856, he initially rented land before purchasing a 200-acre farm in 1859. Known for his contributions to the township’s development, Clayton also served as Supervisor and participated in public life. He married Mary Wright, with whom he had six children. After his death in 1885, Mary and their surviving son, Owen L. Clayton, continued to manage the farm. Thomas was an active member of the Lutheran Church and a respected figure in his community.
Barren De F. Holly, born June 22, 1849, in Palmyra Township, Lee County, Illinois, was a significant figure in the local dairy and farming community. He operated a 200-acre farm, maintaining a herd of forty cows and engaging in general farming and stock-raising. Barren was the son of James N. Holly, an early settler who contributed greatly to the development of the area. James, originally from Ontario, Canada, moved to Illinois and transformed the land into a productive farm. Barren married Mary Catherine Carpenter, and they had one surviving daughter, Belle A. He was active in local politics and served…
Hon. William Ellery Ives, born on May 24, 1821, in Ellery, New York, was a pioneering lawyer and influential figure in Amboy, Illinois. Moving to Illinois in his youth, he pursued a legal career, graduating from National Law School in 1852 and becoming Amboy’s first attorney in 1854. Ives was instrumental in founding the town’s first newspaper and significantly contributed to its development. He married Susan R. Ryon in 1841, and they had five children. A dedicated Republican, he served as Mayor of Amboy and States Attorney, and was active in the Baptist Church and Freemasonry.
Levi Rafensperger, born on April 4, 1818, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, was a notable pioneer farmer in Lee County, Illinois. In 1851, he moved to Illinois, purchasing 90 acres near Nachusa, later expanding his farm by 160 acres. Originally a shoemaker, Levi transitioned to farming at age 27. He retired in 1883, settling in Franklin Grove. Married to Sarah Christman, the couple had seven children. Levi was a respected community member, known for his industriousness and integrity, and was active in the German Baptist Church. He typically supported the Republican party.
George L. Klostermann, born on March 29, 1845, in Java, Germany, was a prosperous farmer in Palmyra Township, Illinois. His father, Ernest F. Klostermann, emigrated from Saxony, Germany, in 1845, overcoming many hardships to establish the family in Lee County. George married Rebecca Lamcken, and they had five surviving children. Active in the Lutheran Church and a Prohibitionist in politics, George was known for his well-maintained 160-acre farm. The Klostermann family’s legacy reflects the industrious and resilient spirit of early settlers in the region.
Henry Miller, born on November 13, 1822, in Oldenburg, Germany, was a prominent example of German-American success. Emigrating with his family to the United States in 1837, they initially settled in Cass County, Illinois. After his father’s death in 1838, Henry moved to Palmyra Township, where he and his brothers transformed raw prairie into a prosperous 270-acre farm. Henry married Fredricka A. Klostermann, also from Oldenburg, and they had nine children. Retired in Sterling, Illinois, Henry and his wife were active members of the Lutheran Church and contributed significantly to their community.
Thomas Dolan, born on November 14, 1827, in County Longford, Ireland, was a successful merchant tailor in Dixon, Illinois. He immigrated to the United States in 1841, initially settling in Lee County. Overcoming early hardships, including a severe leg injury, Dolan learned the tailor’s trade and worked in various locations, including Joliet, Chicago, and Polo, Illinois. In 1871, he permanently established his tailoring business in Dixon. He married Rose Crawford, and they had sixteen children, ten of whom survived. Active in the Roman Catholic Church and the Democratic Party, Dolan also served as a City Alderman in Dixon, contributing significantly…
David Murray, born December 5, 1838, in Ayrshire, Scotland, was a respected farmer and stock-raiser in Nelson Township, Illinois. Son of Gilbert and Jennett (Mulrick) Murray, David emigrated to the United States with his family in 1855, settling initially in Connecticut. He moved to Illinois in 1858, eventually owning two well-appointed farms: 160 acres in Nelson Township and 120 acres in Harmon Township. He married Helen Burnham, a New Hampshire native, and they had two children, Frank B. and Hattie F. A dedicated Presbyterian, David was active in his community, supporting the Lutheran Church and the Republican Party. He passed…