The “Portrait and Biographical Album of Lee County, Illinois,” created in the late 19th century, stands as a remarkable compendium of personal histories, reflecting the lives and legacies of individuals who contributed to the development of Lee County. This volume, meticulously compiled by the Biographical Publishing Company, offers a unique lens through which genealogists and historians can explore the intricate fabric of the past. As you delve into this collection, it’s essential to approach the information with both appreciation and a critical eye, recognizing its dual role as a primary and secondary source.
The Jessee Cemetery is located in Compromise Township, and is one of two cemeteries at the lower edge of Champaign County. It is approximately eight or nine miles south of Philo, and two miles west. It is located on a high knoll.
The Bill Huss Chapel Cemetery, also known as the Huss Chapel Cemetery, is reached from Urbana by taking Route 4 (Philo Road) to Route 4A to Deers Station, then continuing east one mile, then north a short distance. The chapel which gave it its name is no longer there. It stands on high ground, and is not now entirely fenced. It seems to have some care, but is not in very good condition.
The old Homer Cemetery is located about one mile north of Homer on Route 49. The road leading to it is the side road to the west, immediately south of the bridge over the Salt Fork at that point. It is not visible from Route 49, but it is only a few hundred yards distant. It lies on the south bank of the Salt Fork, about twenty feet above high water. It is the oldest burial place in the vicinity, but was not used very much after the establishment of the Homer G.A.R. Cemetery in 1887. There are a number…
These 9 volumes includes the tombstone inscriptions from a number of pioneer burial places in Champaign County, Illinois. The information recorded here is necessarily fragmentary and subject to error. It is also incomplete as to places visited. The Genealogical Records Committee found that, in many cases, their time to record the data had run out. In some places we found only cultivated fields, where once a burial place had been; in others, a complete and pathetic ruin, while, in contrast, some had received loving care through the years. Because of the condition of some of the cemeteries, and the ravages…
The old Bliss Cemetery is located in Sidney Township, a mile and a half east of Sidney, on the north side of Route 15. Among the names which appear on the stones are those of some of the earliest settlers in the county. Jacob Thomas and his brother, Joseph, came from Ohio in 1828, and entered much land in Sidney Township. James Copeland also entered land in 1828. The Coddingtons, William and John, took land in 1830-31. The name of Adam Thomas also appears on the first assessment roll for the County, dated 1833. Adam Thomas is said to have…
Embark on a journey through time with the story of Charles Jones, born in Pennsylvania in 1832 and a key figure in the transformation of Lee County. His family, early pioneers, settled in Wyoming Township, contributing significantly to its agricultural development. This narrative not only traces Charles’ lineage and early life but also celebrates the pioneering spirit that shaped the American Midwest. Join us as we explore how Charles and his family navigated the challenges and opportunities of 19th-century America, laying down roots that would grow into a legacy of resilience and community building.
Trace the pioneering journey of Adolphus Fisher, born into an early settler family in Ohio in 1847, and his evolution into a successful farmer in Wyoming Township. His tale is a testament to perseverance and innovation, from his family’s early struggles in Ohio to establishing a prosperous life in Illinois. Alongside his wife, Dolly Siglin, Adolphus cultivated not just the land, but a legacy of hard work and resilience. This introduction offers a glimpse into the Fisher family’s contribution to the American agricultural landscape, embodying the spirit of enterprise and community.
Explore the life of George Stenger, a Bavarian immigrant born in 1825, who became a respected farmer in Sublette Township, Illinois. After arriving in the U.S. in 1836, George overcame early adversity, forging a successful career in agriculture and brick manufacturing. Marrying Elizabeth Gosse in 1851, they raised a family deeply rooted in community and faith. This introduction offers a glimpse into George’s journey from Bavarian youth to influential American citizen, highlighting his contributions to his adopted homeland and the enduring legacy of the Stenger family in the heartland of America.
Richard F. Miller stands out as a young yet accomplished farmer and stock-raiser in China Township, Lee County, having been born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in 1860. Moving to Lee County at eight years old, he has dedicated his life to agriculture, managing a successful 200-acre farm known for its productivity and modern methods. Married to Anna R. Hartzell since 1879, together they’ve created a welcoming home for their five children. Miller’s effective blend of traditional farming with contemporary techniques highlights his role as a forward-thinking farmer, while his community involvement and political engagement as a Republican reflect his commitment…