Lee County Archives – Illinois Genealogy

Biography of Jonathan Depuy (1816-1891)

Jonathan Depuy, born on October 2, 1816, in Delaware, became one of the early settlers of Lee County, Illinois, after moving there in 1844. He was a dedicated farmer who contributed significantly to the development of Nachusa Township, where he improved two farms. Depuy first married Sallie A. Klintop in 1837, with whom he had eight children. After her death in 1866, he married Tena Bauman in 1867. Jonathan Depuy passed away on June 16, 1891, leaving behind a respected legacy and a productive estate in Nachusa Township. His widow, Tena, continued to reside on their 80-acre farm.

Biography of Richard S. Farrand of Dixon

Richard S. Farrand, born on October 1, 1852, in St. Joseph Township, Indiana, became a prominent figure in Lee County, Illinois, through his dedication to law and public service. After leaving home at eleven, Farrand supported himself and pursued an education, eventually moving to Lee County at age fifteen. He taught school before becoming Deputy Sheriff in 1877, and later studied law under A. C. Bardwell, gaining admission to the bar in 1879. Elected County Judge in 1882, Farrand served multiple terms and was also a former Mayor of Dixon. He married C. J. Marsh in 1873, and they had two sons, one of whom, Ernest W., survived to adulthood.

Biography of George W. Hulbert of Bradford Township

George W. Hulbert, born January 24, 1836, in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, moved to Lee County, Illinois, at the age of six with his parents, Elias and Hannah Hulbert. He grew up in Bradford Township, where he pursued farming and became an active community member. In 1859, he married Loraine L. Evitts, with whom he had three children. George held several local offices, including Assessor and Collector, and played a key role in establishing the Bradford Mutual Insurance Company. After his death on January 5, 1888, Loraine managed the family’s 120-acre farm, demonstrating her capability and resilience.

Biography of Hugh Fitzpatrick of May Township

Hugh Fitzpatrick, born in April 1823 in County Cavan, Ireland, emigrated to the United States where he became a prominent farmer and civic leader in May Township, Lee County, Illinois. After working on railway construction projects in New York and Pennsylvania, Fitzpatrick settled in Lee County in 1857, eventually amassing substantial farmland. He married Ann DeLacy, also from County Cavan, in 1850. Despite the loss of their two children, the couple became integral members of their community, with Hugh serving over ten years on the Lee County Board of Supervisors. He was a devout Roman Catholic.

Biography of Christian B. Classen of South Dixon Township

Christian B. Classen, born October 4, 1815, in Varel, Oldenburg, Germany, was the son of Claus and Eliza (Varner) Classen. After losing his parents early in life, Christian married Sophia Christians, also of Oldenburg, and the couple emigrated to the United States in 1852. They settled in Illinois, first in Sugar Grove and later in Whiteside County, before purchasing a farm in South Dixon Township in 1869. Despite the loss of their three children, Christian and Sophia became respected members of their community, known for their strong Lutheran faith and successful farming endeavors.

Biography of Isaac Edwards (1828–1890)

Isaac Edwards (1828–1890) was a prominent figure in Amboy, Lee County, Illinois, known for his substantial contributions to the community and his successful business ventures. Born in Somersetshire, England, he immigrated to the United States in 1850 with limited means. Edwards worked on the construction of several railroads before settling in Amboy in 1853, where he established a thriving livery business and acquired significant property, including 580 acres of farmland. A dedicated Republican, Edwards served as County Treasurer, Sheriff of Lee County, and Mayor of Amboy. He married Elizabeth Saul in 1853, and they had eight children, four of whom survived to adulthood.

Biography of Ebenezer H. Johnson (1810-1885)

Ebenezer H. Johnson (1810–1885) was a significant pioneer of Palmyra Township, Illinois, and played a prominent role in the early development of Lee County. Born in Bainbridge, Chenango County, New York, he moved to Illinois in 1838, shortly after marrying Sarah Johnson. A successful farmer and influential community member, Johnson owned substantial property and was actively involved in local politics, serving as Township Supervisor and holding various other offices. A devoted Republican and Methodist, he and Sarah had seven children, five of whom survived into adulthood. Johnson’s life is deeply intertwined with the history and growth of his township. Ebenezer … Read more

Biography of Stanwood Griffith of Ashton Township

Stanwood Griffith (b. 1834) was a prominent figure in Ashton Township, Illinois, serving as Supervisor and engaging in various successful business ventures. Born in New Lisbon, Ohio, to Oliver and Mary Griffith, he initially pursued farming before moving to Illinois in 1864. In Ashton Township, he transitioned into the drug, hardware, and lumber businesses, eventually co-founding Griffith & Sons with his children. Griffith was also a dedicated public servant, holding roles such as Justice of the Peace and School Director. He married Elizabeth Charters in 1858, and together they had seven children. Griffith was active in the Presbyterian Church and the Masonic fraternity.

Biography of William S. Straw of Palmyra Township

William S. Straw, born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, was a prominent farmer in Palmyra Township, Illinois, where he managed a highly regarded 224-acre farm on sections 19 and 20. Raised in Seward Township, Winnebago County, Illinois, he was the son of N. S. Straw, a Pennsylvania native from a family with deep American roots dating back to the Colonial era. William married Carrie E. Finch, a McHenry County native and Wheaton College graduate. The couple had three children, two of whom, Verne S. and Carl C., remained at home. Straw was active in his community and aligned with the Democratic Party.

Biography of Dr. John B. Felker (1838–1888)

Dr. John B. Felker (1838–1888) was a well-respected physician in Amboy, Illinois, known for his medical expertise and community involvement. Born in Maryland, Felker moved to Amboy after his marriage to Eliza Jane Miller in 1867. Throughout his career, he gained widespread esteem for his ability to alleviate suffering and his genial personality. Dr. Felker was active in local politics, serving as Alderman, Mayor, and a state legislator. He was also a member of several medical associations. Dr. Felker passed away in May 1888, leaving behind his wife and three surviving children.

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