Lee County

Lee County Illinois

Biography of Henry Uhl of South Dixon Township

Lee County /

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 the community’s growth and welfare.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Sardias Vosburgh of Willow Creek Township

Lee County /

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.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Thomas Clayton of Nelson Township

Lee County /

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.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Barren De F. Holly of Palmyra Township

Lee County /

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 as Township Collector.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Hon. William Ellery Ives of Amboy

Lee County /

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.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Levi Rafensperger of Franklin Grove

Lee County /

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.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of George L. Klostermann of Palmyra Township

Lee County /

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.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Henry Miller of Sterling

Lee County, Cass County, Whiteside County /

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.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Thomas Dolan of Dixon

Lee County /

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 to local developments such as the city waterworks and cemetery. He passed away, remembered for his industrious and community-focused life.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of David Murray of Nelson Township

Lee County /

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 away, leaving a legacy of hard work and community service.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of John H. Abbott of Nachusa Township

Lee County /

John H. Abbott, born in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, was a prominent farmer and stock-raiser in Nachusa Township, Illinois. Descended from English ancestors who fought in the French and Indian War, his family had a strong military tradition, with his grandfather Jacob Abbott Sr. serving in the Revolutionary War and his father, Jacob Abbott Jr., serving in the War of 1812. John married Ellen Shoemaker, and they had seven children: Amzy, Elizabeth, Robert R., William, Martha, Charles, and Mary. Settling in Nachusa Township in 1864, Abbott developed two productive farms and owned additional land in Nebraska. A devoted Methodist and active Republican, he was well-respected in his community for his agricultural success and civic contributions.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Henry Bollman of Nelson Township

Lee County /

Henry Bollman, born on March 27, 1833, in Prussia, Germany, owned and operated a successful 120-acre farm in Nelson Township, Illinois. Son of Gotlieb and Elizabeth Bollman, he moved to the United States at age fifteen, following his brother Fred. Henry initially settled in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, before moving to Illinois. He first bought land in South Dixon Township and later acquired his current farm in Nelson Township. Henry married Christina Grobe, and they had six children: Anna, Alvena, William, Henry, Gertie, and Mary. A dedicated Lutheran and Democrat, Henry was respected for his hard work and community spirit.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of John M. Trostle of Ashton

Lee County /

John M. Trostle, born November 1, 1855, in Frederick County, Maryland, was a prominent businessman in Ashton, Illinois. He moved to Franklin Grove, Illinois, at eighteen and spent twelve years mastering carpentry. Later, he moved to Ashton, where he purchased and successfully operated the East Elevator, a vital grain storage facility for local farmers. Trostle married Minerva A. Brierton on December 3, 1877, and they adopted a daughter, Lottie M. Politically active, he served as Chairman of the Ashton Township Republican Committee, a Village Board member in Franklin Grove, and Mayor of Ashton for two terms, significantly contributing to community development. Trostle was also a member of the Masonic fraternity.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of James Sneed of Palmyra Township

Lee County /

James Sneed, born January 15, 1827, in Pulaski County, Kentucky, was a notable figure in Lee County, Illinois. He moved to Indiana with his family to escape slavery and eventually settled in Lee County in 1871 after brief periods in Kansas and Carroll County. Sneed owned and operated a 237-acre farm in Palmyra Township, engaging in both general farming and stock trading. He married Sarah F. Toliver of Indiana, and they had seven children, five of whom survived. Sneed held various public offices, including County Collector and Justice of the Peace, and was an active member of the Republican Party.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of John F. Bossemeyer of South Dixon Township

Lee County /

John F. Bossemeyer, born May 24, 1849, in Maryland, was a respected farmer in South Dixon Township, Illinois. The son of German immigrant Frederick Bossemeyer and Hannah Gammer, John moved to Illinois with his family, settling on a farm in Lee County. A dedicated and innovative farmer, John purchased and improved a 107-acre farm on section 22. He was married to Fannie A. Smith on September 4, 1874, with whom he had four children: Arthur J., Etta L., Lester O., and Nellie H. John passed away on April 1, 1888, leaving a significant impact on his community and family.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Elijah H. and Daniel B. Raymond

Lee County /

Elijah H. and Daniel B. Raymond, prominent farmers and stock-raisers, own a well-equipped farm on sections 21 and 22 in South Dixon Township, Lee County, Illinois. Elijah was born on May 11, 1821, in Steuben County, New York, and Daniel on November 2, 1833, in Lenawee County, Michigan. Descendants of early New England settlers, their father, Daniel Raymond, was a War of 1812 veteran. The brothers moved to Illinois in 1865, transforming their farm into a model estate. Daniel married Maria S. Clark in 1834, and they had three children. Both brothers are influential Republicans and active community members.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Thomas W. Brown of Franklin Grove

Lee County /

Thomas W. Brown, born on August 14, 1820, in Newport, Rhode Island, was a pioneer and respected resident of Franklin Grove, Illinois. Son of Thomas W. and Rebecca (Vial) Brown, he learned the trade of a merchant tailor. In 1839, he moved to Lee County, Illinois, where he initially claimed land and later pursued various businesses, including merchant tailoring and photography. Settling permanently in Franklin Grove in 1856, he became a successful small fruit grower. Brown married Ruth F. Simpson in 1841, and they had nine children. An active Republican, he was Lee Centre Township’s first Town Clerk and contributed significantly to local development.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Charles F. Emerson of Dixon

Lee County /

Charles F. Emerson, born August 28, 1828, in Castine, Maine, founded the C. F. Emerson Lumber Co. in Dixon, Illinois, in 1867. Partnered with Mr. Anderson in 1868, the firm officially became C. F. Emerson Lumber Co. in 1891. Emerson, originally trained as a blacksmith, pursued a seafaring career before relocating to Dixon in 1855. He married Hannah E. Avery in 1855. The couple, both Universalists, are respected community members. Emerson served as an Alderman and is active in local business and civic affairs, including the Odd Fellows Lodge and the Nachusa House board.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of John Holdren of Compton

Lee County /

John Holdren, a wealthy farmer residing in Compton, Illinois, was born on February 4, 1825, in Mt. Pleasant Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania. His father, Edward Holdren, originally from New Jersey, moved to Pennsylvania and became a successful farmer. In 1851, John relocated to Lee County, Illinois, settling on land his father had acquired. He initially improved his farm south of Compton before moving to another property in Brooklyn Township in 1863. In 1876, John moved to Compton village. He married Phebe A. Derr in 1849, and they had five children: William C., Eleanora, Edward, Janet, and Sherman J.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Will1am H. Mossholder of South Dixon Township

Lee County /

William H. Mossholder was a prominent farmer and stock-raiser in Lee County, Illinois, born on March 27, 1841, in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Son of Jacob and Mary (Flamm) Mossholder, William moved to Lee County in 1854. He owned multiple farms, including an 80-acre homestead in South Dixon Township. He married Catherine Lievan in 1874, and the couple had three children: Nora J., Inez G., and Clinton E. Active in the Evangelical Association, the Mossholders were well-regarded in their community. William was known for his agricultural acumen and support of the Republican party.

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Ernest Wernick

Biography of Ernest Wernick of Dixon Township

Lee County /

Ernest Wernick, born July 8, 1832, in Prussia, settled in Dixon Township, Lee County, Illinois, in 1848. A Civil War veteran and self-made man, he transformed his modest beginnings into a successful farming operation, now encompassing 514 acres. Ernest first married Mary Page, with whom he had three children: Henry, Anna, and Mary. After her death, he married Catherine Helfrich, and they had eight children: George, Minnie, Wesley, Oscar, Carrie, Vernon, Bert, and Stanley. A devout Lutheran and Republican, Ernest is renowned for his industrious spirit and significant contributions to the local community.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of John D. Sitts of Franklin Grove

Lee County /

John D. Sitts, born January 23, 1831, in Oneida County, New York, is a longtime resident and grocery merchant in Franklin Grove, Lee County, Illinois. Coming from a family with deep American roots, his grandfather, Henry Sitts, was a Revolutionary War soldier. John moved to Illinois in 1854, initially working in railroading and later in the lumber trade before settling into the grocery business. He married Eva E. Lincoln in 1863, and they had four children: Henry B., Gertie G., Bertha C., and Helen Edna. John has been active in local politics, serving as a Justice of the Peace and a County Supervisor.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Simon Rhodes of South Dixon Township

Lee County /

Simon Rhodes, born January 12, 1839, in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, is a respected farmer and Civil War veteran in Lee County, Illinois. After serving in the One Hundred and Thirty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, participating in battles such as Antietam and Fredericksburg, he moved to Lee County in 1865. In 1868, he purchased a 120-acre farm in South Dixon Township, which he improved and cultivated successfully. Simon married Mary Moore, originally from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and they had six children: Emma, William, Hattie, Fred, Frank, and George (deceased). Simon is a devoted member of the Evangelical Church and a staunch Republican.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Eli Lloyd of Nelson Township

Lee County /

Eli Lloyd, born July 4, 1823, in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, was a pioneer of Lee County, Illinois, settling in Nelson Township in 1837. He purchased his farm on section 13 from the government and spent over half a century improving it. Eli married Adveanna Anderson, who accompanied him in pioneering life. They had three children: Anna M., Catherine, and Julius. Julius now manages the family farm. Eli also served as Street Commissioner in Dixon and was active in local politics. Adveanna, a well-educated and devout Baptist, passed away in 1891.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of John Mensch of Palmyra Township

Lee County, Whiteside County /

John Mensch, born May 29, 1846, in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, served in the One Hundred Fortieth Illinois Infantry during the Civil War at seventeen. After the war, he returned to Whiteside County, Illinois, and later settled in Palmyra Township in 1880. He became a respected farmer and stock-raiser on his eighty-acre farm. John married Lydia Gruver, also from Pennsylvania, and they had eight children: Charles, Mary, Harry, Mabel, Kate, Edward, Evaline, and Iva. Both John and Lydia were active members of the Lutheran Church. John’s parents, Christian and Peggy (Cromley) Mensch, were early settlers in Illinois.

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