Lee County

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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Lee County Illinois

Biography of William W. Heckman

Lee County /

William W. Heckman, born on July 28, 1854, in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, was a progressive farmer who managed 160 acres of well-cultivated land across South Dixon and Nelson Townships, Illinois. He moved to Illinois in 1865 with his uncle and established his homestead in 1877. Heckman married Hannah Missman of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and they had three children: Grace A., C. Eugene, and Walter I. The couple, active members of the Evangelical Church, supported the Prohibition party and advocated for temperance. Their well-improved farm included advanced irrigation facilities, reflecting Heckman’s dedication to modern farming practices.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Joshua E. Lahman

Lee County /

Joshua E. Lahman, born June 16, 1839, in Washington County, Maryland, was a distinguished Civil War veteran and successful farmer in Franklin Grove, Illinois. His parents, Christian and Elizabeth Lahman, were early pioneers in Illinois. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Lahman enlisted in September 1861 with Company C, Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry, and rose to the rank of Sergeant. He was severely wounded at the Battle of Murfreesboro and also fought at Shiloh. Post-war, Lahman learned harness-making and operated a business in Iowa before returning to farming in Illinois. Married to Hannah M. Batschlett in 1867, they had five children, four of whom survived to adulthood. Lahman expanded his farm to 240 acres and was an active Republican and member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Samuel Mong

Lee County /

Samuel Mong, born on July 26, 1829, in Clarion County, Pennsylvania, was a prominent farmer in Bradford Township, Lee County, Illinois. He was the son of Henry and Sarah (Hurket) Mong, natives of Maryland and Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Mong spent his early years in Clarion County, gaining practical agricultural knowledge from his father. At sixteen, he learned the tanning trade, which he practiced for seven years. In 1855, he moved to Lee County, Illinois, and married Margaret K. Kelley in 1857. They had five children: John, Lucy (wife of Haber Schmucker), Hattie (wife of William Schrenner), George, and Peter. Mong’s industrious efforts resulted in a well-maintained 110-acre farm in Bradford Township. He was a dedicated Democrat, serving as School Director, and a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Despite his successes, he faced challenges, including the loss of his barn to lightning in 1890.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Hon. Sherwood Dixon

Lee County /

Hon. Sherwood Dixon, born November 15, 1847, in Dixon, Illinois, was a prominent lawyer and legislator representing the Nineteenth District. He was the son of James P. Dixon, an early pioneer and son of John Dixon, the city’s founder. Educated locally, Dixon studied law under William Barge and was admitted to the bar in 1869. He practiced law in partnerships, notably with the firm of Dixon & Bethea. In 1868, he married Melissa G. Mead. Dixon was active in politics as a Democrat, serving as a state representative and chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He was also committed to education, serving on the local School Board for several years.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Andrew Reinhart

Lee County /

Andrew Reinhart, born on August 28, 1813, in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, was a prominent farmer and stock-raiser in China Township, Lee County, Illinois. His parents, Christian and Anna C. Reinhart, emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1846, settling in Lee Centre before moving to China Township. Andrew, who grew up on the family farm, transformed it into a prosperous estate of 366 acres, expanding his holdings to 620 acres in China Township, 160 acres in Lee Centre Township, and 440 acres in Iowa. Married to Catherine Hafenrichter on June 1, 1868, they had six surviving children. Reinhart was known for his business acumen, community involvement, and support of the Evangelical Church and Republican principles.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Rev. James Treacy

Lee County /

Rev. James Treacy, born in County Cork, Ireland, was a prominent Catholic pastor in Illinois. Son of John and Bridget Treacy, he pursued early education in Cork and later theological studies in the United States, at St. Michael’s Seminary, Pittsburgh, and St. Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore. Ordained by Archbishop Kendrick, he served in Pittsburgh, championing education and religious inclusion for African Americans. In 1878, due to health issues, he moved to Illinois, eventually leading St. Patrick’s Church in Dixon. His tenure saw the rebuilding of the church and extensive community engagement, serving 300 families and various missions.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Henry Bly

Lee County /

Henry Bly, born July 9, 1827, in Chenango County, New York, serves as Superintendent of the County Hospital and Poor Farm in South Dixon Township, Illinois. Of English descent, he is the son of Thomas R. Bly and Nancy Tanner. In 1845, Henry moved to Ogle County, Illinois, and later ventured to California during the Gold Rush, returning in 1851. A prominent public figure and Republican, he settled in Ashton, Illinois, in 1865, managing a grocery and meat market, and served on the Lee County Board of Supervisors for 21 years. In 1887, Henry became Superintendent of the County Hospital and Poor Farm, enhancing its reputation. He is married to Anna J. Wood, with whom he has five surviving children. Anna, a native of Canada, supports his work and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Thomas P. McCune

Lee County /

Thomas P. McCune, born in Canal Township, Venango County, Pennsylvania, in 1832, is a dedicated farmer in Dixon Township, Illinois. Descended from Scotch-Irish roots, his grandfather, William McCune, and father, also named William, were farmers in Venango County. Thomas married Lydia J. Williams in 1858, and they settled in Dixon Township, Illinois, on land initially purchased by Lydia’s father. They had six children, with four surviving to adulthood. A respected community member, Thomas’s 183-acre farm was well-maintained, featuring diverse agricultural activities, including a successful apiary. He was a Democrat, focused on his business rather than political affairs. Thomas P. McCune,

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of Richard Phillips

Lee County /

Richard Phillips, a distinguished citizen of Lee County, Illinois, was born in County Cavan, Ireland. He emigrated to the United States, landing in New York in July 1851, before moving to Illinois. In 1857, he purchased and developed an 80-acre farm in Viola Township, which he expanded to 160 acres. Phillips married Amelia E. Davenport in 1859, with whom he had two children. After her death, he married Mary E. Harris in 1886. An abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor, Phillips was a committed Republican, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln.

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Lee County Illinois

Biography of David B. Senger

Lee County /

David B. Senger, born near Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, on July 8, 1849, is a prominent businessman in Franklin Grove, Illinois, known for manufacturing “Dr. Wrightsman’s Sovereign Balm of Life.” His parents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Bayer) Senger, relocated to Iowa in 1865. David, the eldest of four children, received his education in Iowa and initially worked as a shoemaker and teacher before moving to Illinois in 1873. He bought the Franklin Reporter in 1876 and later focused on medicine manufacturing, establishing a successful business. Married to Susan Buck in 1875, they have three children and are active members of the German Baptist Church.

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