Lee County Archives – Page 3 of 11

Biography of Levi Rafensperger of Franklin Grove

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.

Biography of George L. Klostermann of Palmyra Township

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.

Biography of Henry Miller of Sterling

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.

Biography of Thomas Dolan of Dixon

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.

Biography of David Murray of Nelson Township

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.

Biography of John H. Abbott of Nachusa Township

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.

Biography of Henry Bollman of Nelson Township

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.

Biography of John M. Trostle of Ashton

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.

Biography of James Sneed of Palmyra Township

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.

Biography of John F. Bossemeyer of South Dixon Township

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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