Lee County Archives – Page 7 of 12

Biography of Rev. James Treacy

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.

Biography of Henry Bly

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.

Biography of Thomas P. McCune

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, … Read more

Biography of Richard Phillips

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.

Biography of David B. Senger

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.

Biography of Richard Gooch

Richard Gooch, an influential figure in Lee Center Township, was born in England in 1848 and came to America as a toddler, his family ultimately settling in Ashton. He married Sarah Hodges and they resided in Lee Center Township, involved in their community and church. Mr. Gooch, a Republican, was civically minded, notably in education, and owned a well-cultivated 430-acre farm. They had two children and lived a contented life, acknowledged for their refinement and societal contributions. This account also provided a brief family background, highlighting the Gooch and Hodges families’ journeys and their reputable life in Illinois.

Biography of Harlow A. Williamson

Harlow A. Williamson, a retired farmer in Ashton and son of Samuel B. and Sybil (Delong) Williamson, was born in Vermont in 1830. He moved to Illinois at 20, initially working on farms before buying his own land. He married Emeline Starks in 1857, a native of Pennsylvania, whose parents were early settlers in Illinois. The couple settled in Bradford Township until 1889, then moved to Ashton, raising three children, Nellie, Harry, and Katie. Williamson, a steadfast Republican, held local offices including Collector, Constable, and School Director. He and his wife were active in the Presbyterian Church, enjoyed a culturally rich life in their new, elegant home.

Biography of Emrich Weishaar

Emrich Weishaar, a German native born on February 3, 1834, represented the quintessential qualities of thrift and perseverance, leading him to prosperity in the United States. After emigrating in 1866, Weishaar worked in agriculture, later amassing 419 acres of prime land. Twice married with five surviving children, he enjoyed a tranquil retired life in Ashton, esteemed for his character and social standing. Active in community affairs, Weishaar also contributed as a Highway Commissioner.

Biography of William B. Page

William B. Page of Lee County represented the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Co., a global enterprise with factories in Europe and the United States, including in Dixon, Illinois, where Page managed the successful local branch. Born to pioneer settlers, Page thrived in a family distinguished for enterprise: his brother George H. Page managed the company’s growth into a multi-million dollar entity; his brother Charles A. Page gained fame as a journalist and war correspondent, later contributing to the company’s international expansion until his death; and David S. Page assisted general management in Europe. William’s own international experience in condensed milk production led to a flourishing Dixon facility. Married to Catherine Buckle, he resided in Dixon with their four children.

Biography of William S. Brierton

Joseph Brierton, an influential pioneer, settled in Lee County’s Nachusa Township and contributed notably to its development. His son, William S. Brierton, born November 25, 1839, in Nachusa, continued the legacy, becoming a progressive farmer in Nelson Township. Possessing a well-farmed quarter-section, his land boasted modern improvements that reflected advanced agricultural methods. Joseph, originally a Pennsylvanian brewer and blacksmith, had migrated to Illinois for a better life. There, he settled, farmed, and established a smithy, living to the extraordinary age of 96. William’s first wife, Mary E. Stetler, bore him four children before her death; later, he married Anna Hewitt from Ireland. William held no religious creeds, voted for Abraham Lincoln, and remained a staunch Republican. His father’s $100,000 estate was amicably settled, showcasing the family’s unity and fiscal prudence.

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