Loyd Burger’s life encapsulates the essence of American agricultural heritage and the enduring spirit of rural communities. Born on April 11, 1853, in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, and relocating to Illinois in 1855, Burger’s journey from a young boy in Whiteside County to a successful farmer in Palmyra Township is a story of dedication and hard work. Operating a farm since 1888, Burger’s 157-acre tract stands as a testament to his commitment to the land and the agricultural lifestyle. His family history, deeply rooted in the trades and traditions brought from Pennsylvania and enriched by German descent, highlights a lineage of…
Joseph Tait’s story is a vivid testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence. Born into modest circumstances in County Durham, England, on December 15, 1820, Tait’s journey from a self-reliant youth to a respected figure in Amboy, Illinois, is nothing short of inspirational. His transition from a millwright in England to a key figure in the American industrial scene, including his contributions to the building of locomotives and a significant tenure with the Illinois Central Railroad, underscores a life dedicated to industriousness and innovation. Beyond his professional achievements, Tait’s successful ventures into real estate and livestock…
Henry C. Brookner’s remarkable journey from a determined immigrant with just $4 in his pocket to a master mechanic and builder in America embodies the spirit of perseverance and ingenuity. Born in Osnabruck, Hanover, Germany, on June 15, 1827, Brookner brought his European craftsmanship to the burgeoning railroads and communities of Illinois, leaving a lasting legacy. His life, marked by ambition and skilled labor, led him from New Orleans to Dixon, Illinois, where he not only advanced his career with the Illinois Central and Big Four railways but also cultivated a life enriched with family and community service. This introduction…
In the heart of Lee County, Illinois, William H. Fiscel (1832-1889) epitomized the pioneering spirit of the 19th century. Born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, into a lineage of diligent farmers, Fiscel ventured to Lee County in 1849, laying down roots that would flourish across generations. Alongside his wife, Elizabeth Stambaugh (1846-?), and their children, Fiscel transformed a humble government tract into a prosperous family homestead, demonstrating unwavering perseverance and commitment to the agricultural development of his chosen land. This introduction retraces the journey of William H. Fiscel and his family, from their early Pennsylvania origins to their enduring legacy in…
Dr. Thomas H. Stetler, a distinguished physician and esteemed community leader in Paw Paw, Lee County, Illinois, exemplifies the profound impact a dedicated individual can have on both the medical field and society. Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Stetler embarked on his medical journey with passion, culminating in his graduation from the Chicago Medical College in 1876. Beyond his successful practice, Stetler’s involvement in social, political, and medical organizations underscores his commitment to progress and excellence. His life, enriched by his marriage to Libbie Rosenkrans and their child, Orla Nettie, mirrors the ideals of service and community engagement, making his story…
In the heart of Bradford Township, Catherine E. Aschenbrenner (née Reinhart, 1832, Germany) stands as a testament to perseverance and success in early American settlement. Emigrating from Germany in 1845, Catherine and her family laid roots in Illinois, where she later became a notable figure in the community through her marriages to Oman Hillison and John J. Aschenbrenner. With a legacy spanning across continents and generations, her story encapsulates the challenges and triumphs faced by immigrants forging new lives in America. Her estate, a beacon of her industrious spirit, reflects not just personal achievement but the broader narrative of immigrant…
The “Portrait and Biographical Record of Lee County, Illinois,” created in the late 19th century, stands as a remarkable compendium of personal histories, reflecting the lives and legacies of individuals who contributed to the development of Lee County. This volume, compiled by the Biographical Publishing Company, offers a unique lens through which genealogists and historians can explore the lives of past residents. As you delve into this collection, it’s essential to approach the information with both appreciation and a critical eye, recognizing its dual role as a primary and secondary source.
The Jessee Cemetery is located in Compromise Township, and is one of two cemeteries at the lower edge of Champaign County. It is approximately eight or nine miles south of Philo, and two miles west. It is located on a high knoll.
The Bill Huss Chapel Cemetery, also known as the Huss Chapel Cemetery, is reached from Urbana by taking Route 4 (Philo Road) to Route 4A to Deers Station, then continuing east one mile, then north a short distance. The chapel which gave it its name is no longer there. It stands on high ground, and is not now entirely fenced. It seems to have some care, but is not in very good condition.
The old Homer Cemetery is located about one mile north of Homer on Route 49. The road leading to it is the side road to the west, immediately south of the bridge over the Salt Fork at that point. It is not visible from Route 49, but it is only a few hundred yards distant. It lies on the south bank of the Salt Fork, about twenty feet above high water. It is the oldest burial place in the vicinity, but was not used very much after the establishment of the Homer G.A.R. Cemetery in 1887. There are a number…