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…
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.