Portrait and biographical record of Lee County Archives

Biography of Isaac Earl of Ashton

Isaac Earl, born May 20, 1830, in Canada, is a successful grocer in Ashton, known for his honest customer service. He began his career as a farm laborer in Ogle County before becoming a stone mason. In 1872, he established a grocery business after briefly working in coal and salt. Married twice, first to Cynthia Hitchcock and later to Sarah A. Worthington, he has two children. A respected member of the community, Earl is a Republican, has served as Township Treasurer, and is active in the Methodist Episcopal Church, earning widespread goodwill.

Biography of Alfred P. Porter of Harmon Township

Alfred P. Porter, born on April 16, 1858, in Dixon, Illinois, is a dedicated farmer in Harmon Township and the son of pioneer James Porter, Jr. The family moved to Lee County in the 1840s, with Alfred’s father later establishing a successful farming operation. Educated locally, Alfred embraced farming and remains on the homestead of his youth. Married in 1880 to Jemima D. Keith, they have four children. An active Republican and community member, Alfred has served as a School Director and census taker, earning a reputation for integrity and commitment to civic improvement.

Biography of Jeremiah Hetler of Dixon Township

Jeremiah Hetler, born on October 4, 1843, in Dixon Township, Illinois, is a prominent farmer and community member. He manages a well-equipped 120-acre farm and a successful dairy business. Hetler, the son of Nathan Hetler, has deep roots in the area, having begun his farming career in Dixon Township. He married Mary E. McCleary on December 25, 1872, and they have four children, with three daughters still living at home. The couple is respected in their community and active in the Presbyterian Church, aligning politically with the Republican Party.

Biography of Lauren T. Merriam of Dixon

Lauren T. Merriam, the owner of City Steam Laundry in Dixon, has a rich history marked by resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Born in Connecticut in 1822, he initially found success in manufacturing before moving westward, where he faced significant setbacks due to a dishonest partner. After running a large store in Chicago and working as a commercial traveler, he settled in Dixon for the past twenty years, where he expanded his laundry business dramatically. Married to Susan Hubbard, they raised four children, with two achieving notable careers. The Merriam family is well-respected in their community.

Biography of Sertius A. Lyman of China Township

Sertius A. Lyman, a respected figure in China Township, Illinois, was born on March 13, 1812, in New Hampshire. After moving to Illinois in 1846, he cultivated 320 acres in Lee County before settling on a well-maintained 64.5-acre estate in China Township in 1869. Married to Sarah P. Codding in 1834, they had five children. Lyman, a former carpenter turned successful farmer, is recognized for his contributions to local affairs and the Congregational Church. His industriousness and community spirit have earned him high regard among neighbors and the county.

Biography of Jacob Betz, Jr. of Brooklyn Township

Jacob Betz, Jr. is a prominent farmer and stock-raiser in Brooklyn Township, Lee County, known for his character and enterprise. Born in New York in 1841, he was raised by his father, a pioneer from Germany, after losing his mother at a young age. Betz started farming early and established a successful career, owning 470 acres of land. He has been actively involved in politics and the community, serving multiple terms on the County Board of Supervisors. Betz is married twice, with two sons, and is a dedicated member of the Evangelical Association.

Biography of Singleton W. Riegle of China Township

Singleton W. Riegle, a prominent figure in China Township, has been an influential farmer and community leader for over thirty years. Born in Maryland in 1835, he moved to Pennsylvania with his family before settling in Lee County, Illinois, in 1860. Riegle developed a successful 200-acre farm known for its fertility and fine livestock. He married Caroline Matilda Hermon in 1859, with whom he had ten children, seven of whom survive him. Active in local governance, Riegle has served as Justice of the Peace and School Director while adhering to the Republican party and Lutheran faith.

Biography of Ferdinand W. Hegert of Dixon

Ferdinand W. Hegert, born April 12, 1848, in Prussia, emigrated to the United States with his family at age sixteen. Settling in Amboy, he worked as a head clerk before moving to Dixon to partner with druggist Constant Wild. Following Wild’s death, Hegert successfully ran the business. He married Wilhelmina Molly in 1873, and they had four children. A dedicated member of the Lutheran Church and active in his community, Hegert was well-respected and involved in local politics and organizations. He passed away on February 27, 1883.

Biography of Hiram B. Bates of Amboy Township

Hiram B. Bates, a respected resident of Amboy Township, Lee County, was born on October 28, 1828, in Vermont. In 1855, he moved west with his family to Wisconsin, where he cultivated a farm for twelve years before relocating to Lee County in 1868. Now the owner of a well-developed eighty-acre estate, Bates is esteemed for his community involvement, particularly in education and local governance. He married Marion E. Brackett in 1851, and they had four children. Mrs. Bates is active in her church and known for her domestic skills, making the family well-regarded in the community.

Biography of Jonas Burger of Palmyra Township

Jonas Burger is a prominent farmer in Palmyra Township, owning 110 acres of well-cultivated land. He arrived in the county in 1854 with limited means, establishing his home and progressing from a log cabin to a modern dwelling. Originally from Columbia County, Pennsylvania, he was born in 1824 to German ancestry and came from a family of twelve children. Married in 1848 to Rebecca Loreman, they had eight children, with six surviving. The couple is active in the Presbyterian Church, and Burger supports the Democratic party in his political endeavors.

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