Portrait and biographical record of Lee County Archives – Page 2 of 11

Biography of Hon. John Dawson Crabtree of Dixon

Hon. John Dawson Crabtree, born November 19, 1837, in Nottingham, England, was a distinguished figure in Illinois as a Civil War veteran, lawyer, and judge. After emigrating to the U.S. in 1848, Crabtree settled in Dixon, Illinois, and later joined the Union Army in 1861, earning the rank of Major. Post-war, he pursued law, becoming County Judge in 1869 and later Circuit Judge in 1888. A staunch Republican, he briefly served as a State Senator before focusing on his judicial career. Crabtree was known for his legal acumen, fairness, and dedication to public service. He was married twice, fathering seven children.

Biography of Benjamin F. Shaw of Dixon

Benjamin F. Shaw, born on March 31, 1831, in Waverly, New York, was a prominent editor and influential figure in Lee County, Illinois. As the editor and proprietor of the *Dixon Telegraph*, Shaw played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and advocating for the Republican Party. He began his career in printing in Rock Island before acquiring the *Dixon Telegraph* in 1851. Shaw was also active in politics, serving as Clerk and Recorder of the Lee County Circuit Court and as State Canal Commissioner. His efforts were instrumental in advancing various civic projects, including the Hennepin Canal and advocating for Dixon’s development.

Biography of William Landau of Lee Center Township

William Landau, born on January 4, 1836, in northern Germany, was a successful farmer in Lee Center Township, Illinois. After emigrating to the United States at age 25, he initially worked as a laborer before purchasing his own farm. Over two decades, he expanded his holdings to 716.5 acres, focusing on farming and stock-raising. Landau married Martha E. Moller in 1861, and together they had eleven children. A dedicated Republican and member of the Reformed Church, Landau was well-regarded in his community for his industriousness and contributions to local agriculture.

Biography of John W. Wingert of Nachusa Township

John W. Wingert, born on July 18, 1831, in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, was a Civil War veteran and prominent farmer in Nachusa Township, Lee County, Illinois. In 1852, he moved to Illinois with his family, and in 1877, he acquired a 200-acre farm along Franklin Creek, where he raised livestock and cultivated the land. Wingert enlisted in the 75th Illinois Infantry in 1862, participating in significant battles such as Perryville and Stone River. He married Hannah M. Hittle in 1869, and together they raised six children. Wingert was an active member of the Methodist Church and the G.A.R.

Biography of Charles Trainer of Ashton Township

Charles Trainer, born on July 4, 1839, in Lower Canada, was a Civil War veteran who later became a successful farmer in Ashton Township, Lee County, Illinois. The son of Irish immigrants John Trainer and Ann Hagan, Charles enlisted in the 60th New York Infantry in 1861, serving in key battles like Gettysburg and during Sherman’s “March to the Sea.” After the war, he settled in Illinois, where he farmed 240 acres of land. Married to Emily L. Plantz, they had five children. Trainer was active in local politics and a respected member of the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic).

Biography of Henry Uhl of South Dixon Township

Henry Uhl was a well-informed and progressive man in Lee County, Illinois, who built a comfortable fortune through industry and enterprise. Born on November 19, 1827, in Allegany County, Maryland, he moved to Illinois in 1852, where he cultivated and improved a 260-acre farm in South Dixon Township. In 1882, he relocated to Dixon, residing in a good home on Hennepin Avenue. His father, Peter Uhl, born in 1794, moved the family to Illinois in 1852. Henry married Susan Wilhelm from Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Active in politics as a staunch Republican, he held numerous local offices and was dedicated to the community’s growth and welfare.

Biography of Sardias Vosburgh of Willow Creek Township

Sardias Vosburgh, born on July 8, 1836, in Lackawanna Township, Pennsylvania, is a key figure in Willow Creek Township, Illinois. He moved to Illinois in 1855, initially farming in DeKalb County before purchasing and improving a 120-acre farm in Willow Creek Township. His farm, now 240 acres, is one of the finest in the area. Married to Ellen Atherton in 1864, they have three children. Vosburgh has played a significant role in local governance, serving multiple terms as Supervisor and Assessor, and is a staunch Republican, highly regarded for his contributions to the community’s development.

Biography of Thomas Clayton of Nelson Township

Thomas Clayton, born on April 19, 1814, in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, was a prominent farmer and community leader in Nelson Township, Illinois. Moving to Illinois in 1856, he initially rented land before purchasing a 200-acre farm in 1859. Known for his contributions to the township’s development, Clayton also served as Supervisor and participated in public life. He married Mary Wright, with whom he had six children. After his death in 1885, Mary and their surviving son, Owen L. Clayton, continued to manage the farm. Thomas was an active member of the Lutheran Church and a respected figure in his community.

Biography of Barren De F. Holly of Palmyra Township

Barren De F. Holly, born June 22, 1849, in Palmyra Township, Lee County, Illinois, was a significant figure in the local dairy and farming community. He operated a 200-acre farm, maintaining a herd of forty cows and engaging in general farming and stock-raising. Barren was the son of James N. Holly, an early settler who contributed greatly to the development of the area. James, originally from Ontario, Canada, moved to Illinois and transformed the land into a productive farm. Barren married Mary Catherine Carpenter, and they had one surviving daughter, Belle A. He was active in local politics and served as Township Collector.

Biography of Hon. William Ellery Ives of Amboy

Hon. William Ellery Ives, born on May 24, 1821, in Ellery, New York, was a pioneering lawyer and influential figure in Amboy, Illinois. Moving to Illinois in his youth, he pursued a legal career, graduating from National Law School in 1852 and becoming Amboy’s first attorney in 1854. Ives was instrumental in founding the town’s first newspaper and significantly contributed to its development. He married Susan R. Ryon in 1841, and they had five children. A dedicated Republican, he served as Mayor of Amboy and States Attorney, and was active in the Baptist Church and Freemasonry.

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