Winnebago County Archives – Illinois Genealogy

Biography of William S. Straw of Palmyra Township

William S. Straw, born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, was a prominent farmer in Palmyra Township, Illinois, where he managed a highly regarded 224-acre farm on sections 19 and 20. Raised in Seward Township, Winnebago County, Illinois, he was the son of N. S. Straw, a Pennsylvania native from a family with deep American roots dating back to the Colonial era. William married Carrie E. Finch, a McHenry County native and Wheaton College graduate. The couple had three children, two of whom, Verne S. and Carl C., remained at home. Straw was active in his community and aligned with the Democratic Party.

The Lantz Family of Cherry Valley

John Lantz emigrated to America on May 7, 1869, settling in Cherry Valley, Illinois, where he initially worked for Wallace Mackey’s father. He married Christina Wilhelmina Anderson on August 26, 1871. They had six children: Albert, May, Nellie, Jennie, Arthur, and Esther. The Lantz family lived in Cherry Valley, then on a farm east of the village, and eventually on a 240-acre farm south of Cherry Valley owned by Mr. and Mrs. Jenks. Later, they moved to a farm west of Cherry Valley. Both John and Christina are buried in the Cherry Valley Cemetery. Esther Fonken, their surviving child, lives in Belvidere, along with grandchildren Lewis Hawkey and Mildred Cooper.

The Kling and Dahlberg Families of Cherry Valley

John and Johanna Kling, Swedish immigrants, settled in Cherry Valley, Illinois, in 1868. They built a home on South Mill Road and, after John’s early death at 32, Johanna and their sons moved to 313 Genoa Street. Charles Kling married Alma Dahlberg, whose parents, John and Lena Dahlberg, moved to Cherry Valley from Curtiss, Wisconsin, in 1908. The Dahlbergs built homes at 526 West State Street and later moved to 117 South Cherry Street. Their granddaughter, Viola Kling Green, married Homer Green in 1937. The Greens have lived at 117 South Cherry Street since then, operating an antique shop since 1950.

Edward Hyland Family of Cherry Valley

Edward Hyland, an Irish immigrant, established a prosperous farm in Cherry Valley, Illinois, in the mid-19th century. At his death in 1913, he was recognized as one of the wealthiest and most respected men in the area. Edward’s community involvement and religious devotion were significant, contributing to the establishment of St. Rita’s Church. His son, Charles Joseph Hyland, served as mayor for five terms and on the Winnebago County Board for 16 years. The Hyland family, including Charles’ wife Myrtle and their children, continued to contribute to Cherry Valley’s development through various community and business endeavors.

The Healy Family History of Cherry Valley

Helen Healey Monahan, born in 1916, was the daughter of Tom and Nell Healey. Tom, born in 1871 to John and Margaret Culhane Healey, was one of six siblings who mostly settled in Cherry Valley, Illinois. Nell, born in 1874 to John and Bridget Fallon, was one of 13 children. Helen married Robert Monahan in 1941. Her siblings included Lucille, John, Francis, and Monsignor Joseph Healey. The Healey family resided in several homes in Cherry Valley, with Tom working at Ray Lee’s Hardware Store and serving as Postmaster. Helen’s recollections provide a vivid portrayal of Cherry Valley’s past, its community, and local businesses.

The Hall Family of Cherry Valley

Seth Everett Hall, born June 7, 1845, in Earlville, New York, married Jeanne C. Nead in 1866 and had one child, Jeannie Cornelia Hall, before Jeanne’s death in 1868. He married Fayette McNaire in 1876, having seven children. Seth and Fayette settled in Cherry Valley, Illinois, where Seth operated a nursery business and served as Mayor in 1900. The Hall family was active in local politics and community affairs, with significant contributions to Cherry Valley’s development. The family home at 518 West State Street became a local landmark. Seth Jr. continued the family legacy, marrying twice and having two children.

Ira A. & Hattie F. Green Family of Cherry Valley

In 1841, John Brinck purchased eighty acres of land on North Mill Road, Cherry Valley. This land changed hands several times, with notable owners including Rufus C. Potter, Charles Pehl, and Gustaf Gustafson. In 1914, Ira A. Green and his wife Hattie bought the farm, moving there in 1915. Ira farmed the land, served as a tax assessor, and was active in community organizations. Their son, Robert P. Green, took over the farm in 1928. Robert and his wife Frances later sold the farm in 1974 for development into Cherry North Estates. Ira and Hattie Green are buried in Cherry Valley Cemetery.

The John H. Gorsuch Family of Cherry Valley

John H. Gorsuch, his wife Leora, and daughter Laura June moved from Rockford to Cherry Valley on June 1, 1936. Sons John R. (Jack) and Gerald (Jerry) were born in 1937 and 1942, respectively. John purchased land and built their home from an old interurban streetcar. He later built additional homes and ran several businesses, including a root beer stand and restaurants. Jack served in the Marine Corps, and Jerry graduated from DeVry Technical College. John H. was an Explorer Advisor, leading various activities for local boys. The Gorsuch family lived in Cherry Valley for 28 years before relocating to Spooner, Wisconsin, in 1964.

The Garrett Clan of Cherry Valley

The Garrett family, originating from the Isle of Man, settled in America in 1827. Thomas Garrett and his wife, Margaret Kewish, initially lived in Painesville, Ohio, before moving to Rockford, Illinois, in 1838. Thomas, Rockford’s first shoemaker, later acquired a farm on Mulford Road. Their descendants, including Thomas’s son Will Garrett, played significant roles in the local community, with Will serving in various township positions and being active in the Masonic Lodge. The Garrett legacy continued through multiple generations, contributing to the development and history of Cherry Valley, Illinois.

The Gables of Cherry Valley

A portrait of an unknown Gable of Cherry Valley, Illinois

William Gable and his wife, Betsey (Leib), arrived in Cherry Valley from Erie County, New York, in 1849 with their seven children. They settled on eighty acres of government land. William briefly served in the Civil War. Their son, Henry Gable, married Minerva Wood and remained in Cherry Valley, raising two children, Fannie and Chester. Fannie married Alden E. Cramer, while Chester married Flora Ward, and they had sons John N. and Harvey J. Gable. The Gable family’s legacy includes farming and local contributions, with their descendants continuing to reside in the area.

Pin It on Pinterest