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Citizens of Jo Daviess County
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History of Jo Daviess County -- 1904
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AVERY, MAJOR GEORGE SMITH, merchant and Postmaster, Galena, Ill., was born in Jo Daviess County, Ill., April 16, 1835, the son of William and Phebe (Reed) Avery, the former born in Chenango County, N. Y., August 15, 1807, and the latter in Middletown, Delaware County, N. Y. His maternal grandparents were Aaron and Sally (Goff) Reed, who were natives, respectively, of Pittstown, Rensselaer County, N. Y., and Towanda, Bradford County, Penn. On the paternal side Major Avery is a descendant of Capt. James Avery, who was one of the founders of the Avery family in America, born in England about 1620, came to America with his father, Christopher Avery, and lived at Gloucester, Mass. Abraham Avery, a grandson of James Avery, was a blacksmith by trade, became a line officer under Gen. Washington, and many of his family and near relatives were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. A number of them were killed in the battle of Groton Heights, defending New London, Conn., against the attack of Benedict Arnold. This Abraham Avery, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born at Stonington, Conn., May 20, 1754, married Mary Packer, and their son, Elias Packer Avery. born at Guilford, Vt., August 16, 1781, married Sally Covill, born in New York in 1783. Elias Packer Avery and William Avery, the grandfather and father of Major Avery, were pioneer settlers in Northwestern Illinois, and were both soldiers in the Black Hawk War of 1832. George Smith Avery grew, up on a farm in Jo Daviess County, was educated in the common schools and at Mt. Morris Seminary, and, in April, 1861, enlisted for three months' service in Company F, Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, the first company organized in Jo Daviess County, going to the front with the rank of First Sergeant. In September of the same year he enlisted in Company I, Third Missouri Cavalry for three years' service, was soon after elected First Lieutenant; in July, 1862, was promoted to the rank of Captain and, in September, 1864, to that of Major of the regiment. He was honorably discharged at the muster-out of his command in March, 1865, after a service of over three years in the Western Army, participating in all the campaigns and engagements of the Seventh Army Corps. After the close of the war he engaged in farming which he continued until 1876, when he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court of Jo Daviess County, serving continuously in that capacity twelve years. He has also served as President of the Board of Education for the city of Galena, and. at the present time (1904) is Postmaster of the city. On June 7, 1863, Major Avery was married to Elizabeth Little, born in Oneida County, N. Y., and educated at Mt. Morris and Aurora Seminaries, Ill., and they have the following named children: William Cuyler, George Wynne, Agnes Rae, Elizabeth Florence, Alexandra and Marie Ione. In religious faith Major Avery is a Methodist, and in political relations a Republican; is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic (in which he is Past Commander of his Post), and of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Commandery of the State of Illinois.
BAUME, JAMES SIMPSON, Judge Appellate Court, Third District, residence Galena, Ill., was born in the city of Chicago, April 13, 1857, the son of James and Marie A. (Hawkins) Baume, the former a native of England and the latter of Pennsylvania; finished his education in Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., and was admitted to the bar in 1879, after which he began practice at Galena. In 1897 he was elected Judge of the Circuit Court for the Fifteenth Circuit; in 1903 he was assigned to duty on the Appellate bench for the Third District. Judge Baume was married in l883 to Lizzie Bergh, who died in 1889, leaving two children: Marie Antoinette, born in 1884, and Henry Bergh, born in 1887. In 1892 he married his second wife, Fanny G. Estey, and they have one daughter, Ruth Estey, born in 1894. Judge Baume is a Republican in politics, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and fraternally associated with the Masonic Order.
BELL, BERT; liveryman. Warren, Ill., born at Warren, Ill., June 12, 1877, the son of Thomas and Lavina Bell, the former born in England and the latter in Illinois. Mr. Bell's grandfather, Richard Bell, was also a native of England. Bert Bell was educated in Iowa; his religious affiliations are with the Methodist church, politically he is a Republican and fraternally associated with the Stars of Equity.
BENCH, EDWARD M.; physician and surgeon, Galena, Ill., was born in the city where he now resides, May 18, 1872, and graduated from the Northwestern University (Department of Medicine), Chicago, in 1898. serving as an intern in the Cook County Hospital for the following two years. He began the practice of his profession Feb. 1, 1900.
BIRKBECK, THOMAS T. , farmer and mine operator, Council Hill Township, Jo Daviess County, was born in Millbrig, Jo Daviess County, Ill., in 1837. His father, Samuel Birkbeck, who was a native of England, after coming to the United States spent some time in Pennsylvania, and located at Millbrig, Vinegar Hill Township, in 1837. The following year he removed to the farm adjoining where Thomas T. Birkbeck now lives, and there died in 1881. Mr. Birkbeck, the subject of this sketch, was elected Supervisor in 1903, and has been Commissioner of Highways for five years. For a number of years he has served on the School Board. His wife, Elizabeth, was a daughter of Benjamin Lethleam, of Council Hill. To them have been born six children: Samuel, who is a physician at Gratiot, Wis.; Camilla, the wife of Thomas Graham, of Vinegar Hill; Sarah, who is living at the paternal home; Benjamin, Principal of the high school at Ladysmith, Wis.; Thomas A., living at home, and Ella, the wife of George Graham, of Vinegar Hill.
BLAIR, HIRAM O.; farmer, Ward's Grove Township, Jo Daviess County, Ill., was born in the township where he now resides, May 15, 1875, the son of William and Nancy M. (Tyrrell) Blair, natives of Illinois and Vermont respectively. James Blair. grandfather of Hiram O., was; one of the earliest settlers in Wards Grove Township, and resided on Section 32, where his son, William Blair, also located and owned 350 acres of land, but later sold his estate to his sons Hiram O. and William and purchased property at Kent, Stephenson County. Hiram O. Blair was married at Apple River, Ill., July 27, 1892, to Florence Werkheiser, daughter of George and Alice (Zellars) Werkheiser, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Jo Daviess County at an early day. and settled in Wards Grove Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Blair two children-Ethel and Glenn have been born. Mr. Blair, in partnership with his brother William, owns and conducts the old Blair homestead in Section 32. William Blair married Alma Werkheiser, a. sister of Mrs. Hiram Blair, and they have one child, Vertal.
BOURQUIN; L. F.; insurance agent, Apple River, Ill., was born at Diesse, Switzerland. Nov. 6, 1862, and came to this country in 1880, making his first location at Galena, Ill., but from 1881 to 1892, was engaged in farming in Warren Township, Jo Daviess County. In the latter year he moved to Apple River, where, in insurance matters, he is agent for the New York Life Company, and has won special honors for work in this connection. Since 1903 Mr. Bourquin has been Deputy County Sheriff of Jo Daviess County; is also manager of the Grand Opera House at Apple River.
BOYLE, PATRICK farmer, Stockton Township, Jo Daviess County, Ill., was born in Ireland, in 1822. In 1843 Mr. Boyle came to the United States, locating in Galena, Ill., in 1844, but shortly afterwards returned to Philadelphia, where he remained for seven years, returning at the expiration of that period to Galena, purchasing a farm in that vicinity in 1852. On September 1, 1861, he enlisted in what was known as Fremont's Batavia Rangers, but shortly afterwards was transferred to St. Louis. Mo., to Company G, Third Missouri Cavalry with which he served three and a half years and was mustered out of the service Nov. 11, 1864. During his military service Mr. Boyle received a severe wound in the right arm. Returning to Jo Daviess County after the close of the war, he purchased 200 acres of land in Section 18, Stockton Township, where he has since resided. He married Emma Berkman, who was born in Jo Daviess County, the daughter of Fred Berkman, and they have two children, Owen and Rose. Mr. and Mrs. Boyle are members of the Catholic Church.
BRACKEN, ANDREW railroad man, born in Watertown, County Westmeath, Ireland, March 10, 1822, the son of Thomas and Ann (Hughes) Bracken. and grandson of John and Julia (Murry) Bracken, also natives of Ireland, the father born in Watertown and the grandfather in the central part of Ireland. The Grandfather on the maternal side, Christian Hughes, was also a native of Ireland. Andrew Bracken married Mary McNamara, who was born in Ireland, March 17, 1836, and educated in her native country. Mr. Bracken came to America in 1852, and has spent most of his time in Illinois, chiefly in Jo Daviess County. The living children of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Bracken are: Robert, William, Teressa, Julia and Andrew. The following are deceased: Mrs. Ellen (Bracken) Gunn, Mrs. Mary (Bracken) Gillespie, Elizabeth, Thomas, Stephen, John P., James and Ann. Mrs. Bracken died in 1880. In church affiliations Mr. Bracken is a Catholic, and in his political relations a Democrat.
BRACKEN, JULIA M. sculptor, born at Apple River, Jo Daviess County, Ill., June 10, 1871, the daughter of Andrew and Mary (McNamara) Bracken, both natives of Ireland, the former born at Watertown, County Westmeath, and the latter in Dublin. Her paternal grandparents were Thomas and Ann (Hughes) Bracken, and her great-grandparents John and Julia (Murry) Bracken, while her grandparents on the maternal side were Hugh and Julia McNamara-all natives of Ireland, the last born near Dublin. Miss Bracken came to Galena, Ill., with her parents in 1876; in 1887 began her art studies in the Art Institute, Chicago, and between 1887 and 1892 assisted Lorado Taft in his studio, later assisting in the decorations for the World's Columbian Exposition. She also executed a number of independent commissions. She is now engaged as a sculptor with a studio at No. 19 Studio Building, Chicago. In 1898 she took the first sculptor prize offered in Chicago, and during the last year has executed a statue of James Monroe for the St. Louis Exposition. Miss Bracken is a communicant of the Catholic Church, and is identified with several organizations associated with art work, including the Cosmopolitan Art Club, the Western Society of Artists, the Chicago Society of Artists, the Municipal Art League of Chicago and the Industrial Art I.eague, Chicago-in the last three organizations holding the position of Director. Miss Bracken was first encouraged to study art by Alice B. Stahl, of Galena, Ill., whose helpful sympathy in her work she gratefully acknowledges.
BREED, A.L. farmer and stock-raiser, Rush Township, Jo Daviess County, Ill., was born in Stockton Township, Jo Daviess County, Nov. 4, 1861, son of Charles A. and Catherine (Smith) Breed, natives of Otsego County, N.Y., the former being born in February, 1829. At a very early day Obadiah Breed, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, came to Jo Daviess County, Ill., where he secured large tracts of land. and owned what is now called Breed's Hill. The father, Charles A. Breed, settled in Jo Daviess County in 18574, and purchased a farm in Section 3, Stockton Township. Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Breed have retired from the farm, and now live in Warren, Ill. A. L. Breed was married in 1884 to Herma Gardner, who was born in Albany, N. Y., August 9, 1865, daughter of George and Abigail (Van Dusen) Gardner, and was brought to Stephenson County, Ill., the same year of her birth. Her parents are still living and reside at Nora, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Breed are the parents of three children: George R., Eunice C. and Lola A. March 1, 1904, Mr. Breed sold his farm of 101 1/2 acres in Section 36, Rush Township, for $110 per acre, and March 4th bought another farm of 196 1/2 acres, known as the J. P. Shaw estate. in Nora Township, where he now resides.
BRICKNER, PHILIP farmer, Thompson Township, Jo Daviess County, was born in Germany, Dec. 7, 1842, a son of Jacob and Rachel Brickner, both of whom were born in the Fatherland. While in his native country the subject of this sketch served in the Prussian army, and was twice wounded. After completing his term of military service he came to the United States and settled in Jo Daviess County, Ill., where, nine years later, he purchased a farm of 200 acres in Thompson Township. Here he has served several terms as School Director, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. His wife, who was Elsie Smith before her marriage, was born in Switzerland. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brickner, viz.: August, Philip, Ernest D., Henry C., Anna. Julia and Herbert T.
BRUSHONS, JACKSON farmer and stockbreeder, Berreman Township, Jo Daviess County, was born in Northumberland County, Penn., Sept. 4, 1827, son of George and Julia Ann (Cole) Brushons. The father having died when Jackson was but six years of age, the mother was married to Peter Yohn who brought the family to Jo Daviess County. Ill., where they settled on a farm in Berreman Township, after a residence of about one year at Morseville, Jo Daviess County. Here Jackson Brushons purchased a farm, and at the present time owns 438 acres. The subject of this sketch was first married to Mary Ann Bishop, daughter of Peter Bishop, one of the most successful farmers of Berreman Township, and of this union eleven children were born: George, Peter, Josiah, Catherine, Amelia, Ella, Julia. Emma, Jackson, Wallace and William. Mr. Brushons married for his second wife Catherine (Brean) Broomgard, who, by her first marriage, had three children, viz.: Jane, who died when young, and Newton and Harrison, who are now living. To her marriage with Mr. Brushons eight children were born: Sylvester, Maud, Rodella, Daisy, Oliver, Mazy, Mabel, and Lydia Ann. Two children died in childhood.
BUCKNAM, ALVAN F. physician, Warren, Ill., is a native of Yarmouth, Maine, born Nov. 27, 1838. and was a student of Bowdoin College, from which he twice graduated, receiving the degree of M. A. and that of M. D. in 1863. Dr. Bucknam enlisted in Company G, Twenty-fifth Regiment Maine Volunteer Infantry, of which he became First Lieutenant, and at the expiration of his term of enlistment became Assistant Surgeon of the Second Massachusetts Cavalry. Remaining in the army. until the close of the war, he was much of the time under the command of Gen. Sheridan, in the army of the Potomac and along the Shenandoah Valley. After being mustered out he spent a year in the New York hospitals, after which he came west, locating at first at Nora, Jo Daviess County, and, after spending four years there, removed in 1870 to Warren, where he is now the oldest physician in the place. Dr. Bucknam has always been a Republican, and has been a. member of the School Board for many years. His marriage occurred June 28, 1871, when Miss Jane, daughter of Judge Ivory Quinby, of Monmouth, Ill., became his wife. They have two living children, Mary Lizzie and Annabel.
BUNKER, HENRY L.farmer and stockraiser, Nora Township, Jo Daviess County, was born in Canada, in 1850, the son of Thomas Jefferson Bunker, a native of New Hampshire, who was twice married and reared a family of twenty-two children. Henry L. Bunker was four years old when his parents removed from Canada, and settled near Freeport, Ill. For eighteen years he lived on one place near Winslow, Stephenson County, Ill., and from there removed to, his present home in Nora in 1895. He married Almira Baird, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Woodle) Baird, of Monroe, Wis., and of this union seven children were born: Cora E., who died Oct. 30, 1903; William Frank, married Elma Clark, of Lena, Stephenson County, Ill., who died in 1898; Mary Edna, wife of Albert Schultz, of Nora; Charles E.; Nancy E., who died Jan. 9, 1884; Arthur B. and Rachel P.
BURRICHTER, FRANK JOSEPHwholesale liquor dealer, Galena, Ill., born in the city where he now resides, Sept. 6, 1866, the son of John and Mary (Strothman) Burrichter, natives of Germany; was educated at Galena and St. Paul, Minn., and is engaged in the wholesale liquor trade as a proprietor of the firm of Burrichter Brothers, the business having been established by his father in connection with J. H. Hellman and G. Sander, in 1844. The firm keep three salesmen on the road in Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. Frank J. Burrichter is a Director of the Merchants' National Bank, of Galena. He was married May 20, 1900, at Burlington, Iowa, to Julia M. Wolf, a native of that city, and they have had three children: F. Robert (deceased), Dorothy and John Anton. Politically Mr. Burrichter is a Democrat, and in religious faith a Roman Catholic.
CARROLL, JEREMIAH farmer and stock-breeder, Pleasant Valley, Jo Daviess County, was born in Canada West, May 10, 1839, the son of John and Johanna (Buckley) Carroll, natives of County Cork, Ireland. The father and mother lived for a time in Canada West, and then removed to Chicago, where they re-sided two years before locating in Pleasant Valley Township, Jo Daviess County, where the father secured government land in 1848, On which he passed the remainder of his life. Jeremiah Carroll was married in June. 1869, to Mary Ann Sweeney, who was born in Cork, Ireland, and became by her marriage with Mr. Carroll the mother of nine children, two of whom-John and Mary-are deceased. Those living are: William, Patrick, Edward, Jeremiah R., Thomas J., Elizabeth G. and Mary Ellen. The parents of Mrs. Carroll, Patrick and Ellen (Callahan) Sweeney, were both born in Ireland, and in 1860 came to the United States, where the father was employed in the construction of the Illinois Central Railroad. Jeremiah Carroll now owns a farm of 220 acre, in Section 23, Pleasant Valley Township, and he, with his family, belong to the Catholic Church.
CASSIDY, THOMAS F.station agent Illinois Central Railroad Company, Apple River, Ill., was born at Aurora, Ill., in August, 1870, the son of Edward Cassidy, a native of Ireland. The father came to this country when a small boy, and made his home in Aurora, where he died in 1891, while his wife, who was also born in Ireland, is still living. The subject of this sketch was station agent for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, at Hillsdale, Ill., from 1889 to 1896, and in the latter year entered the employ of the Alton Railroad, where he remained for about a year. In February, 1898, he entered the service of the Illinois Central Railroad, and was located at Apple River, where he has since remained. His wife, who was Miss Carrie Flick before her marriage, is a daughter of William Flick, who established the first bakery in Aurora. To Mr. and Mrs. Cassidy three children have been born, Thomas J., George H. and Esta.
CHETLAIN, HENRY B. farmer, Rawlins Township, Jo Daviess County, was born Sept. 1. 1846, on the farm where he now lives, the son of Louis Chetlain, who was a native of Neuchatel, Switzerland, and one of the early settlers of this section of Jo Daviess County. Henry B. Chetlain received his education in the home schools and followed farming until 1884 when he engaged in the sale of agricultural implements, continuing in that l888. Since the latter year he has devoted his attention to the management of his farm. For thirty-seven years he has been intimately connected with the affairs of the Jo Daviess County Agricultural Society, and for eight years has served as Justice of the Peace, half of this time being in Galena Township before the setting-off of Rawlins Township, and the other half in the new town. He was appointed Deputy Game Warden for Jo Daviess County on August 1, 1903.
CLOCK, ALONZO farmer, Warren Township. Jo Daviess County, was born in Islip, Long Island, N. Y., and came to Warren Township with his mother in 1853. locating that year on tiie farm which has since been his home. Of his five brothers, three served in the Union army during the Civil War, H. C. and Henry A. enlisting. from lowa, and Charles L. from Warren, Ill. Alonzo Clock has been Township Supervisor for ten years, and School Director since 1865; has also served as School District Clerk since 1865. He married Rosana Lynch, daughter of Robert Lynch, of Painesville, Ohio, and of this union four sons and three daughters have been born: Eugene, William, Frank. Edwin, Ella, M., Ida and Alice. Of this family of children, Frank married Elizabeth Scace of Gratiot, Wis., and Edwin married Elizabeth Miller, of Warren, Ill.
CLOCK, FRANK liveryman, Warren, Ill., was born in the village where he now resides. in 1893. He married Elizabeth Scace, of Gratiot, Wis., and of this union there is one child, Erwin Alonzo Clock.
CONNOR, BRYAN H. farmer, Vinegar Hill Township, Jo Daviess County, was born in St. Louis, Mo., August 24, 1850, the son of John Connor and wife, both of whom were natives of Ireland, the former born in 1806. In 1823 Mr. Connor's father removed to London, England, where he remained until 1831, when he emigrated to the United States and in 1844, in company with his brother (an uncle of the subject of this sketch), Thomas Connor and family, came to Vinegar Hill Township, Jo Daviess County, remaining there until after the Government land sale in 1847. The father then returned to St. Louis, leaving his brother Thomas and family on the farm, and here Thomas and his wife died of cholera in 1850. On April 4, John Connor and family returned to the farm at Vinegar Hill, the son Bryan H., being then about seven months old, and this has continued to be the family home to the present time. The father died here April 19, 1879. Bryan H. Connor served as Town Clerk in 1883-4, and held the office of Justice of the Peace eight years. In 1881 and in 1890, he was a member of the Jo Daviess County Board of Supervisors, and again in 1900 was appointed to fill an unexpired term in that body, being successively elected to the same position in 1901 and in 1903.
CZIBULKA, ALFONSO CLEMENS physician and surgeon, Warren, Ill., was born at Vienna, Austria, Sept. 27, 1866, son of Alfonso and Caroline (Kolbay) Czibulka, "he former born at Vienna and the latter Pt Gratz, Austria. For an indefinite period Dr. Czibulka's ancestors have been of Austrian nationality, his paternal grandfather being Roman Czibulka of Vienna, and his maternal grandparents, F. and Marie Kolbay, natives of the same city. His grandfather on the father's side was a surgeon with the rank of Major in the Austrian army for thirty-eight years, while his father served as Lieutenant-Colonel in the Fourteenth Austrian Infantry from 1859 to 1892. The latter was a noted composer of light operas and piano music, his compositions amounting to some 300, and he was the recipient of a number of medals from the crowned heads of Europe. Dr. Czibulka came to America in 1876, and spent his early years in this country in the schools of New York City and the State of Connecticut. In 1886 he began the study of medicine, three years later, graduating from the medical department of the University of Vermont, after which he spent two years abroad, chiefly in Berlin and Vienna. On his return to the United States he began practice at Freeport, Ill., in partnership with Dr's. Caldwell and Stealy, later removing to Warren, Jo Daviess County, where he enjoys a large practice. Since 1894 he has been connected with the Illinois National Guard as Assistant Surgeon of the Sixth Infantry, and four years ago was elected Coroner of Jo Daviess County. During the Spanish-American War he went to Springfield and was assigned to duty as Examining Surgeon for the Eighteenth Regiment United States Army, examining recruits for that regiment at various points in the State. Dr. Czibulka was Carried Nov. 16, 1892, to Josephine S. Barton, who was born at Warren, Ill., and educated in the high school of that city, and they have one child, Marion Barton. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias; was appointed surgeon for the Illinois Central Railroad in place of Dr. Buchanan, who resigned May 31, I904; is also a member of the Association of Military Surgeons United States Army, member of State Medical Society and of the Jo Daviess County Medical Society.
DILLON, MARTIN J. lawyer, Galena, Ill., was born on a farm in Jo Daviess County. Ill., March 29, 1872, and attended the local school, the German-English College, and Charles City College (Charles City, Iowa). Mr. Dillon read law with E. L. Bedford, at Galena, and attended the Law Department of the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1894, being admitted to practice before. the Supreme Court of Michigan the same year, and in Illinois the year following. In IS97 he was chosen City Attorney for Galena, and has retained that office to the present time. Mr. Dillon is active in politics and is an enthusiastic Democrat.
DIMMICK, DANIEL W. farmer, Apple River Township, Jo Daviess County, Ill., was born in 1840 in a log cabin on the same farm where he now resides and which has been his home during his whole life. His father, Lot L. Dimmick, born in Knox County, Ohio, in 1807, was one of the pioneers of Jo Daviess County, coming to this part of Illinois and settling in Galena in 1825. He was here during the Black Hawk War, and in 1850 went to California, where he spent one year. His wife, Mary A. Mann, whom he married in Galena, April 10, 1831, was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., June 20, 1809; in 1820 came west with her parents who lived about a year near Kaskaskia, Ill., whence they removed to Waterloo, Monroe County, and finally to Galena. in 1829. She was one of the thirty-six inmates of the Fort on what is now known as the Wiley Farm during the Black Hawk War.
Three of her sons participated in the War of the Rebellion: Daniel W., of the Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry; Harvey M., of the Forty-fifth Illinois, who died at Corinth, Miss., from typhoid fever contracted in the army; and George W., of the Ninety-sixth Illinois, who was wounded and taken prisoner and, after being exchanged, died from disease contracted while in prison. Lot L. Dimmick died in 1863, his widow surviving until Feb. 3, 1876. Daniel W. Dimmick, the immediate subject of this sketch, enlisted in the Union army August 10, IS62, being mustered in at Rockford, Sept. 4, 1862, as a Corporal in the Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. This regiment was assigned at first to the defense of Cincinnati, under command of Col. Thomas E. Champion, and did good service in repelling the rebel advance under Bragg and Kirby Smith. With his regiment he took part in the engagements Pt Fort Donelson (second battle), Spring Hill, Franklin, Buzzard's Roost, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Kingston, New Hope Church, the battles in front of Dallas, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain (June 20 to 27), Smyrna Camp Ground, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy Station, Nashville, and many minor and less important engagements. Mr. Dimmick was on leave of absence in the fall of 1864, and when on his way back to the army returned from Nashville, Tenn., to his home at Apple River to cast his vote for Abraham Lincoln at his second election. He participated in all the movements of his regiment and the Army of the Tennessee from Murfreesboro until the close of the war, excepting the battles of Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain, during which he was disabled by sickness. He was promoted Sergeant, and made a creditable record, and was honorably discharged at Chicago, June 30. 1.865. His children are: George Irvine, who married Celena, daughter of John P. Beall of Apple River; Mary, wife of James King, of Monticello, Wis.; Frank, who is deceased; and Sarah A. and Lot S., who are still living at home. Mr. Dimmick was one of the audience in the Iroquois Theatre, Chicago, at the time of the disaster of December 30, 1903, which resulted in the destruction of that building with the loss of several hundred lives, but fortunately escaped.
DITTMAR, ALBERT farmer and Supervisor, Derinda Township, Jo Daviess County, Ill., was born in Bavaria, Germany, April 18, 1847, the son of George and Margaretha (Grebner) Dittmar. He, with his parents, came to America in 1854 and the following year they located in Derinda Township, Jo Daviess County, Ill. George Dittmar, the father, was born October 18, 1799, and died June 10, 1885, while his wife, who was born June 24, 1810, died March 12, 1865. They reared the following named children: George. Erhard (deceased), Adam, Albert and Barbara (deceased). Albert Dittmar, who was seven years old when he came to this country with his parents, was married in 1871 to Miss Anna M. Praeger. who died in 1877 leaving four children, namely: G. Walter, J. Bettie, M. Clara and L. Herman. The latter died in 1881. In 1879 Mr. Dittmar married his second wife, Miss Mary Wurster, who died in 1899 leaving four children: Otto (deceased), Lottie, Emma, William and Lydia. In political views Mr. Dittmar is-a staunch Republican, and has
FELT, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (deceased), born at Plattsburg, N. Y., Jan 3, 1821, son of Samuel Webster and Lydia (Wheeler) Felt, both natives of Temple, N. H., the former born Sept. 21, 1777. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Felt were Aaron and Tabitha (Upton) FeIt, the former born at Lynn, Mass., Sept. 1, 1742, and the letter at Temple, N. H., and his great-grandparents, Aaron Felt, born at Casco Bay, Me., and Mary (Wyatt) Felt, born at Lynn, Mass. Mr. Felt was educated in his native town of Plattsburg, N. Y., and on Sept. 11, 1854, married Ann E. Platt, also a native of Plattsburg, and they had children named: Zephaniah Charles, Benjamin Franklin, Anna E. and Mary B. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian and politically a Republican. Mr. Felt died at Galena, Illinois, July 31, 1899. During his life he was one of Galena's most public-spirited citizens. The splendid Public Library was a gift to the city from his generous hand, and in all works of public and private benevolence, he was always in the front rank, assisting in all those measures which tended to the betterment of the city and the elevation of mankind. It can truly be said of him, that "the good he did lives after him"
FOSTER, THOMAS, President Merchants National Bank, Galena, Ill., was born at Carlisle, Penn., Oct. 17. 1817. the son of Crawford and Elizabeth (Pattison) Foster, the former a native of Carlisle, and the latter of Mount Rock, Penn. His paternal grandparents, Thomas Foster and wife (the latter born a Crawford), and his grandfather on the maternal side, named Pattison, were all born in Ireland. Mr. Foster was educated in his native town of Carlisle, land at seventeen years of age (1834) began his business life as clerk at the Washington Furnace, Tenn. In 1838 he visited Northern Illinois, making the trip from his Tennessee home on horseback; in 1840 removed from Tennessee to St. Louis, Mo., whence three years later he came to Galena, Ill., which has been his home ever since. For seventy years he has lived on the borders of the Mississippi River. February 27, 1845. he was married to Mary Campbell, born and educated at Albany, N. Y., but who lived only six months after marriage. On August 31, 1848, he married Cynthia Torode, a native of Pittsburg, Penn., and educated at St. Louis, Mo. His third marriage, June 23, 1861, was with Mary Lisa Hempstead, born and educated in St. Louis. The children by the second marriage were: Annie H., Thomas A. and George T., and those by the third marriage; Mary M., Augusta H., Grace P., William H,. Jessie M. and Alfred T. From early manhood a member of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Foster has been for sixty-one years an active elder in that denomination. Politically be is a Democrat.
FORD, WALTER, cashier Galena National Bank, Galena, Ill., was born in London, England, April 21, 1834, was educated in his native city, and for many years has been identified with the banking business successively as clerk, teller and cashier. November 27, 1857, he was married at Galena, Ill., to Anna G. Seal, who, was educated in that city, and they have two children; Mary M. and Bertha B. Mr. Ford is a member of the Episcopal Church, politically a Republican and fraternally associated with the Masonic Order.
KNEEBONE, JOSEPH T. Postmaster, Scales Mound, Ill., was born in the village where he now resides, July 22, 1862, the son of Josiah and Ann (Rowe) Kneebone, the former born in Cornwall, England, in 1834, and the latter, also a native of England, born Jan. 26, 1840. Josiah Kneebone came to this country in 1854, and after living for a time at Lupton, Jo daviess County, Ill., in 1861, about the time of his marriage, settled in Scales Mound. There were seven children of this marriage, of whom five are now living, viz.: Joseph T., Philippa J., John F., Elsie A. and Carrie E. Two other children, Willima H. and Amelia, are deceased. Joseph T. Kneebone, the oldest son of this family and the subject of this sketch, after reaching his maturity, followed farming until thirty years old, when he engaged in mercantile business for about ten years. September 27, 1897, he was appointed Postmaster at Scales Mound, a position which he still occupies. December 19, 1888, he was married to Araminta J., daughter of John G. and Jane (Harvey) Jackson, of Scales Mound, and they have three children; Beatrice and Bernice (twins), and Florence L. Josiah Kneebone, the father of Joseph T., died Jan. 19, 1896, but his widow is still living.
LEEKLEY, ANNIE ELIZA Chicago, Ill., was born in Galena, Ill., August 26, 1838, the daughter of James A. and Mary Catherine (Schwatka) Gallaher-the former born in Frederick. Md., and the latter in Baltimore. She was educated in her native city of Galena and at Mt. Morris Seminary, Ill., and, on May 19, 1859, was united in marriage to John Armstrong Leekley, born at Pottsville, Penn., and educated at Mt. Morris, Ill. Mr. Leekley's parents, named Mark and Mary (Sedgwick) Leekley, were from Middleton, England, and after residing for a time in Pennsylvania, removed Lo Council Hill, Jo Daviess County, Ill. He was engaged in the grocery trade in Galena, under the firm name of Leekley & Roberts, but later turned his attention to the agricultural implement business as a member of the firm of Spare & Leekley. He died Dec. 2. 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Leekley's children are: Ada, M.. Charlotte A. and Harlow A. Ada M. married Charles E. Bergmann, of Indianapolis, Ind., and they have two children: Ruth and Adele. Har,ow A. married Miss Harriett Curtis, of Chicago, daughter of Dr. George Curtis, of Hawley, Penn., and they have two children: Harriett Curtis and Harlow Addison. Harlow Leekley, is United States Commissioner for Indian Territory. The daughter, Charlotte A., is a teacher of Latin in William McKinley High School in Chicago. Mrs. Leekley is a Methodist in religious belief and a woman of high intelligence and strong force of character.
LEITZEN, JOHN Sr., farmer and stockraiser, Wards Grove Township. Jo Daviess County, Ill., was born in Germany, Jan. 27, 1846, the son of John and Catherine (Schuer) Leitzen. Mr. Leitzen came to the United States in 1868, residing first in the State of New York for nine months, and then removed to Jo Daviess County, Ill., where, for several years, he was engaged in farming in Nora Township, but in 1882 purchased his present farm in Sections 4 and 7, Wards Grove Township. His mother having died in the Fatherland, Mr. Leitzen's father came to America and spent the remainder of his days with his son. On March 6, 1869, Mr. Leitzen was married to Anna Mary Trappen, who is also a native of Germany, and of this union there are two children, Katie and John, Jr. Mr. Leitzen is a Democrat in politics, and has served as School Director and Road Commissioner. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. John Leitzen, Jr., married Helen Biehl, and they have eight children, viz.: Clara, John, Oscar, Florence, Thomas, Mary, Rosa and Walter.
LEWIS, JAMES S. retired farmer, Rush Township, Jo Daviess County, was born near Montreal, Canada, July 15, 1833, the son of Joshua 0. and Melinda (Hall) Lewis, who removed from Canada to Chautauqua County, N. Y., in 1835, where the father died in 1840. The subject of this sketch, after having taught two winter terms of school in Chautauqua County, came west in 1855 and, for two years, was located at or near Warren, Ill. In the fall of 1857 his mother and four sisters joined him at Apple River, Ill., where he resided until the fall of 1876. From July, 1862, to June, 1865, he served in the Civil War as a member of Company E, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, being attached to the Army of the Cumberland under the command of Generals Sherman and Thomas. For twenty-five years he was mainly engaged in teaching. nine years of this time being spent in the Apple River schools, where he taught two generations. In 1882 he bought five acres of land in Rush
McCLELLAN, ROBERT H. (deceased), lawyer and banker, was born in Washington County, N. Y., Jan. 3, 1823; graduated at Union College, Schenectady, in 1847, and then studied Iaw with Hon. Martin I. Townsend, of Troy, being admitted to the bar in 1850. The same year he removed to Galena, Ill.; during his first winter there, edited "The Galena Gazette," and the following spring formed a partnership with John M. Douglas, afterwards General Solicitor and President of the Illinois Central Railroad, which ended with the removal of the latter to Chicago when Mr. McClellan succeeded him as local attorney of the road at Galena. In l864 Mr. McClellan became President of the Bank of Galena -- later the "National Bank of Galena" remaining for over twenty years. He was also largely interested in local manufactories and financial institutions elsewhere. He served as a Republican Representative in the Twenty-second General Assembly (1861-62), and as Senator (1876-80), and maintained a high rank as a sagacious and judicious legislator. Liberal, public-spirited and patriotic, his name was prominently connected with all movements for the improvement of his locality and the advancement of the interests of the State. Mr. McClellan died July 23, 1903.
McFADDEN, WILLIAM S. farmer, Apple River Township, Jo Daviess County, Ill., was born on the old McFadden homestead in Apple River Township, June 16, 1860, the son of James and Catherine Alice (Stephenson) McFadden; located on his present farm in March, 1884, and in the same year was married to Miss Sarah Charlton, daughter of William and Mary Charlton. To Mr. and Mrs. McFadden two children have been born, Shelby R., born August 6, 1886, and William C., born March 6, 1889. In political views Mr. McFadden is a Republican and has served as Highway Commissioner three years; was a member of -the County Board of Supervisors from 1892 to 1896, and is now serving as school treasurer of his township. Mrs. McFadden's parents were William and Mary (White) Charlton, of Apple River. The father, William Charlton, died in 1867, and the mother in 1885.
MELLER, FRANK J. bookkeeper and accountant, Galena, Ill., was born in the city where he now resides Nov. 21, 1857, the son of Joseph Meller, a native of Neuss, Germany, and grandson of Mathias and Christina (Johnson) Meller, also born in Germany, the former at Muelheim-on-the-Rhine, and the latter at Neuss. Mr. Meller grew up in his native city of Galena, was educated in the public schools there, graduating from the Galena High School in 1877, after which he was engaged in teaching from 1877 to 1880. During the year 1881 he attended the Phrenological Institute in New York City, where he received a degree in phrenology and kindred sciences. Returning to Galena he then read law for a number of years in the office of D. and T.J. Sheean; during the years 1883 and 1884 served as tax collector for the Town of West Galena., to which he was elected on the Democratic ticket. He has been a wide reader in literature, science and general history, and being possessed of a musical voice, has given much attention to that branchdy for years, assisting in many local entertainment's and musical movements in the community. In 1891 he accepted a position with B. F. Felt as bookkeeper and accountant, which he still retains. Having, in the meantime, served one year (1900) on the school board. Mr. Meller was married Nov. 3. 1891, to Bessie Cory, a native of Cornwall, England, and they have had three daughters: Marguerite, Irene and Madeleine. His family are attendants upon the services of the Episcopal church. Mr. Meller has never belonged to any fraternal society, but is a devoted member of the Home Club, of which his wife and three daughters are the only members. In religion he is an Independent, believing in the greatest good to the greatest number without regard to sect or creed, accepting the tenets of the Christian belief under their broadest and loftiest interpretation.
MILLER, SAMUEL H. farmer, Wards Grove Township, Jo Daviess County, Ill., was born in Carbon County, Penn., Feb. 18, 1838, son of John and Kathrine (Moore) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania. John Miller was a soldier in the War of 1812, and his father, Abraham Miller, served in the Revolutionary War. At the age of twelve years Samuel H. Miller went to live with his uncle, Samuel Hodge, and removed with him to Packwaukee, Wis., where he lived for eleven years, and then came to Carroll County, Ill. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, Ninety-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out of the service in 1865, after having participated in all the engagements of his regiment. He also had four brothers in the Union army, two of whom were wounded in battle. In 1867 Mr. Miller was married in Carroll County, Ill., to Mary E. Hunter, who was born in Ogle County, Ill., Feb. 12, 1846, the daughter of Henry and Mary (Hughes) Hunter. Henry Hunter was a native of Mississippi and removed from that State to Indiana and later to Ogle County, Ill. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miller first settled in Carroll County, but later came to Jo Daviess County and purchased their present homestead in Section 32, Wards Grove Township. They have one child, Mary M., who married Ellis Evans. Mr. Miller is a member of the G. A. R. Post, No. 520, at Stockton. In politics he is a Republican, and has served as Highway Commissioner fifteen years and School Director sixteen years.
MINER, H. B. Postmaster. Nora, Ill., was born in the village where he now resides August 20, 1854. His parents, both natives of New York, came to Nora, Jo Daviess County, in 1839, and are now living in Warren. The father was Sheriff of the county two terms. The subject of this sketch was educated in Beloit, Wis. and Galena, Ill., and has followed farming in Nora for twenty-five years. For many years he was School Director and is now serving his second term as postmaster of Nora. For twenty-one years he was a resident of Galena, but is now thoroughly identified with the affairs of Nora. His wife, Mary A. is the daughter of R. W. Stanchfield, of Nora, and their children are: Lucy, Mary, Elizabeth, and S.K. Miner, Jr.
SHEEAN, DAVID lawyer, Galena, Ill., was born in Boston, Mass., July 3, 1833, the son of James and Mary (Lorden) Sheean, both natives of County Cork, Ireland, and at three years of age was brought by his parents from Boston to Galena, where the family located. His grandparents on the maternal side were Jeremiah and Johanna Lorden, also of County Cork, Ireland, and his ancestors on both side were natives of Ireland for an indefinite period. After acquiring his education in the common and private schools and a local academy in Jo Daviess County, Mr. Sheean went to California in 1851, where he spent four and a half years mining. Then returning to Galena, he began the study of law and, after his admission to the bar, entered into partnership with John A. Rawlins, who became Chief of Staff under Gen. Grant during the Civil War, and later Secretary of War. From 1862 to 1867, he practiced alone, but the latter year formed a partnership with his brother, T. J. Sheean, and in 1893, his nephew, G. M. Sheean, was admitted to the firm. Mr. Sheean was elected City Attorney, in 1859, serving several years; for one term (1864- 65) was Mayor of Galena; has also served as President and Director of the Galena Public library and of Greenwood Cemetery for several years. Sept. 21, 1876, he was married to Miss Cora L. Spare, who was educated in Galena, and died April 5, 1895, leaving no children. Politically Mr. Sheean is a Sound-Money Democrat, and has been a member of the Iroquois Club, Chicago, but not connected with any secret organization. As a lawyer he has been connected with a number of important cases in the State courts and the Supreme Court of the United States.
SPENSLEY, RICHARD, one of the pioneers of the lead-mining region,was born in Yorkshire, England, May 19, 1805, and on April 24, 1824, he was united in marriage with Alice Bonson, a native of the same place. Twelve children were born to this union, six boys and six girls, eleven of whom reached maturity and five still survive, namely: Hon. James Spensley, of Mineral Point, Wis.; R. M. Spensley, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Jo Daviess County, Ill.; Alice A. Bailey, of Black Hawk, Colo.; Ellen Gray, wife of John J. Gray, and Judge William Spensley of Galena. Mr. Spensley received such an education as the schools of Yorkshire then afforded, which was but meager. His early life was spent in the lead and coal mines of his native county, and for several years he held the responsible position of banksman in the famous Barnsley coal mines in that county. Being impressed with the better opportunities offered for a man in his condition in the United States, in the year 1839, with his wife and family, then consisting of six children. he emigrated to this country, crossing the ocean in a sailing-vessel which was six weeks on the way. Landing in New York he went by canal to Buffalo, thence across the lakes to Chicago and from thence by team to Dubuque, Iowa, Mr. Spensley himself walking the entire distance from Chicago to Dubuque. He erected a log cabin near the city of Dubuque, in which he and his family lived for many years enduring all the hardships and privations incident to a pioneer life. By industry and frugality, he accumulated what would now be considered a pittance, but at that time was considered a fair sum of money, and in 1852 purchased what was then known as the Blair lead smelting furnace on the Sinsinawa River in the township of Vinegar Hill, Jo Daviess County, Ill., about five miles north of Galena, and removed there with his family. Here he prosecuted the lead-mining and smelting business with marked success until advancing years admonished him to cease active business, when he sold out to his sons and, with his wife, moved to the city of Galena, to spend their declining years. His wife died Aug. 24, 1887, in the eighty-second year of her age. Mr. Spensley was a man of splendid physique, standing over six feet, straight as an arrow and weighing about 240 pounds. He was a man of great force of character, of deep religious convictions, never knowingly wronged a human being and always possessed the entire confidence of his neighbors and the business community. Early in life he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and retained his membership in this church to the end of his life. In politics he was originally a Whig, and when that party disappeared he united with the Republican party and, up to the date of his death, advocated its principles. He never sought political preferment, although there were few offices within the gift of his neighbors that he could not have had for the asking. Knowing the benefits of an education, the common schools always had his ardent support. Born under a monarchy, he yet believed in the right of man to govern himself, and while he loved the land of his birth much, he loved the land of his adoption more. He detested the institution of slavery. On the 24th of November, 1892, without a struggle or a pain, "he was gathered to his fathers" in the eighty-eighth year of his age. It can truthfully be said of him, that he went to his grave in full age like a shock of corn fully ripe in its season.
SPENSLEY, WILLIAM was born in Dubuque County, Iowa. His parents were English, having emigrated to the United States in 1829. He was reared to manhood in the township of Vinegar Hill, Jo Daviess County, Ill., where, during the winter months he attended the common school and, in the summer worked for his father who was engaged in the smelting business. For two terms he attended Platteville Academy, located at Platteville, Wis., but did not graduate. In the year 1864 he began the study of law in the office of the late E. A. Small, then a. leading lawyer in the city of Galena, was admitted to the bar on the 27th of January, 1866, and at once opened an office in Galena. On June 4, 186S, he was united in marriage with Mary J. Low. Six children were born to this union, four of whom survive, namely: Jessie E., Harriet A., William R. and Mary E. In 1873 he was elected County Judge of Jo Daviess County, Ill., serving in that position four years, but declined a re-election and has ever since devoted himself to his profession. In politics he has always been a Republican and, in 1888, was a delegate to the Republican National Convention at Chicago, which nominated Benjamin Harrison for President. In religious matters he has always cast his lot with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
VINCENT, CAPT. WILLIAM, Collector Port of Entry and farmer, Galena, Jo Daviess County, Ill., born in Cornwall, England, Jan. 19, 1826, son of Henry and Sarah (Vincent) Vincent, also natives of Cornwall. Captain Vincent was educated in his native country and came to America in 1837, locating in East Galena, Jo Daviess County, Ill. On December 29, 1847, he was married to Eliza Beay, a native of Cornwall, England, and they are the parents of five children: Milton, Emily, Minnie, Annie and William, Jr. In political relations the Captain is a Republican, and in religious convictions a Methodist.
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