Stephenson County Illinois Biographies Collections

Stephenson County Illinois Biographies

The following 17 biographies represent just a small glimpse into the history of Stephenson County Illinois. Stephenson County is one of the northern tier of Illinois counties, and is the second county east of the Mississippi. The surface of Stephenson county is made up of gently rolling prairie land, with here and there small groves and belts of timber along the streams. Flowing across the surface of the county are a number of streams which afford abundant natural water and drainage facilities. The first permanent settlement in Stephenson County was made by William Waddams, in West Point Township, at Waddams … Read more

Biography of William A. Horan

Rev. William A. Horan, born on February 2, 1851, in DeKalb Co., Ill., served as pastor of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Freeport, Illinois. He was the son of Irish immigrants and excelled academically, completing his education for the priesthood at the University of Niagara. Ordained in 1877, Horan dedicated his life to various parishes, notably raising funds for multiple church constructions. Beloved by his community for his selflessness, he passed away on November 5, 1899, and is memorialized at St. Mary’s Church.

Biography of Willard P. Naramore

Hon. Willard P. Naramore, a distinguished physician and surgeon from Lena, has been a pivotal figure in the county’s growth from prairie to a thriving community. With dual expertise in healing and finance, he established a notable practice and became a successful banker. Born in 1824 in New York, he moved to Ohio, pursued medicine, and later settled in Lena. Active in politics and education, he contributed substantially to local governance and community welfare, exemplifying success and dedication throughout his life.

Biography of Tobias Engle

Tobias Engle, born May 9, 1829, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was an early settler in Freeport, Illinois. He worked on his father’s farm before moving to Illinois in 1851 and later returning to Pennsylvania. Engle entered the hardware business before purchasing a 400-acre farm in Stephenson County. Married to Mary A. Myers, they had eleven children. Engle was involved in local education and politics, shifting from Republican to Prohibitionist views. He is affiliated with the Embury M.E. Church of Freeport.

Biography of Thomas Carroll

Thomas Carroll, an experienced engineer with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Road, began his career at eighteen as a fireman. He quickly advanced, dedicating over thirty years to the railway. Born in 1847 in Freeport, he comes from an Irish immigrant family, with his father also working in the railroad industry. Married in 1874, Carroll is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He is proud of his long, accident-free service in the railroad sector.

Biography of Michael Stoskopf

Michael Stoskopf, Freeport, is one of the most prominent members of the Stephenson county bar, and takes high rank among the leading lawyers of the northwest. He is thoroughly rooted and grounded in the fundamentals, understands profoundly the great principles of justice and equity on which human society rests and sees with the eye of a master the application of these basic principles to all the details of business and commerce. He knows what he has to say before he is on his feet, and when he stands before a jury there is an energy and a force in what … Read more

Biography of John Piper

John Piper, born on February 7, 1832, in Maryland, is now retired in Freeport, Illinois. He married Mary Myers in 1854, with whom he had six children, and later married Eleanor Humphreys in 1868, having four more children. A successful farmer and carpenter, he owned over 600 acres and shelled over a million bushels of corn. Mr. Piper was an influential figure in his community, serving as school director and road commissioner, and is a member of the Christian church.

Biography of John J. Pluemer

John J. Pluemer, born on January 3, 1817, in Ost Friesland, Prussia, was a prominent figure in Freeport, Illinois. He took over his father’s peat business at age 27, but due to outspoken views, he moved to America in 1852. After settling in Illinois, he operated a saloon for 33 years, retiring in 1889. Married to Sophia Hammel in 1844, they had eleven children. Pluemer was also a dedicated Union soldier during the Civil War, participating in key battles. He is known for his independent political views and prolific writing.

Biography of John Fosha

John Fosha, a successful farmer from Silver Creek township, Stephenson County, Illinois, built his wealth through hard work and determination. With land holdings in both Illinois and Kansas, his achievements reflect his industrious nature. Born to German immigrants, he began working the land early, becoming one of the region’s largest landowners. Married in 1856, John and his wife Mina raised twelve children. A community leader and member of the Evangelical church, he has witnessed significant agricultural development in northern Illinois.

Biography of Jacob Krohn

Jacob Krohn, born in 1832 in Pomerania, Prussia, is the president of Freeport’s Second National Bank, known for its solid reputation in the Northwest. Immigrating to America in 1853, he initially worked as a cigar maker before entering banking as a stockholder and director in 1871. Krohn has held various public offices, including mayor and alderman. He is a prominent Mason and Odd Fellow, actively involved in both organizations. He has been married twice and is a devoted father to eight children, with a strong commitment to education and community service.

Biography of Henry H. Mynard

Henry H. Mynard, born on November 3, 1822, in Greene County, New York, has been a Stephenson County resident since 1863. He began farming in Cook County, married Caroline C. Cool in 1845, and later moved to Ridott Township before settling in Freeport. A retired farmer, he served in various local offices and was active in the Grange society. Mynard is a prominent Freeport citizen, a Republican voter, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has four children, three of whom are living.

Biography of Gen. Smith D. Atkins

Smith D. Atkins, born June 9, 1836, in New York, was a multi-talented lawyer, soldier, journalist, and politician. He began his career in journalism before pursuing law and active military service during the Civil War. Notably, he fought bravely at Fort Donelson and commanded the 92nd Illinois Infantry, refusing to return escaped slaves to their owners. Promoted to Brigadier General by war’s end, he became a respected leader. Post-war, Atkins edited the Freeport Journal and served as Postmaster, continuing his commitment to public service.

Biography of Charles Betts

Charles Betts, born on June 13, 1825, in New York, is a distinguished figure in the Stephenson County legal community, often referred to as “Judge” Betts. After being admitted to the bar in 1847, he practiced law in Freeport, Illinois, where he became known for his legal expertise and oratory skills. Involved in politics, he was nominated for various positions, including Auditor General and Congress, demonstrating significant influence and popularity. Betts continues to be respected for his honorable life and contributions to the community.

Biography of C. N. Bentley

C. N. Bentley, a respected pioneer in Harlem township, has deep roots in Stephenson County’s history. Born in 1826, he witnessed the region’s development and has contributed significantly to his community as a school trustee, constable, and highway commissioner. His ancestors include notable figures, such as his grandfather Eldred Bentley, linked to Ethan Allen of the Revolutionary War. C. N. Bentley married Alecta Smith and had five children, while his family experienced both triumphs and tragedies throughout their lives.

Biography of Bernhard Huenkemeier

Bernhard Huenkemeier, a respected Freeport resident for over fifty years, played a significant role in the community’s development. Born in Germany in 1822, he immigrated to America in 1848, where he established himself as a successful stone mason. A devoted family man and active citizen, he contributed to local politics and education while building numerous public structures. His philanthropic nature and business acumen made him a well-loved figure in Freeport, exemplifying dedication and perseverance, inspiring future generations.

Biography of Adam Miller

Adam Miller, born on March 13, 1826, in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, was a pioneering blacksmith in Stephenson County after immigrating with his family in 1851. He married Catherine Dilly in 1854, and they had eight children, with three surviving. Retiring from blacksmithing at fifty, he owned several properties and 120 acres of farmland. A self-made man and a Democrat, he was active in local organizations but never sought public office. Miller passed away around 1885, with his wife following in 1897.

Biographical Sketch of T.V.E. Sweet

T. V. E. Sweet, was a native of the city of Freeport, where he was born August 3, 1849. He derived his education from the public schools of the city, and in the more advanced branches of learning from the Northwestern University at Evanston, where he was a student two years. He worked at the printing trade until 1870, and in 1875 entered upon that clerical career in in which he has accomplished so much good, as a local preacher in the Rock River conference. His first religious work was at Thompson, ‘Illinois. At Shirland he was local supply, and … Read more

Biographical Sketch of John F. Hineline

John F. Hineline, son of Hugh B. and Rebecca (Lattig) Hineline, was born in Fremont, Ohio, April 7, 1855. His parents were both natives of Easton, Pa., where his father engaged in merchandising until the spring of 1854, when he removed to a farm at Fremont, Ohio, and resided there until his death in 1871. His wife survived until 1891. They were the parents of fourteen children, nine of whom are still living, as follows: Anna, wife of Jacob Ruth, of Fremont, O.; C. M., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Elizabeth, widow of Charles Richards, resides in Fremont, … Read more