Boone County IL

Winnebago and Boone Counties Genealogy Society

1875 winnebago and boone

The Winnebago and Boone Counties Genealogical Society has archived a wealth of historic genealogical records previously available on the Cherry Valley Public Library District website. Although these indices and manuscripts for Boone, Cook, McHenry, and Winnebago counties were removed, they are still accessible as downloadable PDFs. The collection includes vital records, city directories, church histories, and historical maps, providing invaluable resources for researchers and family historians exploring their ancestry in the region.

Biography of Rev. Arthur Buckminster Fuller

Rev. Arthur Buckminster Fuller, born on August 10, 1822, was educated by his father and sister before attending Harvard College, graduating in 1843. He taught at Belvidere Academy and preached as a missionary. Ordained in 1848, he served several Unitarian churches, including a notable pastorate in Boston. Active in civic duties, he was elected chaplain of the Massachusetts legislature and contributed to various publications. Enlisting as a chaplain in the Civil War, he was killed in action on December 11, 1862. His life was documented by contemporaries.

Biography of Marcus A. Low

Marcus A. Low, born in 1842 in Maine, emerged as a key figure in Kansas through his diverse accomplishments in law, ranching, and oil development. Notably, he gained lasting recognition as a railroad builder, significantly enhancing transportation in the region. After moving to Topeka in 1887, he played a vital role in the city’s park system and served as general attorney for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway. A steadfast Republican, Low was active in civic life and public service until his retirement in 1912.

Biography of William Taylor

William Taylor, born in County Armagh, Ireland, on April 15, 1820, immigrated to the United States with his family in 1840. Settling in Illinois, he became a skilled mason and contributed to early construction in Belvidere and Rockford. In 1871, seeking new opportunities, he moved to Idaho, where he established a successful farm on rich land. A prominent pioneer, Taylor’s hard work led to a prosperous 640-acre property. He raised a family of notable individuals and became well-respected in his community, embodying the spirit of Idaho’s early settlers.

Biography of Oliver Franklin Winner

Oliver Franklin Winner, born in 1859 in Illinois, is a prominent figure in Shawnee County’s agricultural community, particularly recognized for his expertise in alfalfa cultivation. After moving to Iowa as a child, he began farming at 20 in Kansas, later acquiring a 320-acre farm in Shawnee County, which he enhanced significantly before selling. Winner’s contributions extend beyond farming; he actively supports education, civic improvement, and agricultural progress, sharing his knowledge through lectures and publications. He married Hattie Parmenter in 1884, and they raised eight children together.

Biography of George B. Keeler

George B. Keeler, born February 7, 1850, significantly influenced Bartlesville and Washington County’s development. Moving to the region in 1872, he became a member of the Cherokee tribe and utilized his understanding of tribal languages and customs to bridge the gap between Native American and modern cultures. His business ventures included trading, farming, and co-founding a mercantile firm, contributing to the region’s commercial and economic growth. Keeler also played key roles in oil leasing and local banking, earning a reputation for integrity and community leadership.

Biography of James H. Roe

James H. Roe, born in Birmingham, England, in 1843, immigrated with his family to the U.S. in 1851. He served as a lieutenant in the Civil War and completed his education at the University of Chicago. After a brief career in the drug business in Iowa, Roe moved to Riverside, California, in 1873, where he became a horticulturist and later established the area’s first drug store. He ventured into journalism, eventually becoming city editor of the Riverside Daily Press and Weekly Horticulturist. A dedicated community member, Roe was active in education and church affairs, and was married to Vina Price, with whom he had two children.

Biography of Jay A. Kellogg

Jay A. Kellogg, born on February 21, 1851, in Illinois, moved to California with his family at a young age. He received his education in Weaverville and later ventured into the lumber business before relocating to Washington Territory in 1879. In Dayton, he initially engaged in mercantile activities and served as Columbia County auditor, where he was re-elected due to his effective leadership. Kellogg invested in real estate, contributing to Dayton’s growth. He married Sina M. Coleson in 1882, establishing a prosperous home in his adopted community.

Biography of William Dresser

William Dresser, born August 20, 1813, in London, moved to America with his family in 1824, settling in various states before arriving in California in 1850. An educated farmer, he cultivated land in Tulare and Yolo counties and became noted for his contributions to the Sunday school movement in California, establishing the first Sunday school outside major towns in 1851. Dresser was a committed temperance advocate, having signed an early pledge in New York. He was married twice and had five children.

Biography of Carlton D. Akin

Carlton D. Akin, born on February 5, 1840, in Pennsylvania, became a prominent figure and property owner in Wallowa County, Oregon. His journey included living in Illinois, Nebraska, and Oregon, where he participated in notable events such as building Lincoln’s first house and serving as sheriff in two counties. A skilled blacksmith, Akin thrived in farming and business. He married twice, first to Waty B. Bryan, who passed in 1885, and then to Martha J. Lent, who died in 1901. Akin is remembered for his integrity and public service as justice of the peace.

Biography of Chancy Akin

Chancy Akin, born on March 23, 1812, in New York, embodies the spirit of a pioneer, having navigated the hardships of frontier life across multiple states. From his military service in the Black Hawk War to his role in establishing Chicago’s first log cabin, Akin’s contributions to the development of various regions are notable. He married Laney Golden in 1836, and they had five children. Now in his ninety-first year, Akin remains a respected figure in Wallowa County, known for his enduring character and vitality.