Dixon Illinois

Biography of Edward C. Gates

Edward C. Gates, born in Dixon, Illinois on September 1, 1861, established a notable legal career after being admitted to the Kansas bar in 1887. After practicing in Fulton, he moved to Fort Scott, where he became renowned within the Kansas bar and worked alongside A.M. Keene until 1913. Gates valued law as a profession, earning respect through dedication and hard work. He was also active in local politics and church, and married Sadie J. Wright in 1886, with whom he had two sons.

Custer, Margaret Jones – Obituary

Mrs. Margaret Custer, aged 66, passed away on December 30, 1935, at the home of her daughter in Alliance, Nebraska, after seeking medical treatment. A longtime resident of Deadwood, South Dakota, she was born on March 30, 1869, in Dixon, Illinois. Mrs. Custer was the wife of John W. Custer and is survived by her husband, four daughters, a son, and seven grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at the Ormsby home, with burial at Alliance Cemetery.

Biography of George Mixter

George Mixter, born in Hardwick, Massachusetts, on April 28, 1835, was a distinguished figure in early Rock Island, where he lived until his passing on April 20, 1897. A Yale graduate, he initially pursued law but shifted to a successful commercial career, notably in the lumber business. Though a dedicated Republican and active in local politics, he preferred education, serving on the Rock Island School Board. A man of deep convictions, he was well-read and widely respected, embodying the qualities of a true gentleman.

Biography of Major Charles W. Hawes

Major Charles W. Hawes, born on March 7, 1841, in Rock Island, Illinois, was a prominent figure whose roots traced back to Revolutionary ancestors. He served with distinction in the Civil War, rising through the ranks to Major while engaging in significant battles such as Vicksburg. Post-war, he excelled as a leader in both military and civil roles, notably as the head clerk of the Modern Woodmen Society, which grew under his guidance. A dedicated family man, Hawes maintained strong community ties, earning a lasting legacy as a pioneer and public servant.

Biographical Sketch of Fleck, Ira S.

Ira S. Fleck, born on March 24, 1847, in Pennsylvania, became a prominent figure in agriculture and education. He worked on a farm while attending school and later taught before moving to Illinois and then Kansas, where he focused solely on farming. Married to Sarah Fleck, they had one daughter, Alice May. Fleck served as Superintendent of Public Instruction in Russell County and was elected to the General Assembly in 1880. He played a key role in organizing the Republican party in the county, ending longstanding political feuds.

Biographical Sketch of Charles Hansen

Charles Hansen, born March 25, 1856, in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, immigrated to the United States at 17. He married Anna Margret Jepsen, a fellow immigrant from Denmark, in 1882. The couple settled in Ida County, Iowa, where they farmed until moving to Ida Grove in 1917. They had ten children, including Mary, Louis, and Gladys. Charles died on July 22, 1931, and Anna passed on March 3, 1939. He had siblings in Illinois, Australia, and Michigan.