Freeport Illinois

Biography of Andrew H. Miller

Andrew H. Miller, born June 3, 1872, in Freeport, Illinois, serves as manager and treasurer of the Formoso Mercantile Company. Having left school at sixteen, he began his career with the Robinson Mercantile Company before moving to Formoso in 1900. A Republican and active community member, he is involved with the Masonic lodge and education board. He married Jessie Postlethwaite in 1898, and they have one son, John. His mother-in-law, Louisa Postlethwaite, is a pioneer descendant and community leader in Formoso.

Rader, Hilda G. Brunn – Obituary

Hilda G. Rader, a former resident of Ellensburg, passed away at 90 in Modesto, California, after a brief illness. Born on January 3, 1894, in Freeport, Illinois, she was the daughter of Swedish and German immigrants. Hilda graduated from Ellensburg Normal School and taught in Washington public schools. Married to Ben F. Rader in 1915, they operated a dairy farm until his death in 1963. She was active in her church, Grange, and Gallina Club. She is survived by her son, grandchildren, and one brother.

Biography of Edward Heller

Edward Heller, born in 1824 in Prussia, was a successful furrier before immigrating to the United States in 1849. He operated a thriving hat and fur business in Illinois for over thirty years and became a prominent local merchant. In 1888, seeking a warmer climate, he relocated to California, where he has excelled in horticulture, managing a ten-acre orange grove and other crops. Married to Mary A. Schottle, he has five children and has established a comfortable home in the Riverside colony.

Biography of Rev. R. F. Sweet, D. D.

Reverend R. F. Sweet, a humble yet impactful figure in the Episcopal Church, opted to remain a rector rather than accept higher office, dedicating himself to serving others. His life, marked by kindness and self-sacrifice, left a lasting legacy of love and respect that continues to resonate. Born in Massachusetts, he moved to Wisconsin, where he pursued a career in ministry after graduating from Nashotah Seminary. He served various congregations, including twenty years at Trinity Episcopal Church in Rock Island, until his passing on December 10, 1904.

Biography of John W. Potter

John W. Potter, born in 1861 in Ireland, was a distinguished newspaper publisher and editor of the Rock Island Argus. Taking over the paper in 1882, he elevated its status and influence within the Democratic party, marking it as a significant voice in the region. A vital community figure, he was appointed postmaster of Rock Island and actively engaged in local politics. His legacy as a genial and polished gentleman endures in the memories of those he impacted, as he contributed significantly to journalism and public service until his death in 1898.

Biography of Michael Stoskopf

Michael Stoskopf, born June 7, 1845, in Silver Creek township, emerged as a prominent attorney in Freeport and a key figure in the Stephenson County bar. Educated locally, he transitioned from insurance to law in 1870, gaining admission to the bar in 1873. His legal career flourished with appointments as Justice of the Peace and Master-in-Chancery, as well as serving multiple terms in the State Legislature. Known for his persuasive oratory and deep understanding of justice, Stoskopf also held significant roles in local Masonic organizations.

Biographical Sketch of T.V.E. Sweet

T.V.E. Sweet, born in Freeport on August 3, 1849, pursued education at local schools and Northwestern University. A dedicated cleric for the Rock River conference, he began his ministry in Thompson, Illinois, and held multiple charges across various towns, culminating in his role as presiding elder. He married Adelaide Goodrich in 1875, and they had two sons, Hiram and Martin. Sweet was a respected Republican and Masonic member, known for his integrity and commitment to the community, passing away on November 6, 1899.

Biography of Gen. Smith D. Atkins

Smith D. Atkins, born in 1836 in New York, moved to Illinois in 1848 and began a diverse career as a lawyer, journalist, and politician. He actively supported Lincoln during the 1860 election and was the first to enlist for the Union army from his county after the Civil War began. Rising through the ranks, he became a notable officer, exhibiting bravery at key battles. Post-war, he returned to Freeport as an editor and served as Postmaster for many years, demonstrating dedicated public service.

Biography of Charles Betts

Charles Betts, a distinguished legal figure in Freeport, Illinois, was born in Batavia, New York, in 1825. Known as “Judge Betts,” his legal career began after being admitted to the bar in 1847. A prominent trial lawyer, he earned respect for his legal expertise and oratory skills. Betts was politically active, aligning with Democratic ideals while opposing proslavery sentiments. He married Mary Celestine Wilson in 1878, and they had five children. Throughout his long career, he maintained a reputation for integrity and civic duty, retiring honorably after decades in law.

Biography of Tobias Engle

Tobias Engle, born on May 9, 1829, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was an influential early settler of Freeport, Illinois. After working on his father’s farm, he ventured to Freeport in 1851, where he co-founded a hardware business. He later acquired a 400-acre farm in Stephenson County. In 1854, he married Mary A. Myers, and they had eleven children. Engle was active in local education but avoided political office, shifting from Republican to Prohibitionist views. He remained a dedicated member of the Embury Methodist Episcopal Church in Freeport.

Biography of John Fosha

John Fosha, a prominent farmer from Silver Creek township, Stephenson County, Illinois, has built a successful agricultural legacy through hard work and tenacity. Originating from a German immigrant family, he has amassed significant real estate in both Illinois and Kansas. Fosha’s farming methods focus on maximizing livestock production, and he has cultivated a highly productive home farm. Married in 1856, he and his wife Mina raised twelve children. A respected community member, he has witnessed the transformation of northern Illinois from wilderness to fertile farmland.

Biography of William A. Horan

Rev. William A. Horan, born February 2, 1851, in Illinois, was a prominent pastor at St. Marys Roman Catholic Church in Freeport. He graduated with honors from DeKalb High School and studied for the priesthood at the University of Niagara, being ordained in 1877. Horan’s dedicated service included roles at St. James and St. Jarlath’s churches, where he notably raised funds for new church structures. He was deeply respected for his generosity and commitment to his parishioners, passing away on November 5, 1899, and is interred beneath St. Marys altar.

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.

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 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.