Freeport Illinois

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 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 Rev. R. F. Sweet, D. D.

The old axiom which tells us that kind deeds and gentle words live forever is one which not only inspires the mind with its sublimity, but its truth is so often brought home to us, and so forcibly that it affords a solace we do not always feel. A noble life invariably begets its full measure of love and veneration, and even though myriads of kindness done and self-sacrificing efforts are lost to earth the hand-maidens of the Great Seer of Heaven have the fullest knowledge of them all. All men who have been so graciously endowed with that most … Read more

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 Richard Meyer

Richard Meyer. When he was twenty years of age Richard Meyer came to Kansas with his parents and since then, for thirty-six years, has been a resident of Riley County. He was born at Freeport, Illinois, March 3, 1860, and was reared and received his education in that locality. Farming, stock raising and stock feeding have given him abundance of opportunity to work out his destiny, and the work has not only been congenial but on the whole profitable. Mr. Meyer probably ranks as one of the chief stock feeders in Riley County. The spirit of progressiveness has kept him … 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 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 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.

Rader, Hilda G. Brunn – Obituary

Former Ellensburg area resident Hilda G. Rader, 90, died Monday [January 16, 1984] following a short illness in Modesto, Calif. She had been living in California with her son and daughter-in-law since 1980 She was born in Freeport, Ill., on Jan. 3, 1894, one of eight children of Christian and Marie Brunn. Her father emigrated from Sweden in the early 1880’s and her mother, Marie Horz [Hertz], was a native of Germany. The Brunn family moved to the Kittitas Valley shortly after the turn of the century Mrs. Rader was graduated from Ellensburg Normal School and taught in public schools … Read more

Biography of Edward Heller

Among the representative orange groves of that section of Riverside colony known as Brockton square, mention should be made of the one owned by Mr. Heller. His residence and land, ten acres in extent, is located on the south side of Rubidoux Avenue, about half a mile west of Brockton Avenue. Five acres of his tract is in oranges, about twelve years old from the seed; the balance, or three acres, is in budded trees of the Washington Navel and Mediterranean Sweet varieties; one acre of his land is devoted to raisin grapes, and one acre to alfalfa. At this … Read more

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 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 W. Potter

Newspaper work is essentially transitory in its nature. The newspaper article that may be read with the most absorbing interest today by thousands is tomorrow forgotten by the eager public as it is then no longer “news” and some more recent event has occurred upon which public attention is centered for a few brief hours. Consequently the newspaper article possesses none of the stability of other literary effort. Rarely is it kept for general reference except in the files of the newspaper office itself. It is read, makes more or less of an impression for a time and is superseded … Read more

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 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

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 Andrew H. Miller

Andrew H. Miller, brother of Alvin W., is also closely identified with the business affairs of Formoso, where he is manager and treasurer of the Formoso Mercantile Company. He was born at Freeport in Stephenson County, Illinois, June 3, 1872, but, like his brother, was educated in the public schools of Jewell City. He left high school at the age of sixteen, went to work for the Robinson Mercantile Company, and had been connected with that firm almost altogether throughout his business career. In 1900 the company sent him to Formcso as manager of their large general merchandise store, which … Read more

Biography of John Loy

John Loy, father of Mrs. Edwin Grant Betz, was born in Perry County, Pennsylvania, in 1840. He grew up and married there, took up farming as his vocation, afterwards moved out to Illinois and was a farmer near Freeport four years, then returning to his native state and county, where he remained five years. On his next journey westward he came to the vicinity of Chapman, Kansas, arriving in the spring of 1880 and buying a section of land in Dickinson County. He was more than ordinarily successful as a farmer and business man, and was one of the esteemed … Read more