In 1960 Robert Steenrod of Belvidere, Illinois, transcribed the early marriages of Ogle County Illinois, from the Marriage Registers volumes A and B. These marriage records cover the years of 1837, when the first record was created to 1850. This book is free to read or download as a PDF.
Noble L. Prentis, born on April 8, 1839, in Illinois, became a prominent Kansas editor, notably with the Kansas City Star. Orphaned at ten, he apprenticed as a printer and served in the Civil War. His journalism career began in Missouri, leading to roles with various Kansas papers. In 1890, he joined the Kansas City Star, where he remained until his death on July 6, 1900. An accomplished author, he wrote “A Kansan Abroad” and a “History of Kansas,” reflecting his significant contributions to journalism and literature.
Rev. Holmes Dysinger, born March 26, 1853, in Pennsylvania, has devoted over thirty years to ministry and education. He has served as dean of the Western Theological Seminary since 1910 and has held various pastoral roles across the United States. A graduate of Pennsylvania College and the Gettysburg Theological Seminary, he also studied in Germany and earned multiple advanced degrees. He married Ada Frances Ray in 1886 and they have five children. Dysinger’s family has deep roots in Pennsylvania, tracing back to their German origins.
Lewis E. Shuler, born on October 10, 1866, in Ogle County, Illinois, has spent most of his life in Jewell County, particularly Lovewell. He began his career as a merchant for fifteen years before dedicating himself fully to agriculture. Coming from a family with deep roots in farming, his father, Thomas Shuler, was a Union soldier and pioneer in Northern Kansas. Lewis manages several productive farms near Lovewell and is known for his involvement in the community as a Republican. He remains unmarried and resides in town.
Dr. H. Hannum was born on March 11, 1854, in Paines Point, Illinois. He attended Rock River Seminary and graduated from Rush Medical College in 1881 with honors. He initially practiced in Illinois before relocating to Burr Oak, Kansas, in April 1881, where he continued his medical career. Additionally, Dr. Hannum was a graduate of Kalamazoo Commercial College and was involved in the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Pythias, serving as secretary of his lodge.
Mary Pierce Van Zile, born February 7, 1873, in Kansas, became a prominent faculty member at the Kansas State Agricultural College, serving as dean of women and the division of home economics. After the death of her husband, she pursued her education, graduating from Iowa State College in 1904. Joining Kansas State in 1908, she demonstrated exceptional ability in her field, influencing hundreds of young women annually. A dedicated educator and mother, she is recognized for her strong character and commitment to her students’ futures.
Enoch Hassebroek, born July 4, 1872, in Ogle County, Illinois, has significantly impacted the commercial landscape of Riley, Kansas, where he operates a successful general store. Trained by his merchant father, Casper W. Hassebroek, Enoch has built a reputation for reliability in his business practices over the past fifteen years. With roots in both American and European heritage, he carries on his family’s legacy while actively participating in community and civic initiatives. Married in 1896, Enoch and Ellen Griffith have five children.
Frank Eugene Wettstein, born on June 6, 1867, in Rochelle, Illinois, was an influential banker and real estate developer. Educated at Rochelle High School, he married Maud Wagoner in 1896 and had two sons. A member of the Illinois National Guard, Wettstein founded the First National Bank in La Porte City, Iowa, in 1889 and another in Dysort in 1900. He held various leadership roles in Cleveland, including vice president of Guarantee Title Trust Co. and chairman of the Cleveland Homeopathic Medical College.
Hon. Charles W. Shinn, a distinguished judge and current city attorney of Neodesha, Kansas, built a reputation for legal acumen and integrity over eight years on the bench. Born on May 30, 1854, in Illinois, he pursued a law career after farming in California. Elected judge of the Twenty-sixth and later the Thirteenth Judicial Districts, Shinn showcased wisdom in his rulings. A devoted family man and community leader, he remains active in Masonic organizations and continues to serve Neodesha, reflecting a legacy of public service and influence.
Claude Luman Steele was a notable businessman in Muskogee, Oklahoma, primarily engaged in real estate and farm lands for two decades. Born in Paines Point, Illinois, he was the youngest son of John Roland and Adelaide Grant Steele, related to General U.S. Grant. Educated in Rochelle, Illinois, Steele moved to Parsons, Kansas, at seventeen, before relocating to Muskogee in 1900. He married Leda Crawford in 1895, having two sons who were active in the Boy Scouts and served in World War I. Steele died on March 16, 1920, leaving a lasting legacy.
Leonard Berton Emmons, a Wallowa County pioneer, passed away on September 19, 1954, after a six-year illness. Born on December 8, 1874, in Carthage, Illinois, he moved to Wallowa County 65 years prior, where he farmed and raised livestock. Emmons was married three times, first to Ivy Bloom, then to Bertha Wright, and finally to Rose Allison. He is survived by three sons, four daughters, two brothers, two sisters, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held on September 23, 1954.
George Madison Emmons, 80, passed away at his home in Baker, Oregon, on Saturday. Born in Carthage, Illinois, on October 5, 1880, he moved to Oregon at age five and worked as a farmer across several counties. He married Pearl Akins in 1902, and together they had a family that included a daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Services were held at West and Company Chapel, with interment at Mount Hope. He is survived by his wife, family members, and friends.
George Madison Emmons, aged 80, passed away at his home in Baker, Oregon. Born on October 5, 1880, in Carthage, Illinois, he moved to Oregon at age five. A farmer throughout his life, he lived in various counties and was married to Pearl Akins since 1902. He is survived by his wife, daughter, siblings, grandsons, granddaughter, 15 great-grandchildren, and extended family. His funeral was held at West and Company Chapel, with interment at Mount Hope, officiated by Joe Jewett.
Charles Deere, son of plow inventor John Deere, played a crucial role in the agricultural industry. Born in 1837, he joined Deere Plow Works in 1853, quickly mastering sales and production. By 1868, he became vice-president of Deere & Company, leading its expansion and innovation. Under his guidance, the company flourished, establishing branch houses nationwide. A committed community leader, Deere’s investments bolstered Moline’s growth, and he supported national policies. His legacy, marked by practical genius and dedication to service, extended far beyond his death in 1907.
William A. Meese, born February 1, 1856, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, became a cornerstone of Moline’s civic life after relocating with his family at age two. A distinguished lawyer and public servant, he dedicated over fifty years to enhancing Moline’s reputation through his roles in various organizations, including as City Attorney and first vice-president of the Upper Mississippi River Improvement Association. Meese’s contributions to history and local development are notable, and his family life with wife Kittie and four daughters provided a foundation for his achievements.
Luke E. Hemenway was born on August 7, 1816, in Shoreham, Vermont. He worked in a store before moving to Grand de Tour, Illinois, where he married Jane E. Marsh in 1842. Hemenway held various prominent roles, including Captain in the Civil War and postmaster in Moline. He contributed to local governance as Trustee, Alderman, and City Clerk. A man of quiet intellect, he was devoted to literature and history. Hemenway passed away on April 27, 1903, and was active in the Universalist and Congregational Churches.