Biographical Sketch of John M. Hutchison

John M. Hutchison, druggist, was born in Northumberland County, Pa., March 13, 1842, moved to Stephenson County, Ill., came to Jewell County in 1871, and took a homestead. Engaged in the drug business in July, 1873. Was elected to the Kansas State Legislature in 1878. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and the Odd Fellows lodges. He was married March 22, 1875, in Jewell City, Kan., to Miss Temperance Jordan. They have one child – Mary Leonora, born May 14, 1881.

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 Willard P. Naramore

Hon. Willard P. Naramore, a distinguished physician and surgeon from Lena, has been a pivotal figure in the county’s growth from prairie to a thriving community. With dual expertise in healing and finance, he established a notable practice and became a successful banker. Born in 1824 in New York, he moved to Ohio, pursued medicine, and later settled in Lena. Active in politics and education, he contributed substantially to local governance and community welfare, exemplifying success and dedication throughout his life.

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.

Romtvedt, June Schulz Mrs. – Obituary

June Romtvedt, 80, a resident of Keating valley, died May 18, 2006, at St. Elizabeth Health Services. At her request, cremation was held. A memorial service for Mrs. Romtvedt will be scheduled later. June was born on January 17, 1926, to Frederick and Edna Schulz. She grew up farming in northern Illinois near the small town of Lena. She graduated Carthage College with a teaching certificate, specializing in home economics. While attending school she met Eric Romtvedt whom she married in1949. They continued farming on the home place adding two more farms to the mix. They had two sons, Paul … Read more

Stephenson County Illinois Biographies

St. Mary's Church Freeport Illinois

The following 17 biographies represent just a small glimpse into the history of Stephenson County Illinois. Stephenson County is one of the northern tier of Illinois counties, and is the second county east of the Mississippi. The surface of Stephenson county is made up of gently rolling prairie land, with here and there small groves and belts of timber along the streams. Flowing across the surface of the county are a number of streams which afford abundant natural water and drainage facilities. The first permanent settlement in Stephenson County was made by William Waddams, in West Point Township, at Waddams … Read more

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.

Biographical Sketch of John F. Hineline

John F. Hineline, son of Hugh B. and Rebecca (Lattig) Hineline, was born in Fremont, Ohio, April 7, 1855. His parents were both natives of Easton, Pa., where his father engaged in merchandising until the spring of 1854, when he removed to a farm at Fremont, Ohio, and resided there until his death in 1871. His wife survived until 1891. They were the parents of fourteen children, nine of whom are still living, as follows: Anna, wife of Jacob Ruth, of Fremont, O.; C. M., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Elizabeth, widow of Charles Richards, resides in Fremont, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of S. R. Worick

S. R. Worick, postmaster, was born in Stephenson County, Ill., March 4, 1842. He enlisted in the United States army September 17, 1861, in the Fifth Wisconsin Battery, and was discharged June 14, 1865, when he returned to Illinois. He came to Jewell County, Kan., in 1870, and took a homestead near Jewell City. Mr. Worick became a member of the Town Company that laid out Jewell City in May 1870. He was appointed Postmaster in November 1874, and has held the office ever since. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. He was married in Illinois, … 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 Henry H. Mynard

Henry H. Mynard, born on November 3, 1822, in Greene County, New York, has been a Stephenson County resident since 1863. He began farming in Cook County, married Caroline C. Cool in 1845, and later moved to Ridott Township before settling in Freeport. A retired farmer, he served in various local offices and was active in the Grange society. Mynard is a prominent Freeport citizen, a Republican voter, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has four children, three of whom are living.

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

Biographical Sketch of B. F. Royer

B. F. Royer, one of Burr Oak’s prominent citizens, was born in Union County, Pa., January 13, 1850; moved from there to Stephenson County, Ill., in October, 1868; from there to Jewell County, Kan., in the spring of 1872, and took a homestead three miles southeast of Burr Oak, and still owns the same. Mr. Royer is a waggonmaker by trade, and followed that business from eighteen years of age until he was thirty-two; commenced running a wagon and blacksmith shop of his own in the spring of 1873. In 1882 he bought the livery, barn and stock of O. … Read more

Biography of Alvin W. Miller

Alvin W. Miller, of Formoso, had spent nearly all his life in Jewell County; and since coming to Formoso had built up a large furniture and undertaking business and is widely known as that eity’s progressive mayor. Mr. Miller was born at Lena, Illinois, March 18, 1876. His father was the late T. A. Miller, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1841, was reared and educated and married in his native state and followed the trade of wagon making. For a number of years he lived at Freeport, Illinois, and in 1878 came to Jewell City, Kansas, where he followed … Read more

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 Frederick Jones

Frederick Jones has been identified with the commercial life of Blaine in Pottawatomie County over twenty years. He came there with little besides a practical mercantile experience and had built up and become the owner of the chief store of the town. Mr. Jones had lived in Kansas since he was a boy of four years. He was born in Stephenson County, Illinois, October 22, 1875. His people were among the earliest settlers of Stephenson County. Grandfather Robert Jones, who was born in England in 1802, grew up and married in the United States and was one of the first … Read more

Biography of C. N. Bentley

C. N. Bentley, a respected pioneer in Harlem township, has deep roots in Stephenson County’s history. Born in 1826, he witnessed the region’s development and has contributed significantly to his community as a school trustee, constable, and highway commissioner. His ancestors include notable figures, such as his grandfather Eldred Bentley, linked to Ethan Allen of the Revolutionary War. C. N. Bentley married Alecta Smith and had five children, while his family experienced both triumphs and tragedies throughout their lives.

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.

Biographical Sketch of Adam Whitmer

Adam Whitmer, farmer; P. O. Humbolt. The subject of this sketch was born in Perry Co., Ohio, Dec. 26,1832; he married Miss Olara Jane Bugh Nov. 1, 1864; she was born same place Jan 11, 1838; they have three children, viz., Laura, Elmo and Eva. He lived in Ohio until 1854, when he came to Illinois and settled in Crawford Co., where he lived one year; he then went to Dakota and engaged with a Government surveying party; he camped for two and a half years, where Yankton now stands; he lived in Dakota until 1859, when he went to … Read more