Woodford County Biographies

The biographies in this section were transcribed from:

"From Past and Present of Woodford County, Illinois (Wm. Le Baron, Jr. & Co., 1878)"

"Portrait and Biographical Album of Woodford County, Illinois (1889)"

"The Biographical Record of Livingston and Woodford Counties, Illinois (1900)"

and "Montana, its Story and Biography" (Chicago: American Historical Society, 1921)

If you are looking for the Surname beginning with the letter:
A-C	D-F	G-J	K-M
N-P	Q-S	T-V	W-Z

The Past and Present of Woodford County, Illinois (1878)

Schneider, John, farmer; Sec. 34; P.O. Washington; born in Woodford Co., April 11, 1854; married Miss Mary Koch at Peoria, Jan. 24, 1876; she was born in Peoria, Ill., March 3, 1858; have one child -- Magdalene, born Feb. 4, 1877; works 80 acres land belonging to his father, L. Schneider.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Past and Present of Woodford County, Illinois (1878)

Schneider, Lorenz, farmer; Sec. 16; P.O. Metamora; born in Bavaria, Germany; April 10, 1823; emigrated to America in 1846; coming to Cincinnati, Ohio, working at farming and gardening about five years; returned to Germany, and in 1852 came to Worth Tp., locating on Ten Mile Creek; purchased 42 acres land, and resided there twelve years. In 1864, came to his present home, Sec. 16, purchasing 90 acres; sold the 42 and bought 80 on Ten Mile Creek. Married Miss Catherine Simeon, Aug., 1852, who was born in Germany, Dec. 11, 1834; ten children living -- John, born April 11, 1854 (married Mary Koch); Anna Mary, March 16, 1856 (now Mrs. John Daub of Partridge Tp.); Catherine, March 10, 1853 (now Mrs. Alex. Daub, of Linn Tp.); Lena, Feb. 14, 1860; Adam, Aug. 2, 1863; Joseph, Oct. 15, 1865; Louisa C., Oct. 28, 1868; Frank L., Nov. 20, 1870; Peter A., Feb. 7, 1873; Angeline C., Feb. 14, 1876; lost one -- Margaret, born Jan. 22, 1862, died in Sept., 1862.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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From The Past and Present of Woodford County, Illinois (1878)

Schwartz, Henry, farmer; Sec 1; P.O. Washburn; Presbyterian; Democrat; owns 300 acres, valued at $7000; born March 21, 1824; came from Germany in December, 1846, landed in New York City, went to Peoria, remained five or six years, then came to this place, where he has resided ever since. Married in Peoria, Oct. 28, 1848, to Caroline Sandmyer; have six children living, one dead--Henry, born July 15, 1849, died in 1850 or 1851; William, born Jan. 26, 1854; George, born May 24, 1856; Mary, born July 22, 1857; John, born March 18, 1860; Henry, born May 20, 1862; August, born Oct. 7, 1864. There is an Indian burying ground a few rods west from Mr. S.'s house, and quite a number of graves can be plainly seen.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Past and Present of Woodford County, Illinois (Wm. Le Baron, Jr. & Co., 1878):

SCHWEIZER, John, groceryman and dealer in grain; P.O. Panola; was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, April 20, 1838, and came to this country and town Sept. 6, 1867, and engaged in the shoe business, and continued in it until Dec., 1877, when he engaged in the grocery and grain trade; he married Anna Sturm in Germany, in 1863; they have four children--Barbary, Mary, Joseph and Katie. He is an energetic and industrious citizen, and has the respect and confidence of the community. He is an Independent and a Catholic.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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From The Biographical Record of Livingston and Woodford Counties, Illinois

Joseph B. Schweizer

Woodford county has no more enterprising or progressive business man the Joseph B. Schweizer, of the firm of Schweizer & Huffman, well-known general merchants of Panola. He was born in that village, September 1, 1870, a son of John and Anna (Storm) Schweizer. The father was a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in Aullen, April 20, 1838. Determined to try his fortune in America, he crossed the Atlantic in 1868 and proceeding at once to Illinois he located in the village of Panola, Woodford county. Having learned the shoemaker’s trade in his native land, he opened a shop in Panola and engaged in that business until 1875, when he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, conducting a general store the first door south of the building now occupied by our subject. He continued in active business along that line until his death, which occurred June 21, 1898. He had the only store in Panola for about ten years, and for about the same length of time he was also engaged in the grain and coal business. For three terms he served as tax collector of Panola township and held several other political positions. By his ballot he supported the men and measures of the Democratic party. In his family were four children, namely: Barbara, wife of John Koch, of Benson, Illinois; Mary, wife of William McGraw, of Secor, Illinois; Joseph B., our subject; and Katie, wife of John Koch, Jr., of Panola.

Joseph B. Schweizer was reared in Panola and educated in its public schools. He was associated with his father in business until the latter’s death, and thus gained a practical knowledge of commercial affairs. In 1898 when the estate was settled up he took charge of the store in partnership with A. W. Huffman, and under the firm name of Schweizer & Huffman, they have carried on the business ever since. They have a large and well selected stock, carrying a complete line of all goods usually found in a general store. By fair and honorable dealing they have built up an excellent trade and receive a liberal share of the public patronage.
On the 4th of May, 1890, Mr. Schweizer was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Welte, a daughter of Sebastian Welte, of Panola township, and by this union have been born four children, namely: Frank, Blanche, Walter and John. Politically Mr. Schweizer is identified with the Democratic party, and socially affiliates with the Court of Honor.

Donated by Kris Murray

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Past and Present of Woodford County, Illinois (1878)

Seifert, Harmon, farmer; Sec. 28; P. O. Cazenovia; Lib.; Rep.; owns 240 acres land, valued at $6,000. Born in Germany March 4, 1843. Came with his parents to this country in 1855. Married Ellen, daughter of George Arrowsmith, of this township, Sept. 22, 1865; she was born January 26, 1843; have four children, all living -- Frank Ellsworth, born July 2, 1866; James Taylor, May 7, 1868; Alexander, Aug. 19, 1872; George Andrew, April 4, 1877. He enlisted in the 7th I. V. I. Sept. 16, 1862, and served about three years; was in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Black Bayou Expedition; was in the fight at Grand Gulf, Black River fight, Champion Hills, and the famous charge at Vicksburg on the 22d of May, 1863; was taken prisoner at that time; was under parole three months, went to New Orleans; was in the fight at Mansfield; taken prisoner there and marched to Tyler, Texas; held as prisoner over a year; then exchanged, went to Springfield, Ill., and was mustered out. He holds office of School Director

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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The Past and Present of Woodford County Illinois (1878)

The Shottenkirks were from New York City. J.C. Shottenkirk came to Illinois is 1835, and entered 160 acres of land in this township, upon which he lived until a few years before his death, when he moved into Spring Bay village. He died in the Spring of 1872. Phineas Shottenkirk came West in 1831, and stopped first at Rome, in Peoria County, Ill., but, at the instance of an old acquaintance, came over here and entered 160 acres of land, now embraced in the farm of Richard Williams. He afterward bought other lands in the river bottom, where he still lives, surrounded with all the comforts his years of toil have procured him. With fifty cents in his pocket when he arrived in this township, he went to work, and, to use his own words "had hard scratching for several years to provide for his family and pay for his land." His first season here, he cultivated corn and potatoes on the land upon which the village of Spring Bay now stands. He is in good circumstances, but his rapidly failing health proclaims the price he has paid for his possessions.

Early Settlers Link

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Portrait and Biographical Album of Woodford County, Illinois (1889)

Adam Smiser, a prominent and highly respected citizen of Palestine Township, engaged in farming on section 33, is of German birth. He was born in the province of Byron, Germany, on the 15th day of April, 1830, and is the only one of the family that ever became a resident of the United States. He received his education in his native land, and when a young man determined that he would try his fortune in America, where he believed better opportunities were furnished young men than the countries of the old world afforded. On leaving home he went to Havre, France, where he embarked for America and at length safely arrived in New York City. He reached Illinois in 1854, locating in Chicago, where he remained for a few months, and then went to Tazewell County, where the succeeding three years were spent. He began life in the new world as a day laborer, following any employment by which he might earn an honest dollar. In 1857 he became a resident of Woodford County, where he has since passed the remainder of his life. Ten years later, with the earnings which he had accumulated, he purchased a farm on section 33, Palestine Township, where he still makes his home.

Mr Smiser was married in Peoria, Ill., the lady of his choice being Miss Margaret Hutch, a native of Rhine, Byron, Germany, who came to America when twenty-two years of age. They became the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters: Mary, Adam, William, John, Eliza and Phoebe, all of whom are married, except William, and have left the parental roof. The mother was called to her final rest on Nov. 19, 1870, her death occurring at her home when forty-two years of age. The second marriage of Mr. Smiser was with Mrs. Udelwine Ridner (her maiden name was Moritz), who was born and reared in Germany, where she married her first husband. At his death he left three children, as follows: Thedonia, Charles and Tilda. Mrs. Smiser is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics Mr. Smiser is a Democrat. He is numbered among the early settlers, and is one of the self-made men of the county. He not only began life in this country with no capital, but on reaching Chicago was $5 in debt. He had determined, however, to make for himself a home, and with characteristic energy began searching for employment. He worked for some time as a day laborer, but from that humble position has risen to one of affluence. To his own efforts may be attributed his entire success. His boundless energy and resolute will have overcome all disadvantages and adversities, and he is now one of the well-to-do farmers of the community in which he has so long made his home. His farm comprises 160 acres. Aside from his business he has found time to aid in the promotion of public enterprises, and has given his support to those interests which he believes to be for the good of the community. A worthy and valued citizen and early settler, he well deserves a representation in the permanent history of his adopted country.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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From The Past and Present of Wood ford County Illinois (Wm. Baron, Jr. & Co., 1878)

Somers, Martin, farmer; Sec. 33; P. O. Peoria; born in Bavaria, Germany, February 1802. Emigrated to America about 1833, landing in Baltimore, and the following Spring moved to Ohio, remaining six months; then returned to Baltimore; thence to Cincinnati; then direct to this township [note: Worth Twp], getting his land from the Government. Married in 1842, at St Louis, to Miss Mary Felkam, who was born in Germany, in 1822; they have seven children--Conrad, Mary (now Mrs. John Weist, of Benson), Elizabeth (now Mrs. Simon Walson [note: should be Woltzen], of Minonk), Susan (now Mrs. August Siebold, of Peoria), Eva (now Mrs Frank Miller, of Roanoke), John F. and Fannie. He owns eighty acres of land.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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From "Montana, its Story and Biography : a History of Aboriginal and Territorial Montana and Three Decades of Statehood" by Tom Stout, c1921

Adam Stimpert is a past master in the agricultural implement and machinery business. During his hard working youth on an Illinois farm he learned to appreciate good implements, though there were few of them at his command. Nearly twenty-five years ago he engaged in the implement business in Illinois, and in 1911 transferred his field of operations to Great Falls, where he is now sole proprietor of the largest implement and machinery house in Cascade County.

Mr. Stimpert as a local business man and booster of Great Falls has many interests outside his home community. While in the Legislature he originated the constructive measure by which Montana voted an appropriation to acquire a state owned elevator system for the benefit of the Montana grain growers. Mr. Stimpert is a member of the board of managers of the State Terminal Elevator Commission, and has given much of his time from his business to the investigations and other preliminary efforts looking toward the establishment of the first state owned elevator.

Mr Stimpert was born on his father's farm in Woodford County, Illinois, January 9, 1869, a son of Theobald and Charlotte Muller Stimpert. His parents were both natives of Germany. Theobald Stimpert came to New York in the early '50s, met and married Charlotte Muller in that city, afterwards lived at Boston, and from there moved west to a farm in Woodford County, Illinois. He had much of his land cleared and was on the high road to prosperity when death overtook him at the prime of his life, in 1871, at the age of forty-three. His widow survived him and passed away on the old Illinois homestead in 1903. Of their eight children four are still living, Adam being the youngest child.

Adam Stimpert was only two years old when his father died. The work of the farm had to be carried on somehow, and as soon as he was old enough Adam Stimpert did his share in the duties. He attended local schools only for a few terms, and at the age of thirteen his mother called his education finished and required his continuous presence and work in the fields. At the age of sixteen he and an older brother rented the homestead, and after his marriage Mr. Stimpert took his bride to the home farm and remained there until the spring of 1896.

In that year he moved to Benson, Illinois, and engaged in the farm implement and machinery business. He had the technical talents and the qualifications that made this an appropriate field for his energies, and his aggressiveness soon showed that he had chosen wisely. For several years he was a traveling representative for the Huber Manufacturing Company in northern Illinois, and later became a traveling man for Reeves & Company, handling their machinery in Illinois. In 1911 this company sent him to Montana with headquarters at Great Falls. Mr Stimpert has been a steadfast enthusiast with respect to the opportunities and advantages of Great Falls ever since locating here. His alertness to new opportunity soon caused him to sever his connection with Reeves & Company and buy the old established Judd Implement Company, which started business at Great Falls in 1895. Mr Stimpert has since been sole proprietor of this business, and has extended its scope from an exclusive retail to both a wholesale and retail implement concern.

Mr. Stimpert has been a democrat in his political affiliations, and on that ticket he was elected a member of the State Legislature in 1916. During the following session he introduced a bill providing for a state owned terminal elevator, and after the passage of the bill and when the first board of managers was under consideration, he was appropriately selected for one of the board. His appointment was made April 8, 1919. Mr. Stimpert is also a member of the International Association of Rotary clubs and is affiliated with Euclid Lodge No. 58, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Black Eagle Commandery, Knights Templar, Helena Consistory of the Scottish Rite, and Algeria Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Helena. He is a member of the Christian Church and is identified with all the local organizations for better business, better government and better general development of the community of Great Falls.

January 14, 1892, Mr Stimpert married Miss Jescena Seggerman, a native of Woodford County, Illinois, and a daughter of Henry Seggerman [Amy's note: her parents were Johann Heinrich and Maria Junker Seggerman]. To their marriage were born five sons, only two of whom have reached mature years. Walter, born September 3, 1894, early in the war with Germany enlisted in the aviation department at San Diego, was transferred to Dallas, Texas, and then to Waco, and was promoted to first sergeant November 11, 1918, armistice day, receiving his honorable discharge soon afterward. The son Frederick D., born April 7, 1899, was a member of the Students Army Training Corps of the University of Montana at Missoula, and was granted his discharge from that organization after the cessation of hostilities.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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