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)

James Vance came from Christian County, Ky., and settled in Montgomery Township in the Fall of 1835. He had but two sons, Andrew and Peter H. Vance, the former of whom is at present living in McLean County, while the latter lives near the old homestead of his father. The elder Vance was the first Supervisor of the township, and a man much respected by all who knew him. Peter Vance was but 19 years old when his father removed to Illinois and, some years later, went to the Galena mines, where he was quite successful in making money. He finally returned to this township, married a daughter of Rev. Peyton Mitchell, the pioneer Presbyterian preacher, and permanently settled where he now lives. He is what may very justly be termed a successful farmer -- owns 1,600 acres of land, is very highly esteemed, and is one of the solid men of his neighborhood and of the county. He has been a Justice of the Peace for twenty-four years, and was Supervisor of the town seven years.

Early Settlers Link

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Biography of John R. Vilven - by his daughter Mary Sophia Vilven Reed

In a little village in England was born a son to William and Mary Vilven the 10th day of Oct. 1845/6 who was named John Richard Vilven.

At the age of 9 yrs he with his parents, bro & sister left their home in Eng. & started in a sailing vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean to find a new home in a new land. It took them six weeks to cross the Ocean. They came to Chicago which was a city of a few thousand people. From there they came to an uncle's that lived a short distance from Washburn, Ill. where they lived for several years. Then they moved to a farm in Woodford Co. near Benson, Ill where they lived for many years.

On Feb 8, 1872 John R. Vilven was married to Ann Pickard of Minonk and they moved to a farm in Livingston Co that they had purchased. The town of Flanagan was started after they moved to this farm. When they moved there first they had to go to Minonk for mail and supplies which was 11 miles away. The only way of going in those days was with a wagon & team and it took all day to go and return.

They lived on this farm till March 1888 when they moved to a farm 2 miles south of Pontiac where he passed away on April 4, 1912. There are surviving 6 children & 19 grandchildren & 15 great grandchildren -- forty living descendents.

Donated by Cindy Pickard

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

A. Von Nordheim

This popular young business man of Minonk is not ashamed of the fact that he has risen from the working class, and by his own varied experience and the vicissitudes of life which befell his parents and ancestors, he undoubtedly is the better able to enter into the hearts of the people, and has deeper insight and sympathy with them in their struggle for a livelihood.

One of the youngest journalists in Woodford county, and certainly one of the youngest proprietors of a flourishing newspaper, our subject's history is of especial interest. He possesses the well known sterling qualities of the Germans and both of his parents are natives of the Fatherland. The father, Edward H. Von Nordheim, left Germany when he was a youth of sixteen, and arriving in the United States poor and unfamiliar with the language and customs of the people, he was glad to procure almost any work whereby he might earn an honest dollar. At first he worked for farmers, but soon the mercantile instinct latent in him came to the surface and he was engaged in clerking for several years. In the meantime he thoroughly mastered the principles of business, and when a favorable opportunity presented itself he bought a stock of groceries and dry goods and embarked in the enterprise of managing a general store. When a number of years had rolled by he disposed of the business, from which he had made a goodly fortune, and with this capital he commenced dealing in real estate, also carrying on an insurance business in connection. He stands well in the estimation of the public and has frequently been honored with local positions of responsibility and trust. He has been city clerk and an active member of the board of education for several years. His marriage to Beka Schmidt took place in the United States, she having accompanied her parents to the new world a few years previously.

A. Von Nordheim, whose birth occurred in Minonk, October 11, 1877, is the next to the youngest of five brothers and sisters. The eldest, John, who is a farmer in Clayton township, Livingston County, married Louise Meierhofer, and has one child. Flora, wife of John Grampp, manager of the Minonk electric plant, has one child, Alvina. Sena is the wife of Albert Meierhofer, a clothier. Anna is still attending school.

As his entire life has been spent in this city, our subject is thoroughly identified with its progress and no one is more concerned in its improvement and high standing. His education was obtained in the public schools, and when he had finished his studies he started upon his life work by obtaining a position in a printing office. Gradually he mastered the different departments of the business and thus thoroughly qualified himself for future responsibilities. In January, 1889, he dates his first experience in a printing office, and when, eleven years later, in February, 1898, he bought the "Register" and started on what has been termed the "thorny path of journalism" he was only a little more than twenty years of age. He possessed enthusiasm and ambition, however, and, better still, a knowledge of the practical part of the business that few young men of his age have as working capital. The paper is ably edited, is devoted chiefly to the interests of this immediate locality, and presents the news of the day and current events in a brief, breezy manner. The circulation is about one thousand at present, and everything promises that it has a greater future in store. The editor spares neither time, effort nor expense in making this a model paper. It is independent in politics, fearless in censuring wherever censure is needed, and equally ready to praise where praise is due. Thus it reflects in its columns the real opinions of its editor, in most instances, for he strives to present the truth, unbiased by obligations of any kind, save an innate love for justice.

On St Valentine's day, 1900, Mr. Von Nordheim was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Kenyon, daughter of one of the highly honored citizens of this county -- Ed Kenyon. She is the eldest of the four surviving children of that worthy gentleman, the others being named, respectively: Grace, Florence and Elmer. Mrs. Von Nordheim is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and her culture and social attainments make her a general favorite. Fraternally, our subject is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Court of Honor.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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

Von Nordheim, Edward H.W., general store; P.O. Minonk; born in East Friesland, Germany, Feb. 15, 1850; came to this country in 1868, locating on a farm in Minonk Township, this county; removed to the city of Minonk in 1873, and engaged in the mercantile business in 1875; married in 1870 to Miss Beke Schmidt; she was born in Germany; came to this country in 1854; four children--John N., Flora F., Margaret G. and Siefke U.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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