Biographies F

 Following are some biographies of families who at one time or another lived in Henry Co. Illinois. In some cases it is the parent, sibling, spouse or child who was a Henry Co. resident so please read carefully!

ANDREW FAHLIN

FAHLIN, Andrew, farmer, section 19, P. O. Stanton; he was born in Sweden, September 2, 1842, and emigrated to Henry County, Illinois, in 1869; lived there two years, and in 1871 came to Montgomery County, Iowa. He was married to Miss Anna S. Linquist, September, 1869; by this union they have had six children, three living: Charlie, was born March 7, 1867; Andrew E., October 22, 1874; Clara, April 26, 1878. He has eighty acres of land; nicely improved, with orchard, groves, etc., etc. They are both members of the church.

Source: History of Montgomery County Iowa, 1881, Scott Twp

C.A. FALK

FALK, C. A., born in Sweden in 1829. Is the youngest of a large family of thirteen children. Received his education at private schools. Moved on one of his father's farms in 1852, and in the same year was united in marriage to Cecelia Heindrickson. Emigrated to America in 1868, and located in Henry county, Illinois . Moved to Page county two years later. Was the first Swede that completed a dwelling house in Fremont township. Was a preacher among his people for two or three years. Mr. F. is the father of ten children: Charles J., Augusta C., Emilie M., Caroline S., Selma C., Theckla V., Eulalia S., Eugenia M., Elenora and Ester C. Mr. F. is a man of great natural power, deeply religious and conscientious.

Source: History of Page County, Iowa; Des Moines: Iowa Hist. Co., 1880 Fremont Twp p 654

SYLVANUS FERRIS

Sylvanus Ferris was born May 19, 1813 in Luzerne County, PA. and died February 11, 1877 in Kewannee IL. He married, first, in 1842, Francis Morton who was born in 1823 in England and died in February, 1858; and second, in 1860, Ruth Holbrook who was born August 8, 1824 in VT. and died in 1865. Sylvanus moved in 1838 to Wethersfield, Henry County, IL., where he operated the Wethersfield Colony Steam Flour and Saw Mill. He was an amiable, kindhearted man, a good citizen and highly esteemed by his neighbors. In business, he displayed a large amount of energy and perseverance, was public spirited and was largely interested in the business enterprises of the early settlement of Wethersfield. To him belongs the credit of opening the first "coal bank" in that part of the state.

This information was provided by James Ferris, Alabama-original sources not known.

Submitted by Scott Ferris

EDWARD FORSBERG

In reviewing the history of Cedar county, Nebraska, the citizens who have contributed to her welfare must be given special mention, and a prominent place among this number is accorded the gentleman above named. He has been for many years a resident of the county and is universally respected as a man of integrity and excellent characteristics. He now has a comfortable home pleasantly situated in section twenty-three.

Mr. Forsberg is a native of Sweden, and was born in 1867 in Linkoping. He received his education in the schools of his native land, and helped his parents, Peter and Carlion Forsberg, on their little farm.

In 1882, our subscriber left Sweden via Gottenburg, on the steamer "Irene," bound for New York city. He came to Henry county, Illinois, and worked on a farm six miles south of Cambridge, the county seat, for ten years.

Then in 1884, he came to Cedar county, Nebraska,where he bought the farm which he has since occupied. He has made many improvements of late years, and his farm now is a picture of thrift and industry.

Mr. Forsberg came to Nebraska when there were quite a number of settlers in this region, and for this reason escaped many of the hardships which fell to the lot of the real pioneer.  However, he did not entirely escape discouragements by any means. Even as late as 1894, he suffered quite a loss, when all his crops were a total failure owing to the hot, dry winds which prevailed.

In 1897, our subscriber was united in marriage to Miss Emily Magensen. Six children have been born to them, upon whom they have bestowed the following names: Hilga, Ruth, Esther, Phoebe, Ida and Joseph.

Source: The Compendium of History Reminiscense and Biography of Nebraska; Alden Publishing Co, 1912, Chicago IL

DAVID FANSHER

Fansher, David, farmer and stock raiser, Section 14, P.O. Emerson; born May 4, 1845, in Canada, where he remained until twenty-two years of age, working on the farm in the summer time and attending the common schools during the winter months. He then went to Poweshiek county, Iowa, remaining there one year and then moved to Henry county, Illinois. From there he returned to Canada, and was married September 21, 1871, to Elizabeth McCabe, a native of Canada. They have three children: Ethelena Maud, William David and Maggie Myrta. Came to Mills county in 1879, and located on the farm where he now resides. His farm consists of 160 acres, all under good cultivation.

Source: History of Mills Co., 1881, Des Moines State Historical Co

SAMUEL FRIED

SAMUEL FRIED, live stock, is a native of Sweden; in 1864, came to Henry County, Ill.; in 1867, came to Oakland, and homesteaded 160 acres of land in Section 31, which he improved; in 1868, he was appointed Postmaster, and held this office till 1875; he then opened a general store, and continued it about three years. He has held various local offices--Assessor, Treasurer of the School Board, and others.

Source: Andreas' History of Nebraska; 1883, Burt County, Town of Decatur

JAMES FULTON

James Fulton, the proprietor of the Fulton stock stables, is a native of the northern part of Ireland, and was born June 22, 1851, his parents being James and Mary (Beck) Fulton. When ten years of age, he left Ireland and came to Henry county, Illinois, removing to Adair, Adair county, in 1875. He farmed while in Illinois, and also in Adair county till 1882, when he engaged in the stock business in Adair.

He was married in Henry county, Illinois, in 1874, to Miss Kate Montgomery, a daughter of William and Eliza Montgomery, of Scotch descent. They have three childdren--Nellie M., Eliza J. and William J. Mr. Fulton is a member of the I.O.O.F.

Source: History of Guthrie and Adair Counties, Iowa; Springfield, Ill: Continental Hist. Co., 1884. (Adair Co)

Note: mar Henry co IL 03 May 1875 per IL State Marriage Index

CHRISTIAN FUNK

CHRISTIAN FUNK, farmer, Sec. 22, P. O. Schuyler. Was born in Rockingham County, Va., November 10, 1842, living there until the spring of 1862, when he went to Ford County, Ill, residing there two years. He then went to Henry County, Ill., where he resided until the spring of 1875. He married, in Henry County, Ill., November 29, 1866, Miss Lucy Ellen Jenkins, who was born in Rappahannock County, Va. They have eight children--Louis, Fannie, George, John Christian, Ira William, Oscar, Mina Eugenie and Charles. In the spring of 1875 he moved to Nebraska, locating at his present residence in Colfax County the next year. His farm, consisting of 440 acres, is finely located on the table land between the Platte Valley and Maple Creek; 200 acres are in cultivation, the rest grass land. He has a herd of 120 head of good grade cattle. He devotes his attention chiefly to raising and dealing in cattle and farming, though he keeps a considerable number of other stock.

Source: Andreas' History of Nebraska, 1883, Colfax County, Town of Schuyler

BAXTER FULLER

Baxter Fuller, who is the owner of a fine farm of two hundred acres on Section 35, Wethersfield Township, this county, and forth acres in Stark County, and another of one hundred and sixty acres in Galva Township, leases most of his land at the present time, cultivating only a small portion himself. He was born on the old homestead place on Section 35, Wethersfield Township, his natal day being March 29, 1845. His parents, Jehiel and Emeline Fuller, were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively and were married in the latter state. The first representatives of the family in this country came to the new world on the Mayflower. Jehiel Fuller, who made his way to Henry County about 1838, took up his abode among the earliest settlers of Wethersfield Township and locating on Section 35, there successfully carried on his farming operations until called to his final rest about 1865, when he had attained the age of sixty-five years. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, three of whom are yet living, as follows: Baxter, of this review; Jehiel,; and Mrs. Helen Maxfield, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

In early life Baxter Fuller enjoyed the educational advantages afforded by the district schools of his home locality. At the time of the Civil War he espoused the Union cause and for six months did duty as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. When he had attained his majority his father gave him eighty acres of land on the west quarter of Section 35, Wethersfield Township, where he erected the necessary buildings and made his home until 1895. About 1892 he purchased a tract of eighty acres adjoining this farm on the east and built thereon a new residence of eight rooms with all modern conveniences, including an acetylene gas plant. In 1895 he took up his abode in that dwelling and has continually extended the boundaries of his farm by additional purchase until it now comprises two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land. Until four years ago he was actively engaged in the operation of this large farm but now leases the greater part of the land and cultivates only a small tract, which he devotes principally to the raising of corn and garden truck. In addition to his agricultural interests he has always given considerable attention to the raising of stock, keeping on hand from twenty-five to forth head of cattle, eight or ten horses and also some hogs. He likewise has a quarter section of land in Galva Township which he rents, and his wife is the owner of a tract of one hundred acres on Section 34 and 33, Wethersfield Township. Formerly Mr. Fuller was also the owner of farming lands in Stark County, this state, and in Nebraska. The success which he now enjoys is entirely the result of his own well directed labor and enterprise and he is accounted one of the substantial and progressive citizens of his native county.

On the 14th of September 1869, at Toulon, Illinois, Mr. Fuller was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary A. Peterson, a daughter of Jonas and Martha Peterson, of Wethersfield Township. Unto Mr. And Mrs. Fuller have been born three children, namely: Arthur, who is thirty-eight years of age and resides at home; May, the wife of Charles Broughton, an agriculturist of Wethersfield Township; and Trella, a maiden of fourteen who is at home.

Mr. Fuller is a stanch advocate of the Prohibition Party and an active worker in its ranks, believing that the liquor traffic is the worst evil with which our country has to contend. For four years he capably served as justice of the peace and has advanced the cause of education as a school director, acting in the latter capacity for some years. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Saxon Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a trustee and in which he served as class leader for many years or until his recent resignation. For some time he also acted in the capacity of steward. He is well-known throughout the county where his entire life has been passed and where he has so directed his efforts as to win the respect and confidence of his fellow men.

Source: History of Henry County Illinois, 1910, Kiner, Pioneer Press, Chicago, IL

(book contains three pictures of family members)

Submitted by:Alice Gless

JEHIEL FULLER

Jehiel Fuller, one of the leading farmers of Wethersfield Township, is enjoying a substantial measure of success resulting from close application and careful management of his business affairs. He was born March 29, 1853, on the farm which is still his home. His father, Jehiel Fuller, was a native of Northmoreland, Pennsylvania, but resided principally at Wilkes Barre until his removal to the west. He was a direct descendant in the seventh generation of Edward Fuller, who came to America on the Mayflower from Redenhall, of the County of Norfolk, England. He and his wife died soon after reaching the new world and their son Samuel who came with his parents on the Mayflower became the progenitor of the family in America. From the same ancestor came Chief Justice Melville W. Fuller, of the Supreme Court. Jehiel Fuller continued his residence in the Keystone state until 1839, when he cam to Illinois and located on the farm which is now the home of his son and namesake, having taken up the claim the previous year. He was one of the earliest settlers in the county and aided in the reclamation of the wild land for the purpose of civilization. With characteristic energy, he broke the sod and tilled the fields, devoting his remaining days to general agricultural pursuit and adding to his possessions until he acquired three hundred and thirty-four acres in Wethersfield Township and just across the line in Stark County. He was a very public-spirited man and took a keen interest in all local affairs. He died July 4, 1871, at the age of sixty-five years, while his wife survived until September 10, 1892. She bore the maiden name of Emiline Felton and was a native of New York State, born May 15, 1813. They were married January 31, 1839, at Peru, Huron County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller were active members of the Wethersfield Congregational Church and both were highly esteemed for their many excellent traits of heart and mind. Their son Jehiel was the seventh in order of birth in a family of eight children, three of whom are living, the oldest being Mrs. Helen Maxfield, of Cincinnati, Ohio, while the brother, Baxter L., is a well-known resident of Henry County.

Educated in the district schools, Jehiel Fuller afterward remained upon the home farm and has since made it his place of residence with the exception of the season of 887 which he spent at St. Edward, Boone County, Nebraska, where he then owned a tract of land. He was eighteen years of age at his father's death at which time he assumed charge of the farm and has since conducted it. Eighty acres were inherited by his older brother, Baxter, but he assumed the management of the remaining two hundred and fifty-four acres, and upon reaching his majority he and his brother bought out the interest of the other heirs, Jehiel Fuller securing two hundred acres. Subsequently he sold his brother twenty acres and bought eighty acres adjoining, so that he now has a farm of two hundred and sixty acres. The land is rich and arable and returns to him substantial harvests as a reward for the care and labor he has bestowed upon it. He has also remodeled and enlarged the home, has built all of the barns and other outbuildings now upon the place, and has made various improvements, equipping the farm with the most modern machinery to facilitate the work carried on. He has given his attention largely to stock-raising, principally handling good market cattle, hogs and sheep. He is also interested to some extent in farming lands in Colorado and Texas and he has various business interests in Toulon, Illinois, and elsewhere.

On the 4th of October, 1876, Mr. Fuller was married at Saxon, Illinois, to Miss Kitty Ellen Green, a daughter of Champion K. and G. A. Green, then of Wethersfield Township, later of Logan County, Colorado, but now making their home with Mr. And Mrs. Fuller, to whom have been born three children: Helen Beatrice, born February 9, 181, Ethel Inez, August 6, 1884; and William Green, born May 19, 1891. The last named is attending Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois, while the daughters are graduates of the academy at Toulon and of Hedding College, at Abingdon, Illinois. The son is also a graduate of Toulon Academy.

In politics Mr. Fuller is a Republican but not strongly partisan and has never been an office seeker. He has, however, been called by his fellow townsmen to serve in several local offices. He was supervisor of Wethersfield Township for twelve consecutive years and school director for many years. He belongs to the Saxon Methodist Episcopal Church in which he has served as trustee and in other offices, while for many years he has been superintendent of the Sunday school. He was a delegate from the central Illinois conference to the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church held at Baltimore in May, 1908. His wife and family are also active members of the church and Mrs. Fuller has been a member of the choir, a teacher in the Sunday school and an officer of the Epworth League for a number of years. The cause of education finds in Mr. Fuller a stalwart champion. He is a man of studious nature and has found his chief recreation in reading and travel. His interest is always concentrated in his farm, his church and his home, and he is one of the honored and representative citizens of Wethersfield Township.

Source: History of Henry County Illinois, 1910, Kiner, Pioneer Press, Chicago, IL

(book contains three pictures of family members)

Contributed by::Alice Gless