The Sattgast-Knodle Family Research Project

Christian Settgast

Taken from the Bunker Hill Gazette News, May 25, 1882

Deaths:
On Saturday, Christian Settgast, aged 63 years, the disease was softening of the brain, the deceased had long been a great sufferer. He leaves a widow and several grown children. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Dr. Kingsbury on Sunday.

Robert Kennedy

Taken from the Alton Telegraph, February 11, 1903

BETHALTO PIONEER DIES.
Robert Kennedy Passes Away at the Age of Eighty-Three.
Robert Kennedy, one of the oldest and best known residents of Woodriver township, died at his home near Bethalto, Wednesday evening, after a long illness. He was 83 years and 6 days. Mr. Kennedy's funeral will be held Friday morning at 10:30 o'clock from the family home at Bethalto and burial will be in Short's cemetary.
Mr. Kennedy's death was due to paralysis of the throat and tongue, brought on by debility of old age. He had been ill only 9 days having been in fairly good health up to the time of his last illness. After much suffering Mr. Kennedy died this morning ar 4:15 o'clock full of years and with a record of a well spent life.
He was one of the pioneers of Madison county, having come to Alton in 1843, since which time he made his home here almost continually. He was born in Philadelphia February 5, 1820 and came to Alton in 1843. He worked on a farm and at teaming for five or six years, practicing in that employment strict fidelity to the characteristic traits, industry, honesty and frugality, which finally crowned his career with success and made him a man of strong character in the community. He went to Wisconsin to work in the pineries there for a period of three years and afterward returned to Madison county and was engaged at farming in Woodriver township. He was engaged six years in the coal business, having made the record of hauling coal every day in six years from Bethalto to Edwardsville. He made his start in this manner and purchased the Walnut Grove farm near Bethalto, where he lived 24 years. He moved into Bethalto in 1877 and resided in the village until his death. He was married in Upper Alton to Miss Julia Tichenal by Rev. John Young. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy were the parents of seven children, and Mr. Kennedy's death is the first break in the family, all the children and the mother being alive still. He had been life long Republican and a subscriber to the ALTON TELEGRAPH more than fifty years. He was a school director and a member of the village board at various times in his career.
Mr. Kennedy leaves seven children Edward Kennedy, of Moro, Robert Kennedy, of Bethalto, Mrs. W. W. Head of Ft. Russell, Mrs. U. S. Nixon of Alton, Mrs. George A. Klein of Bethalto, Mrs. Ellen Harrison of Upper Alton and Mrs. Kate Boedendeick, of Vienna, Mo.
The pall bearers at the funeral Friday will be his sons and his sons-in-law — Edward and Robert Kennedy, W.W. Head, U.S. Nixon, George A. Klein and his grandson, Zeph Harrison.
Mr. Kennedy leaves a valuable estate including a farm of 500 acres.

Julia Ann Titchenal

Taken from the Alton Telegraph, March 11, 1919

MRS. JULIA KENNEDY, AGED 93, IS DEAD
WAS BORN NEAR ALTON
ONE OF THE OLDEST NATIVE RESIDENTS OF MADISON COUNTY HAS SPENT PRACTICALLY ALL OF HER LIFE NEAR ALTON.
Mrs. Julia Kennedy, widow of Robert Kennedy, and a native of Madison County, died this morning at 1:30 o'clock at her home in Bethalto, from old age. She had been disabled for only about a week. This remarkable woman, though 93 years of age, had continued her activities about the home, had put in her time reading and knitting, and meeting her friends, and was one of the most beloved residents of Bethalto where she lived.
All of her life she spent in the vicinity of Alton. She was born at what is known as Hop Hollow and spent her young girlhood there. Just last summer Mrs. Kennedy made a visit to Riverview Park, where she could get a view of Hop Hollow, and for the first time in many years she cast her eye over the country where she had roamed in childhood. Her mind was clear up to the last and her recollections of the early days in Hop Hollow and in Alton were very interesting.
Mrs. Kennedy had lived in Bethalto 47 years. Prior to that she had resided on farms in that neighborhood. She was married in Alton when a young woman to Robert Kennedy, who died about seventeen years ago. Her maiden name was Julia Titchenal.
Mrs. Kennedy leaves four daughters, Mrs. U. S. Nixon of Alton, Mrs. Cornelia Head of Wood River township, Mrs. George A. Klein of Bethalto and Mrs. Kate Boedendieck of Vienna, Mo. She leaves also two sons, Edward Kennedy of Moro and Robert Kennedy of East Alton.
The funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 10 o'clock from her late home and burial will be in the Short Cemetary.

Almena Schlachter

paper unknown, about June 26, 1925

Mrs. Almt Almena Sattgast
Mrs. Almt Almena Sattgast passed away at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, at the age of ninety-one years, eight months, and nineteen days. She died at the home of her son, Charles. She was a native of East Freceland, Germany, and came to this country in 1852 at the age of eighteen. She was married to Chris. Sattgast in September, 1854. Of this union seven children were born, six sons and one daughter. They are: Fred, of Litchfield; John, of Opdyke; Mrs. C. Ebeling, of Bunker Hill; Charles, of Staunton; Chris., of Bunker Hill; Henry, of Godfrey; William, of Tulsa, Oklahoma. All were present at the funeral except William, of Oklahoma.
She also leaves one aged brother, John Slachter, of Gillespie, also twenty-one grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Edwin T. Kennedy

Taken from the Alton Telegraph, July 26, 1937

Edwin T. Kennedy, Aged Farmer of Near Moro, Dies
Attended Centennial in Alton and Was Ill But One Day
MORO, July 26.—(Special.)—Edwin T. Kennedy, 87, pioneer farmer and the last member of an old Madison County family, died at 5 o'clock Sunday morning at his farm home, one-half mile southeast of here, following an illness of only one day.
Friday afternoon he had been in fair health and had visited the centennial celebration held in Alton. Saturday morning while dressing he complained to his wife that he did not feel well and soon was forced to retire again to his bed. His condition grew steadily worse. Late that night he lapsed into unconsciousness and died at 5 o'clock Sunday morning. A weak heart and old age were considered causes of his death.
While in Alton, Friday, he met many friends and never failed to be pleased when they expressed pleasure and surprise at seeing him. Kennedy was one that could be easily found in a crowd. Tall of stature and ruddy of complexion, he wore a medium length white beard that he kept neatly trimmed and by which he could be easily recognized even at a distance.
Born Oct. 3, 1850, on a farm on the Fosterburg road, near Alton, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kennedy and one of seven children. With Mr. Kennedy's death only one of these remains, Mrs. Mary Nixon of South Gate, Calif., and formerly of Alton. When a young man he with his parents moved to the Kennedy farm on the Bethalto-East Alton road where he lived until he married Miss Susan Avent on March 2, 1876.
From there the young couple went to the present place where Mr. Kennedy lived for 61 years. Two children were born to this union, both of whom survive their father. He was left a widower on Jan. 30, 1891, and on Aug. 5, 1902 was married to Mrs. Abbie Chessen, who at that time resided in Alton.
The survivors, in addition to his wife and sister, are the two children, Mrs. Nellie Sattgast of Bunker Hill, and a son, Eddie, of Ft. Morrison, Colo.
Funeral services have been set for 2:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon from the residence with burial in Shorts cemetary. The Rev. J. A. Oesch will have charge of the services.

Christian Sattgast

Taken from the Bunker Hill Gazette, October 9, 1941

Sattgast Rites Held Saturday
Funeral rites for Christian Sattgast, 73, who passed away last Wednesday morning, October 1, were held at 2:00 o'clock Saturday afternoon at the Jacoby Funeral Home, with the Rev. H. Roos officiating. Interment was made in the Bunker Hill cemetary.
Mr. Sattgast, a son of the late Christian and Alameia Sattgast, had been in failing health for a long time, and had been seriously ill since January, suffering from a heart ailment. Born near the home in which he died, he spent practically his entire life in this community.
Surviving him are his wife and four children, Mrs. Susie Gvillo of Bethalto, Oliver Sattgast of Granite City, Eugenia Altevogt at home, and Laura Schreier of this city; a brother, H. A. Sattgast of Godfrey, a sister, Mrs. Dora Ebling of Bunker Hill and six grandchildren. Four brothers, John, William, Fred, and Charlie preceded him in death.

Cornelia Kennedy

Taken from the Bunker Hill Gazette, November 22, 1951

Mrs. Sattgast Funeral Rites Held Monday
Funeral services were held Monday at 1:30 p.m. from Jacoby Funeral home for Mrs. Nellie Sattgast, 71, who passed away Friday at the Litchfield hospital. The Rev. Ernest Parish, pastor of the Moro Presbyterian church, officiated at the services. Burial was in the Bunker Hill cemetary.
Mrs. Sattgast had been in failing health for nearly a year and during that time had been hospitalized several times. She entered St. Francis hospital on Nov. 4 and underwent surgery two days later. Death came to her there at 5:50 p.m. Friday.
She was the widow of Christopher Sattgast, and spent all of her married life in the Bunker Hill vicinity, residing on a farm three miles southeast of town. Her husband died in 1941. She was born Sept. 1, 1880, the daughter of Edwin and Susan Kennedy.
Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Edwin Schreier, Mrs. Robert Altevogt, who resided with her at the farm home, and Mrs. Marvin Gvillo, of Fosterburg; a son, Oliver Sattgast, of Mt. Morris, and a brother, Edward Kennedy, of Boulder, Colo. She also leaves six grandchildren.
Mrs. Sattgast was a member of the Moro Presbyterian church.

Alfred Randolph Hunt

paper unknown, about May 29, 1960

Alfred R. Hunt Of Panama Dies After Long Illness
Funeral services for Alfred Randolph Hunt, 85, of Panama were held at 11 o'clock Saturday morning in the Perfetti funeral home in Sorento. Rev. David Babb officiated and interment was in the Point Pleasant cemetary at Long Creek, Ill. east of Decatur. Mr. Hunt died at his residence in Panama at 8 o'clock Thursday morning following an illness of two and a half years.
He was born in Decatur on July 20, 1874, the son of Julius and Nancy Jane Agee Hunt and at his death was aged 85 years, ten months and six days. He lived in Granite City most of his life where for 27 years he was employed as a water company engineer by the East St. Louis Interurban Water Co. After his retirement 15 years ago he moved to Panama.
His marriage to Miss Nancy Meibohm occurred in St. Charles, Mo. on March 6, 1900 and she survives with two sons, Orville C. Hunt of Bunker Hill and Walter E. Hunt of Sorento; four daughters, Mrs. Clara Tayon and Mrs. Benola Bilyeu both of Granite City; Mrs. Laura Sattgast of Mt. Morris and Mrs. Eunice Lehman of Decatur, 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Mrs. Tina Kendall, a sister of Decatur, also survives.
The casket bearers at the Alfred Hunt funeral were John Salic of Hartford, Frank Drayman of St. Louis, Wallace Bono of Panama, Leonard Taylor of Granite City, Arthur Perfetti and William Foran of Sorento.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday morning, May 28 at 11 o'clock at the Perfetti funeral home in Sorento, with Rev. David J. Babb of Sorento officiating. Interment was in Point Pleasant cemetary at Long Creek, East of Decatur.
During the services Mrs. Elbert Cromeans and Mrs. Eldon Wall sang, "In the Garden" and "Beyond the Sunset."
Relatives served as casket bearers and were all from out of town.

Mary Meibohm

Taken from the Decatur Daily Review, November 8, 1976

HUNT
Mrs. Alfred R. (Mary Meivohm) Hunt, 94, formerly of 3290 Baltimore Ave., died 7:10 a.m. Sunday in Lake Shore Manor Nursing Home.
Graveside services will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Point Pleasant Cemetary, Long Creek. Visitation will be one hour before service time at Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hunt was born in St. Charles, Mo., daughter of Henry and Johanna Meivohm.
She married Alfred R. Hunt in 1900. He preceded her in death.
Surviving are sons, Orville of Bunker Hill; Walter of Sorento; daughters, Mrs. Forrest (Eunice) Lehman of Dalton City; Mrs. Clara Tayon and Mrs. Fred (Bilyeu) Benola, both of Granite City; Mrs. Laura Sattgast of Mount Morris; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
One daughter, one brother and five sisters preceded her in death.

Catherine Miller

Taken from the Mt. Morris Index, December 23, 1903

THREE MORE ARE GONE
Mrs. Catherine Wolfe Passes Away at Her Home in Mount Morris, Aged Over 86 Years.
Another name is to be added to the long list of deaths during 1903 among the early settlers of Ogle County, in the passing of Mrs. Catherine Wolfe on Saturday, December 19. Not only was she an old settler, but she was one of the oldest residents of the township, having passed her 86th year. She has been almost helpless for a half dozen years past and during the last two years has been confined to her bed most of the time. Her last illness was only of about three days' duration. Old age finally brought about her death at the advanced age of 86 years, 1 month and 13 days. Her death occurred at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sarah Stover, west of the college.
The funeral was held in College Chapel Tuesday at 1 o'clock P.M., conducted by Elder D.E. Brubaker, assisted by Elder D.E. Price. Interment took place in the Silver Creek Cemetary.
The maiden name of the deceased was Catharine Miller. She was born in Franklin County, Pa., November 6, 1817. At about the age of 19 she was united in marriage to Daniel Wolfe, a native of Virginia. At a very early day, in 1842, with their young family, they came by the usual overland route by team to Ogle County, Illinois. They took up a claim five and a half miles north of Mount Morris, the farm still known as the Wolfe homestead, and there they lived for many years and raised their large family of eleven children, —nine daughters and two sons. The father died in 1871, but Mrs. Wolfe and the remaining unmarried children continued to live on the farm until about nine years ago, when she came to town with her youngest daughter, Emma. The daughter cared faithfully for her in her advancing age until about three years ago, when both of them moved in with another daughter, Mrs. Sarah Stover, and both daughters labored to make the last days of their aged mother as pleasant as possible. She was exceedingly feeble and helpless during the later years of her life.
It is a singular fact that every member of this large family grew to maturity and that all are yet living except one daughter, Mrs. Mary Long, who died past middle age. The remaining ten children, in order of their ages, are as follows: John Wolfe, of West Grove, Ogle County; Mrs. Sarah Stover, of Mount Morris; Mrs. Lanah Schamel, of Dallas County, Iowa; Mrs. Catherine Emmert, of Dallas County, Iowa; Mrs. Elizabeth Wallace, of Brown County, Kansas; David Wolfe, of Youngstown, Ohio; Mrs. Susie Thomas of Rockford; Mrs. Frances Long, of Dallas County, Iowa; Mrs. Ella Allen, wife of Charles H. Allen, of Mount Morris; and Miss Emma Wolfe, of Mount Morris. All of these ten children were here to attend the funeral except David, of Youngstown, Ohio, and Mrs. Elizabeth Wallace, of Kansas. However, Mrs. Wallace spent a part of the summer here with her mother. Besides these children, Mrs. Wolfe is also survived by 41 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren; also one sister, living at Waynesboro, Pa.
Mrs. Wolfe was a continous resident in Mount Morris Township for more than sixty years, and was widely known in this vicinity. For over sixty years she was a consistent member of the Brethren Church.
For the many acts of kindness by neighbors and friends during the period of affliction in the home, Mrs. Stover and Miss Wolfe wish to express their sincere thanks.

Mary Katherine Kerns

Taken from the Mt. Morris Index, October 18, 1917

MRS. JOHN WOLF DIES AT AGE 73
HAD BEEN RESIDENT OF THIS VICINITY FOR HALF CENTURY.
WAS BORN IN OHIO 1844
Is Survived by Husband, Four Children and Six Grandchildren.
In the death of Mrs. John Wolf, which occurred Saturday, the community has lost one of its most respected citizens who has lived in Mount Morris township and lately in the village for the long period of over fifty years.
Funeral services conducted by Rev. M. W. Emmert were held at the home at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, following which the remains were conveyed to Silver Creek cemetary north of town and interred in the family lot. The funeral cortege following the remains to the last resting place was very large, showing the great esteem in which the deceased has been held.
Mary Catherine (Kerns) Wolf, daughter of John and Elizabeth Kerns, was born in Clark County, Ohio, March 21, 1844. Died, Oct. 13, 1917. Aged 73 years, 6 months and 22 days.
When 12 years of age she moved with her parents from Ohio to a farm several miles west of Leaf River, Ill.
On January 12, 1869, she was united in marriage with John Wolf. She then took up her abode on a farm five miles northwest of Mount Morris, where she resided with her husband for 38 years. Then feeling that their days of hard work on the farm should come to an end, they moved, 10 years ago, to Mount Morris, where they have since resided.
She is survived by two sisters, a devoted husband, four children and six grandchildren. She was next to the youngest of a family of 12 children. The two surviving sisters are Mrs. Amanda Croft of Donaldsville, Ohio, and Mrs. Carrie Long of Leaf River. The surviving children are Ernest of Mount Morris, Mrs. Ida Wagner of Leaf River, Elmer also of Leaf River, and Mrs. Ella Hightman of Rock Vale.
Georgie, as he was affectionately called by his mother, died when two years of age.
Prof. Emmert in his funeral discourse paid the following tribute to Mrs. Wolf:
"My first recollection of Aunt Kate was, when, 29 years ago, as a boy in the teens, I came to attend school at Mount Morris College. Being away from home and from father and mother for the first time to stay any length of time, it became a red-letter day for me when I was permitted once in a while to visit in the home of Aunt Kate and Uncle John. She always was so kind and considerate for all my needs that, while there, I always felt very much at home.
"While she retained her health, one of her supreme virtues was to ... herself in the service of others. She was particularly self-sacrificing in behalf of her own family. Sometimes, in forgetfulness of self, while caring for her family, she went even beyond what was best for her own physical welfare.
"Her affection for her children and her constant concern for their welfare, even after they had grown up and left the old home to make homes for themselves, could scarcely be excelled by any mother. While she was devoted to her home and rarely ever went away from home to stay any length of time, she found much pleasure in visiting frequently in the homes of her children.
"Another virtue found in the life of this departed wife and mother, and one we all would do well to emulate, was her appreciative disposition. She knew when anyone did her a favor and was never slow to express her appreciation of the same. Closely linked with this was a generous heart, always ready to share with her friends and loved ones out of her abundance. Having been a hard worker all her life, she always had an abundance of the necessities and little luxuries of life that add so much to the pleasures and attractions of home."
The sorrowing husband and children wish to express their most sincere thanks to all the neighbors and friends who so kindly rendered such valuable assistance in the long period of sickness and in the death of their beloved wife and mother. They also wish to thank the friends who so generously contributed the beautiful flowers.

Samuel A. Wagner

Taken from the Mt. Morris Index, December 17, 1925

Samuel A. Wagner, son of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Wagner, was born Feb. 2, 1868, on the old homestead one and one-half miles west of Leaf River where he spent most of his life. On account of failing health, he left the old home and moved to Leaf River about seven years ago. He was married to Miss Ida Wolf January 11, 1893, and to this union five children were born, four daughters and one son - Mrs. Ada Wells of Capron, Ill; Mrs. Ruth Zellers, Mrs. Ethel Knodle one daughter who died in infancy. Dale the only son is home with the mother. The deceased departed this life December 9, 1925, at the age of 57 years 10 months and 7 days. He leaves to mourn, his widow and the daughters and the one son. Also other relatives, four sisters, Mrs. Rosa Diehl of Mt. Morris, Mrs. Mary Thomas of Leaf River, Mrs. Clara Ross of Andrews, Indiana, Mrs. Edith Steyer of Bethany, Nebraska, and one brother D.G. Wagner, of Harlinger, Texas, besides a host of friends.

Josiah Knodle

Taken from the Mt. Morris Index, November 1, 1928

Josiah Knodle, 87 years old, a Civil War Veteran, and a lifelong resident of Leaf River Township, died at his home in Myrtle Wednesday morning, Oct. 24, at 5 a.m. after a lingering illness. Mr. Knodle was born near Leaf River Dec. 28, 1840. Mr. Knodle served his country for four years and eight months as a Lieutenant in the Third Missouri Infantry, Company H. Mr. Knodle was united in marriage to Miss Martha Schelling of Leaf River on Feb. 3, 1869; besides his widow he is survived by seven children, four children having preceded him in death; Mrs. Mae Kretsinger of Elkton, S.D., Harry and Alva Knodle of Clifford, N.D., Mrs. Maude Roland of Winnebago, Mrs. Ida Palmer anad Charles of Myrtle, and Arthur Knodle of Leaf River. There are also thirty grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, one brother, Emery of Rockford, and one sister Mrs. Margaret Hayes of Polo. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the Myrtle M.E. Church. The Rev. C.J. Jaycox of Rockford had charge of the services. Burial was in Lightsville cemetary.

Ida Alice Wolfe

Taken from the Mt. Morris Index, July 28, 1933

Mrs. Ida Wagner of Leaf River, widow of the late Samuel Arthur Wagner, passed away about 4 o'clock Monday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Harry Wells of Popular Grove, following a prolonged illness.
Mrs. Ida Wagner, daughter of John and Katherine Wolf was born in Mt. Morris township, April 10, 1872. She was married to Samuel Arthur Wagner January 11, 1893, who passed away December 9, 1925. To this union were born four daughters and one son, one daughter having proceeded her in infancy. She leaves to mourn her passing three daughters and one son, Mrs. Ada Wells of Popular Grove, Mrs. Ruth Zellers, Mrs. Ethel Knodle, and one son Dale of Leaf River. Also one brother Ernest Wolf of Myrtle and one sister, Mrs. Ella Hiteman of Oregon, also two aunts of Mount Morris, Mrs. Emma Wolf and Mrs. Ella Allen and six grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Wednesday at 1:30 from the Herva Knodle home and at 1:00 from the M. E. church, Rev. H. G. Hurley officiating assisted by Rev. W. Pittman. Burial in the family lot at the Silver Creek cemetary.

Bertha Mae Palmer

Taken from the Mt. Morris Index, April 25, 1952

Services Held Tuesday For Leaf River Woman, Mrs. Bertha Mae Knodle
Mrs. Bertha Mae Knodle, 72, of Leaf River, died Saturday at 10:30 p.m. at the Gram Nursing Home in Rochelle after a lingering illness.
Mrs. Knodle, the daughter of William and Delana Palmer, was born Feb. 2, 1880 in Myrtle and was a life-long resident of Leaf River. She was married to Arthur Knodle Feb. 3, 1902 in Freeport.
Mr. and Mrs. Knodle had celebratede their fiftieth wedding anniversary February 3, when open house was held at the home of their son, Herva A. Knodle.
Survivors besides her husband are two sons; Herva A. of Leaf River, Ernest (Ted), Mount Morris; one daughter, Mrs. Vella Mae Ecklund of Chicago; one sister, Mrs. Ellen Emery of Byron; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Herva Knodle home and 2:00 p.m. at the Leaf River Methodist church, Rev. J. M. Beck, officiating. Burial was in Lightsville cemetary.

» There were two women in Madison County in 1840 named Julia A. Titchenal.
(Julia Ann Titchenal and Julia Amelia Titchenal were first cousins and only about four years apart in age. I had initially traced the wrong one...)

» Rachel Buckalew was 16 years old when the American Revolution began, and lived through the Civil War.
(She died in 1867)

» A Kennedy married a Nixon in Madison County in the 1870's.
(Edwin Kennedy's sister, Mary, married U.S. Nixon)

» Of Dee's 16 great-great-great-grandparents on her mother's side, 14 of them lived in Washington County, Maryland at some point.
(Most came to Ogle County, Illinois directly from there)

From the book Portrait and Biographical Album of Ogle County, Illinois, 1886, pages 701-702

William L. Palmer. One of the prosperous, as well as highly respected and honored citizens of Leaf River Township, is the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this notice, and who is at present residing on section 17. He was born in Washington County, Md., Oct. 21, 1832, of which State his father, John Palmer, was also a native. The grandfather of our subject, likewise named John Palmer, was a native of Maryland and of English descent, his ancestors being early settlers of that State.
The father of our subject was reared to the honorable calling of an agriculturist. He married Miss Elizabeth Welty, who was born in his native county, and soon thereafter bought a farm there and lived and labored at his chosen vocation until 1845. During that year he sold his interests in that State and, accompanied by his wife and ten children, together with five horses and two wagons, started for the prarie lands of Illinois. They brought a portion of their household goods with them, camped by the wayside, and after a tedious journey of five weeks, safely arrived in this county and located in Mt. Morris Township. There he bought land, improved a farm, and made his home until his death, which occurred in 1865. A few years later, at the home of her son, his wife passed away to meet him in the better land beyond. They were a highly respected couple and their names are associated with pleasant memories by many of the old pioneers.
The subject of this biographical notice was 13 years of age when, in company with his parents, he made the overland trip to this county, and quite vividly remembers many of the incidents connected with their journey hither. He had attended the public schools in his native county, in the meantime assisting his father in the improvement of his land. In fact, the life of our subject has been that of an agriculturist from boyhood to the present time. He was married Sept. 20, 1859 to Delana K. Hammond, a native of Washington County, Md., born March 14, 1838. After their marriage they lived on the old homestead two years, when Mr. Palmer bought the farm he now owns and occupies, and which at that time had a small grout house upon it. He has continued to reside on that place, and has added to his acreage until he has increased it to 400 acres, all of which is good tillable land. He has usually over 100 head of cattle, mostly high grade, also about the same number of swine and 20 head and upwards of horses, part Cleveland Bays of good grade. He has erected a fine brick house on a rise of ground which commands a view of the surrounding country. He has also built a large frame barn, with stone basement, on his place and otherwise improved it, until it is one of the finest farms in Leaf River Township.
Of the children born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Palmer eight survive, namely: Alfred W., Annie E., wife of Daniel Row, a resident of Mt. Morris; Susan L., Sarah Ella, Mary Kate, Quinby E., Elzon L. and Bertha M. In politics Mr. Palmer is a believer in and a supporter of the principles of the Republican party.
Mr. Palmer is an excellent representative of a valued class of the inhabitants of this county, It is the agricultural portion of the community, that has developed the great resources of the Prairie State and made its wealth, and too great praise can not be given them for the untiring efforts in this direction that they have made. There are few that have done more in this work than Mr. Palmer, and we feel that in placing his portrait in this volume we have the features of a representative agriculturist of Ogle County.

Joseph Wagner. Prominent among the successful farmers of Leaf River Township is the subject of this notice, He resides on section 35 and was born in Washington County, Md., Sept. 21, 1827, of parents by name Henry and Elizabeth Wagner. His father and mother were likewise born in Washington County.
The father of our subject was an early pioneer of this county. He grew to manhood in his native county, was married to Elizabeth Hoover, and located on a farm owned by his fathcr in that State. Residing in Maryland until 1838, he then sold his interests there and with his wife and children came to Illinois. There were six children in the family at that time, and with six horses and two wagons the family made a start for the uncultivated prairie land of Ogle County, of which they had heard such glowing accounts. They went to Wheeling, W. Va., with their teams, and from the latter point, by steamer, down the Ohio, thence up the Mississippi to St. Louis, and from that city up the Illinois River to Peoria. Arriving at the latter place they unloaded, hitched up their teams, and with their worldly possessions in their wagons, came overland to this county. Arriving here they located in what was then known as Phelps' Grove. The family lived in their wagons for several weeks, until a log cabin had been erected on what is now section 35, Leaf River Township, where the father had made a claim. Into this log cabin the family moved, and all did their part toward the improvement and cultivation of the place. It must be recollected by the reader that at the time Mr. Wagner made his settlement in Leaf River Township, the county was but sparsely settled, and the trials incident to making a home in this wild country were many, indeed. The nearest market was Chicago, 100 miles away, and thither they were compelled to go for their supplies. It is unnecessary in this biographical notice for us to enumerate the hardships through which Henry Wagner passed in making his early settlement in Leaf River Township, for a large majority of the trials, hardships and privations are enumerated in another part of this work. He lived in his log cabin, worked faithfully to improve his land and was a resident on the section on which he first made settlement until his death.
The subject of this notice is the third child in order of birth of his parents’ family. He was 10 years old when they came to this county, and here resided, worked on the farm and attended the public schools and developed into manhood. He was married March 10, 1859, to Miss Susan Gearhart, a native of Washington County, Md., and a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Gearhart, both natives of the same county, and both lived and died in the neighborhood where they were born. After their marriage they continued to reside on the old homestead, of which at the present time our subject is proprietor. The farm contains 240 acres, all inclosed, and our subject has the major portion of it in a high state of cultivation. In his chosen vocation, which he has followed all his life, he is meeting with that success which is the reward of energetic effort and honest toil. Of their union seven children have been born: Rosa B. is the wife of A. Deihl, a resident of Leaf River Township; Mary E married Millard Thomas, also a resident of Leaf River; Daniel G., Clara E., Samuel A., Edith K. and Willie F. are residing at home. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are members of the Christian Church. In politics he votes with the Republican party.

Wrecking Old Kennedy Home For Airport Development
EAST ALTON, July 20. - Work has been started on wrecking of the old Kennedy homestead on the East Alton-Bethalto road, one of the oldest mansion-type houses in this part of Madison County. The large two story brick house was erected in 1858 by Robert Kennedy I.
Settling in Wood River township, he worked around the coal mines near Bethalto. Saving his money he purchased land. After his marriage to Miss Julia Titchenal, who was a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Madison County, they erected a small log cabin on the farm and lived there until the large brick home was completed.
At the time of his death, Kennedy was able to leave each of his children, five sons and two daughters, a farm.
The old mansion is being removed to make way for new building at the airport.
The house was in fair condition. Its 18-inch walls are still solid.