He says the most enjoyment in after years is in meeting his former pupils who have attained positions in life of considerable importance.
Mr. McKiel was a successful farmer for a number of years and, although, he has retired from the agricultural industry, he still has a deep interest in matters pertaining to farming and farm life. As a citizen he holds the confidence and respect of all classes who have known him and who enjoy his acquaintance.
He attended the law school at the Michigan College at Ann Arbor. Then he entered the law office of A. F. Wingert where he finished the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1896.
He practiced law here for several years, then moved to Chadwick, where he practiced for many years, finally returning to Mt. Carroll and resuming his practice here.
In 1926 he was elected County Judge, a position he is filling with much credit to himself and satisfaction of the widows and orphans of the county whose estates he administers. He is a talented gentleman and a lawyer of ability, has served on our school boards and been active all his life.
That he is popular with the masses was proven at the late primary when he was re-nominated as a candidate for County judge, leading all in the number of votes he received.
Judge Grove is deliberate in his findings and his rulings, and when he speaks you know that he knows he is right. He is a jurist before whom it is a pleasure to try a case if you have a case, for you know his rulings and findings will be justice based upon a full knowledge of the law.
In 1925, he entered the postal service of Uncle Sam, and was appointed city carrier from the Mt. Carroll post office, a position he still holds, as he is faithful and competent. No matter what the weather, if Myrnice Legel is not sick, and he seldom is, he can be looked for as punctually as the hour hands on the clock revolve, at every house on his route for which there is mail, no matter how heavy the load, and he surely has some heavy ones. Everybody knows him, everybody respects him and likes him, for he is geniality itself, and he always has a cheery word for all when delivering mail persanally, as is often the case, for his promptness brings some member of the household to the door, if a letter is expected, at the minute it is known he will be there, and they are waiting for him. Myrnice is as prompt as a radio program.
He was married May 8, 1929, to Miss Margaret Ramsay, a very estimable young lady of Marion, Iowa, and they live in a well appointed home in this city, and are both highly esteemed.
He then went to Detroit, Michigan, where he opened a shop, remaining there for seven years. He has traveled over most of the United States and says he has worked from New York to San Francisco.
He came to Mt. Carroll, in 1927, where he purchased a repair shop which is operated by electricity. His fine work, courteous treatment of his patrons has brought him a great business for he practically makes new shoes of old ones and does it so promptly that he is always busy.
His machinery is of the best, and the picture does not show it all or to advantage. Besides his soleing and stitching machines, he has an electric shoe shining department.
Mr. DeVoto is the man standing to the right of the picture. He understands his machines like a seamstress does her sewing machine, and he is one of the most attentive business men we have in town, always on the job, always courteous and obliging, genial and accommodating.
Mr. DeVoto is a "fixture" in Mt. Carroll he having purchased a residence property on Mill street, which he rents, as he makes his home off his shop, where he has sleeping quarters and eats at the restaurants. He likes Mt. Carroll and is doing well here. And in return he is liked by all who know him, and respected and valued for his worth as a gentleman and a business man, for "Gene" DeVoto is a gentleman wherever you meet him. Mr. DeVoto does not only repair shoes of any kind and make them look like new, but he can make boots and shoes from the sole to the top.
He is always glad to have people call at his place of business and makes them welcome, shows them the latest in shoe repairing machinery, run by electricity and can interestingly explain the "ins and and outs' of his business. He is well informed on the news of the day and knows the history of the world and can talk most intelligently of the affairs of the old country, Germany particularly, and especially of Alsace Lorraine, the part which Germany once took from France, but which was retaken by France in the World war. Mr. DeVoto, is needed in Mt. Carroll and is filling his place.
Mr. Ivey was wounded in the foot, by a shell, and was in a hospital for some time, but upon recovery went again into action, and those who knew him "over there" say he was a real soldier in every way. He received his honorable discharge August 19, 1919, and returned to Mt. Carroll, where he worked for a time in the county treasurer's office, and joined the post office department in 1925, where he has been ever since, an able assistant in the Mt. Carroll post office.
Mr. Ivey is married and they have a son, Wesley George.
Mr. Ivey is a young man far above the average in talent and usiness ability, and is a trusted and reliable employ of the government, a position he surely deserves for having done his "bit" in the greatest war the world has ever known.
He owns and lives in his modern residence in Mt. Carroll and most highly esteemed by all who know him, a genial, pleasant man to do business with, a courteous and obliging post office man and reliable in every respect. It is such men as Preston lvey who make Mt. Carroll the city it is.
He was married to Miss Nettie Harris, who was a teacher in the rural schools of the county. They purchased a farm, just west of Red Barn crossing, near Hickory Grove, and made this their home until ten years ago, when they sold the farm and moved to Mt. Carroll.
He started in the plumbing and heating business in the building now occupied by Dr. Perrer. But this was too small a place for him and he purchased the building next door to the Mirror-Democrat office. The ground floor was occupied by the Farm Bureau, and he occupied the basement until the Bureau could vacate. He added electrical equipment to his stock. Later he remodeled the building making it modern and adequate to his needs and wants, building an addition on the west end and making the second story into a modern apartment.
A year or so ago he purchased the Smith Plumbing and Heating business, and has one of the finest plumbing, heating, and electrical stores in the Northwest.
He also owns a beautiful modern home on Clay street, where they live in comfort and affluence. They have one son, Glen, who is attending the Illinois College of Chiropody in Chicago where he will receive his diploma in June,
Mr. Fickes is one of our established business men, a square dealer, whose word can be depended upon. The family is highly respected by all who are acquainted with them, are fixtures in Mt. Carroll where they are needed and are filling their places successfully and well.
Glen took the Civil Service examination for postal work, and for a time was city mail carrier, but he had learned the barber business and liked it so purchased the George Stober interest in the Stober & King barber shop.
Glen is a splendid workman, and the firm has all they can do. He takes particular pains to treat his patrons right and the result is he never loses them.
Glen Davis is a clean young man in every way, and if he has a bad habit we do not know it. He is regarded as one of Mt. Carroll's outstanding young citizens. He is genial and one of the finest fellows in town to visit with, is for his town first, last and all the time, ambitious, studious and industrious. He is everready to do a favor for a friend, ever ready to do anything that will look to the betterment of the city in any way..
With his family he lives in the Eshelman homestead on College street and is with his wife most highly esteemed and respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, who always find a royal welcome at his home.
The city of Mt. Carroll will in the future be in the hands of the younger generation and with such men as Glen Davis among the business men and those who will look after it its destiny is safe. It is such as he who has the keeping of it in hand. .
He was married to Miss Bernice Nelson in 1902. Six children were born to them, five of whom are living: Albert, and Mrs. Katherine Garman of Chicago, Austin of Anderson, Ind., and Vaughn and Gene at home.
Mr. Hungerford is an expert at concrete and cement building and has made road and bridge work a specialty since the advent of hard roads. Most of the cement work in Ciiy Park, as well as the entrance gates and the gates at the Frances Shimer School are productions executed by him, and are works of art. He is always busy, as he takes any kind of cement work from the largest to the smallest jobs and all get his best efforts.
He was foreman for the Shons Bridge Co., for several years, but preferred to do his own contracting and resigned, and has an able crew to help him at all times.
Merice Hungerford is one of the most genial and companionable men in the world, and nearly everybody is his friend. He is an Odd Fellow and a K. P., and active in both lodges. He and his family are highly respected for their real worth, and Mt. Carroll could profitably have more families like his. His home is always open to his friends, where they are met with open handedness whenever they call.
Mr. Turnbaugh had much experience in trying cases in this office. He was appointed Master In Chancery, and was elected County Judge, filling each position with credit and ability.
Then he entered politics, was elected as Representative to the General Assembly, serving one term, when he was elected to the State Senate, where he served ably and well and was regarded as one of the most able men of the Senate.
He was offered the position of Lieutenant Governor, but declined it preferring serving in the Senate.
He also has an office in Chicago where he has a large business, being an attorney for the Manufacturers' Association.
He married Miss Alice Wildey. They have one daughter, Miss Emily. They live in their modern, pleasant home in the south part of the city. He and his family are held in high esteem, respected by all.
Mr. Turnbaugh has by, his own efforts, his ability, and ambition worked his way from a farmer boy to a high place in the legal profession. We think he was the youngest county judge ever to be elected in this county. He is an able lawyer, and one of the best known attorneys and politicians in Northern I1linois.
In 1882 he was married to Mary P. Egererre, of Dayton, Ohio. They were the parents of one son, who died young. Mrs. Gust passed away several years ago.
In 1886 he came to Lanark, where he opened a meat market which he conducted until 1893, when he came to Mt. Carroll, and purchased the market from Leo Phillips, which he still owns,
Rudolph was for a good many years a stock buyer and shipper and has the reputation of being one of the best posted men in Carroll county on the worth of cattle.
Rudolph Gust has a car, and he delights in taking his friends for Sunday rides, there being scarcely a Sunday when he does not take some of them for a ride. He is one of the best of our citizens, as square as a die and his word is his bond.
He has been in business in Mt. Carroll for many years and has always and has now, the fullest confidence of the people and has always enjoyed a most liberal patronage.
He is one of the most congenial men to be out with whom it has ever been our pleasure to know. Ever ready to do a friend a favor, always of a happy disposition, ready to go anywhere the party suggests, and always the same, never out of sorts, but always good natured and happy.
Henry G. Richter was born in Mt. Carroll, Illinois, December 22, 1890, was educated in the Fairground and Mt. Carroll schools. He was married April 3, 1915, to Beulah Porter, of Shannon, Illinois. Henry started in the automobile business as a mechanic in 1910, became an expert mechanician, and has been in the auto business longer than any other man in Carroll county. He knows every make of machine. He built a garage on Market street and was doing a good business, when he associated himself with E. I. Petty and they took over the Ford agency, and they have sold thousands of cars. Henry Richter has found time to interest himself in civic affairs he having been one of the directors of the Commercial Club, and treasurer of the same, and has served as alderman of the city, and has proved himself to be a man of affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Richter live in their modern home, in the south part of the city. Mrs. Richter is an accomplished violinist and a member of the Ladies Orchestra. The family is highly esteemed and respected by everybody, and their home is open to their friends where they meet the greatest cordiality.
Mrs. Reeves was born in Clay Center, Kas., where she received her education in the public schools, graduating from the high school there. She taught in the rural schools but gave up this vocation for one more to her liking and one of which she has made a great success. She came from Kansas to Chicago where she accepted a position as trimmer in a large millinery establishment. She held like positions in various cities and was in the millinery department of the McAllister store at Sycamore before coming here.
In July, 19Z3, she purchased the millinery stock from the Misses Bock. She has given the people of Mt. Carroll and Carroll county a large stock of the latest in chapeaux from which to choose, equal to that in many shops in larger cities. She
She also carries a full line of lingerie, scarfs and stamped goods. The aying, "If it's new it's here; if it's here it's new," may well be written in connection with the Reeves Hat Shop.
Mrs. Reeves enjoys a large patronage from this and surrounding towns, and ladies feel assured that they are well hatted when the purchase is made there.
She, with her husband and small son, Arthur Chandler, live in their home, on East Market street, which is a happy and comfortable one, and they are held in the highest esteem by all.
Mr. Reeves holds a position with the Studebaker garage, which he has held since coming to this city.
After his graduation, Fred worked in the Circuit Clerk's office, his father being Clerk, for two years. But he did not like the confinement, so he applied for a position as city mail carrier, took the examination and passed away up in the list. He was given the position as city carrier and for two years made his rounds daily, in the meantime studying radio, and as the hard grind was wearing on his health, he resigned and in 1928 started in the radio business for himself, taking the agency for the Atwater Kent radios.
He has been most successful in selling this great machine, which he sells and services whenever it needs servicing, for he knows the Atwater Kent radio from every viewpoint.
Fred is, like his pater is one of the most sociable of young men, always pleasant and it is a pleasure to do business with him. He is always on the job, has a radio shop on the corner of Market and Carroll streets where he always has a number of the finest Atwater Kent radios on exhibition and he is making a great success of the "business.
We like to record the successful doings of anybody, and especially when they are natives of the city of our own birth, Mt. Carroll. Fred Boerner has a sure future before him, and will do his share in keeping M t. Carroll in the front ranks in years to come.
One of the oldest and best known schools for young women in the Middle West. Founded in 1853 as Mount Carroll Seminary, in 1896, the School was renamed in honor of Frances Wood Shimer, one of its founders, who at that time tranferred it to a board of trustees representing the University of Chicago, the citizens of Mount Carroll, and the alumnae.
The School maintains high standards of scholarship. It is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and the American Association of Junior Colleges. The graduates of the Academy are admitted without examination to all colleges admitting on certificate. The Junior College graduates enter the Junior classes in college and university. The course of study in the Academy is comprehensive and thorough enough to prepare students for the examinations of the College Entrance Board, if they are seeking admission to Eastern colleges for women. Small classes insure individual attention. Excellent advantages in Music, Art, Dramatic Art, Home Economics.
Twelve modern buildings, splendidly equipped. Campus of twenty-five acres made beautiful by years of cultivation. Golf, tennis, hockey, swimming and other sports.
For more than three-quarters of a century the School has fostered ideals of culture and Christian service. The graduates and former students of the School are making worthy contributions to home and society in nearly every state in the Union and in seeveral foreign countries.
William Parker McKee, President.
He was married to Dorthea Wood, daughter of Mrs. Cora Wood of this city. They have one child.
In 1922 he built a brick mill near the station for the benefit and accommodation of the farmers, where he grinds meal and feeds for them. He equipped his mill with the latest modern machinery and from the very start it has been a success, for whatever Oscar has ever attempted to do he has done right. Farmers keep him busy about all the time and his mill is known to all of them as being the place to go to get their feeds ground.
Oscar Weidman is one of those plain, outspoken, honest, conscientious men who calls everything by its right name, is as square as any man ever was; his word goes with everybody and he is esteemed and respected by all. He is ambitious, he is industrious, he is a man who is a credit to his city, or any city and in business his word is his bond. He is one of the men who has helped make Mt. Carroll what it is and will continue doing so in the future. With such men as he in the business ranks Mt. Carroll cannot lag.
The photo is Alexander Martin McKiel in his younger days, who was born in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, February Seventeen, Eighteen Hundred Fifty-four, of Hiland Scotch parents. At the age of one year removed with his parents to Bath, Maine, and after three years came to Carroll County, Illinois, settling in Oakville, a Scotch settlement in Salem Township. His first years were spent in a log house which was very common in those early days, when every man's house was indeed his castle. He attended the Oakville public school, which, in those days was equaled by few. In the fall of Eighteen Sixty-four with the family he went to Boston, Mass., where he remained for a time, then came back to Carroll County, where he has since resided. His education was acquired in the schools of Oakville, Mt. Carroll and Boston. He took up the profession of school teaching and was a successful teacher in the schools of Carroll county and Jo Daviess county for eighteen years. He was often called by the people of his town to fill their most responsible offices, being collector four years, assessor sixteen years, and at present holds that position. He early took an active part in politics on the Republican side, served the party on the Senatorial Committee several years, and is now a member of the County Central Committee of Carroll County. He is also a vocalist of no mean proportions, and during political campaigns has often stirred his Democratic opponents with burlesque songs.
Joseph Monroe McKiel was born in the city of Bath, Maine, on the 9th of February, 1857. He being the son of John and Jennie McKiel, who were of Highland Scotch descent and natives of Nova Scotia. When one year of age he came with his parents to Illinois and located in Salem, Carroll County, and is one of the few remaining early settlers of the community known as Oakville. He attended the Oakville public school until twenty years of age, when he took up the study of law, but owing to circumstances did not complete the course. He always manifested an interest in public affairs, and is what might be styled a self-made man. He early took an active part in Republican politics, and represented Salem township on the County Central Committee for twenty-four years, acting as secretary of that body for several years. He also served the people of his town as justice of the peace for a period of thirty-eight consecutive years. He is at present serving his second term as town clerk. Mr. McKiel is also the author of many poems of high literary merit. He is also a prose writer of recognized ability. His "Divine Art" is a strong defense of the standard poets, and the poetic art. Several of his writings have been copyrighted.
One of the most popular and active of the citizens of Mt. Carroll in this year of 1930, is Orion M. Grove, a native of Mt. Carroll, who was born December 16, 1870. He graduated from our high school, attended Beloit College for four years. Then he spent a year in the Circuit Clerk and Recorder's office, his father, the late John S. Grove being Circuit Clerk at that time.
This young man, Myrnice Legal, was born in Stockton, JoDaviess County, Illinois, May 12, 1906, being the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Legal. In 1913 the family moved to Mt. Carroll township, where Myrnice attended the rural school. The next year, 1914, the family moved to Iowa, where they remained until 1918, when they returned to Mt. Carroll, Myrnice entered the public schools here, graduating from the high school in 1924.
The subject of this sketch (Eugene DeVoto) is one of the busiest and most useful citizens of Mt. Carroll. Eugene DeVoto was born in Alsace Lorraine, Germany, January 16, 1873. He came from the old country when 11 years of age, landed in New York, where he did anything and everything he could to earn an honest living. He finally secured a position as helper in a shoe repair shop, and remained there until he was 23 years of age, mastering the business from every viewpoint.
The subject of this sketch, Preston Ivey, was born in Galena, Illinois, August 9, 1893, and came to Mt. Carroll with his parents in 1900. He received his education in the public schools of Mt. Carroll, graduating from the high school Preston worked in the marble shops of Ivey & Sons, until the World war came, he joining the army September 20, 1917, and was among the American boys who went overseas. He took part in the battles of Chateau-Thierry, at St. Miehl sector, and at Meuse Argonne. He was also in the Army of Occupation from December until July.
This business man, Dwight Fickes, of Mt. Carroll was born at Shirland, Illinois. With his parents he moved to Mt. Carroll where he grew to young manhood, attending the schools of the country in the meantime.
Here is a native Mt. Carroll boy, Glen Davis, who first saw the light of day March 26, 1902. He received his education in the common and high school of this city. He was married to Helen M. Eshelman January 1, 1920. They are the parents of a daughter, Helen Grace.
Merice Hungerford is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Grant E. Hungerford, who moved from here to Kansas, where Merice was born in 1879. His parents returned while he was yet a baby. He received his education in the Mt. Carroll schools and worked with his father, learning the cement business.
One of the most widely known original Carroll County men, John Turnbaugh, and a lawyer of ability is the above named. "Bert", as everybody calls him, was born in Thomson, attended the schools there and graduated from Mt. Carroll "High". Then he took a law course, graduated, opened a law office at Chadwick, but was called to Mt. Carroll by the then State's Attorney Ralph E. Eaton to assist in that office.
The subject of this sketch, Rudolph Gust, was born in Germany, December 28, 1860. He came to America in 1869, settling at Baraboo, Wis., where he lived until 2 years of age, then moved to EauClaire, Wis., where he worked in a packing house for three years, learning the butchering business. Then he moved to Antioch, Wis., where he worked in a meat market. .
Although living in this city less than a decade, Mrs. Arthur Reeves is recognized as a woman of great business ability and owns a Hat Shop, equal to any in Northern Illinois.
A native Mt. Carroll boy, Fred Boerner was born January 21, 1906, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Val Boerner. He received his education in the Mt. Carroll schools, graduating from the high school in the Class of 1924.
Frances Shimer School - Junior College and Academy for Young Women
Oscar Weidman is another native of Carroll County and Mt. Carroll, having been born in this township May 10, 1880, the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Weidman, pioneers of the township, who came at an early day and settled on the Prairie. He was raised on a farm, but later learned the carpenter trade, which he followed for twenty-five years.
The subject of this sketch, William Wildey, whom the writer regards as one of the most valuable men Mt. Carroll ever had, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., April 18, 1839.
