History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

222 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
Herbert W. Harms acquired a public-school education and
when not busy with his text-books worked in the fields for his
father, who was a farmer. When his education was completed he
too took up farm work, to which he devoted his energies until
1906, when at the age of twenty-two years he entered the employ
of the Wilbur Lumber Company in the capacity of bookkeeper.
He worked his way upward, mastering the details and factors of
the business until his capability led to his promotion to the position
of manager on the 1st of September, 1907. He has since been
active in conti'ol of the business, which is one of the important
commercial concerns of Dixon, and thus he has gained a place
among the representative young business men of the city.
On the 18th of August, 1908, Mr. Harms was united in mar-
riage to Miss Belle Floto, a native of Dixon, and they have a
daughter, Helen, born in October, 1910. Mr. Haiins exercises
his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the
republican party. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is now exalted ruler
of Dixon Lodge, No. 779, B. P. O. E. He has a wide acquaintance
and his .social qualities as well as his business ability have won
him popularity and high regard.
CHARLES W. ROSS.
Charles W. Ross, owning and operating a farm of one hundred
and ninety-two acres in Bradford and Amboy townships, was bora
on this property February 22, 1870. He is a son of William and
Elizabeth (Aschenbrenner) Ross, natives of Germany, who came
to America in the '50s. The father at first worked as a farm laborer
and later purchased land in Lee county, where he resided until his
death. He and his wife became the parents of six children, of
whom five are yet living.
Charles W. Ross was reared upon his father's farm in Brad-
ford township and acquired his education in the public schools.
When he was twenty-one years of age he rented the homestead and
later bnuglit the property, whereon ho still resides. The farm com-
prises one himdrcd and ninoty-two acres and is well equipped in
every particular, provided with substantial buildings and modem
machinery. Mr. Ross is a progressive and able agriculturist and
has made some substnntinl contributions to farming interests of