History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY 235
opened an undertaking establishment in Dixon wliicli he has since
conducted. The decade that has followed has been marked by
growing success in his business and he is today one of the lead-
ing undertakers of the city.
On the 20th of September, 1892, Mr. Staples was united in
marriage to Miss Elizabeth E. Powell, of Dixon, a daughter of
John Powell, who was a veteran of the Civil war, serving in
Cheney's Battery. Mr. Staples is a charter member of the Elks'
lodge of Dixon and also holds membership with the Modern Woodmen
of America. His political views accord with the principles
of the republican party but he has never felt inclined to hold of-
fice, his business cares fully occupying his time and attention.
Not by leaps and bounds but by steady progression has he gained
the measure of success which is now his. Ele is well known as a
citizen of Dixon and his many good qualities have gained him the
warm friendsliip of those with whom he has been associated.
GUST KRIES.
Since 1893 Gust Kries has owned and operated a farm of
two himdred and forty acres on section 23, Ashton township, and
through his enterprise and ability in the management of this
propeity has gained a place among the substantial and prosperous
agricultui'ists of the community. He was born in Germany,
January 27, 1865, and is a son of Adam and Elizabeth Kries, also
natives of that country. The family came to America in 1873,
locating in Lee county, Illinois. The parents now make their
home i;pon a farm in Reynolds township. To their union were
born three children, all of whom are yet living.
Gust Kries was reared upon his father's farm and acquired
his education in the district schools. He remained at home until
he was twenty-three years of age and then rented a farm, upon
which he remained for five years, after which he purchased the
property which he now owns. He has two hiindi-ed and forty
acres on section 23, Ashton township, and he gives his attention
to general farming, meeting with that success whicli always fol-
lows earnest and persistent labor.
On the 20th of March, 1887. Mr. Kries was united in mar-
riage to Miss Margai'et Bowers, a native of Lee county, Hlinois,
and a daughter of Wolf and Christina Bowers, both of whom