History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

236 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
were born in Grermany. They came to America at an early date
and both died in this country. To their union were born nine
children, of whom seven survive, ^ix. and Mrs. Kries have five
children: Martha E. M., the wife of Fred Eeinhart, of South
Dakota; Lena E., at home; William F. ; Ella C. ; and George W.
Mr. Kries is a regular attendant at the Evangelical church and he
gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is a
member of the board of school directors and has held this position
for fifteen years, the cause of education finding in him an able and
earnest supporter. He is one of Lee county's progressive and successful
native sons and is held in high regard and esteem wherever
he is known.
HARRY EDWARDS.
Occupying an enviable position in the front rank of the mem-
bers of the Dixon bar is Harry Edw^ards, who since 1902 has engaged
in the practice of law in Lee county. He was born in
Friend, Nebraska, June 27, 1880, his parents being William H.
and Eva A. (LaPorte) Edwards. The father was a merchant at
Paw Paw, Illinois, for some time. He is now living retired, enjoying
a well earned rest, the fruit of his former toil. He has always
been interested in the political situation and has held some local
offices, serving as siipervisor of Dixon for four years.
It was during his eai'ly youth that Harry Edwards was brought
to Lee county and in the high school of Dixon he pursued his Cv
cation luitil graduated with the class of 1898. He afterward at-
tended Dixon College, where his more specifically literary course
was completed and later he entered the University of Wisconsin,
where he studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1902 and
located for practice in Dixon, whore ho has since remained. The
same year he was made assistant state's attorney and acceptably
served in that capacity until 1908, when ho was elected state's at-
torney and was reelected in 1912. He carefully safeguards the
legal interests of the county, and his long connection with the office
is proof of both his capability and fidelity.
Mr. Edwards has been a republican since age conferred upon
him the right of franchise and his opinions carry weight in party
conneils. For two years he served as secretary of the republican
countv central committee. He is connected with the Benevolent
.