History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY 239
Protective Order of Elks and with the Modern Woodmen of the
World, and has in those organizations many friends, but his popu-
larity is b}^ no means confined thereto. Wherever he is known his
good qualities have gained him high regard and he is an alert,
energetic young man. his activities being typical of the times and
of the progress which characterizes the age.
WILLIAM H. BEND.
William H. Bend, engaging in mixed farming upon three hundred
and tifty acres of land on section 2, Wyoming township, was
born in 8habona towaiship, DeKalb county. Illinois. January 11,
1877. He is a son of Richard and Aurelia (Kittle) Bend, the
former a native of England, who came to America about the year
1868, settling in DeKalb county. After I'enting land for a num-
ber of years he became the owner of a fine farm and is now in pos-
session of three hmidred and forty acres. He and his wife still
reside in DeKalb county, where they are well known and highly
respected.
William H. Bend acqiiired his education in his native county
and also in the public schools of Paw Paw. Illinois. He laid aside
his books at the age of eighteen and afterward assisted his father
with the work of the farm until 1896. In that year he became
salesman for L. W. Wheeler & Company, implement merchants,
and after holding this position for one year lented a farm in Lee
county. He afterward lented land in DeKalb county and after
develoi^ing this for four years returned to Ijce county, buying his
present property. He owns three himdred and fifty acres of ex-
cellent land in Wyoming township and here raises grain and stock,
both branches of his activities pro-^ing important and profitable
under his able management.
On the 7th of October, 1898. Mr. Bend married Miss Lura
Roberts, a daughter of Henry and Eva (Cornell) Roberts, the
former for a number of years a prominent farmer of Lee county.
He died May 30. 1910. ha^-ing survived his wife three years, and
both are buried in Wyoming cemetery. Mr. aiid Mrs. Bend have
four children. Evelyn. Harold. Bertha and William, all of whom
are attending school.
Mr. Bend is a republican in his political views and takes an
intelligent interest in the welfare and growth of the communitv.