History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

258 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
Henry Schnell remained in Germany until he was seventeen
years of age and then came to America, settling almost immedi-
ately in Franklin Grove, Lee county, Illinois. He was at that
time fifty three dollars in debt, but he soon discharged this ob-
ligation out of his wages as a monthly laborer. He continued as
a farm hand for seven years and then rented a place in Reynolds
township, operating this for eleven years. Following this he pur-
chased laud on section 20, Ashtou township, and upon this property
has since resided. The farm comprises one hundred and
twenty acres and is well improved in every particular, being pro-
vided with substantial barns and outbuildings and all the acces-
sories of a model agricultural property. In addition to general
farming Mr. Schnell makes a specialty of raising and feeding
stock and he has built ujd a large business along this line.
On the 7th of December, 1891, Mr. Schnell was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mollie Griese, who was born in Reynolds township,
this county, a daughter of J. A. and Catharine Griese, natives of
Germany. They came to America at an early date and settled in
Lee county, where the mother died and where the father still
resides. Mr. and Mrs. Schnell have become the parents of a
daughter, Dora, who was born April 14, 1893. The parents are
members of the Lutheran church and are well kno^\^l as people
of exemplary character. The success which Mr. Schnell today
enjoys has been acquired through his own efforts and it places
him among the men of prominence and worth in his locality.
BENTON P. DRUMMOND.
Among those who have made a success of a.grieidture in Lee
county is Benton P. Di'ummond, who was born in Ogle county,
Illinois, November 11, 1852, and is a son of Andrew J. and Electa
(Mai'tin) Drinnmond, the father a native of Pennsylvania, bom
October 20, 1821, and his wife a Canadian. Andrew J. Drummond
came to Illinois when but seventeen years of age. in 1838,
and located in Ogle county, taking up a claim. He lived on this
land until retiring from active farm labor and now makes his
home with his son, Benton P. To the parents' union six children
were born, of whom foui' are living. The father is a democrat and
has held various public offices of local nature. His wife passed
away many years ago, her death occurring about 1858.