History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
New Hampton, Iowa; John, second of the name, a fanner in New
Hampton ; Nicholas, a resident of the same locality ; and Charles,
also a farmer in New Hampton.
Peter Streit acquired his education in the old Dolan schoolliouse
in May township, attending during the winter months and
spending his summers aiding in the operation of his father's
farm. He began his independent career in 1899 by I'enting land
and now operates the old homestead. He specializes in raising
pure-bred l)uroc Jersey hogs and Morgan horses and has an envi-
able reputation as a breeder and fancier, his opinions being recogiiized
as standard authority. He owns some of the largest and
heaviest pure-bred swine in northei-n Illinois and has bred these
animals himself, his success being the result of long experience
and continued effort. He occupies an equally enviable place
among the breeders of Morgan liorses and his animals have been
used by the United States government for military purposes.
At* St. Mary's church, in May township, Jul'y 29. 1903, Mr.
Streit was united in marriage to .Miss jNIary Becker, a daughter of
John and Louise Becker, the former one of the oldest settlers in
this part of Lee county. Mrs. Becker passed away in 1884 and is
buried in St. Mary's cemetery. Her husband survives her and
makes his home in jNIay townsliip. Mr. and Mrs. Streit became the
l)arents of three children: Alma, who died in 1909 and is buried
in St. Mary's cemetery; Floyd, and Edna.
Mr. Streit is a member of the Eoman Catholic church and a
democrat in his political views. He is a director of the Lee County
Fair Association and active in his support of this and other public
enterprises. While promoting his personal interests he has
contiibuted in substantial measure to general progress and development
and is numbered today among the most representative and
valued citizens of Lee county.
TONY M. W. REITZ.
Tony M. W. Reitz, a native son of Tjcc county and one of the
progressive and successful farmers and stock-raisers of Ashton
townshi]i, was born August 23, 1868. His parents, Adam and Bar-
bara (Henkkeroth) Reitz, were natives of Germany and they
cnme to America in 1866, locating in Lee county, Hlinois. where
both passed away, the father in 1899 and the mother in 1910. Both
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