History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
lu 1887 Mr. Ventler was united iii marriage to Miss Martha
Albreclit, a native of Bradford township, tliis county, and they
became the parents of seven children: Clara K., who was born
December 16, 1887, and is the wife of Harry Schafer ; Edward A.,
born January 9, 1890
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; Mollie K., born May 28, 1892 ; Oliver A.,
born August 22, 1895; Ceorge, who was born November 28, 1897,
and who died in December of the same year ; Amanda, born July
16, 1901 ; and Florence K., born June 13, 1906.
Mr. and JNIrs. A^eutler are members of the Lutheran church.
They are well known in the community where they reside and
have an extensive circle of warm friends. In his political views
Mr. Ventler is a i'epul)liean and is now serving as township asses-
sor and has been school director. He is interested in everything
that pertains to the advancement and improvement of his sec-
tion of the state and especially in progress along agricultural
lines. He is a self-made man, deserving mucli credit for what he
has accomplished, for since attaining his majority he has made
substantial progress and is one of the leading farmers of his
district.
HARVEY W. HEIBENTHAL.
Harvey W. Heibenthal, engaged in genei'al farming and stock-
raising upon two hundred and forty acres of land on section 23,
Bradford township, was born upon this property March 2, 1886.
He is a son of William and Christina (Kersten) Heibenthal, natives
of Lee county and residents of Ashton. In their family were
seven children, of whom five are still living, as follows: Harvey
W., of this review; Delia, the wife of Fred Tadd; and Alta, Ada
and Clarence, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Heibenthal lost two daugh-
ters. Hattie and Clara.
Harvey W. Heibenthal grew up on his father's farm in Brad-
ford township and was reared to farm life, becoming early familiar
with the best and most practical agrieidtural methods. He
married in 1911 and afterward rented the homestead, whereon
he has since resided. This comprises two hundred and forty acres
of excellent land on section 23, Bradford township, and Mr.
Heibenthal has carried forward the work of its development and
improvement along pi'ogressive and modern lines, making it
increase in value and productiveness year by year. He makes a