History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

374 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
large landed holdings, his son inheriting at his death three himdred
and twenty acres, which he increased to the live hundred
and sixty acres which now comprise the Hilleson estate.
Thomas E. Hilleson acquired his education in the public schools
of Lee county and in the Lutheran College at Decorah, Iowa. He
afteiward attended the University of Illinois for two years and
at the end of that time returned home. He rents two hundred
and forty acres of the estate and has made excellent improvements
Tipon his property, erecting a modern residence and substantial
barns and outbuildings. He gives his attention to mixed
farming and has been very successful, for he follows always the
most practical and progressive methods and is careful in the management
of his business interests.
At Coldfield, Iowa, October 27, 1912, Mr. Hilleson was united
in marriage to Miss Sarah Oppedahl, a daughter of Swen and
Anna Oppedahl, of Goldfield, Iowa, leading citizens of that community.
Mr. Hilleson is a member of the Lutheran church and
a republican in his political beliefs. He is widely and favorably
known in the comnuniity where he resides, enjoying in a large
degree the friendship and esteem of those with whom he has been
broueht in contact.
JOHN M. KILLMER.
' John M. Killmer is a retired farmer living in Ashton. His
present prosperity is attributable entii'ely to his pei"sistent, earnest
and intelligently directed efforts while he was engaged in farming.
He was born in Binghamton. Lee county. Tllin