History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

406 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
voted his time and energies to the operation of a farm of two hundred
and twenty acres on section 31, Viola township. In addition
to the cultivation of cereals he gives considerable attention to stock,
keeping about fourteen horses, thirty-five cattle and fifteen hogs.
He operates two threshing outfits and also acts as agent for the
Studebaker automobile in Viola, Sublette, Lee Center and Brook-
lyn townships.
On the 7th of Janimry, 1908, in Amboy, Mr. Gehant was united
in marriage to Miss Theresa Stiel, her parents being Valentine
and Anna (Lauer) Stiel, the former a farmer of Amboy township.
Mr. Gehant gives his political allegiance to the democracy
and has fraternal relations with the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica. Lie has spent his entire life in Lee county and is Avidely recog-
nized as one of its prosperous, progressive and representative
citizens.
MORRIS COOK.
Morris Cook makes his home on section 23, Alto township',
and his property in addition to the home farm makes his landed
possessions aggregate five hundred and sixty-five acres, consti-
tuting a valuable property. He is not only one of the progres-
sive agriculturists, but one of the wide-awake and patriotic
citizens of his community, where he is now filling the position of
township supervisor. He was born in Kendall county, Illinois,
September 10, 1864, a son of Morris and Elizabeth (Cooper)
Cook, both of whom were natives of New Jersey, whence they
came to this state about 1850, settling in Kendall county. In
186G they became residents of Alto townshii^, Lee county, and
the father purchased a farm, which is now the property of his
son Morris. With characteristic energy he began its development
and improvement and concentrated his energies upon its
cultivation mitil his death, which occurred in 1885. His widow
survived him for many 3^ears, passing away in 1911. They were
the ])ai'ents of eleven children, five of whom are now living.
Moi-ris Cook, reai'ed imder the parental roof, assisted his father
until nineteen years of age, and then assumed the management of
the old home ]ilaco. He proved his ability to successfully conduct
the farm and in 1909 he purchased the property, his home place,
comprising one lunidred and sixty acres of land on section 23, Alto