History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

34 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
1902. He has since engaged in general law practice and has served
as justice of the peace since 19U9. He has never neglected to give
thorough j)reparation before entering the courtroom, while an
excellent presence, an earnest manner, marked strength of char-
acter, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability to accurately
apply its principles make him an attractive and successful advocate.
In the year in which he oi^eued his law office he also entered
into active connection with conunercial interests as secretary and
treasurer of the Dixon Water Company.
Mr. Crabtree is equally well known in other connections, being
popular in fraternal circles and active in church work. He belongs
to the Baptist church, of which he is a trustee, and he is a past
exalted ruler of the Elks lodge. He likewise has membership with
the Masonic fraternity and with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellow^s, and all entertain high consideration for him because of his
integrity and impartiality in his profession, his enterprise in busi-
ness connections and his public spirit in matters of citizenship.
ANDREW ASCHENBRENNER.
Agricultural and stock-raising interests of Lee county find a
progressive and worthy representative in Andrew Aschenbreuner,
who during the entire period of his active life has been engaged in
farming in Bradford township. He is one of the extensive landowners
in this part of Illinois and his success in the conduct of his
large interests has made him widely and favorably known in busi-
ness circles. He was born in Bradford township. April 1, 1865,
and is a son of John and Catherine (Reinhart) Aschenbreuner, of
whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work.
Andrew Aschenbreuner was reai'ed in this township and acquired
his education in the district schools and Dixon College.
He aided in the operation of the homestead until he was twenty-
five years of age and then began farming independently. He afterward
moved upon a farm on section 29, Bradford township, and
hero he has since resided, giving his attention to general farming
and stock-raising. He has Inrge interests in farming property in
this localit3^ owning in partncrshi]-* with his brother, Reinhart
Aschenbreuner, sixteen hundred acres in Lee county. In addition
to this thev have valuable holdings in western states.