History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY 415
the United States and were married in Lee county in 1859. Subsequently
they removed to Marshall county, Iowa, where both
spent their remaining days, passing away in the year 1909. In
their family were six children, all of whom survive. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Wiener have been born three childien : Oscar William, born
December 14, 1889; Mabel M., who was born May 10, 1891, and is
the wife of G. W. Henert; and Myrtle Helen, born April 20, 1896.
After his marriage Mr. Wiener rented land of his father, but,
carefully saving his earnings, was at length enabled to purchase
the farm upon whicli he now resides, comprising a quarter section
of the rich land of Reynolds township. He is persistent and energetic
in the cultivation of his place, and good crops anmudly
reward his labors. While an active business man, he is at the same
time interested in the welfare and jirogiTss of the community and
has aided in many movements for the general good. His political
allegiance has been given to the I'epublican j^arty, and he is now in
s^anpathy with the progressive element. He has served as eon-
stable for ten yeai'S and has also filled the office of school director.
Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen Cam]i,
No. 48. He and his wife are much interested in the moral development
of the community, holding nieml)erslii}) in the Evangelical
Association of which he is one of the trustees and also chief of the
stewards. He is likewise tlie teacher of the young men's Bilile
class and he does all in his power to advance the growth of the
chui'ch and extend its influence, his efforts constituting a factor in
the moral development and progress of the community. Here he
is well known, and the high regai'd in which he is uniformly held
indicates that his has been an honorable and upright life.
RALPH JOSEPH DEAN.
Ralph Joseph Dean, who since July 1, 1904, has edited and
published the Ashton Gazette, was born in LaMoille, Bureau
county. Hlinois, February 7, 1881. He is a son of George B. and
Crace L. (Crossman) Dean, the former of whom was engaged in
business in LaMoille for about forty years, during the last twenty
of which he conducted an undertaking and furniture establish-
ment.
Ralph Joseph Dean acquired his education in the public schools
of his native city, graduating from the LaMoille high school in