History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

430 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
1856, and is a son of George L. and Tressa (Munn) Schuler, the
fonuer a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, The father came to
Illinois on the same tiain on which Potter Palmer, the noted hotel
man of Chicago, made his tirst trip to the west, and they became
acquainted while en route. George L. Schuler made his way to
Ottawa, where he engaged in the hardware business, and later
was located for a time at Reading, Illinois. The year 1861 witnessed
his arrival in Dixon, where he engaged in the dry-goods
trade, purchasing a store of Judge Wood. Here he continued in
business until his death, which occurred in 1895, and throughout
the entire period, covering more than a third of a century, ranked
as one of the leading and enterprising merchants of the city,
being possessed of those traits and qualities which work for prog-
ress and honor in business life. His widow survived him for
about fifteen years, passing away in 1910. In politics Mr. Schuler
was a democrat, active in the party ranks, and his cooperation
could always be counted upon to further any movement liaving
to do with civic betterment or improvement.
William A. Schulei- was a lad of but five years when brought
by liis i^arents to Dixon, so that he had the advantages of training
in the pul^lic schools here. When his school days were over
he went to southwestern Kansas, where he was engaged in the
cattle business. At one time he was also connected with the dry-
goods business at Streator, Illinois, for five years. About 1895
he returned to Dixon, where he established and conducted a lum-
beryard, finding it a profitable source of income, owing to his
capable management and keen business discrimination. From
that time forward he has been closely connected with the development
and imiirovement of the city along material lin(\s and aU
of his investments have been made judiciously, bringing to him a
very gratifying measure of success. In 1910 he erected the Dixon
Inn. one of the leading hotels of the city, which he conducted suc-
cessfully until the sjjriug of 1913, making it a popular and well
patronized hostlery. He sold out at the date mentioned and is
now giving his attention to the supervision of his investments and
to his juiblic duties. He owns several farms and city buildings
and from his realty derives a substantial annual income.
In January, 1895, Mr. Schuler was united in marriage to Miss
Amelia Elizabeth De INIint and unto them have been born three
sons, while by a former mari'iage Mr. Schuler also has one son.
Mrs. Schuler is a daughter of Charles De Mint, one of the oldtime
and prominent residents of Dixon. In his fraternal rela-