History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY 41
Retui'iiing to his home, Oliver L. Gehant entered his father's
bank as assistant cashier, thoroughly acquainting himself with
every phase of the busmess and continuing to serve in his original
capacity until 1912, when he was appointed to his present position
as cashier. He is also a representative of various insurance com-
panies and writes many policies e\erj year, this contributing not a
little to his success in a business way.
At Harmon, Illinois, on the 4tli of October, 1911, Mr. Gehant
was married to Miss Josephine Blackburn, a daughter of Peter and
Nell (Morrissey) Blackburn, natives of Lee county, now residing
in Harmon township. The father is a fanner. Mr. and Mrs. Gehant
are members of the Catholic church and he is financial secretary
of the Catholic Order of Foresters. His piditical allegiance is given
to the democratic party and in its support he edits and publishes
the West Brooklyn News, an enterprising country joirrnal.
JUDGE ROBERT H. SCOTT.
Dixon has always been distinguished for the high rank of her
bar, and among those who have been factors in maintaining this
reputation is Judge Robert H. Scott, who since 1902 has served
upon the bench and will continue as county judge until 1914.
Appointed to fill a vacancy, he has been three times elected to the
office and his decisions indicate strong mentality, careful analysis,
a thorough knowledge of the law and unbiased judgment. EQs
history stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet
is not without honor save in his own country, for Judge Scott is a
native son of Lee countj^, where he has been called to high judicial
place and power. His birth occurred in Marion township in 1871,
his parents being Robert and Ruth (Fairman) Scott, who were
farming people of this part of the state. The usual experiences of
the farm boy came to Judge Scott in his youth and his early educa-
tion was acquired in the public schools. He afterw^ard entered
Dixon College and w^as graduated on the completion of the
teacher's course. He also attended business college and the Dixon
College of Elocution, and then, in preparation for a professional
career, began a course in the Dixon College of Law, which in due
time he completed by graduation. In January, 1896, he was admitted
to the bar and at once entered upon active practice, which
claimed his attention until August, 1902, when he was appointed to