History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY 8:i
kaowu in tliis locality aud Ms sterling qualities gained him the
good-will and confidence of all with whom he was associated in
business or social relations. He left to his family the priceless
heritage of an untarnished name and an example that is well
worthy of emulation. Mrs. Garrett still owns two farms of one
hundred acres each in Lee county and a fine residence in Ashton,
where she makes her home. She is well and favorably known in
the village and has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the
circle of her acquaintances.
E. J. COUNTRYMAN.
E. J. Countryman is prominent as a man whose constantly
expanding powers have taken him from hiunble surroimdings to
the field of large enterprises and continually broadening opportuni-
ties. He has brought to bear upon business situations a clear
understanding that readily solves complex problems and unites
into a harmonious whole unrelated and even diverse elements. He
is today the controlling factor in the largest mercantile enterprise
of Dixon, being president of the E. J. Countryman Companj^, dealers
in general merchandise, including dry goods, shoes, meats and
groceries.
Mr. Countryman was born in Ogle county, Illinois, in 1870 and
acquired a public-school education which brought him eventually
to graduation from the high school of Rochelle, Hlinois. Early
in his business career he entered the Rochelle (111.) National Bank,
where he spent three years before coming to Dixon in 1893. On his
in this city he entered the employ of his uncle, I. B. Coun-
tryman, who had been identified with the commercial interests in
Dixon from 1868. After three years' experience, during which
time he had largely acquainted himself with various phases of the
business, his uncle withdrew from active management, following
the incorporation under the name of I. B. Countryman Company,
This is perhaps the oldest established general mercantile house of
the city. It was originally the property of W. G . Stevens & Com-
pany, of Avhich firm I. B. CountrATiiau became a member in 1871.
A little later he purchased the store, which he conducted under
his own name until 1896. From that time forward the business
was carried on under the style of I. B. Countryman Company until
1910, when a reorganization was effected under the name of E. J.