The subject of this personal history is well known throughout Elizabeth Township as a genial, pleasantly-disposed lady, and an active, industrious woman, who has well performed her part as a helpmate to her husband in establishing their home, and cheerfully shared with him the hardships and privations incident to the life of a pioneer.

She is a native of Ireland, born in County Monaghan, July 17, 1828, being the daughter of Robert and Sarah Fairley, both natives of the northern section of the Emerald Isle. Our subject was reared in her native home, where she received a good common-school education. When about twenty-two years of age she came to America, sailing from Liverpool, and, after a five weeks' voyage, disembarked at New York City, and coming from there directly to Jo Daviess County, where she has since resided. March 18, 1852. the subject of our sketch became the wife of a most worthy man, Mr. Ephraim Store}'. He was born in 1813, in the northern part of Ireland, where he remained until attaining man's estate. Desiring to try his fortune in the land sought by so many of his countrymen as the El Dorado of their hopes, he came to the United States in 1836, and made his way at once to the Prairie State. He secured work in Jo Daviess County, and the following year bought the farm on section 32, Elizabeth Township, that is now owned and occupied by his widow, our subject. The land was then in its primitive condition, and lie had not much money to spend in improving it; but with courageous heart and willing hands belabored,and by his earnest industry, good ability, and excellent management he succeeded in evolving a fine farm. It consists of 240 acres of arable land, all of which is under cultivation or feed for grazing purposes. Mi'. Storey took much pleasure in building up for himself and family a comfortable, substantial home, and also had the satisfaction of knowing that lie was advancing the welfare of his adopted township at the same time. Coming to Elizabeth while it was yet in its infancy, he watched its growth with interest, and gave material aid to all public schemes tending toward its benefit. He was a worthy representative of the self-made men of the county, and was justly- entitled to much credit for his undisputed success in all his undertakings. In his death, which occurred April 26, 1876, the county lost one of its best citizens, the town an honest, public-spirited man, his neighbors a kind and devoted friend, and his family a true, loving husband and a tender father. Mr. Storey was a stanch Republican, and, though working for his party never sought political honors, preferring the quiet of his fireside to a public life.

To our subject and her husband were born seven children, six of whom have been removed from the cares and troubles of this mortal life, namely: Robert E., Ellen J., George, William A., Eugene, and Mary E. The surviving son, James E., carries on the home farm. He is an energetic, enterprising agriculturist, and. besides the cultivation of his land, pays much attention to horse breeding. He owns a fine Percheron stallion, named " Mundir," valued at $2,000, and lie also owns a third interest in another Percheron horse of equal value, named 14 Souence."

Mrs. Storey is a most estimable woman, and well worthy of the high esteem in which she is held throughout the community; her good common sense, strength of character, and womanly attributes having won for her a large circle of friends. Religiously, she is a devout member of the Presbyterian Church, and a useful worker in that denomination.

Transcribed by Christine Walters -- Portraits and Biographical 1889