Albert Askey, lumber merchant of Ridott, is one of the most important factors in the business interests of this thriving little village, where he established himself in 1883, and carries a large and well-selected stock of building materials. His praiseworthy methods of doing business have secured him a profitable patronage, which is constantly increasing. He is the successor to the well-known firm of H. Poffenburger, with whom he was formerly associated as clerk and manager.

The parents of our subject, Ellis and Eliza (Fox) Askev, were natives of Center County, Pa., of German and Irish ancestry. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the Revoutionary War, whose given name was Thomas, and he changed the patronymic from Erskine to Askey. One of his kinsmen also distinguished himself for his bravery, and fought under Commodore Perry. The Commodore had made it a rule to reject the services of married men, but this gentleman determined to have a hand in the naval engagement in prospect, and accordingly, although prevented from boarding the ship that was carrying the soldiery to the scene of the conflict, after the boats had cast anchor and had placed a mile between themselves and the shore, he plunged into the water and swam to the ship, trusting that he would be allowed to participate in the battle. His bravery was rewarded by the commander consenting to take him on board, and thus he had the honor of engaging in the battle which was afterward distinguished as one of Perry’s greatest victories. After peace had been declared Thomas Askey located on a farm in Pennsylvania, where he continued until his death, at an advanced age. In the meantime he had married and reared a family of sons and daughters.

The father of our subject, Ellis Askey, remained a resident of his native State until 1848, then started with his family for Illinois, locating in Ridott Township, this county, upon a tract of unimproved land. Ellis Askey, in common with his brother pioneers, labored faithfully and industriously, and succeeded in building up a comfortable home. He wisely retired from active labor in 1881, and removed to the village where he is now living comfortably with his faithful wife, himself being seventy-one years of age and the mother sixty-three. They are members of the Presbyterian Church, and politically, Ellis Askey is a pronounced Republican.

The subject of this sketch remained under the parental roof until he reached his majority. He had made the most of his opportunities at school and qualified himself for a teacher, which he followed, however, but a short time, the profession not being exactly in accordance with his tastes and capacities. One of the most important steps of his early manhood was his marriage, April 22, 1881, with Miss Susie Sibert, which was celebrated at the home of the bride’s parents in Ridott Township. Mrs. Askey was born in Hardin County, Iowa, Nov. 10, 1864, and is the daughter of William Sibert, formerly a resident of this township and now deceased. The family is of German ancestry, and the maiden name of the mother was Elizabeth Kimel. The latter is still living on the homestead in Ridott Township, being about fifty.-five years of age.

Our subject and his wife became the parents of four children, one of whom, Celia, died when a year and a half old. Those surviving are Garfield, born Sept. 26, 1882; Hazel, Dec. 24, 1885, and a babe unnamed. Mr. Askey, like his father before him, is a straight Republican, and socially, is Master Workman of Ridott Lodge No. 259, A. 0. U. W. He is also Advisor in Ivy Camp No. 81, M. W. A.

Transcribed by Christine Walters
History of Stephenson County 1888 Portrait & Biographical Pg 257