John Aspinwall, one of the most prosperous and popular farmers of Florence Township is the subject of this sketch. His parents were John & Mercy (Munger) Aspinwall, the former of whom was born in Connecticut and the latter in Saratoga County NY. They first settled in Saratoga County and after residing there for a time they removed to Chautauqua County NY and in 1845 bade good-by to the old York State and turned their faces toward the West, locating in Stephenson County where they both lived until their death. The father died Jan.6, 1858 when 86 years of age and the mother March 14, 1864 when 85 years old. To them came nine children, seven girls and two boys.

Our subject was the seventh child, born in Northumberland, Saratoga Co. NY July 21, 1807. He went to Chautanqua County, from whence he came to Stephenson County in August 1845, where he has since resided. He has followed no other vocation than farming. He, in company with his son, owns a valuable farm, on which they have erected buildings with all the modern improvements and appliances for the comfort of themselves and their stock.

Mr. A. was married in Chautauqua NY March 1, 1835 to Lucy Shumway, daughter of E.H. and Rhoda (Summer) Shumway, who were natives of Massachusetts. The mother died in Chautauqua County June 22, 1829. The father came to Stephenson County in the fall of 1847 and settled in Florence Twp. and died in the town of Lena Aug. 28, 1871. Lucy Shumway was born in Jefferson County NY May 28, 1813. Her death occurred in Florence Twp. Dec. 29, 1883. There were born to them seven children - Henry, John S., Sterne F., Homer F., Milo H., Arvilla L., and Junius O. Henry married Elizabeth Fox and died in Florence Twp April 27, 1886; John S. resides in Lena; Sterne is the Secretary of the Grand Rapids Fire Insurance Company at Grand Rapids Mich; Homer F. resides in Florence Twp.; Milo H is a dentist in Chicago; Arvilla resides at home; Junius O. died in Florence Twp. Oct. 21, 1874 when 20 years of age.

Mr. Aspinwall has been selected for Highway Commissioner on account of his peculiar fitness to discharge the duties of that office, and has held several other township offices. He is a member of the Baptist Church and in politics is a Republican since its organization in 1856.

Portraits & Biographical 1888 Stephenson Co IL Pg. 596