HOMER F. ASPINWALL, who occupies a farm on section 6, in Florence Township, is the son of John and Lucy (Shumway) Aspinwal. He was born in Florence Township on the 15th of November, 1846, and after attending the common schools of that township for several years, was admitted to the High School at Freeport, from which he was graduated in the class of 1868. In this school he made an exceptionally good record, being studious in his habits, and ambitious to attain as near perfection in his studies as possible. After his graduation he took employment as a clerk in a wholesale notion store in Freeport, where he remained for two years, but was compelled to abandon that business on account of ill-health. Believing that the open air and vigorous exercise of farm life would be beneficial to his health, he undertook agricultural pursuits.

On the 18th of December, 1874, Mr. A. was married to Emma M. Sheetz, daughter of Joshua and Mathilda Sheetz, in Freeport, Ill. Mrs. Aspinwall was born in Florence Township on the 30th of April, 1853. They have two children, Laura G. and John R., and one child by adoption, Fred W.

Mr. Aspinwall has been Assessor of Florence Township for several years, and has faithfully discharged the duties of that office. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, and for many years he has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school of his church.

Mr. Aspinwall has always been an ardent Republican, one who does not swerve from the views and principles promulgated by that political organization. Possessing literary tastes, fluency of speech in conversation, a generous and magnanimous nature, a manly ease and freedom of address, and the bearing of a true gentleman, he has deserved influence in private circles, and in all associated forms of action. He is widely known as a man of the strictest integrity, honesty and uprightness, always contributing liberally to every good cause, and striving for the suppression of evil.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 610