WILLIAM HENRY BRUBAKER, one of the young and successful farmers of Lancaster Township, is pleasantly located on section 10, where he owns a fine farm of nearly 120 acres, all of which is well improved and contains excellent farm buildings, and has been occupied by Mr. Brubaker since 1884. It was formerly the property of his father, Henry Brubaker, now of Dakota Village, but formerly a resident of Lancaster Township, where he first located in 1855. He was reared in Lancaster County, Pa., where he married Miss Fannie Stibgen, a native of that State, and who still lives with her husband in Dakota Village.

William Brubaker, the subject of this sketch, is the eldest but one of a family of five children, two sons and three daughters. The latter are now deceased. The elder son married Miss Myra Wheeland, and is a farmer in Story County, Iowa. William Brubaker was born in Ogle County, six miles northeast of Polo, Sept. 11, 1854. He was but one year old when his father came to this county, and has resided in Lancaster Township ever since, being educated in the public schools. He remained at home until his marriage, which occurred at the home of the bride’s parents, in Lancaster Township, Feb. 14, 1878. The lady of his choice was Miss Mary B. McKibben, who was born in the township where they now reside Dec. 2, 1855, and is the daughter of J. T. McKibben, an old settler. She was educated and reared in the same community in which she now lives. She is the fifth child of a family of eight, three sons and five daughters, all now living. She is the mother of three children – Mabel C., Alta L. and Harlan W.

Mr. Brubaker first occupied his present farm at the time of his marriage. The title was then owned by his father, but Mr. Brubaker has since purchased it, and is all the while improving it in appearance and value, for he is an active and energetic farmer. He is a member of the Mennonite Church, and is always ready to stoutly maintain its doctrines. His residence and farm command one of the most pleasing views in the township. In politics, Mr. Brubaker is a stanch and solid Republican, but while he is fixed in his political and religious views, he is always willing to concede to others the same right to their opinions.

Contributed by Carole Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. 1888