LORENZO D. HART is a highly respected and prosperous farmer, living on section 16, Harlem Township. He comes of New England stock and has all the characteristics of that thrifty people. His parents were Joel and Sally (Winchell) Hart, who were natives of Connecticut. The parents first settled in Berkshire County, Mass., but emigrated to Ohio in 1844, and settled in Portage County of that State, where the mother died in 1846. Lorenzo’s father died in Harlem Township, Oct. 1, 1870. The old couple had eight children, three girls and five boys.

Lorenzo D. was the sixth child of the above-mentioned family. He was born in Berkshire County, Mass., Oct. 21, 1828, and came with his parents to Ohio, and when seventeen years old began to learn the shoemaker’s trade, in Portage County. After becoming proficient at his trade he followed it for about six years, after which he engaged in farming. He continued to live in Portage County until he emigrated to Illinois in 1856, and passed the first two years in Bureau County, when he came to Stephenson County. This latter move was made in 1858, and he has since continued to reside here, ever taking a prominent and active part in everything for the advancement of the public good. He is the owner of 117 acres of land, which is well improved and has good buildings upon it. A view of the home is shown in this ALBUM.

Lorenzo D. was first married in Portage County, Ohio, Oct. 13, 1858, to Clarissa Stearns, daughter of John and Julia Stearns. Mrs. Hart was born in that county, April 11, 1830, and died in Harlem Township, Stephenson County, Dec. 26, 1884. Our subject was again married, in Belvidere, this State, June 14, 1886, to Mrs. Eliza Douglass, daughter of S. W. and Ann Douglass.

Mr. Hart has held the office of Township Clerk for several years. In politics he is a Prohibitionist. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, and looked upon as one of the substantial men in his community.

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