The admonition to "secure the shadow ere the substance fades" is a a good one, if we mean to perpetuate the faces and forms of our friends in life. The improvements made in the art of photography in the last few years have enabled artists to procure perfect likenesses, retaining the actual expression of all the features at the moment they are caught on the negative plate. One of the progressive artists in the West is Mr.herlocker, whose gallery is at No. 118 Stephenson street, Freeport. He is a native of Pennsylvania, and hwas born in Madisonburg, Centre County on the 8th of September 1857. His father, Henry Herlocker, came West when William was a mere boy, settling in Stephenson County in 1869, where he plied his trade as a painter in Freeport. The mother, formerly Miss Elizabeth Bair, died in Centre Co. PA.

William B. Herlocker passed his childhood in his native county, making his home with his uncle, W. J. Hosterman, with whom he resided until he was 14 years of age, in the meantime attending the common schools. He then went to Delaware County, OH, where he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University and pursued his studies for 3 years. Subseuently he took a commercial course, and was graduated with honors. After coming to Freeport he continued for some three years. He then began to learn the art of photography, taking his first instructions from Mr. Thayer. After becoming well acquainted with the mysteries of the art, he formed a partnership with Mr. J.A. Schaad, in January, 1887. This is one of the best phtotgraphic firms i the WEst, and there is little in their line which they cannot accomplish. They are especially successful in bromide and ink enlargements. Mr. Herlocker gives special attention to group pictures, having the best of facilities for this department of the art. Their apartments embrace six rooms, fitted with all needful appliances, and handsomely decorated. On the walls are displayed magnificent specimens of pictures produced at this gallery.

Mr. Herlocker is identified with the Good Templars, and also belongs to the order of the National Union, which is an insurance association; in both of these organizations he takes an active interest. In the business he has chosen for life he is an enthusiast, and devotes much time and study in acquiring a knowledge of all the latest improvements, both in chemical and mechanical appliances. He possesses a worthy ambition to take his place among the leading artist of the country, and there are strong indications that he will be gratified. Portraits & Biographical 1888 Stephenson Co IL Pg. 373

Newspaper Article Mr. Horlocker Donates Book