Meek Family

NATHAN MEEK Prominent among the citizens of Whiteside County who have witnessed the marvelous development of this section of the state in the past sixty years, and who have, by honest toil and industry, succeeded in acquiring a competence, and are now able to spend the sunset of life in quiet and retirement, is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, and who resides on Section 35; Tampico township. Mr. Meek was born in Delaware County, Ohio, Feb. 23, 1839. His father, Richard Meek, was born in the same state, in 1816, and there married Miss Hannah Holt, whose birth occurred in Maryland, in 1812. For some years he followed farming in Delaware, Hardin, and Union counties, Ohio, but in 1841) came to Illinois and took up his residence in Bureau County. He engaged in farming and blacksmithing there and in Lee County, Ill., where he died in 1885. His wife survived him a few years, dying in 1898. They were the parents of 7 children, of whom two died young. The living are Mary, wife of Christopher Renner, of Nebraska; Nathan, our subject; William, a farmer near Walnut, Bureau County; Nancy, wife of Eli Harris of Iowa; Betsy, wife of Reason Renner, of Walnut; Samuel, a resident of Nebraska. Nathan Meek spent his early life in Bureau County, and being given a good practical education, he successfully engaged in teaching for two terms. He continued to make his home with his parents until grown, and aided in the work of the farm. On the 13th of August, 1862, he responded to his country's call for aid in crushing out the rebellion, enlisting in Company I, Ninety-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He took part in the battles of Jackson, Mississippi, Champion Hills and Black River Bridge; was in the sieve of Vicksburg, and later participated in the battles of Missionary Ridge and Altoona Pass; was on the march through Georgia and the Atlanta campaign and at Washington, and participated in the Grand Review at Washington. He was wounded in the charge on Missionary Ridge by a gunshot through the left arm and was in the hospital for days. He remained in the service until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged, July 5, 1865 and returned home. On the 21st of Jan., 1866, Mr. Meek was united in marriage with Miss Catherine B. Adams, a daughter of William Adams. She was born in Indiana, but when a child was brought to this state and reared in Bureau County. They began housekeeping on his farm of 80 acres west of Walnut, and to its further improvement and cultivation he devoted his energies for seven years. He then sold the place and bought another of one hundred and thirty-~eight acres on the line of Bureau County, which he operated until his removal to his present farm on section 35, Tampico township, Whiteside County, in 1884. He still owns both places, containing 298 acres of fine farming land, but leaves their cultivation to others while he devotes his time to raising and handling stock. Mr. Meek has been called to mourn the loss of his estimable wife, who died May 23, 1899, and was laid to rest in Greenville Cemetery, Bureau County. To them were born four sons, as follows: William F., who is a well-educated young man and a successful teacher; Samuel, who is engaged in farming on the home place; Richard, who carries on his father's farm in Bureau County; and John, at home. All have been provided with good school privileges and have engaged in teaching with the ex- ception of Richard. In his political affiliations, Mr. Meek is a stalwart Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas. He has never lost his interest in educational affairs, but has most efficiently served as a member of the school board for twenty years, and a president of the district for some years. He has also held the office of township trustee, and he has ever faithfully discharged every duty that has devolved upon him, whether public or private. On Dec. 10, 1911, Mr. Meek died and was laid to rest with his wife.

Samuel Meek was born on Dec. 28, 1867 in Bureau County, then moved to Tampico Township at 16 years of age, where he farmed on his father's place, and engaged in teaching. On Feb. 21, 1907, he married Miss Margaret Dir, born to them on Jan. 30, 1908 a daughter, Mabel D. They farmed there until his death on June 3, 1944, his wife lived for several years. She died the Spring of 1954. Mabel Meek married Mr. Howard 0. Richmond on Dec. 29, 1928. They farmed on her parents' farm, until his retirement. They had six children: Howard F., Glen S., John W, Virginia J., Nell E. and William A. Two of their children are still living in Tampico: John and William; also four grandchildren: Terry, Mark, David and Gayle, children of John Richmond. Mabel and Howard have 17 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Their son John is operating the Meek farm now.

OBIT Author: Les Niemi (TAMPICO TORNADO NEWSPAPER)

December 14, 1911 Nathan MEEK Answers Call Nathan MEEK, and old soldier and one of the well know old timers of Tampico township, died at his home three miles south of Tampico Saturday night about 12:30. Death resulted from senile diabetes and gangrene which affected both feet and was spreading to his limbs. The disease had manifest itself sometime ago and only for the past three weeks had his condition been such that he was confined to his home. The funeral services were held Tuesday noon at the Methodist church, Rev. H.A. SNYDER officiating. Music was rendered by Mr. and Mrs. Jack HELLIER, E.W MEREDITH and Mrs. Lovinia BOOTH. Internment was in Whittington cemetery southeast of Tampico. The pall bearers were: John S. JOHNSON, J.C. ADAMS, Robt. ADAMS, A.J. GRAHAM, Frank COLLINS and Asa BURDEN. Nathan MEEK was born in Hardon County, Ohio, Feb. 23, 1839, and when a mere child came west to Illinois with his parents who first settled near Amboy, later going to Iowa, then to Wisconsin and finally locating near Walnut where he resided a number of years. He was married Dec. 21, 1865 to Catherine B. ADAMS at New Bedford who died May 23, 1899. About thirty-seven years ago he located on a farm southeast of Tampico and then a few years later moved to the place three miles south of Tampico where he lived until his death. He joined the Methodist church when nineteen years of age and taught school previous to serving three years in the Civil War as a private in the ranks of Co. 8, 93rd, Ill., Vol. Inf. He was a good, quiet citizen, a man of good principle, and held in high esteem in the community which had been his home for so many years. Four sons, William P., of New Bedford, Samuel, Richard and John of Tampico, survive, also two other brothers, William of Walnut, Samuel of Carlton, Neb., and three sisters, Mary RENNER of Davenport, Neb., Betty RENNER of Walnut and Melissa of Carlton, Neb.

December 18, 1903 F.R.L.A. HOLD ANNUAL ELECTION The following officers were elected Wednesday night at the meeting of the F.R.L.A.: President - Geo. LAMON. Vice-President - Mrs. L. BRAINERD. Chaplain - C.E. RUSK. Clerk - Dr. HORNER. Treasurer - Mrs. M.J. ALDRICH Inspector - Burdette JACKSON. Assistant Insp. - Zora JACKSON. Watchman - Otto QUAINTANCE. Sentry - Jesse HOWLETT. Physician - Dr. HORNER. Directors - Richard MEEK and T.W. STOCK. The officers were installed the same evening of the election. The next meeting will be held January 19 and it is possible there will be a banquet. June 23, 1901 Benjamin F. MEEK, inventor of the fishing reel, died at Frankfort, Ky. aged 76 years. December 18, 1903 Mrs. Richard MEEK went to Princeton Thursday morning, where she took her small daughter to have an opreation on the little one's eyes.

 December 25, 1903 John MEEK, of Erie, was here last Friday and Saturday on business.