WILLIAM H. B. McCORMICK
William H. B. McCormick, well known in Hopedale and the surrounding country as a prosperous farmer and stockraiser, was born in Hopedale Township. June 13, 1861. He was educated in the common schools of the county, and shortly after attaining the age of twenty- two, went to the Indian Territory, where he spent some time in settling the estate of an uncle. After his return he rented a part of his grandfather’s estate, and has since continued the business of farming and stock- raising, having also purchased eighty-seven acres of land. He has always been associated with the Democratic party, and has been Collector of Taxes for two terms.
On February 18, 1889, Mr. McCormick was married, at Hopedale, to Miss Clara M. Griesemer, who was born in Ohio, in 1867, and was the daughter of Adam and Barbara (Luly) Griesemer. Her parents emigrated from Germany, first locating in Ohio and thence removing to Hopedale Township, in 1869.
Mr. Griesemer was a tailor by trade, but purchased a farm and turned his attention to the cultivation of land. He died at the old homestead, where his wife is still living.
Mr. McCormick’s maternal great-grandfather, Philip Briggs, was a resident of Westchester County, N. Y. After starting out in life for himself he located in New York City, where he married, and engaged in the grocery business, which he followed for some time; then sold his store and came West, arriving in Tazewell County in April, 1838. He at once engaged in farming and was very successful; eventually becoming the owner of 500 acres of choice land. These farms have been divided. Mr. Briggs was not only a successful farmer, but a highly respected citizen.
Mr. McCormick’s father, George B. McCormick, was born near Rochester, N. Y., his wife’s maiden name being Jane E. Briggs, who was born near New York City. He removed to Illinois about the year 1855, and settled in Mackinaw, remaining there until 1861, when he located on Section 24, Mackinaw Township, where he passed the balance of his life. He served in the U. S. Navy during the War of the Rebellion, and was disabled at the battle of Island No. 10.
Mr. McCormick’s paternal grandfather was Avah McCormick, born in Scotland, whose wife, Mrs. Brumly, was of German descent. His maternal grandfather, William H. Briggs, was born at Fordham, Westchester County, N. Y., and the grandmother, Louisa Hoff, was a native of New York.
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County - page 1042