Person:Herbert Colwill (1)

Type: aka

H. W. Colwill Family History [Written by Herb Colwill, December 28, 2004]

First, a little bit about the parents of Herbert William (Hap) Colwill. John Colwill (Hap's father) was born in London, England April 27, 1866. He arrived in the Creston area in 1888 and was united in marriage to Jane Tamlyn March 27, 1889. Mrs. Colwill, also from England, was born August 12, 1862. John Colwill became a naturalized citizen November 6, 1894. They raised four sons: Thomas, Ernest, Herbert and Elmer. They settled on a farm about 2 miles southeast of Creston and farmed until February 18, 1919 when all their livestock, machinery, harness etc. were sold at public auction. The sale notice listed 14 head of horses, 45 head of cattle, 12 bred sows, 100 Plymouth Rock hens, and machinery and tools too numerous to list. After the sale, the Colwills moved to Creston and lived in the first house east of the Lutheran church. John then became the road commissioner for Dement Township. He continued that position until two months before his death August 15, 1933. Jane Colwill continued to live in Creston until her death March 27, 1946. Their sons, Tom and Hap, were lifelong residents of Creston. Em moved to Rochelle and Elmer moved to Wisconsin. H. W. (Hap) Colwill was born in Dement Township December 10, 1896. He was educated in rural schools and in 1911-1912 finished his schooling by taking a three month bookkeeping course. After completing school he worked on local farms and the elevator on the east side of Main Street. In 1920 Hap started to work in the lumber yard and in 1921 he was hired to run the elevator on the west side of Main Street, a business he would purchase later. On October 16, 1922, Hap, in partnership with Ralph Lewis, purchased the J. R. Park Elevator and Coal Yards (formerly owned by H. F. Hurst) and one year later added the lumber yard. In 1924 Hap bought out his partner to become sole owner and put the name H. W. COLWILL on the business. On February 1, 1936, Colwill and Grant Hendrickson started the Leader Oil Company to sell gasoline and fuel oil. A year later Hendrickson sold his share of the oil company. Hap continued to operate the business as sole owner until 1977. Hap married Agnes Dorothy Anderson, the daughter of Swedish emigrants Anna Fredrickson Anderson and the late J. August Anderson of Rochelle, October 10, 1925. They purchased a home at what is now called 220 Transit Street in 1925 and lived there the rest of their lives. They had three children: Herbert William Jr. (November 10, 1929), Sally Ann (Chabucos) born September 22, 1932, and John Arthur (March 28, 1937) and nine grandchildren. All the Colwill children left Creston after finishing their education. Sally died April 23, 2003. Herb and wife Jan reside in Bloomington, MN. Jack and wife Betsy live in Glen Allen, VA. Active in many civic affairs, Hap was a member of the Creston Methodist Church and served on the board for 30 years. He served eight years on the Ogle County School Board including a term as president in 1960. He was a charter member of the Creston Boosters Club. He was a member of Creston Masonic Ledge, Freeport Consistory, Sycamore Commandery, Tebala Shrine, and B.P.O. Elks in DeKalb. He was also appointed administrator of three estates. Hap died June 19, 1982 at the age of 85. Agnes Colwill, born January 21, 1904, was an active member of the Creston Methodist Church. She taught Sunday school classes for several years, was a board member and leader for the women of the church. She helped plan, prepare and serve countless meals for church and community events. She participated in several Creston Booster events. Agnes, who had a green thumb, took pride in overseeing their home landscaping. Groups would come to view her lovely flowers. She liked to entertain friends and family. She was an excellent cook who seldom measured the ingredients but knew just the right amount to add to a mixture. Agnes was also very active in the American Cancer Society. She was a very kind, loving, caring, and gracious lady. She died January 30, 1983 at the age of 79.

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_AMTID: 250108267553:1030:113160583