John W. Seek, deceased, who was numbered among the early settlers of Winnebago county, establishing his home here in 1849, was born in Virginia, September 29, 1822, his parents being John and Mary (Shaefer) Seek. They were natives of Virginia and removed thence to Indian, where the mother died. The father afterward engaged in farming there until 1849, when he brought his family to Winnebago county, and he purchased a tract of land in New Milford township, three miles southeast of the village of New Milford. He at once began the cultivation and development of the farm and continued its active operation up to the time of his death.
John W. Seek was a student in the public schools of Indiana in his boyhood days, and spent his youth in his parents’ home. While living in that state he was married in Wells county, near Fort Wayne, to Miss Eliza J. Montgomery, whose birth occurred in Ohio, while her parents were natives of Pennsylvania. They removed from the Keystone state to Ohio, and there remained until called to the home beyond, the father following farming as a life occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Seek became the parents of five children, of whom Mary E. and William died in infancy. The others are as follows: George W., who wedded Agnes M. Hall, died in September, 1889, leaving a widow and two sons, Claude and Wilber. They reside with their mother in Rockford and are now employed by the Rockford Watch Company. Sarah is the wife of Thomas Lawson, a retired farmer living in the village of New Milford, and they have four children: Walter, Harry, Roy and Betty. Emma is the wife of Lovejoy C. Hall and they reside with her mother in Rockford. Mr. Hall is well known as a real-estate dealer of this city, conducting a large business. They have four children: Maude, Ida, Eugene and Emery. Mrs. Seek and her family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church of New Milford. Mr. Seek was ever successful in his farming operations, and his widow is now well-to-do. The old homestead is still in possession of the family, but Mrs. Seek intends to make her home with her children.
Source: Charles A. Church, Past and Present of the City of Rockford and Winnebago County, Illinois (Chicago: S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1905), p. 451.