A Few Answers, Many Questions: The Abram Cottew Photograph

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Introduction

Some photographs tell their story immediately. Others take years to reveal even a few details.

This remarkable farm photograph was shared with Historic Sandwich IL by a collector from Somonauk. At first glance, it appeared to be a large threshing scene from rural northern Illinois. The image carried the imprint of Sandwich photographer W. H. Hendricks, but little else was known.

Over time, however, a series of clues began to emerge. A county history, an obituary, estate records, and newspaper accounts helped identify the farm’s owner and provided a glimpse into the people and places connected to the photograph. While many questions remain unanswered, the image is no longer anonymous.

The Photograph

The photograph depicts a large threshing operation in progress. Men, women, children, horse teams, wagons, farm machinery, haystacks, and barns can all be seen across the scene.

Unlike a formal portrait, the image captures everyday rural life at work. The photographer stood far enough away to document the entire operation rather than focusing on a single individual or family.

The photograph bears the imprint:

W. H. Hendricks, Sandwich, Illinois

A surviving Hendricks advertising handbill notes that he was equipped to perform “outdoor photographing of any kind,” suggesting that farm scenes such as this were among the services he offered.

This odd advertising card was created by Sandwich photographer W. H. Hendricks. Using the exaggerated humor and playful satire popular in the late 1800s, the “reward” notice draws readers into an increasingly ridiculous story before revealing itself as an advertisement for family portraits, photograph copying, and outdoor photography.

Identifying Abram Cottew

A name on the back connected the photograph to Abram “Abe” Cottew of Adams Township.

A Pioneer Family

County histories identify Abram Cottew as the son of John and Sarah (Young) Cottew, English immigrants who settled in Adams Township during the 1840s. Abram was born July 1, 1848, and spent nearly his entire life on the family farm.

By 1900, he was described as a successful farmer whose holdings totaled more than 250 acres.

The Man Behind the Name

An obituary published after his death in 1905 provides a more personal description.

According to the obituary, Abram was known to friends and neighbors simply as “Abe.” He was remembered as a kind man who was always willing to assist others and who gave freely of his time and energy whenever help was needed.

The obituary also notes that, except for a brief period living in Somonauk, he spent his life near the place of his birth. The county history notes that Abram spent his entire life on “the old farm in Adams Township,” suggesting that the property had remained in the family for decades before its sale following his death.

Following the Trail

The photograph may be identified, but the story is far from complete.

Estate Records

Two years after Abram Cottew’s death, the Sandwich Argus reported that his estate was being sold.

The residence property was purchased by J. L. Schafer for $1,000. At the time, the home was occupied by John Halsteine and family.

The newspaper also reported that the estate’s Adams Township farm was divided and sold in separate tracts, including:

92 acres purchased by E. Peterson for $100 per acre
40 acres purchased by Jule Grandgeorge for $130 per acre

A New Occupant

A 1908 newspaper item provided another clue.

The Sandwich Argus reported that Cyrus Peterson and family had moved to the farm that his father had purchased from the Abram Cottew estate.

Although the exact location of the farm has not yet been determined, these land transactions may eventually help pinpoint the property on historical plat maps and land records.

What We Know

Confirmed Facts

The photograph was taken by Sandwich photographer W. H. Hendricks.
The image has been linked to Adams Township farmer Abram Cottew (1848–1905).
Abram was born and spent most of his life in Adams Township.
His funeral was held at the Northville Church in 1905.
His estate was sold in 1907.
Portions of the farm were purchased by members of the Peterson and Grandgeorge families.
Cyrus Peterson moved onto part of the former Cottew farm in 1908.

What We Are Still Trying to Learn

Unanswered Questions

Where exactly was the Cottew farm located?
Can the farm be identified on historic plat maps?
When was the photograph taken?
Is Abram Cottew visible in the image?
Can any of the other individuals be identified?
What type of threshing machinery appears in the photograph?
Do any descendants recognize the buildings, equipment, or people shown?

An Unfinished Story

Historic photographs often survive long after the names and stories connected to them have been forgotten.

In this case, a photograph that once appeared anonymous now has a photographer, a subject, a place, and a growing paper trail. Yet many mysteries remain.

Perhaps future research, or the memories of a descendant, will provide the next clue.

For now, the Abram Cottew photograph remains what every good historical mystery should be: a few answers, many questions, and an unfinished story.

Research & Sources

Biographical and Genealogical Record of La Salle County, Illinois (1900)
Abram Cottew obituary, 1905
Sandwich Argus, September 13, 1907 (estate sale)
Sandwich Argus, March 20, 1908 (Peterson farm occupancy)
W. H. Hendricks advertising handbill
Photograph shared by a Somonauk area collector