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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Fulton County
Munsell Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908

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The Biography of Ambrose DIKEMAN 

[Surnames: DIKEMAN, GREEN, LINDSEY, MCCOY, MILLER, THREW] 

DIKEMAN, AMBROSE

    
He is still classed with the younger element of the community in which he lives, is one of the most prominent characters in the agricultural, mercantile and political circles of his section of Fulton County, is a resident of Farmington where he established himself in business in 1894. He was born in Fairview Twp., on May 11, 1871, a son of Stephen C. and Susan (Lindsey) Dikeman, natives of New York and Massachusetts, respectively. 
    
Stephen Dikeman, who followed farming throughout his life, settled in Fulton Co. in 1844, locating in Fairview Twp., where he purchased forty acres. In 1880 he withdrew from his long continued labors and made his home in Farmington, remaining there until his death in 1898. He and his wife had seven children of whom the following are still living: Cyrus M., Flora (Mrs. Green), George and Lindsey. 
    
Ambrose Dikeman attended the public schools of Fairview Twp., and subsequently pursued a commercial course in the Canton Business College. He remained on his father's farm until he was about 23 years of age. He then engaged in the hardware and stove business in Farmington, opening a store in the Crane Building, on the south side of Fort Street. His brother Lindsey is assisting him in the capacity of clerk. He owns an entire section of land in Fulton and Knox Counties, which is now rented. 
    
In 1902 Mr. Dikeman married at Farmington with Mary McCoy, who was born in Knox Co. IL, and the daughter of Dennis and Jane (Threw) McCoy, natives of Ireland. One child, Clifford, has resulted from this union. 
    In politics Mr. Dikeman is a Republican. He has served as Alderman, was Supervisor for two years, for an equal period filled the office of Mayor of Farmington. Fraternally he is identified with the A.F.&A.M., M.W.A, and Eastern Star. 
    
Lindsey Dikeman, the brother and business assistant of Ambrose, was born in Fairview Twp., July 4, 1876. Since the Dikeman hardware enterprise was established his diligent and faithful efforts have contributed largely to its success. He is a man of strict uprightness and good business ability. In 1900 he was wedded to Effie Miller, who was born in Canton, Fulton County, and they are the parents of two children-Flo and Leta.