HARRY R. AND GRETCHEN GREGORY FAMILY

Harry Reynolds Gregory was born in Birchinol, Iowa on September 19, 1887. On February 11, 1913, he married Gretchen Keeler, who was born in Money Creek, Minnesota on December 1, 1891. They met when she was attending Normal School in Mason City, Iowa. She began teaching at the age of 18 in a country school before their marriage. Their wedding trip brought them to Wheaton Illinois when they started farming. Harry rode in the cattle car with his cows and Gretchen rode in the passenger car. In 1929 they moved to the farm west of Naperville at the northwest and southwest corner of Route 59 and Aurora Avenue (now New York Street). This property is now Fox Valley Shopping Center. 

During the depression the Gregorys tried various enterprises to help make ends meet. They butchered and sold sausage by the pound in offices in Chicago. Also raised peonies and sold flowers in the spring and roots in the fall. These jobs benefited the community. Six children were born to them: Kermit, Gordon, Everett, Harry (killed in World War II), Eleanor and Larry. The Gregory family raised a niece Ruth Rowe Gregory Erb.

Harry was a progressive farmer interested in new ideas. During the 1930’s he heard about the development of hybrid seed corn. He had the first acre grown in Northern Illinois on his farm. The following year he planted 5 acres, which led to the formation of Pfiester Associated Growers. This company has since evolved into Agrinetics. He served on the board of Edward Hospital, the Rural Fire District board and was also President of the DuPage County Farm Bureau. Harry R. Gregory died on March 5, 1968.

Gretchen Gregory served on the Edward Hospital Auxiliary, the Wheatland Salem U.M. Church as a Sunday School teacher and the Womens’ Group and the Homemakers Extension Association, as well as her family and friends. She passed away on July 21, 1980.