Chauncey Sill Colton:     

           Chauncey Sill Colton was a remarkable man.  His name is as imperishable as the name of the city of his adoption.  A halo surrounds it, which will grow brighter and brighter, as the history of Galesburg and its early struggles shall be known and read.  Without him, this city of beauty and refinement, of schools and colleges, as it is today, could never have been.  It was he, with the aid of others that brought the great Burlington system to this city.  Without this railroad, Galesburg would be a “deserted village” on the plain.  He was its chief promoter and the only director living on the line of the road for a quarter of a century, during which time the original railway, of eighty miles in length, expanded to five thousand miles.  All the extensions in Illinois were made on his suggestion and insistence; and he was the first to urge its extension beyond the Mississippi.  All honor is due to him for incessant labors in building up the city of his home.  Like many a great man and worker for humanity, he built wiser than he knew; but future generations will enjoy the fruits of his labors.

            Mr. Colton was a native of Springfield, Pennsylvania, born September 21, 1800.  His parents were Justin and Abigail (Sill) Colton and were natives of Massachusetts.  They lived for one year in Pennsylvania, and then returned to their New England home.  Young Chauncey spent his boyhood at Longmeadow, Massachusetts, with his grandfather, whose precepts and advice did much to establish his character.  He attended the academy at Monson, Massachusetts, and improved all the means of learning there given.  But his large acquirements were obtained in the great school of practical experience in life.

            Mr. Colton was of English descent.  His American progenitor was Quartermaster George Colton, who came to this country from Suttancofield, Sussex County, England, in 1640, and settled at Windsor, Hartford County, Connecticut.  His grandfather, Captain Gad Colton, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.

            In 1820, after finishing his course of study at the academy, Mr. Colton went to Monson, Maine, and resided there for ten years.  But the opportunities amid the rocks, mountains, and rugged barrenness of New England seemed to him too narrow and confined.  He therefore resolved to try his fortune in the Great West, then an almost unexplored wilderness.  In June 1836, he took up his abode in this city and lived here, an honored and highly respected citizen, the remainder of his life.  His first occupation was in the mercantile line, in which he was eminently successful.  But his chief business, of interest to this section, was the buying and shipping of its staple products.  He shipped the first beef and pork, the first wheat and corn from central Illinois.  The route of shipments was down the Illinois and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans, thence by sea, to New York and Liverpool.  He favored every enterprise which was for the advancement and interest of the city and State.  He was one of the founders of the First National Bank, in which he was a director for many years.  He was also one of the founders of the Farmers’ and Mechanics’ Bank, in which he was the largest stockholder and its first President.  His money and his counsel aided much in the erection of Union Block and other buildings.  He built and occupied the first house in Galesburg.  He also built the first school house in the town, and paid for it himself.  Some years later, the frame of the old First Church was raised, but stood uncovered for about two years, until Mr. Colton offered to complete it himself, and let the members of the society pay their subscriptions when able to do so.  Indeed, from the day of his arrival to the time of his death, it would be difficult to mention a worthy enterprise that he did not favor and assist.  Public spirited, high-minded, possessing great native talents and a keen judgment, he readily comprehended matters and in every undertaking, knew what was best to be done.

            Although not a church member until late in life, Mr. Colton always considered churches and schools of primary importance in a community.

            He was a member of the Old First Church.  At the organization of the Brick Congregational Church, under Dr. Edward Beecher, he united with it and remained a communicant as long as he lived, and gave liberally for its support.

            He had also a great faith in Knox College, and in the work that this institution would accomplish for the community here and for the world at large.  For forty years, he was a member of the Board of Trustees, and nearly as long a member of the Executive Committee.  No college ever had a more faithful worker; he labored for its prosperity and success, and gave his time and money freely.  His services were ever regarded as valuable, because of his keen perception, sound judgment, and practical knowledge in all business relations.

            Mr. Colton never sought office and was not a politician.  In early life, he was a democrat, afterwards a free soiler, and lastly, a republican.  He believed more in the politics of principle than in the politics of men.

            Mr. Colton was married in Maine, January 5, 1826, to Emily H., daughter of Samuel McLanathan, of Sangerville.  There were born to them four children:  Harriet S. (Noteware); Sarah M., of this city; Colonel John B., of Kansas City; and Hon. Francis Colton, of Washington, D.C., formerly Consul at Venice, Italy.

            In such a life as Chauncey Colton’s there is much to admire and commend.  His manners were simple and unaffected.  He was an example of true manhood and possessed all those qualities which ennoble and dignify human nature.  He was intelligent and able to meet any emergency.  He had quick perceptions, and was not easily betrayed into difficulties.  He neglected no duty; he thrust aside no obligation.

There will be much more here on the Colton's.  Plan on Putting His son's bio Francis's here and Colonel John B's as well.  Col. John B. Colton was also a member the Jayhawker's the 1849 and spent some time going to California during the gold rush period.  John B. then organized the Jayhawker's Reunion.  More here later.....            

 

LEVI FRANKLIN DANFORTH

            Levi Franklin Danforth, son of Oliver Cromwell and Eliza (Lincoln) Danforth, was born in Norton, Massachusetts, June 5, 1825.  His father was a farmer, which occupation he pursued until the year of his death, 1828.  He left four sons, two of whom passed the limit of the common age of man; one, Lemuel, still survives, who has been foreman of the Old Colony Car Shops for forty years, a position which he still holds.

            Levi’s youth was spent on his father’s farm.  His educational advantages were not the best, but he availed himself of all the instruction offered in the common schools of his native town, until he was seventeen years of age.  He then left the paternal home for Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to learn the painter’s trade, at which he served as an apprentice for two years.  After suffering from severe sickness induced by poisonous paints, he learned carpentry, which he followed until 1877.  He afterwards engaged to a considerable extent in buying and selling real estate.  In December, 1888, he opened a grocery store on Monmouth Boulevard, and continued in that business until August, 1889, when he was compelled to sell out on account of an affliction of his eyes.

            Mr. Danforth with his wife made several trips across the continent, before he made his final settlement for life.  In September, 1857, he went to California and pursued his trade in the vicinity of Mariposa Grove.  He returned to Pawtucket in February, 1860, and in 1867, came to Galesburg, where he spent the remainder of his life.

            Mr. Danforth from early youth was thrown upon his own resources.  There were difficulties to overcome, which called into action the better qualities of his nature.  He possessed executive ability, a determined will, efficiency and force.  He was naturally social in his nature and loved his family, friends, and home.

            He was sensitive, open-hearted, and self-reliant and thoroughly despised shams of every kind.  He was generous and liberal, and at the same time, economical and saving.  He did his own thinking, was tenacious of his opinions, but he accorded the same privilege to others that he asked for himself.  His ways and means were his own, which gave to others and the impression of a positive character.  He was fond of discussion and argument, and was inclined to the investigation of intricate questions.  He was a lover of poetry and music and devoted his leisure hours to the enjoyment of verse and song.  In a word, he was affectionate and kind, and lived the life of a temperate and upright citizen.

            Mr. Danforth never connected himself with many of the various societies.  His individuality was too strong and too independent to submit to society routine and society discipline.  He once joined the Masonic Order, but was not an active member.  He said that he loved his family and home too well to spend his evenings away from them.  He was never connected with any church, but favored the morality and precepts therein taught.

            In political faith, he was a republican, but not a strong partisan.  He was once accosted by a friend who said to him, “Well, you will vote for Lincoln; he is a cousin of yours; your mother was a Lincoln”.  His reply was, “The relationship is not near enough to do any harm.”

            Mr. Danforth was twice married.  H was united to his first wife in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, October 4, 1846.  Her maiden name was Phebe Ann Alexander.  To them were born five children, Eugene Franklin, Phebe Richmond, Levi Franklin, Ella Cook, and Walter Lincoln.  These children all died in youth.

            His second marriage was March 18, 1875, to Mary A. Pottinger, who survives him.

SIMEON B. DAVIS

            Simeon B. Davis was born in Ashland County, Ohio, December 7, 1836.  His parents were Amos and Nancy (Crawford) Davis, natives of Ohio.  His mother was a daughter of Colonel Samuel Crawford, an officer in the War of 1812.

            Mr. Davis received a common school education in his native State, and took advantage of every educational opportunity afforded; and being a great reader has always kept abreast of the times.  He located in McDonough County, Illinois, at the age of eighteen, where he soon engaged in teaching school, and where for eight years he was one of the most successful teachers of that county.  He then engaged in farming and stock-raising for a number of years, shipping stock to the Chicago market.  He still owns a farm in Hire Township, McDonough County.  He afterwards removed to Macomb, Illinois, where he engaged in the monument business.  In 1887, he came to Galesburg, where he has since been the leading marble and granite merchant of this section of the State.

            Mr. Davis has been a prominent member of the republican party for many years.  In 1880, he was elected to the Legislature, representing the counties of Warren and McDonough.  At the regular session of 1881, and the special session of 1882, he was a member of several important committees, and rendered valuable and efficient service.  Mr. Davis is a pleasing and impressive public speaker, and has rendered valuable service to his party during Presidential campaigns, both before and since coming to Knox County.  Mr. Davis has always taken a lively interest in the advancement and improvement of the city of Galesburg.  He is now serving his second term as Alderman from the Third Ward, which is but one of the many evidences of the respect and confidence of the people.

            He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having held official positions therein for many years, at present being one of the Trustees.  He is a member of Veritas Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; a member of College City Lodge, Ancient Order of United Workmen, having served in all the chairs of these orders.

            September 27, 1860, Mr. Davis was married to Artimesa Stambaugh, daughter of Rev. Adam Stambaugh.  They are the parents of nine children: Emma; Eva; Margaret; Elsy A.; Steward A.; Alice J.; Louie May; James E.; and Stella, deceased.

LOYAL CASE FIELD

            Loyal Case Field was born in Cornwall, Addison County, Vermont, February 29, 1824.  He was the son of Luman and Abigail (DeLong) Field.  In early life, the father was a school teacher, but afterwards devoted himself to farming.  He left Vermont in 1835 and lived in Yates, Orleans County, New York, for two years.  In May, 1837, he came with his family to Knoxville, this county, remaining there until October 8, when he removed to a farm he purchased at Center Point.  Here he resided until his death, September, 1846.  In religion, he was a Baptist; in politics, a republican.  He was ever regarded as a worthy and upright citizen.

            Loyal’s early educational advantages were limited.  He made the best use possible of all the opportunities the common school of his native town afforded; but it was in the great school of experience that he was fitted for the active and responsible duties of life.  While in school, he manifested a decidedly artistic taste.  He had a fondness for drawing pictures of animals and natural scenery.

            Soon after the arrival of the family at Knoxville, Loyal was engaged for four years as a clerk in the dry goods store of Joseph Gay, of Henderson.  He was also clerk for Mr. Whistler, of Davenport, Iowa.

            After his father’s death, he took care of the farming interest; settled the estate, and farmed for his mother’s family and himself from September 1846 to January 1852.  He then sold the home farm and bought Mr. Wiley’s stove, tin, and hardware store in Galesburg.  F. M. Smith being his partner, and E. C. Field a silent partner and bookkeeper.  This firm of Field and Smith continued the hardware business for four years.  He then became a leading member in the Frost Manufacturing Company, where he remained as President until his death.  As a canvasser for jobs or contracts, or as manager at the office desk, he always manifested a superior talent for business, and was always known for honesty and fair dealing.

            Under his advice and management, the firm prospered and gained a wide reputation.

            Mr Field was never a seeker after office.  Nevertheless, by reason of his ability and integrity, his fellow citizens demanded his services.  In 1860-61 he held the office of Alderman, and in 1872 he was elected Mayor of the city of Galesburg.

            In religious belief, Mr. Field was orthodox, although not a member of any church.  He was generous almost to a fault, contributing liberally to all churches where he attended.

            In political faith, he was an outspoken advocate of the principles of the republican party.  No preferment ever biased his judgment.  He espoused a cause, because he thought it was right.

            He was married September 12, 1848 to Clara Armeda Davison, daughter of Artemas Davison (who was accidentally killed by his son-in-law while hunting in Henderson Grove, November 17, 1842) .  To them were born five children: Frank Smith, born February 24, 1850, died July 8, 1850; Edward Loyal, born January 4, 1855, artist in New York City; Kate Elnora, born April 28, 1859, married to Edward Russell Grant of Cromwell, Iowa; Carrie Luella, born June 12, 1862, died April 2, 1866; Charles, born January 26, 1866, died September 26, 1866.  Edward Loyal was married November 2, 1890, to Flora Stark, in London, England.

JOHN HUSTON FINLEY

            John Huston Finley was born at Grand Ridge, LaSalle County, Illinois, October 19, 1863.  He is the son of James Gibson and Lydia Maynard (McCombs) Finley, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania.  His father, when a young man, came West and purchased a tract of land, then an unbroken prairie, for a farm.  He then returned to Pennsylvania and brought his family to his new home in LaSalle County.  He was a man of intelligence and influence and was prominent in the community in which he lived.  In church affairs, he took a great interest, and for the common weal, he labored faithfully.  The mother of John H. was a remarkable woman.  In her domestic relations and in her social functions, she never failed to do her duty.

            The history of the ancestry of the Finley family is brief.  They are of Scotch-Irish descent.  By persecutions, they were driven out of Scotland at an early day and settled in Ireland.  They emigrated to this country about the year 1750.  A member of one of the branches of the family became President of Princeton College.  Another was the first minister to cross the Allegheny Mountains, settling in Western Pennsylvania.  From this latter branch descended Dr. John H. Finley.

            Dr. Finley acquired the rudiments of his education in the district school of his native town.  He received also private instruction from the teacher and from the village minister.  He attended the High School at Ottawa for fourteen months and graduated in 1881.  He then engaged in teaching for the Winter of 1881-2 and worked on the farm the following Summer.  In the Fall of 1882 he matriculated in Knox College, remaining there six months.  He then worked on the farm and taught school for the following Winter.  In the Spring of 1884, he returned to Knox College and graduated with high honors in 1887.  In the Autumn of this year, he entered Johns Hopkins University and took a post-graduate course, remaining until February, 1889.

            Since leaving college, Dr. Finley has had a most remarkable career.  Places of honor and preferment have been open to him without his seeking.  After leaving college, he was a compositor, for a short time, in the printing office of Colville Brothers, Galesburg, Illinois.  In 1892 he was unanimously elected President of Knox College, his Alma Mater, and her increased patronage under his administration is a reliable witness of his success.  In a large measure he was the life and spirit of the college during his Presidency.  His work was not in the class-room, but in the field, lecturing, raising money, and securing students.  He had the confidence of all, and whatever the undertaking, his hands were upheld by pupil, teacher, and the general public.  Knox College owes him a debt of gratitude for enlarging her reputation among sister colleges.  His own reputation spread likewise, and during his term of service here, he was offered several important positions in other colleges.  He resigned the presidency of the college in 1899, and is now engaged in editorial work with McClure and the Harpers, New York City.

            As a scholar, Dr. Finley stands in the front rank.  He has been a thorough student of the best masters in literature, and is well versed in the writings of to-day.  As a man, he is kind, gentle, and affable, and exhibits marks of sincerity in every word and act.  He is a stranger to the finical graces of the schools, the studied ornament of speech, and the hollow verbiage of the charlatan.  His marked characteristics are force and decision of character, accompanied with prudence and discretion.  His manner is commanding, yet urbane; his actions are politic, yet frank; and his opinions are reserved, yet free.  He is a warm supporter of education, religion, and good morals.  His sympathies are inspiring; his charities, free from ostentation; and his friendship lasting.  His social qualities, honest heart, and benevolent disposition give him a power that few men of his age possess.  His life has been upright; his dealings just, and he has ever been regarded as a most worthy citizen.

            In his religious connection Dr. Finley is a Presbyterian.  In political faith, he is a republican.  He was married June 23, 1892 to Martha Fow Boyden, daughter of Hon. A. W. Boyden, a banker at Sheffield, Illinois.  Mr. Boyden has been a member of the Legislature and was one of the one hundred and three that elected John A. Logan to the United States Senate.

            Dr. and Mrs. Finley are the parents of two children: Ellen Boyden, born March 10, 1894; and Margaret Boyden, born April 1897.

FRANCIS A. FREER, A. M.           

            Francis A. Freer, A. M., son of Abram and Mary (McKimens) Freer, was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1843.

            His parents moved to Pittsburg in 1849, and thence to Ellisville, Illinois, in 1857, where they lived until their decease.  Their school advantages were very limited, but they made good use of the opportunities given.  The father possessed an iron will and was not easily turned aside.  In many of the common branches, he became a good scholar, especially in history and mathematics.  Both were devout Christians.

            His paternal ancestors were “French Huguenots”; his maternal, “Scotch-Irish Covenanters”.  Both came to this country before the Revolution.  What part they took in that great struggle for human freedom is not known.

            Mr. Freer’s efforts to obtain an education were similar to the efforts of many others.  In winter, he attended the public schools, while in summer; he devoted his time to learning the carpenter’s trade.  This was his life until he was eighteen years old.  In the Spring of 1867, he entered Hedding College at Abingdon, Illinois, and graduated in 1871 with the honor of valedictorian of his class.  A large portion of his school expenses was defrayed by himself.  The ripening harvest and the timbered forests offered plenty of work for his hands.  The cradling of grain or the hewing of timber was a work with which he was familiar.

            Mr. Freer is fond of natural scenery.  His childhood was spent in school, and when school duties were over, in searching the fields and woods for flowers.  No precipice was too high or dangerous to prevent his scaling it for a rare specimen.  He was fond of all kinds of sports.  He says of himself that his “tastes were always expensive; means always limited”.

            After leaving college, he was principal of the Wataga schools for a time, and then for three years taught in the Henderson schools.  During that time he read law with Hon. C.H. Nelson, but was never admitted to the Bar.  One of the most important changes of his life was the giving up of the profession of teaching, which had been successfully followed until 1879.  The confinement of the school-room was undermining his health.  He then engaged for a time in the agricultural implement business, and later in the school book business, as the general agent of Sheldon and Company for the State of Illinois.

            In 1875, he moved from Wataga to Henderson, and in 1879 to Galesburg, where has been his home ever since.

            In 1861 he went to Peoria to enlist in the Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, but failed to pass on account of his health.  In 1862 he enlisted in the Seventieth Illinois Infantry, three months troops, serving about five months on guard duty.  Again on account of his health, he was rejected from the three years service, but in the Spring of 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and was in a hard fight with Forest near Memphis, August 22, 1864.  His regiment lost in killed and wounded 170 men.

            The offices that Mr. Freer has held are not numerous, but worthy of mention.  Both at Wataga and Henderson, he was elected Village Trustee on the temperance ticket, the issue being license or no license—elected Justice of the Peace in Henderson Township on the republican ticket in 1877, resigning the office in 1879—is a  member of the James T. Shields Post. No. 45, Department of Illinois, G.A.R.—was elected commander of the same in 1890—was appointed Postmaster of Galesburg by President Harrison; again appointed by President McKinley, which office he now holds.  He was elected Sergeant at Arms of the 34th General Assembly of Illinois in 1885.  He is also a member of the Council of Administration, Department of Illinois G.A.R., having been elected in May 1899.

            Mr. Freer has taken an active part in every public enterprise for the up-building of Galesburg during the past twenty years.

            He has been connected with the following Societies:  The Good Templars, Sons of Temperance, Temple of Honor, A.O.U.W., Masons and Odd Fellows, and the G.A.R. and U.V.U.

            In religious faith, Mr. Freer affiliates with the Presbyterians, although he is not a member of any church.

            In political faith, he is an uncompromising republican.  In every campaign, by his eloquent speech, hard work and contributions, he has done much for the success of republican principles.

            He was united in marriage December, 1871 to Jennie E. Christy, who was educated at Hedding College.  To them were born five children, Elizabeth Irene, Howard Abram, Charles Francis, Mary Alda, and Morton Christy.  Elizabeth is a graduate of Knox College, Alda is a student in Knox Conservatory of Music, Morton is a student at Lombard University, and Howard and Charles are engaged in business.  Morton served in Company C, Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War, receiving special mention in his honorable discharge.

COLONEL CLARK E. CARR

            Colonel Clark E. Carr was born at Boston Corners, Erie County, New York, May 20, 1836.  He was the son of Clark M. and Delia (Torrey) Carr.  His parents were intelligent and painstaking people, and gave their children all the advantages possible in those days.  His mother died when he was three years old, and is buried at Boston Corners.  When he was nine years old, his father married Fanny Le Yau, who became a devoted and affectionate mother to the children.  The family came West around the Lakes, in March, 1850, landing in Chicago.  Here teams were purchased, and they made their journey in “prairie schooners” to Henry County, Illinois, locating on a farm near Cambridge.  In the Autumn of 1851, the family removed to Galesburg, where the father and his second wife lived and died.

            Colonel Carr’s paternal ancestry reaches back to Caleb Carr, who died while Colonial Governor of Rhode Island, and to Rev. John Clark, who was driven out of the Massachusetts colony for preaching the Baptist doctrine.  Like Roger Williams, John Clark went to Rhode Island, then a wilderness, and afterwards became its Governor.  The Colonel’s great-grandmother was a Miss Clark, descended from Governor John Clark, and Clark has been the Christian name of his grandfather, of his father, of himself, and of his son.

            Colonel Carr’s early educational advantages were of the better sort, and he judiciously and wisely improved his opportunities.  He attended the district school in the village of his nativity, until he was eleven years of age.  He then went to Springville Academy, Erie County, New York, where he remained two years.  At fourteen he arrived in Galesburg.  Immediately, he entered Knox Academy and afterwards the Collegiate Department of Knox College, leaving at the end of the sophomore year to commence the study of law.  He first entered the Law School at Poughkeepsie, New York, and subsequently, the Albany Law School, graduating in 1857.  His first co-partnership in the practice of his profession was with Thomas Harrison, and three years later, with Hon. O. F. Price, under the firm name of Carr and Price.  In March, 1861, as a just acknowledgment of his services on the stump, he was appointed by President Lincoln Postmaster of Galesburg, which position he held for twenty-four years.

            Early in the War of the Rebellion, Governor Yates appointed him Colonel on his staff, and to its close, Colonel Carr performed his duties faithfully, such as assisting in the organization of regiments at Springfield, visiting the army in the field, and bringing home the sick and wounded.  Governor Yates said that no man outside of the army did more efficient service.  He was constantly active, also, in the interest of the government, in awakening by his speeches throughout Illinois, a patriotic and living public sentiment; often speaking with Governor Yates and others in support of the State and National administration.  In 1862, when an attempt was made to turn out all the republican State officers of Illinois, Colonel Carr and other patriotic men came as champions of their cause before the people, and succeeded in keeping the State Government in the control of Governor Yates and his colleagues.  In September, 1863, a great mass meeting was held in Chicago for the purpose of sustaining President Lincoln in issuing the Emancipation Proclamation.  It was here, from the Court House steps, that Colonel Carr made one of the greatest speeches of his life.  It was published in the Chicago papers and circulated throughout the country.

            Colonel Carr has always shown himself to be a public spirited man.

            He has held several offices in the city of his adoption.  He was a delegate to the National Convention, held at Baltimore in 1864, which re-nominated President Lincoln.  He was a delegate from the State-at-large to the National Convention in 1884, which nominated Blaine and Logan.  He was a member of the committee on the platform resolutions, of which committee President McKinley was chairman.

            It is almost needless to say that Colonel Carr is and always was a republican.  He has spoken in almost every northern State in advocacy of republican principles.  He also made many literary addresses, and his services in both the political and literary field are still in great demand.  He spoke at the first meeting in favor of the Hennepin Canal, held at Ottawa many years ago, and was present at the Willard Hall meeting in Washington, and at other meetings favoring the enterprise.  A great event in which Colonel Carr bore a conspicuous part was in the organization of the Gettysburg Association.  Commissioners from the several States whose soldiers had participated in that battle constituted the Association.  Colonel Carr was appointed commissioner for Illinois by the Governor.  The dead bodies were to be consigned to their graves, and headstones erected, before the cemetery was finally turned over to the general Government.  It was this Association that invited President Lincoln and his Cabinet to be present, and Edward Everett to deliver the oration at the dedicatory exercises, and it was Colonel Carr that suggested and urged that Lincoln also be invited to speak.  All these commissioners sat on the stage, when the great patriotic President delivered that celebrated address.

            Colonel Carr has been honored by being called to high positions, and he had honored the positions to which he has been called.

            Under President Harrison’s administration, he was appointed Minister Resident and Consul General to Denmark.  While a conference of Consuls General, of which he was a member, was in session in Paris, he received notice from Washington of his promotion to the rank of Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary, in which position he represented our country at that brilliant court for four years.  As Minister, Colonel Carr performed signal service in the interest of the World’s Fair and for the commerce of the United States.  He served his country faithfully for four years as Minister of Copenhagen, and received the highest commendations from the Government.

            Colonel Carr is entitled to great credit for the part he took in inducing the Santa Fe Company to build the line of their railway through Galesburg.  The company made several surveys with the design of finding the shortest practical line to Chicago.  Orders were issued to adopt the line about twelve miles south of Galesburg.  Through the efforts of Colonel Carr, the company was induced to prospect a line through this city, which was finally adopted upon certain conditions.  While the citizens contributed generously to the work of the complying with those conditions, but for the efforts of Colonel Carr, the Santa Fe Railway would have gone direct from Fort Madison to Streator, leaving Galesburg to one side.

            Colonel Carr also took a deep interest in the Omaha Exposition.  He was President of the Illinois commission, composed of twenty members appointed from different parts of the State.  The commission erected a beautiful building on the grounds, which became a popular resort.  The affairs of this commission were so well managed as to elicit the highest commendations.  An unexpended portion of the appropriation of nearly $7,000 was left in the State Treasury.  For this, much credit is due to the president of the commission.

MILTON LEMMON COMSTOCK

            Milton Lemmon Comstock, A.M., Ph.D., was born in Crosby Township, Hamilton County, Ohio, October 19, 1824.  There is a tradition that the progenitor of the Comstock family in England was a German Baron, Kulmstock, who emigrated to that country about A.D. 1500.  A village named Culmstock exists among the Down Hills, between Exeter and Taunton, and William Comstock, born in 1608, came with his wife, Elizabeth, from southwestern England to Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1635.  Their fourth child, John, with his wife, Abigail, settled in Lyme, Connecticut.  William, the third of the seven children of John, born January 9, 1669, had two children, the second of whom was William, born January 16, 1695 (Lyme Records, page 428, defective from fire).  James, the eldest of William’s four children, was the great-grandfather of Milton L.

            The parents of Milton L., Joab and Jane (Lemmon) Comstock, were born in Ohio and Maryland, respectively; his paternal grandparents, Joab and Eunice (Willey) Comstock, were born in Connecticut; his maternal grandparents, William and Margaret (McCaine) Lemmon, were born near Armagh, Ireland; his paternal great-grandparents were James and Thankful (Crosby) Comstock, and Ephraim and Patience (Becket) Willey; on the maternal side, John and Jane (McCrea) Lemon (name so spelled originally), and Archibald and Elizabeth (Trimble) McCaine.  His grandfather, Joab Comstock, came with his family from Hadlyme, Connecticut, to Ohio, in 1801, and settled in the northwestern part of Hamilton County, where he made a farm out of a dense forest; he died in Ohio in 1825, and his widow died near Burlington, Iowa, in 1858.  Joab, the fifth of his children who attained maturity, was born February 9, 1804, removed to Iowa in 1839, and died in Burlington in 1882.  He was a farmer and a local Methodist preacher for nearly fifty years, a kind and faithful man. William Lemmon, Mr. Comstock’s maternal grandfather, came to America in 1801, and to Ohio in 1819; he was a weaver; he died in 1851.  His daughter Jane, who became the wife of Joab Comstock, father of Milton L., was born in Maryland, February 15, 1807, and died near Burlington, Iowa, in 1875.

            Milton L. Comstock was the eldest of eleven children.  His schooling began when he was four years of age, in a log school house, which had split logs for seats, and a stick chimney.  His winters were spent in school, and his summers on the farm.  After his removal to Iowa, his time was mostly occupied in improving their farm in the new country.  Besides the ordinary work upon a farm, his experience included breaking prairie, making rails, riving and shaving shingles, running a shingle machine and sawmill, quarrying stone with drill and powder, running a thrashing machine, raising and caring for flax, and the propagation and culture of fruit trees.

            At the age of twenty Mr. Comstock began a life of study and teaching.  His physical welfare was assured by early training and habits of temperance, and during forty-six years of teaching he lost only three days from sickness.  In September, 1844, he entered Knox Academy, Galesburg, Illinois, with a fair common school education, but never having seen an Algebra or a Latin Grammar.  He studied a year with all possible diligence, for his dominant wish had been to possess knowledge.  In June, 1845, he returned home, taught school, studied and taught in Yellow Springs Academy, Des Moines County, Iowa, and after two years returned to Galesburg, entered Knox College, and at the end of four years of untiring study, had conferred upon him the degree A.B., June 26,1851.

            July 30,1851, he married Cornelia Ann, second daughter of Norman and Anna (Eggleston) Churchill, of Galesburg, formerly of Herkimer County, New York.  Mrs. Comstock was born at Winfield, New York, March 17, 1831, and was a granddaughter of Rev. Jesse Churchill of Wethersfield.  Her family, on the maternal side, can be traced to an ancestor who settled at Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1635.  She completed the Ladies’ Course in Knox College, except one study; taught school several terms; taught in the Haynes Academy, Cherry Grove, Knox County, and sang in the choir of the “Old First” Church for thirty-five years.  Mr. and Mrs. Comstock have had six children, four of whom are living:  Cornelia Belle, Clara Emily, Clarence Elmer, and Ada Heletia, all of whom are graduates of Knox College.  Cornelia B. is the wife of Will W. Hammond, a lawyer of Peoria, Illinois, who graduated from Knox College in 1878; she is a member of the choir of Plymouth Congregational Church.  Clara E. is a stenographer and Notary Public, at Peoria.  Clarence E. is in charge of the Mathematical Department of Bradley Polytechnic Institute, Peoria; he is leader of the choir, deacon, and trustee of Plymouth Congregational Church.  Ada H. is a member of the choir of Central Congregational Church, Galesburg.

            Mr. Comstock taught three years in Knox Academy.  In 1854, the degree A.M. was conferred upon him by his Alma Mater.  In the summer of the same year, he removed to Des Moines County, Iowa, and engaged his horticultural pursuits, and during the three years spent in that occupation he was, most of the time, Editor of the Iowa Farmer.  In September, 1857, he became a Professor in Yellow Springs College, Iowa.  In September, 1858, he came to Knox College as Assistant Professor of Mathematics, and in 1861, became Professor in that department.  He discharged the duties of the position till June, 1898, when he became Professor Emeritus.  In addition to the pure mathematics, he taught Astronomy, Physics, and Meteorology.  He was secretary of the Faculty for twenty years.  Devoting an average of two hours a day to outside studies, he spent at least two years upon each of the following branches:  Trigonometry, analytic geometry, differential calculus, integral calculus, and astronomy; he also devoted considerable time to quaternion, determinants, trilinear co-ordinates, and differential equations, and in 1879, when Lombard University conferred upon him the degree Ph. D., he did not hesitate to accept the honor from fear of being criticized for not being properly qualified.

            Mr. Comstock became a member of the M. E. Church in 1840, but withdrew from that church on account of the slavery agitation, and joined with others in forming a Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1844.  He united with the “Old First” Church of Galesburg in 1851, and was elder and clerk in that church for twenty-seven years; he sang in the choir twenty-five years, and represented the church in various associations; he is now a deacon in the Central Church of Galesburg.

            His writings are confined to a few articles in different mathematical journals and in newspapers, over his name and the signatures:  “X. Y. Z,” “C,” “K” and Ecleme.”  He joined a temperance society in 1833.  He has been a republican ever since that party was organized.

HON. ZELOTES COOLEY

            Hon. Zelotes Cooley sought his fortune in the West at a very early period, when Knox County contained here and there only a few hamlets and the virgin soil was almost unbroken.  He was a large factor in its development and growth form the day he set foot on her soil to the moment of his death.  In his manner of living, he was plain and simple and was never guilty of ostentatious display.  In honesty and moral rectitude, the true dignity of his character was shown.  His suave disposition and his inborn gentility fitted him especially to deal with men, and to these qualities his great success in business and in life is principally due.  He had keen perceptions and a sound judgment, and could unravel the machinations and evil designs of men as by intuition.  The frivolous was no part of his nature, and consequently he took life as a serious business.  He was always known for his strict honesty and his fair dealings with his fellowmen.  His unyielding firmness in justice and right begat confidence and as a result, place and honor were bestowed upon him.  He honored every office that he was called to fill, because he regarded himself as a true servant of the people.

            Judge Cooley came from a long line of Puritan ancestors.  He was born November 10, 1808, in East Windsor, Connecticut.  He removed to Glastonbury with his parents in 1816.  At sixteen, he went to Hartford to learn the carpenter’s trade and afterwards to Westfield, Massachusetts, and later to Poughkeepsie, New York, where he engaged in the grocery business until 1837.  He next went to Philadelphia, then down the Ohio River, up the Mississippi, through Illinois to La Grange.  He then went to Quincy, then to Macomb and Carthage.  At Carthage, he was employed to build the Court House.  In 1838, he came to Knox County.  With a partner, Mr. Alvah Wheeler, he built the Court House at Knoxville, drawing the plans himself.  He was engaged as a contractor and builder until 1846, when he was appointed County Assessor.  He was elected for ten years, when he commenced the practice of law.

            In politics, Judge Cooley was a democrat.  In religion, he was not connected with any order, but believed in the Golden Rule and in loving and serving his fellowmen.  He was charitable, always bestowing his means judiciously whenever a worthy object was presented.  His several bequests to St. Mary’s at Knoxville, and to the hospital, Knox College, and the Universalist Church of Galesburg sufficiently attest the character of his benevolence and charities.

            He married Miss Julia A. Hanks, of Connecticut in 1833.  Of this union, two daughters are still living—Mrs. David W. Bradshaw and Mrs. Samuel L. Charles.

REV. JOSEPH COSTA

            Rev. Joseph Costa, O. C., R. D., was born October 18, 1822, in Pettinengo, Province of Biella, about thirty miles northeast of Turin, Italy.  His father’s name was Antonio Costa, and his mother’s, Angela Maria Facio.  His father was occupied in land-industries, and was also employed in running a tailoring establishment.

            There were four brothers in the family, of whom Joseph was the youngest and the only one in the ministry.  The others followed other professions. The family records go as far back as six hundred years from the present time.  Some of the members along the line were priests.

            Father Costa received the first rudiments of letters and music in his native town.  Subsequently, he entered a college called “Bachette,” and began his studies of Latin under Rev. Professor W. Scaglia.  Later on, he pursued his studies in classics in the city of Biella, and after an interval of two years of rest, he began his course of philosophy in the College Melerio Rosmini in the city of Domodossoia under Professor Parma, continuing for two years.  Having passed his examination in philosophy and being a member of the Order of Charity, he applied himself, under able professors, to the study of Divinity in the Rosminan Institute at Stresa on the borders of Lago Maggiore.

            In 1851, as a member of the order, he was sent by the General, the Rev. Antonio Rosmini, to the English Missions belonging to the same order.  In this, his new country, he reviewed his theology under Professor Caccia and prepared for the reception of Holy Orders.

On February 18, 1853, he was examined and ordained Priest in the Church of Oscott College, by the Rt. Rev. Bernard Ullathorne, Bishop of Birmingham.  As a priest, he labored for eleven years in Great Britain, either doing parish work or preaching at missions or teaching in college. 

            In 1864, at the request of Dr. Yunker, Bishop of Alton, Illinois, he was sent by the General of his order to work in that Bishop’s diocese.

            In the United States, the field of his labors was chiefly in Illinois—Springfield, Jacksonville, El Paso, Lincoln—and finally in 1877, he was sent to Galesburg by Dr. John L. Spalding, first Bishop of Peoria, for the social purpose of establishing Parochial Schools.  From that date to the present time, his labors have been devoted to the wants and improvements in that city for the Catholic population.

            Since his arrival here, Father Costa has worked earnestly and faithfully for the up-building of the church to which he belongs.  In the Spring of 1878, the erection of St. Joseph’s Academy was commenced, and in the Autumn of 1879, it was opened for use, with about ten teachers and four hundred pupils.  Stevens and Parry, of this city, were the builders.  The cost of the building, including heating apparatus and excluding furniture was $16,858.13.

            The convent contiguous to the Academy was erected partly by Jacob Westfall, of Peoria.  Failing to complete the contract, the building was finished under the direction of Father Costa.  The work was commenced in 1880 and finished in 1881.  It cost $11,388.52.

            The ground upon which Corpus Christi Church stands cost $4,885.  The contract of the building was given to Matthias Schnell, of Rock Island.  It cost, including heater, seats, bell, etc., $38,611.43.  Corpus Christi dwelling cost $5,500, including heating apparatus.

            St. Mary’s Primary, on the corner of Fourth and Seminary streets, cost $2,500, without the furniture.

            The lot on which Corpus Christi Lyceum stands was purchased for five thousand dollars.  The building and furniture cost about $42,000.  It was commenced in 1891 and furnished in 1894.  This edifice is private property of the Order of Charity in this country.

            Father Costa has done much in the erection of buildings in this city.  For that purpose and the benefit of his church, he had expended more than $125,000.  In the work of his hands, he has been diligent and fervent in spirit.  As a man, he is kind and gentle in manners, temperate in speech, unyielding in his convictions, and firm in his ideas of duty and right.  He is a Catholic, and lives and labors for the Catholic faith.  He comprehends the duties and responsibilities of American citizenship, and in a word, has lived a life above reproach.

Coolidge, James H

 Farmer; Galesburg Township: born August 25, 1838, in Watertown, Massachusetts; educated in the common schools. His parents were John and Mary Bond Coolidge Of Watertown, Massachusetts. He was married to Ellen F. Brown in New Hampshire, January 01, 1862. They have nine Children: Lottie E., who married David Williams, and died in 1895; John, James H., Jr., Arthur E., Nellie, Walter, Josephine, Edgar D., and Edna L. Mr. Coolidge came to Knox County in 1874, and settled on Main street, west of Galesburg. He is engaged in general farming, dairying and the breeding of thoroughbred Holstein cattle. His ancestors came from England to Watertown about the year 1700. Mr. Coolidge is member of the Baptist church. In politics. he is a republican.

THOMAS GOLD FROST          

            Thomas Gold Frost was an exceptional man.  Possessed of strong native powers and imbued with a high moral purpose and a sense of duty and right, he wrote his name high on the roll of fame among the great and good of earth.  He was born in Whitesboro, Oneida County, New York, May 4, 1821.

            John Frost, the father of Thomas G. was a prominent Presbyterian clergyman.  He was a superior scholar and a graduate of Middlebury College, Vermont.  It is said that at his examination, he recited the Latin grammar entire.  He was pastor of a church in Whitesboro for nearly twenty years, and was “an earnest advocate of temperance reform and a wise and prudent actor in the anti-slavery agitation of his day”.  He was afterwards called to take charge of a Presbyterian church in Elmira, New York, and it was at an abolitionist meeting here, that a mob gathered and hurried missiles of various kinds at the speakers and others.  Mr. Frost, with his friends, escaped unharmed.  He was a particular friend of the Rev. George W. Gale, for whom Galesburg was named, and had many interviews with him in relation to Knox College and the colony enterprise.  He furthered the project in every way possible, and even purchased land in Galesburg as an aid in carrying out the plan.

            Thomas G. Frost’s mother was Harriet Lavinia Gold, daughter of Hon. Thomas Ruggles Gold, a native of Connecticut and a brilliant lawyer.  At an early day he removed to Whitesboro.  He was chosen State Senator for two terms, and for two terms represented his district in Congress.  The daughter partook of the brilliancy of intellect and keenness of wit of her father, and by her dignity of carriage, pleasing manners, and beauty of person, she became a reigning belle in Washington during her father’s temporary residence there.

            Such was the parentage of Thomas G. Frost, and such were the sterling qualities that flowed down the stream of descent to the son.  The spirit of the boy did not suffer these qualities to lie dormant.  They were burnished and brightened by the instruction at the paternal fireside, by the lessons learned in the common schools, and by the lectures in college.  It was in the public schools of his native town and in Elmira, New York, that he received his elementary education.  Not satisfied with a little learning, and being thoroughly prepared, he matriculated in Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, and graduated in 1843, with the highest honors.  One of his professors said of him, that he, “has the finest legal mind I have met with in my years of instruction of young men”.

            Soon after graduation, he read law in the office of Stryker and Comstock, at Rome, New York, and was admitted to the Bar in 1846.  Immediately, he began to practice there, continuing for twelve years.  He then removed to Galesburg, Illinois, where he practiced fifteen years.  His next move was to Chicago, where he practiced ten years.  In every place where he practiced, whether at Rome, Galesburg, or Chicago, he won distinction and fame.

            As a lawyer, he was a model.  No one ever dared to criticize his methods or his speech.  For assiduity and untiring energy in his labors, he had no superior.  He had quick perceptions, a sound judgment, and a useful fund of intelligence, which enabled him to see readily the scope and bearings of every case.  Business of great importance was entrusted to him on account of his reliability and faithfulness.  His briefs were without flaws, and in conciseness, were models.  His speeches at court were never harangues, but they were full of candor and facts.  His oratory was the eloquence of truth, justice and right.  A judge once said of him: “No man was better able to instruct the Court at this Bar than he.”

            As a man and citizen, he stood before the world unsullied.  His private character was as pure as his public career.  He was kind in spirit, loving his family relations, and sympathetic towards all.  Malice was a stranger to his heart, envy was not cherished, and his broad catholic feelings threw a mantle of charity over the foibles and short-comings of his fellow beings.  His soul-cheering words dispelled the dark clouds of despair and his enlivening spirit was a sunray of hope.  He was a man of sterling qualities, of lofty aims, a devout Christian, and walked and lived on a high plane of moral rectitude.

            Mr. Frost was not an office seeker.  At President Grant’s second nomination, he was chosen one of the Presidential electors.  He took an active part in the removal of the county seat from Knoxville to Galesburg.  Early he was a champion in the temperance cause, and a member of temperance organizations in the East and West.  For some time, he was President of the Knox County Bible Society.  He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Galesburg for twelve years and in Evanston eight years.  While in Hamilton College, he was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity.  He united with the Presbyterian Church when only eleven years of age.

            October 7, 1858, the time of the famous “Lincoln and Douglas” debate at Galesburg, he made the address of welcome to Abraham Lincoln.  He assisted Dr. Noyes, of Evanston, Illinois, in his conduct of the memorable case of the Chicago Presbytery vs. Professor David Swing, who was cleared of the charge of heresy.

            Politically, he was an abolitionist, having espoused the cause of the oppressed colored man in early life.  He cast his first vote for the abolition ticket.  He was delegate to the Free-Soil Convention at Buffalo, when that party was organized.  Afterwards, he voted the republican ticket.

            Mr. Frost was married November 18, 1847 at Rome, New York, to Elizabeth Anna Bancroft, daughter of Judge Edward Bancroft, of Martinsbury, New York, one of the first settlers of that section.  He removed from Westfield, Massachusetts, early in the nineteenth century.  He was a strong man intellectually, enterprising and of high moral worth.

            Mr. and Mrs. Frost were the parents of five children:  John Edward, who lives in Topeka, Kansas, and who, for many years, has been connected with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, as Land Commissioner; Louisa; Elizabeth Bancroft, living in Galesburg; Thomas Gold Frost, lawyer in New York; and a daughter dying in infancy.

            Mr. Frost died near Springer, New Mexico, December 22, 1880 at the age of sixty-nine.

GEORGE W. GALE, D. D.

            Re. George Washington Gale, clergyman, educator and philanthropist, was born in Stanford, Duchess County, New York, on December 3, 1789. 

     His <George W. Gale> grandparent's, Joseph and Rebecca (Closson) Gale, were emigrants from Yorkshire, England and settled at Stamford, Connecticut.  They were the parents of six sons and one daughter.  Of these, John, the eldest, married Sarah, a sister of General Waterbury of Stamford, Connecticut, and died at sea.  His daughter, Sarah, married Hezekiah Olmstead, and was the mother of Sally, wife of Silvanus Ferris.  Another son, Josiah, was the father of the eminent founder of Galesburg.  He was the husband of Rachel Mead, whose father, Timothy, moved from Connecticut to Dutchess County, New York, and from there to Meads’ Mills, Vermont, where, with his brothers, he took up his residence before the Revolution.  His wife was a cousin of Mary Mead, the mother of Silvanus Ferris.  Josiah Gale was a man of muscular frame and remarkable strength, while his son, George W., was slightly built, although of graceful carriage and commanding presence.  He served during the French and Indian War in the army in northern New York, participating in the battle of Ticonderoga, Oswego and Fort Stanwix.  In the Revolutionary struggle, he was with the militia at the battle of White Plains, but his principal service was as the head of a vigilance committee to look after the Tories, who, in that region, were numerous and troublesome.  He was of a generous disposition, and became one of the Galesburg colonists, being elected a Justice of the Peace in the new settlement.

            George W. Gale was left an orphan when only eight years old, but was affectionately cared for by his sisters, of whom he had eight, married to substantial farmers in the neighborhood of their home.  As he grew older, however, he became conscious that the life of a farmer’s boy would not satisfy his aspirations, and he determined to acquire a higher education.  As soon as qualified, he alternated his attendance at school with the duties of the pedagogue, and by these means, with close application to study at home; he prepared himself for entering the Sophomore class at Union College.  For a time, he had a tutor, John Frost of Middlebury, Vermont, who afterwards became pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Whitesboro, New York, and was his counselor and coadjutor in all his enterprises in after life.

            After graduating from Union, Mr. Gale entered Princeton Theological Seminary, but so impaired his health by over-study that he was compelled to leave the institution before the completion of his course.  He was, however, licensed to preach by the Hudson (New York) Presbytery, in 1816.  For a few years he preached to small, newly formed congregations in Dutchess and Putnam counties, being also employed as a missionary among the new settlements in Jefferson and Oswego counties, and for a time supplying a pulpit in Green County.  His health partially restored, he returned to Princeton and completed his course in 1819.  From the many calls to a pastorate which he received, he accepted one from the church at Adams, Jefferson County, New York; and, riding thither from Princeton on horseback, he entered upon a new field of duty.  Within five years his health again failed him, and, resigning his charge, he went South, to seek the benefit to be obtained through a change of climate.  A winter in Virginia proved so beneficial that he returned North; yet did not dare to resume his ministerial duties.  Accordingly he secured a residence, with a small farm attached, in the pretty village of Western, Oneida County, New York.

            At that time an educated ministry seemed to be a vital need of the Presbyterian Church, a fact which few men within that communion felt more keenly than did Mr. Gale.  To his trained and reflective mind, the problem presented itself, how to enlist young men of piety and talent, and afford them proper training?  His own experience had shown him students discouraged for want of means, abandoning their studies to earn money which was indispensable for their prosecution, and undermining their health by an intense effort to make up the time thus lost.  Most of them were accustomed to the outdoor life of a farm, with physical exercise, and it occurred to him that if each student were given, each day, a sufficient amount of such work to relieve the mental strain inseparable from hard study, and at the same time to aid in defraying the expense necessary to his education, better results might be obtained.  He tried an experiment.  He took into his family a half dozen young men, to whom he furnished books and gave instruction in consideration of three hour’s daily work upon his farm.  Out of this project was developed the Oneida Institute, at Whitesboro, New York, which was founded mainly through his efforts.  He personally solicited the funds necessary for the purchase of a farm and the erection of buildings.  Instructors of ability and repute were secured, dormitories and shops built, a college curriculum adopted, and the project fairly launched.  Three hours’ daily labor on the farm paid for room rent and board; work in the shops was paid what it might be worth.  The Institute was soon filled with students, and the pervading atmosphere was intensely religious, while strong temperance and anti-slavery sentiments were developed.  From 1827 to 1834, Mr. Gale remained at its head, but in the latter year he retired from the management to enter upon the formation of the Galesburg Colony and the founding of Knox College.  For a detailed account of his efforts in this direction, and the success with which they were crowned, the reader is referred to the articles entitled Galesburg and Knox College.

            He first visited the site of the city in his honor in 1836, when he devoted considerable time to looking into the affairs of the colony and making ready a home for his family, whom he brought out later, returning to Whitesboro to accompany them.  Their journey to their new home occupied six weeks, and was accomplished by canal to Buffalo, by lake to Detroit, and by wagon to the cabin in which they were to reside.  Finding this filled with sufferers from an unfortunate canal boat expedition (see “A Canal Boat Journey), he found quarters for his wife and seven children in the already crowded cabins of helpful, sympathetic neighbors, and put up another cabin for the winter from green logs.  In the spring he built another and better one at what is now the corner of Seminary and Grove streets, and four years later erected a house, yet standing, at the corner of North and Cherry streets.

            From its founding until his death, which occurred September 13, 1861, Mr. Gale was prominent in the management of Knox College, serving as trustee all the time, and as a Professor from 1841 until 1856.  He was also active in the affairs of the church, and for several years filled the pulpit of the First Presbyterian, long the only church in Galesburg, besides devoting much time to the establishment of other churches, in the surrounding country.  In 1857, he was smitten with a paralytic stroke, but was gradually regaining his strength until, within six months before his death, he began to weaken.  Gangrene finally set in, causing his death within a few days after its appearance.

            The following tribute to his memory was paid by Rev. Dr. Boardman, of Philadelphia, an eminent Presbyterian divine, who knew him well:  “His intellect was strong, clear, acute, penetrating, active, well furnished and well disciplined.  His judgment of men and things was sound, his hopefulness large, his faith confiding, his will resolute, his fortitude unshrinking, and his courage unfaltering.  His piety was a governing principle, a part of his very being, and controlling his plans, his labors, his comforts and his purse.  His works praise him, and his memory will long be fresh and fragrant in the church.”

            Mr. Gale was three times married.  His first wife was Harriet Selden, a daughter of Hon. Charles Selden and Abigail Jones, his wife, to whom he was united at Troy, New York in 1820.  She was delicately reared, and a young girl at the time of her marriage.  The income from her small fortune enabled him to prosecute his plans for doing good, and she cheerfully followed his fortunes; if not with enthusiasm, at least without complaint.  In 1841, a year after her death, he married Mrs. Esther Coon, a daughter of Daniel Williams, at Galesburg; and after her demise he was joined—in 1844—to Lucy Merriam, at New Haven, Connecticut.  He was the father of seven sons and three daughters:  William Selden, born in 1822, and now living at Galesburg; Harriet Yonvet, born in 1823; George, born in 1826, and died in 1872; Josiah, born in 1827, and died in 1863; Mary Elizabeth born in 1829, and now the widow of Rev. Edwin L. Hurd, D.D.; Margaret, born in 1831, who became the wife of Professor Henry E. Hitchcock, of Knox College and the Nebraska State University; Charles Selden, born in 1835, and died in 1836; Joseph Dudley, the first male white child born within the present limits of Galesburg, born in 1837 and died in 1856; Roger and Henry Williams, both of whom died the year of their birth, the former in 1840 and the latter in 1842.

William Selden Gale is a fine type of the best American citizen. A New Yorker by birth, a New Englander in characteristics, he brought to the West in early life the ideas so peculiar to that part our country, that all government, to be worthy of the support and loyalty of the people, must rest upon a pure and efficient administration of local affairs. As society at large rests upon the family, so the State and Nation must rest upon the township unit. Honesty, efficiency, and economy in the conduct of local interests will as surely reappear in the administration of the State and Nation as will morality and all the tender  sympathies of the human brotherhood be found in a state of society, where the sacredness of family ties and obligations are observes with the sincerity of a religious conviction.

All through Mr. Gale's life, prominent and above all other considerations, this principle has been manifested; and when called to look after interests extending beyond the purely local, and touching the State at large, the influence which his measures might have upon local affairs were still uppermost in his mind. If Mr. Gale has had ambition to work in larger fields and doubles he has, for he has been eminently fitted for such service, such ambitions have always been subordinated, not only to a feeling of obligation to perform the local duties that are ever pressing upon a competent man in any community, but also to a feeling of distaste to an active political life; for not one of the many positions of trust and honor which Mr. Gale has held was he ever an active candidate, until made so by his friends. In all his relationships to his fellow citizens, his bearing has been cordial, his criticisms not harsh, but based upon a sound judgment, and therefore, never used to feed a vindictive spirit.

He stands then a man to whom every young person may look as a specimen of a typical, high-minded citizen.

He was born February 15th, 1822, at Adams, Jefferson County, New York, where his father, the Reverend George Washington Gale, afterwards of Galesburg, Illinois, was then Presbyterian pastor.

His mother, daughter of Hon. Charles Selden, was born at Lansingburg, New York, in 1800, and was married to the Rev. Mr. Gale at Troy, New York, in 1820.

Charles Selden was born at Lyme, Connecticut. He graduated from Yale in 1777, in the presence of General Washington, from whom he received, with others his class, a commission on graduation day, and entered the army. He was made Captain and served until a year after the War. He became a merchant, was State Senator, and a member of the State Board of Regents of the University.

Col. Samuel Selden, father of Charles, commanded a Connecticut regiment, was in New York at the time of the battle of Long Island and was left behind sick when the Americans evacuated and the English entered the city. He died a prisoner. Thomas Selden and Richard Ely, ancestors of Charles Selden, came to Lyme, Connecticut, about 1836, where some of their descendants still reside.

Mr. Gales was married in 1845 to Caroline Eliza Ferris, daughter  of Silvanus Western Ferris, and granddaughter of Silvanus Ferris, who was so prominent in the formation of Galesburg colony.

There were eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gale; William Selden, George Washington, Charles Selden, Caroline, Harriet, Joseph Dudley, Josiah, and John. Williams S..; George W,; and Harriet are now living. Josiah died in 1889 and was at that time Clerk of the Circuit County of this county. the other three sons died young. Though not a college graduate, Mr. Gales' education has been a liberal one. He was fourteen years old when he left New York for Illinois. At that time he was prepared for college, but was considered too young to enter. A plan for home study was begun with the expectation of entering college later, but in an advanced class. Systematic study, however, was gradually dropped on account of some business cares and the desire for an active life incident to a new and hopeful country. Having a phenomenal memory, and grateful powers of analysis and application, the habit of reading history, political economy, and other subjects of like practical interest to the citizen, made him one of the most liberally educated men of this community.

Tempting opportunities for useful and profitable vocations presented themselves. That of merchant and general trader at First seemed most attractive. His eighteenth and nineteenth years were years of education in that capacity, while in the employ of Colonel Herman Knox and James Knox. Brothers in Business at Knoxville, and of Ralph H. Hulburt, of Mr. Sterling. He became interested in real estate and other property, however, which turned his attention to the law. He was admitted to the Bar in 1846. Without the usual waiting for practice, so universal with young attorneys, his business and certain duties of citizenship absorbed all his time. His knowledge of the law was of great service to him in what was afterwards his life work.

Another preparatory experiment was the management of "the Newsletter," a paper published with the assistance of Dr. James Bunce and George C. Lanphere. It may be said that here Mr. Gale began his efforts to make Galesburg a railroad center.

Railways at that time were thought to be principally useful for overland transportation. connecting lake with lake and river with river, the waterway being still considered means of traffic. The Peoria and Oquawka, the Rock Island and Peoria, the Illinois Central, the Northern Cross (Galesburg to Quincy)., the Michigan Central, and Michigan Southern roads were all figuring for Illinois business. Knoxville and Monmouth both seemed to lead Galesburg in the chances of railroad connections; Galesburg, was therefore, greatly discouraged. It came to the knowledge of Mr. Gale that the mangers of the Michigan Southern road were about to undertake the extension of the Rock Island and the Peoria to Chicago. It was supposed that this line would come within thirty miles of Galesburg. Mr. Gale at once called attention to these facts in an editorial. A great stir was made, committees were appointed to confer with Chicago and Eastern parties, and everything looked favorable for the construction of a branch to connect with this road. Galesburg people obtained a charter for this branch, which was to be known as the Central military Tract Railroad. The Rock Island and the Peoria people agreed to take up its construction, but were, as it proved, a little too slow. The Michigan Central Railroad Company was about to extend the chic go and Aurora line to connect with the Illinois Central at Mendota. Mr. Gale saw the advantage of this line at once, and the negotiations begun with the same parties to take up the Central Military Tract road were entirely successful. A direct line to Chicago, through Mendota and Aurora, was thus secured, and , as predicted by Mr. Gale, the Peoria and Oquawka and the Northern Cross came to Galesburg to make their Chicago connections. These roads now constitute an important portion of the splendid "Burlington" system. A large part of Mr. Gale's time was freely given to this enterprise, the wisdom of which is fully demonstrated by the great, intelligent, and prosperous communities that have grown up along its lines. With the completion of this railroad. "The Newsletter" was transferred to other parties, to the great relief, though substantial pecuniary loss, of the editor.

The public offices held by Mr. Gale comprise almost everything of local character, as well as certain positions of more general jurisdiction; From 1849 to 1853 he was Postmaster of Galesburg; 1853 to 1895, with the exception of five years, Supervisor of Knox County; 1871 to 1882, and 1891 to 1895, Alderman of the City of Galesburg; 1861 to the present time, Trustee of Knox College; Member of the State Constitutional Convention, 1862; Member of the State Legislature, 1869; Member of the State Revenue Commission, 1885 and 1886; Trustee of the Illinois Western Hospital for the Insane, 1895 to 1897; Presidential Elector, 1872. IN 1853 he was nominated for County Judge during his absence from Home. He did not desire the office, made no canvass, and was defeated.

He was a member of the Whig party, and attended, as a delegate, most of its conventions until its dissolution, and then joined the republican party. He has been in the State and National Conventions, and supported the candidates, though sometimes doubting, and even regretting, the policy.

Mr. Gale is entitled to a brief consideration of his more important public work, as it will serve to bring out more clearly his natural mental tendencies and power of analysis of public questions.

The Constitutional Convention of 1862 consisted of as many delegates as there were members of the Legislature, and they were elected from the same districts. No reapportionment had been made for twenty years. Representation was, therefore, very unjust to the republicans in the northern portion of the State, which had in the meantime become very populous. Union conventions to nominate delegates were held in many counties, Knox among them and the result was only thirteen republican members in the convention. It contained many able men, and among the democrats were many strong Southern sympathizers. What, then, should be the attitude of Illinois in case the Union should be broken up, was a serious question to many, and the authority of the convention to declare it was urged. The influence of Douglas and Logan, together with Union victories, finally put discussions of this character aside, and the convention settled down to more legitimate work. Mr. Gale, though one of the very small minority, secured the adoption of a plan, giving county Boards, under certain conditions, power to submit to a vote of the people questions as to removal of county seats, the object being to take such questions out of politics. Knox county was then divided into factions on this subject, and at a decided disadvantage in every district and State convention. The proposition was dropped on final revision, through fear that it might cost the constitution votes in to some localities. In the work of apportionment, Gale was successful, having his own way as to his own locality. He had been place don the judicial and congressional apportionment committees. and the work of congressional apportionment was mainly done by Mr. Gale, and Lewis W. Ross, Of Fulton County. the constitution failed before the people, owing to prejudice created by the unfortunate character of its opening provisions.

In the Revenue Commission of 1885-6, Mr. Gale again displayed his knowledge of the details in every department of local administration. His appointment was made at the earnest solicitation of every member of the Knox County Board of Supervisors, the county officers, and the City Council of Galesburg, besides others equally prominent in matters of the public welfare -- all of whom knew of his thorough fitness for such an important work. The commission was composted to twelve members, sic from each political party. The Hon. Milton Hay, one of the most eminent attorneys of the State was chairman. The assessment of property in the State had developed into a contest between the assessors, to see which could so assess as to obtain the most relief for his taxes. The Commission saw that hits contest was unavoidable, unless the State taxes were assessed and collected in an entirely different manner from all local taxes. The commission plan, therefore, struck at the root of the difficulty. It was opposed by interests directly affected by the proposed changes, and so the work came to naught. No member of the Commission left plainer marks than Mr. Gale. The work was mostly done in committee of the whole when he was chairman.

In 1868, the people of Galesburg decided, if possible, to secure the passage of a bill, submitting to a vote, the removal of the county seat from Knoxville to Galesburg. They put forward Mr. Gale as their candidate for the Legislature and he received the nomination. The democrats nominated Alfred M. Craig. the county seat question figured largely in the issue, but Mr. Gale was elected. Mr. Gales was made chairman of the committee on penitentiaries and was also placed on the railroad committee. The county seat bill was presented and passed after a hard struggle. This was the last session of the Legislature permitting special legislation. Every member was, in consequence, very active. Mr. Gale had about thirty bills and succeeded in getting them all passed. Mr. Gales' interest in local affairs began when as a boy, he listened to the plans of the founders of Galesburg before they ]left New York, to find the spot whereon was to be built the college and around which the village and future beautiful city was to grow.

The plan worked out by the Rev George Washington Gale, and in which Mr. Selden was so much interested, has been substantially followed. The first city charter of Galesburg was drafted by Mr. Gale. George C. Lanphere and Oliver S. Pitcher. Mr. Gale declined a place in the council at that time, and afterwards until 1871, when he was elected without opposition. He remained in the council until 1882. and had an opposing candidate but once during that time. He was chairman of the finance committee during his entire service as Alderman. In the first period of his service he refunded the city debt on terms especially advantageous to the taxpayers, and which were thought impracticable by local bankers. He negotiated the purchase of the City Park, and the year after the close of his second period of service, from 1891 to 1895, he was chairman of the committee to revise the city ordinances.

Township organization was adopted in Knox County in 1853. The first ten years subsequent to this Mr. Gale was elected Supervisor without opposition. The first five years he was the sole representative from Galesburg; then two representatives were allowed. At the beginning there were still the remnants of an early prejudice against Galesburg, as a Yankee, Presbyterian, Abolitionist settlement. The town was increasing rapidly, and large bills were necessarily presented to the county for the support of the Galesburg poor, the poor being entirely a county charge at that time. Moreover, the rapid growth of Galesburg was exciting the suspicions of the people that sooner or later a successful effort would be made to remove the county seat from Knoxville to Galesburg. this feeling was shared by a majority of the County board. Mr. Gales exerted more influence in the Board than any other man, and many of the representatives were accused by their constituents of allowing themselves to be hoodwinked by him. The simple fact, however, was, that coupled with is ability were a thorough knowledge of the situation and a spirit of perfect fairness and justice, and to be associated with him in the transaction of the county business, enabled all to see the justness of his propositions and the sincerity of his purpose. In 1863, he was not re - elected. In 1865, his services were again demanded, and he was returned with H. R. Sanderson as an able associate. Galesburg was soon restored to her proper degree of influence. From this time until 1873, when the question of locating the county seat at Galesburg was finally settled, Mr. Gale had the care of many important measures. He secured an order of the county Board dividing the town, drawing the division line in such a way that it made two towns, each entitled to two supervisors, thus increasing the representation of Galesburg by two members. Later he drew a bill, which passed the Legislature, diving the City of Galesburg from the township, allowing the city representation in proportion to the population.  This gave Galesburg six representatives in the county Board. this bill possessed one entirely new feature. It gave the city a township, as well as city, government. He devised the present mode of caring for the poor, dividing the responsibility between township and county, which has been so satisfactory.

The elegant three-story court house, completed in January, 1887, was mainly planned by Mr. Gale, the architect taking the floor plan entire as submitted by him. He was chairman of the building committee during the entire time of the court house construction. His part in determining the plan for the jail and letting the contracts for construction, was practically the same. The same may be said of the construction of the first insane annex to the Alms House, although he did not remain in the Board until the building was completed.

Limited space prevents the enumeration of all that Mr. Gale has done for this community; to repeat here what his opponents have said in his praise would appear fulsome in the extreme. One thing, however, his friends have seriously regretted, that he ever allowed himself to be drawn from the profession of the law; for they feel that when the conclusion was reached, that his work lay along other lines, this county lost its opportunity of furnishing to the State one of its foremost attorneys. Mr. Gales is still in active life, attending to his large farming interests in Knox and Warren Counties. A. J. Perry. typed and process by your host Foxie

George Candee Gale was born at Galesburg, Illinois, July 12, 1873. His father, George Washington Gale (bio above), a son of William Selden Gale, was also born at Galesburg, and his mother, Frances Candee, was born at La Fayette, Indiana. His father has always followed the occupation of farmer, and is a leading citizen in his community. His mother, like his paternal ancestors, was of Presbyterian stock and was the daughter of an Old School Presbyterian minister. Young Gale, therefore, very naturally, entered the Presbyterian Church. The mental qualities and tendencies which children inherit are quite likely to control them in the selection of the organized groups of thought to which they attach themselves; and so it often happens that an examination of a person's associates, individual and collective, will disclose traits of character in such person which at first would not otherwise be discerned. This rule applied not otherwise be discerned.  This rule applied to George C. Gale would indicate that, Presbyterian like, he is a man who would insist upon a great deal of individual liberty in matters of opinion; that he would claim his right to feed in every corner of the civil and religious pastures, but that he cheerfully submits to be restrained by the fence erected on established lines. This somewhat uncouth illustration represents to the author of this sketch the character of Mr. Gale. From a long like of ancestors he has drawn these traits, and in whatever enterprise he may engage; wherever his services may be enlisted, we may expect to find his own personality, his won conscience, and not an imitation of anybody.

Mr. Gale has had a liberal education, judged from almost any standpoint. He attended the Galesburg public schools including one year in the High School. Two years in Knox Academy admitted him to Knox College, from which he graduated, after four years' study, with first honors, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1893. He received the degree of Master of Arts from the same institution in 1895 and delivered the Master's Oration in 1896.

Naturally Mr. Gale turned to the study of law. No other profession offers such opportunities for the full exercise of his abilities and natural traits of character. He studied one year in the office of Messrs. Williams, Lawrence and Welsh; one year in the University of Wisconsin, and one year in the New York Law School. He won the first prize, $150,000, upon the thesis "Ultra Vires," in a contest open to all graduating members of the school, and was given the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1896. He was admitted to the Bar of Wisconsin in May, 1895, and Illinois in 1896.

Mr. Gales' boyhood was spent on the farm. We can almost imagine, however, that his fondness for reading and study, and an irrepressible desire to take part in the somewhat more stirring phases of life, interfered somewhat with his usefulness as a farm boy.

He is at present engaged in the practice of law, a profession with which he is deeply in love, and is associated with Mr. Wilfred Arnold. If ability, honesty, and hard study combined will county for anything in the race for success, we may confidently expect to see some very important cases entrusted to his management before he is very old. In national politics he is a republican; in city affairs h is an independent. He has always resided in Galesburg except when attending law school. Amore extended genealogy of Mr. Gale may be seen by consulting the sketch of his grandfather, William Selden Gale, in this volume. A. J. Perry. I take it he wrote this bio on George C. Gale. typed & processed by your host Foxie....

WILLIAM LUCAS STEELE

            William Lucas Steele, A. M., son of William Lucas and Anna (Johnson) Steele, was born in Adams County, Ohio, July 22, 1854.  His parents were Scotch-Irish Covenanters.  His father, who was a farmer and a teacher in the winter season, died at the age of thirty-nine, when William L. was a year old.

            In 1859 his mother moved with her family of three children to Randolph County in southern Illinois.  In 1869 she moved to Monmouth, Illinois, in order to secure the educational advantages presented there for her children.

            Young Steele’s elementary training was obtained at the various public schools where he lived.  His ambition was to make the most of his opportunities.  Even at eight years of age, he performed the ordinary work of a man on the farm.  Not satisfied with merely a common school education, he entered Monmouth College and graduated in the classical course with high honors.  After graduation in 1876, his first employment was teaching.  He took charge of the Yates City schools in this county, remaining there for seven years, when he was elected County Superintendent.  The latter office he resigned to accept the superintendence of the Galesburg City schools, which position he has held with distinguished credit since August 1885.

            At Yates City, he laid the foundation for the school library, which has been flourishing for over twenty years and has at present over two thousand volumes.  As County Superintendent, he wrote the first “Outlines for Ungraded Schools,” which was published by the Board of Supervisors.  As City Superintendent, he has introduced “Manual Training” and “Elective Studies” for the High School.

            As an educator, Professor Steele is a popular man.  He is popular among his teachers and among the citizens.  In the educational fraternity throughout the State, he is well and favorably known.  Before the State Teacher’s Association, he has frequently been invited to read papers on educational subjects which have reflected great credit upon his ability.  In every moral enterprise, he is a worker.  He never has affiliated with any society, secret or otherwise, but is a firm adherent of the Presbyterian Church.  He has been the secretary of its Board of Trustees for the past six years.

            In his political sympathies, Professor Steele is a republican.  On that ticket, he was elected County Superintendent.

            He was married October 20, 1887 to Helen Carter Benedict, who died May 3, 1893.  She had been a teacher in the city schools for three years.  To them were born two daughters: Gertrude Helen, born July 27, 1889, and Helen Benedict, born February 11, 1893.

LOREN STEVENS

            Hon. Loren Stevens, son of Cassius P. and Clamentia (Smith) Stevens, was born in Westford, Vermont, May 23, 1845.  His father was a farmer, whose sturdy habits were acquired and strengthened among the rocks and green hills of his native State.  In early life, he joined the State Militia and attained to the rank of Major.

            Young Loren passed his childhood and his youth at home on his father’s farm.  He was helper in the fields, when not attending school.  His early educational advantages were not the best, but he was possessed of a spirit and disposition for improving all his opportunities.  At the common schools in Essex, Vermont, to which town his parents removed when he was three years old, he acquired his early education.  At the age of fourteen, he attended the Essex Academy, and subsequently, at the age of eighteen, took a course in Bryant and Stratton’s Business College in Burlington, Vermont.

            After leaving home at the age of seventeen he spent the first eight months in driving a team for a manufacturing establishment.  Afterwards, he was a brakeman on the Central Vermont Railroad, and while so employed, met with an accident, which incapacitated him for work.  During the period of convalescence, he attended the Business College at Burlington and after completing the course, was employed as a teacher in the same institution for a year and a half.

            Not satisfied with the business opportunities presented to young men in Vermont, he left on November 12, 1865, for the West.  He came directly to Cleveland, Ohio, and remained there and in Bedford, Ohio, until the following Spring, when he came to Galesburg, Illinois, arriving on May 25, 1866.

            He was first employed in the office of George W. Brown, where he remained for one year.  He then went into the office of B. Lombard, Jr. remaining for two years.  He next returned to the office of George W. Brown, remaining there for the long period of seventeen years, when he tendered his resignation as Secretary, July 1, 1886.  During the next ten years, he devoted his time to his personal affairs and to buying and selling real estate.  On June 1, 1896 he assumed the duties as Cashier of the First National Bank of Galesburg, which position he now holds.

            Mr. Stevens has won for himself a good degree of popularity and is highly esteemed by his fellow-citizens.  He was elected Mayor of Galesburg on the Citizen’s ticket and held the office for two years.  He is also a member of the City Park Commission and still holds that position.

            Mr. Stevens is a public spirited man, and is ever ready to aid any enterprise that will be of benefit to the city.  He has taken great interest in the establishment and management of the Galesburg Hospital.  He was elected one of the first trustees and still holds that position.  He is also Secretary, Treasurer, and Director of the Galesburg Electric Motor and Power Company; was a charter member of the Galesburg Club; was one term a director of the same, and has always retained his membership.

            Mr. Stevens has traveled quite extensively in his native land, having visited thirty-six States and territories and taken trips into Canada and Mexico.  By these travels, he has become well acquainted with the industries of his own country and has enlarged materially the sphere of his knowledge.  Moreover, in his charitable gifts, he has been liberal as the Hospital, Y.M.C.A., Dorcas Society, and Universalist Church will testify.

            Mr. Stevens is well informed and industrious.  His manners are frank and simple, and his actions are courteous towards every one.  His record is that of a faithful, conscientious, and patriotic citizen.

            In his religious views, he is liberal, not bound by creed or ritual.  He attends the Universalist Church, but is not a member.  In politics, he is a republican.  He is not a politician, but an earnest believer in the principles of that party.

            He was married May 25, 1870 to Lizzie C. Simmons, a native of New York State.  To them was born, December 11, 1876, one daughter Ethel; died August 30, 1877.

MARY EVELYN STRONG

            Mary Evelyn Strong, Principal of the Galesburg Kindergarten Normal School, was born at Glens Falls, New York, February 14, 1854.  Her parents, Ira Harrington and Mary Ann (Holt) Strong, were natives of New York, spending the larger part of their lives in Glens Falls.  They were a frugal and industrious people, and brought up their children in the strict rules of morality and right living.  They came to Galesburg, Illinois when Mary Evelyn was only three years old.  In the Spring of 1861, the mother was left a widow without means and with the care of five children.  She was a frail woman with great energy, which enabled her to support her family.  The children’s success is largely due to the tender care of early training of the mother.

            Miss Strong, when only six years of age, met with an accident which disabled her.  Consequently she was never able to attend school.  She had, however, excellent teachers at home and learned much from the open book of nature.  Every bud and flower, bird and insect and sparkling dew drop had an attraction for her.  She saw in them God’s handiwork.

            Though an invalid, her childhood was a very happy one.  Her waking hours were spent in reading the instructive books furnished her by loving friends.  Much time was spent with pets; and the raising and care of chickens was a pleasant pastime.  She engaged too in rifle practice and became an expert marksman.  Her skill was never exercised in taking life; for her humane feelings were too sensitive to kill the innocent beings that God has made.

            Her love for teaching was an inborn passion, and when only a child, she gathered children about her to instruct.  At the age of twelve, she taught Bible stories to the children of the neighborhood on Sabbath afternoons.  The numbers increased until her home was not large enough to accommodate them, and finally this school was made a part of the City Mission School.  Her first real teaching, however, began when she was fourteen.  It was a private school, which she taught for two years.  On account of ill health, this was discontinued.  She still pursued her studies, and in order to obtain the necessary books, she engaged in embroidering and similar work, as this could be done in a reclining position.  Soon, however, she was sent to the National Surgical Institute at Indianapolis, for surgical treatment and while there, she took a six year’s course in Miss Alice Chapin’s Training School for Kindergartners, spending part of the time in her school and part of the time teaching at home.

            Miss Strong’s first kindergarten was begun in her mother’s dining room, in the Spring of 1879.  In the Fall of that year, a pony and basket phaeton was secured to bring the children from different parts of town.  This conveyance was nick-named the “Kindergarten Clothes Basket.”

            In the Fall of 1880, Miss Strong’s mother moved to Creston, Iowa making it necessary to find other quarters for the school.  Rooms were obtained over O. T. Johnson’s store; but Main Street was found to be an undesirable place for little children.  Then apartments were obtained over the old fire-engine house on Prairie Street, which proved to be less desirable.  All this time the kindergarten was making friends, and among whom was the Rev. Dr. Thain, pastor of the “Old First Church”.  It was he that secured for the school the First Church Chapel, where it remained for six years.  From this time, may be dated the kindergarten’s real success and recognition as a school.

            In 1885, Miss Strong first began the training of public school teachers, who wished to use kindergarten methods in their work.  Having never attended the public schools, she found that her lack of knowledge concerning grade work would be a barrier to her success.  So she closed her school at the end of the Winter’s term, in order to study the common school system.  She took an agency in Iowa, canvassing half a day and visiting school the other half, until she became thoroughly acquainted with common school methods.  She says: “This trip proved to be financially so successful that my friends urged me to give up teaching and accept a permanent position offered me by the firm for which I worked.  I had no such thought, how ever, and September found me again in the schoolroom, with my little ones and my first Normal School.”

            In order that this school should be a success, permanent quarters must be obtained.  The old Christian Church property was secured, and the church and the school occupied it in harmony for six years—Miss Strong residing in the same building.

            In 1890, Miss Strong took the initiatory step to form a “free kindergarten”.  A free kindergarten association was organized, composed of three members from each church in the city, and today this school is in successful operation.

            Miss Strong is a living example of one who not only has pursued, but has acquired knowledge under difficulties.  With poor health and for many years prostrate upon a couch of pain and extreme suffering, she has risen to a height that the physically strong might envy.  In this city she has done a noble work for the cause of education, and in the hearts of the people, she is not without honor.  In her work, she is thorough, and never attempts to give instruction on subjects in which she is not well versed.  She is gentle and kind, and her moral influence over children and others is great and of a highly exalted kind.  In the cause of temperance, she has labored, and in 1894 she was elected a member of the Board of Education on the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union ticket, which was endorsed by the general public.  She was re-elected in 1897, with no opposition, although there were four tickets in the field.  In religion, she is an earnest Christian, and for many years was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but later united with the Central Congregational Church.  Her travels have been somewhat limited and connected mostly with her work as a speaker on educational subjects.  For education, for morality, for temperance, she has been a faithful worker, and her reward is found in the universally expressed sentiment of all, ---”Well done, good and faithful servant.”

JOSEPH TONELLO

            Joseph Tonello, pastor of Saint Patrick’s Church, Galesburg, commands the eminent respect of all who know him as a priest and as a citizen.  He was born in Turin, Italy, March 16, 1851.  His parents were Michael and Laura Gingia Tonello.  His father carried on the business of a contractor.  Both parents were lovers of art and were especially proficient in music.  They were exemplary Catholics, and it is told of Laura Tonello that she was able to repeat in both Italian and Latin all the Psalms, a great part of the Book of Job, the whole of Ruth, the four Gospels, and some of the Epistles of Saint Paul, besides other portions of the sacred writings.  Of the earlier ancestry, the majority had followed a military career, both grandfathers served under Napoleon I., and one participated in the fateful campaign against Russia.  Besides the soldiers, however, this family had produced several magistrates and artists, one of whom, La Tonello, was a famous soprano in her time.  One of his relatives was the well known Italian diplomat, Michael Tonello, who was commissioned by the Italian Government to negotiate with Pope Pius IX for the unity of Italy.

            The childhood of Joseph Tonello was spent for the most part at home, during the winters in town, during the summers among the Alps of Switzerland and Northern Italy.  His association was with artists and with those of artistic tastes.  His own favorite recreation, even as a boy, was drawing and music.  Before the time came for military service, he attended the Gymnastic and Military School for seven years.  His school training began with the Society of Christian Brothers, at the age of six.  At nine he entered the public gymnasium at Turin, and after completing the five year’s course required in that institution, was admitted to the Lyceum, or College.  He later became a student in the University of Turin, where he specialized in mathematics and architecture.  Following his course in the university, he traveled and studied in Switzerland, applying himself now more directly to the classics, to philosophy and modern languages.  He finally became a student of theology and a member of the Order of Charity.  In 1878, Father Tonello was ordained a priest and settled at Domodossola.  In 1879, he was made Vice Rector in the college at that place, teaching various branches until his departure for this country in 1892.  Upon his arrival in America, Father Tonello was employed for a time in missionary work among the poor miners; but in October, 1893, he was appointed to the charge of Saint Patrick’s, where he has since remained.

            In musical circles, Father Tonello fills a conspicuous place.  Some of his artist friends of early days, now famous in their profession have been brought to Galesburg because of his presence in that city.  He is himself a musician of acknowledged talent, and among his numerous compositions, one in particular, “Cuba’s Dream”, has achieved widespread fame.

JOHN JAMES TUNNICLIFF

            Hon. John James Tunnicliff, lawyer, son of Nelson and Mary (Smith) Tunnicliff, was born in Penn Yan, Yates County, New York, March 17, 1841.  His father was a merchant and son of John Tunnicliff, who was one of the early settlers of Herkimer County, New York.

            The educational advantages of Mr. Tunnicliff were of the better kind.  After receiving the rudiments of his education in the public schools of his native town, he was placed under competent instructors and fitted for a more advanced course of study.  He entered Hamilton College, located at Clinton, Oneida County, New York, and graduated with high honors in 1863.  Immediately after graduation, he took a course in the Albany Law School and was admitted to the Bar in 1864.  He then came West and entered the office of Judge D. G. Tunnicliff at Macomb, Illinois, where he remained until he came to Galesburg in September, 1865.  His first partnership here, in the practice of law, was with the late Thomas G. Frost, one of the leading lawyers of the State, under the firm name of Frost and Tunnicliff.  This partnership continued until 1871, when it was dissolved by the removal of Mr. Frost to Chicago.  This firm had a large and extensive practice in the counties of Knox, Warren, Henry, Mercer, and Henderson, and also had many cases in the Supreme Court of Illinois and some cases in the United States Court.

            Mr. Tunnicliff has been called to positions of honor and trust, which is an evidence of the confidence of the people in his ability and integrity.  At the general election in 1872, he was elected State’s Attorney for Knox County, and was re-elected five successive times, holding the office until 1892, a period of twenty years, and then declined a re-election.  He was elected Mayor of the City of Galesburg in April 1895, and held the office until 1897.

            Mr. Tunnicliff ranks high as a lawyer, and when he was State’s Attorney, he prosecuted several criminal cases of national notoriety.  He prosecuted John Marion Osborn for murder, who was hanged at Knoxville, March 14, 1873---being the first and only criminal suffering capital punishment in Knox County.  He also prosecuted the notorious “Frank Rand”, known as the “Bandit of the Wabash”, who was sentenced to the penitentiary at Joliet for life, where he tried to murder the Deputy Warden and afterwards hung himself in his cell.

            Mr. Tunnicliff holds no official position at present.  He is engaged in the practice of law—the firm name being J.J. and G. Tunnicliff.

            As a citizen, he has lived a life above reproach.  He is esteemed as a man of stern integrity, consistent in his views, wise and discreet in judgment.  He is affable towards all, and with friends, frank and familiar, without the appearance of affectation.  In religious faith, he is Presbyterian.  His political creed is republican.

            Mr. Tunnicliff has been twice married.  He was first wedded July 4, 1866 to Catherine Ludlow Burrows, who was born at Avondale, Ohio; died April 1871.  By this union, one son was born to them: Fredrick B.

            He was married a second time January 23, 1873 at Saginaw, Michigan, to Margaretta Willoughby Duffield, daughter of Rev. George Duffield, D. D., late of Detroit, Michigan.  To them were born three children: George Duffield, Augusta Willoughby, and John J., Jr.

NEHEMIAH WHITE

            This distinguished educator and theologian, the third son of Justin Morgan White and his wife, Lydia Eddy, was born January 25, 1835 at Wallingford, Rutland County, Vermont.  His ancestors were among the earliest settlers of New England.  Nicholas White, the first American of the family, was living at Dorchester, Massachusetts (now a ward of the city of Boston), in 1642.  In 1653 he removed, with his family, to that part of Taunton, Massachusetts, which in 1712, became the township of Norton.  Nicholas White, the grandson of the first Nicholas, was one of the most influential citizens of the province.  He was an officer to the little army which took part in the series of struggles between the whites and the aborigines between 1695 and the close of Queen Anne’s War, in 1713.  He was equally prominent in civil life, and was twice a representative to General Court of the colony.  Philip White, grandson of Nicholas (third) was born July 28, 1734 at Norton, Massachusetts.  He married Abigail Campbell, March 2, 1758.  A few weeks after his nuptials he joined the army under Abercrombie.  The object of the expedition was the reduction of Fort Ticonderoga, and with other Massachusetts volunteers took part in the storming of that stronghold, July 8, 1758.  He was also a soldier of the Revolution and served through the campaign of 1776.  His son, Nehemiah, born August 6, 1765, married Mercy Miller at Tinmouth, Vermont in 1787.  The third son of this marriage, Justin Morgan White, was the father of the subject of this brief biographical memoir.

            Nehemiah White received his early education in the common schools of his native town, and entered upon his life’s work as a teacher at the early age of sixteen years.  In the Fall of 1852, with the design of preparing for college, he entered Green Mountain Liberal Institute, then a well attended and prosperous institution, under the charge of Dr. John Stebbins Lee.  In August 1853, he entered Middlebury College and graduated in 1857.  Immediately upon leaving his Alma Mater, he became Associate Principal of the Green Mountain Liberal Institute, and in April 1859, took charge of Clinton Liberal Institute, at Clinton, New York.  This post he resigned at the close of the year, on account of the failing strength of his wife.  In 1864 he was offered the position of Assistant Principal of Pulaski Academy at Pulaski, New York, and on the resignation of the Principal, was made executive head of the school.

            In 1865 he accepted the Professorship of Mathematics in Saint Lawrence University at Canton, New York.  The funds of the young college were at that time very meager and the instructors few in numbers, so that the range of his teaching (or of what he tried to teach) was correspondingly wide.  He not only gave instructions in the various branches of mathematics, but also in natural science and the modern languages.  Here, however, he first enjoyed the advantages of a good library.  Through the munificence of Mr. Herring, of New York City, the valuable collection of books gathered by Dr. Credner, an eminent Biblical critic, was presented to the University.  Mr. White became greatly interested in patristic literature, began the study of Sanserit, enlarged his knowledge of the Gothic tongues, and earnestly sought to lay the foundations of a broader culture.  He resigned his professorship in 1871.

            In 1872 the chair of Ancient Languages was tendered by the Trustees of Buchtel College, at Akron, Ohio.  This institution bears the name of its founder, Mr. John R. Buchtel, who ultimately devoted his whole fortune to its endowment and support.  Here the work of Professor White covered a narrower field than before, his chair embracing only instruction in the Latin and Greek classics.  The work prospered under his care, but in September, 1875, he accepted a call to the Presidency of Lombard University, and entered upon his duties in the following month.  The inaugural ceremonies took place January 6, 1876.  He tendered his resignation as President of the University in 1892, but by request remained as Instructor in the Ryder Divinity School, a department of the same institution.  This charge he still holds.

            Professor White married Frances Malona, daughter of Orasmus White, of Huntington, Vermont, at South Woodstock in that State, March 11, 1858.  The fruit of this union was a daughter, Lois Melinda, born July 17, 1861.  She died January 1, 1882, Mrs. White having passed away on April 29, 1864.

            May 29, 1871, Professor White married Inez Ling, daughter of Lorenzo Ling, of Pulaski, New York.  Two children have been born to them:  Willard Justice, on April 19, 1872, at Wallingford, Vermont, and Frances, on July 3, 1876, at Galesburg, Illinois.  Willard Justice graduated from Lombard University in 1891 and from Barnes Medical College, of Saint Louis, five years later.  He is now a practicing physician at Rio, Illinois.  Frances graduated from Lombard in 1897.

            Professor White received the degree of Ph. D. from Saint Lawrence University in 1876; and in 1889, the degree of S. T. D. was conferred upon him by Tuft’s College.

MATTHEW CHAMBERS WILLARD

            Matthew Chambers Willard lived a life worthy of all imitation.  His tastes and habits were simple, his manners suave and gentle, and his actions controlled by a keen and deliberative judgment.  His qualities were those of a Christian gentleman, and inspired confidence in all with whom he came in contact.  He was the son of Silas and Hannah Cordelia (Chambers) Willard, and was born in Washington, Illinois June 1843.

            His father was a Vermonter, born in Barre, April 21, 1814.  In 1834 he came to Illinois, in his private conveyance, with his elder brother, who was far gone in consumption, in the hope of arresting the disease.  He supported himself on the way by working at his trade of harness maker.  His efforts to save the life of his brother proved unavailing, for he died soon after reaching his journey’s end.  After working three or four years at Alton and Jacksonville, he established himself in the harness business at Washington, Tazewell County, until nearly the time of his removal to Galesburg in 1849.  A short time in Washington, he entered upon a mercantile career, which he pursued in Galesburg with great success.  He at once became interested in the various railroad schemes that were agitating the community.  He looked with disfavor upon the Peoria and Oquawka project as wanting in proper objective points.  He then gave his attention to the Burlington system, and by his untiring efforts, with others, the road was finally brought to this city.  The marked traits of his character are portrayed in the following:  “His business operations have been bold, but guided by a strong judgment, and carried out by strenuous exertions, they have always proved safe and commonly successful.”  While the town was small and comparatively feeble, he took the money from his own business, which gave the town the first flouring mill.  And when the proposition for our first railroad was at a crisis in the struggle for existence, he boldly risked in the enterprise almost all he was then worth.  Others made like exertions, and the little town is become a flourishing city.

            But while risking nearly all his means in the road, he, a stockholder and director, quietly yet boldly, resisted all infringement on the Sabbath for its operations, and was especially decided against its becoming a shelter for intemperance.  He was called away at the early age of forty-three.  But one scarcely meets in the whole course of life with a man at once so unambitious and at the same time so capable and energetic as he.  His life, like his taste and turn of mind, has been one of unpretending usefulness.

            Matthew’s mother was a native of Vermont, born in Bridgeport, September 19, 1820.  She came to Illinois with her parents in 1836.  She enjoyed the distinction of being one of the pupils of Knox College on the first day of its collegiate year.

            Matthew’s maternal grandfather was Matthew Chambers, Jr.  He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and on his settlement in Galesburg, became a charter member of the Board of Trust of Knox College.  His maternal great-grandfather was an officer in the Revolution, and had the confidence of Washington, as is shown by testimonials in possession of the family.  He was one of General Wayne’s picked men for storming Stony Point.

            Matthew C. Willard received his elementary training in the public schools of this city.  He then entered Knox Academy and prepared for college.  He entered college and graduated in 1864 with honor and distinction.  After graduation, he was employed in mercantile business, and afterwards in the sale of real estate.  In 1872, his Alma Mater elected him a member to the Board of Trustees, a position he held to the day of his death, September 15, 1894. 

            Aside from his domestic relations, there were two objects that were uppermost in his mind—the college and the church.  Of the former, he was elected Secretary, serving for several years, and was a member of the Executive Board.  Its interests and welfare were ever dear to his heart.  His good judgment and persistent activity were acknowledged, and to these qualities much of the success and prosperity of Knox College is due.  The old First Church also claimed his attention.  Here was the religious home of his parents, and here he was consecrated in May 1858.  His love and zeal are shown by his strict attendance on all appointments of the church.  Divine service, prayer meetings, and business meetings were not neglected.  As a Christian, he fulfilled his mission faithfully and well.  For several years he was Superintendent of the Mission Sunday School.

            Politically, Mr. Willard was a republican, but he was not of that sort that would condone wrong-doing in his own party.  He was a strong temperance man, and believed in purity of government, purity of home, and purity of life.  He lived a life of honesty and integrity, and died with the plaudits of every citizen—good and faithful servant.

            Mr. Willard was twice married.   His first wife was Helen Frances Dieterich, a daughter of George Dieterich of this city, whom he married May 9, 1872.  Her father was a man of great influence and note.

            His second marriage was to Ideletta Henry, of Princeville, March 30, 1886. 

            Of this last union, there were born three children: one son and two daughters:  Cordelia, Silas and Louise.

 THOMAS RIGNEY WILLARD

            Thomas Rigney Willard was born in Groveland Township, Tazewell County, Illinois, November 18, 1844.  He was the son of Warren C. and Caroline (Cottle) Willard.  His parents were natives of Vermont, and came West at an early period; the father in 1834, at the age of eighteen; the mother in 1820, when she was three years old.  Her father, Andrew Cottle, settled at St. Charles, Missouri, where he died, and she was reared in the family of her aunt, Sophronia (Cottle) Hayes.  Warren C. Willard became a student in the Illinois College at Jacksonville, with the intention of preparing for the university, but failing health compelled him to seek other work.  After his marriage, he built a log house and began life as a farmer.  By labor in the open air his health was restored, and in 1847 at the invitation of his older brother, Silas Willard, he moved to Galesburg, and assumed the management of a general merchandise business, which his brother had established.  He died in Florida in March 1871; his wife died in 1879.

            Thomas R. Willard graduated from Knox College in 1866, and the next year taught Greek and Latin at Knox Academy.  In the Fall of 1867, he entered the Chicago Theological Seminary, but took the middle and senior years of his course in divinity at Andover, Massachusetts, where he graduated in 1870.  He spent the following year traveling with his parents in California and Florida, on account of his father’s failing health.  During the college year, 1871-72, he was instructor in Logic and Rhetoric at Knox College.  July 9, 1873, he married Mary L. Wolcott, of Batavia, Illinois, at the home of her parents.  They spent the greater portion of the next two years at the university town of Leipzig, Germany, where Mr. Willard attended lectures on the Greek language and literature.  In the Spring of 1875, he visited Greece, and made a pedestrian tour through portions of the Peloponnesus and the north of Greece.

            At the opening of the college year, 1875-76, Professor Willard entered upon his labors in Knox College, in which he is still engaged.  At first he was the sole instructor in Greek and German, but as the course in German was lengthened, the elementary work in that language was assigned to others.  In June 1899, on the resignation of Dr. John H. Findley from the presidency of Knox College, Professor Willard was appointed, by the trustees, Dean of the Faculty.

            He has for many years been interested in the development of the manufacture of paving brick, first with the Galesburg Brick and Terra Cotta Company, and more recently with the Galesburg Paving Company, of which he is a present director.

            Professor and Mrs. Willard have five children:  Frank C., Superintendent of Schools in Tombstone, Arizona; Nelson W., Instructor in the Classics in St. Albans Military Academy, Knoxville, Illinois; Alice; Florence; and Mary.  The three daughters are students in Knox College; the two sons graduated from that institution in 1896.

            In national politics Professor Willard is a republican.  He is a member of the Congregational Church.

MOSES O. WILLIAMSON

            Moses O. Williamson can boast of a birthplace broader than the vast prairies of Illinois.  He was first “rocked in the cradle of the mighty deep”.  He was born on the Atlantic Ocean, July 14, 1850.  His parents, William and Margaret Williamson, were natives of Sweden, and it was during the ocean voyage while coming to America, that Moses was born.  They came directly to Illinois, and settled in Sparta Township, Knox County.  His father purchased a small farm on Section 22, where he lived until his death, in 1854.  His mother died in 1886.  They had a family of six children, who lived to manhood and womanhood.

            Moses remained at the paternal homestead until he was twelve years of age, assisting in the farm labors and farm duties, according to his ability.  At this time, he went from home to work on a farm of a neighbor, where he remained two years.  He then came to the village of Wataga and engaged himself to Olson & Gray, to learn the harness trade, where he served for three years, afterwards working one year as journeyman.  He then bought out Mr. Gray, one of the partners, and from 1867 to 1879, was in partnership with Mr. Olsen.  His next venture was the purchase of Mr. Olsen’s interest in the harness business, which he carried on, single-handed and alone, until 1890 when he came to Galesburg.

            Mr. Williamson has the ability to please.  His rigid life of honesty and integrity has won for him implicit confidence and universal respect.  Places of honor have been given him without stint, and no word of criticism or censure has ever been spoken justly against him.  Before coming to Galesburg, he held the office of Councilman, Justice of the Peace, Village Clerk, and Town Clerk, and was ever regarded as a careful and reliable public man.

            In political faith, he is an earnest and conscientious republican.  He believes in his party creed, and has done much for the success of his party candidates and party principles.  In 1884, he was made Secretary of the Republican County Central Committee, and has been its Secretary or its Chairman ever since, being its Chairman at the present time.  He was elected County Treasurer in 1886, County Clerk in 1890-1894-1898, was one of the organizers of the Swedish American Republican League of Illinois, was its President in 1897, and was one of a committee of five, associated with the Republican State Central Committee, in 1906, that had charge of the Swedish part of the campaign in that year in Illinois.

            Mr. Williamson is not a bigot.  He believes in the freedom of religious convictions.  He is an attendant at the Congregational service, though not a member of that church.  Both his private and public character are above reproach.  His early educational advantages were very limited, and yet by his assiduity and love of learning, he became thoroughly fitted for fields of great usefulness.  In his sympathies, he is patriotic and charitable, loving country, home, and friends, and has always discharged his public and private duties ably and honestly, winning for himself the commendations of his fellow citizens.

            Mr. Williamson married October 18, 1871 to Mary Driggs, a native of Oneida County, New York, and the daughter of William M. and Millicent (Housted) Driggs.  Three children have been born to them, two of whom are now living:  Ada and Nellie.

Josiah Babcock

            Josiah Babcock, son of Josiah and Sarah (Pettingill) Babcock, was born in Andover, New Hampshire, August 22, 1823.  His paternal grandfather, who had the same name, was born in Milton, Massachusetts, July 6, 1752.  His maternal grandfather was Amos Pettingill; the time and place of his birth are unknown.  His father, who was also named Josiah, was born in Andover, New Hampshire, September 21, 1791, and his mother, Sarah Pettingill, was born in Salisbury, New Hampshire, September 21, 1797.

            Josiah Babcock, the third of the same name in the line, was not reared in affluence.  His early years were spent among the stern and rugged hills of his native state.  His education was obtained in the common schools and in Hampden Academy, Maine.  He was not broadly educated, but was thoroughly trained in those branches necessary to a practical business life.  In his boyhood days he worked in the lumber camps on the Penobscot River in Maine.  When only eighteen years of age, he ran a saw mill for his father.  He continued in this work for five years, when he came West, reaching Peoria, Illinois, in 1846.  Here he was engaged in a wholesale house of general merchandise for Moses Pettingill.  After two years of service, he bought an interest in the firm and became a junior partner.  He conducted this business successfully for several years, when he sold out and came to Galesburg in 1852.  His first partnership here was with Warren Willard in a store of general merchandise.  He soon sold out and engaged in the hardware business with Reed and Stilson under the firm name of Reed, Babcock and Stilson.

            Mr. Babcock continued in this business, almost uninterruptedly, until the day of his death, which occurred September 1, 1897, at the age of seventy-three.  He first bought Reed’s and Stilson’s interest and ran the business in his own name.  He then sold out to Calkins and Wilcox, which firm existed but a short time.  He next took Mr. Reed as a partner under the firm name of Reed and Babcock.  This co-partnership lasted until Mr. Reed’s death, and then it was changed to Babcock and Pierpont.  This last co-partnership continued until the retirement of Mr. Pierpont in 1893.  Then Mr. Babcock continued the business in his own name.

            Mr. Babcock was prosperous in every relation of life.  He started almost alone in the world and became a man of wealth.  He possessed ability and was always noted for his honesty of purpose.  He had no high aspiration for the honors of office, but was contented with the simplicity of home life and with the duties devolving upon him as a citizen.  He took his position in the ranks of toilers working in the interest of the city, and earned the reputation of a man whose word is law and whose acts are just and right.  His views were broad, charitable, and intelligent; and his life was a blessing to the community in which he lived.

            Mr. Babcock always took an active interest in the prosperity and welfare of the city of his adoption.  Every line of business and every project which his judgment approved received his cordial support.  He encouraged the establishment of the Electric Power and Motor Company, and was a part owner and director.  For thirty years, he was a director in the Second National Bank of Galesburg, and for many years its Vice President.  He was always regarded as one of its most trustworthy guardians and managers.

            He was a friend of education.  He believed not only in the common school system but in higher institutions of learning.  He was a staunch supporter of Knox College, and for many years was one of its trustees.  His discretion and judgment, as a member of its Executive Committee, were appreciated and acknowledged.

            Politically, Mr. Babcock was a republican, but in no sense a partisan.  No man ever exercised the right of suffrage in a freer spirit than he.  He voted for measures, not men. In religious faith, he was a Congregationalist and a deacon in the church for many years.

            He was wedded in Hampden, Maine, November 7, 1853, to Catherine Wheeler, daughter of Willard Wheeler, who was once a sea captain.  To them were born three children, Alice, wife of W. J. Pierpont, living in Crescent City, Florida; William W.; and Josiah, who is engaged in the hardware business in the store building formerly occupied by his father.

CAPTAIN JAMES L. BURKHALTER

            Captain James L. Burkhalter, son of David and Mary Ann (Marks) Burkhalter, was born in Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, April 15, 1835.

            The Burkhalters are Swiss and came originally from the Canton of Berne.  The name, which signifies “Keeper of the Castle”, is very common in Switzerland.  Ulrich Burkhalter came to this country in 1732, and on August 11, took the oath of allegiance in William Penn’s Colony.  He purchased three hundred acres of land in Burks County (now Lehigh), in Whitehall Township, just north of Allentown.  It was here that the father of Captain Burkhalter was born.

            Ulrich had a son Peter, who was Captain Burkhalter’s great-great-grandfather, and who possessed the landed estate of his father.  He was a man of prominence.  He was naturalized in 1761; was County Commissioner in 1787; was a member of the State Convention in the same year; was a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly for several terms; and was a Representative in Congress from 1791 to 1794.  He was also Captain of a company of the Northampton Association, and saw active service during the Revolution in the Jerseys.  Peter Burkhalter died in 1806.  He had a son whose name was John Peter, and the latter had a son whose name was Henry, the grandfather of James L.  Henry was the father of fourteen children, twelve of whom lived to maturity—six sons and six daughters.  The third son, David, was the father of Captain Burkhalter.

            Captain Burkhalter’s life is full of incident and interest.  Both his patriotism and his manhood have made him a man of mark.  The “War Governor,” Richard Yates, appointed him recruiting officer under the call of President Lincoln for 300,000 volunteers.  He recruited Company “G” of the Eighty-third and Company “F” of the Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteers.  He then enlisted as a private in Company “F” and was elected Captain.

            Under this rank, he commanded his company through its many campaigns.  He was detailed for various other duties, such as building bridges and roads.  As Prevost Marshal and later as Inspector General by appointment of General George H. Thomas, he served on staff duty under Generals McCook, Fearing, Morgan, Davis, and Slocum.  He campaigned in very many different States—Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia—and was one of “Sherman’s Bummers” in that famous march through Georgia to the Sea.  At the close of the war, he took part in the grand review of the armies at Washington.

            Alongside the Captain’s military record, his civil record is worthy of mention.  He had held various public offices, such as Police Magistrate and Town Clerk in Maquon, County Treasurer of Knox County for eleven consecutive years, and Supervisor from the City of Galesburg for five terms.  In January, 1883, he was elected president of the Farmer’s and Mechanics’ Bank, which position he still holds.

            His political creed is republican.  He is strictly a party man.  He is an uncompromising believer in republican principles, and he follows them to the end.  His religious creed is broad, and his impulses are benevolent.  He is a believer in the righteousness of good works.

             Captain Burkhalter was married to Martha E. Adle, December 2, 1858.  To them were born eight children:  Charles F., Henry L., James W., Desdemona, John D., Nellie L., Robert P., and Alvin P.

A. W. Berggren

      August Werner Berggren is emphatically a self-made man.  He has risen from the service of an apprenticeship to exalted stations of honor and trust.  He was born in Amots Bruk, Ockelbo Socken, Sweden, August 17, 1840, and is the son of Johan and Karin (Hanson) Berggren.  His father was a self-educated man, winning his way to success by his shrewdness and native ability.  He was a great reader, but he learned his most valuable lessons in the school of experience.  He held several minor offices and looked after cases in courts, administering estates and the like.  For thirteen years he ran a flouring mill.  Afterwards he purchased a farm on which he lived until he emigrated to this country in 1856.

            Mr. Berggren is an example of the accomplishment of much in spite of limited educational advantages.  He attended the village schools in Sweden, until he was 14 years of age, living at the same time on a farm.

            Then he was apprenticed to learn the tailor’s trade.  The contract drawn by his father provided that for the first three years he should work for his master without remuneration; for the fourth year he was to receive thirty-five riksdaler; and for the fifth, forty (a riksdaler being about equal to 27 cents in American money).  The father was to furnish the cloth for the tailor to make the apprentice’s clothing.  In case of the death of the apprentice during the first year of his apprenticeship the father should pay the tailor fifteen riksdaler.  When the father decided to emigrate to this country he was obliged to pay the master tailor fifty riksdaler for the release of his son.

            Mr. Berggren first came to Oneida, and then went to Victoria, where he found employment in the tailoring establishment of Jonas Hallstrom, at eight dollars a month and board and washing for one year. 

            He then came to Galesburg and worked at his trade, where opportunities were presented.  In 1860, he moved to Monmouth, Warren County, and worked for Captain Denman, a merchant tailor of that place.  About the close of the war, he returned to Galesburg and became a solicitor of life insurance.

            During this time he devoted considerable attention, with fair success, to music.  He played the violin, became a leader of string bands in Galesburg and Monmouth, and arranged music for the same

            Mr. Berggren has no military record.  At the first call for volunteers to put down the Rebellion he went to Knoxville and joined the Swedish company, commanded by Captain Holmberg.  Two companies were there: one composed of Americans; the other, of Swedes.  The former was mustered into service; the latter, disbanded.  He then went to Monmouth, where he remained until his return to Galesburg in 1864.

            Mr. Berggren has held many important offices.  In 1869, he was elected Justice of the Peace in the City of Galesburg.  While holding that office he was nominated by the republican convention for the office of Sheriff, and elected in the Fall of 1872.  With great credit, he held the office for four terms, and his books and reports are spoken of to this day as models worthy of imitation.  In 1880, while yet Sheriff, he was nominated and elected Senator from the Twenty-second District, composed of Knox and Mercer counties.  Four years afterwards, he was re-elected from the new district, composed of Knox and Fulton counties.  When the Senate was organized in 1887, he was chosen President pro tempore of that body.  On May 1, 1889, the Governor appointed him Warden of the Illinois State Penitentiary at Joliet, which position he resigned to take active supervision of the Covenant Mutual Life Association of Illinois, with principal offices in this city.

            His public spirit is fully shown by his connection with various public enterprises, such as the Galesburg Stoneware Company; The National Perefoyd Company; The Galesburg Paving Brick Company; the Galesburg National Bank, having been a Director of the same since its organization.  He was a member of the Berggren and Lundeen firm, later the J.A. Lundeen Company, and still later the Berggren Clothing Company.  From its organization, for twenty years, he was President of The Covenant Mutual Life Association, and for the last two years has been its Treasurer, still holding that position.

            Mr. Berggren is both an Odd Fellow and a Mason, joining the former order in 1868; the latter, in 1869.  He is a member of the several Masonic bodies in this city, and in the Order of Odd Fellows has taken a very active interest, filling every office of the subordinate bodies and the principal offices of the Grand Lodge.  He was Grand Master and presided over the deliberations of the Grand Lodge at Danville, Illinois in 1880, and represented the Grand Lodge in the Sovereign Grand Lodge, at Baltimore, Maryland.

            Mr. Berggren has broadened his life and added greatly to the storehouse of information by quite extensive travel.  He has visited almost every State in the Union, and in 1882, took an extensive trip through England, France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Scotland, and Ireland.  His charities have been of a practical kind.  He has given to the Swedish M. E. Church and parsonage, to several other churches, Knox College, Lombard Gymnasium, and Cottage Hospital.

            His religious affiliations are with the Swedish M. E. Church, although in 1856, he was confirmed in Sweden in the Lutheran Church.  He served as lay delegate to the General Conference at Cincinnati in 1880.

            In politics, he is a staunch republican.  He is not only a worker, but has been one of the leaders in his party.

            He was married March 8, 1866, to Christina Naslund, whose parents came to this country in 1854, joining the Bishop Hill Colony.  Six children were born to them, Capitola Maud, Guy Werner, Ralph Augustus, Claus Eugene, Jay Valentine, and Earl Hugo, Ralph Augustus was run over by a train of cars and killed in 1887.

JAMES B. BOGGS

            James Buchanan Boggs, Attorney at Law and Master in Chancery, was born in Greencastle, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, October 20, 1828.  His parents were John and Isabella Craig (Allison) Boggs, and were natives of Franklin County, Pennsylvania.  Both the father and the mother were intelligent and painstaking people and exhibited marked traits of character.  They were of Scotch-Irish ancestry and seem to have inherited the stern morality of that race.

            John Boggs was a physician, and at an early age, was left fatherless.  He was adopted by his mother’s brother, Dr. Robert Johnson, a man of wealth and influence, and under his supervision, rose to prominence.  He received his medical diploma from the University of Maryland, and for thirty years practiced medicine in his native country.  In the War of 1812 he was appointed surgeon of Franklin County Volunteers, and in 1819 he married Isabella Craig, daughter of William Allison.

            Dr. Robert Johnson, the adopted father of Dr. John Boggs, was a surgeon in the Revolutionary War from the beginning to the end.  He was also one of the original members of the Society of Cincinnati, whose first president was George Washington.

            J. B. Boggs availed himself of such opportunities for schooling in his youth as the district schools afforded.  This preparation was supplemented by a thorough training at the academy.  He studied law at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and in 1852, was admitted to the Bar.  After leaving school, he was first engaged in teaching, and afterwards took charge of the Chestnut Grove Iron Furnace.  His first law practice was at Loudon and McConnellsburg.  In 1856, he came to Galesburg, where has been his home ever since.

            Mr. Boggs is a man of ability and of fine presence.  In forming opinions, he is cautious, and is not biased by prejudicial instincts.  His nature is benevolent and open, to be read of all men.  To him, right doing and right living are instinctive.  The places of honor that he has been called to fill have been deservedly won.  He filled the office of City Attorney in 1862-65-66-67-68-69, and was elected Alderman from 1879 to 1884.  He was appointed Master in Chancery in 1871 and has held the office ever since.

            According to his means, he has favored every public enterprise that has been for the interest of the city of his adoption.  For several years, he has been the president of the Galesburg Printing Company, and a charter member of the Homestead and Loan Association and its attorney.  He belongs to the Masonic Order, though not an active member at present.  He has also been connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1849.

            Mr. Boggs is a firm believer in the tenets of the Presbyterian faith and his life has always been in harmony with that church.  All its laws and ordinances are to him sacred and these he has kept blameless.  His political affiliations are with the republicans.  Although his time is employed principally in the Chancery Court, yet he has never failed to do his duty as a worker for the success of republican principles.

            He was united in marriage at Galesburg, October 5, 1858, to Susan Cornelia Weeks, daughter of Benjamin Weeks.  Eight children were born to them, three of whom are living, Isabel Allison, Elizabeth Wharton (Dunn), and Henry Hurd.

JOSIAH BABCOCK, son of Josiah and Sarah (Pettingill) Babcock, was born in Andover NH, August 22, 1823. His paternal grandfather, who had the same name, was born in Milton MA, July 6, 1752. His maternal grandfather was Amos Pettingill; the time and place of his birth are unknown. His father, who was also named Josiah, was born in Andover NH, September 21, 1791, and his mother, Sarah Pettingill, was born in Salisbury NH, September 21, 1797.

Josiah Babcock, the third of the same name in the line, was not reared in affluence. His early years were spent among the stern and rugged hills of his native state. His education was obtained in the common schools and in Hampden Academy, Maine. He was not broadly educated, but was thoroughly trained in those branches necessary to a practical business life. In his boyhood days he worked in the lumber camps on the Penobscot river in Maine. When only eighteen years of age, he ran a saw mill for his father. He continued in this work for five years, when he came West, reaching Peoria IL, in 1846. Here he was engaged in a wholesale house of general merchandise for Moses Pettingill. After two years of service, he bought an interest in the firm and became a junior partner. He conducted this business successfully for several years , when he sold out and came to Galesburg in 1852. His first partnership here was with Warren Willard in a store of general merchandise. He soon sold out and engaged in the hardware business with Reed and Stilson under the firm name of Reed, Babcock, and Stilson.

Mr. Babcock continued in this business, almost uninterruptedly, until the day of his death, which occurred September 1, 1897, at the age of seventy-three. He first bought Reed's and Stilson's interest and then ran the business in his own name. He then sold out to Calkins and Wilcox, which firm existed but a short time. He next took Mr. Reed as a partner under the firm name of Reed and Babcock. This co-partnership lasted until Mr. Reed's death, and then it was changed to Babcock and Pierpont. This last co-partnership continued until the retirement of Mr. Pierpont in 1893. Then Mr. Babcock continued in the business in his own name.

Mr. Babcock was prosperous in every relation of life. He started almost alone in the world and became a man of wealth. He possessed ability and was always noted for his honesty of purpose. He had no high aspiration for the honors of office, but was contented with the simplicity of home life and with the duties devolving upon him as a citizen. He took the position in the ranks of toilers working in the interest of the city, and earned the reputation of a man whose word is law and whose acts are just and right. His views were broad, charitable, and intelligent; and his life was a blessing to the community in which he lived.

Mr. Babcock always took an active interest in the prosperity and welfare of the city of his adoption. Every line of business and every project which his judgment approved received his cordial support. He encouraged the establishment of the Electric Power and Motor Company, and was a part owner and director. For thirty years, he was a director in the Second National Bank of Galesburg, and for many years its Vice President. He was always regarded as one of its most trustworthy guardians and managers.

He was a friend of education. He believed not only in the common school system but in higher institutions of learning. He was a staunch supporter of Knox College, and for many years was one of its trustees. His discretion and judgment, as a member of its Executive Committee, were appreciated and acknowledged.

Politically, Mr. Babcock was a republican, but in no sense a partisan. No man ever exercised the right of suffrage in a freer spirit than he. He voted for measures, not men. In religious faith, he was a Congregationalist and a deacon in the church for many years.

He was wedded in Hampton, Maine, November 7, 1853, to Catherine Wheeler, daughter of Willard Wheeler, who was once a sea captain. To them were born three children, Alice, wife of W. J. Pierpont, living in Crescent City, Florida; William W., and Josiah, who is engaged in the hardware business in the store building formerly occupied by his father. 

Foxie's Note: Mr. & Mrs. Babcock & His family are buried in the Hope Cemetery, Galesburg Twp, Knox Co., IL. Have tombstone photos

JOHN F. BANNON; General Merchant; East Galesburg, Knox Township; born in Lowville, Lewis County, New York, September 10,. 1866; received an academic education in Lewis County, New York. His father, Patrick Bannon, was born in Ireland; his mother, Julia Carroll, was born in Lewis County, New York. December 13, 1893, Mr. Bannon was married in Altona, Knox County, Illinois, to Lottie E. Pierce; they have two sons, Raymond C., and Harold M. Mrs. Bannon's father, Mathew Pierce, was born in Lewis County, New York in 1832. He was educated in the common schools and was by occupation a farmer. He was still a young man when he came to this State and county. He was twice married, first to Mary Hobbs, who died in 1861. They had three children: Charles, Ella and Mary. Mr. Pierce's second wife was Amelia (Mix), formerly of Dutchess County, New York. They had five children: Delbert, who died in his eighteenth year; Lottie E., William E., Lorenzo; and Park A. Mr. Bannon was one of seven children: James Patrick, Edward, John F., Jennie, Nettie, and Florence. Mr. Bannon's father died June 08, 1866; his mother is still living . Mr. Bannon is a member of the I. O. O. F., Veritas Lodge, No. 478, Galesburg, Illinois, Hazle Lodge, No 378, Knights of Pythias, East Galesburg; East Galesburg Camp, No 2435, Modern Woodsman of America; and of Fraternal Tribunes of East Galesburg, No 17. He is a democrat in politics.

Barrows, Robert P., Farmer; born in New Hampshire, in February, 1833; educated in the common schools. His father, Asa Barrows, was born in Oxford County, Maine, and serve through the War of 1812. His mother, Anna Pike, was born in Granby, Vermont. His paternal grandfather, also, Asa Barrows, was a native of Maine and a Revolutionary soldier. His forefathers came from Scotland and Wales. Mr. Barrows came to Illinois in 1858, and settled in Cooke County. In 1862, he enlisted in Company E, On Hundred and Thirteenth Illinois Volunteers, and served till 1865, when he returned to Cooke County, and in 1868, moved to Iowa, where he married and settled in Buena Vista County. In 1883, he moved to Nebraska, and in 1888, to Abingdon, where he has since lived as a retired farmer, real estate dealer and speculator. He was first married May 1, 1869, at Independence, Iowa. There were two children: Grace, now Mrs. William Edmonson; and Josephine. Mr. Barros' first wife died March 02, 1897, and he was afterwards married to Mrs. Anna Grimm. In religion, Mr. Barrows is a  Congregationalist. In politics, he is a republican.

BARRY JAMES, Farmer; Sparta Township; born in Limerick, Ireland. His parents were John and Mary Healy Barry of Limerick, they attained the age of ninety-three years; his grandfathers were James Barry, and Patrick. He was educated in select schools in Ireland. He was married at Edward's Homestead, Knox County, December 15, 1864, to Frances, daughter of George and Elizabeth Wayland Edwards. Their children are: john W. George Henry; Lilie C., wife of George Rockwell of Galesburg; Mary E.; Lucy I., wife of H. Welsh; Winnifred; Morris J.; Frances F. C. who died in infancy, Mr. Barry came to New York in May, 1854, at the age of nineteen and remained there for three years. He came to Knox County in the Fall of 1858, and worked by the month. He owned many horses and bought and sold farms. He remained for ninteen years on one farm in Ontario Township. In 1884, he moved to the farm of three hundred and tweny acres where he now lives; he owns in all nearly one thousand acres of land. He has been an extremelyu successful stock raiser. His success is due to his persevering industry and to the assistance and good management of his wife. In religion, Mr. is a Catholic. in Politics. he is a democrat, and has been a School Director for many years.

 

 

CAMPBELL, GEORGE HENRY; Farmer; Sparta Township; born in Wataga, September 28, 1866; his parents were Robert M and Catharine (Dolan) Campbell of Ireland. He is of Scotch descent. Mr. Campbell was married to Mary A. Tiernay, in Galva, Illinois, October 26, 1892; they have one child, George Henry, born September 8, 1894. Mrs. Campbell is the daughter of James and Mary Tiernay of Knox County. Mr. George Henry Campbell was reared a farmer,  and educated in the common schools. In 1890, he located on a farm, which contains one hundred and sixty acres of choice land. Mr. Campbell became a Mason in 1887, and is a member of the Wataga Lodge, 591, A. F. And Am M. Mr. Campbell is a republican.

MAURICE JAMES CHASE, M.D., son of Benjamin Chapman and Eliza (Royce) Chase, was born in Cornish, Sullivan County, NH, March 4, 1826. His father was a farmer, and owing to conditions induced by material impressions, was born into this world bereft of two important faculties - hearing and speech. His mother's domestic feelings were unusually strong, and her tender sympathies made her efficient in the care of the sick and distressed.

The first settlement of Cornish by the Chases is quite romantic. About the year 1700, George Gifford, of Massachusetts, ceded the township to Aquilla and Priscilla Chase, ancestors of M. J. Chase. They took all their personal effects in a row-boat up the Connecticut River and took possession of the ceded grant. Formerly in this township, the Chase family was very numerous. Most of the church and town offices were held by them. It was here that Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase was born. It is here that he and many of that name can trace their common ancestry.

Maurice James Chase received a thorough and practical education in the New England public schools of his time, which fitted him to enter upon a more advanced course of study at the Kimball Union Academy - an institution of national reputation. After finishing his academic course, he commenced in 1845 the study of medicine - a profession that he had selected in very early life. He was a student of the famous Dr. Dixi Crosby, who was president of the Medical Department of Dartmouth. He attended a full course of lectures at the Medical College at Woodstock VT and two full courses also, at Dartmouth. He graduated June 17, 1850, and soon thereafter settled in South Boston MA, in the practice of his profession. Thinking that there were broader fields of usefulness and influence in the West, he came to Indiana in February, 1854, and practiced there for two years. He then removed to Macomb IL and remained there until July, 1859, when he came to Galesburg, where he has been a successful practitioner for forty years.

Dr. Chase has earned an honorable distinction in the practice of his profession. His reputation for careful and painstaking treatment is acknowledged. His clinical instruction is full and complete, and his diagnosis of thousands of cases is a proof of his erudition and ability. As a physician, his labors have been crowned with success, and much of that success is due to the sympathy which he feels and expresses for his patients. He believes that care and attention are as important as medicine.

In religious belief, he is a Universalist. His creed is the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man. He says of himself: "From my earliest recollections I have been a firm believer in prayer and communion with God, our Heavenly Father. It is a great duty and high privilege to keep and revere the first and the second great commandments of the New Testament."

Dr. Chase is a strong temperance man; nevertheless, politically, he affiliates with the republican party.

He was united in marriage to Lucy F. Crocker, March 15, 1849. There were born to them four children, two now living: Henry Maurice, born November 3, 1850, died March 5, 1854; Ella L., born December, 1853, died October, 1854; Henry Maurice, 2d, born February 9, 1860; Ella L., 2d, born March 30, 1856.

Henry M. Chase was married June 5, 1884, to Jane Ewing Phillips. They have two children: Phillips M., born April 6, 1886; and Margaret Evertson, born December 22, 1889. Ella L. Chase was married March 30, 1874, to Arthur W. Conger, who died in 1890. Three children were born to them: Lucy M., born January 22, 1875; Delia, born December 4, 1886; and Etheline, born October 4, 1888. Her second marriage was with Hon. Howard Knowles, March 4, 1896.

John Albert Chelman, Merchant; Galva, Henry County, Illinois, born in Victoria Township, Knox County, Illinois, January 22, 1855, educated in Knox College. His parents, John P. and Martha (Hayden) Chelman, were natives of Sweden. They came to the United States in 1846. They were married in Galesburg. The father lived two years in Chicago, then a short time in Canton, Illinois, and in 1850, came to Knox County when he became a prosperous  farmer in Victoria Township; he died in 1877. His wife survived him ten years. There  were three children: John Albert; Lottie, deceased; and Mrs. Mary A. Ericson. Mr. Chelman remained on the home farm until 1882, when he learned the jeweler's business in Galva, and conducted a jewelry store till 1885. In 1886, he bought a grocery store in Galva, which he has since conducted. He married Anna Laurie, daughter of James and Anna M. *Knight) Soles, prominent citizens of Knox County;' James Soles died March 16, 1889, at the age of seventy. Mr. and Mrs Chelman is a director in the Copper Creek Mining and Milling Company, located in Gunnison county, Colorado;' Secretary and Treasurer of the Belleview Mountain and Milling Company and Vice-President of the Rustler Milling Company of Colorado. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics, he is a republican. He was elected Mayor of Galva in 1898. In 1896, he was delegate tot the republican state convention. He has been a member of the School Board for nine years.

GEORGE CHURCHILL  "Sow a character and you reap a destiny".

The truth of this maxim finds abundant exemplification in the life and labors of George Churchill. There is scarcely a department inaugurated for the improvement of this city, or for the bettering of the condition of its people, without a trace of his handiwork. He has been "part and parcel" of the city of Galesburg and Knox College almost from their very inception, and their history would be incomplete and almost worthless without the embodiment of the life-work of Professor George Churchill.

Dr. Churchill, son of Norman and Anna (Eggleston) Churchill, was born in Herkimer County NY, April 2, 1829. His father came to Galesburg early in the Fall of 1836, and purchased a ten-acre lot on West Main Street, know as the "Churchill home." Into this "home" he moved with his family in 1839, where he lived and died, an honored citizen, September 20, 1886, at the advanced age of nearly eighty-seven years. He was the son of Reverend Jesse Churchill and was born in Hubbardton VT, November 5, 1799.

The early educational advantages of Dr. George Churchill were of the kind incident to a new country. At that time, the necessities of the family and home had to be supplied and the culture of the mind was treated more as an incidental matter. However, young George's youth was given to the study of such books as were at his command, and to the contemplation of the open book of Nature for which he had an innate fondness. He entered Knox College as a student in the Preparatory department in the first year of its history. With thorough preparation, he afterwards entered the college classes and graduated in 1851.

After graduation, there was no time afforded him for recreation or rest. His first year was spent as civil engineer on the Central Military Tract Railroad, which afterwards became part of the main line of the Burlington system.

Appreciating the inefficiency of the public schools of Galesburg and vicinity, and desiring to supplant them with a better system, he next made a trip to Europe, in order to make a most thorough inspection of the Prussian schools. For this tour, he had exceptional facilities. Letters from the Secretary of State and from other influential men were given him, and he was thus enabled to gain an accurate knowledge of the Prussian system of education. On his return to Galesburg, he addressed himself to the task of arousing public sentiment in favor of an improved school system, that should, in some measure, be comparable to the one he had been studying. No only his time and energy were lavished without stint, but his slender salary as teacher was encroached upon to secure the assistance of Honorable Henry Barnard, of Connecticut, who afterwards received the first appointment as Commissioner of Education for the United States. The co-operation of the various educational interests ultimately resulted in procuring a special charter by which the former district schools were consolidated, and the foundations of the present system, with all its essential features, were laid. The Board of Education has shown a just appreciation of Dr. Churchill's services in this direction, by naming what was called the Grammar School the "Churchill School", and by adopting, January, 14, 1896, the following resolution:

Resolved, That we tender a vote of thanks to Professor Churchill, thus expressing our high appreciation for the efforts he made in securing a higher education for the public schools of Galesburg by a special charter, which passed the Legislature in 1859; and that we extend to him an invitation to be the guest of this Board to visit our schools and see if we have come up to his expectation, both in buildings and in teaching.

Dr. Churchill has been fully appreciated by his fellow citizens, and at their hands has held many positions of honor and trust. For thirteen years, he was a member of the Board of Education. For twenty-two years, he served in the capacity of City Engineer. For two terms, he served as Alderman. For eight years, he was a member of the Board of Park Commissioners. For twenty-three years, he held a position on the Library Board, which position he held until his death, which occurred in September, 1899. Besides all these extra duties and labors, which were performed acceptably and well, and which demanded the need of praise from every citizen, he filled a Professor's Chair in Knox College for the long period of forty-four years.

Dr. Churchill was born to be useful. He was born to do good. He was born especially as an educator of youth. Nobly and grandly, he fulfilled his mission. In his instruction, he was lucid and thorough, and, whatever the subject taught, he never failed to interest. Thousands of men and women, scattered over our land, as the evening shadows fall and as their wandering thoughts revert to the scenes of their school days, will picture the stalwart form of Dr. George Churchill. They will recall with deeper affection his peculiar and interesting manner of teaching and his many quaint and always instructive speeches. They will ever regard his name and Knox College as one and inseparable.

As a citizen, Dr. Churchill was deservedly popular. He was intelligent, and amiable in disposition; honorable in purpose and character; charitable towards the unfortunate; kind and loving in all domestic relations; a friend to the poor and needy; and a lover of all that makes for righteousness and is a benefit to the human race. He was a practical and consistent man and won his way by his urbanity and vigorous common sense.

In religious faith, Dr. Churchill was a Congregationalist. When sixteen years of age, he became a member of the Old First Church. At the time of his death, September 10, 1899, he was a member of its successor, the Central Church. He served forty years as deacon; twenty-five years as Superintendent of the Sabbath School, and more than twenty-five years as leader of the choir. He was also a member of the building committee of the present church structure. He was director and President of the Mechanics' Homestead and Loan Association since its organization in 1882, the assets and disbursements of which to the present time amount to two and a half million dollars.

Dr. Churchill was thrice married. His first wife was Clara A. Hurd. To them was born one son, Milton E., now Dean of the Faculty of Illinois College, Jacksonville.

His second wife was Ada H. Hayes. Of this union, one daughter and two sons were born: Mary Hayes, who died July 7, 1863; Charles E., a lawyer in Chicago; and George B., a hardware merchant of Galesburg.

His third wife was Ellen Sanborn Watkins. One son was born to them, William David. By a former marriage, his third wife had a daughter, Mrs. Nellie Sanborn (Watkins) Wetherbee.

Frank Nelson Clark, Stockman; Orange Township; born July 15, 1864, at the Clark Homestead, Orange Township; educated in Knox County. His parents are Luther and Sarah Yeager Clark, the former from New Jersey; his grandfather was Abraham Clark. Mr. Frank N. Clark was married in Knoxville February 07, 1889, to Jennie R. daughter of John R. Wilder, of Knoxville, His father, Luther Clark, came from New Jersey to Knox County with his parents in 1843, and now owns a farm of two hundred and twenty acres. Frank N. was brought up his father's farm and became a practical farmer. when a boy ten years of age he was given charge of the swine which he bought, sold and improved according to his own good judgment which was remarkable. After clerking three winters in Knoxville, he returned to the farm, at the age of twenty-four, and became well known as the owner of "Orange Herd" of Poland China hogs. This stock is recorded; and one pig, Hadley's Model No. 35913, is valued at $3,000. Mr. Clark is a republican, and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

MERRITT M. CLARK, a patriot soldier during the Civil War, was born in Manchester, Bennington County VT, January 10, 1835. He was the youngest son of Chester and Saviah (Matteson) Clark, and was left fatherless when only eleven years of age. In 1851, he came to Galesburg with his mother, and lived here the remainder of his life.

Mr. Clark acquired the rudiments of his education in the district schools of his native State. Afterwards, he supplemented this instruction with a more thorough course of study. He matriculated in Knox College, and graduated with high honors in 1857. After graduation, he read law with the firm of Smith and Ford, and was soon admitted to practice in the courts of the State. In the Spring of 1861, a law partnership was formed with Judge A. A. Smith and E. P. Williams, which continued until 1862. Imbued with patriotic fervor, he entered the army as a commissioned officer, and served, though with impaired health, until the close of the war. His patriotism and his love for his companions in arms are shown by the following incident: A member of the law firm, in which he was once a partner, urged him to obtain a discharge from the service on account of his poor health, and with a true Roman spirit offered to take his place. He replied, that he could not ask such a favor, when his companions, suffering as much as he, could not obtain a release. Having been a partaker with them in the triumphs of battle and the shouts of victory, he could not desert them in an hour of darkness, disease, or death. With an heroic spirit and with a manly courage that did not quail in the smoke of battle, he remained at his post until victory was won.

After Mr. Clark's discharge, he returned to his home, where he remained, highly honored, until his death. Immediately, he was elected Police Magistrate, which office he filled until the Spring of 1866. He then formed a law partnership with E. P. Williams, which was dissolved in 1871 on account of Mr. Clark's ill-health. During 1871, he was elected City Attorney, which office he held for one year.

As a lawyer, Mr. Clark possessed certain eminent characteristics. He was fair and honest, and a sense of justice and equity seemed to control his actions. He was accurate and painstaking in cases at court, and his quick perceptions and versatile mind enabled him to discover the weak and strong points in trial or argument. As a soldier, he virtually gave his life to his country. Disease, contacted on the field of battle, did not quench the fire of patriotism that was burning within him, or turn him from the path of duty. His name is worthy to be enrolled on the scroll of fame with the patriots of his time. As man and citizen, he bore an unsullied character. His demeanor was pleasing, but not commanding. He was charitable in his speech and acts, and his kindly nature drew around him many friends. He lived a full life of kindness and love, and is worthy to have inscribed upon his tombstone this epitaph - an honest man.

Mr. Clark was a Congregationalist, a member of the Old First Church. His political faith was republican. He was married September 2, 1857, to Celia A. Tinker, a daughter of Rev. Charles E. and Mary (Robinson) Tinker. Rev. Charles E. Tinker was a Home Missionary about 1840.

To Mr. and Mrs. Clark were born seven children: Mary Ina, died in childhood; Luella M.; Chester M.; Charles T.; Jay C.; Willis J.; and Alice Pauline.

Clark, Salina E. Selby; Haw Creek Township; born in Maquon Township, Knox County, Illinois, June 4, 1848, on the old Selby homestead.  Her parents were Philemon B. Selby of Lancaster, Ohio, and Elizabeth (Gullet) Selby.  Her first marriage was with Franklin Thurman on February 15, 1866.  Two children were born to them, Mrs. Florence Odell, and Mrs. Mary Kromer.  Her second marriage was with Thomas A. Clark on February 12, 1874, son of Rev. William Clark of Knox County.  They have four children: Mrs. Jennie Burnside; William E.; Katie; Frederick.  Mr. Clark was Road Commissioner, and has been School Director for fifteen years.  He is a successful farmer.

CLARK, REV. NEWTON G: Minister of the Gospel; Maquon; born July 18, 1840, in Warren County, Illinois. He is son of Rev. William M. Clark, who came to Knox County in 1833, and in 1834 settled on the present site of Gilson, where he cultivated on thousand acres of land. Three of his sons were Methodist Episcopal preachers. His parents came from Kentucky, N. G. Clark was educated in the common schools and at Hedding College, Abingdon, Knox County. He entered Hedding at sixteen years of age. August 2, 1862, he enlisted in the Company F, Eighty-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteers; he also served in Company I, Thirty -sixth Regiment, and was honorably discharged in June, 1865. He returned and worked on his home farm till 1874, when he entered the Methodist Episcopal ministry. He was ordained by Bishop Scott at Carthage, Illinois, and his "charges" were at French Creek, Knox County, Sunbeam, Mercer County; Wataga, Knox County; Rock River Valley, Rock Island County; Hamilton, Hancock County; Lewistown, Fulton County; Walnut Grove, Hancock County; Cameron, Warren County; Burnside and Durham, Hancock County; Herman, Knox County; North Henderson, Mercer County; Maquon, Knox County; Victoria, Knox county, Williamsfield and Elba Center, Knox County; Douglas, Knox County, in 1894, after which he retired from active service. He moved to Maquon in April, 1892. In 1896 be bought a hardware store and added a department for groceries. Mr. Clark was married March 11, 1860, to Anna West, daughter o Samuel and Mary A. West, who were ealry settlers in Knox County.

Rev. John G. Dahlberg; Altona, Walnut Grove Township, Knox County, Illinois, was born in Hvetlanda, Sweden, March 28, 1862, March 28, 1862, and came to the United States in 1880. During the years 1880-1882 he worked on farms in Montgomery and Page Counties, Iowa. In 1882, he entered Augustana College and Theological Semiary, Rock Island, Illinois, and graduated in the classical course in 1889. In the Fall of 1889 he entered the theological school of the same institution and gradutated in 1891.

Mr. Dahlberg was ordained a minister of the Luteran Church at Chicago Lake, Minnesota, pastor of the Swedish Lutheran Church of Altona, Illinois. Besides the pastor-ship of this important church, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Augustana College and Theological Seminary, and Secretary of the Board, and is also Secretary of Illinois Conference of the Augustana Synod. In 1889, he was elected a member of the Board of Home Missions of said Synod and was afterwards made Treasurer of this Board.

Mr. Dahlberg has remained with his first charge, although he has had numerous flattering calls elsewhere. In 1889 he was twice called to the principal-ship of Immanuel Academy, Minnesota. In 1893, he received a call to the chair of Swedish Language and Literature in Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois. The Lutheran Church of Princeton, The Lutheran Church of New Windsor, Illinois, and Zion Lutheran Church of Rock Island have all extended calls to him to become their pastor. These invitations he has felt constrained to decline. In the Spring of 1899 he had a call to the Lutheran Church of Bertrand, Nebraska, which he declined, but later did accept a second call to the Zion Lutheran Church of Rock Island, Illinois.

Before Mr. Dahlberg was set apart to his sacred calling by ordination, he had served as pastoral supply in various places. He had also taught school and had been an instructor in Augustana College.

His first wife was Emily C. Envall, of Galesburg, who he married in November, 1891. she died November 08, 1892, leaving a son, Carl Johan Emil, now living in Galesburg.

During the year 1896 Mr. Dahlberg visited England, Germany, Holland, Denmark and Sweden. June 22, 1898, he married Miss Josephine Nelson of Altona.

DAVIDSON, PETER McL.: Contractor and builder; Galesburg; born in Scotland, where he was educated and learned his trade. He came to Galesburg, Illinois in 1882 and since 1884 has engaged in general contracting and building. He has erected several handsome residences and business blocks, among which may be mentioned the residences of Colonel Clark E. Carr, and Dr. G.E. Luster; Lescher Block and residence, the Holmes Building, Arlington Hotel, Carr Block, Board of Trade Block, Jacobi Block, and buildings in Lombard University grounds.

DAVIS, JOHN ALLEN WRIGHT: Dental surgeon; Galesburg; born in Menard County, Illinois, April 18, 1837. His father, Michael, and his grandfather, John and grandmother, J. Catherine Miller, were natives of Kentucky. His mother, Margaret, and her father, William Renshaw, were born in Tennessee; his grandmother, Elizabeth (Short) Renshaw, was born in Virginia. His early years were spent upon the farm. He attended the common schools and the Illinois State Normal School. He practiced dentistry in Mason City, Illinois, for five years, afterwards removing to Chicago. While practicing there he was elected Vice-President of the Chicago Dental Society. April 23, 1874 he was married to Hattie L. Ganett of Syracuse, New York. There are three children: Mrs. R. May Read; Howard G., D.D.S.; and Clifford E. In 1875 Dr. Davis became a resident of Galesburg. In 1881, he was elected Vice President of the Illinois State Dental Society, President of the Western Illinois Dental Society, and the Central Illinois Dental Society. In 1898, he was chosen President of the Illinois State Dental Society. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, and is a Knight Templar. In religion he is a Baptist. In politics, a republican.

Davis, John E.; Farmer; Chestnut Township; born December 07, 1866, in Indian Point Township; educated in the common schools. His father, Samuel Davis, was born in Somersetshire, England, and died in 1892; his mother, Lucy J. Bond. born in Clinton county, Ohio, is still living in Hermon. His maternal grandparents were Walter and Ellen Moon Bond; his paternal grandfather, James Davis, was born in England. August 25, 1889, Mr. Davis was married in Chestnut Township to Rosa D. Hopkins. They have had two children, Nell, born April 29, 1891, and Floy, born August 12, 1893. Mrs. Davis was born in Chestnut Township August 25, 1868, and is the daughter of Thomas and Sallie A. Booten Hopkins. Mr. Hopkins was born January 04, 1831  He was a soldier in Company M, Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry, and after serving three years, was mustered out at the close of the war. He died August 23, 1895. Mr. Davis is a republican and has been Justice of the Peace and School Director in Chestnut Township. He has been Notary Public for five years, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 334, at London Mills. He has a cottage home on a farm of eighty acres in Section 21, which is abundantly supplied with stock.

Davison, Joseph; Farmer; Henderson Township; born in Northumberland, England. January 21, 1828; educated in his native land. His father, Robert Davison, was a shoemaker and merchant in Northumberland, which is on the border of Scotland. His mother, Mary Charlton, was a native of England, as were also her parents, Joseph and Mary Charlton. Mr. Davison's paternal grandfather, John Davison, was a North-of England man; he was a Mason. His paternal grandmother was Isabella Nesbit. In 1853, Mr. Joseph Davison came to the United States and settled in Henderson, Knox County, Illinois, where he engaged in the shoe business, which he had learned in England. This he continued until about 1875, since which time he has devoted all his attention to farming. He was frugal and industrious, and added to the first forty acres which he bought adjoining Henderson, until he now owns more than four hundred acres of good land. Mr. Davison was twice married; first to Jane Armstrong in Scotland; his second marriage was to Isabella Kilgore. He has three son: Robert, Harvey C., and Irving. In politics, he is an independent. He has held local offices. He was made Mason at Hiram Lodge Number 26, and Horeb Chapter Number 4.

Dawdy, Jefferson M.; Farmer; Abingdon; born in Kentucky, January 24, 1812; educated in the common schools. His father, James Dawdy, came to Indian Point Township, Knox County, in 1846. Jefferson M. Followed in 1847, and settled on Section 17, where he farmed until 1897, when he retired and moved to Abingdon. In 1834, he married Elizabeth Amos; eight Children were born to them: James, John, Marshall, Cassie, Mary, Sarah E., Hattie E., and Bell. Mrs. Dawdy died in 1894, and since her death Mr. Dawdy has lived with his daughter, Bell, Mrs. J. W. Brown). In the early days, Mr. Dawdy was associated with Mr. Givens in the banking business. In 1865, he built a grist mill, which he conducted for some time. Mr. Dawdy is a member of the Christian Church, and was for some years a Trustee of the old South College. In politics, he is a democrat. He is one of the substantial men of Abingdon.

Dawdy, Warren; Farmer; Indian Point Township, where he was born September 29, 1847; educated in the common schools. His parents, John and Tabitha Boydstun Dawdy, were natives of Kentucky. His paternal grandfather was James Dawdy. John Dawdy came to Illinois and settled in Wood County in 1826. Later, in 1836, he came to Knox County, and died in Indian Point Township in 1875. February 01, 1872, Warren Dawdy, was married to Anna Brown in Indina Point Township. They have had two children: Clara, Now Mrs. Robinson; and Minnie. The same year, Mr. Dawdy settled on the farm where he now lives. He is one of the prominent farmers of the county. In politics, he is a democrat.

Dawson, Christopher Columbus; Farmer; Persifer Township; born August 25, 1846, in Ohio. Educated in Knox County. His parents were James and Margaret Claypole Dawson, of Ohio. Mr. Dawson was married to Filetta Corbin in 1869, in Persifer Township. Their children are Leon Lewis; Joseph Rollie; James Albert; Charles Wilbert; Mellie Alvilda; Etta May; Jasper Windfield; and Harley, and infant, deceased. Mr. Dawson's parents came to Knox County when he was eight years of age and settled on a farm, where they lived until the death of his mother. His father then sold out and went to Kansas, where he died. Mr. Dawson remained in Knox County and still lives on his farm near Dahinda. his family are at home with the exception of one son. Lewis who married and is farming elsewhere. Mr. Dawson is a democrat and has been a School Director.

Dechant, Peter; Mason, Abingdon; born November 17, 1820, in Germantown, Ohio; received a limited education in the common schools. His father, Peter Dechant, came from Germany, and was killed at the age of forty-six. At the early age of seven, young Peter Dechant began to work out, and when fifteen years of age had learned the mason's trade. He also worked in a brick-yard. In 1864, he came to Knox County and settled near Abingdon. For some years previous to his arrival in Knox county, he had been a contracting mason, which business he followed until 1889, when he retired. October 12, 1843, Mr. Dechant was married to Nancy J. Hall, in Montgomery County, Ohio. They had six sons: Jeremiah, Peter H., Chase, William P., John S., and Grant. Mrs. Dechant died in 1891; the sons are scattered and Mr. Dechant lives iwth a daughter. He has been successful, and was the originator of the hollow brick wall theory for prevention of dampness. Mr. Dechant owned a farm four miles from Abingdon, and at all times combined his trade work with that of farming. In religion, Mr. Dechant is a free thinker. In politics, he is independent, and for some years was Highway Commissioner; has always taken a keen but quiet interest in town affairs. For fifty years he has been a member of the Odd Fellows.

Derby, Frances Thomas; Farmer; Galesburg Township; born, July 10, 1822, at Andover, Vermont; educated int he common schools of Vermont. His parents, Nathan B. and Betsey Thomas Derby, and his paternal grandparents, Nathan and Nancy Thompson Derby, came from Massachusetts; his great-grandfather, Nathan Derby, was born in England. Nathan B. Derby moved from Massachusetts to Andover, Windsor County, Vermont, in 1821, and died in 1880. Mr. F. t. Derby was married in New York City, October 07, 1852, to Anna Thompson. Their children are: Frank W., William N., Eddie T., Ella, and Mary. Mr. Derby is a republican.

DEWEIN, ELMER C.: Horse-shoer; Galesburg; born September 8, 1864, in Burlington, Iowa, where he was educated. His parents were J. G. and Julia (Jacobs) Dewein, of Burlington, Iowa. Mr. Dewein was married October 1, 1884 in Burlington, Iowa to Rachel May, daughter of John N. and Indiana Missouri (Scott) Simons, born respectively in Pennsylvania and Indiana. Their children are: Myrtle L., William E., Marguerette J., and Rachel I. Mr. Dewein learned the trade of horseshoeing in Burlington, and worked there until 1889, when he came to Galesburg. In 1895, he entered into partnership with D. F. Nolan, and is carrying on an extensive and successful business at 15 West Main. Mr. Dewein is a member of the Baptist Church. He is an independent in politics. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, and the Court of Honor.

Dickerson, Frank C.; Physician; Abingdon, where he was born April 20, 1868. His parents were John T. and Elvira Bates Dickerson. Professor John T. Dickinson was a native of New York, and was educated at the Wesleyan University at Middletown. He was an educator of high character, and was President of several colleges. As President of Hedding College, Abingdon, he was largely instrumental in building the north wing of the college; he died in 1886. Mrs. Dickinson, who survives him, was born in Pike County, Illinois, and educated at Mt. Holyoke, Massachusetts. Frank C. Dickinson is one fo five children, was was educated at Hedding College and Iowa Wesleyan University. He is a graduate of the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College, class of 1893. He settled in Abingdon, where he has built up a good practice.

DOLL, JOHN: Carpenter; Galesburg; born in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, near Wilkesbarre, April 9, 1811. His father, John, and his mother, Catherine (Sorber) Doll were born in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, as were also his grandfather and grandmother on the paternal side, John and Betsy (MacNell) Doll, and also on the maternal side, Jacob and Barbara (Hahn) Sorber. His first wife was Rosanne Sorber, of Butler County, Pennsylvania, by whom he had four children; his second wife was Elizabeth McCurdy, whom he married in Butler County, and by whom he had two children. His third wife, whom he married September 16, 1851, in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, was Adah H. Stevenson; to them were born two children. Two sons, George W., a Lieutenant in the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, and Samuel H., a private, served through four years of the Civil War, both of whom died of diseases contracted while in the service. Of the eight children, only two are now living: Catherine E. Moore and Harriet L. Doll. In religion he is a Protestant. In politics he was first a republican and later a prohibitionist.

DRAKE, E. R.: Dry goods merchant; Galesburg, where he was born November 10, 1856. His father, Lyman C. Drake, was born at Crown Point, New York, and his mother, Lucy Ann Hyde, in Middlebury, Vermont. On the maternal side, his great-grandfather, Major Russell B. Hyde, of Hyde Park, Vermont, was born in Massachusetts; his grandfather, Jabez Perkins Hyde, was born in Vermont. Lyman C. Drake and family came to Illinois in March 1844 from Moriah, New York, and lived on a farm four miles west of Galesburg for nine years, and then moved into the city. He died in February 1886, and his wife, Lucy A. H. Drake, died in October, 1888. They had nine children, the two youngest of whom are living: E.R. and F.S. Drake. In religion, Mr. Drake is a Baptist. In politics he is a republican.

DRURY, HARLEY FRANKLIN: Grocer; Galesburg; born June 13, 1855 in Essex, Vermont, where he was educated. His parents were Jacob K. Drury of Milton, Vermont and Caroline (Bascom) Drury of Fairfax, Vermont; his grandparents were Isaac and Sallie (Herrick) Drury. Mr. Drury was married in Galesburg March 28, 1883, to Nellie, daughter of Homer and Belinda (Lane) Trask of Ohio. Their children are: Mamie (adopted), and Louise. The father of H.F. Drury was a farmer in early life, afterwards engaging in the produce commission business, and later in the manufacture of brick. He died in Vermont. Harley F. Drury, began his business career in his father’s brickyard. In 1878, he came to Galesburg, where for a year and a half he was a clerk for Lake W. Sanborn. For two years and a half, he kept books for Captain C.L. Lanstrum, and afterwards opened a grocery store on his own account. Mr. Drury is a believer in Christian Science. In politics he is a republican.

Duffey, Edward Fenwick; Farmer; Henderson Township; born in Covington, Kentucky, June 21, 1852. His father, Michael Duffey, was born in Philadelphia, October 04, 1811, he was a carpenter. In 1854, he came to Knox County and settled on Section 34 Henderson Township, owning and improving one hundred and sixty acres of land, which at his death was divided among his five children. His wife, Catharine V. McDonough, was born in New York City, and her parents, Francis and Margaret Prosser McDonough, were natives of Oreland. Francis McDonough was a soldier in the War of 1812.  M. T. Duffey's parents, John and Mary Duffey, were also natives of Ireland. Mr. E. F. Duffey moved to Kendall County, Illinois, in 1872, and from there to Fayette County, Iowa, where he farmed. He was married in Seaton, to Hattie E., daughter of Richard Maitland Wade, a native of Ulster County, New York, who came to Knox County in 1855, but now lives in Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Duffey have five children; Mrs. Bertha M. Cunningham; Kathlyn M. a graduate of Galesburg High School, class of 1899; Francis A; M. Blanche; and Lawrence H.  In Fayette County, Iowa, he bought eighty acres of land and farmed there for ten years. He then moved to Red Willow County, Nebraska, where he took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres from the government, which he traded for three hundred and twenty acres of land in Rawlins County, Kansas. In May, 1895, he returned to the old homestead in Knox County, where he now resides. Kathlyn M., his second child, taught during one school term in Nebraska, having obtained a certificate when she was sixteen years old. Mr. Duffey belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a republican, and has held the office of School Director,. and Assessor. He served as Justice of the Peace and held other offices in Nebraska.

DUVAL, WINFIELD SCOTT: Engineer; Galesburg; born April 3, 1852 in Burlington, Iowa, where he was educated. His father was Daniel Jennings Duval of Lexington, Kentucky. He was married November 19, 1884 at Oquawka, Illinois to Polly Elizabeth, daughter of Conrad D. Aschoff of Germany and Rebecca (Selders) Aschoff of Pennsylvania. At the age of thirteen, Mr. Duval became “striker” under Abner Morton, an engineer on a Mississippi River steamboat. At the age of sixteen he could manage an engine, and when eighteen years old, was given his first “permit” on the steamer Jessie. For many years he was a successful engineer on different steamboats, his last charge being the steamer Prescott on the Missouri and Kansas rivers. He was on the steamer at the docks when the tornado struck Kansas City, and his wife, who was with him, fastened the boat to the wharf. In 1888 Mr. Duval entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad as a fireman, and in a year became an engineer, which position he still holds. He came to Galesburg in 1889, where he has since resided. Mr. Duval is a member of the Baptist Church, and is a republican.

Evans, Allen T., Farmer; Knox Township; born in Knox Township August 27, 1846; educated in the common schools. The ancestry of the family was Welsh, French, German, and Scotch. Mr. Evans' Father, Willfard Evans, was a native of Virginia, while his mother, Eleanor Rambo was born in Ohio. His paternal grandparents, John and Nancy Hathorn Evans, were born in Virginia, while his maternal grandparents, were natives of Ohio, as was also Mrs. Reuben Rambo's father, Abram Haptonstall, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. August 27, 1868, Mr. Evans was married in Persifer Township to Anna E. Calwell. They have one son, Dellfard C. Dellfard C. married Mary McCrea of Knox Township; they have one son, Ray E. Mrs. Evans' father, Oliver Calwell, was a farmer, and was born in Pennsylvania December 17, 1820, where he was educated in the common schools. Mr. Calwell was married to Desire S. Manley, of Persifer Township. They had four children; Mehitabel S.; Annie E; Olive C.; and Oliver A. who died at an early age. Mr. Calwell died April 18, 1860; his widow died march 10,  1896. The ancestors of the Manley's were in the War of 1812. In Politics, Mr. Evans is a republican.

Evans, Willfard, (father of the above Evans) (deceased): Knoxville; Farmer; Born March 27, 1814, in Virginia. His parents were John Evans, born in Virginia, and Nancy Hathorn. November 17, 1845, Wilfred Evans was married to Eleanor Rambo in Knoxville; they had eight children; Allen T.; Nancy M., deceased; Alice A.,; Almeria E., deceased; Sarah C., deceased; Emma S.; Ida A., deceased; and Luella. Mrs.. Eleanor Evans father, Reuben Rambo, was born in Virginia and was well educated. He married Charity Haptonstall, in Greenbrier County, Virginia. They had nine children: Allen T.; Sarah and Rachel, Twins; Abram; Margaret, Eleanor; Malinda; Mary A; and Fannie M. The parents are deceased. In politics, Mr. Evans was a republican.

Earel, Silas R.; Farmer; Cedar Township; born in Adams County, Illinois, January 18, 1857; educated in the schools of Knox County, and Abingdon Academy. His father, Henry D. Earel, was born in Virginia in 1828, and came to Illinois and settled in Adams County; he died in 1898. His mother, Margaret Simons, was a native of Illinois. His paternal grandfather, James Earel, was born in England in 1745, came to America and settled in Maryland, removing to later to Illinois, where he died. April 24, 1875, in Abingdon, Silas R. Earel, was married to Rosa Williamson; They have seven children: Frank, Dale, Tina, Mamie, Zella, Satie, and Eva. Mr. Earel is in the religion a Congregationalist. In politics, he is a republican. in 1896, he was elected highway Commissioner and served three years.

Eastman, C. H.; Liveryman; Williamsfield, Truro Township; born in Brimfield, Peoria County, Illinois, May 21, 1858, educated in Peoria. His father, C. P. W. Eastman, was born in Farmington, Strafford County, New Hampshire; his mother, Mary  A. Van Pelt, in Hillsborough, Highland County, Ohio. His paternal grandparents were Nehemiah and Anstriss Woodbury Eastman: his maternal grandparents, Elisha Van Pelt and Harriet Brock were both natives of Ohio. He was married to Sarah A. Tucker, October 12, 1882, in Knoxville. Of this union there are four children: Mary Anstriss, born April 17, 1884; Charles Samuel, born March 20, 1886;Orio Herbert Clinton, born November 02, 1888. Mrs. Eastman has had excellent educational advantages and is a member of the Eastern Star, Williamsfield. Mr. Eastman is a republican, and Dep7uty Sheriff of Knox County, Village Marshall of Williamsfield and Constable of Truro Township. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., #779.

Eaves, Charles M., Conductor: Galesburg: born April 10, 1859, in Hancock County, Illinois; educated in Illinois. His parents were Thomas E. Eaves, of Adams county, Illinois, and Julia Kennedy Eaves, of New York. Mr. Eaves was married November 17, 1881, at Colchester, Illinois, to Eva Campbell. Their children are; Addie, Deceased; Ethel, Blanche, Ruth, and Helen. Mr. Eaves has been in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad for twenty-one years, and has been a conductor for fifteen years. In religious belief Mr. Eaves is a Baptist. He is a republican, and Alderman of the Seventh Ward, to which office he was elected by the largest majority every given in that ward.

Elder, Samuel Crawford; Flour merchant: Galesburg; born March 30, 1839, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, where he was educated. His parents were Matthew and Nancy mcConnell Elder, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Elder was married to Sarah M. Roush, in Henry County, Illinois, February 01, 1866. Their children are: Elton C.; Lelia N.; Roy, deceased; Lizzie N., deceased. Mr. Elder is a Presbyterian. In politics he is a democrat.

Ercison, Adolph W.; Machinist; Galesburg, born in 1847, in Sweden. He came to Galesburg in 1853, and learned the trade of a machinist. in 1`864, he entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, and in 1879, became assistant foreman in the machine shops: he was made general foreman in the machine shops in 1886, a position which he still holds. He was married to Kate Donaldson, in 1879; one child was born to them, Adolph Lambert.

Everett, John C.; Switch-tender; Galesburg; born in summit County, Ohio, August 28, 1849; educated in Ohio. His parents were John Everett, of Pennsylvania, and Alvira Hill Everett, of Virginia; his grandfather was John Everett, of Germany. Mr. Everett was married October 07, 1874, at Sheffield, Illinois, to Augusta Maria, daughter of Chauncey B. and Mary Rosetta Drury Fish, of Huron County, Ohio. Their children are; Rosetta Alvira, Charles Herman, Jennie May, George Calvin, Frederick James, and Shirley F4emont. When a boy. Mr. Everett came from Ohio to Bureau county and began farming. in 1865, he went to Missouri, where he remained about one year, when he returned to Illinois, and in company with his father, John E. Everett, bought a farm. For a time he was an engineer in a grist-mill at Sheffield, Bureau County, Illinois. After his marriage, Mr. Everett, moved to a farm in Iowa. He afterwards lived in Kansas for fourteen years, and tin Missouri for one year.  He then came to Galesburg, where h has been switch-tender for six years for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.

Edgar, Arthur J.; Farmer; Rio Township; born in Walnut Grove Township, Knox County, Il, March 14, 1866; educated in Rio Township. His parents were James B. Edgar of Sangamon County, Illinois, and Lucinda Kennedy Edgar of Knoxville, Illinois. His paternal grandparents, Samuel and Mary LeFever Edgar, were natives of Kentucky; his maternal grandparents, Andrew and Mary Sheldon Kennedy were born in New York . In religion he is a Protestant. He is a democrat. Mr. Edgar is a School Director and Collector.

Edwards, Mrs. A. E.; Farmer; Ontario Township; born December 10, 1852, in Stark County, Illinois; educated in Knox County. Her parents were George W. and Philena Green Rome. Mrs. Edwards was married to Samuel Edwards in Cambridge, Henry County, Illinois, December 09, 1868. They have ten children: John Franklin, George Nelson, Minnie M., Arthur H., Myrtle A., Ernest C., Bertha P., Samuel O., Amy M., Archie T. Mrs. Edwards is a republican.

Eiker John Calvin: Farmer; Orange Township; born January 24, 1833, in Adams County, Pennsylvania, where he was educated in the common schools. His parents were John Eiker of Carroll County, Maryland, and Charlotte Meyers Eiker of Fredericks City, Maryland; his paternal grandfather was David Eiker; his paternal great-grandfather, Abraham Eiker, a miller by trade, came from Germany and settled in Maryland; his maternal great-grandparents were Lawrence Myers, of Germany and Rebecca Horner. Mr. Eiker was married in Knoxville March 04, 1858, to Sarah Agnes Armstrong. They have six children: Calvin A.,; Edith May; Blanch M., wife of A. R. Green; Charlotte, wife of Gilbert Scott; Elmer Grant; and Roy Leander. Mr. Eiker's father drove his family overland from Pennsylvania to Knox County in 1852. He was a miller and farmer. and in 1863, removed to Decatur, Iowa, where he died at the age of eighty years. His wife died at the age of seventy-three. John C. Eiker was nineteen years old when he came to Knox County. He is a very successful and progressive farmer and owns two hundred and twenty acres of finely improved land. in 1874, he was elected President of the Farmer's Fire and Lightning Insurance Company, and during his twenty-five years of service, he has rendered valuable aid to the association. He is a member o f the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is a republican, and has filled most of the local offices.

Ely, Boanerges was born at Cumberland Gap, Claiborne County, Tennessee, December 21, 1821. His parents, Solomon and Rachel Turner Ely, were both natives of East Tennessee. His paternal grandfather, Isaac Ely, was born in West Virginia; his grandmother, Katherine came from Germany. His great-grandfather, Isaac Ely, was born in England, and his great-grandmother, Jessie Hopper, was born in Ireland. On his mother's side the grandparents were William and Susanna Turner, born in Virginia, the latter near Richmond.

Solomon and Rachel came to Illinois in 1834, just at the closes of the Black Hawk War. and settled in what is now De Witt county where they lived on a farm, and reared a family of ten children, four of whom came to Knox County. They were devoted members of Christian Church, and died where they first located, aged sixty-nine and forty-seven years respectively. He was of a poetic turn of mind. and was  accustomed to write verses upon events of the times and the affairs of the neighborhood.

Mr. Boanerges Ely came to Knox county in 1845, and settled on Section 16, Sparta Township. He first bought forty acres of timber on Section 24, and then bought eighty acres of government land at government price, and afterward bought forty acres at two dollars an acre. He now owns a farm of three hundred and fifteen acres near Wataga. He was married in Henderson Grove, November 03, 1850, to Mary M. Duval, daughter of Thomas Carter and Nancy Shumate Duval, both of whom were born in Kentucky. Mrs. Ely was one of a family of ten children. her Father settled ona farm in Warren County, Illinois, in 1835, and came to Knox county in 1836, locating at Henderson Grove in Henderson Township. In politics he was a republican. He was a member of the Christian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Ely have three children: Nancy Ann, wife of J. H. Deming; Ella J., wife of Samuel Temple; and William L., is a farmer at Mayville, Traill County, North Dakota.

Mr. Ely is a republican, and in religion a Christian. He was successful in  business and is counted among the prominent and substantial citizens of Sparta Township.

Emery, John G., was born in West Jersey, Stark County, Illinois, September 24, 1839. His parents were Frederick W., born July 14, 1808, and Hannah Gaffney Emery, born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, in 1814. His father was of Scotch-English, and his mother of German descent. They went to Ashland County, Ohio, where they were married in 1834. They moved to Fulton County, Illinois, in 1835, and to Stark County in 1839, where the father died in 1846; his wife died in Galva, Henry County, in 1888.

John G. was next to the youngest in a family of five children, four sons and one daughter. His youngest brother, William E., was Killed at the battle of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, December 30, 1862. Another brother, David H., was wounded at the battle of Missionary Ridge in 1864. John G. worked on his mother's farm, and attended school until he was twenty-one years of age, when he went to Henry County, Illinois. He was married December 24, 1862, to Ruth A. daughter of Jacob J. and Fanny Knable Friend. She was born in Fulton County, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1844, and was nine years of age when her parents came to Illinois and finally settled in Henry County. Her father was a native of Maryland; he died in 1891. Her mother is living. Mr. and Mrs. Emery are the parents of seven children: William E., Fred W., Charles L., George F., Edwin A., Burtis C. and Rollin G. Charles L died in 1869, aged sixteen months. Burtis C. died March 21, 1899. Three sons are married: William E., who resides in Wisconsin, and is traveling salesman for the American Book Company; Fred W., who is in business at Morris, Illinois; and George F., who resides at Slater, Missouri, and is chief Train Dispatcher for the Chicago and Alton Railroad. Edwin A. is an electrician. Rollin G. is at home.

After his marriage, Mr. Emery lived for two years in Stark County, one year in Henry County, and two years in Elba Township, Knox County. In  the Spring of 1868, they removed to Lynn Township, and settled on the northern east quarter of Section 2, which is their present home.

In Religion, Mr. and Mrs. Emery are Methodists. In politics, Mr. Emery is a republican. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He was Supervisor for eight years, and is now serving his second term as Justice of the Peace.

Mr. Emery is a successful farmer, and a prominent and influential man in the community.

Ericson, Eric; Farmer; Victoria Township; born in Farla, Soken Lane, Helsingland, Sweden, March 02, 1836; educated in his native land. His father was John Ericson of Sweden who died at the age of eighty-six years at the home of his son, Eric; his mother was Segrid Munson. His paternal grandparents were Eric and Margaret Peterson Ericson; his paternal great-grandfather was John Ericson. The family is an old and honored one in Sweden. Mr. Ericson came to the United States with his parents in 1850, an settled in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. in 1864, he came to Knox County with his wife and settled in Victoria Township, section 10, where he bought seventy acres of land; he now owns 320 acres, besides timber land. In Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Mr. Ericson was married to Christina Bloom, February 06, 1862; they had one son, John E., born May 27, 1866. Mrs. Ericson died March 04, 1896, at the age of fifty-nine. John E. Ericson was married, January 18, 188, to Amanda, daughter of John A. Johnson, a blacksmith in Victoria; they have four children; Edna Christina, Alice Maurie, Ealr John, and Carl Magnus. Mr. Ericson is one of the best farmers in the township, and was for six years Road Commissioner. He is a member of the Swedish Methodist Episcopal church. In politics, he is a republican.

Farwell, Robert E., Farmer; Elba Township; born January 12, 1855, in Clinton county, Pennsylvania; educated in the common schools. His parents were Lemuel M. and Nancy Burney Farwell, of Clinton County, Pennsylvania. His paternal grandparents were James and Permelia Farwell of Pennsylvania; his maternal grandparents were James Burney of Scotland, and Sarah Perry Burney of Pennsylvania. Mr. Farwell was married at Galesburg, September 18, 1879, to Mary A. Eastman, who was born in Peoria, Illinois, June 12, 1860, She was the daughter of Charles P and Mary Van Pelt Eastman. Their children are: Orin W., born July 12, 1880; Lemuel M., born December 22, 1881, died July 24, 1890; Roscoe H., born April 08, 1884; Ada L. , born January 29, 1886; John A., born November 24, 1887, died March 23, 1889. Mrs. Farwell is a Methodist, and a member of the Eastern Star in Williamsfield. Mr. Farwell came to Elba Township in 1877. He has a farm of two hundred and ten acres, on Section 04, and raises stock. Mr. Farwell is a believer in the Universalist faith. In politics, he is a democrat. Mrs. Farwell's brother's biography is above ~ C H Eastman.

Famulener, Jacob; Retired farmer; Cedar Township; born April 09, 1833, in Pickaway County, Ohio. August 30, 1857, Mr. Famulener was married to Sarah J. Warren, daughter of James and Susan Warren. They had four children; Clara A., born June 18, 1858, and married February 15, 1877, to H. C. McMillan; they have six children: Willie J., Leroy R., G. Earnest, Chester W., Harley F., and Dewey Glenn; Alice J., born June 23, 1859, and married June 27, 1877, to O. F. Warren, they have one child, Eva Marie. O. F. Warren died October 19, 1881. Alice J's second marriage was with Edgar F. Brainard of Monmouth; they have one daughter, V. Hortense; Emma C. was born February 01, 1862, and married Alex P. Jones March 08, 1882, died December 18, 1897; she had one daughter, Eva M.; Elvin L., born June 09, 1867, married to Alta L. Marks, February 18, 1896; they have one son, Kenneth Marks. Mr. Famulener moved from Ohio in 1856, and after his marriage, one year later, removed to his present home. He has been a successful farmer, and a prominent, influential man. In politics, he is a republican. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Jacob is buried in the Humasten Cemetery, an infant daughter but doesn't list his wife, Sarah J. Warren Famulener.***

Famulener, William; Farmer; Cedar Township; born in Pickaway County, Ohio, December 19, 1824; educated in the common schools. His father, Jonathan Famulener, was a native of New Jersey, and his mother, Anna Long of Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather was Jacob Famulener. William Famulener was married in Ohio in 1852. There were six children: Chauncey; James; George; John; Martha and Ada. Mr. Famulener came from Ohio, where his father and grandfather had settled at an early day. It was in 1853 that he came to Illinois, and settled in Cedar Township in 1854. His family have been prominently identified in the community. In politics, Mr. Famulener is a republican. William is also buried in the Humasten Cemetery with his wife Sarah, and Nancy Ann, Dau.,1855-1855, Nelson, Son, 1856-1858.***

Faulds, William Hill; Merchant; Douglas, Salem Township; born in Renfrew county, Scotland, December 07, 1856; educated in Glasgow. His father, John Faulds, was born or Renfrew, Scotland, and died at Kankakee in 1895. His mother, Jennett Hill Faulds, was born in Scotland; died in 1862. Her father, William Hill was born in Scotland. March 15, 1892, Mr. W. H. Faulds married, at Galesburg, Sarah, daughter of Abraham and Madgaline Warfield; she was born December 17, 1860. There was one Child. Arthur Albert, born May 24, 1893; died October 27, 1893. Mrs. Faulds died in Chicago December 1894. Her mother resides at Maquon. John Faulds located in Vermillion County, Illinois, in 1862, where he bought a tract of land and engaged in mining, continuing in the business until 1870. Mr. W. H. Faulds came from Scotland in 1866. In 1888 he started in the mercantile business with Mr. Hubbard; he is now sole owner of the business, and has a very large trade. In politics, he is a democrat, and has been deputy Postmaster at Douglas. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Faulkner, George W.; of Sparta Township, was born November 13, 1827, in Orange County, New York, and was educated in Oakland County, Michigan. His ancestral record is most interesting. His paternal great-great-great-great-grandfather was a Huguenot minister who fled from France to Scotland in the days of the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. His paternal grandparents were Colonel William Faulkner, of Orange County, New York, and Ann Rogers Faulkner. Colonel William Faulkner served under General Putnam and had a find record as a soldier; he was twice  wounded, and drew a pension. His maternal grandfather was James Bushfield, who was born in Ireland, and was of Scotch descent.

His parents were William J. and Isabelle Bushfield Faulkner, the former born in Orange County, New York. the latter born in New York City. William J. Faulkner was a soldier in the War of 1812, and drew a pension; he died in 1875, at the age of ninety; he was a good man and citizen. Mrs. W. J. Faulkner died February 17, 1863, aged seventy-nine. She was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. a noble Christian character and much beloved. Seven Children were born to them: William J.; deceased;  Mrs. Catherine A. Sweet; Thomas B. deceased; Gardener S., deceased; Mrs. Esther E. Poyer, deceased; George W.; and Mary J. deceased.

George W. Faulkner came to Knox County with his parents in 1839, at the age of twelve. November 12 of that year they settled ten miles northwest of Galesburg, and the next spring moved to Henderson Township, and for one year rented land of Major Thomas McKee. They then moved to land in Warren County, for which they had exchanged their Michigan property. In 1848, they bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Sparta Township, where David Niles now lives Section 19, which they subsequently sold, and bought one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land in Section 29. This they improved, and it is now one of the very best farms in the county.

Mr. Faulkner was married in Knox County March 17, 1864, to Bertha Emerson, who was a native of Norway, a member of the Congregational Church, and an exceptionally fine woman. She was educated in Galesburg and was successful school teacher, and it was while teaching at the military school that she met and married Mr. Faulkner. Mrs. Faulkner died October 21, 1872, at the age of thirty-two. They had two children, George Emerson and Kate; the latter married Mr. L. W. Peterson and they have tow children. Harry and Edith: George Emerson married Mary Rommel, daughter of Henry Rommel, deceased and they have three children, Henry G., Nellie and Janet.

After his marriage Mr. Faulkner remained on the home farm, and was in partnership with his brother, Thomas B. until 1890, when they divided the property. he has two hundred acres of good land., the result of industry, economy and careful business management. His neighbors are his best friends, a fact that speaks volumes for his character. He is a republican in politics, and is Assessor and School Director having held the latter office for twenty-five years. The Faulkner's are buried in the Wataga Cemetery. I did research a few years back for a lady on these people.***

Fay, Oscar Locke; Farmer; Ontario Township; where he was born October 25, 1855; educated in Oneida, Illinois. His parents were Norman Fay, of Vermont, and Susan Chapman Fay, of New York. He was married to Nellie B. Main in Ontario Township, March 18, 1891. He was brought up on the Fay homestead, and became a practical farmer and stockman and now has a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres. His father, Norman Fay, was born September 22, 1821, at Saxton's River, Vermont; his parents were John Fay, of Massachusetts, and Phoebe Locke Fay, of Rockingham, Vermont;' his grandfather was Ebenezer Locke, of New Hampshire. Mr. Norman Fay was married to Susan Chapman, in Knox County, December 25, 1853. Two children were born to them, Oscar Locke, and Sarah J. Norman Fay came to Knox county in 1850, and in 1854, bought and sold a farm, and in 1855, bought on hundred and sixty acres of land in Ontario Township where Oscar L. now lives; in April, 1891, he moved to Oneida. His wife was a daughter of Ezra and Sarah Lanphere Chapman, of Whitesboro, Oneida County, New York. When eight years old she came with her parents to Knox County. Mr. O. L. Fay is a republican, and in April, 1899, was elected to the office of Supervisor; he is a member of A. F. and A. M. Oneida Lodge, and is a charter member at Oneida. Mrs. Fay's parents portraits are on the Portraits from the Past page at this web site.

Felt. Edward A.; Drover and Farmer; Galesburg Township, where he was born February 20, 1860. His father, Charles M. Felt and his grandfather, Peter Felt, came from Massachusetts; his great-grandfather was George A. Felt. Mr. C. M. Felt came to Knox county in 1842, and located  first near Cherry Grove. He had twelve children: Charles M. Seth H., Austin V., Albert, Edward A., Harry, deceased; Mary, Adaline, Clarissa, Elsie, Helen and Kate. The father died February 21, 1897. He had been Supervisor of the township for fourteen years. Mr. E. A. Felt was married to Emma G. Stringham, in Galesburg, February 24, 1881. He now lives in the homestead where his father settled in 1858. He is a republican, and was elected Town Supervisor in 1892. which office he has held to the present time. He has also been Road Commissioner, Assessor and School Director.

Felt, George A.; Farmer; Galesburg; born March 01, 1857, in cherry Grove, Warren County, Illinois (Foxie's note the book says Warren County but Cherry Grove was in Knox County and not Warren County, IL.) His father Edward A. Felt, of Ipswich, Massachusetts; his mother was Rebecca Hoover Felt, and was born in Ohio. Edward A. Felt came with his father, Peter Felt, from Massachusetts to Quincy, Illinois, in 1830; he was married at Quincy, January 20, 1850, and settled at Cherry Grove, afterward removing to Galesburg Township, where he died May 10, 1884, leaving three sons and two daughters; George A., born March 01, 1857, W. W., born January 05, 1865, Harry E. born June 12, 1872; Rosanna and Alta, now deceased. George A. Felt was educated in the common schools, and in Knox College. In  politics, he is a republican. He is member of the Congregational Church. He married, in Ontario Township, March 15, 18888, Virginia E. daughter of Ralph Voris, of Oneida, Illinois. Two children were born to them: Edward and Winifred I. Mrs. Felt died November 16, 1892, since which time Mr. Felt has resided with his mother in Galesburg.

Ferguson, Andrew J, Farmer; Orange Township, where he was born April 25, 1836; educated in the district schools. His father, James Ferguson, was from Barren County, Kentucky, while his mother, Martha Maxey, came from Buckingham County, Virginia. His paternal grandmother was a native of Ireland, while his grandfather, Ferguson, was from Scotland. His maternal grandmother's maiden name was Wodfin, and both she and his grandfather, Maxey, were natives of Virginia. December 25, 1867, Mr. Ferguson married Victoria Woodmansee in Knox County; they have had three children, James A., George L., and Bessie L. In Politics, Mr. Ferguson is a democrat.

Ferguson, James A., son of above Andrew Ferguson; Farmer; Orange Township; born August 23, 1869; educated in the common schools. His father, Andrew J. Ferguson and his grandfather, James Ferguson, came from Kentucky to Orange Township about 1836. Mr. Ferguson was married to Minnie Mather, daughter of Richard Mather, at Galesburg, February 03, 1893. They have one child, Edith. Mr. Ferguson is a democrat.

Gaddis, Jacob; Farmer; Orange Township; born June 09, 1837, in Orange Township; educated in the common schools. His parents were James Gaddis of Pennsylvania, and Margaret Sunderland Gaddis of New Jersey. He was married to Luella L. Kennedy in Knoxville, Illinois, December 24, 1857; their children are: John H., Charles W., Henry, Frank E., Emma J., Mrs. M. Pink; Clara B., Mrs. Albert Turner, Mary, Mrs. Robert Haines; Martha , Mrs. Harvey Redd; Ora, and two deceased. James Gaddis was a farmer and came to Orange Township in 1836; he died in 1874, leaving two sons; Thomas and Jacob. After his marriage, Mr. Jacob Gaddis came to the farm he now occupies, and soon became a prominent farmer of the township. He is a democrat, and was Highway Commissioner for sometime, and School Director for fifteen years.

Finley, Joseph Alexander; Farmer; Ontario Township; born in Delaware County, Ohio, March 26, 1839. His father, Joseph Finley, was born in Highland County, Ohio, in 1807, and after the death of his wife, came with his family, in 1843, to Illinois, where he settled on Section 21, Ontario Township, where he farmed until his death in 1865, at the age of fifty-eight. His mother, Jane, died in Delaware County, Ohio, in 1841. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Finley, was of Scotch descent, and was born in Pennsylvania, and his maternal grandfather, John Ferris, was born in West Virginia. Mr. Finley was educated in Illinois. April 23, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, First Illinois Cavalry, furnishing his own hose and equipments. At the battle of Lexington, Missouri, after a gallant fight, he and his regiment were captured and paroled, September 20, 1821. When the regiment reorganized in December, he joined it and served until his honorable discharge in July , 1862. After his return to Knox County he resumed grain and stock farming, and is to-da7y one of the foremost farmers of Ontario township. He was married to Mary E. Cox in Knox County, November 05, 1868. They have five children: Gertrude Louisa, wife of W L. Allen; Georgia Elizabeth; Joseph Orton; Clyde Alexander and Lucy Beatrice, who are students in Knox College, the former being a well known athlete. The parents of Mrs. Finley, Joseph Levi and Elizabeth Cogging Cox, were an old an honored English family who came to America in 1853, bringing with them their daughter, Mary, who was born in Somersetshire, February 18, 1846. They settled in Ontario Township, Knox County, where the mother died, leaving three daughters, Mrs. Finley, Lucy A., and Sarah G. Cox. Mr. Finley is a member of the Congregational Church. In politics, he is a republican.

Fisher, Joseph, son of David and Jane Morris Fisher, was born May 27, 1831, in Somersetshire, England. His parents were of English birth, and came to Summit County, Ohio, when Joseph was three years old. In 1838, the family removed to Mercer County, Illinois, and in 1841 they settled in Clover Township, Henry ?County, where the father ran a saw mill. After the death of his father, and his burial in Andover Cemetery, which occurred in January, 1844, Joseph and his mother came to Knox County, settling first in Sparta Township, but later purchased a farm of eighty acres oi9n Ontario Township, where the mother died, aged seventy-four years.

Joseph Fisher was educated in the common schools of Ohio and Illinois. He was married October 20, 1852, to Emily, daughter of Woodford Fisher, of Kentucky, who was an old settler of Knox County. She died November 15, 1888. aged fifty-four years, leaving an adopted daughter, Nellie.

Mr. Fisher was again married, October 30, 1890, in Knox County, to Elizabeth, daughter of Vile and Jane Kember Pittard, who came from England to Chicago in 1854, and in 1855 r3emoved to Knox County, where they died in Ontario Township.

Mr. Fisher and his wife own eighty and one hundred and sixty acres of land, respectively, in tracts adjoining each other, making a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres. He has been a farmer all his life. He is a republican and has held several local offices. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher attend the Ontario Congregational Church, of which Mrs. Fisher is a member.

Fleming, Mrs. Emily A.; Oneida, Ontario Township; born in Licking County, Ohio, October 18, 1815; educated in Ohio. She was married to James M. Fleming in Muskingum county, Ohio, March 10, 1836, Their three children are: Susan Mary, born December 30, 1847, who afterwards married T. J. Barnes; Emily A., born January 18, 1850, married to Fulton N. Scott, and died September 01, 1876; and Clay, who died September 15, 1853. Ira J., son of Mr. and Mrs. F. N. Scott, is in Denver, Colorado. Mrs. Fleming's parents William Wells, and Susan Bigelow, were from Connecticut, and were married March 23, 1814. Mr. Wells died May 08, 1823, aged thirty-three years old, His wife died in Ohio when over eighty years old. Mrs. Fleming went to live with Rev Solomon S. Miles and his wife, Ann Eliza Gilmore, who was a minister of the Presbyterian but changed to the Congregational Church. They came to Knox County and settled on a farm near Gilson, where they died, and their son Rufus inherited the farm. Mrs. Fleming was about twelve years old when she went to live with them in Newark, Ohio. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Fleming settled upon her father's farm of six hundred and eighty acres of land in Ontario Township. They moved to Oneida in 1856. Mr. Fleming died in 1867. Mr. Fleming was a republican; he was a great temperance man, and a well informed, intelligent citizen. Mrs. Fleming is charitable and kind-hearted and enjoys the good-will and respect of all who know her.

Foltz, Frederick P., is the son of Christian and Hannah Kieffer Foltz, and was born November 15, 1830, near Strathburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

The family is of German and French-Huguenot ancestry. His paternal great-grandfather was Frederick Foltx, who emigrated from Toterdam on the ship Tyger, George Johnson, master, November 19, 1771, and settled near Myerstown, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. His grandfather, also named Frederick, moved to Letterkenny Township, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, in 1798. He had nine children, seven sons and two daughters, of whom Christian, the father of Frederick P., was the sixth. His great-great-grandfather, on the maternal side, was Abraham Kieffer, a French-Huguenot, who came to America in 1750. He had three sons and two daughters. His son, Dewalt, had seven sons and two daughters, the youngest son, Christina, being F. P. Foltz' grandfather.

The Foltz and Kieffer families come of excellent stock, and in France, Germany, and America, have been noted for their intelligence, enterprise, thrift, and usefulness. Many of the Kieffers were, and still are, prominent in church and State as teachers and ministers. Ex-Governor Beaver, a distinguished officer in the Civil War, and at present a member of the Superior Court, is a grandson of Catherine Kieffer. Ex-Speaker and General Kieffer, of Ohio, came from the Maryland branch of this family.  Some of the most eminent divines in Maryland and Pennsylvania are named Kieffer, and include Dr. J. Spangler Kieffer, of Hagerstown, Maryland; Dr. Harry Kieffer, of Easton, Pennsylvania; and Professor J. B. Kieffer, of Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Foltz's brothers, Daniel, Cyrus, and Martin L., served in the Civil War, southwestern army, and Christian C. was Captain of an emergency company. His brother, George, was a successful contractor and builder. Another brother, Moses A., of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, has been, for many years, editor and proprietor of "Public Opinion." He is an influential republican, has been a member of the legislature, and was appointed by President McKinley, Postmaster of Chambersburg.

Mr. Foltz was educated, and learned the carpenter's trade in Pennsylvania, which occupation he engaged in until his removal West. He was married in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, October 08, 1855, to Melinda C., daughter of George and Susan Jacobs. She was born in Waynesboro, December 07, 1833. In 1857, Mr. Foltz moved with his family to a farm in Kansas, but owing to the disturbed condition of that part of the country, he returned to Pennsylvania and worked at his trade until the close of the war. He then made a second trip to Kansas, which, like the first, proved disappointing, and he located at Abingdon, Illinois, where he has for many years been a leading citizen of the town and county. He has taken a conspicuous part in all matters pertaining to the advancement of Abingdon, and was prominently concerned in securing the construction of what is now the Iowa Central Railroad, of which he was a director; he also acted as collector for the company for sometime, in which capacity he was very successful. He was among the first to erect modern brick business blocks in the city of Abingdon, and built and owned the Foltz Opera House. He is the owner of much valuable property in the city. He was pioneer in the introducing and manufacture of tile for drainage purposes, and was a member of the first manufacturing company formed for that purpose. He is now a stock holder in the Abingdon Paving Brick and Tile Company. Mr. Foltz is a druggist, and has been in the business since 1865. He is the discoverer and manufacturer of a valuable antiseptic germ-destroyer and pain alleviator called "Presto," which has proved a boon to suffering humanity.

Mr. and Mrs. Foltz are the parents of seven children: Louise Belle, born at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; Jennie Augusta, born in Shawnee County, Kansas; Frederick Luther, born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, and died in Kansas, April 18, 1864; Linnie M., born in Abingdon; and Lillie M. and Helen D. Twins born in Abingdon. Lillie M. died September 15, 1870. The family are connected with the Congregational church.

In politics, Mr. Foltz is a republican; he has been Alderman of the city of Abingdon several terms. He is highly esteemed by his fellow townsmen.

Foster, Thomas J. was born in Indiana, April 03, 1822, and was educated in the schools of Madison County, Ohio. His parents, Joshua and Sarah Silver Foster, were natives of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Foster was married in Knox County, Illinois, July 13, 1851, to Sarah Harriet Blakeslee, daughter of Sala and Lydia B. Pierce Blakeslee. Mr. Blakeslee came from Connecticut, and Mrs. Blakeslee from New Hampshire. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Foster: Mary, deceased; Lydia, Rebecca Ann, James D. deceased; Elizabeth, Lucy L. deceased, Martha, Benjamin F., Joshua c., Ollie and Sala B.

After residing three and a half years in Fulton County, Illinois, Mr. and Mrs. Foster removed to Knox County, and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Maquon Township, where Mr. Foster died May 28, 1882, and where Mrs. Foster still resides. Politically, Mr. Foster was a democrat. He was an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he was also a master Mason, and a member of the Masonic lodge at Maquon, Illinois.

Mrs. Foster came with her parents to Illinois in 1835, when she was one year of age. They came by way of the Mississippi River, landing at Oquawka, in Henderson, and settled on a farm a half mile from Uniontown.

Fredericks, Gustav Eric, son of Charles and Inga Charlotte Fredericks, was born October 23, 1852, in the Province of Ostergotland, Sweden. His parents were both born in Sweden, his father in Ostergotland. He came with his parents to this country, reaching Knox county, Illinois, July 17, 1857. They lived tow years in Galesburg, and then moved to Soperville, Henderson Township, where they resided on a Timber farm from 1859 to 1867, when they removed to Log City, remaining there until 1870, then they removed to Ontario Township, where they bought a farm on one hundred and sixty acres for $13,000. In 1878, the parents removed to Altona, Walnut Grove Township. Gustav E. Bought the farm on Section 11, adjoining the old homestead, in 1896, where he now resides. The father was a very successful farmer, and owned five hundred and twenty acres of land. He lives in Altona, aged eighty-two years, respected and honored by all ho know him. His wife died January 11, 1892, aged seventy-four years.

Gustav E. Fredericks was married in Ontario Township, February 26, 1876, to Ida Matilda Walgreen, daughter of Nels P. and Johanna Walgreen, who were prominent among the farmers of that vicinity. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fredericks were: Mrs. Clara A. Swanson, Mollie Co. Co, Fanny C., Jennie, Emma R., Minnie, Henrietta, Hilda C., Clarence N.; Herbert A., and Carl E., both deceased.

Mr. Fredericks has been one oft he most progressive farmers in the county. He bought the first self-binder, and the first traction engine in Ontario Township. He is considered one of the best threshers of grain in that part of the country, having been engaged in the business since he was fourteen years of age. He has threshed the grain on some of the farms in his neighborhood for twenty-seven years, and has made a careful study of all kinds of arm implements and machinery.

Politically, Mr. Fredericks is a republican. and has been Road Commissioner twelve years. In religious believes he is a Lutheran , and has been a trustee of the Lutheran Church at Altona.

Fulmer, Frank, Farmer; Cedar Township; born March 06, 1869, in Cedar Township; educated in the common schools of Kansas. His father, David, and his grandfather, Daniel, came from Pennsylvania in 1863, and settled at Old Henderson, where they were farmers. When Frank was six years old they went West, but at the age of nineteen he returned and settled in Knox County, August 12, 1891, hew was married to Emma J. Stegall, in Abingdon; She is a daughter of Frederick Stegall. Mrs. Fulmer owns the forty acres that her father first "entered " in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Fulmer have two children, Lovina Elinor, and Francis Mania. Mr. Fulmer is a prominent farmer. He is a republican.

Funk, David H.; Contactor and Builder; Knoxville; born in Pennsylvania, April 23, 1854. His parents, John and Mary A. Moyer Funk, were married in Pennsylvania, September 11, 1849. They had eight children: Sara E., David H., Louis Calvin, Melinda H., Molly J., Emma, Fannie L., and Ida R., ; Mary A died in 1868, and John in 1891. David H. Funk was educated in Pennsylvania. He married Georgia E. Missen in Peoria, April 22, 1883. There were five children: Harry W., who died in his first year; Jessie M.; E. Lillian; G. Doris; and Mable F. Mr. Funk is a Presbyterian.

Gale, James; Farmer; Truro Township; born in Columbia County, New York, July 04, 1823; educated in Columbia County, New York. His father, Nehemiah, and his mother Susan Lyon Gale, were natives of Columbia county. His paternal grandfather was also named Nehemiah; his maternal grandfather was Thomas Lyon. February 01, 1851, he married, in Renseelaer County, New York, Lucinda Caroline Record, born April 22, 1833, daughter of John and Esther Hoke Record. Of this union there were fourteen children: Nehemiah C., Born April 20, 1852; John B., born August 29, 1853; Ambrose R., born March 07, 1855; Emma J., born June 07, 1857; Emma J., born June 07, 18i57; Eugene H., born February 28, 1859; Mariette and Antoinette, Born May 31, 1861; Elvina E., born August 15, 1863; Laurilla S., born May 22, 1865; Armena C., born October 13, 1867; Lovina J. born April 17, 1870; Caroline L., born November 26, 1872; James A., born January 06, 1874; and Anthony W., born November 30, 1876. Nehemiah married Merlind Cadwell; John married Pamelia Wolf; Ambrose married Clara Grate; Emma married Cyrus Wolf; Eugene married Phidelia Smith; Mariette married Forest Rowlim; Antoinette is at home; Elvira married Charles Morsman; Laurilla married Ezra Wolf; Armena married Robert Pierce; Lovina married Dr. E. v. d. Morris; Caroline, James and Anthony are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Gale are a hale and hearty couple. Mrs. Gales' mother is now living in Kansas. Mr. Gale came to Chillicothe in 1853, to Truro Township in 1858, and settled on Section 12, where by hard work he has become the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of land. In earlier life. he traveled through the south and east. He was by trade a mason. In religion, he is a Baptist. In politics, he is a green-backer.

Gardner, Alfred; Farmer; Persifer Township; born July 18, 1839, in Ohio, educated in Knox County, Illinois. His father, Alfred Gardner, was born in New York State; his mother, Jane Collins Gardner, was a native of Ohio; his grandfather, Caleb Gardner. was born in the state of New York; his grandmother's name was Lydia Thurston; his maternal grandfather, John Collins, was a native of Virginia, and his maternal grandmother, Beca Ennas, was also a native of Virginia. The Gardner family came from Ohio to Knox County when Alfred was three months old, and settled on a farm in Persifer Township. In 1862, Mr. Gardner enlisted in Company H. One hundred and Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving till the close of the war. He was with Sherman's army and took part in all the battles in which the regiment was engaged. He endured many hardships, and his health was impaired that he has never fully recovered; he draws a pension. Mr. Gardner was married to Sarah E. Lorance, November 03, 1855, in Iowa. Thirteen children have been born to them: Alfred, Isaac H., Eliza Jane, and Jacob H., deceased; Sherman; Martha H.; Charlie; Albert; Mary; Benjamin; Leonard; Verner; and Lorance. Mr. Gardner is a Protestant. In politics, He is a republican.

Gardt, Henry is a native of Germany, and was born in Zornheim, June 16, 1852. His father was Peter Gardt, whose Occupation was that of a wagon and carriage maker. His mother was Agnes Knuxman. His grandfather participated in teh early French wars. His paternal uncle has held the office of Burgomaster of Zornheim for thirty years.

Herny Gardt received a thorough common school education in Germany, where superior training of the mind is the rule, not the exception. He became well instructed in those branches which especially fitted him for the active business of life. In 1868, when only a youth of sixteen years, he came to Galesburg, where he has resided ever since. He first found employment with Charles Brechwald in the liquor business, where he remained for eleven years. Frolich and L. Nirdlinger in the same business, which firm still continues. In 1888,m this company purchased the Union Hotel at Galesburg, making it by their excellent management one of the best hotels in the State. It has a fine reputation far and wide, and became a pleasant resort, especially for traveling men. In the Spring of 1899, they rented the hotel of George J. Mills. All this time they were engaged in the wholesale liquor business, and have made a financial success in all their transactions.

In 1890, they organized a joint stock company and built the Auditorium, which was put, and is still, under the management of Mr. Gardt.

Mr. Gardt has always shown himself as a public spirited man. The various industries and improvements of the city of his adoption he has always favored, and has given liberally of his means. He is kind in disposition, agreeable in manners, and has the ability to establish friendly relations towards his associates. He served, with credit, as Alderman, the citizens of his ward in 1884-5, being elected on the republican ticket. For a term of two years, he held the office of Park Commissioner. The two public enterprises to which he has given special attention are the founding of the Auditorium and the establishment of the Williams Race Track. he is a member of several secret societies, among which are the following: Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Royal Arcanum, and the Shrine of Medinah (Chicago.)

He has traveled quite extensively in this country, visiting many States. In 1897, he made a tour of Europe, sojourning for a time in the land of his birth. In politics, he is an active republican, working always for his party's success.

Mr. Gardt was married May 18, 1876, to Barbara Glaeser. To these parents have been born three children. Two are deceased and one boy is living, Chauncey.

Garrison, Arwine; Farmer and Liveryman; Yates City, Salem Township; born January 10, 1868, in Clinton, Ohio; educated at Blanchester, Ohio. His parents, James and Susanna, were natives of Ohio, the former of Clinton county, where he now lives, the latter of Brown County. James' father, Arwine, was a native of New Jersey, Susanna Garrison's parents were Peter and Nancy Rude, the latter born in Cincinnati, the former near that city. July 08, 1889, Mr. Garrison married Rosabell Girton in Westborough, Ohio, where she was born June 11, 1870; she was the daughter of John and Edith Girton. Her father died in 1889; her mother is still living at Westborough. She is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Garrison was brought up on a farm, and started in the Livery business February 27, 1894. In politics, he is a democrat.

Goold, Sylvester S.; Farmer; Yates City, born June 06, 1855, in Salem Township. His father, William, and his grandfather Sylvester F., were born in Rutland Vermont. His mother, Mary E. Corbin was born in Ohio; her parents were William and Mary E. McGinnis Corbin who were born in Virginia. November 14, 1875. Mr. Goold was married, in Yates City, to Mary E. Knable, who was born in Salem Township May 06, 1852; She was the daughter of John E. and Mary N. Clark Knable, both of whom are now dead. Nine Children were born to them. C. C., Born October 26, 1876, Evart, born December 23, 1878, died January 10, 1879, J. W. Rosco, born July 15, 1881; Lottie B., born March 14, 1883; Edison R., born June 28, 1855 Sydney S., born March 28, 1887; Mary L., born September 07, 1889; Carrie M, born August 23, 1890; and Susie M., born May 12, 1893. Mrs. Goold taught school for several terms in Salem Township. She died November 02, 1897. Mr. Goold owns about sixty-seven acres of land. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Lodge No 3102, Yates City. In Politics, he is a republican.

Garwood, Jonathan C., Farmer and Stock-raiser; Galesburg Township; born in 1826 in Ohio, educated in the common schools of Michigan. His parents were William Garwood of Ohio and Mary Thatcher Garwood of Kentucky. He was married in Knoxville, Illinois, October, 1852, to Mary Churchill, duaghter of Lewis and Mary Churchill Weeks, who came to Galesburg in 1841. She was born May 13, 1832, Sheldon, New York. Two children were born these parents, Mamie E., and Martha who died at the age of six years. In politics Mr. Garwood is a republican.

George, John W.; Farmer; Galesburg Township; born August 19, 1836, in Ohio, where he was educated in the common schools. His parents were Thomas George of Ohio, and Mary Gorsuch of Maryland; his paternal grandparents were Presbyterians from Ireland; his maternal grandparents were Norman and Kiturah Gorsuch of Maryland. Mr. George was married March 09, 1862, in Hancock County, Illinois, to Mary E. younger, who was a native of Ohio. Their children are; Charles C., John E., Minnie D., Lulu B., Mary Blanche, and Florence. In politics, he is a republican and has held various township offices.

Gum, Charles D. Farmer; Galesburg Township, where he was born September 12, 1866, and where he received his education in the common schools. His father, Jacob D. Gum was born in Sangamon County, Illinois; his mother, Minerva Montgomery Gum, was born in Spencer County, Indiana. His paternal grandparents, John B. and Cassander Dills Gum were natives of Kentucky. Mr. Gum was married March 18, 1891, to Ellen Eckland, in Knoxville, Illinois. They have three children; Edwin, Bessie, and Grace. Mr. Gum is a republican.

Griffith, Morris; Farmer; Galesburg Township; born February 17, 1836, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania; educated in the common schools. He was married to Elizabeth harmony, at Knoxville, Illinois, December 27, 1859, They have six children: Herbert R., William E., Arthur A., F4rankM., Etta O., Mrs. George C. Hutson, Jr., and Jessie A. Mr. Griffith was the son of Able Griffith, who came fro Ohio to Knox County in 1852. He settled in Cedar Township and followed for many years the occupation of farming; he died in 1875, leaving five sons and three daughters: John, William, George, Howard M., Morris, Anna E., Mary E., and Frances Belle. In 1859, Mr. Griffith built a house on a part of a tract of land purchased by his father in Galesburg Township where he still follows his chosen occupation of farming. In religion, Mr. Griffith is a Presbyterian. In politics. he is a republican, and was Highway Commissioner for seven years, and has held the office of School Director.

GESLER, EDWARD R.: Florist; Galesburg; born April 29, 1868 at Macomb, Illinois, where he was educated. His parents were Gabriel Gesler, of Germany, and Martha (Riley) Gesler of Ohio. He was married to Elinda Winslow August 13, 1891 at Macomb, Illinois. Their children are: Gable Aurelia, Florence Martha, Clara May, and Ross Winslow. Mr. Gesler is a Congregationalist.

GIBSON, LEWIS L.: Farmer; Galesburg; born March 16, 1833, at Blekinge, Sweden. His parents, Lars and Ingrid (Nelson) Jhonson, were born in Sweden, the former dying two months before the birth of Lewis L. In the Fall of 1834, Ingrid Nelson was married to Thomas Jepson. Mr. L.L. Gibson had one brother, Pehr, and one sister, Peruella; he had three half-brothers, Nels, John, and Mathias, and two half-sisters, Celia and Nellie. Mr. Gibson came to Galesburg December 26, 1853, and began to work on a farm for George W. Ferris. He afterwards rented a farm in Galesburg Township. Later he was in the coal and wood business in Galesburg for fifteen years. Mr. Gibson has always taken a deep interest in the temperance cause. He is Secretary of the Galesburg Commercial Union. In religion, he is a Lutheran. He is independent in politics.

GILLETT, FREEMAN D.: Engineer; Galesburg; born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, October 23, 1856; educated in Ohio. His parents were Orlando M. and Amanda (Blackford) Gillett of Ashtabula County, Ohio; his paternal grandparents were William and Huldah (Wade) Gillett of Connecticut; his maternal grandparents, Martin and Hulda (Webb) Blackford, came from Ashtabula County. Mr. Gillett was married to Emma Lundgren in Galesburg, September 23, 1895; they have an adopted daughter, Aura. Mr. Gillett came from Michigan to Knox County in 1881, and began as fireman for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. Two years later he began work in the machine shops. He afterwards resumed his position as fireman and has been running an engine since the noted “Q” strike in 1889. He is engineer of the fast mail train East and of the fast passenger train West. Mr. Gillett is a member of the Odd Fellows, Galesburg. In religion, he is a Methodist. He is a republican.

GOTTSCHALL, NELS J.: Baker and Confectioner; Galesburg; Born January 22, 1864, in Sweden; educated in Sweden and Galesburg. His parents were J. S. and Hannah (Trulson) Gottschall of Sweden. He was married to Christena M. Jacobson, in Galesburg, June 14, 1892. They have two children: Newton Tenny and Ethel Hannah Catherine. He is a member of the Swedish Mission. In politics he is a republican.

GRAHAM, JOHN M.: Conductor; Galesburg; born March 25, 1840 at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His father was James M. Graham of Harrisburg; his grandfather, John M. Graham and his great-grandfather, George Graham, were natives of Scotland. He was educated in the Harrisburg academy. He was married in Galesburg, October 5, 1868, to Mary E., daughter of E. S. Hopkins. They have one son, George A., who is a music teacher and leader of an orchestra. Mr. Graham was employed in 1858 by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for six years, as a telegraph operator. He came to Galesburg in 1864 where he was employed in the offices of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad for ten years. He has been a conductor for twenty-five years. In politics he is a republican.

GRIFFITH, HARRY H.: Galesburg; born in Seneca County, New York, March 14, 1849. His father, Harry H. was born in New York, and his mother, Margaret, in England. Mr. Griffith was educated in the common schools. He was married September 24, 1872 at Galesburg, to Anna M. Zeigler. There are five children: Nellie Blythe, John Herbert, Henry H., Myrtle Bell, and Emma Lyle. Mr. Griffith came to Galesburg in 1867, and has been in business here for twenty-five years. He was Alderman of the city of Galesburg for six years. In religion he is a Baptist. In politics a republican.

GRISWOLD, DANIEL JUDSON: Dentist; Galesburg; born September 29, 1865 in Jasper County, Indiana. His parents were Ames Anthony Griswold, born in Vermont, March 9, 1825, and Elizabeth (Adams) Griswold, born in Jasper County, Indiana September 2, 1840. His grandfather came from England and was among the early settlers of Vermont. Ames A. Griswold went to California in 1852, and returned to Indiana about 1858, where he was married January 1, 1859. He came to Illinois abt 1860, and settled on a farm near Springfield, where he remained about two years. He then removed to Indiana, where he lived for three years, returning to Illinois in the Spring of 1866, settling in Marshall County. He retired from business and now resides at Washburn, Woodford County, Illinois. In 1885 Daniel J. Griswold graduated from the Washburn High School, at Washburn, Woodford County. He then taught school for two years—1885 to 1887. From 1887 to 1891 he attended Knox College, Galesburg, and in 1894 he graduated from the Philadelphia Dental College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He then returned to Galesburg and entered into partnership with Dr. F.W. Wolf under the firm name of Wolf and Griswold; their offices are in the Holmes Building; they have an extensive city and country practice. Dr. Griswold is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Veritas Lodge, No. 478; Knights of Pythias, College City Lodge; Beta Theta Pi Fraternity of Knox College, and the Soangetaha Club. He is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a republican. Dr. Griswold was married September 12, 1899 to Grace Agnes, daughter of Dr. J.A. Ballard of La Crosse, Wisconsin.

GRUBB, SAMUEL W.: Publisher; Galesburg; born August 19, 1832, at Washington, District of Columbia; educated in the common schools. His father, Samuel, was born in Shepherdsontown, Virginia (now West Virginia); his mother, Ellen Wilson, at Snow Hill, Maryland, November 28, 1867. Mr. S.W. Grubb was married at Atlanta, Georgia to Jane A. Wright. There is one child living—James Wilson Grubb. Mr. Grubb commenced work in a printing office in 1843. He came to Galesburg in 1872 and has been manager of Galesburg Printing Company, publishers of the Republican-Register, since December 1872. In religion he is an Episcopalian. He is a republican.

GUCKER, WALTER: Galesburg; born March 5, 1854, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania; educated in Mattoon, Illinois. His parents were Franklin and Elizabeth (Kimmell) Gucker, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania; his paternal grandparents were also natives of Pennsylvania; his maternal grandparents, Jacob and Mary Kimmell, came from Germany. Mr. Gucker was married to Anna Hillagass, May 4, 1880 at Mattoon, Illinois. They have one child, Ehrma. Mr. Gucker is a republican.

Gullett, Joshua; Farmer and blacksmith; Persifer Township; born June 12, 1823, in Putnam County, Indiana; educated in Indiana and North Carolina. His parents were Joshua Gullett, from Delaware, and Barbara Housh Gullett from Germany; his paternal grandparents were Joshua Gullett, of Ireland, and Elizabeth Barnes Gullett, of Nantucket, Massachusetts; His maternal grandparents were Adam and Becka Housh, of Germany. Mr. Gullett was married to Deliah Upton, in North Carolina in 1849. Their Children are William, deceased; Barbarian; and Mary Marlish, deceased. The grandfather of Mr. Gullett fought in the Revolution. His parents were married in Indiana and came to Illinois in 1839; the father died in 1880. Mr. Gullett retained part of the homestead, and has increased its area by purchase. He is a blacksmith by trade, and has a shop on his farm. He is one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Persifer Township. Mr. Gullett is a democrat.