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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY ,
Illinois 891
FRANK LAPHAM
Frank Lapham is the owner of one hundred and seventeen acres of land
on sections 18 and 21 of Victoria township, where he engages in
general farming and stock-raising. He is a native of Truro township,
Knox county, the eldest child born of the marriage of Edward W. and
Nettie (Mosher) Lapham. The father was born and reared in Ohio,
whence he, in his early manhood, came to Knox county with his
parents. Here he met and subsequently married Miss Mosher, a
daughter of Joseph and Mehitabel (Hubble) Mosher. After marriage
they located in Truro township on the farm now owned by John Hart.
When the call came for troops in the early days of the Civil war,
Edward W. Lapham responded by enlisting as a private in the
Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at
Nashville, Tennessee. He left a widow and four children, two sons
and two daughters, those beside our subject being as follows: Ellen,
the wife of T. W. Ray; Allen L., now deceased, who is buried in the
cemetery at Victoria; and Love, the wife of G. W. Parker, who lives
in Wyoming. The mother later married E. M. Sweeney, who was born and
reared in Victoria township. They resided for a number of years in
Truro township, but he later withdrew from farming and went to
Galesburg and engaged in the insurance business. They had two
children: Dow, who is living in Wyoming; and Susie, who is a
resident of Galesburg.
Agricultural pursuits
have engaged the attention of Frank Lapham from his earliest
boyhood. Reared on the farm where he was born his early energies
were directed toward the cultivation of the fields that had been
tilled by both his father and grandfather. Here he received his
training in general farming and stock-raising and after his marriage
located on the place where he now lives. When he first came here
only about one-half of the land was under cultivation, but he
immediately set about clearing the remainder and now has it all
under cultivation. During the period of his ownership he has erected
practically all of the buildings now standing and has wrought
various other improvements. He has good barns and outbuildings and a
comfortable residence on his place, and it is well provided with all
modern implements and appliances deemed essential to the successful
pursuit of agriculture. Mr. Lapham devotes his fields to such
cereals as are best adapted to the soil and is annually rewarded
with abundant harvests, but as he makes a specialty of stock-raising
he feeds the greater part of the grain he raises. He is a capable
business man and competent agriculturist, who uses intelligence
and sagacity in the direction of his undertakings and is meeting
with more than an average degree of success.
Mr. Lapham has been greatly assisted in his endeavors by the
capable management of the household affairs by his wife, whose
maiden name was Miss Addie Ray. She is a daughter of Lorenzo and
Mary (Sweeney) Ray, and was born and reared in Victoria township,
where she has passed the greater part of her life. Her parents were
natives of Ohio, whence they came to Knox county in a wagon with an
ox team in the pioneer days. Her maternal grandfather, Miles
Sweeney, here acquired forty acres of land that he diligently
cultivated until his death from cholera. This property is now owned
by his grandson, Mrs. Lapham's youngest brother, Clarence Ray. Mr.
and Mrs. Lorenzo Ray were married in Victoria township, and here
were born their five children, in the following order: William, who
lives in Victoria township; T. W., in Truro township; a daughter,
who died at the age of four years; Addie, now Mrs. Lapham; and
Clarence, who lives north of the Lapham farm in Victoria township.
Mr. Ray was for many years engaged in the operation of eighty acres
of land in Victoria township, and there he passed away at the age of
fifty-six years. The mother had passed the seventy-second milestone
on life's journey at the time of her death. Mr. and Mrs. Lapham have
had five children, all of whom were born in this township. In order
of birth they are as follows: Edward, who died at the age of
twenty-six years and is buried in Victoria township; Cecil, who is
still at home; Ella, the wife of Fred Naslund, of Victoria township;
Leroy, who is also at home; and Verne, who died when only eighteen
months of age and is buried in the family lot in Victoria cemetery.
Ever since he began voting Mr. Lapham has been loyal to the
political principles of the republican party, the policy of which he
deems most conducive to good government. He served for several years
as a school director and as assessor for one term. Fraternally he is
identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, and he is one of the
stockholders of the Mutual Telephone Company. Mr. Lapham is one of
the estimable citizens of Victoria township, where he is widely
known and highly regarded both by reason of his business
qualifications and his high standards of life.
H.
J. BENNETT.
H. J. Bennett, who for twenty years was identified with the
commercial activities of Williamsfield, was born in Peoria county,
this state, on the 15th of January, 1865, and is a son of William J.
and Catherine (Slygh) Bennett. The father, who was a physician, was
born in England, and came to Illinois from New York city, while the
mother was a native of Virginia, whence she was brought in early
childhood to this state. Dr. Bennett located at Elmore upon his
arrival in Peoria county, and there he resided until his death,
which occurred at the age of thirty-four years. He was married twice
but his first wife only lived a short time. One son was born of this
union, William J., who is a resident of Bonanza, Colorado, where he
has extensive mining interests. To Dr. Bennett and his second wife
there were born four children: Emma, 892, who is the deceased wife
of J. P. McCauley, of Elmore; May, who married F. P. Bertschy, who
is auditor of the Woodmen of the World, of Denver, Colorado; J. S.,
who is a resident of Marinette, Wisconsin, where he engages in the
music and jewelry business; and H. J., our subject.
In the acquirement of his education H. J. Bennett attended the
common schools of his native county until he had obtained sufficient
knowledge to enable him to earn his own living, when he laid aside
his text-books and turned his attention to farming. After following
agricultural pursuits for a few years he went to Elmore, where he
established a meat market in 1886 that he operated for three years.
Disposing of this at the end of that time he came to Williams-field
and engaged in the same business until 1910. In the latter year Mr.
Bennett withdrew from commercial activities and has ever since
engaged in buying and feeding cattle and hogs.
Mr. Bennett married Miss Emma E. Freed of Peoria county, a daughter
of August Freed, and they became the parents of nine children, six
of whom are living: Paul, Elton, Maud, Harry, Gladys, and Juanita.
Those deceased are as follows: Geneva, Genevieve and Claire. The
oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, Maud, was married October
23, 1909, to Earl T. Main, the son of Charles Main and a member of
one of the most prominent families of Knox county. Mr. Main, who was
the cashier of the First State Bank of Williamsfield, was killed in
a railroad accident on the Rock Island road on March 21, 1910. One
child was born to this union. Mrs. Main is a lady of refinement and
very popular in social circles in Williamsfield, where she has a
fine home.
Fraternally Mr. Bennett is a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America, and in his political views he is a democrat, and has
several times been called to public office. He was president of the
village for four years and he has also discharged the duties of town
clerk. He met with success in the conduct of his business and has
acquired some property interests, owning one hundred and sixty acres
of land in the west. Mr. Bennett is one of the estimable citizens of
Williamsfield, where he has resided for more than twenty years, and
has many friends.
JAMES C. STEPHENSON.
James C. Stephenson carries on general farming in Copley township on
what is now the old Stephenson homestead and here he was born on the
23d of January, 1870, his parents being James and Mary Ann
(Leighton) Stephenson. His youthful experiences were those that fall
to the lot of most farm lads who divide their time between the work
of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the
development of the fields. When not busy with his textbooks his time
was given to the work of the farm and all through his life he has
remained upon the place which is still his home and has carefully
tilled his fields and developed and improved his property until it
is today one of the valuable tracts of land in his district. The
methods which he follows are at once practical and progressive and
in the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to climatic
conditions here he has won substantial success.
893
On the 1st of May, 1901, occurred the marriage of Mr. Stephenson and
Miss Clara Bell Johnson, who was born in Concord, Morgan county,
Illinois, February 9, 1871, and is a representative of one of the
pioneer families of that county, her great-grandparents being Reuben
and Sarah Johnson, who were among the first settlers and were from
Kentucky and Tennessee respectively. They located in Morgan county
before there were any churches, and religious services were often
held in Mr. Johnson's house by the Rev. Peter Cartwright and the
Rev. Ben Newman, who were circuit riders of that day, and were
brothers-in-law of Mrs. Stephenson's grandparents. Mrs. Stephenson
is a daughter of Elbert H. Johnson, whose birth occurred August 6,
1847, on what is known as the old Johnson farm in Morgan county.
There her father lived up to the time of his removal to a farm two
miles east, which he continued to cultivate for five years. He
afterward spent a similar period in Virginia, Illinois, and then
engaged in farming in the vicinity of Jacksonville but eventually
lived retired. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and his
many excellent traits of character won for him the regard and
good-will of those with whom he came in contact. In 1869 he married
Deborah Ann Leeper, who was born December 18, 1842, near Cincinnati,
Ohio. Her father, John Leeper, was a native of the north of Ireland
and came with his family in childhood to America, arriving in
Cincinnati in the early '30s. He afterward lived in Brown county,
Illinois, where he carried on farming throughout the greater part of
his life, his death occurring in 1889. He had married Margaret
Harrington, who was a daughter of John Harrington, and passed away
in 1901 at the age of eighty-seven years. The maternal grandparents
of Mrs. Johnson were Andrew and Isabelle Leeper, the former of
Scotch-Irish lineage. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Elbert H. Johnson were born
three children, the brother of Mrs. Stephenson being Joseph Howard,
now of Chicago, while her sister is Martha E., the wife of E.
Hudson, of Beardstown, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson have became
the parents of two children: James Glen, born June 22, 1903; and
Mary Eloise", born April 9, 1905.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson are members of the Presbyterian church
at Oneida and politically he is a republican but prefers to
concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs rather
than to hold office. He has served, however, on the school board for
two and a half terms and is a stalwart friend of the cause of
education. In fact he is interested in all the projects and
movements which work for public good and his influence is always on
the side of advancement and improvement. He has led a busy, useful
and active life, and is justly classed among the representative
farmers and citizens of Copley township.
JOHN
MACKEY.
John Mackey, who owns and operates a valuable farm of five hundred
acres in Truro township, is one of the self-made men of Knox county.
He started out in life without either capital or influence and with
but limited education, and through the intelligent direction of his
activities has become numbered among the affluent agriculturists of
his community. 894
His birth occurred in
Jackson county, Maryland, on the 24th of October, i860, his parents
being John and Jeannette (McFadyen) Mackey, both natives of
Scotland. The father was born in Ayrshire in 1826, and when old
enough to begin working entered the mines of his native country,
being employed there until he was twenty-three. In 1849 he to0^
passage for the United States, first locating in Maryland,
continuing to follow mining there and at various other points as far
west as Wisconsin. He subsequently came to Kewanee, Illinois, and
soon thereafter settled on a farm three-fourths of a mile east of
his son John's place, which was thereafter the family home. John
Mackey met with a moderate degree of success in his agricultural
pursuits and acquired one hundred and eighty acres of land. His
death occurred in 1899 while he was visiting in Iowa, his place of
residence still being in this county; the mother passed away on the
homestead in 1903, at the age of seventy-six years. Thirteen
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mackey, eight of whom lived to
attain maturity, as follows: Matthew; Margaret, the wife of Albion
Curtis; Jane, who married L. Iverson; Anna, who is the wife of
William E. Willett; and John, William, David and Ezekiel.
The early education of John Mackey was limited to the advantages
afforded by the district schools in the vicinity of his home, and
while pursuing his studies he also assisted with the work of the
fields and care of the stock. Recognizing the need of broader
knowledge, he later supplemented his education by attending Lombard
College for a brief period, being at that time twenty-four years of
age. He then left the parental home and began farming for himself.
Originally he owned but a small portion of his present place, but he
applied himself so assiduously and intelligently to its cultivation
that he was able to extend the boundaries of his farm until it
embraced five hundred acres. Here he has resided ever since
beginning his independent career, and has become deeply attached to
the place because of its association with the greatest experiences
of his life. A man of practical ideas and unlimited energy, Mr.
.Mackey attributes much of his success to the fact that he has
always concentrated his energies and directed his activities toward
a definite purpose. All of the improvements on his property have
been made during the period of his ownership. He has constructed
large, commodious barns, substantial outbuildings and a comfortable
residence, and as his circumstances have permitted has added many
modern conveniences and appliances, consistent with the progressive
spirit that has characterized his undertakings. His is now one of
the most attractive and valuable properties in the township, and he
is contemplating making more extensive improvements within the near
future. He has an excellent water system and a number of other
conveniences not generally found on the farm homestead. Mr. Mackey
oversees the operation of his fields and gives his personal
supervision to everything on the farm, all of the work being done by
him and his two sons. His land is devoted to diversified farming in
connection with which he also raises stock.
For his wife and helpmate Mr. Mackey chose Miss Eva McDowell, a
native of Mercer, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, their marriage being
celebrated September 27, 1887. There were five children born to Mrs.
Mackey's parents, three sons and two daughters, all of whom are now
residents of Illinois. The mother passed away at the age of
sixty-five years and the father, who was engaged in the mercantile
business, reached the remarkable age of four score and ten. Three,
895, children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mackey: Eldred W. and
Earl Edwin, who are assisting their father with the operation of the
farm; and Irma J., who is attending school.
Ever since granted the right of suffrage upon attaining his
majority, Mr. Mackey has given his political support to the men and
measures of the democratic party. He takes an active interest in all
township affairs and has served on the school board for twenty
years. He is held in high esteem by all who know him throughout the
county, where his success is recognized as the just reward of
intelligent and judiciously expended effort.
AUGUST SWARTZ.
A Knox county agriculturist of enterprising and progressive methods
is August Swartz, who owns two hundred and ninety acres of excellent
land in Truro township, located three miles northeast of
Williamsfield, where he has resided for the past nine years. He is a
native of this state, his birth having occurred in Wood ford county
in 1864, and a son of Henry and Caroline (Sandmyer) Swartz. His
father was born in Germany on the 21st of March, 1824, and there he
was reared and educated, continuing to make his home in his native
land until he was twenty-two years of age. Having heard wonderful
stories of the opportunities and advantages afforded ambitious young
men in the United States, he in 1846 crossed the Atlantic to the new
world. He landed in New York city, where he remained for five or six
years thereafter. At the expiration of that time he came to
Illinois, settling in Peoria, where he remained for six years,
removing to Woodford county. There he engaged in agricultural
pursuits with such excellent success that at the time of his death
he owned six hundred and forty acres of land, well improved and
under high cultivation. In Peoria, this state, on the 28th of
October, 1848, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Swartz and Miss
Sandmyer, and they became the parents of seven children: Henry, who
was born on July 13, 1849, and died in 1850 or 1851; William, whose
birth occurred on the 26th of January, 1854; George, who was born on
May 24, 1856, and died in 1905; Mary, born on the 22d of July, 1857,
the wife of John Kanive; John, who was born on the 18th of March,
i860, and died in August, 1907; Henry, whose birth occurred on the
20th of May, 1862 ; and August, born on the 7th of October, 1864.
The parents both passed away in Woodford county, the father dying at
the age of seventy-seven and the mother at seventy-three.
The education of August Swartz was obtained in the district schools
in the vicinity of his home, the period of his boyhood and youth
being very similar in every way to those of other lads reared in the
country. He early began assisting with the work of the fields and
the care of the stock and after laying aside his text-books, gave
his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits. When qualified to
begin farming on his own responsibility he operated the old home
place, which he subsequently purchased, continuing its cultivation
until 1902. In the latter year he disposed of it and came to Knox
county, purchasing his present place in Truro township, containing
two hundred and ninety acres. Dur- 896 ing the nine years of his
residence here Mr. Swartz had made many improvements in this
property. He has erected good barns and outbuildings and a
comfortable house in addition to which he has also effected various
minor changes that have greatly improved the general appearance of
the place. The greater part of his land he rents, having practically
retired from active work, but he and his wife still continue to live
on their farm. He is a man of progressive ideas and as he takes
great pride in his homestead his succeeded in making it one of the
valuable properties of the county.
Mr. Swartz was married in 1894 to Miss Minnie Lutz, who was also a
resident of Woodford county where she had been teaching for four
years previously. She is a daughter of John P. Lutz, a blacksmith by
trade, and a veteran of the Civil war. Of the marriage of Mr. and
Mrs. Swartz there has been born one son, Cecil A., whose birth
occurred September 19, 1897.
His political allegiance Mr. Swartz gives to the democratic party,
and is now and has been for the past five years serving as a member
of the board of county road commissioners, while he has been a
school director ever since locating in the county with the exception
of one year. Mr. and Mrs. Swartz are members of the Reformed church
and the Methodist Episcopal, respectively and fraternally, he
belongs to the Woodmen. Mr. Swartz is a man of upright conduct and
sound principles and during the period of his residence in Knox
county has won and retained the respect of all with whom he has had
transactions because of his. honorable methods in conducting his
dealings.
CARL AUGUST EKSTADT.
Carl August Ekstadt, who owns and operates a farm in Walnut Grove
township, Knox county, was born March 23, 1864. He is one of the
worthy representatives that Sweden has sent to aid in the
development of this rich agricultural district. His parents, Samuel
and Johanna Ekstadt, are now living in Altona. The father was born
in Smoland, Sweden, in 1834, and was the son of A. Peterson, who
followed farming throughout his entire life and died in Sweden in
1844. He married Hannah Carlson and of their family of seven
children only two are living, the brother of Samuel Ekstadt being
Charles Peterson.
Samuel Ekstadt was only ten years of age when his father died, after
which he was reared by his maternal grandfather until able to take
care of himself. His name was changed when he took out
naturalization papers. He married Johanna Carlson, who was born in
1825 and was a daughter of Carl and Martha Hickston. It was in the
year 1868 that Samuel Ekstadt came to America, making his way to
Berlin, Illinois, where he remained for several years and then
removed to Woodhull, this state, where he carried on farming for ten
years. He next established his home in Walnut Grove township, Knox
county, where he purchased a farm, which he cultivated until 1896.
He then removed to Altona, where he is now living retired at the age
of seventy-eight years. During the early period of his residence in
this state he was also employed as a laborer by the Chicago,
Burlington & Quincy Railroad. He has long been a faithful member of
the Swedish Lutheran church, of which he has served for many years,
897, as a deacon. Of the children born to him and his wife three
survive: Edward, a salesman residing in Chicago; Matilda, the wife
of T. K. Brown, of Henry county, Illinois; and Carl August.
There was no event of special importance to vary the routine of farm
life for Carl August Ekstadt in his boyhood and youth. He attended
the district schools and worked on the home farm, early becoming
familiar with all the duties and labors incident to farm life. After
he was eleven years of age he was engaged as teamster on his
father's farm for the following fifteen years and then engaged in
general farming and stock-raising on an adjoining tract, where he
has since resided.
On the 14th of February, 1889, Mr. Ekstadt was married to Miss Hulda
Louisa Faline, who was born on the 23d of January, 1869, in
Gosafall-Tuna-Soken-Kalmar Lane, Sweden, her parents being John M.
and Bertha Louisa (Swanson) Faline. To Mr. and Mrs. Ekstadt five
children have been born, all of whom are residing at home: Ida
Elvira, whose birth occurred on the 2d of December, 1889, and who is
now engaged in school teaching; Hazel Eleanora, who was born August
18, 1890; Harry Lawrence, born September 30, 1893; Carl Erwin H.,
born May 14, 1905; and Fern Linnea Irene, whose birth occurred
October 27, 1911.
In politics Mr. Ekstadt is a republican and, although he is not an
active politician he keeps abreast of the times regarding the
paramount issues before the country and is always ready with his
vote and influence to do what he can to secure the election of the
candidates of his party. He belongs to the Lutheran church and Mrs.
Ekstadt is also a member of the Ladies Missionary Society. Fie is
well known throughout the township as a good and industrious man,
enjoying the confidence and respect of his neighbors and spending
his life in honest and successful labor.
G. L.
DOUBET.
G. L. Doubet, who is now living retired on his farm two and a half
miles southeast of Williamsfield, was for many years one of the
representative agriculturists of Truro township. He was born in
Peoria county .in November, 1849, and is a son of Elinor and Harriet
(Slane) Doubet, the father a native of France and the mother of the
state of Ohio. When a lad of ten years, Elenor Doubet emigrated to
the United States with his parents, who located in the western part
of Peoria county, where he was reared to manhood. He completed the
education already begun in his native land in the district schools
in the vicinity of his home, and subsequently gave his attention to
agricultural pursuits. When old enough to adopt a vocation,
naturally he chose the one he was best qualified for and engaged in
farming. He was thrifty and industrious as well as practical and
used very good judgment in the direction of his undertakings. His
efforts were attended with success, and as his circumstances
warranted he invested in farming lands in the vicinity, becoming one
of the extensive property owners of the county. He passed away on
his homestead at the age of seventy-nine years, one of the highly
esteemed and substantial citizens, 898, of the community. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Doubet there were born ten children, four of whom are
deceased. Our subject is the eldest of the six living, the others
being as follows: J. D., a farmer of Truro township; Eliza, the wife
of a Mr. Shoemaker, of Iowa; Isabel, who married D. Secreton, and is
living on the old home place in Peoria county; John F., who owns and
operates a farm across the road from our subject in Peoria county;
and Charles, who is on the home place. Those deceased are, one who
died in infancy, Henry, Rebecca and Delia.
The early life of G. L. Doubet was passed very much in the manner of
other country lads of that period. He attended the district schools
in the acquirement of his education, and while mastering the common
branches also assisted his father with the work of the farm. By the
time he had attained his maturity he had a very thorough knowledge
of the practical methods of agriculture and continued to follow this
vocation during the remainder of his active life. When he was
twenty-five he began farming for himself, locating on the place
where he has ever since resided in Truro township. This contains two
hundred and twenty-six and a half acres, all of which he brought
under high cultivation During the long period of his ownership he
has wrought extensive improvements in the place, including the
erection of all the buildings now standing. He is a man of practical
ideas and progressive, and as his circumstances warranted he
installed on his farm such modern conveniences and improvements as
he deemed essential for the best interests of his business. General
farming and stock-raising were his chief activities and both proved
to be very lucrative under his competent direction. Mr. Doubet has
for some years past been living practically retired, although he
still resides on his homestead, having turned over the cultivation
of his fields to his sons.
Mr. Doubet married Miss Sarah J. Cole, and they became the parents
of nine children, six of whom are living: Charles, who married Miss
Nellie Biederbeck; Jennie, the wife of P. A. Murdock; Albert, who
married Delia White; Earl; Blanche; and Una. Three are deceased; a
daughter, Effie; and two infants.
Fraternally Mr. Doubet is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while he gives his political
support to the republican party. He has always assumed his share of
the township governmental responsibilities and has served with
efficiency as assessor and collector. Mr. Doubet has resided on his
farm for thirty-seven years, and is therefore widely known in the
community, among whose residents he is held in favorable regard,
ever having conducted himself in all of the relations of life in
such a manner as to win the esteem of those with whom he had
dealings.
ALEX. CALLAHAN.
A well cultivated farm of ninety-four acres located four and a half
miles southeast of Victoria, does justice to the agricultural skill
of A. Callahan, who was born in Elba township, this county, on
the1oth of May, 1858. His parents were John and Nancy (Walker)
Callahan, pioneer settlers of Knox county, where for many years the
father was engaged in farming. He was born in Ireland,
901
where he lived until he was eighteen years of age when he emigrated
to the United States, locating in Philadelphia. There he engaged in
mercantile pursuits until 1854 when he removed to Illinois,
subsequently settling on a farm in Elba township. This property
contained eighty acres of fertile land, to the further improvement
and development of which he devoted his energies until his death at
the age of seventy-five years. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Callahan
consisted of four sons and two daughters: Matthew; John; William J.;
Alex., our subject; Jane, who became the wife of Thomas Galpin; and
Anna P.
Alex. Callahan was reared on the home farm in Elba township,
obtaining his education in the district schools. While mastering the
common branches he assisted with the work of the farm, thus
qualifying himself for an agricultural career. After leaving school
he went out west where he remained for three years. At the
expiration of that period he returned to Knox county and again
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he has ever
since followed. He cultivated leased land at first, thus acquiring
sufficient capital to buy his present property, which he has now
owned for fourteen years. During that time he has made extensive
improvements on the place, including the erection of a very fine
modern farm house that he completed in 1907. Since taking up his
residence here Mr. Callahan has equipped his homestead with such
modern conveniences from time to time as his circumstances
permitted, and it is now one of the attractive as well as valuable
farms, of Victoria township.
Mr. Callahan's plans for a home of his own had their consummation in
his marriage to Miss Christina Peterson, who was born in Sweden,
whence she was brought to the United States at the age of two years.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Callahan, as follows:
Ada and Blanche, who are stenographers in Galesburg; Myrtle, who
married Andrew McClure; and Stella.
In matters of faith Mr. and Mrs. Callahan are members of the
Congregational church and fraternally he is identified with the
Modern Woodmen of America. In his political views Mr. Callahan is
independent, giving his support to the men and measures he deems
best qualified to subserve the interests of the majority. He leads a
very active life as is evidenced by the appearance of his fields,
which he has brought under high cultivation, his crops annually
bringing him a very satisfactory income.
JACOB HUBER.
Jacob Huber, who resides on a fine farm of two hundred and
eighty-eight acres located two and a half miles northeast of
Williamsfield, has been identified with the agricultural development
of Knox county for forty-seven years. He was born' in Berks county,
Pennsylvania, in May, 1845, and^ is a son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Burckhardt)
Huber, also natives of Berks county. There the father, who was a
blacksmith, followed his trade until the fall of 1849, when with his
wife and family he came to Illinois, locating in Peoria county,
where he passed away at the venerable age of eighty-two years. Mr.
and Mrs. Huber were the parents of nine children, five of whom are
deceased. Our subject is the
902
eldest of those living, the others being as follows: Mary, the wife
of Isaac Anderson; Elmira, who married John Hart; and Delila, now
-Mrs. Levi Felby.
Practically the entire life of Jacob Huber has been passed in
Illinois, as he was only a child of four years when he accompanied
his people on their removal from Pennsylvania to this state. Pie
obtained a common-school education in Peoria county, but early laid
aside his text-books to assist in the operation of the home farm. At
the age of twenty years he left home and came to Knox county, very
soon thereafter locating on the place he now owns. During the period
of his residence here he has extended the boundaries of his farm and
has made many improvements on it. All of the buildings now standing
on the place have been built since he became the owner, and he has
added many modern conveniences and improvements that have greatly
increased the value of the property. He has expended much care and
labor in the tilling of his fields that have been brought under high
cultivation, and annually yield abundant harvests that fully
compensate him for his painstaking efforts.
Mr. Huber has been married three times, his first union being with
Miss Catherine Armstrong, and unto them were born six children, four
sons and two daughters. He next married Carrie Pulver, and his
present wife was Mrs. Edith Messmore. One son, Harold, who is
operating his father's farm, has been born unto Mr. Huber and his
third wife. Besides his own children he reared Iva Riggins and Julia
Kimbal.
The political views of Mr. Huber are not coinciding with any of the
parties, but he votes independently for the man whom he considers
the most proficient to fill the office. Although he takes an active
interest in all township affairs he has never sought political
preferment, having given his undivided attention to the development
of his personal interests. Mr. Huber came here as a young man
practically penniless and has through his own energy and
perseverance become one of the prosperous agriculturists of Truro
township, among whose citizens he enjoys a wide and favorable
acquaintance.
J. A. TUCKER.
J. A. Tucker, who is conducting an implement business in
Williams-field in connection with which he is also operating a
harness shop, is a native of Knox county, his birth having occurred
on the old home farm in Truro township in 1850. His parents were
Vachel L. and Jane Tucker, the father a native of Ashland, Ohio,
whence he migrated in 1833 to Knox county. He acquired a tract of
land in Truro township that he settled upon, devoting the remainder
of his life to its operation, his death occurring on his farm at the
age of sixty-seven years. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Vachel L.
Tucker there were born nine children.
The boyhood and youth of J. A. Tucker were in every way similar to
those of other lads of the period who were reared in the country. He
attended the schools of Truro township and later the high school of
Elmwood, in the acquirement of an education. While pursuing his
studies he had to assist in the work of the fields and the care of
the stock on the home place, thus qualifying himself, 903, for
a future agricultural career. After leaving school he devoted his
entire time and attention to farming until 1893, when he came to
Williamsfield and engaged in business. Mr. Tucker met with very good
success in his agricultural pursuits and now owns a fine farm of one
hundred and sixty acres in Truro township. It is equipped with
modern improvements and appliances, while the fields have been
brought into a high state of productivity, being one of the most
attractive and valuable properties in that vicinity. Mr. Tucker's
store is well supplied with an extensive variety of farming
implements in connection with which he also operates a harness shop,
both affording him lucrative returns. He is a capable business man,
while his practical knowledge of farming implements and the needs of
the agriculturist well qualify for the vocation he is now following.
His entire attention is given to his store, his farm now being
operated by a tenant. His son, Seth, is in business with his father.
During a heavy storm this summer, Mr. Tucker had the misfortune to
have his barns struck by lightning, the buildings and their contents
being entirely destroyed.
Mr. Tucker, who is very happy in his home life, chose for his wife
Miss Lilly C. Love, of Knox county, and they have become the parents
of five children, as follows: Seth, who is in business with his
father; Leto Jane, the widow of Dr. Luther Stowell, who is now
engaged in nursing; Myrtle Alberta, the wife of James L. Cation, a
farmer south of Williamsfield; Lilly Mabel, who married John
Aldrich, of Bloomington; and Dora May, who is at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Tucker affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church,
while he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
Modern Woodmen. In his political views he is a stanch republican,
and gives his unqualified support to the men and measures of that
party, believing that its policy is best adapted to subserve the
interests of the majority. A man of untiring industry, by the
intelligent direction of his activities and the concentration of his
forces Mr. Tucker has met with success in anything he has
undertaken, and is recognized as one of the affluent citizens of
Truro township.
A. H. RICE.
A highly prosperous and enterprising agriculturist of Knox county is
A. H. Rice, who owns three hundred and thirty-five acres of most
productive land in Truro township, located four miles northeast of
Williamsfield. To the further improvement and cultivation of this
property he has devoted his entire time and energy for the past
nineteen years, with most gratifying results.
Mr. Rice was born in Victoria township, this county, on the 20th of
September, 1861, and there he was reared in a manner, similar to
other farmer lads, receiving his education in the district schools.
While engaged with the mastery of the common branches, he was laving
the foundation for a future agricultural career by assisting with
the work of the fields and care of the stock. Naturally when he was
old enough to decide upon a life vocation, he chose the one to which
he felt he was best adapted, and has never had any occasion to
regret his selection as he has prospered in his undertakings, and is
now numbered among the substantial farmers of his community. He was
an ambitious and
904
energetic as well as thrifty youth, and concentrated his entire
efforts upon acquiring sufficient capital to purchase a place of his
own. His endeavors proved successful, and immediately following his
marriage in 1890 he settled on a place located in this county, that
he operated for a year. In 1892, he disposed of this property and
purchased his present homestead. Since becoming the owner, Mr. Rice
has wrought many improvements that have added greatly to the
appearance and value of the place. All of the buildings now standing
have been erected since he came here, and he has also installed many
modern conveniences and comforts, indicative of the spirit of
progress that characterizes all of his undertakings. Everything
about the place manifests close supervision and capable management,
and the careful regard for details that invariably accompanies
success in any enterprise. Mr. Rice is operating his farm in strict
accordance to the modern methods of agriculture, and as a result his
fields annually yield him abundant harvests that command the
market's highest prices. His efforts are not entirely confined to
diversified farming, much of his attention being given to the
raising of stock, which has also proven to be very remunerative. He
is not only a competent agriculturist but a business man of
practical ideas and sound judgment, who owes his success to his
tireless industry and the intelligent direction of his activities.
In 1890 Mr. Rice completed his arrangements for a home of his own by
his marriage to Miss Priscilla Yelm, a daughter of Anderson and
Priscilla (Abey) Yelm, the father a native of Sweden and the mother
of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Rice was also born in Knox county in 1868. The
family of Mr. and Mrs. Rice number six, as follows, Vesper M.,
Lester A., William F., George E., Sadie A. and Arthur. Of the seven
children born to them one died in infancy. The sons all assist their
father in the operation of the farm, thus making it possible to
almost entirely dispense with the need of hired help.
His political prerogatives Mr. Rice exercises in support of such men
and measures as are advanced by the democratic party, to the
principles of which he has been absolutely loyal ever since granted
the right of franchise. He takes an active interest in all township
affairs, but is not an aspirant to public honors or the emoluments
of office, and, therefore, has never been associated with local
governmental matters in any capacity save that of school director.
Fraternally he is a Woodman. Mr. Rice has spent his entire life in
the immediate vicinity of his present homestead, where he is well
known and highly regarded, as he has always conducted himself in all
of his relations of life, both public and private, in such a manner
as to command the respect of his community.
GEORGE E. MORGAN.
George E. Morgan, who is successfully engaged in general farming and
stock-raising three and a half miles northwest of Williamsfield, was
born in Haw Creek township, Knox county, on December 24, 1863. His
father, Peter Morgan, was a native of Ireland, his birth occurring
in 1818. There he spent the first fifteen years of his life, when he
ran away from home and went to sea, binding himself to five years'
service. At the expiration of that period he came
905
to the United States and enlisted in the navy for seven years. He
was in the service during the period of the Mexican war, at which
time he was assigned to the revenue force, and was on the boat that
carried the American minister back to Mexico after the close of
hostilities. He left the navy at the expiration of his period of
enlistment and about 1856 came to Illinois, locating in Peoria
county. Pie turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and went
to work for Joe Lyons, who owned a farm in Millbrook township, that
county. Being industrious, he applied himself intelligently to
whatever duty was assigned him, thus soon acquired a practical
understanding of the methods of tilling the fields and caring for
the crops. It was his ambition to own a farm, and this proved an
incentive to the exercise of thrift and self-denial and little by
little he accumulated sufficient capital to begin for himself. After
his marriage in 1863 he rented some land in Haw Creek township that
he cultivated with such excellent success that at the expiration of
two years he was in a position to buy a farm in the same township.'
His entire time and attention was devoted to the further
development of this place during the remainder of his active life,
and there he passed away at the venerable age of eighty-one years.
For his wife and helpmate Mr. Morgan chose Miss Mary Batson, who was
born in Ohio and reared in Missouri. Being Union sympathizers, her
people left Missouri during the war and came to Illinois, but after
the close of hostilities returned to the south. The family of Mr.
and Mrs. Morgan numbered six, the eldest of whom is our subject, the
others being as follows: Stephen and Rosie, both of whom are
deceased ; William and Robert, who are residents of this township;
and Elizabeth, who is also deceased.
George E. Morgan was reared in his native county, acquiring his
education in the common schools in the vicinity of his father's
home. After he had mastered the common branches he laid aside his
text-books and turned his entire attention toward the operation of
the farm, with the work of which he had been assisting from early
boyhood. Agricultural pursuits have always engaged his energies and
he has met with success in his undertakings. Pie is enterprising and
practical in his methods and now owns one of the valuable farms of
Truro township. His homestead contains two hundred and ten acres of
good land that he has brought under high cultivation, and here
engages in diversified farming and' stock-raising. His efforts in
both branches of the business are meeting with substantial returns,
and he is recognized as one of the successful agriculturists and
capable business men of the township. Since locating here Mr. Morgan
has wrought extensive improvements in his place, having erected all
of the buildings now standing and he has also effected many minor
changes, that add greatly to the appearance and financial value of
the property.
Mr. Morgan's efforts have been ably assisted by his wife, whose
maiden name was Alice R. Stubbs, a native of Millbrook township,
Peoria county, and a daughter of John Stubbs, a Avell known farmer
of that section. They are the parents of two children, Melvin and
Leona. The former is now assisting his father with the operation of
the farm, and is an earnest and enterprising young man, who gives
every assurance of possessing the qualities that make for success in
any vocation.
Fraternally Mr. Morgan is an Odd Fellow, and his political
allegiance is given to the democratic party. He has always taken an
active interest in local, 906, affairs and in 1895 was elected
supervisor, serving in this capacity until 1907, while for three
years he was commissioner and he has also been a member of the
school board. Mr. Morgan is a man who discharges his official duties
with the same sense of obligation and responsibility that he
manifests in the execution of any task or business enterprise, and
is, therefore, justly entitled to the respect he is accorded in his
community.
J. EDWIN MAIN.
J. Edwin Main, who engages in general farming and stockraising in
Walnut Grove township, Knox county, and who is numbered among the
substantial agriculturists of this vicinity, was born on the 7th of
November, 1875, on the °ld Main homestead, his parents being Andrew
and Ellen (Moore) Main. The father was born December 6, 1846, in
Mothler, Ayrshire, Scotland, and the mother in Rio township, on the
13th of March, 1848. The grandparents were Peter and Jane (Ferguson)
Main, of whom the former came to America with his three children
after the death of his wife in Scotland. Arriving in Chicago, they
proceeded to Knox county and subsequently went to Minnesota for a
short residence before returning to this county, where the death of
Peter Ferguson occurred May 1, 1878, at the age of sixty-nine years.
Andrew Main, the father of our subject, was but seven years of age
on his arrival in this country and during his sojourn in Chicago at
the time of the cholera epidemic the death of his only sister
occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Main were the parents of three
children: J.. Edwin, our subject; Kate, who married Walter
D. McMaster's, a farmer of Walnut Grove township; and Clark A.,
also an agriculturist of this township. Mrs. Andrew Main is a
daughter of Lynian King and Mary S. (Woodman) Moore, natives of New
York and Massachusetts, respectively. They came west early in life
and settled in Rio township, engaging in farming pursuits until
their death.
During his boyhood days J. Edwin Main worked on his father's
farm and passed through the usual experiences which enter the life
of a country boy, engaging in the general routine of the farm during
the summer season and attending the district school during the
winter. lie assisted his father until he was twenty-five years of
age, when, ambitious to enter upon an independent career, he removed
to the farm upon which he is now residing. When he settled upon this
land it was in a more or less uncultivated state, but he gradually
succeeded in making improvements so that now it is provided with all
the equipments and conveniences of a successful farm. lie engages in
a general agricultural business, producing the various grain crops,
and also devotes attention to stock-raising, breeding excellent
standard-bred hogs. Intelligent management and close application to
these undertakings have brought him unusual success and he makes his
home today in one of the most comfortable and modernly equipped farm
residences in Walnut Grove township.
On February 14, 1900, Mr. Main wedded Miss Ida McMaster, who
was born on the 26th of August, 1879, on the McMaster homestead. Her
parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Hawk) McMaster, who are
prominent farmers of Walnut Grove
906
907
township, were the parents of four children: George A., who married
Clara Nash; William John, who wedded Agnes McGaan; Mrs. Main; and
one deceased. The first three named are residing in Walnut Grove
township. Mrs. Main received her education in St. Mary's school of
Knoxville, Illinois, after which she remained at home until her
marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Main are the parents of two children: Harold
E., born May 17, 1901; and Everett, born April 15, 1905.
Mr. Main gives his political support to the republican party and,
although he has never sought office, his interest in the educational
development and welfare of his community is so great that he is at
present a member of the school board. Both he and Mrs. Main hold
membership in the Presbyterian church of Altona, he being one of its
trustees and his wife being a prominent member of the Ladies Social
Union. He is a man of integrity and ambition and is accounted one of
Walnut Grove township's representative citizens.
W. B. HUBER.
W. B. Huber is the owner of ninety acres of land in Truro township,
that he has been successfully operating for the past eleven years.
It is well improved and the general appearance of both the fields
and buildings on the place indicate the spirit of enterprise and
industry that characterize Mr. Huber. He was born in this township
in 1867, and is a son of Mr. and Airs. Jacob Huber, who are
mentioned at greater length elsewhere in this work.
W. B. Huber passed his boyhood and youth similarly to other farmer
lads, obtaining his education in the common schools. He early began
assisting his father with the work of fields and the care of the
stock, and after laying aside his school books he gave his entire
attention to agricultural pursuits. He remained on the home place
until he was qualified to begin farming for himself, when he
operated his mother-in-law's place for eleven years. As he is an
energetic man of practical ideas he met with success in his
undertakings and during that time acquired sufficient capital to
purchase the place where he is now living. This has undergone
extensive improvements during the period of his ownership and is now
one of the attractive appearing farms of this section. He has
erected large, substantial barns and outbuildings and a comfortable
residence, and fenced all of the fields, which are under high
cultivation. Ever since he removed here, in 1900, Air. Huber has
given his personal supervision to everything about the place, much
of the work having been performed by him. His fields are devoted to
the raising of such cereals as are best adapted to the soil, and
annually yield abundant harvests. In connection with general farming
Air. Huber also raises stock, and this has likewise proven to be
very lucrative.
For his wife Mr. Huber chose Aliss Olive Cadwell, a daughter of
James Cad-well, who is now deceased, and Elizabeth (Wolf) Cadwell.
The father came to Knox county in his boyhood and was identified
with the agricultural interests of Truro township during the entire
period of his active life. The mother is still living and now makes
her home in Williamsfield. Air. and Airs. Huber have,
908, two children:
Clyde, who is a youth of eighteen years; and Katherine Elizabeth,
who is ten.
The religious views of Mr. and Mrs. Huber coincide with the creed of
the Methodist Episcopal church, in which they hold membership, and
his political support he gives to the republican party. He has
always taken an active interest in township affairs and has served
as school trustee. Having spent his entire life in this immediate
vicinity Mr. Huber is widely known in the community, among whose
citizens he numbers many close friends, the majority of whom were
comrades of his boyhood.
AMOS O. GIBBS.
Amos O. Gibbs for more than twenty years has been engaged in general
farming and stock-raising on section 22, Victoria township,
where he owns one hundred and twenty acres of land that he has
brought under high cultivation. He was born in Lynn township, Knox
county, on the 4th of August, 1850, and is a son of the late Martin
and Mary Ann (Moak) Gibbs, Jr., the paternal grandfather likewise
having borne the name of Martin Gibbs.
Reared on his father's farm, the youthful years of Amos O. Gibbs
were not marked by either luxury or privation, but were very similar
to those of other country lads of that period. His education was
begun in his home district and completed in the public schools of
Galva, which he attended for two years. At the expiration of that
period he gave his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits,
with the expectation of making farming his life vocation. By the
time he had attained his maturity he was a skilled agriculturist and
fully capable of taking charge of a place of his own, but he
remained at home until he was married at the age of thirty-seven
years. Immediately following this event he located on the place
where he is now living, and here he and his wife have passed the
entire period of their domestic life. This was then the property of
his brother, P. H. Gibbs, but the greater part of the improvements
had been made by the preceding owner, a Mr. Dalgrin, including the
erection of the dwelling. During the period of his occupancy,
however, Mr. Gibbs has wrought many changes that have greatly added
to the appearance and value of the place. Here in connection with
his general farming he has been raising stock, using the greater
part of his grain for feed. He is an industrious man of persevering
habits and gives his personal supervision to all of the work about
his place. His fields are carefully and intelligently cultivated,
all the fences and buildings are kept well repaired, and everything
about his farm suggests thrift and prosperity.
Mr. Gibbs established a home for himself in 1887, when he married
Miss Elizabeth Johnson, who was born in Sweden, a daughter of Lewis
H. and Christina Johnson, both of whom. are now deceased. She
emigrated to America with her parents as a child of two years, and
was reared in this county, receiving her education in the district
schools of Victoria township. Her parents spent their latter years
in Knox county and are buried in Galva cemetery, Lynn township. Six
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs, Martin Harrison, Ada,
Roy, Lewis, Carl and Irene. 911
The political views of Mr. Gibbs accord with the principles of the
republican party, for whose candidates he casts his ballot. He has
met with more than an average measure of success in his pursuits,
and is one of the stockholders in the Farmers' Elevator and their
creamery and likewise the Mutual Telephone Company; he is also
interested in two imported breeding horses. Mr. Gibbs is a capable
agriculturist and business man, whose undertakings are characterized
by intelligent direction and competent management.
ALONZO F. PADEN.
Blessed with the heritage of a sturdy stock of ancestors Alonzo F.
Paden derives from them not only his excellent constitution and the
physical attributes giving promise of the longevity for which the
family is noted, but also the intellectual and temperamental
characteristics that insure success, the ability to get on in-the
world and the power of winning friends. His birth occurred in
Gales-burg township, Knox county, July 3, 1854. The Paden family was
originally Scotch but have lived in this country for several
generations, the grandfather, Isaac Paden, being a native of
Pennsylvania. He married Celia Fish, a native of New York state, and
in 1843 moved his family to Knox county, Illinois, and settled on a
farm southwest of Galesburg. Illinois remained his home for the rest
of his life, excepting a number of years during which he lived in
Minnesota, returning from there to Henry county, where he tilled the
soil for many years. He died in Knox county at the advanced age of
ninety-five years, having been born in 1800. Alonzo F. Paden is a
son of James and Martha (Edgar) (Fuqua) Paden, the father being a
native of Crawford county, Pennsylvania, born June 16, 1827, the
mother a native of Kentucky. They were married over fifty years
during which time they were residents of Knox county. At the death
of his wife July 26, 1904, Mr. Paden withdrew from active work on
his land and came to live with his son Alonzo, dying a few years
ago. He was well known throughout the county for his splendid public
spirit and his keen interest in the welfare of his community, giving
without reserve of his time and efforts in the aid of any cause for
the general advancement and growth. Pie gave his political support
to the republicans and was called upon to serve as supervisor of the
township being a member of the board that secured the erection of
the new courthouse. His high standard of integrity won him the
confidence of his business associates among whom he was an important
factor in his capacity as director of the First National Bank of
Galesburg, while his pleasant manner and courteous bearing made him
a general favorite among all classes in the town.
Alonzo F. Paden obtained his education in this county, where he has
lived since his birth. He attended the public schools and
supplemented this by two years at Knox College, in Galesburg. When
entering upon his life's work he took up farming in which he
continued until his retirement some years ago. Through industry and
thrift and by pursuing practical methods, he made good profits which
he invested in more land and now owns not only the farm of five,
912,
hundred and twenty acres which he operated with success for many
years but also large holdings in other states. Financially he is
interested in the People's Trust Bank of Galesburg in which he is a
director.
On February 16, 1881, he was united in the bonds of wedlock to Miss
Sarah E. Eckman, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (French) Eckman,
both natives of Pennsylvania, who became residents of Knox county in
the early '50s, Mr., Eckman being a farmer by occupation. Seven
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Paden of whom four are deceased.
The others, all living at home are, Blanche, Glen Paul and Mildred
May.
Mr. Paden has always been a consistent republican in the exercise of
his right of franchise and was called to the office of supervisor of
the township, serving five years in this capacity. In his fraternal
relations he is connected with Lodge No. 894, B. P. O. E., and he
also holds membership in the Galesburg Club. Mr.' Paden is a man of
singular strength of character, of that lofty sense of honor which
admits of no compromise, and by his gracious manner has made many
warm friends who hold him in high esteem.
HIRAM RILEY KING.
Among the agriculturists of Lynn township, Knox county, who have
been numbered among the substantial farmers and representative
citizens and who achieved success and surrounded themselves with
prosperity by their own exertions and persevering efforts was Hiram
Riley King, whose birth occurred near Akron, Ohio, on the 21st of
January, 1832, and who died on the 19th of December, 1910. His
industry and enterprise, together with good management, had been the
means of enabling him to acquire a considerable acreage of excellent
land, which for many years he kept under cultivation and from which
he derived bountiful harvests.
His parents were Ambrose and Sarah (Root) King. The father, who was
born in New York state, February 22, 1798, removed to Knox county in
1853 and located near the Union schoolhouse. where he resided for
the greater part of his life. The mother's death occurred on the 2d
of December, 1839, at Shalersville, Ohio. She had five children,
one of whom survives, Homer A., of Col-ton, California. On the 1st
of September, 1840, Mr. King was married to Miss Harriet Porte0 of
Bath, Ohio, and by their union three children were born: Mrs. Sarah
E. Patty, of Riverside, California; Ambrose L., of Victoria,
Illinois; and Corwin S., deceased. The father's death occurred on
the 19th of January, 1876, when he was about seventy-eight years of
age, and his second wife died on the 20th of December, 1885.
Hiram R. King acquired his education in his native state and in the
meantime assisted his father in the duties of the farm. Upon
completing his studies he remained under the parental roof and daily
engaged in farm work until 1859. In that year he crossed the plains
with ox teams to California, although en route he stopped at Pike's
Peak. The trip required six months and he remained in the west one
year, returning home by way of the isthmus of Panama.
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 913
In December, 1861, he arrived in Knox county, and on the 13th of
February, 1862, was married to Miss Lydia Ann Collinson, who was
born on the 12th of August, 1837, near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania,
but removed to Walnut Grove township, Knox county, when she was but
one year old with her parents, Simeon L. and Mary Collinson. Of the
children of her parents four survive: John C, who is residing in
Altona; Mrs. Martha McLaughlin; Mrs. James McGoon, a resident of
Altona; and Mrs. Mary E. Durham, who makes her home in Mendota,
Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. King six children were born: Stephen A.,
of Lynn township, who is married to Isabel Crose; Susan L.,
deceased, who was the wife of Frank Riner and had one son, now
making his home with his uncle; Harriet M., at home; Simeon H.,
deceased; Roy N., in charge of home farm; and Eunice J., deceased.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. King settled on a farm near West
Jersey, Illinois, where they lived one year. Later they removed to a
farm in Knox county and after residing there for a year went to
California, where they remained for twelve months, Mr. King being
engaged in the dairy business. After their return to Illinois they
settled on the place where they resided until their deaths. In
addition to general farming Mr. King also engaged in stock-raising
to some extent. His farm was brought under a high state of
cultivation and provided with all the modern improvements.
In politics Mr. King was a democrat and he held membership in the
Christian church, which held its meetings in the Union schoolhouse.
By industry, perseverance and patience, together with an ambition to
succeed, he made his way step by step until he rose to a position
where he was numbered among Knox county's substantial farmers and
most highly respected citizens.
AMBROSE KING.
Though more than a third of a century has passed since Ambrose King
was called from this life, he is still remembered by many of the
older residents of Knox county as an early settler and enterprising
agriculturist whose labors were an important element in the work of
up-building and development here. He was born in the state of New
York, his natal day being February 22, 1798. The year 1853 witnessed
his arrival in Knox county, Illinois, and during practically the
remainder of his life he made his home in the vicinity of the Union
schoolhouse in Victoria township. Throughout his active business
career he devoted his time and energies to general agricultural
pursuits, winning a gratifying measure of success in his
undertakings. His demise, which occurred on the 19th of January,
1876, when he was about seventy-eight years of age, was the occasion
of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained an extensive circle
of warm friends during the long period of his residence here.
Ambrose King was twice married. By his first wife, who bore the
maiden name of Sarah Root, he had five children. Nelson H. King, the
eldest, was born near Akron, Ohio, on the 26th of January, 1828, and
passed away near Sacramento, California, in 1873. In 1853 he wedded
Miss Elizabeth Pool, by whom he had a son and daughter, the former
being now a resident of Texas and the latter of Ouray, Colorado.
Mahala, the second child of our subject, died at the age of two
years. Hiram Riley King, whose natal day was January 21, 1832, was
called to his final rest in 1910. Unto him and his wife, who bore
the maiden name of Lydia Ann Collinson, were born six children, as
follows: Stephen A., who is married to Isabel Crose and resides with
his family near Galva, Illinois; Susan L., deceased, who was the
wife of Frank Riner and had one son; Harriet M., at home; Simeon H.,
deceased; Roy N., who has charge of the home farm near Galva,
Illinois; and Eunice J., who has also passed away. Homer A. King,
the fourth child of Ambrose King, was born near, 916, Akron,
Ohio, on the 7th of December, 1833. He acquired his early education
at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and later continued his studies in the
academy at Galesburg, Illinois, and also in Knox College, while
subsequently he went to Oberlin, Ohio, and prepared for the ministry
under President Charles G. Phinney. It was in this state that he
was ordained by the Illinois Advent Christian Conference. Pie then
held from one to twenty series of Evangelistic meetings in every New
England state and most of the northern states to the Mississippi
river, forcefully illustrating his texts by the use of over one
thousand square feet of historical, biblical and prophetical
paintings. In association with Nelson and Albert J. King he
published and sold twenty-six editions of The Beekeeper's Text Book.
As each edition comprised two thousand copies, the total number of
copies sold was fifty-two thousand. Two editions were printed in
German. Rev. King was also connected with four monthly periodicals
in New York city. In Boston, Massachusetts, he published his second
book, The Bride of His Palace. At the same time he labored
effectively and earnestly as a minister of the gospel, serving as
pastor of the Advent Christian and Baptist churches in Springfield,
Massachusetts, Mystic, Connecticut, Union Hill, New Jersey,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Colton, California. His home is now
at the last named place. As a companion and helpmate on the journey
of life he chose Miss Mary Lee, whom he wedded in 1882. Albert J.
King, the fifth child of Ambrose King, was born on the 14th of
March, 1836, and died at San Diego, California, in 1910. Pie married
Miss Martha Southerland and became the father of two daughters and a
son.
Ambrose King lost his first wife on the 2d of December, 1839, and on
the 1st of September, 1840, was again married, his second union
being with Miss Harriet Porter, of Bath, Ohio. Unto them were born
three children, namely: Mrs. Sarah E. Patty, of Riverside,
California; Ambrose L., who resides in Victoria township, Knox
county, and has reared quite a family; and Corwin S., who recently
passed away in this county, leaving a widow and children.
JAMES W. Hunter
James W. Hunter, one of the leading and best known citizens of
Abingdon, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, on the 23d of August,
1851, his parents being Charles N. and Mary C. (Bond) Hunter,
who spent their entire lives in that county. The father, a farmer
and stock dealer, was one of the well known stockmen of that section
of the state. Pie was also prominently identified with merchandising
in his later years, conducting establishments of that character in
Blanchester, Martinsville and Cuba at different times. His demise
occurred at Martinsville in 1876, when he had attained the age of
forty-six years.
James W. Hunter was reared under the parental roof, acquiring his
education in the Martinsville public school and the Lebanon normal
school. When about twenty years of age he began teaching and
followed that profession in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois for a period
of ten years. While teaching at Frankfort, Indiana, he took up the
study of law and was admitted to the bar. Subsequently he removed to
Olney, Illinois, and continued reading law under the, 917, direction
of ex-State Treasurer Wilson. In the spring of 1874 he came to Knox
county, securing a school near Hermon, where he taught for two
years. On the 16th of November, 1876, he was united in marriage to
Miss Sarah A. Smith, of Hermon, this county, her birth having
occurred in the house^e in which the ceremony took place. Mr. Hunter
now owns the residence and also the old homestead farm of three
hundred and sixty acres, the boundaries of which he has extended by
additional purchase until at the present time it embraces four
hundred and forty acres. After his marriage he took charge of his
father-in-law's farm and by making purchases from time to time, as
his financial resources permitted, he eventually acquired possession
of the entire property. Thereon he resided until 1894, with the
exception of the years 1889 and 1890, which he spent as a merchant
in Hermon.
In 1886 he was elected to the board of supervisors of Knox county
and the following year was reelected. During this term of office he
presided over the first meeting held in the courthouse—on the event
of the dedication of the building. While serving as county
supervisor he was elected to the state legislature and resigned the
office to assume his duties as a member of the thirty-sixth general
assembly. By reelection he also became a member of the
thirty-seventh general assembly and during his second term was
prominently mentioned as a candidate for the speakership. He was
placed on all of the most important committees, including the
World's Fair committee, the appropriations committee and the
steering committee. While a member of the thirty-seventh general
assembly he was one of the one hundred and one democrats who
supported General Palmer in that noted deadlock. After having ably
represented his district for two terms Mr. Hunter returned to his
home farm and again took up general agricultural pursuits. In the
summer of 1892 he was the democratic nominee for congress from the
tenth district, making the race against General Philip Sidney Post.
Though not expecting to be elected, he reduced General Post's
majority by several thousand votes. Subsequently he made application
to Grover Cleveland for the position of revenue collector of the
fifth district of Illinois. The contestants, who were numerous,
included many able men and the fight was a most heroic one; but Mr.
Hunter received the appointment and served during a full term of
four years—three years under Cleveland and one year under McKinley.
During this period he made his home in Peoria.
In the spring of 1898, on the expiration of his term of service, Mr.
Hunter came to Abingdon, which town has since remained his place of
residence. He assisted in the organization of the First State &
Savings Bank and has since acted as vice president and also as a
director of the institution. He has assisted in the organization of
a number of other enterprises, prominent among which are the
American Sanitary Company, of which he is a member of the board of
directors; the Abingdon Seat & Tank Company and the Ideal Fence Tool
Company, of both of which he is president; and the Hermon Farmers
Grain Company, of which concern he is also the chief executive
officer.
Mr. Hunter lost his first wife in 1898 and the following year wedded
Mrs. Rosa A. Williams of Rome City, Indiana, whose demise occurred
in 1907. In 1908 he married Miss Georgia Burner, of Abingdon. Our
subject has but one living child, Charles M., who was the offspring
of his first marriage. This young man is now a senior in the State
University at Champaign, Illinois.
918
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Fraternally Mr. Hunter is identified with the following
organizations: Abing-don Lodge, No. 185, A. F. & A. M.; Abingdon
Lodge, No. 184, I. O. O. F.; and Achilles Lodge, K. P. Both he and
his wife are devoted and consistent members of the Christian church.
At this point it would be almost tautological to enter into any
series of statements as showing Mr. Hunter to be a man of broad
intelligence and genuine public spirit, for these have been shadowed
forth between the lines of this review. Strong in his individuality,
he never lacks the courage of his convictions but there are as
dominating elements in this individuality a lively human sympathy
and an abiding charity, which, as taken in connection with the
sterling integrity and honor of his character, have naturally gained
for him the respect and confidence of men.
HUGH
KING.
Hugh King, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on
one hundred and sixty acres of land in Victoria township, eighty of
which, located on section 25, he owns, was born in Victoria
township, Knox county, on the 20th of December, 1873. His parents
were Corwin and Mary King, who removed from Victoria township to
Kansas during the childhood of our subject, and-there resided until
1886, when they returned to Knox county and engaged in farming.
The education of Hugh King was obtained in the common schools of
Kansas where he resided with his parents from early childhood until
he was a youth of thirteen years. After acquiring such knowledge as
was deemed essential to enable him to pursue an agricultural career,
he laid aside his studies and gave his entire attention to the work
of the fields and care of the stock on the home place. Soon after
his marriage he located on his present farm, which was known as the
Andrew Anderson farm. Mr. King is industrious and practical in his
ideas and gives his personal supervision to all the work about his
place. He has brought his fields into a high state of productivity
and in connection with his general farming he raises horses and
hogs, and is meeting with lucrative returns from both.
Mr. King has been twice married, his first union being with Miss
Mary Anderson, now deceased, a daughter of Andrew Anderson. The lady
who now bears the name of Mrs. Hugh King was formerly Miss Emily
Sandquist. She was born and reared in Knox county, a daughter of
Andrew and Augusta (Burg) Sandquist. The father was born in Sweden
on the 20th of May, 1841, and there he was reared and educated. When
he attained the age of twenty-five years he determined to come to
the United States, believing that he would find better opportunities
for advancement here than in his native land. Upon his arrival in
this country he came directly to Illinois, locating in Henry county,
where he was foreman in a coal mine for four years. There he was
married in 1870 to Miss Burg, also a native of Sweden, whence she
immigrated when a child of ten years to America with her parents,
Andrew and Mary Charlotte Burg. They settled on a farm in Henry
county and there they both passed away and were buried in Dayton
cemetery. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sandquist settled
on twenty acres of land south of their present place. The father
industriously applied himself to the cultivation of this property,
extending his holdings from time
921,
to time as he was able until he had
eighty acres, that is now owned by Oscar Anderson. Later he bought
eighty acres of land on section 21, Victoria township, where he is
now living, but owing to his advanced age, he found the cultivation
of this tract to be too arduous, so sold forty acres to Lewis
Ostrum. He still owns the remainder and there he and his wife now
make their home. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Sandquist is' as
follows: William, who is a stock-dealer in Victoria; Esther, the
wife of Eldon Hammond of Victoria township; Emily, who married Hugh
King of Victoria township; Hazel, who is keeping house for her
brother at Victoria; Frances, who is clerk for a coal company at
Galesburg; and Edna, who is still in school. In connection with
general farming, Mr. Sandquist engages in stock-raising feeding all
of the grain he raises. He is a republican in his political views
and served for nine years as school director and road commissioner
for three. Mr. and Mrs. King have two children: Francis Willard and
Hiram Andrew.
Both Mr. and Mrs. King are members of the Swedish Methodist
Episcopal church, in the work of which they take an active interest,
Mr. King having been treasurer of the Sunday school for the past
year. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of
America and in politics he is a republican. He was a school director
for three years and now he is a member of the board of trustees. In
addition to his property interests, Mr. King is a stockholder in the
Mutual Telephone Company, of which he has been president for two
years, and is connected with other local enterprises. He is
energetic and progressive and is constantly increasing the value of
his homestead by the addition of various modern conveniences and
improvements, and now has one of the best equipped farms in the
community, where he has erected a very comfortable and attractive
country residence.
FRED
G. COLE.
Fred G. Cole, who is farming on an eighty-acre tract, located two
and a half miles south of Williamsfield, was born in Peoria county,
Illinois, on the 8th of August, 1863, and is a son of William F. and
Mary A\nn (Cutter) Cole. His father was born in Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, on the 18th of July, 1818, while his parents were
emigrants to the United States from Yorkshire, England. He was
reared on a farm in the vicinity of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and in
his early manhood came to Illinois, settling in Peoria county in
1844. There he was married on the 16th of April, 1846, to Miss
Cutter, who was born near Ashland, Richland county, Ohio, on July
29, 1829. She accompanied her parents on their removal to Peoria
county in 1833, and there she passed the remainder of her life. Mr.
and Mrs. Cole began their domestic life in Brimfield township,
Peoria county, but in 1854 they removed to Millbrook township, where
he acquired one hundred and twenty acres of land that he cultivated
until his death on the 23d'of December, 1883. The mother passed away
on the 15th of March, 1894. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Cole numbered
thirteen: John, a veteran of the Civil war, who is engaged in the
practice of medicine at Williamsfield ; one. who died in infancy;
William H., who is farming in the vicinity, 922,
of Joplin, Missouri; Isaac Frank, who is a resident of this county;
Charles, who lives near Iola, Allen county, Kansas; Sarah, who
married G. L. Doubet; Lucy, the wife of George Nelson, of Elmwood;
-Minnie, who died at the age of thirteen years; Lemuel, who is
farming in Canada; Marge, who passed away on the nth of May, 1903,
the wife of Samuel M. Parker; Fred G., our subject; Job, who is a
resident of Williamsfield; and Newton J., a rural mail carrier, who
is living a half mile south of Williamsfield.
Reared on the farm where he was born, Fred G. Cole obtained his
education in the schools of French Grove, Peoria county, and while
mastering the common branches he also assisted with the work of the
farm. After leaving school he gave his undivided attention to
farming, first on the old homestead and later elsewhere in Peoria
county until 1885. In the latter year he went to Kansas, where he
remained for five years, engaging in agricultural pursuits, but in
1890 he returned to Knox county and settled on his father-in-law's
farm, which he operated for two years. At the expiration of that
time he removed to his mother's place, the old homestead, where he
had been reared, and cultivated it for a similar period. In 1895, he
bought from Harry Nelson the property where he now resides, and has
ever since made this his home. His energies are devoted to general
farming and stock-raising in both of which he is meeting with good
returns.
In 1885, Mr. Cole was united in marriage to Miss Etta M. Tucker, a
daughter of L. V. Tucker, and they became the parents of one
daughter, Mabel, who was born in 1890 and died on the 15th of
November, 1904. In matters politic Mr. Cole is a republican, but he
does not participate in local affairs in pursuit of public office.
His time and energies are engaged to good advantage as is manifested
by the attractive appearance of his farm and the well tilled fields
that annually yield good harvests.
PHILIP H. GIBBS.
Among the native residents of Victoria township who still remain
within its borders is Philip H. Gibbs, the owner of one hundred and
sixty acres of excellent land on section 27. Pie was born in
Victoria, April 3, 1852, the son of Martin and Mary Ann (Moak)
Gibbs, the father a native of New Jersey and the mother of the state
of New York. The grandfather, Martin Gibbs. who was born in England
and married there to a Miss Beck, came to the United States,
settling in New Jersey, where he owned an entire section of land
which he later sold at twenty-five cents per acre and came to Knox
county, Illinois, locating in Lynn township, where he purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land for which he paid about a dollar or
a dollar and a quarter per acre. It is the old homestead in Lynn
township and is now occupied by Richard Gibbs. In the family of
Martin Gibbs, Sr., were five children: Joseph, Martin and Jonathan,
all of whom were born in New Jersey; and two daughters who were born
in Lynn township, Knox county. The father, Martin Gibbs, received
his education in an old log schoolhouse of Lynn township and after
his school days remained at home, working on the farm until his
marriage to Miss Mary, 923, Ann Moak, who was a native of New
York state. Subsequently Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs removed to Victoria
township, where they settled on the farm now owned by Owen Conway
and where they resided the rest of their lives except for two years
that were spent in Kansas. He was a farmer and stock-raiser and a
very successful business man. Mr. Gibbs was a republican in politics
and held many of the township offices. He died at the age of
fifty-seven years and his wife passed away at the age of fifty-six,
and they are both buried in Victoria township. In their family were
seven sons: Amos, who now resides in Victoria; Philip H., of this
review; Jonathan and Joseph, both of Victoria township; Christopher,
of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; George, of Victoria township; and
Nicholas, of Tolono, Illinois.
Philip H. Gibbs received his education in Victoria township and
after his1 school days began farming there but later removed to Lynn
township, where he resided for two years. Subsequently he returned
to Victoria township and purchased of James Patty the farm on which
he now resides. He engages in general farming and makes a specialty
of raising a high grade of blooded cattle, hogs and horses. He is a
very successful business man, is a stockholder in the Farmers
Elevator of Victoria and owns an interest in the Victoria Creamery.
Mr. Gibbs wedded Miss Ida Wade, a native of Lynn township and a
daughter of William and Mary Wade, of Virginia, who later repaired
to Knox county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs have become the parents
of seven children: Hattie, the deceased wife of Jesse Mcllravey;
Dollie, who is the wife of Roy Sopher, of Victoria; Lottie, who is
now Mrs. August Anderson, of Farwell, Texas; Mary, who is the wife
of John Scott, of Victoria township; Clifford, who married Mabel
Norburg and resides in Victoria township; Lansing, who is at home;
and Fern, the wife of Charles Sopher, of Victoria.
Mr. Gibbs is a republican in politics and is very much interested in
local party issues, having served for eight years as constable of
Victoria township. He has given much time to the cause of .education
and has been school director for twelve years. He is a man of high
business principles and his devotion to the public welfare has made
him a valued citizen and given him a creditable place in the regard
of his fellowmen.
A.
P. CARLSON.
A. P. Carlson, who is now living retired in Williamsfield, was for
thirty-three years prominently identified with the agricultural
interests of Victoria township. He is a native of Sweden, his birth
having occurred June 20, 1829, and a son of Jonas Anderson, who
passed his entire life in Sweden.
Agricultural pursuits have always engaged the attention of A. P.
Carlson, who spent the first twenty-seven years of his life in the
land of his birth. He received a common-school education and then
turned his attention to farming, following this vocation in Sweden
until he had attained the age of twenty-seven years. In 1856, he
emigrated to the United States, locating in Knox county on the farm
his son is now operating in Victoria township. He devoted his entire
time and attention to the further improvement and cultivation of
this, 924, place for thirty-three years. His unceasing effort
and the intelligent direction of his activities brought him the
usual reward, and he ultimately became known as one of the capable
and prosperous agriculturists of the community. He was a man of
practical ideas, and the plowing, sowing and harvesting of his
fields was conducted under his personal supervision. In 1889 he
withdrew from active life and went to Galva, where he resided for
twenty years, coming from there to Williamsfield in 1909, and here
he has ever since made his home. He has disposed of all of his
farming interests now, and is living retired, having attained the
venerable age of eighty-two years.
For his wife Mr. Carlson chose Miss Malinda Larson, who was born in
Norway, whence she emigrated to the United States at the age of ten
years, coming directly to Knox county. Four children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Carlson, as follows: W. C, who is living on the old
homestead in Victoria township; Annie, who is deceased; Emma, who
married George Brown of Washington, D. C.; and Gordon S., who is a
resident of Ohio.
In matters of faith Mr. and Mrs. Carlson are Methodists, and his
political views accord with those of the republican party, for whose
candidates he has cast his ballot ever since granted the right of
franchise through naturalization. Through the long period of his
residence in this country, Mr. Carlson has met with the misfortunes
and disappointments that fall to the lot of the average person, but
on the whole his efforts have been well rewarded and he has never
had occasion to regret the transference of his allegiance, as he has
a competence that enables him to spend the latter years of his life
in the ease and comfort that are the. just heritage of age.
J. H.
NELSON.
J. H. Nelson, who is now serving his third term as road commissioner
of Victoria township, was born in northern Sweden, April 12, 1865,
the son °f Hanson and Christiana Nelson. The father died in his home
country but the mother came with her family to America and settled
in Illinois, southwest of Victoria, in Copley township, where she
reared and educated her children. In her family were four children:
J. H., of this review; C. F., who was born March 14, 1867; Matilda,
who was born March 11, 1869, and is now Mrs. Wiley; and Sophia, who
was born January 25, 1873, and is now Mrs. Flynn, of Grand Junction,
Colorado.
J. H. Nelson received his early education in Sweden and came with
his mother to America, where, being the eldest child, he helped to
support the rest of the family. He resided in Copley township until
1884, when he went west, seeing the country and farming in different
sections. He was convinced, however, that Illinois offered him
better inducements as a home, so he returned, residing one year in
Copley township and then, in 1898, settling on the farm where he now
resides. It consists of two hundred and eighty-five acres and is
owned by C. S. Clark. Mr. Nelson is engaged in general farming and
makes a specialty of raising hogs, cattle and horses.
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 925
In 1903 Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Johnson, a
native of Knox county, Illinois, and a daughter of Lewis Johnson.
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have become the parents of two children, Roland
J. and Earl W. Mr. Nelson has been a lifelong republican and his
convictions are strong in the principles of this party. He served
for tw7o consecutive terms as road commissioner of Victoria
township, during which time he was also treasurer of the board of
road supervisors. For three years he was out of office and now is
serving a third term. Mr. Nelson is not only industrious and
enterprising but is also a man of high moral character and is highly
esteemed both as a farmer and business man throughout the township.
FRANCIS HURLBUT.
Francis Hurlbut, who is living retired on his farm six miles
northwest of Williamsfield, was born in New Hampshire on June 22,
1837, and is a son of Albia and Laura (Osgood) Hurlbut. The father,
who was a physician, was also a native of New Hampshire, his birth
there occurring in 1796. He continued to make that state his home
until 1840 when with his wife and family he came to Illinois,
locating on the farm where our subject now resides. Here he passed
the remainder of his days, his death occurring at the age of
sixty-four years. Eight children were born unto Mr. and Mrs.
Hurlbut, of whom the four eldest, Hubbard, Edmund, Nathaniel and
Laura, and the youngest, Charles, are all deceased. Those living
are: Fred, who is the fifth in order of birth; Susan; and Francis.
Francis Hurlbut was only a child of three years when he accompanied
his parents on their removal from New Hampshire to Illinois and was
reared on the farm where he is now living, obtaining his education
in the district schools of the vicinity. In common with the majority
of pioneer farmer lads he early began to assist with the plowing,
seeding and harvesting, as well as with the care of the stock, being
thoroughly trained in the practical methods of agriculture under the
capable supervision of his father. His duties were increased with
the passing years in accordance with the development of his strength
and sense of responsibility and by the time he had attained his
maturity he was a skilled agriculturist. On August 1, 1862, he put
beyond him all other considerations to follow his country's call for
men in the great strife between the north and south and enlisted as
private in Company K, Eighty-third Regiment, Illinois Volunteers.
The rendezvous was at Monmouth, Illinois, hence they were ordered
south, landing first at Fort Henry, then at Fort Donelson, where he
took part in the second battle at that place. May 6, 1863, he was
discharged and ordered home on account of disability, his lungs
being affected by the trying climate. He returned to the old
homestead, where he has resided seventy-one years with the exception
of the term of enlistment. It is the only home he has ever known and
is endeared to him by the associations from his childhood to the
present. The entire period of his active life was devoted to the
further improvement of this place, in the cultivation of which his
two sons are now engaged. The fields have been brought under high
cultivation, the improvements are all up-to-date and substantial and
it is numbered among the attractive and valuable properties of the
community. 926
For his wife and helpmate on the journey of life, Mr. Hurlbut chose
Miss Martha Wallack, who passed away April 10, 1911, aged sixty-six,
being born in Pennsylvania, September 13, 1844.
Seven children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Hurlbut, four of whom are
deceased, namely: Frank, Nettie and Mary,' who are the three eldest;
and John, who is the fifth in order of birth. A daughter and two
sons are living: Blanche S., who married Lester Sherman; Bert,
unmarried; and Fred, who wedded Rilla Tucker. Both are engaged in
the operation of their father's farm.
HISTORY & GENEALOGY OF KNOX COUNTY
In politics Mr. Hurlbut has always been a stanch republican, and
during his early years served as road commissioner in this township.
He was also elected constable, but refused to qualify for the
office. He is one of those who have lived through the great
formative period of the state's development, witnessing the
primitive conditions of pioneer life give way to those of a newer
civilization, as the railroad has superseded the stage coach and the
telephone and telegraph the mounted messenger.
JAMES M. McMASTER.
James M. McMaster, who since March, 1906, has resided on his farm of
one hundred and sixty acres, on section 14 of Victoria township, was
born in Walnut Grove township, Knox county, August 8, 1867, the son
of David S. and Susan E. (Multer) McMaster. The father now resides
on his farm in Copley township, where the family has lived for
several years. The mother, who was a member of the Oneida
Presbyterian church, died at the age of sixty-five years and is
buried in Oneida cemetery. In their family were six sons and one
daughter, of whom one son and the daughter are now deceased.
James M. McMaster received his early education in the common schools
in Copley township and later attended the Oneida high school, after
which he remained with his father, helping to operate the home place
until he was twenty-seven years of age. At that time he began
farming on his own account, spending one year in Copley township on
a farm near Oneida, subsequent to which he moved to Victoria, where
he resided until he came to his present home. Pie purchased what was
known as the Vaughn farm, which contained all the present buildings,
in September, 1905, and moved on it in March of the following year.
He engages in general farming, selling yearly a great deal of grain,
and also raises quite a large number of hogs and horses.
On the 2d of July, 1894, Mr. McMaster was united in marriage to Miss
Jennie Reynolds, who was born in Victoria, November 1, 1868, and is
the daughter of Captain G. W. Reynolds. She received her education
in the public schools of Victoria and in Knox College at Galesburg.
Mr. and Mrs. McMaster have become the parents of two children:
Eselwyn, who was born October 15, 1896, and is attending high school
in Galesburg, belonging to the class of 1913; and Susan, born April
15, 1901, who is a student in the common schools in Victoria
township. In politics Mr. McMaster votes with the republican party,
and fraternally he is identified with Oneida Lodge, No. 337, A. F. &
A. M. He gives his support to all measures which tend to advance the
welfare of the community and is especially interested in the cause
of education, having rendered excellent service in the capacity of
school director in Victoria township.
927
WILLIAM D. CRAIG.
William D. Craig, the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty
acres on section 15, Victoria township, is one of the representative
stockmen of the state. A native of Knox county, his birth occurred
on a farm in Copley township on the 28th of February, 1862, his
parents being William and Isabelle (Martin) Craig. They were born,
reared and married in Scotland, whence they emigrated during the
early years of their domestic life to the United States. William
Craig engaged in coal mining in his native land and during the first
period of his residence in this country, but he subsequently turned
his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he met with a
gratifying degree of success. He farmed in Copley township for a
time, but later came to Victoria, where he acquired extensive and
valuable holdings. Thrifty and energetic, he applied himself
tirelessly to whatever he undertook, directing his activities with
clear judgment and intelligence. At the time of his death he owned
the farm now belonging to G. L. Hedstrom and three hundred and
twenty acres of land on section 15, where he was living. One-half of
the latter is now the property of his son William D. Mr. Craig
passed away on his homestead at the age of sixty-three years, but
the mother was seventy-three at the time of her death, which
occurred at the home of her sister, Mrs. Margaret Webster, of Stark
county, Illinois. Both parents are buried in the cemetery at
Victoria. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and
the father was affiliated with the Masonic lodge at Altona. He was a
stanch republican in his political views and was several times
called to public office, having served as supervisor and school
director in his township. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Craig, nine of whom lived to attain maturity, as follows: Agnes;
Belle; Margaret; Mary, who is deceased; James; William D., our
subject; Mattie; Joseph, who is deceased; and Jennie.
William D. Craig was reared on the farm where he now resides in
Victoria township, obtaining his education in the common schools. In
common with the majority of country lads he early began to assist
with the work of the fields and care of the stock, and after laying
aside his text-books his entire attention was given to agricultural
pursuits. After the death of his father he purchased the interest of
the other heirs in one-half of the old homestead, and here he has
ever since resided. During the period of his ownership he has
wrought many improvements in the place, including the erection of
all of the buildings now standing. He has always taken great pride
in his property and has constructed large, commodious barns,
substantial outbuildings and a comfortable farm house. As his
circumstances have warranted, from time to time he has installed
various modern comforts and appliances and now owns one of the,
928,
best equipped and most highly improved farms in the community. His
fields are devoted to such cereals as are best adapted to the soil,
and annually yield him abundant harvests, the greater portion of
which he sells. Of recent years, however, Mr. Craig has practically
given up the cultivation of his land, the greater portion of which
he is renting for one-half of the crops, and gives his entire
attention to the breeding and raising of stock. He raises horses and
cattle to some extent but makes a specialty of raising thoroughbred
Chester White hogs. They are a very pure breed and he has twice been
awarded the first prize on his exhibit at the state fair at
Springfield, and has won both the first and second prizes at the
local county fair. This year, 1911, he raised ninety of these hogs,
all of which will command a high price for breeding purposes. Mr.
Craig has been very successful in both farming and stock-raising and
in addition to his fine country property is the owner of a nice
residence in Victoria, that commands the highest rental of any
dwelling house in the town.
In January, 1892, Mr. Craig was united in marriage to Miss Emma
Larson, who was born and reared in Victoria township, a daughter of
Peter S. and Katherine Larson. The father is now deceased, but the
mother is still living and continues to make her home in Victoria
township. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Craig, as
follows: Jennie, Dewey and Eva.
Mr. Craig attends the Methodist Episcopal church, toward the support
of which he liberally contributes, and Mrs. Craig is a member of the
Swedish Methodist Episcopal church of Victoria. His fraternal
relations are confined to his membership in the Modern Woodmen of
America, and in politics he is a republican. He takes an active
interest in all local affairs and at the present time is discharging
the duties of school director and trustee. Mr. Craig is one of the
progressive and enterprising agriculturists of Victoria township,
where he is held in high esteem both by reason, of his excellent
business qualities and his many fine personal attributes.
JACOB E. MORGAN.
Jacob E. Morgan is a well known farmer of Lynn township, having
spent his entire life in this locality, his birth having occurred on
the old Morgan homestead August 2, 1867. He traces his ancestry back
to Edward Morgan, who married Margaret Rittenhouse, and their son
Morgan Morgan married Ann Roberts, a daughter of John Roberts, who
fought for American independence in the Revolutionary war. Benjamin
Morgan, a son of the latter couple and the grandfather of our
subject, married Tacy Stroud in 1800. Among their children was John
Rittenhouse Morgan, the father of our subject, who was born in
Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1809. He passed through
the experiences of pioneer life in Ohio and later in Indiana, from
which state he came to Illinois. He first married Rachel Bicknell
and after her death wedded her sister Susan Bicknell, who was born
at Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, in 1826. Her father, George
Bicknell, who was a mechanic by trade, settled in Indiana at an
early day and in 1851 brought his family to Knox county, Illinois,
entering land in Lynn township. After his wife's death he took up
his abode in, 931,
La Fayette, this state, where he passed away in 1866, at the age of
sixty-four years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Susan Moore,
died in 1851, at the age of fifty-seven years. In their family were
six children: Rachel and Sarah, both deceased; Mary, who is living
with a daughter at the age of eighty-eight years; George and Jacob,
both deceased; and Robert P., a resident of Alliance, Nebraska.
After losing his first wife Mr. Bicknell married Catherine Hagar,
who was the widow of Peter Hagar. The Bicknell family, of which Mrs.
John R. Morgan was a representative, was an old one of Pennsylvania,
representatives of the name coming from England and settling in
Philadelphia prior to the Revolutionary war. Her grandfather,
Charles Bicknell, ran a stage from Philadelphia to Baltimore and on
his way home contracted yellow fever, which caused his death when he
was thirty-two years of age. His son, the father of Mrs. Morgan,
became a soldier of the war of 1812 at the age of seventeen years.
He was reared by his foster father, who had been drafted and he took
his place in the army, serving until honorably discharged. For his
services he received a land patent, which he located in Walnut Grove
township, Knox county. His daughter Mrs. John R. Morgan had but
little opportunity to secure an education. She was twelve years of
age when her parents removed from Pennsylvania to Indiana and in
1847 she became the wife of John R. Morgan. They became pioneer
residents of Brunertown, Indiana, where the grandfather took up land
and built a cabin, living there two years before he made the journey
by team and wagon to Illinois, traveling by way of Peoria to
Centerville. Subsequently they lived in Knox county, settling on
what has since been known as the Morgan homestead. They first lived
in a deserted cabin until the present residence was built in 1852.
There they made their home until the father was called to his final
rest. The mother is now living with her daughter and is one of the
honored pioneer women of this part of the state. When she became a
resident of Knox county her neighbors were the Swedish colony at
Bishop Hill and there was also a family by the name of Fraker at
Fraker's Grove. Joseph Simeon and Jonathan Gibbs and the Collinson
family likewise lived in the northern part of the county. Peoria was
the nearest market. Unto Mr. and Mrs. John R. Morgan were born eight
children, of whom six are now living. George B., a resident of Fort
Scott, Kansas, married Alice Robinson and has eight children. Lydia
Jane is the wife of George Spidle, of Schuyler, Nebraska, and they
have three children. Mary Ellen is the wife of Thomas C. Heaton,
living on the old homestead, and they have four children. Charles
E., of Columbus, Nebraska, married Lida Munsie and has six children.
Morris J., living at Ainsworth, Nebraska, wedded Mary Wagner and has
ten children. Jacob E. is the youngest of the family.
The last named pursued his education in the public schools to the
age of fourteen years and during the remaining seven years of his
minority worked with his father on the old home farm. He afterward
engaged in cultivating the home place on his own account for four
years and on the expiration of that period came to his present farm
in Lynn townshiD. where he has since carried on general agricultural
pursuits and stock-raising. He has a well developed property, the
fields responding readily to the care and labor which he bestows
noon them, and in his barns and pastures are found good grades of
stock. He is likewise interested in the Farmers Elevator of Galva
and in the Cooperative Bank of that place, and is an enterprising,
progressive business man whose judgment is sound and whose labors
are resultant. 932
Jacob E. Morgan was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Collinson,
who was born in Walnut Grove township, January 16, 1872, and is a
daughter of Thomas W. and Sarah F. (Brooks) Collinson. Mr. and Mrs,
Morgan became parents of two children: Eugene, born September 1,
1890; and Ethel, born April 13, 1892.
The family are well known and have an extensive circle of friends in
this part of the county. The parents are members of the Baptist
church of Galva and Mr. Morgan belongs also to the Modern Woodmen
Camp of that place. In politics he is a republican, active in
support of the party. He was elected a member of the board of
trustees of Lynn township and served for three terms, and his
connection with the school board covers altogether nine years. He
stands for progress and advancement at all times, whether in
business or in public affairs, and he has a wide and favorable
acquaintance in this county where his entire life has been passed.
CHARLES SPENCER, Sr.
On October 21, 1911, it was seventy-one years since Charles Spencer,
Sr., the oldest settler in Truro township, in point of years of
continuous residence, first located here. During the greater part of
that period he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, but he is now
living retired in Williamsfield, enjoying the ease and comfort that
is the just heritage of his long years of industry and thrift. He
was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of May, 1836, and
is a son of J. N. and Maria (Steaver) Spencer. The father was a
native of Maine, his birth having there occurred on the 22d of
December, 1810, while the mother was born in Pennsylvania on
December 16, 1810. • They were mar-' ried in Pennsylvania and there
they spent the early years of their domestic life, but in 1840 they
came to Illinois. On the 21st of October of that year they located
in Truro township and in 1843 settled on one hundred and twenty
acres of land on section 10, that township, that the father secured
from the government, his deeds bearing the signature of James K.
Polk. The first house erected for the family was a log house and was
one of the oldest residences in the township and probably in the
county. This farm, which has been in possession of the Spencer
family for over seventy years, is now being operated by our
subject's son-in-law, Edward F. Mosher. It was here on the 28th of
June, 1856, that the father passed away, but the mother survived
until March 8, 1888.
Charles Spencer was a child of four years when he accompanied his
people on their removal to Knox county, and here he has ever since
made his home. When old enough to begin his education he was sent to
the little log schoolhonse in the vicinity of his home, and there he
pursued the common branches. The country was very sparsely settled
at that period and the primitive conditions that exist in all
frontier settlements prevailed here. The methods of instruction were
as crude as the building, and the pupils acquired little more than
a, 933,
practical understanding of the "three R's." While attending school
he assisted his father with the farm work, thus qualifying himself
to become self-dependent at a very early age. When he was twenty his
father passed away, and the management of the farm very largely
devolved upon him from that time. He diligently applied himself to
the operation of the fields and the raising of stock, and ultimately
purchased the property, which he still owns. He continuously devoted
himself to the further improvement and cultivation of his farm until
1907, when he withdrew from active work and retired to
Williamsfield, where he continues to reside. His land is well
improved and under high cultivation and is numbered among the
valuable properties of the township. The appearance of his fields
and the abundant harvests annually gathered there from manifested
the practical ideas followed in the direction of their cultivation,
as well as his careful supervision. *
On the 28th of October, 1858, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Spencer and Miss Rosina Doty, who was born in Ohio, where she
continued to make her home until 1853, when she accompanied her
people on their removal to Illinois. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Spencer there have been born seven children. Mary, who is the eldest
of the family, married Oliver Cad well, who died on December 27,
1910, and by him she had five sons, four of whom are living; and
three daughters. Nathaniel, who is engaged in farming on section 10,
Truro township, married Carrie Edley. Frank Edward died aged seven
years. Deborah married Lincoln Huber, a farmer of this township, and
they have eleven children. Emma J. married Edward F. Mosher, who is
operating the old Spencer homestead, and they have had seven
children, two of whom are deceased. Rose married Otto Gross, who is
a resident of Stark county, and they have three children. Charles,
who is living in Peoria county, married Iva King and they have seven
children.
His political support Mr. Spencer has always given to the democratic
party, and while residing on the farm he served as school director
and road commissioner. Through the long period of his residence in
the county, Mr. Spencer has witnessed many most interesting changes
with the development of the natural resources and the introduction
of modern commercial and industrial methods. The prairies of half a
century ago have been converted into highly improved and most
productive farms, while the villages and settlements have grown into
bustling cities and thriving towns.
OLIVER O. CADWELL.
With the passing away of Oliver O. Cadwell on the 10th of December,
1910, Truro township lost one of her native sons and highly
estimable citizens. He had been successfully identified with the
commercial activities of the county for over thirty years, and was
known as one of the capable business men of the township. His birth
occurred in Truro township in 1847, and he was a son of George
Cadwell, who was a native of Pennsylvania. The father came from the
Keystone state to Illinois in 1842, locating in Knox county, where
for many years he was engaged in farming.
934
In the acquirement of his education Oliver O. Cadwell attended the
district schools and later those of Kewanee. When old enough to
begin his business career he laid aside his text-books and took a
position in a store. He continued to clerk until he had attained the
age of thirty-one years, when he engaged in business for himself in
Truro township. Possessing an unusual aptitude for successful
management and keen foresight he made a success of this undertaking,
and from then until his death was identified with the commercial
life of the county. He carried a good assortment of general
merchandise, that he offered at reasonable prices, and this together
with his gracious and accommodating manner enabled him to build up a
large patronage. As the years passed he enlarged his business and
acquired property interests, owning a fine farm of forty acres in
Truro township, with good improvements.
Mr. Cadwell married Miss Mary M. Spencer and they became the parents
of eight children. Thomas, who is operating a blacksmith shop on the
Cadwell farm, married Bessie Loman and they have one child, Harley.
Amos, who was the second in order of birth, died. Sally married
Clarence Robinson of Williamsfield and they have three children,
Bernice, Walter and Irene. Del-bert is living at home with his
mother and operating the store. Climena married Oscar Smith of
Williamsfield and they have one |