Biographies from Albert J. Perry's 1912 History of Knox Co., IL

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GEORGE WASHINGTON BROWN

We know of no better biography of the late Hon. George W. Brown of Galesburg, the inventor of the corn planter, than the following address delivered by Hon. Clark E. Carr at the formal opening of Mr. Brown's great shops in Galesburg on September 22, 1875.

The address is copied from the Illinois Prairie Farmer in which it appeared in full.

''Fellow Citizens: I have prepared this paper at the request of some business men of this city, who deemed it proper that during the inaugural ceremonies now being celebrated, a brief history should be given of the invention of the corn planter and the founder of these great shops, Mr. George W. Brown. If Mr. Brown had his own way tonight, nothing would be said about him ; but his friends have now the entire control of the buildings, and can say just what they please.

"Like most men who have conferred lasting benefits upon humanity, Mr. Brown commenced life poor. He was born in Clifton Park township, Saratoga county, New York, on the 29th of October, 1815, and is sixty years old. He remained upon the farm where he was born until he was fourteen, when he learned the carpenter's trade, in which he worked many years. He remembers distinctly the first boat which came through the Erie canal, with Dewitt Clinton and other distinguished persons on board, with band playing and flags flying. lie worked at his trade on the railroad, built from Albany to Schenectady, sixteen miles long, which, when completed, was regarded as one of the triumphs of the age. This was then the only railroad in the United States, except a line of about the same length, running out of Baltimore. lie remembers the first trip made over the road, by a distinguished party in cars a little larger than our hacks. Of those excursionists, Thurlow Weed is the only survivor. The company owned one wheezy little engine, named the 'John Bull.' Mr. Brown had the honor of being appointed road-master or track-master of this celebrated railroad, a position which he did not find to be lucrative. He was married before he was of age, to Maria Terpening. with whom he has lived happily all of these years, and to whom he is largely indebted for his success. They were both members of the Methodist church, and have continued their membership for over forty years. The old church which they joined on the banks of the Mohawk, in their halcyon days is still in existence.

"Some near relatives of the young couple had gone to Illinois, who sent back glowing accounts of the prairie and of the possibilities of the future. There was room for the young mechanic—a chance to own a farm, make a home, establish a hearth-stone; an opportunity to become independent. Besides, was there not an opportunity to build up that church and help plant the seeds of that religion to which they had consecrated their lives ? They did not hesitate, but bought a team and wagon, loaded all their available property, and started upon their long journey. It rained nearly all the way, and the roads were dreadful. Still the white covered wagon kept on; but the driver had as much work as had the horses, lifting and prying wheels when stuck fast in swamps and sloughs. Worn and weary they reached their destination, and located in July, 1836, before many who hear me were born, upon a farm near what was afterwards Tylerville, in Warren county, nine miles northwest of here. At that time there was not a house on this prairie. He traded his team for an eighty of land and went to work. He had a log house to build for himself, and the neighbors needed the services of a carpenter. For a long time he went out to work at his trade, and his wife conducted the farm. There was no pine lumber here, nothing but the hard woods of our groves, and it was no child's play to work them. Carpenters thoroughly appreciate the difference between pine and the oak and walnut of our forests.

"Money was hard to get when ten cents a bushel was a good price for corn, and three dollars a hundred a good price for pork. But where there was a will there was a way, and Mr. Brown, with plow and hoe, and saw and chisel, managed to make a living, although he laid by scarcely anything. There are many houses in the neighborhoods of Shanghai and Tylerville upon which he worked. He built the Alfred Brown house on this side of Henderson Grove. Fie also worked considerably in Galesburg and Knoxville. Fie built the house on the corner opposite the Universalist and Episcopal churches, owned and occupied by Mrs. Wells. He worked a winter in Knoxville, for Hon. James Knox, and built, among others, the building occupied by the First National Bank of that city."

"Mr. John S. Winter, county clerk, remembers being at his house in 1846, near Tylerville, a small log building. Fie found Mr. Brown barefooted, his only clothing a straw hat, hickory shirt and jean pants, literally in a brown study upon farm implements. Among other implements used were cultivators, and in 1848 Mr. Brown conceived the idea of turning a cultivator into a corn planter. liis first idea was to drop three rows at once, placing the shovels of the cultivator as wide apart as he wished to have the corn rows, and boxes of corn on the beam's back of the shovel, so fixed that the center of each box would be over the middle of the furrows made by the shovels. A slide was so adjusted that by moving it there would be an aperture at the center of the bottom of each box large enough for from three to five kernels of corn to slip through, which would of course fall into the middle of each furrow behind the shovels. This slide was to be operated by a man walking behind the machine. Fie attached heavy wheels to the cultivator back of the boxes, which were made of sections sawed off from logs, and which would roll the ground after the corn was dropped in, filling and leveling the furrow.

"Flow simple all these contrivances seem now! We naturally exclaim, 'Why, anybody can do that!' That is true, almost anybody can do it—after he is shown how. You remember the story of Columbus. When he was told that many men had sailed to America, he called for an ^gg and asked any of those present to set it upon the small end and make it stand. None could do it, when he took it and tapping it on the table until slightly broken in, let go and it stood upright. Several voices shouted, 'Why, anybody can do that.' 'Yes,' answered the great discoverer, 'after he is shown the way."

"Out of these simple experiments upon a cultivator came the perfected corn planter, with which two men and a team can plant from sixteen to twenty acres of corn in a day."

"In the spring of 1851, -Mr. Brown made the first complete corn planter of the present style, and planted corn with it the following May. Prior to that he was experimenting, but it was his corn planter drop attached to a cultivator already described. In 1852 he planted with his improved machine sixteen acres for himself, and eight acres for Alfred Brown. That same spring he commenced the manufacture of ten machines, but, on account of poverty and embarrassments, only one was completed. About this time he determined to stake all he possessed upon the success of his invention. He had already sold everything about the place, including his last horse, to furnish means to secure his patents. He then sold his little farm for what he could get, went deeply into debt for more money, and took the chances of success. Times were hard and the facilities for manufacturing poor. He had no such machinery as you have seen here tonight; but everything had to be done by hand. Very soon he was so much involved that, had he been called upon to pay, he would not have been worth a dollar. But he was an upright man; had a good name; was full of enthusiasm for his new invention; and his largest creditors were willing to give him a fair trial. But he was frequently obliged to pay exorbitant rates of interest—sometimes from one to two per cent a month, and once three per cent for one month, and a short month at that. He commenced manufacturing at Shanghai, and in 1853 completed twelve machines, one of which that season planted three hundred acres of corn. In 1854 he made a hundred machines, and in 1855 he made three hundred machines, after which he removed to Galesburg. In 1856 he made six hundred machines, and in 1857 he made a thousand machines. It is not necessary for me to give in detail the number of machines in detail manufactured since that time. It is enough to say that last year Mr. Brown manufactured six thousand machines, and had orders which came too late been a little less tardy, he would have manufactured and sold many hundreds more.

"Everyone knew that corn could be planted with a hoe and would come up, but would it grow when run through the hopper of this newfangled machine? All could see that the machine would run very prettily through a field, but did it leave the corn in the right places in the proper quantities? Was it well covered, and would it grow ? It was a serious matter for the manufacturers to answer these questions.

"It is not necessary to go through the years of long wearisome lawsuits. Shakespeare in Hamlet's soliloquy makes the 'law's delay' an excuse for suicide, and Dickens vividly protrays the miseries produced by the slow court of chancery in the imaginary case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce. It is enough for our purpose to state that in May, 1874, after hearing all the evidence and arguments, the

1118 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

supreme court of the United States, the highest judicial tribunal on this continent, declared that George W. Brown was the inventor of the corn planter. Soon after this decision was announced, most of those who had been engaged in the manufacture of planters came forward and paid Mr. Brown a royalty upon the machines they had made.

"The completion of these magnificent shops, with their monstrous capacity for turning out corn planters, marks an era in the history of Galesburg well worthy of inaugural ceremonies. The buildings comprise foundry, polishing rooms, blacksmith shops, wheel building (they do not use logs for wheels now) and office, besides this immense building. There are in these buildings thirty thousand square feet of floors. This building with some other improvements made this summer, cost sixty thousand dollars. With the present facilities, Mr. Brown can manufacture twenty thousand planters a year.

"I have thus as briefly as possible given a history of inventor and invention. Concerning Mr. Brown, I would be glad to say all that is in my heart. These great shops, Brown's Hotel, the Methodist Church edifice, proclaim his enterprise and public spirit more eloquently than any mere words can do. He has little of the learning of schools, and no mere accomplishments; yet there are very few more competent mechanics, and he is always a gentleman. He will not be ranked as either statesman or philosopher; yet there are no purer patriots, nor more practical common-sense men. He never preaches morality, but always practices it. He never wrangles upon doctrine, but is always a Christian. Would that we had more such men! Who can estimate their influence upon humanity? Give me the name, if you can, of a statesman whose whole life of lofty endeavor has given him a claim to gratitude equal to that of Johan Gutenberg, the inventor of printing. Call to mind, if you please, a military hero whose memory humanity has so much reason to bless, as that of George Stephenson. The mighty deeds of Alexander and Hannibal, of Caesar and Napoleon—what are they compared with the triumphs of Galileo and Milton, of Stephenson, Fulton and Morse!

"How many men during the war represented in the army McCormick's reapers and Brown's corn planters ; or what would have been the difference in the muster rolls if wheat had been cut by cradles and the corn planted with hoes, when the interest of our great armies depended upon wheat and corn ? We in Galesburg can see how many families are fed and clothed by the seventy-five thousand dollars paid out annually in wages by Mr. Brown and how this money finds its way into and stimulates every branch of business; but who can estimate the comforts and advantages derived from this one machine in the Mississippi valley?"

The above glowing tribute is the history of George W. Brown to 1875, paid to him by one of the closest observers of the economic conditions of the state of Illinois and of the nation. From 1875 until l892  Brown had active management of the shops. The business increased and flourished and was incorporated under the name of George W. Brown & Company. Mr. I. S. Perkins was general manager for a number of years. Loren Stevens was secretary, A. O. Peterson was master mechanic, and James E. Brown, son of George W. Brown, * was treasurer. The shop buildings were enlarged to more than double their original size and a great deal of other machinery besides corn planters was manufactured there, such as corn shellers, rakes, cultivators, discs, and other farming implements. During the year 1886 Mr. Brown purchased a ranch at Riverside, California, and spent a great deal of the winter months in his western home. He had one of the most beautiful orange ranches in the Santa Ana valley and spared neither time nor expense in putting it in shape.

Mr. Brown was always an active participant in public affairs and even in his declining years did not cease to take a helpful interest in matters relative to the general good. He served for one term as mayor of Galesburg and during his administration the first attempts were made to establish hard-road streets.

In 1891 Mrs. Brown, who had by her loving example and industrious life and her worthy counsel, assisted Mr. Brown in his brightest as well as his darkest days, expired at Galesburg, surrounded by her family, consisting of Mrs. Elizabeth Perrin, Mrs. Jennie S. Cowan and James E. Brown. Her death was a sad blow to Mr. Brown and apparently he never recovered from the effects. In the winter time he would go, first with one daughter and then with the other, to California, there to spend his winters, his health being very much impaired. In the spring of 1895 he returned to Galesburg earlier than usual. Anxious to see the old place of his early struggles in Illinois and his old friends who were living near Tylerville, he took his team and buggy and drove to Tylerville. The day was fair enough when he started, but before night it developed into a roaring, blustering storm. Not being acclimated to such weather Mr. Brown contracted a severe cold which developed into pneumonia and he died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Cowan, on the 2d of June, 1895. He left surviving him an only son, James E. Brown, who was manager of the Brown & Company Planter Works from the withdrawal of I. S. Perkins until the death of his father, George W. Brown. Immediately afterward the son went to Riverside, California, to take care of the large financial interests which his father had acquired there. He purchased the shares of the other heirs in the property there and added three or four other ranches to the holdings which his father had acquired. The surviving daughters are Mrs. M. T. Perrin, and Mrs. Jennie S. Cowan. Both live in Galesburg, surrounded by their children.

Mr. James E. Brown is residing in California now. He is a director of one of the banks and a director of the La Mesa Fruit Packing Company. His wife died at Galesburg in November, 1910, while they were visiting his daughter, Mrs. M. J. Daugherty. Mr. Brown has two daughters living, Mrs. M. J. Daugherty and Mrs. A. L. Woodill. The latter lives near her father in Riverside, California. Mr. James E. Brown was for many years a director in the Galesburg National Bank of Galesburg. He was a public-spirited man and although of a retiring nature was admittedly one of Galesburg's financiers. Mrs. Cowan and Mrs. Perrin have spent their lives in Galesburg and can enjoy the many incidents that George W. Brown's life left in the history of the city.

George W. Brown was a free giver to every enterprise that came to Galesburg. He was one of the donors to the Santa Fe railroad and he liberally contributed toward other public enterprises of all kinds. He owned two farms two miles east of Galesburg and on each of them he constructed a lake. The first was a small one, which he called Lake Washington, and then, he constructed another lake partly in Galesburg township and partly in Knox township, just north of Main street, which he called Lake George. This lake he offered several times to the city of Galesburg, together with the property surrounding it, for less than what it cost him, the intention being to establish a public park there with water supply for the city. The offer was refused. Finally the heirs sold the property to the Burlington road for their water supply and they changed the name to Lake Rice. It is not denied or questioned that the most public-spirited man that Galesburg ever had was George W. Brown. It is further not denied or questioned that George W. Brown made many valuable donations to public enterprises, especially to religious and educational institutions, and yet, singular to say, with all that, no place has been dedicated to his name, no effort made to assist the citizens of Galesburg in preserving the memory of a man whose works for thirty years contributed the largest revenues the city ever had, with the exception of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. The great achievements of George W. Brown in a business way will long survive his memory as a great and good citizen. In the past Galesburg has failed to realize what she has lost but his name and good works will be a monument to his memory for years to come.


HAROLD MAY HOLLAND.

The career of one who has been accorded the superior advantages of the higher educational institutions is favored with splendid and special opportunities. At the outset it affords him an independence which in itself is of an inspirational nature and gives him confidence to reach higher and attempt greater things than his fellow citizens who have been denied those advantages. Withal, however, the university with its learning is one thing and the business world with its practical experience and competition is quite another. The world calls for real value.

Harold M. Holland, after graduating from Dartmouth College made his start in the business world in 1903. At that time he engaged in the retail and wholesale athletic goods business with John F. McLean, under the firm name of McLean & Holland. After remaining in partnership with Mr. McLean for some time he purchased the entire business and has since continued to conduct the store independently, although the firm name, McLean & Holland, is still used.

Mr. Holland was born in Galesburg, Illinois, on the 15th of April, 1878, a son of Joseph Basset and Mary Otis (May) Holland. The father's birth occurred near Brattleboro, Vermont, July 11, 1830. After being graduated from Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, in 1858, he entered the medical department of Dartmouth. While an undergraduate he was admitted to the Psi Upsilon fraternity, and because of the excellent record he made in his studies he was admitted to the Phi Beta Kappa. Later he was a special student at Amhurst College, Harvard University and Columbia LTniversity. For several years he was demonstrator in microscopical and pathological anatomy at Dartmouth and subsequently was associated with D. Appleton & Company and

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William Wood & Company in wholesale publishing. He holds membership in the American Association for the Advancement of Science and was the first American to be elected as a member of the British Economic Society. At one time he was vice president of the New England Agricultural Society, and for years has been president of the Galesburg Public Library Association. His name also appears on the directorate of the First National Bank of Galesburg. On the 18th of November, 1872, he was married at Galesburg to Miss Mary Otis May, a daughter of Henry Harvey and Delia (Ray) May. Mr. H. H. May was one of the early settlers in Knox county, having arrived here in 1837. He was the inventor of the first successful horse-power reaper and made the first steel plow. Mrs. Joseph B. Holland is now residing in California with her son, Hubert Ray.

Harold M. Holland first attended school at Galesburg where he pursued his early education in the public schools. In 1893 he entered Knox College Academy and for several years was a student in Knox College. He was graduated from Dartmouth College in 1900 with the degree of A. B. While a student there he was chosen a member of Phi Delta Theta.

On the 3d of April, 1909, Mr. Holland was married to Miss Beulah Mary Hunt, of Galesburg. He is a member of the Soangetaha Club, of which he has been a director for three years. Pie also holds membership in the Cooper Ornithological Club of California and is an associate member of the American Ornithologists' Union. In 1908, 1909 and again in 1912 he was elected president of the Galesburg Base Ball Company. In religious faith he is affiliated with the Central Congregational church of Galesburg. In politics he is a republican. Mr. Holland bears the reputation of being very progressive in his business ideas and has been most successful in promoting and introducing new lines and methods which tend to further the welfare of his business.

WILKINS SEACORD.

Wilkins Seacord, deceased, was for many years an active and honored resident of Galesburg and Knox county, many business interests feeling the stimulus of his activity, his commercial and industrial connections being at all times of such a character as contributed to general progress and prosperity as well as to individual success. Moreover, the methods pursued would ever bear close investigation and scrutiny so that he was honored and respected wherever known, and most of all where he was best known. His life history constitutes a creditable chapter in the annals of Knox county. His birth occurred in Orange county, New York, September 20, 1833, and his ancestry can be traced back to the Huguenots of France. His grandfather was subordinate officer under Marquis de la Fayette and came to America with that gallant French hero who aided in the establishment of American independence. Pleased with the new world and its prospects he decided to remain and established his home in the Empire state.

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His son, Wilkins Seacord, father of him whose name introduces this review, married Hulda J. Morris, also a native of New York. He was a prominent citizen of that state and for many years represented his district in the general assembly, leaving the impress of his individuality upon the laws which were enacted during his connection with the state legislature. He continued a resident of New York until called to his final rest in 1862, when sixty-two years of age. His widow survived him for about fifteen years and passed away at the age of seventy-two years. In their family were five children of whom Wilkins Seacord, of this review, was the fourth in order of birth. He had the advantage of training in a home of culture and refinement, enjoyed good educational privileges and in early manhood came to the middle west. In his youth he learned something of the blacksmith's trade and also worked at farming for a time. He was twenty-two years of age when he left home and for a brief period he drifted about in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana but found what he regarded as a suitable place of residence when in October, 1855, ne arrived in Galesburg. He then devoted his attention to teaching school for a brief period and also broke prairie, but in the spring of 1857 took up commercial pursuits, engaging in business in Oneida. In the spring of 1862 he turned his attention to the meat and live-stock business which he carried on with considerable success for about six years but abandoned that line in 1868 and removed from Oneida to Knoxville, which was then the county seat. There he filled the office of sheriff for a two years' term but in 1870 returned to Galesburg and took charge of the stock yards at this place. In 1876 his duties were further extended to include the superintendency of the stock yards at Quincy, the two places being under his care for many years. He also had supervision over the yards at Ottumwa and at Burlington, Iowa, and over the large sheep yard at Montgomery. He became recognized as one of the best judges of live stock in the Mississippi valley and in connection with his activity as superintendent of stock yards he also conducted an extensive rendering establishment. In fact he was associated with many prominent business enterprises of this city and state, was the owner of three large farms, had extensive banking interests and was also connected with other business concerns. He became one of the early stockholders of the Farmers & Mechanics Bank and served on its directorate. He was also a director of the First National Bank for many years and became one of the original stockholders of the Purington Paving Brick Company, of which he served as a director for several years. Fie was active in promoting the Galesburg Electric Motor & Power Company, took considerable stock in the enterprise and served as its president for a number of years, and also as a member of its board of directors. This company purchased the old horse-car lines, installed electric power and after successfully conducting the system for several years sold to the McKinley interests.

It was on the 1st of October, 1857, in this county, that Mr. Seacord was united in marriage to Miss Keren L. Courtwright, who died in November, 1869, leaving three children: Fred, of Galesburg; Louise, the wife of John Wilcox; and De Forrest, who is familiarly known as Judd. On the 20th of September, 1883, Mr. Seacord was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Fannie M. Hollowell, nee Turner, of Kansas City, who still survives him. The death of Mr. Seacord occurred July 3, 1900, and in his demise the county lost one of its most valued and representative citizens. His political allegiance was given

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY  1111

to the republican party and he belonged also to the Masonic fraternity, exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He was a man of social disposition and of unfeigned cordiality, whose attractive qualities made him a congenial companion. His friendship always stood the test of time and he was loved by all. In fact there were few citizens in Knox county as popular and highly esteemed as was Wilkins Seacord, and the death of none has been more deeply deplored.

WILLIAM D. SMITH.

William D. Smith, depot master for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Galesburg, was born in Portageville, New York, August 16, 1857. He comes of an old family of the Empire state. His grandfather was there born and became a soldier of the War of 1812. In days of peace he followed the occupation of farming and was called to his final rest when in middle life. His wife, Mrs. Lavina Smith, also a native of New York, long survived him and died at the age of eighty-six years. They were the parents of three sons and four daughters, of whom one son died in childhood. The others were Joseph, Franklin, Abigail, Betsey, Louise and Laura. Of these, Franklin C. Smith was the father of William D. Smith. He, too, was born in New York and was reared in Wyoming county, where he practiced law for a few years. He afterward became a contractor on the Erie canal and in 1859 removed to Illinois, settling in Galesburg, where he lived for two years. He next located at Oneida, Illinois, where he engaged in the practice of law and also filled the office of internal revenue collector for one term. Lie was a soldier of the Civil war and served for three years in the One Hundred and Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, holding the rank of colonel. He made an excellent record, inspiring his men with much of his loyalty, zeal and bravery. He married Sarah M. Gilbert, who was born in New York, as were her parents. Her mother was a Miss Weed in maidenhood. Her father was proprietor of a hardware and tin store in Portage, New York, and died in middle life, while his wife reached the age of eighty-nine. Their family numbered three daughters and a son, including Caroline, Sophia, Sarah and Charles. As previously stated, Sarah M. Gilbert became the wife of Franklin C. Smith and unto them were born four children: Anna E., now deceased, who had been married twice, her first husband being Dr. Edwin Card and the second Edwin E. Terry; William D., of this review; Franklin C, who passed away at the age of three years; and Ella, who died when seven years old.

William D. Smith was reared in Oneida, Illinois, between the age of four and sixteen years, and attended the public schools there. Coming to Galesburg, he served as brakeman and conductor in the service of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company from 1874 until 1887. He then went to Elgin, Nebraska, where he resided until 1891, devoting his time to farming upon a tract of one hundred and sixty acres which he owned. At length he sold that property and returned to Galesburg, reentering the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company as a brakeman. For the past twelve years he has been depot master, and his long connection with the line indicates the faithfulness and loyalty of his service and his capability

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In October, 1882, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Mary D. Pike, a daughter of William Pike, whose wife in her maidenhood was Letitia D. Bull. They were residing in the outskirts of Galesburg at the time of Mrs. Smith's birth. They had come to this state from New York and her father died at Woodhull, where he was proprietor of a general store. Her mother passed away in Galesburg at the age of sixty-four years. In their family were but two children, Charles and Mary D. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born four children, Louise D., Gilbert C, Frank C. and Stanley W., the first named a graduate of the high school. Mrs. Smith belongs to the Congregational church and the family are well known socially in the community. Mr. Smith is a republican in his political views and conversant with the principles of the party and the leading questions of the day but has no ambition for office, his time and energies being given to his business duties, which are always most faithfully performed.

M. O. WILLIAMSON.

M. O. Williamson was born on the Atlantic Ocean, July 14, 1850, while his parents were on their way from Sweden to this country. They located in Knox county, where since has been the family home. The father died in 1853, leaving the mother with a family of six children. This family she cared for until they were all grown to man and womanhood. The mother died in 1886.

When a lad of thirteen years, M. O. Williamson learned the harness trade with Olson & Gray at Wataga, Illinois, serving an apprenticeship of three years, and worked at the bench thereafter for twenty-five years. His educational advantages were limited. He attended the district school up to the age of thirteen and stayed for a term of six months in the village school when seventeen years of age.

Mr. Williamson was married October 18, 1871, to Mary A. Driggs, of Wataga, Illinois, and there were born to them one son, who died in infancy, and two daughters. Adelaide F., born May 6, 1878, married May 13, 1902, Edward Clyde Slocumb and their home is at present at Artesia, New Mexico. Nellie M. was born April 22, 1883, and married May 8, 1907, H. A. Whipple, her home at this time being at Galesburg, Illinois. M. O. Williamson was elected and served as town and city clerk, alderman and justice of the peace. He was elected county treasurer of the county of Knox in 1886, and was elected county clerk of the same county in 1890, 1894 and 1898. In 1900 he was nominated and elected state treasurer. He was one of the organizers and is an active member of the Swedish-American Republican League of the state of Illinois, and was its president in 1897. In political faith, he is an earnest and consistent republican. He believes in his party creed, and has done much for the success of his party candidates and party principals. In 1884 he was made

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secretary of the county central committee, and was either secretary or chairman for twenty years.

In 1890, he with his family removed to Galesburg, Illinois which has since been his home. He is a member of the Business Men's Club of Galesburg, the Hamilton Club of Chicago, and is a Knight Templar Mason, an Odd Fellow, a Knight of Pythias, and an Elk. He was for two years a member of the Lincoln Monument Association of Illinois, and it was during his term that the rebuilding of the Lincoln monument at Springfield was completed, and the remains of the martyred president were laid in their final resting place in the monument. Mr. Williamson is at this time president of the People's Trust & Savings Bank, of Galesburg, Illinois, one of the largest and most successful financial institutions in the state outside of Chicago.

HARMAN J. KUNKEL.

Harman J. Kunkel, who owns and operates the largest gristmill not only in Knox county but in this section of the state, is one of Wataga's self-made men, having begun here in his early youth with no capital save his untiring energy and determination. He was born in Cashtown, Adair county, Pennsylvania, on the 27th of October, 1872, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Smith) Kunkel, both of whom are now deceased, the father having passed away in 1877 and the mother in 1879. Joseph Kunkel, who was a veteran of the Civil war, was a blacksmith by trade but he had been educated for a music teacher, which vocation he sometimes followed while he also engaged in farming. Five of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kunkel are still living, those beside our subject being as follows: Sarah, the wife of George Kadel, now deceased, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania; Mary, the wife of Harry E. Smith, of Knoxville; John, who is a resident of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; and Irwin, who is living in Wellsville, Pennsylvania.

Left an orphan at the age of seven years, Harman J. Kunkel was reared in the county of his birth, whose common schools he attended until he was thirteen, during which time he also worked on a farm. After laying aside his text-books he apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade, serving for three years, at the expiration of which period he came west. He was only a youth of sixteen when he came to Knox county and first located at Wykoff, near Wataga, where he worked at his trade for fifty cents per day. He subsequently went to Galesburg, where he engaged as carpenter for two years, returning to Wataga, where he farmed until his marriage in 1893. During the succeeding five years he operated a farm in the vicinity of Wataga, but later he bought a place which he has sold, on moving to Wataga, where he is now residing. In

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1907 he purchased a flour and feed mill here and soon thereafter withdrew from his agricultural pursuits, giving his undivided attention to the operation of his mill. This proved to be a very lucrative undertaking and on the 30th of March, 1911, he extended the scope of his activities by becoming the owner of the mill belonging to the estate of Warden & Son. He has one of the finest plants in this part of the state, the capacity being far greater than that of any other mill in his vicinity, while it is fully equipped with all modern machinery. Mr. Kunkel has been very successful in all of his undertakings and in addition to his mill is the owner of the electric light plant in Wataga, which he installed in May, 1909. Such success as has come to him has been the result of his own intelligently directed effort and unceasing application, as he began his career in Knox county without either capital or influence, but he possessed those qualities that invariably win: industry and determination of purpose.

Mr. Kunkel's plans for a home of his own had their culmination in his marriage, in October, 1893, to Miss Minnie A. Morgan, of Wataga, Illinois. Mrs. Kunkel is a daughter of Abram and Elizabeth Morgan, both of whom are now deceased. The father was a coal miner. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Kunkel there have been born the following children: Sarah Elizabeth, who is sixteen; Mary Frances, now fourteen; John Morgan, who is thirteen; Beulah Fern, nine years of age; Harry, who is six; and George Flarman, who has passed the fourth anniversary of his birth.

The family attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the mother is a member, and Mr. Kunkel is an active member of a large number of fraternal organizations. He is affiliated with the Masonic order through his membership in Wataga Lodge, No. 291, A. F. & A. M.; and he is an Odd Fellow, his local connection with this society being through Wataga Lodge, No. 598, I. O. O. F., and he also belongs to the Odd Fellows encampment at Galesburg. The Mystic Workers; Brotherhood of American Yeomen; and United Commercial Travelers, Galesburg Lodge, No. 269, claim his affiliation also. Political activities have never occupied much of Mr. Kunkel's attention his entire time and thought having been concentrated upon the development of his personal interests, in which he has met with notable success. However, he is always ready to give his cooperation or indorsement to any movement he deems qualified to advance the community or to promote municipal enterprises.
 

ALEXANDER GEHRING.

Alexander Gehring, a well known and successful farmer and stock-raiser of Sparta township, Knox county, Illinois, is still engaged in cultivating the farm on which he has lived for nearly forty-six years. His birth occurred in Baden, Germany, on the 1st of December, 1844. His father, Anthony G., was born March 12, 1821, and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Mosier, was born June 24, 1823. They came to America and settled in Sparta township in 1857. His paternal grandparents were Bennett and Elizabeth (Closman) Gehring and his great-grandparents were Mathias and Susan Gehring. His maternal grandparents were Jacob and Mary Mosier. Alexander Gehring was the oldest

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 495

of three children, a sister who is dead, and a brother named Martin, a farmer in Sparta township, with whom his mother makes her home.

Alexander Gehring began his education in Germany, continuing his studies for a little time after coming to this country. When a mere boy, at the age of fourteen, he commenced to work on the farm, first for his father and later hiring out to a neighbor. At twenty-one he began to work for himself and in 1867, after his marriage, took possession of the farm which he is now operating. In addition to general farming he devotes much time to stock-raising in which pursuit he has been very successful. Born to his calling he loves his work and the interests which fill a farmer's life and has no wish to retire while his farm yields him the comfortable income which he now enjoys.

The marriage of Alexander Gehring to Miss Jerusha Squires, of Trumbull county, Ohio, occurred May 30, 1867. Her father, Ira Squires, was born in Ireland in 1818 and came to America when six years old. Her mother, Caroline Stewart was born in 1820 of Scotch parentage. When Mrs. Alexander Gehring was three years old her parents died whereupon she was reared by Isaac and Sarah (Hillergast) Baker. She was the granddaughter of Tason and Dorothea (Tew) Squires. Mrs. Gehring has one brother, Albert Squires, who lives at her home.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Gehring were four children. Carrie, who remained single and was living at home, died in August, 1911, at the age of thirty-four, at Greenville, Pennsylvania, while on a visit. She was a very devout woman and an untiring worker in the Methodist Episcopal church. She was an officer in the missionary society of her church and a member of the Epworth League. Alice, the wife of James Parkinson, a farmer in Kansas, is the mother of five children. Sarah Luella, the wife of Benjamin Morgan of Wataga, Illinois, has four children. Ira Anthony, married to Effie Richmond, lives in Galesburg and is the father of two children.

The Gehring family holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Wataga, Illinois, in which Mr. Gehring is a steward and a trustee. In hjs political views he is a republican and has always been an ardent worker for his party. He served as roadmaster for several terms and was on the school board three terms. Coming to this locaHty more than fifty years ago, Alexander Gehring has not only witnessed the agricultural growth and development of Knox county but has been a large contributor to the prosperity for which this community is noted.

OLIVER SWANSON.

Oliver Swanson was born on the 16th of February, 1853, at Solvesborg, a town in the southern part of Sweden, his parents being Swan and Kama (Person) Olson. The father, whose birth occurred in 1825, engaged in agricultural pursuits in Sweden until his death, which occurred when his son Oliver was a child of but two years. Both mother and father spent their entire lives in Sweden. Oliver Swanson received his education in the common schools of his native land and at the age of eighteen years, after having assisted on the home farm, came

496 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

to America settling at Woodhull. For a time he worked out by the month and then came to Ontario township where he settled on a farm in 1881. In 1893 he came to his present home. This property consists of eighty acres and has been his residence ever since. Although he devotes his time and energy principally to general farming, he also raises shorthorn cattle and feeds hogs and cattle for .the market. In these various branches he is meeting with the success, which is the reward of persistent and diligent labor. On the 12th 01 April, 1879, Mr. Swanson was married to Marie Anderson, a resident of Knox county, and a daughter of Anders and Anna (Johnson) Anderson, both of whom were natives of Sweden, where they were engaged in farming. The father died in Sweden and the mother came to Henry county, in 1875. They were the parents of five children. To Mr. and Mrs. Swanson three children have been born: Hattie S., who is the wife of William Sebastian, a resident farmer of Henry county; Hart-wick, whose birth occurred in 1884 and who died in January 1905; and Florence, who is attending high school in Altona, Illinois.

In politics Mr. Swanson gives his support to the men and measures of the republican party and has served as road commissioner and is assessor at the present time. In religious faith he holds membership in the Lutheran church of Altona. By his earnest work and diligent application to his agricultural pursuits and by his interest and furthering of all measures pertaining to the higher social and moral development of the community, Mr. Swanson has become recognized as a citizen of substantial and honorable worth.

FRANKLIN PIERCE TYLER, M. D.

Dr. Franklin Pierce Tyler, engaged in the general practice of medicine in Galesburg, was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, June 21, 1854, his parents being Dr. Truman Murray and Mary Ann (Cutler) Tyler. The family home was first established in Galesburg in 1862. The father was born in the state of New York in 1804 and the mother's birth occurred in Massachusetts in 1810. In early manhood he prepared for the practice of medicine and for a time followed his profession in Ohio, after which he came to Illinois, settling in Illinois City. His next place of residence was in Edgington, this state, and afterward he lived for a time at Rock Island, coming to Galesburg in 1862. Here he opened an office and continued in active practice until his life's labors were ended in death twenty-one years later. He was widely known as a capable physician whose scientific knowledge was supplemented by broad humanitarian principles, thus making his work of great worth in the world. His widow survived him and died at the home of her son, Dr. Tyler, in Clifton, Kansas. Dr. Truman Tyler, Sr., was a democrat in his political views and fraternally was connected with the Masons, which order found him an exemplary representative. Both he and his wife were members of the Universalist church and were people of kindly purpose and of high principles. In their family were three children, Stella Louise, the elder, who died in 1908; and Christopher C, who like our subject is also a resident of Galesburg.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 499

Dr. Tyler, Jr., whose name introduces this record, was a lad of but eight years when the family removed to this city, so that his education was largely acquired here. After attending the public schools, he entered Lombard University, where he pursued his more specifically literary course. His professional training was received in Rush Medical College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1885. He then went to Clifton, Kansas, where he opened an office and continued in active practice for twelve years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Galesburg, where he still follows his profession as a general practitioner, having comprehensive knowledge of the principles of medicine and surgery, while his broad and extended experience has added greatly to his efficiency.

On the 12th of October, 1886, occurred the marriage of Dr. Tyler and Miss Emilia Brewer Laux, a daughter of Professor Carl Rupert Laux, of Galesburg. The children of this marriage are: Carl Rupert, who was born in Clifton, Kansas, in September, 1887; and Cecil May, also a native of Clifton. Both are still at home. Mrs. Tyler is a member of the First Congregational church and Dr. Tyler holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights and Ladies of Security. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party but without desire for office, his ballot merely expressing his approval of the policies and principles of the party. He belongs to the city and county medical societies and is ever deeply interested in anything that tends to bring to man the key to the mystery of life. He is extremely careful and conscientious in all of his professional work and his ability has gained for him a liberal patronage.

BENJAMIN THOMAS HART.

The commercial activity of Altona finds a worthy representative in Benjamin Thomas Hart, who is now proprietor of a drug store. He has conducted this for three years and is accorded a good patronage. He was born at Camp Point, Illinois, December 3, 1877. The early ancestral history of the family has been lost. It is supposed, however, that the great-grandfather was stolen by the Indians and was carried to Kentucky. The grandfather, Thomas W. Hart, was a native of that state. He married Miss Wheeler and they became parents of a son, George M. Hart, who was born in Frankfort, Kentucky, January 29, 1837. When a boy of six years he accompanied his parents on their removal to Quincy, Illinois, where his boyhood days were passed. He learned and followed the cooper's trade and from Quincy removed to Camp Point, Illinois, being at that time twenty years of age. This was some time prior to 1859. ^n the early '60s he walked from Quincy to Denver, Colorado, starting with an emigrant train that traveled by way of Leavenworth. At length he returned to Camp Point, Illinois, where he engaged in the cooperage business for many years but is now living retired. He married Rhoda Bryant, who also survives and is now sixty-eight years of age, her birth occurring on the 20th of July, 1843, m Kentucky. She was a daughter of -Moses Bryant. Unto him and his wife were born six children of whom Benjamin T. Hart and two sisters are

500 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

now living. The sisters are: Elitha May, the wife of Charles H. Montgomery, of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Hazel Gertrude, who is teaching in the Loraine high school. Three of the children died in infancy.

Benjamin Thomas Hart spent his youthful days in his parents' home and after his education was over, began clerking in a drug store at Camp Point on the 1st of March, 1892. For two years he attended the Chicago College of Pharmacy and, in May, 1899, came to Altona where he conducted a drug business for two years. He then returned to Chicago where he finished his course of study with the class of 1902. On locating in Altona he engaged in clerking where he now carries on business for himself. He also spent a year in Burt's drug store in Galesburg and in August, 1904, purchased his present drug store at Altona. ' He has also been engaged in the restaurant business at Altona since 1908 and both branches have proven profitable. He has a well appointed and well conducted establishment and his business methods are such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.

On the 20th of April, 1902, Mr. Hart was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Updike, who was born in Altona, February 12, 1879, and is a daughter of Tosiah W. and Edith (Van Scyok) Updike, the father a pioneer resident of this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hart have been born two children: Harry Worth, who was born February 8, 1903; and Marjory Lois, born December 20, 1905. Mr. Hart and his wife are members of the Methodist church of Altona and at the present time he is financial secretary of the church. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Altona Lodge, No. 330, F. & A. M. He also holds membership with Altona Camp, No. 3737, »M. W. A., of which he is past consul, and he likewise belongs to the Illinois Pharmaceutical Association. He is a young man and yet, in business and in social life, he has made a record which is creditable and enviable, gaining for him the respect and admiration of his fellowmen.

FRANK C. KRANS.

Trained in the printing trade and in editorial work, Frank C. Krans is well qualified to fill the position which he now occupies as editor and manager of the Oneida News, a weekly paper published in Oneida, Knox county, Illinois. During a period covering more than twenty years he has gained his experience in Illinois, in Nebraska, Oregon and Washington, coming in contact with newspapermen and printers from every section of the country, since the members of this fraternity are of a roving disposition fond of seeking new scenes for their field of labor. Frank C. Krans was born July 6, 1870, in Galva, Illinois, a son of O. and Christiana (Aspequist) Krans, natives of Sweden. The father came to America with his parents when he was a young man and made his way to a Swedish settlement at Bishop's Hill, walking all the way from Chicago. When a boy he assisted in hauling the lumber from Bishop's Hill to Galva when the first building was erected in the latter town. At the outbreak of the war he enlisted in Company D, of the Fifty-seventh Volunteer Infantry of Illinois, from Princeton. At the close of the war he returned to Galva, Illinois, where he

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 501

followed his trade as painter and decorator until ten years ago when he removed to Altona, Illinois, and has resided there ever since, still actively interested in his work. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic of Galva.

Reared at home Frank C. Krans was educated in the common schools and in the high school of Galva. He prepared himself for his career by acting as assistant on the Galva News learning the many varied features of the work. He then went to Altona where he took charge of a paper started by C. F. Mc-Donough and continued in the management of the same for two years, when he decided to gratify his desire to move farther west and secured employment in Ogalalla, Nebraska. A year later he went to the Pacific coast and remained there, working at the printer trade for five years. In the fall of 1893 ^-e re~ turned to Illinois and purchased the Altona Record which he conducted until 1906 when he sold it to Mills & Company. Thereupon he went to Kewanee, Illinois, where he held a responsible position on the Star Courier and labored there until 1911, serving one term of this time as president of the Typographical Union of Kewanee. During the current year he bought an interest in a stock company in Oneida, organized in 1900, which publishes a weekly, the Oneida News, and of this he became editor and manager. He is spirited and enthusiastic in his work and in the brief period since coming to this position has already demonstrated his efficiency.

The marriage of Mr. Krans and Miss Anna Olson, of Altona, was celebrated October 2, 1898. She is a daughter of Peter Olson and obtained her education in the grammar and high schools of Altona and the Normal school of Bushnell, after which she followed the vocation of teaching for a number of years. She gave that up, however, and entered the Hospital Training School at Galesburg where she was fitted for the profession of nursing and after her graduation was given a position on their staff. Mr. and Mrs. Krans are the parents of three children: Kenneth, who is attending school, and two younger ones, John and Walton.

Mr. Krans is a republican in his political affiliations and served as town clerk for five years during his residence in Altona and also as village clerk for an equal period of time, while as a member of the council he gave his efforts to the advancement of the welfare of the community. He is a member of the Masonic order, being connected with Lodge No. 320, F. & A. M., of Altona and the Knights of Pythias, of Oneida, whose beneficent principles he tries to follow in all the relations of his daily life.

HENRY WELCH.

Henry Welch, who is a resident of Ontario township, has been connected with agricultural interests in Knox county throughout his life. He was born in Rio township, March 6, 1871, and is the son of John and Ann Welch, the former, whose birth occurred May 28, 1836, a native of Kings county, Ireland, and the latter a native of New York. John Welch, whose parents, John and Sarah (Clarke) Welch, were agriculturists in Ireland and there resided all their life, worked on the farm and received a common-school education while at home, and

502 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

after emigrating to this country, in 1850, continued in agricultural pursuits. Going to Galesburg in 1857, he worked out by the day until he removed to Rio township in 1862, at which time he rented a farm. After cultivating this for some time, he purchased two hundred acres of land near by and has ever since made that farm his home although he now rents it and lives retired. This farm is a high tribute to his ability and labor and stands as evidence of his rise from a day laborer, husking corn at fifty cents per day to> a successful agriculturist, who has acquired a competence sufficient to provide for a comfortable retired life. Mr. and Mrs. Welch have been the parents of six children, namely: Mrs. Mary Stafford, a widow, who is the mother of two children, Clare and William; Henry, the subject of this sketch; Charles, who is married to Winiferd Barry, the daughter of James Barry, and who is the mother of one child, Anna May, of Sparta township; Margaret, who is the wife of J. H. Rittenhouse, a traveling salesman of Galesburg and to whom two children, Neal and Ruth, have been born; Nellie, the wife of Ira Rice, who conducts a general store at Wataga; and Edward, deceased.

Henry Welch received a common-school education and then worked on his father's farm until he started in life for himself, at the age of twenty-seven years. He began his independent career on a farm in Rio township, which he cultivated for ten years, and, in 1900, he came to Ontario township and purchased the one hundred and fifty-three acres of land comprising his present farm, which is all under high cultivation and returning profitable yields to the labor expended upon it. Mr. Welch is raising grain and general farm products and is also engaged in cattle and hog-raising for the western markets.

On February 2, 1898, occurred Mr. Welch's marriage to Lucy Barry, the daughter of James and Frances (Edwards) Barry, who have long been residents of Knox county. To Mr. and Mrs. Welch three children have been born, Maurice E., Francis M. and Florence L.

Mr. Welch is a democrat and is a member of the Roman Catholic church of Woodhull. In these, as in other relations he is consistently loyal, living in accordance with the highest ideals of citizenship.

ORANGE LOWELL CAMPBELL.

The consensus of public opinion places the name of Orange Lowell Campbell high on the roll of representative and honored residents of Knoxville, where he is now filling the position of postmaster. This is his native town, his birth having here occurred, March 7, 1852. His parents were Elisha and Mary A. (Lowell) Campbell. The father was born in Gallipolis, Ohio, in 1825, and was a son of Dr. John and Mary (Webb) Campbell, both of whom were natives of Virginia, where the grandfather engaged in the practice of medicine, becoming recognized as a prominent member of the profession and a prolific writer who made valuablue contributions to medical literature. His father had been a native of Scotland and Dr. John Campbell displayed in his life many of the sterling characteristics of his Scotch ancestry. At an early day he removed from Virginia to Ohio, settling in Gallipolis, and subsequently he came to Illinois, establishing his home in Quincy, where he lived to the time of his death. When a young man he not only practiced medicine but also engaged in the practice of law and, at the time of the war of 1812, manifested his patriotic loyalty to his country by active service in the field. His wide reading made him a well informed man and as a ready writer he discussed through the press many questions of widespread interest.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 505

The maternal grandparents of O. L. Campbell were natives of England, while the paternal grandmother, Mrs. Mary (Webb) Campbell, was of German lineage. Elisha Campbell, the father of O. L. Campbell, spent his youthful days under the parental roof and in early manhood took up the profession of teaching, which he followed successfully in Ohio until his removal to Illinois. He also learned the plasterer's and mason's trades and thus became well qualified for the attainment of success along different lines of activity. It was in 1848 that he became a resident of this state and in May, 1850, he was married in Knox-ville to Miss Mary A. Lowell. On coming to the Mississippi valley he had spent a short time in St. Louis, Missouri, and thence made his way to Peoria, Illinois, where he also remained for but a brief period. On the expiration of that time he came to Knoxville, where he followed his trade and also engaged in teaching school. His life was thus busily passed until August, 1862, when he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting here as a member of Company E, Eighty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years. He was appointed corporal of his company and later was advanced to the rank of sergeant. On account of the wounds which he had sustained, he was assigned to a position in the recruiting service, as he was unfit for active field duty, and as such enlisted a company of negro soldiers at Fort Donelson. Following the close of the war he returned to Knoxville, but afterward became a resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he died in 1880, the interment being made, however, in Red Oak, Iowa. His wife survived him until June 2, 1900, passing away at Omaha, Nebraska, and her grave, too, was made at Red Oak. In their family were ten children, five sons and five daughters, as follows: Orange L., who is the eldest in the family; Almira, the second of the family, who was for twenty-one years a teacher in the public schools of Omaha; Clara; Charles, engaged in business in Los Angeles, California; Lloyd, mechanic of Detroit, Michigan, acting as foreman of the paint department of the Chalmers Automobile Company of that city; John and George, both of whom died in infancy; Emma and Louise, twins, deceased; and Ella, also deceased. The first two were teachers in the public schools of Iowa.

Orange L. Campbell pursued his education in the public schools of his native town and, passing through consecutive grades, was eventually graduated from the high school. When a young man he learned the printing trade, which he followed during the summer seasons while continuing his education in the winter months. His first work was in the office of the Knox County Republican, with which paper he continued during the period of the Civil war and until he had completed eight years' service in that connection. He then went to Watseka, Illinois, where he remained for a year, after which he secured a position on one of the leading papers at Quincy, Illinois. Returning to Knoxville, he purchased in 1876 the Knox County Republican, which he edited until 1910, making it one of the progressive country papers of this part of the state, with

506 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

a good circulation and large advertising patronage. He put aside private business affairs, however, to enter upon public office, being first appointed postmaster under President Harrison and later by Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt. while at the present time he is filling the position by appointment of President Taft. His administration of the office has always been business like and systematic, his course winning the approval of the many patrons of this office. In 1887 he was elected to the position of town clerk and served for eight years. He was also the first secretary and clerk of the public library and for eight years was secretary of the board of education. During seventeen years he served as secretary of the Knox County Agricultural Association and was the first secretary of the Knox County Farmers' Institute, which position he filled for eight years. Fie is an honored member of the Knox County Old Settlers' Association and has been its secretary for twenty-seven years. Flis activities have touched the general interests of society along many lines and in every connection he has been found faithful to the trust reposed in him.

Fraternally Mr. Campbell is connected with Pacific Lodge, No. 66, A. F. & A. M., of which he has been the secretary. He belongs also to Raboni Chapter, No. 95, R. A. M., and to Illinois Council, No. 1, which was the first lodge of this kind in the state. Fie became one of the organizers of the Fraternal Reserves and was its first state vice president. Fie likewise has membership with the Modern Woodmen of America, with the Sons of Veterans of Gales-burg and for two terms was captain of the Knoxville Sons of Veterans, having also been one of the organizers of this society. Pie is the vice president of the Fifteenth Congressional District Postmasters' Association and is president of the Military Tract Association. All of his varied interests have brought him a wide acquaintance and everywhere he is held in high regard.

On the 19th of June, 1873, in Knoxville, Mr. Campbell was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Stowe Bull, who was born in Milford, Connecticut, July 2, 1851, a daughter of Captain William and Phoebe (Stowe) Bull. Her father came to Knox county at an early day, purchased a farm and resided thereon until his death in 1862. Her mother died in 1909, at the age of eighty-nine years, having spent her last days in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Campbell. The Stowe family of which Mrs. Campbell is a representative in the maternal line came from Milford, Connecticut, and from the same ancestry descended Harriet Beecher Stowe. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Campbell was a soldier of the Revolutionary war under General Washington. Unto Captain and Mrs. But there were born seven children, of whom the Rev. Cornelius Bull was the eldest. He is a minister of the Free Methodist Episcopal church and resides in Fullerton, Kansas. The other members of the family were: Mrs. R. J. Over-street, of Galesburg; I. T. Bull, living in Shenandoah, Iowa; John S., of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Philip H., of Galesburg; and one, who died in infancy. Mrs. Campbell, also a member of this family, has become the mother of three children, of whom the eldest, Sterling H., now resides in St. Louis, Missouri, being sales agent for the American Railway Equipment Company, in which connection he travels all over the United States. He is a graduate of St. Alban's School of Knoxville. Charlotte W. is vice principal and teacher of language and literature in St. Mary's school. Mary, the youngest, is now a student in that school. Both Mr. and Mrs. Campbell hold membership in the Presbyterian

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 507

church and he is a member of its choir. Their daughters, Charlotte and Mary, are members of the Episcopal church. In the religious organization to which he belongs Mr. Campbell has always taken an active interest and has served as secretary and treasurer of the Presbyterian Sunday school. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has ever been a stalwart champion of its principles. He is also much interested in music, possessing considerable natural talent and ability, and for six years he has been a member of the Gales-burg Musical Union. Mr. Campbell has a very wide acquaintance not only in Knox county but in other parts of the state and his sterling worth has won him high regard, while his geniality and cordiality have gained for him enduring friendships. He is popular wherever known and everywhere is spoken of in terms of good-will, confidence and respect.

JOHN SCHWARZ.

John Schwarz, one of the successful farmers and dairymen of Sparta township, Knox county, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 4th of December, 1866. He is a son of John George Schwarz, who spent the first forty-five years of his life in the fatherland, his birth there occurring on November 14, 1827. His parents were John and Margaret Schwarz, who spent their entire lives in their native land, where they were identified with agricultural pursuits. Left an orphan at the age of seven John George Schwarz was reared by an elder brother until old enough to become self-supporting. For his wife he chose Rosina Moessner, a daughter of Matthew Moessner, a school teacher in Germany. She was also a native of Wurtemberg, her birth occurring on January 3, 1827. Five of the children born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Schwarz are living, those beside our subject being as follows: Leonard, who is a cooper, Mathias and Michael, all residents of St. Clair county; and Anna Margaret, the wife of Conrad A. Fritz, of Belleville, Illinois. Together with his wife and family John George Schwarz emigrated to the United States in 1872, locating in St. Clair county. There for a time he worked as a laborer, but later by means of his thrift and unceasing energy he was able to buy a small farm that he cultivated until his death on June 16, 1882. The parents were both members of the German Lutheran church and assisted in the organization of the church in the vicinity of their home, Mr. Schwarz being one of the trustees until his death. Although he became a citizen of the United States he never actively participated in political affairs, devoting his entire attention to the development of his personal interests.

Having been only a lad of six years when he emigrated to the United States with his parents John Schwarz obtained practically his entire education in the district schools of St. Clair county, which he attended until he was thirteen years of age. His energies were then directed toward assisting his father in the cultivation of the home farm, where he continued to live until twenty-three years of age. He then came to Knox county, and during the first two years of his residence here he worked as a laborer on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. After his marriage he rented the farm where he is now living, so intelligently directing his efforts in its cultivation that he acquired the means to purchase it in 1890. Mr. Schwarz takes great pride in his homestead and its appearance, giving his personal supervision to everything about his place. His fields are carefully tilled and annually yield abundant harvests in return for his labor, while his dairy business is also proving most lucrative.

508 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

Mr. Schwarz has been ably assisted in his efforts by his wife, whose maiden name was Wilhelmina Schultz. She is a native of Galesburg, her birth there occurring on the 226. of October, 1871. Her parents are William and Margaret (Sauter) Schultz, both of whom are still living. The father, who is a blacksmith, was for many years actively engaged in his trade, but having attained the age of sixty-seven is now living retired. The mother is a daughter of Jacob and Dorothea (Zeller) Sauter, the former still living at the venerable age of eighty-seven, but the wife passed away in 1873, when she was fifty-eight. She was a daughter of Christopher and Katherine Zeller, the father a laborer of Lauterberg, Germany, while the parents of Jacob Sauter were Johann and Anna Margaretha (Maier) Sauter. Johann Sauter passed away in 1850 at the age of seventy-eight. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Schwarz there have been born seven children: George William, who is nineteen and living at home; Dorothea Paulina, who is seventeen; Rosa, fourteen; Carolina, who is twelve; Wilhelmina, aged nine; Anna Margaretha, who is seven; and Ruth Irene, aged three weeks.

The family manifest their religious views through their membership in the Lutheran church, while his political support Mr. Schwarz gives to the republican party. He takes an active interest in all matters pertaining to the township and served for thirteen years as a member of the school board, while at the present time he is serving in the capacity of road commissioner. He is held in high esteem in his community where he is known as a straightforward upright man, whose business transactions are always conducted in a fair and honorable manner.

JOHN McMASTER.

John McMaster, who is now living retired in Altona, Illinois, is one of the men whom his fellow citizens regard with honor and respect because his life exemplifies all that is commendable and in accordance with high principles. He was an earnest and diligent laborer and his integrity in any business dealing has never been questioned. He was born on the 15th of May, 1827, at Daldillan, parish of Sorn, Ayrshire, Scotland, and in 1852 came to America with his parents, John and Ann (Struthers) McMaster, the latter being a daughter of James and Mary (Watson) Struthers. The father was the only son of John McMaster, who was an agriculturist of Scotland, his death having occurred at the age of ninety-two years, in 1868, Mrs. McMaster having passed away ten years previous, at the age of eighty-five years. They were the parents of: David, who is living retired in Copley township; George, a resident of Henry county; Thomas, who is living in Walnut Grove township; and John, the subject of this sketch. The McMasters made the trip from their native land in company with the Struthers family and

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 509

went direct to Chicago and thence overland with teams to Peoria, from which place they set out for Copley township, Knox county. There they built the first log house which was erected in that district on eighty acres of land, which Mr. McMaster and his children brought under such a state of cultivation that it was suitable for a home.

At the age of fourteen years John McMaster began his active career on the home farm. Subsequently he purchased a team of horses and by hard labor and constant saving was soon able to make a home for his parents. After his marriage he bought eighty acres in Walnut Grove township but disposed of it two years later, when he purchased one hundred and sixty acres, which formed the nucleus of the more extensive farm he owned at the time of his retirement in 1898.

Mr. McMaster was married on the 226. of August, 1861, to Miss Lorinda Helen Multer, who is a daughter of Captain Joseph and Susan (Becker) Multer and whose birth occurred at South Worcester, Ostego county, New York, on the 10th of May, 1838. Captain Multer was a veteran of the war of 1812. Mrs. Multer was a daughter of Louis Becker, of Germany, and Joseph Multer was oi Dutch descent, his father having been the royal family's physician. Mrs. McMaster came to Knox county to visit her brother in i860 and was one of thirteen children, her two surviving sisters being: Catherine, the wife of E. Daily, of New York; and Susan, who is the widow of George Payne, of New York. Mr. and Mrs. McMaster became the parents of five children: Chauncey J., who is married to Frances Reed and is living in Walnut Grove township; David N., a resident of Walnut Grove township, who married Miss May Thompson; Anna, who is the wife of Frank Brown, of Galesburg, and has one child, Margaret; John E., also residing in Walnut Grove township, who married Minnie Lock and has two children, Lola M. and Bequeath; and Mary E., the wife of William Thomson, of Walnut Grove township, and the mother of two children, Helen A., and Mary M.

On the 22d of August, 1911, Mr. and Mrs. McMaster celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, an occasion which gave one hundred and seventy-five of their friends, who had assembled from various parts of the United States and even as far as India, an opportunity to show the regard and esteem in which this worthy couple is held. They were the recipients of the hearty congratulations of their neighbors and of many substantial and valuable gifts. The following poem, which was written and read by J. W. McQueen, gives an idea of the affection felt for Mr. and Mrs. McMaster:

"Fifty years you have walked together Along the pathway of life, Amid the storm and shiny weather You've not faltered in the strife.

"Yes those years have drawn you nearer, Dearer far than tongue can tell Have your lives together blended In the race you have run so well.

510 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

"Golden weddings are not common, Few can reach that auspicious day, Yours has been a happy concourse  Friends you've made along the way. "Life without friends would be dreary, If we lived for ourselves alone The days would go so long and weary Life a void and empty tomb.

"Here today we meet and greet you Children, neighbors, friends have come To extend the hand of friendship On this your gala nuptial day. "May the golden sunshine brighten Many happy days ere yet to come As adown life's road you travel Towards the setting of the sun."

In politics Mr. .McMaster has always given his support to the republican party and has frequently held township offices, thus having opportunity to serve his community. Mrs. McMaster holds membership in the Methodist church, in the work of which she takes an active and helpful interest. They have passed their entire married life in this vicinity and by their kindly spirit, charitable disposition and generous acts have won the affection and regard of all who know them.

ALAN McOUARRIE.

This country is in a large measure indebted for its civilization and institutions to the sturdy natives of Scotland who have been prominent in stimulating the march of progress and in directing affairs along safe and conservative lines. Alan McQuarrie, who passed away December 29, 1903, and was well known in Copley township, Knox county, is a native of that country, his birth having occurred in Ayrshire, near Glasgow, December 31, 1814. He was the descendant of a family which can trace its ancestry far back in the annals of the Highland Scotch race and at the present time the family has in its possession a tartan worn by one of the earliest generations.

Mr. McQuarrie began his active career in his native land, first engaging in agricultural pursuits, but later he became the owner of coal lands which gave promise of valuable mineral beds and also contracted with his government to drain a section of the adjacent lowlands. These undertakings were all of the kind calling for hard labor and yet would not yield immediate profits and America seemed to him to offer greater opportunities to the man who was willing to sacrifice and labor. Accordingly, he set out for the United States with his wife

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 515

and two children, in 1851, and came directly to Knox county, where he located upon the Copley township property which is the present McQuarrie homestead. That he was one of the earliest pioneers to enter the district is seen in the fact that his was the first log house built. Throughout his life the greater part of his time and attention was given to dealing in land and farming, although he was engaged in contracting and railroad grading near Altona, Illinois. At various times he bought and sold tracts of land in Iowa.

Mr. McQuarrie was married June 15, 1849, to Miss Mary Watson .McMaster, who was born in Scotland, on the 20th of August, 1824, and died on the 29th of January, 1895, at the age of seventy years. She was a daughter of John McMaster, also a native of Scotland, who came to the United States in 1850, locating in Copley township, Knox county, where his death occurred at the age of ninety-two years. He was married to Ann Struthers, who was a daughter of James Struthers, whose death occurred in 1868, at the age of ninety-five years. Mr. and Mrs. McQuarrie became the parents of five children. Margaret, who is the wife of J. Gordon, was born in 1852. She is residing in Altona. Mary Watson was born on the 17th of January, 1855, on the home farm and has devoted her entire life to her parents. She is a member of the Presbyterian church and is at present residing on the home farm. Alan John, whose birth occurred on the 30th of April, 1859, in the old log cabin, has engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life. He casts his vote with the democratic party but has never taken an active interest in politics. Agnes Florence is married to Albert Erickson, of Walnut Grove township. Ann Struthers became the wife of Alexander Morgan and both are now deceased.

In politics Mr. McQuarrie was a democrat and, although he was not an active politician, he was always interested in public affairs and contributed his influence and support toward securing the election of those candidates whom he thought would be most efficient in promoting measures which would be to the interest of public welfare. He was a man of high moral character, industrious and enterprising, and his honesty and uprightness always merited the confidence and respect of his neighbors.



GEORGE BEHRINGER.

George Behringer, who has long been identified with the agricultural interests of Knox county, being engaged in general farming and stock-raising in Sparta township, was born in Galesburg, on the 4th of November, 1856. His father, Michael Behringer, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, on March 5, 1824, and there he passed the first twenty-five years of his life. He was in the government service, being employed in the capacity of mail driver and express courier, but early recognizing that there was little possibility of his ever attaining such a position as he aspired to, he determined to leave his native land and come to America. In 1849 ne t00^ passage for the United States, coming directly to Chicago, where he remained for three years. Almost immediately upon his arrival he obtained a position with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, continuing in their service during the remainder of his life. Being entirely unfamiliar with the language and customs of the country, as well as with railroading his early duties were of a minor nature. He proved to be an efficient and trustworthy employe, however, and was promoted from time to time to positions of greater responsibility and for many years was overseer of the freight yards, and during the cholera year was placed in charge of the coaches in transit wherein were piaced those stricken with this fatal disease. For his wife Mr. Behringer chose Miss Helen Schmidt, also a native of Wurtemberg, her birth there occurring on March 24, 1824, and a daughter of Daniel Schmidt, a fruit-grower and a manufacturer of wine. The paternal grandfather, Michael Behringer, was a weaver by trade. Both of the parents were members of the Lutheran church and for many years the father discharged the duties of trustee. Four of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Behringer are still living, our subject being the eldest of the family. The others are as follows: Daniel .M., who is a merchant in Nebraska; William, who lives in Sparta township; and Helen C, the wife of N. E. Olson, a farmer in the vicinity of Galesburg.

George Behringer was reared in Galesburg and educated in the common schools. When old enough to qualify himself for a life vocation, he entered the* machine shops of the "Q" at Galesburg, but after being there employed for three years, he decided he preferred agricultural pursuits, so turned his attention to

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 517

farming. He subsequently located on the place where he is now living, meeting with such excellent success in his undertakings that he ultimately became owner of the property. The place was well improved when he purchased it, but during the period of his occupancy he has effected various changes and installed some modern conveniences, that have greatly added to its appearance. As he is energetic and capable, Mr. Behringer has met with good success in both his farming and stock-raising and is known as one of the prosperous citizens of Sparta township. Fie was one of the organizers of the Wataga State Bank, of which he is now vice president, and he is interested in various other local enterprises.

On the 3d of March, 1887, Mr. Behringer was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Benson, who was born in Warren county, Illinois, on the 25th of October, 1866, and is a daughter of Tufve and Catherine (Allison) Benson, the father a native of Sweden. The mother passed away on the 18th of November, 1909, at the age of sixty-eight years. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Benson, as follows: Samuel, a retired real-estate dealer of Galesburg; Carrie, the wife of IT. Gehring, now retired, also of Galesburg; Mrs. Behringer; Ira, a plumber of Maplewood, Missouri; Harvey, a farmer of Salem, Illinois; Jeannette, who married Charles Harpman, a teacher at Pittsburg, Kansas; Hazel, who is at home; and Edith, who is deceased. Mr. and Airs. Behringer have three children: Dessa, who is twenty-two years of age, now attending Lombard College; Frank Lloyd, who will soon attain his majority, and Herald, a youth of twelve years, are both at home.

Mr. Behringer is a member of the Lutheran church and Mrs. Behringer of the Congregational, being affiliated with, the Ladies' Aid Society and for three years president of this organization. Fraternally he is identified with the Wataga camp of the Modern Woodmen of America, and he also belongs to the Mystic Workers of the World. His political allegiance he has never accorded any one body, but gives his support to such men and measures as he considers best adapted to protect the highest interests of the majority. Although he takes a deep interest in all public affairs, Mr. Behringer has had neither time nor inclination to seek political honors, preferring to give his undivided attention to the development of his business affairs.

GEORGE HILL SMITH, D. D. S.

Dr. George Hill Smith, engaged in the practice of dentistry in Galesburg, was born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1874, a son of Robert Starrett and Sarah (Hill) Smith. The ancestry is traced back through several generations to Robert and Mary (Starrett) Smith, who were the great-grandparents in the paternal line. There is a strain of Scotch on the paternal side of the family and of Scotch-Irish on the maternal. Robert Smith, the grandfather of Dr. Smith, was a native of Franklin township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, born November 19, 1799. He was a farmer by occupation and devoted his entire life to that pursuit. Fie married Rosetta. Shotwell, also a native of Franklin township, and a daughter of John and Sarah (Skanklin) Shotwell. The ancestors of John Shotwell came from' Scotland and settled in New Jersey, in 1680. The

518 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

name was originally Shadwell, but upon witnessing the skill in marksmanship of one of them the king exclaimed: "Well done, Shotwell," since which time this family has been known as Shotwell. Robert Starrett Smith, son of Robert and Rosetta (Shotwell) Smith, was born in Franklin township, January 20, 1837, pursued his education there and afterward engaged in teaching school for a time. Later he took up the occupation of farming, which he followed at Brownsville, Pennsylvania, until his removal to the middle west in 1879, when he settled near Galva, Illinois, where he carried on farming until 1894. In that year he retired and came to Galesburg, where he is still living. In early manhood he wedded Sarah Hill, who was born in East Liberty, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, November 1, 1841, and was a daughter of Colonel Alexander McClelland and Mary (Johnston) Hill. Her father was born in 1802 and died March 17, 1863, while her mother, whose birth occurred in 1805, passed away on the nth of January, 1863. Alexander McClelland Hill was colonel of a Pennsylvania regiment and was twice a member of the state legislature, representing the district of Fayette and Westmoreland counties (1851-52) and was prominent in the public life of his locality. He was among the pioneers of the coke manufacture in this country and an earnest advocate of the extension of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad through Fayette county, and labored hard to effect it. He was a son of Rev. George and Elizabeth (McClelland) Hill, the latter being a daughter of Alexander McClelland, of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Rev. George Hill was born in York county, Pennsylvania, March 13, 1764, and was ordained as the Presbyterian pastor of Wheatfield on the 13th of November, 1792, later accepting the charge of Legonier, Westmoreland county, where he continued to serve until the time of his death, June 9, 1822. Mrs. Sarah (Hill) Smith was educated in the east, attending Blairsville Seminary, which school was founded by her cousin, George Hill, D. D., who was a grandson of Rev. George Hill of Legonier, Pennsylvania. It was on the 27th of December, i860, that Robert S. Smith and Sarah Plill were married, and unto them were born six children: Alexander, who died in infancy; Mary Rosetta, the wife of Charles E. Eldridge, of Sioux City, Iowa; Annetta P.; Alice J. at home; David Wilson, deceased; and George Hill.

Dr. George Hill Smith spent his youthful days under the parental roof and was educated in the Galva high school and in Knox College. He then entered the Northwestern University Dental School, of Chicago, from which he was graduated with the class of 1902. He first located for practice in Ottawa, Illinois, where he remained for three years and then came to Galesburg in July, 1905. Pie has since continued in this city and his ability is attested by the liberal patronage now given him. He has a well appointed office, splendidly equipped with all modern dental appliances, and his work is highly satisfactory, for, added to his scientific knowledge, is superior mechanical skill, which is one of the requisites of successful dentistry. He belongs to the Knox County Dental Association, in which he has held all of the offices, having been honored with election to the presidency two years ago.

On the 29th of June, 1903, Dr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Lou Foster, a daughter of Julian Albert and Huldah Elizabeth (Parker) Foster, of Salem, Wisconsin. Mrs. Mabel (Foster) Smith was graduated from the Cum-nock School of Oratory, Northwestern University, with the class of 1902. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution through the service of

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 519

Asa Parker, whose grandfather was one of the five Parker brothers who came to Haverhill, Massachusetts, from Maclesfield, England, about 1640 and later settled in Andover, Connecticut. Her grandparents on the paternal side, Andrew William and Prudence (Cornwall) Foster, were among the early settlers of Kenosha county, Wisconsin, making the trip in wagons from Oswego, New York, in 1841. Both Dr. and Mrs. Smith have many friends in Galesburg, occupying an enviable position in social circles. He also belongs to the Supreme Chapter of Delta Sigma Delta, a dental fraternity, and to a number of societies and clubs. He is an exemplary representative of Vesper Lodge, No. 584, A. F. & A. M., and also of the Modern Woodmen camp, and he likewise holds membership in the Galesburg Club. He is true to his home teaching in religious matters for his parents are members of the Presbyterian church, to which the Doctor and Mrs. Smith also belong, and in politics he has followed in the footsteps of his father, being a stanch republican, his mature judgment sanctioning the policy and principles of that party. The skill and ability which he has displayed in his profession have placed him in a prominent position in the ranks of the dental fraternity in Galesburg and his personal qualities and sterling worth have assured him high position socially.

THOMAS PETER MAIN.

Thomas Peter Main, who is residing on his farm in Walnut Grove township, Knox county, was born in the old Main homestead, on the 20th of March, 1873, his parents being Elias and Mary Ann (Huntington) Main. The father was a native of Otsego county, New York, but spent the greater part of his active career in Knox county, where he engaged principally in the wagon-making trade.

Thomas Main's entire life has been spent in Knox county, and he has done much to further agricultural interests of the county during the last twenty years. His methods have always been practical and scientific, and his application has been so constant that he has met with the success which is due to the energetic and persistent worker.

On the 24th of March, 1908, Mr. Main was married to Patience Jannan, the daughter of Jonathan Jannan of Salem township, Knox county. The father was a native of Brown county, Ohio, where he assisted his father in agricultural pursuits previous to his removal to Knox county when he was very young, his parents being George and Rebecca (Bevens) Jannan. Jonathan Jannan married Clara May Phelps, who is the daughter of Samuel and Emeline Lucy ( Frisbie) Phelps. She is living in Knox county at present at the age of fifty-nine years, and Mr. Jannan reached his seventy-second birthday on the 5th of September. Their son, Henry Phelps Jannan, is a prominent agriculturist of Salem township, and is married to Lorine Bowers. Mrs. Main was born on the 10th of February, 1882, and received her education in the Elmwood high school, and three years later was graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana. Subsequently she taught music until her marriage. To this union one child has been born, Clara Ruth, whose birth occurred on the 2nd of April, 1910.

520 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

Both Mr. and Mrs. Main are active and prominent members of the Presbyterian church, of Altona and Mr. Main also holds membership in the Masonic Lodge of his home city. In church and fraternal circles he is held in high regard, and has ever stood to< maintain the same honorable relations with which he is accredited in industrial circles. In farming and stock-raising he has shown his readiness to keep abreast with the spirit and development of the times, and has won for himself a name which stands for efficiency, aggression and stability.

IRA L. PILLSBURY.

A highly successful florist of Galesburg is Ira L. Pillsbury, who came here seventeen years ago. He commenced in rather a small way but has so intelligently directed his business, that it has developed until he now maintains one retail store and has several times multiplied the size of his original greenhouse. He was born in Macomb, Illinois, on the 3d of February,. 1859, and is a son of Ithamar and Caroline E. (Miller) Pillsbury. The father was born in Dracut, Massachusetts, on the 22d of August, 1794, and the mother in Smithtown, Long Island, on the 14th of October, 1818. Ithamar Pillsbury was educated at Yale Divinity College for the Presbyterian ministry and was graduated in 1822. Subsequently he became a missionary to seamen and sailors in New York city. Later he preached at various points in the east until 1836, when he came to Illinois, bringing the first colony to Henry county, having acquired the land for his settlement from the government. He continued to follow the ministry and organized a church at Andover, where he preached for several years. In Macomb he filled subsequently the pulpit of the Presbyterian church and was also president of McDonough College. During his active connection with the ministry he assisted in organizing fourteen churches in Illinois. The first church that he formed was at Burlington, August 27, 1836, and the last at Dixon, Illinois, January 29, 1852. Andover, Illinois, was the scene of the marriage of the Rev. Ithamar Pillsbury and Miss Miller on December 18, 1837, and there they spent the latter years of their life. Reverend Pillsbury passed away on the 20th of April, 1862, and his wife survived until June 8, 1896, her death occurring at Macomb. During the war of 1812 he served as a private and his political support he gave to the republican party. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Pillsbury numbered ten, our subject being the ninth in order of birth. The others are as follows: Elizabeth, who was born on the 12th of October, 1838, and died August 16, 1886; James Lebbius, born October 26, 1840, who died in 1841 ; Edward Payson, who was born on April 27, 1842, and died on the 10th of May, 1898; Asiel Nettleton, who was born on November 29, 1844, and is now living at Palma Sola, Florida; Mary Louisa, who was born May 2, 1847, and died on the 1st of June, 1909; Sarah Adelia, who was born on the 3d of April, 1849, the wife of Charles F. Fairfield, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Francis Ithamar, who was born June 14, 1851, and died January 8, 1893; Alfred Sawyer, born on November 2, 1854, now7 residing at West Plains, Missouri; and Ithamar, whose natal day was the 19th of August, 1861, a resident of Macomb.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 523

Ira L. Pillsbury attended the common schools of Macomb in the acquirement of an education. He graduated from the public school in 1876 and very soon thereafter he engaged in market gardening, meeting with such success in this undertaking that he later extended the scope of his activities by raising flowers and ornamental plants. He continued in his horticultural activity until 1894, when he disposed of his gardens and came to Galesburg, engaging in business as a florist. At the beginning he had but one hothouse, twenty by sixty feet, but during the past seventeen years he has developed his enterprise until he now needs eight greenhouses and has a retail salesroom. A store combined with his greenhouses is located on East Main and Locust streets and the floral establishment at 65 South Seminary street. He makes a specialty of carnations, roses, violets, chrysanthemums and ornamental potted plants, of the flowering and plain variety. From six to ten people are constantly employed in his greenhouses and stores, and during the busy seasons he requires the assistance of several more. Mr. Pillsbury is resourceful and of an inventive turn of mind, so to obviate the heavy loss sustained by every florist in the handling of carnations, caused by the splitting of the calyx of this flower, he has originated a clever little device known as "Pillsbury's carnation staple." It is made of very fine green wire and, being practically invisible, can be used without detracting from the flower's appearance. The artifice has been found practical and has proven economical in his own business and since placing it upon the market, he has been favored with orders from florists throughout the country.

At Macomb, Illinois, on the 19th of March, 1885, Mr. Pillsbury and Miss Dollie B. Harris were married. She is a daughter of the Rev. Ralph and Mary (Wilson) Harris, and was born at Cameron, Missouri, on the nth of April, 1859. Mr. Harris filled the pulpit of the Presbyterian church at Macomb for some years and was also president of McDonough College. He was born April 6, 1812, in Charlotte county, Virginia, and united with the church at Charlotte Courthouse in 1828. Fie acquired his education at Center College in Danville, Kentucky, which institution conferred upon him the degrees of A. M. and D. D. In 1840 he was licensed to preach and in 1843 was ordained as an evangelist and sent as a missionary to the mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee. In 1849 he accepted the presidency of McDonough College, after having had charge of several different churches, and in 1852 he was called to the pastorate of the Presbyterian church at Macomb, Illinois, where he remained until 1855, when he removed to Cameron, Missouri. When the Civil war broke out he went to the front with the Eighty-fourth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers as their chaplain but on account of ill health was forced to return before the close of the war. Fie afterward took up the study of medicine and in 1864 was graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago and entered upon active practice, in which he continued until 1882, when he retired. He died March 19, 1895, having for only eight weeks survived his wife. They traveled life's journey happily together as man and wife for nearly fifty-eight years and were among the most highly esteemed residents of Macomb. Dr. Harris was twice married, his first union being with Martha P. Hughes on the 2d of October, 1834. They had one daughter, Ellen Amanda, who was born in 1835, and became the wife of Edward Maguire. The wife and mother died in 1836 and on the 31st of May, 1837, Dr. Harris was married to Miss Mary P. Wilson, who was born near

524 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

Crab Orchard, Kentucky, February 27, 1818, and passed away January 24, 1895. Dr. and Mrs, Harris were the parents of ten children. James Harvie who was born May 7, 1838, died January 4, 1893. Robert Campbell, who was born January 19, 1840, was killed by guerrillas, October 17, 1861, while serving as a soldier of the Civil war. William Thomas, born September 18, 1841, was a soldier of the Union army and is living in Keosauqua, Iowa. Miss Martha Perry Hughes, born November 25, 1842, is living in Macomb. Ralph Erskins, born July 4, 1846, is living in Pocatello, Idaho. John Green, born August '24, 1848, died August 16, 1849. Mary Elizabeth, born January 29, 1850, died February 28, 1892. Charles Stewart, born March 24, 1852, is living in Gales-burg. Sarah Cornelia, who was born March 24, 1854, died November 15, 1905. Dollie Bailey, born April 11, 1859, is now the wife of Ira L. Pillsbury. Mr. and Mrs. Pillsbury have three children. George M., who was born in Macomb, on May 16, 1886, is now engaged in farming near Englewood, Kansas. Fie is married and has two children, Gertrude Agnes, who was born May 7, 1910 and Dollie Irene, born October 8, 1911. Ira Harris, whose birth occurred at Macomb, on July 25, 1887, graduated from Knox College and is now a student in the McCormick Theological Seminary at Chicago. He has had the unusual distinction of delivering a sermon in the Presbyterian church at Macomb, where both of his grandfathers formerly preached. Walter E., who was born on the 3d of September, 1890, is still at home and is assisting his father in the business.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Pillsbury are active members of the Presbyterian church and take a deep interest in all Christian work. He is deacon of the church and assistant Sunday school superintendent, and he was formerly president of the McDonough County Sunday School Association. He is also affiliated with the Young Men's Christian Association and the Court of Honor, No. 171. Being a progressive and enterprising business man he is a member of the Retail Merchants Association of Galesburg and the National and Illinois State Florists' Associations. Mr. Pillsbury is a stanch republican in politics but, never having had either the time or inclination for public office, does not prominently participate in municipal campaigns of political nature. By reason of his foresight and sagacity he is meeting with excellent success in his business, which is now firmly established and flourishing in its various departments.

OSCAR H. LITTLE.

Since the establishment of The Continental, a men's clothing establishment in Galesburg, Oscar H. Little has been at the head of the business, and as manager has contributed in a substantial measure to its growth and success. Throughout his life he has been connected with the clothing trade and his long experience, his enterprise and earnest purpose have been the elements of making his establishment one of the leading commercial concerns of Galesburg. Fie was born in Newton, Iowa, September 21, 1863, and is the son of William T. and Emily J. (Grey) Little. The father, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 8, 1836, was a clothing merchant of Newton, Iowa, having come to the west as a young man. Later he went to Chicago where he engaged in the wholesale clothing business, and after some years opened a real-estate office in that city. At length he retired from business life, and in 1906 removed to Galesburg where he passed away November 18, 1908. His widow still survives and is now living in Rogers Park, one of the Chicago suburbs. She was born in Virginia, January 23, 1843. Mr. Little was a republican in his political views and both he and his wife were members of the Society of Friends. They were married in Lynnville, Iowa, January, 1859, and they became parents of three children: Ida L., Oscar H. and William G...

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 525-

Oscar H. Little was educated in Newton, Iowa, and his initial experience in business came to him as an employee in his father's store, whom he first represented in Carroll, Iowa, as manager of one of his stores. Two years later he went to Newton, Iowa, and continued in the business with his father for six years, after which he moved to Chicago and engaged in the wholesale clothing business for two years. He remained with his father until 1892 when he entered the employ of Samuel Stern of Chicago. At Hampton, Iowa, he represented Mr. Stern for one year and then, after a brief period spent in Chicago, came to Galesburg, on the 10th of December, 1895. ^ was on tnat day that The Continental opened its doors for business at No. 7 Main street, Mr. Stern having established the business of which he made Mr. Little the manager. The trade grew so rapidly that within a year and a half The Continental was forced to seek larger quarters, and in September 1897 removed to their present location at Nos. 152 and 154 East Main street. In May, 1906, the business was incorporated with Mr. Stern as president, N. J. Ullman, vice president and treasurer, S. Schiff, secretary and Oscar H. Little, manager. On the 15th of December, 1908, a fire broke out and that part of the store which was not destroyed by the flames was damaged by water, and the entire remaining stock was then sold to the Underwriters' Salvage Company. For three months Mr. Little was out of business, during which time the room was being refitted and an entire, new stock assembled. The firm is now again successfully conducting a large enterprise in Galesburg, each year having witnessed steady growth in their trade. They carry a large and well selected line of goods, and the business policy of the house is based upon progressive methods and irreproachable commercial integrity.

On the 18th of February, 1889, Mr. Little was united in marriage with Miss Mary Long, a daughter of James and Mary Long, of Newton, Iowa. Unto this marriage was born a son, Harlan William, whose birth occurred at Newton, Iowa, February 28, 1890, and who is now connected with The Continental. After losing his first wife, who died in 1892, Mr. Little was again married September 9, 1902, his second union being with Miss Mae Starnes, a daughter of P. M. and Mahala J. (Van Horn) Starnes, of Ipava, Illinois. Her father was born near Nashville, Tennessee, November 10, 1837, and her mother's birth occurred in Harrisville, Ohio, October 8, 1845. For some time the father was engaged in merchandising at Ipava, Illinois. He is a republican in his political views, and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, loyal to its teachings and active in its work.

Mr. Little is a member of the Galesburg Club, the Retail Merchants' Association and the Elks Lodge. For a number of years he was connected with the Elks Lodge at Monmonth and was one of the petitioners for the establishment of the Elks Lodge at Galesburg. His friends, and they are many, find in him a social,

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genial gentleman, courteous and obliging. His business associates know him as a reliable, enterprising merchant, and one whose success has been honorably achieved, and is therefore well deserved. Galesburg numbers him among her leading citizens, and the position is one to which he has attained by his own earnest efforts.

BYRON A. STEVENS.

In the record of Byron A. Stevens are found many qualities such as command confidence and respect. His influence was always on the side of material, political, intellectual and moral progress. He was always loyal to duty, manifesting the same splendid qualities which he displayed when a soldier on the field of battle, defending the stars and stripes.

Mr. Stevens was born in Westford, Vermont, September 9, 1841, a son of Cassius P. and Clamentia (Smith) Stevens. The father was born in Essex, Vermont, January 11, 1815, and the mother's birth occurred in Monkton, Vermont, on the 4th of June, 1814. Cassius Stevens was a farmer by occupation and always remained a resident of the Green Mountain state. ITis political allegiance was given to the republican party. Mrs. Stevens was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. To them were born two sons, the younger, Loren, being a resident of Galesburg, Illinois. Both Cassius Stevens and his wife passed away in Essex, Vermont; the former on the 5th of February, 1892, and the latter on July 27, 1876.

Byron A. Stevens pursued his education in the schools of Vermont, completing his course in the Classical Institute at Essex. He afterward took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for three or four years prior to the outbreak of the Civil war. With the beginning of hostilities his patriotic spirit was aroused and later he enlisted as a private. However, he was at once made first lieutenant of Company H of the One Hundred and Ninth Colored Infantry and served until the close of the war, making an honorable record by reason of his loyalty and his fearlessness.

When the country no longer needed his military aid, Mr. Stevens returned to Essex, Vermont, and again engaged in teaching school. He was also superintendent of schools of Essex for several years. For a short time he conducted a store. Later he turned his attention to the insurance business, in which he was engaged for a number of years. In the fall of 1877 he came to Galesburg, Illinois, where he entered the employ of George W. Brown in the capacity of traveling salesman. For several years he remained upon the road and was then called to the office, where he proved a valuable man, his previous broad experience and knowledge of the business giving him understanding of what was necessary in his office work as manager of the sales department. At all times he was thoroughly reliable and progressive, and he bore an excellent reputation in business circles.

On the 7th of December, 1862, Mr. Stevens was united in marriage to Miss Hannah M. Drury, who was born in Westford, Vermont, December 21, 1840, a daughter of Jacob K. and Caroline (Bascom) Drury. Her father was born

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at Milton, Vermont, March 30, 1808. His wife's birth occurred in Fairfax, Vermont, August 1, 1818. Mr. Drury was a farmer by occupation, devoting his early life to the tilling of the soil, but later he established a brick manufactory at Essex, which he conducted up to the time of his death on the 29th of September, 1889. For about three years he had survived his wife, who passed away November 9, 1886. In his political views Mr. Drury was a republican, and for a time he represented his district in the state legislature. He was also prominent in local political circles. For many years he served on the official board of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which both he and his wife were members.

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stevens: Arthur L., who was born in Essex, Vermont, April 25, 1867, and who is now a traveling salesman, making his home in Minneapolis; Charlie S„ who was born October 6, 1869, and died February 19, 1874; and Mabel, who was born at Essex, June 28, 1872, and makes her home with her mother in Galesburg, Illinois. She was graduated from Knox College in 1895 anc^ later became a teacher in the public schools of Galesburg.

Mr. Stevens was a loyal member of the Masonic fraternity and exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He also belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and to the Grand Army post at Galesburg, and he was for many years a member of the Galesburg Club. Although he had never united with the church, in his religious belief he was in sympathy with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife and daughter are' members. In his political views he was a republican, believing that the principles of the party contained the best elements of good government, yet he never sought or desired office.

Mr. Stevens' genial manner, his kindly disposition, and his unfailing courtesy made him popular wherever he was known. He passed away November 19, 1895, leaving behind him a circle of warm friends, to whom he was endeared by reason of his sterling traits of character.

HARRY E. MAIN.

Only twenty-six years of age Harry E. Main has already made a place for himself among the enterprising and progressive business men of Knox county, and as the manager of the Terry Lumber Company for the past five years, in charge of the yards at Wataga when the company was first organized and for the past three years filling a similar position at Oneida, has demonstrated his executive ability and efficiency. He was born in Galesburg township, August 15. 1885, a son of Charles A. and Harriet (Mosher) Main, natives of New York, where the grandfather, Thomas Main, wras engaged in agriculture until wrell on in years, when he came west and settled in Boone, Iowa. The father was for twenty-four years in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad until he gave up this connection and took charge of a farm of eighty acres which he had purchased some years previously and on which he had done occasional labor by way of variation from the confining nature of the duties which devolved upon him in his capacity as passenger conductor. He found great pleasure in the

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open-air work, tilling the fields, and sowing and gathering the crops, continuing in this occupation from about 1880 until some years ago, when he met with a runaway in which he was fatally injured. His widow resides in Marshall, Michigan, with her daughter. There were three children in the family: Frances M., who is the wife of J. G. France, the manager of a fruit farm; Earl T., who was killed in a railroad wreck at Marshalltown, Iowa, in the spring of 1910, just five months after his marriage; and Harry E.

Living in Knox county all his life Harry E. Main obtained his education here first in the elementary schools, and later in the high school at Galesburg. He secured employment with the Terry and Lewis Lumber Company at Galesburg and remained with them fourteen months working in the yards. He then went to Wataga, Illinois, and took charge of the management of the yards of the Terry Lumber Company just organized in that town, filling this position for a year and a half when he was transferred, in 1908, to their lumber yards at Oneida and has been here ever since. Fie is dependable in the execution of his duties and has a promising future before him. He is also- interested in a farm of two hundred acres near Delavan, Faribault county, Minnesota.

Mr. Main was united in marriage to Miss Sadie Graves, on November 22, 1906. Her parents were George and Minnie (Sherman) Graves, and came from New Hampshire, her father, who was a grain dealer at Wataga, being now deceased. The mother is residing in Wataga.

In his political persuasion Mr. Main is republican and has been called upon to serve as city treasurer. Lie