FRED G.
SMITH.
Fred G. Smith, who for ten years has been engaged in the cultivation
of his home
farm in Henderson township, was born on the 25th of August, 1882, in
Henderson. He is the son of Anthony L. and Margaret A. (Davidson)
Smith, more
extended mention of whom is made under the caption of a sketch of
George A. Smith.
Fred G. Smith acquired his education in the common schools and since
then has
been connected with the agricultural pursuits of the county, at
first as an
assistant to his father and for the last few years as an independent
agriculturist
on the farm of one hundred and twenty acres which he has recently
purchased.
This is a valuable piece of land and by capable management and
progressive
methods it can be developed into a highly productive farm.
On October 25, 1905, occurred the marriage of Mr. Smith to Helen M.
Rhodes.
To this union two children, Charles Anthony and Robert R., have been
born. Mrs.
Smith is the daughter of Charles H. and Frances Rhodes, prominent
agriculturists
of Henderson township. 562
In politics Mr. Smith accords his support to the candidates of the
democratic
party and his interest in the welfare of the schools of his district
has led him to
act as school director but otherwise does not seek office as a
reward for party
fealty. In political and social questions, as well as in his
agricultural pursuits, his
ideas are practical and intelligent and throughout his community he
has made
himself felt as a man standing for the best development of his
county.
BENJAMIN DAYTON.
Benjamin Dayton, deceased, was numbered among the successful and
prominent
agriculturists of Walnut Grove township, the energy which he
displayed in this
pursuit bringing to him the success that enabled him to rest from
labor during his
last days. He was born in Delaware county, New York, March 13, 1834,
his
parents being Bryant C. and Lydia (Copley) Dayton. The father was
born in 1800
in New York, in which state he always resided, giving his attention
to general
farming. His death occurred in 1845. The mother, also a native of
Delaware
county, was born in 1810 and was a daughter of Joseph and Lydia
(Birdsall)
Copley, who moved to Copley township after their children were grown
and after
whom the township was named. Mrs. Dayton's death occurred April 14,
1885, at
the home of her son Benjamin Dayton, with whom she had resided for
some time.
The paternal grandfather, Plyment Dayton, who was a ' native of
Connecticut,
married a Miss Bryant and died in 1834. The great-grandfather,
Charles Dayton,
and four of his family were soldiers in the Revolutionary war, one
of them having
been killed in battle. To Mr. and Mrs. Bryant C. Dayton seven
children were born,
five of whom died in infancy and one son, William O., died in
Oneida, Illinois, 1909.
At the early age of twelve years, after having laid aside his
text-books, Benjamin
Dayton started to earn his own livelihood by working on a farm for
three years at
five dollars per month. Subsequently, at the age of fifteen years,
he went to
work on his mother's farm doing a man's work, and five years later
came to Knox
county, Illinois, where he was employed in Victoria at ten dollars
per month.
During the same time in which he was engaged at the carpenter's
trade he taught
school for several terms in this county, receiving fifteen dollars
per month, and in
1859 he removed to Walnut Grove township and in 1864, after his
mother arrived
here, he purchased the farm where he continued to reside throughout
the
remainder of his life. About the same time his brother William O.
Dayton enlisted
in the Civil war in the Eighty-ninth Illinois Infantry and was made
corporal in
Company G, the company in which Ira B. Copley was first lieutenant,
Mr. Copley
being a prominent merchant of Victoria and the father of Ira C.
Copley, who was
elected to congress from the Aurora and Joliet district in 1909. In
his younger
days Benjamin Dayton was also employed in a clerical position in
Victoria and
neighboring towns. Among the many trying experiences he had to
encounter was
when he first arrived in Peoria and had but fifteen cents in his
possession. His
first night was spent in a lumberyard and because the team he had
intended to
drive had departed he was forced to walk to his uncle's home in
Victoria.
Throughout the greater part of his life Mr. Dayton continued to
563engage in his agricultural pursuits and placed his farm under
high cultivation. His was the first brick house erected in Walnut
Grove township. Many of the difficulties he encountered would have
discouraged a less ambitious and determined man, but Benjamin Dayton
worked steadily and faithfully and his record is evidence of what
industry and perseverance will do if reinforced by intelligence, for
he began with neither means nor influence and became a prominent man
in his community and the owner of a highly profitable farm.
In politics Mr. Dayton gave his support to the men and measures of
the republican
party and he served as delegate to many conventions, being an active
worker in his
party. He also served as highway commissioner and school trustee and
for six of
his fifteen years' service as director of the Altona Library served
as its
president. In all of his social, business and political relations he
was thoroughly
reliable, helpful and progressive, giving his aid and influence to
many measures for
the public good. He died on the 3d of November, 1911, and was laid
to rest by
the side of his mother and brother in Oneida cemetery.
WILLIAM O. DAYTON.
William O. Dayton, a soldier of the Civil war and a highly esteemed
citizen of
Knox county, was born on the nth of July, 1841, in Harpersfield, New
York, a
son of Bryant C. and Lydia (Copley) Dayton. Lie spent the first
seventeen years of
his life in his native state, attending the schools of Harpersfield
and assisting in
the work of the home farm. It was in 1858 that he came to Illinois
and took up
his residence in Knox county, where he was living at the outbreak of
the Civil
war. Feeling that his country needed his services, he enlisted in
1864 as a
corporal in Company G, Eighty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and
after one
year's service was discharged for disability.
On the 6th of March, 1870, Mr. Dayton was united in marriage to Miss
Jennie
Churchill, a daughter of Levi and Mary Churchill, of Imlay City,
Lapeer county,
Michigan, where her father was engaged in farming. By this union one
son was
born, Edmund O., who is now a resident of Oneida, Illinois. Mr.
Dayton died on
the 9th of May, 1909, and is still survived by his widow, who also
makes her
home in Oneida. Lie was one of the prominent and influential men of
his
community and stood high both in business and social circles.
GEORGE
W. REED.
Among the residents of Victoria township who are closely associated
with
agricultural interests in this part of the state is George W. Reed,
the owner of
an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 1 of
Victoria
township, Knox county, and the adjoining eighty acres of section 6,
West Jersey
township, Stark county. He was born November 2, 1858, in Galva
township, Henry
county, and was reared in Victoria township, where he received his
education at
the Union schoolhouse. After his school days he began farming on his
home 564
place, where he remained until 1882, when he came to his present
farm, part of
which was inherited by his wife. He has worked diligently and
persistently to
develop and improve his farm, has erected all the buildings on the
same, and he
now owns one of the most valuable tracts of land in the community.
At the
present time all of his land is rented but he owns a half-interest
in all the hogs,
sheep and cattle on the farm.
On the 27th of December, 1882, Mr. Reed was united in marriage to
Lenora C.
Gibbs, who was a native of Lynn township and a daughter of Joseph D.
and
Elizabeth (Gitzenger) Gibbs, both of whom have passed away. Mrs.
Reed received
her early education in the public schools of her home community and
later
attended Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois. She passed away in
January, 1905,
and is buried in Galva cemetery. Her death was deeply regretted by a
host of
friends and acquaintances throughout Knox county. She was a member
of the
Christian church, and socially was connected with the Royal
Neighbors. After her
death Mr. Reed gave up housekeeping but he remains on his farm. He
has been a
lifelong republican and has filled the office of commissioner of
highways, in
which capacity he served for twelve years. In all his business
dealings he is
straightforward and reliable and enjoys to the fullest extent the
confidence and
good-will of those with whom he comes in contact.
J. B.
MERRIS.
J. B. Merris, who for twenty-seven years has been engaged in general
farming in
Knox county, was born in Scott county, Illinois, October 22, 1849,
being a son
of Bethol and Mary (Crawford) Merris. The father was also a native
of Scott
county, and there he married Miss Crawford, whose birth occurred in
the vicinity
of Columbus, Ohio. In 1851 they removed to Warren county, Illinois,
locating on
a farm near Greenbush, where the father passed away in 1891. The
mother
survived for seven years thereafter, her demise occurring on the
24th of
December, and was laid to rest beside her husband in Olive cemetery
in Warren
county. In the paternal line the family was originally of Irish
extraction, but for
several generations have been American citizens, while the
Crawford's came from
New England. Six children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Merris:
Meribah, who
passed away on the 23d of October, 1910; J. B., our subject; and
Liza and
Flora, both of whom are deceased; Almira, who is the widow of G.
Ray, of
Warren county; and Melissa, who is unmarried and living in Avon,
Illinois. The
family always affiliated with the Christian church of which the
mother was a
member.
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change!!! I thank you, my ancestors thank you and you soon thank
yourselves.
Illinois has always been the home of J. B. Merris, who obtained his
education in
the common schools of Warren county. Having been trained in
agricultural pursuits
from his earliest boyhood upon attaining his majority he decided to
make farming
his life vocation and continued to remain at home assisting his
father with the
work of the farm until he was thirty-one. He then decided on an
independent
career and coming to Knox county located in Indian Point township,
where he now
owns seventy-one acres of land. This is devoted to general farming
and in a high
state of cultivation and well improved. He has met with 565 success
in his endeavors and in addition to the place where he resides owns
eleven
acres of timber land in Fulton county, Illinois.
Mr. Merris has never married. He attends the Christian church, while
his political
allegiance is given to the democratic party. He is one of the
energetic and
capable farmers of the community in which he resides and has met
with
substantial rewards through the intelligent direction of his
energies.
W. H. SELBY.
W. H. Selby, who is now living retired, was for many years
successfully engaged
in the operation of his homestead of three hundred and seventy-five
acres,
located a half mile east of Maquon, that is now being cultivated by
his son. His
birth occurred on this place in 1850 and here he has spent
practically his entire
life, and is watching his grandchildren grow to manhood and
womanhood
surrounded by the scenes familiar to his own youth. His father,
Philemon B.
Selby, was born in Lancaster, Ohio, in 1807, and there he grew to
manhood and
studied to be a physician, but later engaged in the cattle business.
In 1834 he
came to Illinois, locating on some land in the vicinity of Aqua
Vitae Springs, but
later he disposed of this and bought the farm where our subject now
lives. Here
he devoted his energies to general farming and stock-raising until
his demise in
1868 at the age of sixty-one years. He was one of the very early
settlers in the
county, and one of the first to build a dam across the Spoon river
and erected a
sawmill, which was the first one in Knox county and which he
afterward
remodeled into a gristmill. There were no bridges in this section of
the state at
that time and soon after locating here, Mr. Selby drove a herd of
five hundred
cattle to Ohio, being the first man in this vicinity to assume such
an undertaking
as they had to be driven across the Illinois river. He was one of
those men who
possess the essential characteristics for pioneering, having the
determination and
indomitable purpose that enabled him to carry to a successful issue,
in the face
of every discouragement, whatsoever he undertook. He was married on
November
12, 1837, to Miss Elizabeth Gullett, a native of Indiana and a
daughter of
Joshua Gullett. Mrs. Selby's mother, prior to her marriage was a
Miss Housh, an
aunt of the family of that name now residing in Maquon. Of the
marriage of Mr.
and Mrs. Philemon B. Selby were born the following children: Nelson
and Mary,
both of whom are deceased; Elisha, who owns a farm in Maquon
township, but is
now a resident of Kansas; Amanda, who married Arthur Summers, of
this county;
Salina, the wife of Thomas A. Clark; W. H., our subject; and Ruth,
who became
the wife of George Bigelow, of Haw Creek township.
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yourselves.
The youthful years of W. H. Selby were very similar in every respect
to those of
other lads of that period and circumstances. He attended the public
schools of
Maquon in the acquirement of his preliminary education, later
supplementing the
knowledge therein gained by a course in a business college at
Galesburg. While
attending school he always assisted in the work of the farm, his
duties being
increased from year to year as his strength and ability developed.
After laying
aside his text-books, he returned home and resumed agricultural 566
pursuits, giving his undivided attention to the cultivation of the
fields and care of the stock. When he came into possession of the
property, Mr. Selby erected all of the buildings now standing and
made other extensive improvements, thus making his one of the most
attractive and valuable farms in this section of the county. It has
many natural beauties and advantages not common to the majority of
farms in this vicinity, being plentifully supplied with springs,
which furnish water for both household purposes and the stock.
Across one portion of the land runs an old Indian trail. In
connection with his general farming Mr. Selby made a specialty of
raising stock, meeting with most substantial returns from both
undertakings. Please
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Mr. Selby married Miss Florence Isabel Allen, a daughter of William
Allen, of
Orange township, a well known agriculturist at that time. Of this
union there was
born one son, William Floyd, whose birth occurred in 1880. He was
educated in
the public schools of Maquon, following which he attended Lombard
College. After
the completion of his education he returned to the farm, the entire
control and
management of which is now vested in him. He married Miss Myrtle
Harler, a
daughter of W. W. Harler, and they have became the parents of three
children:
Walter Ferris, Helen Isabel and Grace Maurine. Mrs. W. H. Selby is
now
deceased, her demise occurring on the 24th of January, 1904.
Fraternally Mr. Selby is a Mason, to which organization as well as
to the Odd
Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the Mystic Workers of the
World, his son
also belongs. The political views of Mr. Selby coincide with the
principles of the
democratic party, but he has never been an aspirant to official
honors, preferring
to give his entire attention to the direction of his own affairs, in
the conduct of
which he met with a most gratifying measure of success. He is a well
known and
highly respected representative of Knox county's esteemed pioneer
citizens, to
whom must be given much credit for the development of Maquon
township, where
the family has now resided for more than seventy years.
PHILIP
H. FRENCH.
Philip H. French is well known in Sparta township, being connected
with the
railway mail service. He was born in North Henderson, Illinois,
September n,
1885, and is a son of Hugh French, a native of Cumberland county,
Pennsylvania,
who was born in 1838. The latter was a son of John and Sarah (Young)
French,
who with their family removed westward during the boyhood of their
son Hugh,
the family settling first in the vicinity of Knoxville but afterward
removing to
Mercer county. Following the death of his parents Hugh French
responded to the
country's call for aid, enlisting in Company A, of the One Hundred
and Second
Illinois Regiment, at Knoxville. He served with that command until
the close of
the war, the regiment being attached to the Army of the Cumberland.
As a
companion and helpmate for life's journey Hugh French chose Miss
Louisa
Schroeder, who was born in the state of New York, July 31, 1848, and
was a
daughter of Henry F. and Mary (Stahl) Schroeder. The Schroeder
family removed
from the east to Henderson, Illinois, where the 569
father of Mrs. Hugh French followed the cabinet-maker's trade, which
he had
previously learned. Later he opened a mercantile establishment at
Henderson and
also filled the office of postmaster there. After conducting his
business
successfully for a number of years he sold out and retired, enjoying
well earned
rest up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1885, when he
was
seventy-five years of age. His wife survived him until 1893 and
passed away at
the age of seventy-six years. It was their daughter Louise who'
became the wife
of Hugh French, and unto them were born three children: Minnie, who
is now the
wife of E. W. Goldsmith; Charles, a resident of St. Paul, Minnesota,
who married
Ethel Daniels and has two children, Edward and Harvey; and Philip
H., of this
review. The father, long a valued and respected resident of Knox
county, as loyal
to his country in days of peace as when he followed the old flag on
southern
battlefields, died on the 12th of December, 1907.
Philip H. French, whose name introduces this review, spent his
youthful days in
his parents' home and acquired his education in the public schools.
He now gives
his attention to official duties as a clerk in the railway mail
service, his run being
over the Burlington road.
Janine and Wini stay off my
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it yours when it's mine first do your own work be honest for a
change!!! I thank you, my ancestors thank you and you soon thank
yourselves.
Mr. French was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Williamson, who was
born April
3, 1889, in Sparta township, and is a daughter of John E. and
Christina (Hanson)
Williamson, who are residents of that township, her father being now
forty-nine
and her mother forty-seven years of age. The former was a son of
Jonas
Williamson, a native of Sweden, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. French
have become
the parents of two children: Constance, who was born January 1,
1910; and
Delwin, born July 29, 1911. Both Mr. and Mrs. French have spent
their entire
lives in this county and are well known among a circle of friends
who entertain for
them warm regard and who extend to them the cordial hospitality of
their home.
C. E.
SHUMAKER.
C. E. Shumaker, a former agriculturist of Knox county and now living
in a
comfortable home at No. 402 Carlisle avenue, Abingdon, is a native
of Knox
county, born in Indian Point township, February 3, 1864. Gallipolis,
Ohio, was the
birthplace of his father, James Shumaker, who came to Indian Point
township,
Knox county, when a boy and became one of the pioneer
agriculturists, joining in
the widespread movement that converted the raw prairie lands of
Illinois into
richly producing farmlands. He pursued farming until his death
terminated his
labors. His widow, who is still living and is now in her
seventy-second year, is a
native of Knox county, Illinois, a daughter of one of the early
settlers of this
community. She resides in Abingdon where her declining years are
often gladdened
by the happy occasions when her children gather about her. The
latter are seven
in number, all but one inhabitants of Illinois and living within
easy distance from
her. C. E. Shumaker is the eldest child. The others are: Ella, the
widow of L.
Blisa, of Abingdon; W. F., living near Hermon, Illinois; J. L.,
farming in
Swaledale, Iowa; Myrtle, the wife of J. R. Stephens,570 New Boston,
Illinois; Mamie, the wife of Daniel Rodenbaugh, a farmer of
St. Augustine; and Alta May, the wife of Bert Dawdy, of Abingdon.
C. E. Shumaker had a common-school education supplemented by
training in
commercial branches at the General City Commercial College, of
Quincy, Illinois.
He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-four years
old, when
he bought a farm on section n, Indian Point township, and engaged
independently
in farming. After some years he removed to a farm on section 13 and
gave his
efforts to the improvement of the land which soon yielded abundant
crops. Four
years ago, in 1907, he retired from farming, purchasing a handsome
new house in
Abingdon where the family now resides. He still has valuable farm
holdings, two
hundred and forty acres in Knox county which he rents, and a half
section in the
Saskatchewan valley in Canada. From these and from investments in
various
industrial plants in Abingdon he enjoys a liberal income enabling
him to live not
only in ease but in affluence.
Twenty-five years ago, in 1886, C. E. Shumaker was united in
marriage to Miss
Ella Davis, a native of Knox county. They are the parents of two
children, Verda
Maud, aged twenty, a graduate of the Abingdon high school and now
attending
college at Lynchburg, Virginia; and James Harry, aged seventeen, a
student in
high school. Mr. Shumaker and his family are members of the
Christian church.
Like his father before him, he is republican in his political
predilections and,
although loyal to his party, he has never cared for the honors of
public office.
Fraternally he is connected with the Abingdon lodge of the Knights
of Pythias in
which organization he has passed through all the chairs. He is a man
of
determination and excellent judgment, qualities which have been no
small factor in
winning for him the success that is justly his.
GEORGE
A. SMITH.
For the last year George A. Smith has been engaged in cultivating
the two
hundred acre farm in Henderson township upon which he resides. He
was born in
Henderson township, April 28, 1876, and is the son of Anthony L. and
Margaret
A. (Davidson) Smith, who were among the early settlers of Knox
county. The
father, whose birth occurred June 24, 1839, in Ulster county, New
York. was
the son of Samuel and Clarissa (Gosso) Smith, both natives of
Brooklyn, New
York, having been born there in 1792 and 1795, respectively. Samuel
Smith
served for two years in the war of 1812, under General Jackson, and
was colonel
of his regiment. He engaged in various pursuits during his active
career, such as
agriculture, the tanning business and the lumber business. At the
same time that
he owned and managed his five hundred acre farm in Ulster county he
also built
and ran a tannery for twenty-five years and engaged to a
considerable extent in
the lumber business, which he continued even after he had sold the
tannery.
After having disposed of this, his last business interest, he
retired from an active
life and lived with his son. In politics he was a member of the Whig
party, and in
religious faith, a Methodist. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith died at the
age of
eighty-three years, the former passing away at the home of his son,
Anthony Smith. Please
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Anthony L. Smith was the eleventh of the twelve children born to his
parents. After receiving what education the common schools could
give him, he began to earn his own livelihood by working in a
sawmill and hauling logs and subsequently accepting employment on a
farm, at which work he continued until eighteen years of age, when
he came west. He left New York, September 27, 1857, and after
arriving in Illinois settled in Henderson Grove, where he worked in
a sawmill for more than thirty years. At that time he purchased a
farm of two hundred acres, the cultivation of which occupied his
time until his retirement, in February, 1906. Fie is now living
comfortably in Henderson and his sons are managing the farm. On
February 7, 1867, he was married to Maggie A. Davidson, a daughter
of Robert and Julia A. (Elishier) Davidson, who were among the early
settlers in Knox county. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith three children were
born, namely: George A., the subject of this sketch;
Fred G., who married Helen Rhodes and
to whom two sons, Charles A. and Robert, have been born; and Harvey.
The two older sons are residing on the father's farm and Harvey makes
his home with his parents. In religious faith Mr. Smith is a member
of the United Brethren church, and in politics gives his support to
the democratic party, by whom he has frequently been elected to
office. Among the offices he has held are those of supervisor,
collector, assessor and school trustee.
George A. Smith acquired his education in the common schools, the
Henderson high school and Brown's Business College. His first
employment after finishing these courses was on a farm, but in 1903
he accepted a clerical position in Galesburg and for four years was
stockman for the W. A. Jordan Company, wholesale grocers. During the
next two years he was employed by the Galesburg office of the
Prudential Life Insurance Company, remaining with them until he
removed to the two hundred acre farm upon which he now resides.
On September 10, 1895, Mr. Smith was married to Rebecca Windom and
to this union one child has been born, Irene, who is a student in
the Galesburg high school and the Knox Conservatory of Music. Mrs.
Smith was the daughter of William and Mary Windom. The father was a
native of Ohio, where his death also occurred, and the mother has
been a resident of Knox county since she was twenty-seven years of
age.
In politics Mr. Smith gives his support to the republican party and
is a loyal supporter of its principles and an advocate of its
policies as being the most efficient for good government. He is a
member of the Elks Lodge of Galesburg, No. 894. In the various
business positions he has held and in his social relations Mr. Smith
has always shown himself to be a man of integrity and ability, one,
who is an advocate of any measure standing for improved social
conditions or business progression.
ARTHUR JOSEPH GEHRING.
Our modern improved methods of education and the more comfortable
mode of life amid which our young people are being brought up.
these, it has frequently been demonstrated, are not a hindrance but
a help in the better administration of affairs whether in business
life, on the farm or in the home. A good illustration of this fact
may be noted in Arthur Joseph Gehring, one of the rising generation
of young farmers rapidly coming to the front and commanding the
recognition of their elders for their alertness and efficiency. He
has been operating the home farm since the retirement of his father,
Joseph Gehring, in 1903 and is now only twenty-six years old.
His birth occurred August 21, 1885, in Sparta township, Knox county,
on the homestead where he is living. He is a son of Joseph and Cora
(Peterson) Gehring. His father is a resident of Wataga and was born
east of that town, in Sparta township, March 16, 1856. He lost his
mother when a boy ten years of age, her death occurring in 1895 when
she was thirty-five years old. The family took possession of the
farm in 1869 and for twenty-four years the father carried on general
farming and stock-raising, devoting himself to improving the land
and enriching the soil until he had greatly enhanced the value of
the property. Please
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In the district schools of Sparta township Arthur J. Gehring
obtained his early education, following this by a course at the
Wataga high school and thereafter attending the Brown Business
College at Galesburg. In 1903 he undertook the management of the
farm for his father, continuing the former policy of general farming
and stock-raising in accordance with improved methods and
progressive ideas.
Mr. Gehring was united in marriage to Miss Nina McDonald December
27, 1911. She was born May 10, 1889, m Burlington, Iowa, and, being
left an orphan in her infancy, was reared by Mrs. Ella (Woods) Bird,
of Girard, Kansas, a sister of her mother, whose maiden name was
Laura Woods. Mrs. Gehring has two brothers: Vernon, a farmer in Knox
county; and Frank, living in Denver, Colorado.
Mr. Gehring and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church and Mr. Gehring is a member of its official board. In the
social life of the community they are popular with young and old
alike. 572
CORNELIUS WAYMAN.
Cornelius Wayman is now living retired in Altona. He has passed the
seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred
in Otsego county, New York, June 3, 1836. His father, Thomas Wayman,
died in i860, when sixty years of age. He had followed farming
throughout his entire life and was long known as an industrious,
energetic agriculturist of Otsego county. His wife died when their
son Cornelius was a boy, and of the three children of the family he
is now the only one living. His educational advantages were limited,
for his services were needed upon the home farm and he worked
diligently and with determination through the period of his boyhood
and thus laid the foundation for whatever success he has enjoyed. He
first came to Wisconsin in 1857, when twenty years of age, making
his way from there to Victoria, Illinois. Soon he secured a
situation as a farm hand and was thus employed until after the
outbreak of the Civil war. The country was but entering upon the
long, four-year period of hostilities when he offered his services,
enlisting on the 25th of May, 1861, as a member of Company D,
Seventeenth Illinois Infantry, under Captain 575 Henry Bush, of
Galva. The regiment was with the Western Army under General Grant.
Mr. Wayman served for his three years' term of enlistment and then
veteranized, at which time he was transferred to the Eighth Illinois
under Captain Caldwell and was with the Army of the Gulf until the
close of the war. His last commander was General Canby, who
commanded the Department of the Gulf. With his regiment he went to
Mobile and later through Texas and afterward was sent up the Red
River gathering up arms following the cessation of hostilities. He
was mustered out at Baton Rouge in 1866 and left that place for
Springfield. Illinois, where he was honorably discharged, having
made a most creditable military record during the five years in
which he wore the country's blue uniform.
Mr. Wayman returned to Victoria and was again engaged in farming for
nine years, after which he removed to Wataga, where he followed
teaming for two years. He then came to Altona and is now living
retired. For a long period, however, he was janitor of the
high-school building, occupying that position for thirty years
beginning in 1881. During that period his daughter and his
granddaughter were graduated from that school.
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Mr. Wayman married Letitia Blackwood, who was born in Ohio and died
October 14, 1911, at the age of sixty-four years. She was a daughter
of Beverly D. Blackwood, a carpenter by trade. Mrs. Wayman was a
devout member of the Methodist church and an active worker in its
various departments, particularly in the Ladies' Aid and Missionary
Societies. When she was quite young her mother died and her father
married again. She remained at home with her stepmother up to the
time of her marriage, which was celebrated in Knoxville, Illinois,
on the nth of September, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Wayman began their
domestic life near Victoria in the plain, old-fashioned way. As the
years passed, four children came to brighten their home but death
entered the household and only one is now living, Mrs. Harriet E.
Peacock, who was born February 16, 1868. She is the wife of James J.
Peacock, who was born near New Brenton, Illinois, July 1, 1864, a
son of Joseph Peacock, who was born in 1820 and was a brick-maker.
He wedded Mary D. Kindred, who was born in 1825. Mr. Peacock was a
native of England but was only seven years of age when brought by
his parents, Thomas and Ann (Payne) Peacock, to the new world.
Joseph Peacock, after reaching manhood, engaged in brick-making in
the state of New York but in early manhood removed westward to
Peoria, Illinois, where he married. He operated the first brickyard
at Peoria, Illinois, its location being near the old fair grounds on
Knoxville avenue. In early manhood he served as a soldier in the
Indian war which occurred in Florida. It was his son, James J.
Peacock, who wedded Harriet E. Wayman and unto them were born three
children: Claude J., nineteen years of age; Edna B., seventeen years
of age; and Ralph E., a youth of fifteen. In early manhood James J.
Peacock learned and followed the brick-maker's trade, continuing in
that line of business in Iowa county, Iowa, until thirty-two years
of age, when he came to Altona, where he has since made his home,
being now recognized as one of the representative residents of that
place.
Mr. Wayman is classed with the most widely known and highly esteemed
citizens of Altona, his upright life having gained for him the warm
regard of all who know him. He is a devoted member of the Methodist
church and has served as one of its trustees for many years.
Fraternally he is connected1 with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and has passed all of the chairs in the local lodge to which
he belongs. His life has been well spent and his devotion to duty
and his irreproachable integrity have been the salient qualities
which have gained for him the confidence and good-will of all who
know him. His life has been in many respects an exemplary one and
furnishes many an example that might well be followed by others. 576
JOHN
HEFFERNAN.
John Heffernan, a retired farmer and now proprietor of a boarding
house on Main street in Victoria, Illinois, was born June 15, 1841,
in Medina county, Ohio. He is the grandson of John Heffernan, who
resided all his life in Charleston, South Carolina. The father,
Francis Heffernan, was born, reared and educated in Charleston.
After leaving school he chose to take up as his trade the work of
shoemaking, a business which he followed with much success all his
life. In youth he married Miss Caroline Hodgeman, a daughter of
William Hodgeman and a native of Vermont. A few years after his
marriage he settled in Medina county, Ohio, where he lived for
fourteen years, and then moved to Victoria, where he began his trade
in the old shop that is still standing. He was a republican in
politics and although he was not an office seeker, he took a great
interest in a private way in helping to better the conditions of
his town. Fie followed his trade loyally all his life and up to the
time of his death, when he had reached the venerable age of
seventy-eight years. Untiring and faithful labor netted him an
income ample for his wants and comforts. His wife passed away at the
age of seventy-four years and they are both buried in the Victoria
cemetery. Their family consisted of two children: Isabelle, who died
in Ohio, at the age of fifteen; and John, of Victoria.
John Hefferman after finishing his course in the public schools of
Victoria began farming, working by the month for seven years for
David Swickard, now of Victoria. After leaving that employ he was
married, in 1866, to Miss Margaret Smith, who was born in Victoria
township, December 5, 1840, a daughter of John and Mary (Gingrich)
Smith, both of whom, were born in Little York, York county,
Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of ten children,
eight of whom lived to maturity. The parents, leaving Pennsylvania
with their two children, went to Ohio where they remained one year,
moving to Illinois in 1835 and settling on a farm of three hundred
and twenty acres upon section 24, Victoria township. Having made the
trip from Ohio in wagons, Mr. and Mrs. Smith lived in this fashion
of camping until they had constructed a log house which contained
one room on the first floor and one above. Later this log house was
moved' to another part of the farm and used as a tenant house. Mr.
Smith was a stock-raiser and farmer whose labors won much success.
Although willing to do all he could for his community, he never
sought office. He was a democrat in his political views and a
Lutheran in religion, of which church both he and his family were
faithful members. He died in 1889, at the age of eighty-three, and
his wife passed away in 1892, at the age of eighty, both being laid
to rest in the Victoria cemetery. 577
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After his marriage John Hefferman settled in Victoria
township, where he lived for about five years, or until 1870, at
which time he moved to Kansas, where he resided for four years.
Returning to Knox county in 1874, he lived in Copley township until
1887, when he moved to Victoria township, residing at the old Smith
homestead for six years, at the close of which time he took charge
of the boarding-house which he now has at Victoria. He is the father
of two children. The elder, Frank W., of Victoria township, married
Miss Susan Mosher, a daughter of Charles Mosher, and they are the
parents of four children, Mabel A., Edna Lucy, Bessie Courtney and
Jessie May. Their other child is Mary C, the wife of Charles F.
Nelson, of Walnut Grove township, and mother of seven children, Clio
L., Vera B., Vaun O., Clem A., Vivian L, Clare D. and Willard Ivan.
Fraternally Mr. Heffernan is identified with the Modern Woodmen of
America, while politically he adders to the republican party. He
attends the Methodist Episcopal church with his wife, who is a
member thereof, and also an active worker in the Ladies' Aid Society
and a member of the Royal Neighbors. Mr. Heffernan while in Kansas
was a trustee of the school board and although he has never cared
for positions of public trust, whenever such occasion did arise, he
rendered services which have been most beneficial to the community
and township of his residence.
JONAS
JOHNSON.
Jonas Johnson owns a farm of eighty-four acres located on section 5,
of Victoria township, where his well tilled fields manifest his
agricultural skill. He is one of the worthy citizens that Sweden has
contributed to Knox county, his natal day being the 5th of February,
1872, and his parents Jonas and Annie Johnson passed their entire
lives in the old country.
In the common schools of his native land, Jonas Johnson obtained a
good, practical education and there he also received his early
agricultural training. By the time he had attained the age of twenty
years he felt oppressed by the limitations of expansion and
opportunities in his native land. Carrying the conviction that
conditions more admissible of ambition and more conducive to
progress were prevailing in the western hemisphere, he determined to
put to the test the wonderful stories he had heard regarding the
advantages awaiting the ambitious and enterprising young man in
America and, in 1892, took passage for the United States. Upon his
arrival in this country he came directly to Knox county, first
locating in Galva. Later he purchased his present farm, at that time
the property of a Mrs. Brott, and here he has ever since lived.
Although the place was improved and under cultivation when he bought
it, during the period of his ownership Mr. Johnson has wrought man}-
and extensive changes. The greater part of the buildings now
standing have been erected since he located here, and he has also
added various other improvements, thus thoroughly modernizng it and
at the same time greatly enhancing its value. He is industrious and
practical in his methods and has always given his personal attention
to the tilling of his fields and gathering of his crops. His labors
are annually rewarded 578 by abundant harvests, the quality of which
is in every way fully equal to the quantity. Stock-raising as well
as general farming has engaged the attention of Mr. Johnson, who has
met with lucrative returns from both branches of his business. Clear
judgment, persistence and the determination of purpose that refuses
to accept defeat have been the most striking characteristics
manifested by him in the direction of his activities. Owing to his
painstaking efforts and the intelligent direction of his endeavors
he has prospered from the first and is now numbered among the
substantial citizens of the community. In addition to his fine
homestead Mr. Johnson owns stock in the Victoria Telephone Company.
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In the attainment of prosperity Mr. Johnson has been capably
assisted by the efficient management of the household affairs by his
wife, whose maiden name was Anna Johnson. She, too, is a native of
Sweden, whence she emigrated to the United States by herself as a
child of ten years. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Johnson, as follows: Verna, Elmer, Herman, Clinton, Helen and Hilda.
The parents both hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church
at Victoria, and Mr. Johnson is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen
of America, holding membership in the camp at Victoria. Ever since
attaining rights of citizenship he has given his political support
to the candidates of the republican party but has never been an
office seeker. His private interests always required his undivided
attention and he has concentrated his energies upon the development
of the farm. He now has his land tiled and under high cultivation,
and is making such further improvements as his returns warrant, from
year to year, and takes great pride in his homestead, which he
desires to make one of the most attractive properties in the
township. .
AMBROSE
L. KING.
One of Knox county's patriotic citizens who donned the blue and went
to the front during those troublesome days in the '60s is Ambrose L.
King. He is now and has been for a long period engaged in general
farming and stock-raising in Victoria township, where he has resided
for fifty-eight years. His birth occurred in Wyandotte county, Ohio,
on the 27th of December, 1843, his parents being Ambrose and Harriet
(Porter) King. The father was born in the state of New York, in
1798, and there he was reared and educated. In his early manhood he
went to Pennsylvania, locating in the vicinity of Erie, where he met
the lady who later became his wife. During the early years of their
domestic life they removed to Ohio, residing there until 1853. In
the latter year they crossed the prairies of Indiana to Illinois,
settling in Victoria township, a mile east of our subject's farm,
where the father acquired six hundred and forty acres of land. Here
closed his active and useful life in its eightieth year, while the
mother was only sixty-six years of age at the time of her death.
They were both members of the Seventh Day Adventist church and he
was a stanch advocate of the political principles of the republican
party, but never held an office. The family of Mr. and Mrs. King
numbered six, as follows: Nelson; Herman; Homer; Ambrose, our
subject; Sarah; and Corwin.
579
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Ambrose L. King was only a lad of ten years when he removed with his
parents to Knox county, where he was reared to manhood, completing
his education in the common schools of Victoria township. He had
early been impressed with a fine appreciation of patriotic duties
and responsibilities toward one's country, so when the nation's
chief sent out a call for volunteers in the early days of the war,
it aroused his fervor and he responded by enlisting in Company B,
One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. During
the period of his service he participated in several of the notable
conflicts of the war but was never wounded or captured by the enemy.
When mustered out he returned to Knox county and resumed the duties
of civil life as an agriculturist and has always continued to be
identified with this vocation. He now owns eighty acres of land
located on section 5, Victoria township, where he has resided ever
since. his marriage. Here he engages in general farming and
stock-raising and has met with lucrative returns from both. He is a
man of practical ideas and progressive methods, who uses
intelligence and discretion in the direction of his undertakings and
is recognized as one of the capable agriculturists of the community.
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yourselves.
The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. Ambrose L. King was known
during her girlhood as Miss Sarah Collinson. She was born and reared
in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, whence she removed with her parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Collinson, to Lynn township, Knox county. Six
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. King, as follows: Ivy, the wife
of Charles Spencer, of Williamsfield; Ida, who married Fred Grant,
of Victoria township; Kate, who became the wife of Homer Patty, of
Riverside, California; Sarah; Ora, who married Bert Thomas; arid
Avery, who is at home.
Mr. King votes with the republican party, considering its policy
best adapted to subserve the highest interests of the country. He
takes a deep interest in the development of the community and its
political activities, but he has never aspired to public office.
During the long period of his residence in Knox county he has been
an interested observer of its development and increasing prosperity,
having witnessed the introduction of modern methods and inventions
that in rapid evolution and on-march have completely revolutionized
commercial, industrial and agricultural life. His early manhood
covered that formative period in the state's progress when pioneer
methods were being superseded by modern conditions, following the
advent of a newer and higher form of civilization that developed
after the war.
ABRAHAM L. HOOFNAGLE.
A resident of Knox county for the past twenty-seven years Abraham L.
Hoofnagel has not only witnessed the agricultural development of
this section of the country but he has been an active participant of
the movement, being successfully engaged in the pursuits of general
farming. He owns and operates a fine farm on section 15, in Orange
township. He claims Adams county, Pennsylvania, as the place of his
birth, which there occurred April 25, 1861. His parents were Henry
and Nancy (Caldwell) Hoofnagle, both natives of Pennsylvania. The
father, who was a farmer and carpenter by occupation, and lived 580
until his death in Adams county, enlisted in the army at the time of
the Civil war and saw active service in a number of important
battles. There were seven children in the family, two daughters who
are deceased, and five sons, all living. They are: Samuel, at
Fairfield, Pennsylvania; Robert and John, also of that state; Grant,
who lives in the state of Washington; and Abraham, of this review.
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During his boyhood days spent in Adams county, Pennsylvania, Abraham
Hoofnagle obtained an elementary education in the rural schools of
his locality. and when not engaged with his text-books was employed
in various occupations about the farm thus learning at an early age
the many details necessary to know in connection with the tilling of
the soil and the raising of cattle. In 1874 he came to Knox county,
settling in Knox township where he first worked on a farm in the
employment of another. Later he engaged in agriculture on his own
account. Seven years ago, in 1904, he purchased the tract of land on
which he now lives, eighty acres of the soil of which is
particularly rich and productive. He is progressive in his methods
and untiring in his efforts to make his place one of the attractive
spots in the county, conspicuous for its good equipment and its
thorough cultivation.
Mr. Hoofnagle was united in marriage to Miss Amy Brown, the marriage
occurring in Knox county in 1895. She was a daughter of Amos Brown,
an early pioneer settler in the county. Both parents are now
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hoofnagle are the parents of six children:
Mabel, Alva, Bernice, Russell, Eva and Cecil, all living at home.
Surrounded by an interesting family for whom he wishes to provide a
comfortable living and make larger opportunities possible, Mr.
Hoofnagle finds that impelling inspiration in his work that urges
him on to constantly renewed effort and cannot fail of winning
success.
J.
ORTON FINLEY.
J. Orton Finley, who resides on section 24, Ontario township, was
born on the 18th of December, 1874, and is a son of J. Alexander and
Mary E. (Cox) Finley, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this
volume. Please
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Mr. Finley of this review received his early education in the common
schools and later was a student at the University of Illinois. As
soon as he had completed his education he took up farming on the old
homestead, where he worked according to the modern and scientific
principles, which he acquired in his university course. In the
spring of 1905 he started in for himself and is now operating four
hundred acres of land, all under a high state of cultivation, which
he devotes to live-stock raising. He feeds over a thousand head of
sheep, many of which are used for exhibition purposes, as, for
instance, Mr. Finley is the largest and most successful exhibitor of
sheep, at the International Fat Stock Show in Chicago. He also
exhibits cattle. In addition he carries on general farming and also
feeds cattle and hogs.
On the 24th of December, 1904, Mr. Finley was married to Miss Anna
S. Fox, a daughter of the Rev. J. W. and Charlotte (Stanley) Fox,
the former a Congregational minister. Mrs. Finley received her
education at Wheaton, graduating with the class of 1900, and at
Oberlin College, of Oberlin, Ohio. To Mr. 583
and Mrs. Finley three children have been born, Mary C, Sarah
E. and Anne Josephine. In political views Mr. Finley is a republican
and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He
has served as school director for a number of years and the cause of
education finds in him an ardent champion whose labors in its behalf
are practical, beneficial and far reaching. His religious faith is
indicated by his membership in the Congregational church of Oneida.
He occupies a prominent position in agricultural and social circles
and has aided materially in the up-building and advancement of the
county, being widely recognized as a public-spirited citizen.
FRED O. McFARLAND.
Fred O. McFarland, a practitioner of the Galesburg bar, a member of
what is one of the leading law firms of the city under the name of
Williams, Lawrence, Welsh & Green, was born in Mendon, Adams county,
Illinois, June 6, 1875, His father, Adam McFarland, was also a
native of this state and was a son of John McFarland, who was born
near Cleveland, Ohio, but became one of the early residents of Adams
county, Illinois. He died when seventy-five years of age. The
children of his first marriage were David, Thomas, Elizabeth,
Josephine and Mary J. After losing his first wife he married
Catharine Taylor, a native of Kentucky, and unto this union there
were born five children, William, Adam, Sarah, Martha and Olive.
Adam McFarland was reared in Adams county, Illinois, and in early
life learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until his
death, in 1882. He married Deborah Ely, a native of this state and a
daughter of Ralph and Permelia Ely. Her father was a native of Ohio
and became one of the pioneer settlers of Adams county, Illinois,
where both he and his wife died when we'll advanced in years. Their
family numbered five children, Jared, Phoebe, Emma, Deborah and
Lewis. Deborah became the wife of Adam McFarland and unto them were
born five children, of whom four reached years of maturity: Fred O.;
Herman, who died in the Spanish-American war ; Ralph; and Floyd, who
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Fred O. McFarland spent his youthful days in the usual manner of
lads of the locality and period, dividing his time between the
duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground, and
when about twelve years old began to learn the printer's trade which
he followed during school and college vacations for a number of
years. He completed the high-school course in 1892 and following his
graduation entered Knox College in the fall of 1893. He is numbered
among its alumni of the class of 1898 and in the fall of that year
he removed to Knox-ville, Illinois, where he became editor of the
Knox County News, continuing with this publication until the 1st of
August, 1899. He regarded his newspaper career, however, merely as
an initial step and help toward professional life, for in the fall
of the latter year he matriculated in the law department of the Iowa
University, in which he spent one year. He then came to Galesburg
and was a student in the office of Williams, Lawrence & Welsh,
prominent attorneys. At the same time he provided for his own
support by working on the Galesburg Evening Mail and the Republican
Register and later he entered the circuit
584 clerk's office in the position of deputy in September, 1902, and
so continued for seven years, his service being entirely acceptable
in this connection. It was during that period that, in 1906, he took
the bar examination and was admitted to practice in the month of
June. However, he continued in the circuit clerk's office until
December, 1909, when he entered the office of Williams, Lawrence,
Welsh & Green as a member of the firm.
On the 16th of December, 1903, Mr. McFarland was married to Miss
Edith Simpson, a native of Knoxville and a daughter of James S. and
Mary (McGowan) Simpson. Her paternal grandfather, William Simpson,
was a native of Pennsylvania and an early settler of Knoxville,
Illinois, where he operated a mill for many years. He married Susan
Gallagher and to them were born three children, James S., Jane and
Nancy. The maternal grandfather was William McGowan and he, too, was
an early resident of Knoxville and a prominent citizen there in
pioneer times. Unto him and his wife were born twelve children, of
whom eight reached maturity, Henry, Curtis, Mary, Harry, Charles,
Frank, Carrie and Belle. James S. Simpson was a native of
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and his wife was born and reared
in Knoxville, Illinois. Mr. Simpson died August 11, 1911. They
became parents of two sons and a daughter, Irvin, Edith and Harry.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. McFarland has been born but one child, Maxine. Mr.
McFarland holds membership in the Congregational church and his wife
in the Presbyterian church. He has voted with the republican party
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and is somewhat
prominent in its local ranks. He is a member of the county central
committee and is serving now as a member of the city council, having
been elected from the sixth ward in 1909 and reelected in 1911, thus
receiving endorsement of his first term. He is deeply interested in
all matters pertaining to the city's welfare and improvement and in
the questions which come before the council for settlement he seeks
ever to support those plans and projects which eliminate useless
expenditure and misrule in public affairs and promote the general
good.
GEORGE
PATTY.
George Patty, a well known agriculturist of Victoria township, who
has retired from the active work of the fields but still makes his
home on his farm, is a native of Knox county, his birth having
occurred in the township, where he now lives, on the 10th of July,
1849. His parents were Josiah and Rebecca (Brown) Patty, the father
a native of Tennessee, where he was also reared, and the mother of
North Carolina. They were married in Tennessee and there they passed
the early years of their domestic life, coming to Knox county in
1837. Upon their arrival they located in Victoria township, where
the father successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits during the
remainder of his active life. He acquired extensive property
interests, and at the time of his death owned five hundred and
twenty acres of land, three hundred and twenty of which was under
cultivation and the remainder in timber. Both parents passed away on
the homestead and were buried in Salem cemetery. The family of Mr.
and Mrs. Patty numbered eight, the two eldest of whom were born in
Tennessee and the others in this county. In order of birth they are
as follows: James; William; Sarah J.; Nancy A.; Obed; Robert;
George; and Josiah. The parents originally joined the Baptist
church, but after locating in Victoria
585
township, Mrs. Patty united with the Methodist Episcopal church. The
father voted the democratic ticket, but never sought office.
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The entire life of George Patty has been passed in the immediate
vicinity of his present home, his education having been obtained in
the Center Prairie district school. When still in his early boyhood
he was assigned duties about the farm, and, as in common with other
lads of the pioneer period, he had to assume his share of the duties
and responsibilities that devolved upon both young and old living on
the frontier. By the time he had attained his maturity he was a
practical agriculturist, continuing to devote his entire attention
to this vocation until 1904, when he turned over the operation of
his farms to his son and son-in-law. He early manifested the energy
and perseverance that have been the salient factors in his success,
so intelligently directing his undertakings that he acquired three
hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, all of which is under
high cultivation. His holdings are located on section 14, of
Victoria township, on the east side of the north and south road.
During the period of his ownership he has erected all of the
buildings now standing, including the house, which was built in
1876, and has wrought various other improvements consistent with the
spirit of progress and enterprise he has at all times evinced.
For his wife Mr. Patty chose Miss Rosetta Florence Cain, who was
born in Stark county, Illinois, and is a daughter of Joseph and
Barbara Cain. Four children have been born to them, as follows:
Joseph Delbert, who married Pearl Tucker and is now residing on one
of his father's farms; Roy, who chose for his wife Blanch Jarnagan,
and lives in Galesburg; Stella, the wife of Fred Orwig, who is
living on the home farm; and Etta, who is a music teacher.
Ever since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Patty
has cast his ballot for the candidates of the democratic party. He
has always taken an active interest in township affairs, and during
his early manhood assumed his share of public office, serving with
efficiency both as justice of the peace and constable, having
resigned from the latter office before the expiration of his term.
His energies were equally divided between general farming and
stock-raising during the long period of his agricultural career,
both occupations proving to be remunerative under his intelligent
and capable supervision. He is now enjoying the ease and comfort
afforded by the goodly income received from his property; the reward
of the well spent years of his early life.
CARL G.
JOHNSON, M. D.
A capable representative of the medical fraternity of Galesburg is
Dr. Carl G. Johnson, who was born in Ascarshamn, Sweden, on the 5th
of January, 1865. He is a son of Carl X. and Helena S. (Malstrom)
Johnson, who were natives of the same locality, the father's birth
occurring on March 15, 1842, and that of the mother on Christmas
day, 1841. In his early youth the father followed the sea, but later
he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Chafing under the
limitations of his native land and its meager opportunities, he, in
1869, together with his family, emigrated to the United States. He
came directly to Galesburg and for a short time was employed in a
lumberyard here, subsequently taking a position as boiler maker with
the Frost Manufacturing Company. He was an efficient employee,
thoroughly reliable and trustworthy as well 586 as thrifty and
enterprising, and about 1882 he purchased stock in the company, and
later was made foreman of his department. In 1894 he withdrew from
active work, having acquired a competence that provided him and his
wife with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, and
has ever since lived retired. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were married in
Ascarshamn, Sweden, in the fall of 1863, and to them were born three
children, of whom our subject is the eldest. The second member of
the family, Selma S., the wife of Nathan Hoogner, lives in
Minneapolis, and Hulda A., the youngest, is deceased. The parents
are members of the Swedish Lutheran church, in the faith of which
they reared their family, always taking an active interest in the
work of the various departments of this organization, Mr. Johnson
having for many years been one of the deacons. He gives his
political support to the men and measures of the republican party,
but has never been an office seeker.
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As he was only a lad of four and a half years when he came to
Galesburg with his parents, Dr. Johnson has passed practically his
entire life in this city. He acquired his preliminary education in
the common and high schools of the city and then entered Augustana
College at Rock Island, graduating from the scientific department
with the class of 1889. Having decided to adopt the medical
profession for his life vocation, the following autumn he
matriculated in the Long Island College Hospital, of Brooklyn, New
York, being awarded the degree of M. D. with the class of 1892. In
order to better qualify himself for the duties of a general
practitioner, immediately following his graduation he became an
interne in the Eastern District Hospital, being identified with this
institution from June to September. Resigning his position in the
latter month, he went to Minneapolis and entered the City Hospital
in the same capacity. He remained there until June, 1895, when he
came to Galesburg, where he was associated with Dr. Wilson until
November, 1896. His various experiences had brought him to a full
recognition of his deficiencies and needs and he subsequently went
abroad, spending four months in post-graduate work in the hospitals
of London, Berlin and Braunschweig. Upon his return to Galesburg he
established an office and has ever since been engaged in general
practice. In addition to an excellent equipment for the profession,
Dr. Johnson is by nature well qualified for the varied and exacting
duties of a physician. He possesses a kindly sympathetic nature, an
abundance of vitality and the ease and assurance as well as the
perception that inspires confidence in him and the school he
represents. During the period of his connection with the medical
profession of Knox county, he has had ample opportunity to manifest
his skill both as a physician and surgeon. In his diagnosis he is
seldom if ever at fault, while he possesses the acute mental
faculties, delicate yet firm touch and deft hand so essential in the
operating room. His abilities have received their full recognition,
and he is enjoying a large and lucrative practice. He was a member
of the Galesburg City Hospital board for fourteen years, during four
of which he was chief of the staff and for the past seven years he
has been a member of the staff of Augustana Hospital in Chicago.
On the 5th of August, 1896, Dr. Johnson was united in marriage to
Miss Hannah Larson, a daughter of Paul and Hannah Larson, of Moline,
Illinois, and they have two children: Helena Katharine, whose birth
occurred in Galesburg, on the 3d of October, 1900; and Fritiof Paul,
born in Chicago, February 8, 1909, 587.
For the past seven years, Dr. Johnson has been a trustee of the
Swedish Lutheran church, in which both he and Mrs. Johnson hold
membership. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of
Odd. Fellows and he also belongs to the Galesburg Club, while he
maintains relations with the members of his profession, through his
connection with the City and Knox County Medical Societies and the
Illinois State and American Medical Associations. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party and he takes an active
interest in all municipal questions, and during the years of 1904-5
represented the second precinct of the second ward as alderman,
while he filled the office of health commissioner of the city during
1906 and 1907 to the general satisfaction of the constituency. Dr.
Johnson is a man who takes a deep interest in all matters pertaining
to the community and its welfare, and cooperates in every
progressive movement. Educational matters in particular engage his
attention and for twelve years he was a member of Augustana College
board of trustees. Efficiency is one of the most striking of Dr.
Johnson's characteristics, and is especially marked in his
conscientious devotion to the interests of his patients and his
loyalty to every trust reposed in him.
JOSEPH
G. REED.
Joseph G. Reed owns and controls one hundred and sixty acres of rich
and valuable land on section 1, Victoria township, where he makes a
specialty of raising thoroughbred Hereford cattle, on which he has
won several prizes. He was born in Henry county, Illinois, November
2j, i860, the son of George and Jane (Cockburn) Reed, both of whom
were natives of England and were married in that country. The
parents on coming to the United States, located in Henry county and
after several years removed to Knox county, residing first in
Victoria township and later in Lynn township, where the father still
resides, at the venerable age of ninety-one years. The mother passed
away at the age of eighty-one and is buried in Lynn township. She
was a member of the Baptist church and her husband belongs to the
Christian church, although in their native country both were natives
of the Church of England. The father even at his advanced age has a
remarkable memory. He is a stanch republican and has been a very
active politician in his time. Fraternally he is associated with the
Masonic lodge. In their family were ten children, namely: Annie,
Mary and John, who were born in England; Gabriel and Mary, whose
birth and demise occurred in that country ; and George, Joseph, Emma
and two who are deceased,—William and an infant girl—all of whom
were born in Henry county, Illinois.
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yourselves.
Joseph G Reed was three years old when his parents removed to
Victoria township, where he was reared and received his education.
On reaching man's estate he was employed for some time on a farm in
Victoria township, after which he engaged in farming for two years
in Lynn township. Subsequently returning to Victoria township, he
rented land for a few years and, in 1895, purchased of Lafe Kennedy
his present farm, on which he has made all of the improvements and
erected all of the buildings. He engages to some extent in 588
general farming but does not attempt to raise more grain than is
needed to feed his Hereford cattle, of which he has yearly about
thirty head. Besides his farming interests Mr. Reed owns stock in
the Farmers' Mutual Telephone Company and is vice president and
director of the La Fayette Fair Association.
Mr. Reed was united in marriage to Miss Jessie I. Grant, a native of
Lynn township and a daughter of H. P. and Lucy (Norton) Grant, the
father born in Peoria county, Illinois, and the mother in the state
of Connecticut. The parents were married in Stark county and lived
in Lynn township until the time of the retirement of .the father who
first removed to Galva, Illinois, and later to La Fayette, where he
now resides, making his home with his daughter. The mother died at
the age of seventy-one years and is buried in La Fayette. The father
followed the occupation of farming and in connection was an
auctioneer and also served as assessor and later as supervisor of
Lynn township, being elected on the republican ticket. They were the
parents of seven children: Ellen, the wife of John Reed, of
Galesburg township; Arthur, who resides in Stark county, Illinois;
Jessie L, now Mrs. Joseph G. Reed; Fred, who resides in Victoria
township; Maude, of Galesburg; N. B., of Stark county; and Harold,
of Victoria township. Mr. and Mrs. Reed have become the parents of
two sons: Walter A., who was born in Lynn township and lives at
home; and Roy W., who was born in Victoria township and died there
at the age of eight years. He is buried in the Galva cemetery. Mr.
Reed in political allegiance is independent and fraternally he is
identified with the Masonic order and is master of the lodge. Both
he and his wife are members of the Christian church at La Fayette
and all their acquaintances entertain for them the highest regard.
CHARLES C. CRAIG.
Charles C. Craig, lawyer, was born in Knoxville, this county, on the
16th of June, 1865, his parents being Alfred M. and Elizabeth P.
(Harvey) Craig.
Mr. Craig began his education in the public schools and afterward
attended Knox College, Notre Dame University and the United States
Naval Academy. He was a student in the law office of Stevenson &
Ewing, of Bloomington and also attended the Wesleyan Law School.
Following his admission to the bar, in 1888, he began practice and
for twenty-three years has been an active representative of the
legal profession in Galesburg. He has been in general practice and
the success which he has attained is due to his own efforts and
merits. He has been counsel in many important cases tried in Knox
and adjoining counties and has enjoyed a large practice before the
courts of this state and in other states. In-addition to his law
practice Mr. Craig is interested in farming and is identified with
various business interests in this city. He has been a director of
the Bank of Galesburg and also its attorney for several years and is
now president of that bank. Mr. Craig is a democrat and has taken an
active interest in politics until his increasing law practice and
business interests demanded his entire time. He was elected a member
of the forty-first and forty-second general assembly, was chairman
of the committee on agriculture of the Illinois commission at the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis; was nominated as the
candidate of his 591
party for judge of the supreme court, in 1909, and only defeated by
a small majority. He also has an interesting military chapter in his
life history, having for several years served as captain of Battery
B, of the First Artillery, Illinois National Guard, while at the
present writing he is lieutenant colonel and ordinance officer, on
the staff of General Kittleson, of the Third Brigade and is
instructor and supervisor of rifle practice of the various companies
in the Northwest part of the state.
On the 15th of July, 1893, Mr. Craig was married to Miss Louise Dary,
a daughter of Eugene and Sidonia (Benedict) Dary, of New Orleans.
Her father was a merchant of that city and Memphis. Both he and his
wife are now deceased. Their daughter, Mrs. Craig, has been
continuously a resident of Galesburg since her marriage. Both he and
Mrs. Craig are well known socially in this city and throughout the
state. Colonial Craig is a member of the Galesburg Club, the Elks
and several other societies, while in Masonry he has attained high
rank, holding membership in Galesburg Commandery, Knights Templar
and in the Mystic Shrine. His interests are wide and varied and his
influence is found on the side of progress and improvement. He has
always been popular with his business associates.
IRA BULSON.
Ira Bulson, one of the well known native sons of Victoria township
as well as one of the highly successful and capable agriculturists,
was born on the farm, where he now resides, on the 7th of October,
1863. His father, Frederick Bulson, one of the pioneer settlers of
Knox county, was born and reared in Otsego county, New York. At an
age between twenty-one and twenty-two years he left his native state
and came west, locating in Knox county. Here he met and married Miss
Mary Heinline, who was a native of Kentucky, subsequently locating
on the farm now owned and operated by their son Ira. Mr. Bulson was
an ambitious, enterprising agriculturist and capable business man,
who directed his undertakings with intelligence and sagacity. He met
with success ultimately, although the early years were well filled
with the usual obstacles and difficulties that confront the pioneer.
He erected practically all of the buildings now standing on the
place and brought the fields into a high state of productivity. The
family of Mr. and Mrs. Bulson numbered eight, our subject being the
seventh in order of birth. The others are as follows: Sarah, the
wife of Clinton Bradley, of Iowa; Hannah, the deceased wife of David
Shearer; Lizzie, who married M. A. Shearer of Clay county, Nebraska;
George, who died in childhood; Alice, the wife, of Henry Turner of
Clay county, Nebraska; Mary, who is a resident of Santa Anna,
California; and Adam, who passed away at the age of twenty-two
years. The children were born and reared on the farm and there the
parents passed the latter years of their life, the mother being
sixty at the time of her death, while the father had attained the
venerable age of eighty-six when called to his final rest. They are
both buried in the cemetery at Victoria. Mr. Bulson was one of the
foremost citizens of the township and took an active and helpful
interest in its -political affairs, giving his support to the
candidates of the democratic party. He discharged with efficiency
the duties of path-master and at one time he was also a member of
the board of school directors, 592.
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pages & do not copy & paste or whatever you do and reformat to make
it yours when it's mine first do your own work be honest for a
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yourselves.
The entire life of Ira Bulson has been passed on the farm he now
owns and which is endeared to him by the memories of childhood as
well as the associations of his mature years. He attended the
district school in the vicinity of his home, and while mastering the
elements of English learning assisted with the work of the farm.,
the services of the entire family being required to perform the
multitudinous duties connected with its operation. When he had
acquired a sufficient public-school training, he gave his entire
attention to agricultural pursuits, with the intention of qualifying
himself to adopt this life vocation upon attaining his maturity.
After his marriage he brought his bride to the home of his parents,
later acquiring the title to the property. Since becoming the owner
of the farm, Mr. Bulson has remodeled and improved many of the
buildings to which he has also made additions. As his circumstances
have warranted during the passing years he has introduced various
modern conveniences and appliances that have added greatly to the
comfort and value of the place. His operations have always been
conducted along the lines of general farming, but in connection
therewith he has also raised stock, both lines of departure having
proven remunerative tinder his capable direction. Success has
attended the efforts of Mr. Bulson and in addition to his valuable
property he owns stock in the Farmers' Elevator at Victoria and the
Farmers' Cooperative State Bank at Galva.
Mr. Bulson has twice married, his first union being with Miss Minnie
Dudley, and they became the parents of a son and daughter, Harry
and Jessie. On the 2d of June, 1911, Mr. Bulson and Miss Laura Boggs
were united in marriage. The present Mrs. Bulson is a native of
Galva and a daughter of Light and Laura Boggs, residents of that
place. His holdings are located in Lynn and Victor townships, but
he resides on section 6 of Victoria township, his house facing the
road that divides Copley and Victor townships.
Ever since granted the right of franchise upon attaining his
majority, Mr. Bulson has accorded his support to the men and
measures of the democratic party. Although he is interested in local
political activities and meets the requirements of good citizenship
by the casting of his ballot on election day, he has never aspired
to office, always having preferred to give his undivided attention
to the development of his private affairs. Both Mr. Bulson and his
family are held in high esteem in the community, where the name has
been held in favorable regard for three generations, and the
hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them.
WILLIAM HENRY GIBBS.
William Henry Gibbs, who is successfully engaged in the insurance
business in Galva, Illinois, was born February 8, 1849, m
Philadelphia, his parents being Joseph D. and Ann Elizabeth (Goetzinger)
Gibbs, natives of Delaware county, New Jersey. The father came to
Knox county with his father, Martin Gibbs, who located at Gibbs
settlement, being at that time beside a Mr. Lafferty the only,
593.settler in Lynn township. Subsequently Joseph D. Gibbs returned
home, going by boat as far as Pennsylvania and working his way
overland through that state. The grandmother, Hannah Beck, died in
Illinois, in 1849. Joseph Davenport Gibbs passed away in 1891.
After spending a few years in the common schools and attending Galva
high school for two years and Coles Business College in Peoria,
Illinois, William IT. Gibbs assisted his father on the home farm
until he was twenty-four years of age. At that time he was married
and removed to the property which is now the Goff farm and where he
remained fifteen years previous to coming to Galva, in 1890. Upon
his arrival in this town he engaged in the insurance business, which
he is still conducting in connection with the real-estate business.
Mr. Gibbs was married to Miss Harriett Westerdale, who is a native
of London, England, having been born there in 1855. Her parents,
William and Sophia (Hampton) Westerdale, formerly of London, came to
Copley township in 1849 and engaged in agricultural pursuits, which
they followed for many years. In the meantime Mr. Westerdale
returned for a short visit to England and upon the conclusion of
this he returned to Copley township, where he again took up his
residence. His death occurred there in 1897, at the age of
eighty-eight years. Mrs. Westerdale was a daughter of James and
Henrietta Hampton, also natives of England, where the grandfather,
William Westerdale, Sr., enlisted for active service in the Crimean
war. He was a florist in London, and came to America with his family
by way of Canada and settled near Peoria, Illinois.
Janine and Wini stay off my
pages & do not copy & paste or whatever you do and reformat to make
it yours when it's mine first do your own work be honest for a
change!!! I thank you, my ancestors thank you and you soon thank
yourselves.
Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs have become the parents of three children. Eva
IT., the eldest, is the wife of James S. Richmond, of St. Charles,
Illinois. After graduating from Knox College she served as principal
of the high school for six years. Jessie Bruce is teaching vocal
music in Clinton, Illinois. She makes her home with her father.
James Hampton is bookkeeper and auditor with Parlin & Orendorff at
Canton, Illinois.
In politics Mr. Gibbs casts his vote independent of any party,
voting for the man or measure which he thinks will be most effective
in carrying out the policies which will promote civic welfare. He
was town clerk for seven years, having been elected on the people's
ticket. He holds membership in the Methodist church of Galva and is
a member of the Mystic Workers. Mrs. Gibbs is a prominent worker for
the temperance cause in her district and has served as president of
the Galva Women's Christian Temperance Union for four years. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs have won for themselves the respect and esteem of
all who know them and the circle of their friends is almost
coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
AUGUSTUS LUDING APPELL.
Augustus L. Appell, who has been a resident of Lynn township since
his birth on the Appell homestead, on the 23d of August, 1877, is a
son of Charles L. and Sophia (Anderson) Appell. To the parents,
whose births occurred on June n, 1837, and in April, 1849,
respectively, eleven children were born, namely: Lydia, who is the
wife of Rev. G. A. Brandell of Denver, Colorado; the Rev. 594 Alfred
Appell, who is residing in Pittsburg; Hannah, who is married to Gust
Liljaroot, of Lynn township, Knox county; Carl J., who is an
attorney in Chicago; Amanda, who is the wife of Otto Johnson, of
Henry county, Illinois; Augustus L., the subject of this review;
Edward J., who is a resident of Lynn township; Alfred and
Ferdinand L., both of whom are residing at home; Martin, who is
living at home; and Edith, who is also residing at home.
Augustus L. Appell spent his boyhood and youth in the manner common
to the average boy living on the farm. Lie attended the district
school for a few years and at the same time assisted his father with
the duties which daily came to hand on the farm. Later he devoted
his entire time and efforts to agricultural pursuits in which his
father was engaged, there learning to work along lines of profitable
and practical methods. Subsequently he worked out as a farm hand
until he was thirty years of age, when he began farming
independently on a part of the home property, where he is now
successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising. During
the five years of his management this property has been brought
under a greater productivity than it ever before showed, and the
energy, hard labor and attention to details which Mr. Appell is
displaying will in future years bring him increasing returns.
On September 25th, 1907, Mr. Appell was married to Miss Esther
Alfrida Nelson, whose birth occurred on the 22d of June, 1886, in
Henry county, and who is a daughter of Bert L. and Anna (Westman)
Nelson. The parents are fifty-five and forty-five years of age
respectively and are residing in Galva, Illinois. They became the
parents of four children, namely, Ambrose L., who is a resident of
Henry county; Mrs. Augustus L. Appell; and Dora Norena and Edna,
both of whom are living at home.
Although Mr. Appell is very active in political circles and gives
his support to the republican party, he neither seeks nor desires
office excepting, where he can assist in promoting local welfare. At
present he is serving his second term as justice of the peace. In
religious faith he is a Lutheran, holding membership in the Lutheran
church of Galva. In his community he enjoys the respect and esteem
of all who know him, accorded him because of the fidelity and
integrity, which characterize all his undertakings and relations.
JOHN
LOCKLIN.
John Locklin, a native and lifelong resident of Rio township, was
born January 16, 1865, his parents, Henry and Bridget (Welch)
Locklin, both being natives of Dublin, Ireland. The father left his
native country in the '50s and after arriving in America, resided in
New York state for one year before coming to Knox county and
settling at Galesburg, where he engaged in farming. From that time
until his death in Henry county, in 1902, at the age of sixty-seven
years, he was an agriculturist. His farm comprises six hundred and
forty acres and had been well cultivated for successful general
farming. Mrs. Locklin, who is seventy-three years of age, is still a
resident of Knox county.
John Locklin received his education in the common schools and the
remainder of his life has been spent in agricultural pursuits. Until
he was twenty-nine years of age he resided on his father's farm and
assisted in its cultivation, here learning the methods which have
brought his own farm to its high state of productively. He made his
independent start on the property of three hundred and twenty acres
which is still his home. Besides carrying on general farming he also
raises cattle and hogs for market purposes.
On January 25, 1894, Mr. Locklin was married to Miss Ella Torricelli,
the daughter of James and Mary Torricelli, who reside on their farm
in Sparta township. To Mr. and Mrs. Locklin was born a son, Bernard.
On the death of his first wife Mr. Locklin married Catherine Butler,
and to them have been born three children, namely: Eileen; Lucile;
and Alice.
Janine and Wini stay off my
pages & do not copy & paste or whatever you do and reformat to make
it yours when it's mine first do your own work be honest for a
change!!! I thank you, my ancestors thank you and you soon thank
yourselves.
In politics Mr. Locklin gives his support to the democratic party,
of whose principles he is a loyal supporter, and in religious, faith
he is a member of the Roman Catholic church. By devoting practically
his whole attention to his chosen pursuit not only has he proven his
worth and ability but he has also shown that the successful
agriculturist is the one who< possesses energy and power for
indefatigable labor.
J. H.
JUNK.
A highly prosperous agriculturist, who has acquired extensive
property interests in Rio township is J. H. Junk, whose realty
holdings in Knox county aggregate twelve hundred acres. He is the
second in order of birth of the four children in the family of
Samuel and Anna (Henderson) Junk, his natal day being the 30th of
January, 1861. The parents were both natives of Pennsylvania and
there they were also reared and educated. Samuel Junk, although a
carpenter by trade, engaged in farming during practically the entire
period of his active life. He came to Knox county with his brother
John, now a resident of Henderson, during the pioneer period. In
1867, he removed from Henderson to Rio township, where he bought a
farm for ten dollars per acre, to the further cultivation of which
he devoted his energies for many years. He subsequently retired from
the work of the fields and he and the mother removed to Rio, where
they lived the remainder of their lives. He passed away on the 8th
oŁ August, 1908, at the age of seventy-three, and the mother, who
was a daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Dunlap) Henderson, died on the
24th of February, 1903.
After he had completed his studies in the district schools, J. H.
Junk attended Knox College for a time and he also pursued a
commercial course, thus better qualifying himself for practical
business duties. In common with other lads who are reared in the
country, he was early assigned duties about the barn and fields and
by the time he had attained his maturity he had a thorough knowledge
of the practical methods of agriculture. After completing his
education he returned to the home farm, and has ever since engaged
in agricultural pursuits with the exception of two years when he was
in the hardware and also the real-estate business, in Galesburg. He
is a practical man possessed of foresight and sound judgment, and
has so intelligently directed his undertakings that he has
prospered. In 1903 he purchased the place, where he now lives
containing three hundred and sixty acres of land. It is in a high
state of productivity and equipped 598 with good modern improvements
and, are. Mr. Junk takes great pride in his homestead, he devotes
much time to keeping up its appearance. Here he engages in general
farming and stock-raising and under his capable and intelligent
direction both are proving to be very remunerative. He annually
reaps abundant harvests from his fields, the quality of which is
fully commensurate with the quantity and he keeps a good grade of
stock. Everything about his place manifests a careful regard for
details and thrift, as well as the spirit of progress that
characterizes the successful modern agriculturist.
At Hennepin, Illinois, on the 21st of September, 1887, Mr. Junk was
united in marriage to Miss Leota N. Corson, a daughter of William
and Harriet (Shinn) Corson. The father was a native of
Northumberland, Pennsylvania, and the mother was born and reared in
Virginia. William Corson, who was a farmer, first located in Henry
county, Illinois, but later went to Putnam county, whence he
removed, in 1891, to Knox, and he and his wife went to Rio, where he
lived retired until his death in 1910. The mother passed away in
1907. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Junk, as
follows: Albertus and William, both of whom are attending high
school; and La Vonne, who is studying in the Knox Conservatory of
Music.
Ever since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Junk
has given his political support to the men and measures of the
democratic party and he takes an active interest in all public
questions pertaining to the progress and welfare of the community.
Mr. Junk is one of the enterprising and successful residents of Rio
township, where he is held in high esteem by reason of his many fine
personal qualities as well as his business sagacity.
NED
S. STUCKEY.
Ned S. Stuckey, a resident farmer of Walnut Grove township, was born
July 22, 1877, on his present home place, and is a son of Richard C.
and Mary (Timmens) Stuckey. His paternal ancestors came from Germany
to America at an early period in the development of this country.
The grandfather, Charles Stuckey, married Rebecca Silvers and
devoted his life to farming in Pennsylvania. He died in 1872 at the
age of seventy-two years. His son, Richard C. Stuckey, was born in
Bedford county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1833, and came to Knox
county in May, 1853, locating on what has since been known as the
old homestead farm. There he continued to reside until 1897, when he
retired and removed to Altona, where his death occurred October 8,
1910. He wedded Mary Timmens, who was born in Madison county, Ohio,
February 29, 1836, a daughter of Thomas Timmens, of Carlton,
Pennsylvania, who was born in 1800 and died in 1863. In 1833 he
removed to Ohio and became one of the active and progressive farmers
of his locality and was especially prominent in the Universalist
church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Stuckey were born nine
children, but five of the number are now deceased. More extended
mention of the family is made in connection with the sketch of
Richard C. Stuckey on another page of this work. 599
After acquiring his education Ned S. Stuckey continued to engage in
the work of the home farm, managing the place and carrying on its
cultivation along progressive lines. His early training had been
thorough and he has kept in touch with progressive methods, so that
he is thoroughly familiar with the best ways of tilling the soil and
caring for the crops. Everything about his place presents a neat and
thrifty appearance and indicates his careful supervision. He is not
afraid of work, and earnest, intelligently directed labor has been
the basis of the success which has come to him.
Mr. Stuckey was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Chapman, who was
born December 25, 1887, in Henry county, Illinois, and is a daughter
of Robert and Carrie (Baer) Chapman. Her father is now living at La
Fayette, Illinois, where he follows farming, but her mother died in
1910 at the age of forty years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stuckey have been
born two children: Mary Irene, who was born October 17, 1908; and
Jessie May, born September 3, 1910. Mr. Stuckey is a member of the
Owl Lodge of Galva. He has never been active in politics, preferring
to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. The
occupation to which he was reared, he chose to make his life work,
and in the further development of his farm in Walnut Grove township
he is proving himself a capable and progressive business man. His
entire life has been spent in this locality, where he now has a wide
acquaintance, while his sterling traits of character have gained for
him the friendship and regard of many.
JOHN
W. ASPLUND.
John W. Asplund, who is an agriculturist residing on section 34,
Ontario township, was born in Sweden on May 4, 1850, his parents
being John P. and Anna (Lotta) Asplund, both of whom were natives of
Sweden, the former having been born there in 1819 and the latter in
1829. The father was engaged in farming in his native country until
he came to the United States with his family in 1867 and settled in
Henry county, Illinois. They located first in Andover, where Mr.
Asplund accepted employment on a near-by farm. He continued in this
line of work until his death, which occurred in 1893. Mrs. Asplund
passed away in Henry county several years later. Of their thirteen
children, six came to the United States and three were born in this
country.
John W. Asplund, who was the second child born to his parents,
received a common-school education both in Sweden and in America and
after he had laid aside his text-books was employed by the month at
farm work until he made himself independent at the age of twenty-two
years. Since that time he has operated a farm. In 1884 he came to
Knox county and after renting for twelve years he purchased one
hundred and forty acres, which is now highly developed and well
equipped for modern and intensive cultivation. In addition to
general farming he feeds cattle and hogs for market purposes and at
one time was also extensively engaged in raising sheep.
Mr. Asplund has been married three times. On the 25th of April,
1873, he was married to Carrie Johnson, a daughter of Samuel
Johnson, who is an agriculturist of Henry county, where he located
in 1869. To this union five children 600 were born, namely: Frank
A., who is employed on a railroad in Nevada; William W., an
agriculturist of Illinois; Peter M., deceased; Josephine W., who is
married to Oscar Hagerstrom, a plumber of St. Louis; and Amanda C,
who is residing in Galesburg and is the wife of G. E. Carlson, a
railroad fireman and to whom one child, Frances Josephine, has been
born. Mrs. Asplund's death occurred in August, 1882. Mr. Asplund's
second union occurred in September, 1884, when he wedded Emma
Christina, who was a daughter of Swan Johnson and whose death
occurred in 1895. In October of 1897 Mr. Asplund married Clara
Anderson, a daughter of John August and Anna Anderson, of
Burlington, Iowa. To this union five children have been born,
namely: Robert, deceased; and Irene, Maria, Alma and John Wilbur.
Janine and Wini stay off my
pages & do not copy & paste or whatever you do and reformat to make
it yours when it's mine first do your own work be honest for a
change!!! I thank you, my ancestors thank you and you soon thank
yourselves.
Mr. Asplund gives his political allegiance to the republican party
and in religious faith is a Lutheran, holding membership in the
Swedish Lutheran church of Wataga. His fraternal affiliations are
with the Masons of Oneida.
WILLIAM FRITZ.
William Fritz, who is now living retired in Rio, where he owns a
very comfortable home, was for many years actively engaged in
agricultural pursuits in Knox county. His birth occurred in Milford
township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, on the 8th of February,
1834, his parents being Adam and Elizabeth (Philippi) Fritz, who
were likewise natives of Somerset county. In the paternal line he is
of German extraction, the great-grandfather having been born and
reared in the old country, whence he emigrated to America, settling
in Pennsylvania. There his son, William Fritz, the grandfather of
our subject, passed his entire life, devoting his energies to the
operation of a large farm which he owned in Somerset county.
The boyhood and youth of William Fritz were passed in a community,
where his family had resided continuously for three generations. Lie
was given a common-school education, such time as he was not
occupied with his studies being passed in a manner very similar to
that of other lads of the same period and circumstances. After
laying aside his school books, he gave his entire attention to the
work of his father's farm, where he received a good training in the
practical methods of agriculture. Later he worked for an uncle and a
cousin, both of whom were farmers, continuing to reside in his
native state until he had attained the age of eighteen years. In
1852 together with John B. Senneff, a brother-in-law, Mr. Fritz came
west, making the entire journey from Pennsylvania to Illinois in a
wagon he had built for the purpose. Upon their arrival in this state
they first located in Lee county. He remained there for a year and
then went to Warren county, where he spent a similar period, his
next removal being to Mercer county. There he acquired a farm that
he successfully operated until 1875, when he disposed of it and came
to Knox county, investing his capital in one hundred and
thirty-seven and a half acres of land, located on the dividing line
between this and Mercer counties. The further development of this
place engaged the energies of Mr. Fritz until the 21st of August,
1895, when he withdrew from the active work of the fields and
removed to the village of Rio. Here 601 he is enjoying the ease and
comfort that is the justly merited reward of his long years of labor
and self-denial, but his life is far from being an idle one, as he
owns four acres of land that he devotes to gardening. He has always
been too active and enterprising to retire from all work, and takes
great delight in keeping up his property and takes especial pride in
his garden, which is said to be one of the finest in the village.
On the 3d of August, 1858, Mr. Fritz was united in marriage to Miss
Caroline C. Abell, a daughter of Simon Kingsley and Lydia (Proctor)
Abell. The father was a native of the state of New York and the
mother of Vermont, but in their early youth they removed to Ohio,
where they met and were subsequently married. The father engaged in
farming in Lake county, that state, for many years, removing from
there to Carroll county, Illinois, in 1852. The parents thereafter
continued to reside in this state, passing away in Mercer county.
The paternal grandfather, Asa Abell, was one of the pioneers of
Ohio, removing there from New York, where he had always followed the
carpenter and cabinet maker's trade. Six children have been born
unto Mr. and Mrs. Fritz. Charles W., who was the eldest, died in
infancy. Asa E., who owns a fine farm in Mercer county, married
Clara Breckenridge, of that county, and they have eight children :
William H.; Lillian E.; Raymond ; Donald, who is deceased ; John ;
Ira ; Rollo; and Charles Wesley. Ira E., a twin brother of Asa E.,
completed his education in the college at Shenandoah, Iowa, and is
now engaged in the furniture business at Galesburg. Lillian A. lives
in Galesburg, where she keeps house for her brother. Fred married
Eva Buffin and has two children, Blanche and Charles. Carrie
completed her education at Hedding College, after which she taught
for a time in Rio township, but is now bookkeeper for the Anderson
Hardware Company, at Rio.
The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Fritz is manifested through
their membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in the faith of
which they reared their family. He is a republican in politics, but
does not endorse the policy of this party regarding the liquor
traffic, favoring the stand the prohibitionists take on this
particular question. While residing in the country he served as
school trustee and Pathmaster, always taking an active interest in
all township affairs. Mr. Fritz has led an unobtrusive but efficient
life, having discharged his duties from day to day to the best of
his ability, his every act guided and directed by the high standards
and upright principles that characterize the best type of citizens.
GUST
LOFGREN.
Gust Lofgren, who resides on his farm which is situated on section
12, Ontario township, was born in Kalmar, Sweden, July 1, 1859. He
was the son of John and Anna (Bowgren) Lofgren, both of whom were
natives of Sweden. The father, who was engaged in farming there,
died in 1859, when his son Gust was only eleven weeks old. The
mother resided in her native country until 1883, when she came to
America and spent her remaining days with a son in Sparta township.
She died in 1907, at the age of eighty-three years. 602
Janine and Wini stay off my
pages & do not copy & paste or whatever you do and reformat to make
it yours when it's mine first do your own work be honest for a
change!!! I thank you, my ancestors thank you and you soon thank
yourselves.
Gust Lofgren was reared and received a common-school education in
his native country, working on his father's farm until 1880. At that
date he came to America, locating in Henry county, Illinois, where
he remained five years. Subsequently he came to Knox county, where
he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he now
resides. He engages in general farming and also raises hogs and
cattle quite extensively. He is very successful in the financial
world and owns stock in the Oneida Farmers' Elevator and also in
elevators in Nekoma, and is a stockholder in the bank at Galva.
On the 8th of April, 1886, Mr. Lofgren wedded Miss Almeda Peterson,
a daughter of Charles and Dorothea (Bloomberg) Peterson, of Henry
county. The father was an old settler in that county, having come
there in 1854, at the time of the construction of the railroad, and
later engaged in farming. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Mr.
and Mrs. Lofgren have become the parents of three children, Ella,
Edward and Dora. In politics Mr. Lofgren is a republican, and he has
served as road supervisor. He gives much attention to the interests
of education and has been a member of the school board. Both he and
his wife are members of the Swedish Lutheran church at Altona and
are highly esteemed residents of the community, having won the warm
regard of all with whom they have come in contact.
JAY WELSH.
Jay Welsh, who owns and operates one of the largest farms in Truro
township, was born in the township where he now resides, in 1861,
and is a son of Squire Michael Welsh. 692
A descendant of one of Knox county's early pioneers, Jay Welsh is
well known in this vicinity, where he has passed his entire life.
When old enough to begin his education he entered the school of his
home district, and was there introduced to the elements of English
learning, afterward attending school at Maquon. His early schooling
was
subsequently supplemented by a course at Lombard College, from which
institution he was graduated. Having been reared on a farm, when
confronted with the necessity of selecting a vocation after leaving
college, he decided in favor of the one to which he had been trained
from childhood. That his decision was a wise one is manifested by
the success attending his efforts. His is one of the most highly
cultivated and best improved farms in the township. In the direction
of his undertakings, Mr. Welsh has as rigidly adhered to system and
method as he would have followed
in directing either an industrial or commercial enterprise. He is
practical in his ideas and progressive in his methods, and his
personal attention is given to everything about his place. His
fields annually yield abundant harvests, the quality of which is
fully equal to the quantity, and in connection with his general
farming he also raises stock of a good grade.
Janine and Wini stay off my
pages & do not copy & paste or whatever you do and reformat to make
it yours when it's mine first do your own work be honest for a
change!!! I thank you, my ancestors thank you and you soon thank
yourselves.
Mr. Welsh is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church, and his
political support he gives to the democratic party. He takes an
active interest in township affairs of a governmental nature and has
discharged the duties of tax collector, road commissioner and school
director. The greater part of his life 672
time and attention to the present time. He carries a stock of goods
of the best quality and this, combined wit |