|
721 HISTORY OF
KNOX COUNTY, Illinois
ALBERT WILLIAM HAMERSTRAND
The agricultural interests of Lynn township have a worthy
representative in Albert William Hamerstrand, who was born in that
township on the 5th of February, 1878, his parents being John and
Anna (Collinson) Hamerstrand. The father was born in Smaland, Sweden,
May 29, 1840, and until he came to America at the age of
twenty-eight years, was engaged in the carpenter's trade in
Stockholm. Upon arriving in America he went directly to Altona,
where he was employed by a railway but subsequently took up farming
for Robert Wilber near Victoria. Later he was with C. Appell, but
after seven years' employ rented the farm upon which his son Albert
was born. He erected the house upon this place, and its
substitutability attests his ability as a carpenter. Playing in the
course of eight years rented three different farms, he then
purchased the farm on which they lived for twenty-three years, until
the spring of 1909, when they retired and purchased a residence in
Galva, Illinois, where they now reside, leaving the cultivation of
the farm to their son, Albert William, who has now made it his home
for over twenty-six years. Mrs. Hamerstrand was born the 3d of
August, 1858, at Vester, Gotland, Sweden, and came to this country
with her parents at the age of ten she being the oldest of eight
children, and a daughter of Andrew Magnus Collison. The children of
Mr. and Mrs. Hamerstrand are: Albert William, who is the subject of
this sketch: Elma, who is the wife of Nels Henrikson, an
agriculturist of Lynn township and who has one child; and Fern, who
is residing with her parents.
After finishing his common-school education Albert Hamerstrand
assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm but
subsequently attended the Galva high school for one year, and later
the Augustana Business College of Rock Island, from which he was
graduated. After finishing these various courses he took up active
farming and remained at home. His ability and progressiveness were
of great value to his father, and together they cultivated one of
the most profitable and highly productive farms in the township. On
the 11th of January, 1905, Mr. Hamerstrand was married to Emily
Elizabeth Johnson, the daughter of Hans and Betsy Johnson, born on
the 24th of March, 1882. Hans and Betsy Johnson were the parents of
three children: Arthur and
722 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY, Illinois
Emanuel, who are residing at home, and Mrs. Hamerstrand. Mr. and
Mrs. Hamerstrand are the parents of one son, Maurice William, born
October 25, in 1905.
The republican party, with its progressive and successful measures
of prosperity, and its ardent support of many of the policies which
have brought about our national welfare, has won Mr. Hamerstrand's
allegiance. He is at present serving as township clerk, an office
which he has held for eleven years. He also holds the office of
school director and telephone director. Both he and his wife are
members of the Swedish Lutheran church of Galva, in which the former
has served as auditor for many years and the latter has been an
active member of the Ladies' Aid Society.
Sweden has frequently sent men to Knox county whose thrift, industry
and progressiveness have aided materially in developing the natural
resources of the county. Of these none have been more active than
the Hamerstrand, who have always been energetic, diligent and
untiring in their efforts to fulfill the duties which lay before
them in their agricultural pursuits. By his close application to
work and living in accordance with the strictest principles of
integrity and honor, Mr. Hamerstrand has won for himself the respect
and esteem of his fellow citizens.
ALBERT
LENG.
One of the thoroughly progressive and enterprising agriculturists of
Truro township is Albert Leng, who owns and operates two hundred and
ninety-five acres of land, located three miles north of
Williamsfield. He was born in Scarborough, Yorkshire, England, on
July 2, 1841, and is a son of John and Ann (Woodall) Leng, who
always made their home in the mother country, the father having
passed away when our subject was a child of three years.
Albert Leng was educated in the common schools of England, where he
resided until he had attained the age of twenty-nine years. Being an
enterprising and ambitious young man, America had always appeared
very attractive to him, as he felt convinced from the reports he had
received, that better opportunities must be afforded for advancement
here than in his native country, so in 1870 he took passage for the
United States. When he arrived in this country he came directly to
Illinois, first settling in Scott county, where he remained from
June to October, when he went to Peoria county. He worked out as a
farm hand for a time, thus acquiring sufficient capital to purchase
eighty acres of land that he operated with excellent success until
1885. In the latter year he again changed his location, this time
becoming a resident of Knox county, purchasing a place in the
vicinity of Rochester. He owned this and also the farm in Peoria
county until 1892, when he disposed of both places and bought the
property where he now lives. During the period of his ownership he
has placed many improvements on his farm, including a commodious
country residence, suitable barns and substantial outbuildings. Pie
is a man of progressive ideas and practical methods and as his
circumstances have permitted has added to the comfort and
convenience of his homestead by the introduction of various modern
appliances and
725 inventions. His fields are devoted to the raising of such
cereals as are best adapted to the soil, all of the work on the
fields now being done by Mr. Leng's sons. In addition to general
farming he has made a specialty of stock-raising, both branches of
the business having brought him very satisfactory returns.
Furthermore, Mr. Leng is the owner of one hundred and forty acres
near Mil-bank, South Dakota. His son, Luther E., recently bought two
hundred and sixteen acres in Truro township, having sold his
holdings in Peoria county to his brother E. G. Leng.
In Peoria county, on the 5th of February, 1874, Mr. Leng was united
in marriage to Miss Mary Frances Aby, who was born on the 2d of
September, 1851, and is a daughter of Elder and Mary Ann (Murphy)
Aby. Nine children have been born of this marriage, as follows:
Luther E., who was born on the 25th of February, 1875; James E.,
born November 23, 1876, now deceased; Mary S., born on the 23d of
December, 1877, the wife of H. Spencer, of this county, and the
mother of five children, three daughters and two sons; Lyman W.,
born on December 23, 1880, who married Jessie Keneer and has one
child, that is now deceased; Lulu O., who was born October 17, 1882,
and died January 15, 1908, the wife of W. F. Porter of Victoria, by
whom she had two sons and one daughter; Robert N., born September
17, 1884; Ewart Gladstone, born on the 28th of December, 1887, who
married Anna Rich, of Peoria county, and has two children; Edna E.,
born on October 6, 1889, she was the wife of George Keneer and
the mother of one child; and Carl E., whose birth occurred on
February 24, 1892.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Leng hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church, among the congregation of which they number many friends,
and his political support he accords to the populist party. He has
always taken an active interest in township affairs and has served
as road commissioner and school director and at the present time is
justice of the peace. Much credit is due Mr. Leng for the prosperity
he has achieved, as he came to this country with no capital save the
strength and optimism that accompanies youth and tireless energy. He
has directed his undertakings in an intelligent manner, manifesting
rare business sagacity and foresight in the development of his
interests and as a result has realized good dividends on the
investment of his labor.
JOHN HAMILTON PATTERSON.
Although thirty-seven years have elapsed since John Hamilton
Patterson passed away, he is still well remembered by many of the
older citizens of Knoxville, as one of the promising agriculturists
of his township. He was born in Adams county, Ohio, on the 14th of
April, 1840, the only child of Alexander and Hannah (Smith)
Patterson, who were natives of Dayton. Ohio. The father, who was an
agriculturist, was engaged in farming in his native state for many
years, but he and his wife later removed to Decatur, Indiana, where
they both passed away.
John Hamilton Patterson was educated in the district schools, and
while pursuing his studies also assisted his father with the work
about the farm. At the age of sixteen, self-confidence asserted
itself and he left the paternal home and came to Illinois, at that
time considered a western border state. He located in Knox county in
1856 and engaged in farming, ultimately acquiring property of his
own. Enterprising and ambitious, he applied himself energetically to
whatever he undertook, directing his endeavors with foresight and
intelligence. Just when his efforts began reaping financial returns
and the future gave every assurance of promise his endeavors were
terminated by death. He was accidentally killed by the falling wall
of a burning building on the 18th of December, 1874, being at the
time but thirty-four years of age.
On the 15th of February, 1861, Mr. Patterson was united in
marriage to Miss Mary M. Brashear, whose birth occurred in Ohio, on
the 6th of August, 1839. Her parents were Bazil and Eleanor (Shaw)
Brashear, natives of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where they were
also married. During the early years of their domestic life they
removed to Ohio and there the father engaged in farming for a time
but he subsequently came to Knoxville, and here both parents passed
away. Their family consisted of the following children: Elizabeth,
who married a Mr. Engle and has passed away; John and Haford, both
of whom are also deceased; Bazil, who is a resident of Bond county,
this state; Ruth, the widow of Robert Patterson, who served for four
years in the Union army; and Mary M., the widow of John H.
Patterson.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Patterson. Ira E., the
eldest, who resides in Orange township, this county, married Miss
Flora Thomas, of Springfield, Illinois, and they have two daughters,
Edna and Frances. Harvey D., who is a resident of Missouri, married
Mae Thomas of Springfield, this state, and they have three sons, Roy
A., Fred L. and Harvey E. Frank A., who lives in Fulton county,
Illinois, married Bessie Church of Cambridge and they have one
child, Glendora, Emma M. has passed away.
In matters of citizenship Mr. Patterson was public-spirited and
progressive, but he never sought political preferment, although he
discharged his civic duties by appearing at the polls on election
day, casting his ballot in support of the candidates of the
republican party. During the period of his residence in Knox county,
which covered eighteen years, he won and retained the friendship of
many of its citizens, who held him in high esteem by reason of his
many fine sterling qualities.
GEORGE F. HILTON, M. D.
Dr. George F. Hilton, engaged in the practice of medicine at St.
Augustine, Knox county, Illinois, his recognized ability winning him
a liberal patronage, was born in Fulton county, this state, December
8, 1855, his parents being David and Sarah A. (Bishop) Hilton. The
ancestry can be traced back to several generations in this country
and it is well known that the first of the name came from England.
The great-great-grandfather was a native of Maine and William
Hilton, the great-grandfather, was born in Wiscasset, Maine, August
15, 1759, and died July 14, 1846. His wife, Catherine B. Hilton, was
born May 24, 1764, and died July 8, 1816. Their children were:
David, who was born September 727 10, 1782, and died January 13,
1838; Hannah, who was born January 27, 1784, and died September 18,
1844; Martha, who was born February 9, 1786, and died May 6, 1819;
Jessie, who was born May 1, 1788, and died in March, 1862; Joshua,
who was born March 15, 1790, and died December 27, 1876; Nancy, who
was born September 30, 1792, and died November 24, 1861 ; Thomas,
who was born February 28, 1795, and died September 16, 1862; Oliver,
who was born March 24, 1797, and died in May, 1877; Emma, who was
born October 2, 1799, and died in February, 1875; Helen, who was
born January 3, 1802, and died in August, 1883; Daniel, who was born
July 19, 1804, and died in December, 1873; and Martha, who was born
July 25, 1807, and died March 28, 1877.
Of this family Joshua Hilton was the grandfather of Dr. Hilton. He
was born, as previously stated, March 15, 1790, and died December
27, 1876. His wife, Sally Hilton, was born June 1, 1794, and died
March 21, 1881. Their children were: McKinney, who was born
September 22, 1814; Catherine, who was born August 27, 1816, and
died December 16, 1878; Asa, who was born December 22, 1819, and
died February 3, 1820; Sarah, who was born March 10, 1821; Amos, who
was born April 26, 1823, and died January 5, 1885; David, the father
of our subject; Caroline, who was born August 27, 1832, and died May
5, 1836; and Joshua, who was born August 27, 1835.
David Hilton, the father of our subject, was born in Maine, June 24,
1827, and in early life removed to Ohio. In the late '50s he became
a resident of Fulton county, Illinois, and spent his remaining days
there upon a farm, his death occurring July 9, 1896, when he had
reached the age of sixty-nine years. In early life he engaged in the
butchering business in California, having made the trip to that
state with ox teams, spending three years upon the Pacific coast. He
married Sarah A. Bishop, who was born February 26, 1831, and died
February 26, 1903. In their family were the following children.
Jasper, who was born October 14, 1851, passed away on the 5th of
October, 1852. Cyrus, the next of the family, was born on the 24th
of February, 1853. George F., of this review, is the next younger.
Henry W., born September 15, 1857, married Mary A. Maranville, who
was born in 1861, and they became the parents of eleven children:
Lola, who was born October 30, 1876, and died November 19, 1876;
Orpha Bell, who was born May 24, 1879, and^ died March 20, 1910;
Fan-nie, born April 21, 1881 ; David, who was born September 13,
1883, and died February 5, 1904; Dayton, born August 22, 1885; Ethel
V., born December 29, 1887; Harley, born in March, 1889; Jesse, born
May 7, 1890; Elra Ray, born July 6, 1892; Skeet, born September 19,
1895; and Ina, born October 28, 1897. Mary, the daughter of David
and Sarah A. Hilton, was born August 19, 1859, and married Lewis K.
Hoar, a resident of Vandalia, Illinois, who is known throughout the
state as a very successful contractor and business man. Six children
were born to them, namely: Effie May, who was born November 4, 1879,
and died February 26, 1881; Bertha Estella, who was born October 27,
1881, and died August 9, 1889; Sarah Ellen, who was born August 12,
1884; Edna Fern, who was born June 15, 1887, and died July 12, 1910;
Martha Lutta, who was born November 23, 1890, and died January 29,
1891; and Jesse Daniel, who was born November 21, 1891, and died
October 21, 1892. John W., born March 13, 1862, passed away on the
13th of February, 1898. Stephen Leonard, born 728 December 21, 1863,
married Serilda Ann Moon, who was born January 18, 1868, and they
became the parents of six children, namely: Ina May, born February
7, 1888; Charles David, who was born May 9, 1889, and died September
29, 1910; William Wesley, who was born November 2, 1890, and died
November 8, 1895; Sarah Pearl, born February 28, 1896; Mabel
Frances, born November 22, 1902; and Velva Dora, born September 4,
1904. Of this family Charles David was married, his wife being Alice
Holman, who was born May 12, 1886, and they had one daughter, Helen
J., born March 24, 1910. Jessie was born May 21, 1865. Martin L. was
born September 12, 1867. Sarah E. was born January 12, 1870, and
died on the 9th of February, 1871.
Dr. Hilton acquired his education in Cuba, Illinois, being graduated
from the high school with the class of 1875. During his high-school
days he also took up the study of medicine and in 1875 entered the
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Keokuk, Iowa, from which he
was graduated in 1879. Immediately afterward he began the practice
of medicine in St. Augustine, Illinois, where he has since
continued. He has practiced with phenomenal success here, his labors
being attended with results that indicate his comprehensive
knowledge of the science of medicine and his correct application of
its principles. Fie has written many valuable articles on medical
science pertaining to pathology and the treatment of disease and he
always maintains that there are two important principles in
medicine—first, the diagnosis of the case and second, the
application of the remedy. He is now the owner of a fine office
building and an attractive residence in St. Augustine and has also
invested in railroad stock.
In 1881 Dr. Hilton was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Louise
Supple, who was born in St. Augustine, June 15, 1858, and died
November 28, 1890. They became the parents of three children: Leo,
who was born May 22, 1882, and died April 20, 1884; Irene Frances,
who was born May .22, 1885; and Charles Demott, who was born April
1, 1887, and is now in the employ of a railroad company, living in
Kansas City, Missouri.
Dr. Hilton holds membership in the Catholic church and also belongs
to the Modern Woodmen camp, No. 4234, and to the Royal Neighbors,
No. 395. In politics he has been a lifelong democrat and, while he
has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, he has
labored effectively in behalf of the cause of education during his
nine years' service as school director. His professional relations
are with the Knox County and Illinois State Medical Societies and at
all times he keeps in touch with the advanced work, thought and
purposes of the profession.
PROFESSOR GEORGE HOWARD
BRIDGE.
Professor George Howard Bridge, supervisor of manual training, in
the high school of Galesburg, was born in De Kalb county, Illinois,
May 2y, 1857. He is descended from English ancestry but
comparatively little is known back of the last generation. His
father, George Bridge, was a native of Dorchester, England, and was
reared in Dorchester, where he afterward learned and followed the
butcher's trade, continuing in that pursuit until he came to America
729 about 1855. After establishing his home in DeKalb county, he
there opened a butchering business which he continued until 1864,
when he came to Gales-burg and for a number of years was proprietor
of a meat market here. He married Hannah (Read) Leggett, also a
native of Suffolk and a daughter of Stephen and Mary (Howard) Read,
who were likewise natives of England. Her father who was a farmer
died in middle life and her mother reached an advanced age. In their
family were twelve children' including Mrs. Bridge. George Bridge
spent the last years of his life in Nebraska and his widow is now
living with her son George H. She was twice married, her first
husband being Isaac Leggett, by whom she had one child, Walter, who
is now deceased. The seven children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Bridge
are: George H.; Everett, the wife of William Putnam, of Kansas;
Clara L., the wife of S. C. Greaves, of Harrison, Arkansas; Emma J.,
the wife of W. C. Whitmore, of Surprise, Nebraska; John R., of
Galesburg; Mae, the wife of William Warren, of Mon-mouth, Illinois;
and one who died in infancy.
Professor Bridge spent the first seven years of his life in the
county of his nativity but has been a resident of Galesburg for
forty-seven years, largely acquiring his education in the public
schools of this city and in the Western Business College of
Galesburg, from which he was graduated in 1879. For a time he was
one of the proprietors of a commercial college at Lawrence, Kansas,
in partnership with M. H. Barringer under the firm name of Bridge &
Barringer, the connection being maintained for two years. He then
returned to the Galesburg public schools as supervisor of penmanship
in all of the schools, continuing to occupy that position for ten or
fifteen years, during which time he had charge of the commercial
work. In 1887, however, he organized the manual training department
of which he is still the supervisor and under his direction there
are now about four hundred and thirty boys pursuing the course. The
Galesburg schools were among the first in the state to introduce
manual training as well as to establish an elective course and were
also among the first to introduce the practical phase of manual
training. The boys are given instruction in all kinds of wood work
and recently iron work has also been introduced. This is of marked
assistance to the public-school pupils, preparing many of them for
the practical and responsible duties which come later in life.
Professor Bridge holds to high ideals and attempts to establish a
standard that will produce thoroughness, efficiency and reliability.
More than one man now successful in a chosen field of labor received
the impetus for his progress in the instruction of Professor Bridge.
The 5th of April, 1881, was the wedding day of Professor Bridge and
Miss Minerva I. Olin, who was born in Aurora, Kane county, Illinois,
April 4, 1857. Her parents, Edwin C. and Cynthia Olin, however, were
natives of New York, who became early residents of Aurora, coming to
Illinois in 1853. In 1855 Mr. Olin entered the employ of the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, with whom he
continued for nearly forty-five years, during most of the time in
the capacity of bridge superintendent. The family removed to
Galesburg in 1873. In 1902 Mr. Olin went to Conway, Iowa, to look
after his farming interests, but about a year later passed away
there on May 3, 1903. Mrs. Olin died at the home of her daughter,
Mrs. Bridge, in Galesburg in 1908. In the family were two children,
Minerva and Ida, the latter the wife of C. U.
730
Goldsmith, of Lincoln, Nebraska. Unto Professor and Mrs. Bridge have
been born seven children. Glenn F., who was a graduate of the
Galesburg high school and also attended the State University at
Champaign, Illinois, for two years, died of mountain fever when
twenty-two years of age, at Salida, Colorado. Earle R., who is a
graduate of the high school and of Knox College, has taught for six
years in the Galesburg high school and is now assistant supervisor
of manual training. Arthur H., who, following his graduation from
high school, spent two years in Knox College, is now managing a
large farm in Cass county, North Dakota. Irene O. is a graduate of
the high school and of Knox College, and Gordon H., Ruth J. and Edna
are all pupils of the high school.
Mr. and Mrs. Bridge are members of the Baptist church, in the work
of which they are actively and helpfully interested, contributing in
many ways to various branches of the church work. For several years
Professor Bridge was chairman of the board of deacons, is now
chairman of the board of trustees and for two years was
superintendent of the Sunday school. He votes with the republican
party, but has never sought nor desired office, preferring that his
public service should be of another character. A resident of
Galesburg for forty-seven years, he has been connected with its
public schools for thirty-one years of that time and his work in
behalf of public instruction has been of a practical character and
of far-reaching benefit. He is now the president of the Sixth Ward
Improvement Society and vice president of the Galesburg Improvement
Association. In other ways he has taken an active and helpful
interest in the general welfare of this city and his cooperation can
be counted upon to further any movement for the public good. His
residence is at No. 1590 West Main street, where in 1900 he erected
an elegant home, one of the finest in the city.
MRS. LYDIA M. HALL.
Mrs. Lydia M. Hall, who is now living in Yates City, has been a
resident of Knox county since she was a child of nine years. She was
born in Erie county, New York, and is a daughter of James and Sarah
J. (Candee) Jobes, natives of Onondaga county, New York, where they
were also reared and educated. After their marriage they located in
Erie county, twenty miles south of Buffalo, whence they removed to
Illinois. They first located in Kendall county and after residing
there for seven years came to Knox county, settling in Salem
township, in 1854, where they spent the remainder of their days, the
father passing away at the age of eighty-five and the mother at
ninety-one. Both were laid to rest in the cemetery at Uniontown. Of
the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jobes there were born ten children.
Wallace, a veteran of the Civil war, now residing in Tecumseh,
Nebraska, married. Amanda Buffin, who was reared in Knox county.
Newton married Margaret Russell, who was born and reared in Salem
township, this county, a daughter of Nicholas and Sarah Russell.
Irvin, also a Civil war veteran, married Lucinda Lewis, now
deceased, and is living in Seattle, Washington. Candee is married
and resides in Abingdon, Illinois. Julia became the wife of Peter
Cassler and now resides in New Jersey. Mary married Walter Faxom.
733
She is living in Salem township and Mr. Faxom, who died in 1897, was
both a farmer and mason by profession. The next in order of birth
are Casper, who is a retired farmer, residing at Yates City, and
Mrs. Hall. Sarah died at the age of six years. Emma, the youngest in
this family, died in infancy. Mrs. Jobes was a member of the
Presbyterian church. Politically Mr. Jobes was a republican, but
never filled or sought public office. They were most estimable
people and had a wide circle of acquaintances, who held them in the
highest regard.
Mrs. Lydia M. Hall, the youngest now living, was but two years of
age, when she accompanied her parents on their removal from New York
to Illinois. She began her education in the district schools of
Kendall county, supplementing the knowledge therein gained by
further study in the schools of Salem township, where she was reared
to womanhood.
In 1864, while yet in her early girlhood, Mrs. Hall, who has been
married twice, became the wife of Matthew Buffum, who was born and
reared in Ohio, a son of Stephen and Esther Buffum. They began their
domestic life on a farm of three hundred acres in Salem township,
where they made their home until Mr. Buffum's death. After his
demise the greater part of the property was sold, but Mrs. Hall
still owns one hundred and twenty acres located on sections 19 and
20 in Salem township. Mr. Buffum passed away in 1891 and was laid to
rest in the Uniontown cemetery. He was a democrat in politics and
always took an active interest in township affairs, having served
both as road commissioner and school director.
Following the death of her first husband, Mrs. Hall removed to Yates
City, where she has ever since resided, her farm being operated by
tenants. Her second marriage was with Cyrus Hall, who was a native
of Ohio and a son of Chauncey Hall. Mr. Hall died in 1906, and was
at that time a retired farmer.
Mrs. Hall is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work
of which she takes an active and earnest interest. She is also a
member of the Ladies' Aid Society and holds the office of treasurer
in that organization. For a period of eighteen years Mrs. Hall has
been a resident of Yates City, and numbers among its citizens many
warm friends, to whom she has endeared herself through the kindly,
helpful spirit and gracious manner that enable her to win and retain
the high regard of those with whom she comes in contact.
MRS. CATHERINE U. GREEP.
Mrs. Catherine U. Greep, who is the widow of Hans Greep, formerly a
well known agriculturist of Lynn township, is still residing upon
the homestead. She was born February 14, 1851, in Galesburg, and is
the daughter of Joel and Julia (Annis) Starboard. Joel Starboard was
the son of John Starboard, an efficient carpenter and cabinet worker
who passed away when his son was ten years of age, the mother having
died six years previous. The orphaned son was reared by an aunt and
came to Galesburg in 1842, where he followed the plow-makers' and
shingle-makers' trade. Eleven years later, in March 1853, he removed
to the present homestead in Lynn township, where he lived out an
active and successful career. Mr. and Mrs. Starboard were the
parents of four children: 734
Martha A., who is the wife of H. Lyke, of Iowa; Mary, who is married
to Thomas Williams of Missouri; Ella N.; and Mrs. Catherine U.
Greep, the subject of this review.
Until her marriage Mrs. Greep remained at home and assisted with the
duties which come to hand on every farm. In 1873 she was married to
Hans Greep, who was born in May, 1844, and who was a native of
Sweden. When three years of age he came to America with his parents
and settled with the Bishop Hill colony. His father, John Eric
Greep, was a tailor by trade and was married to Catherine Johnson.
His death occurred April 18, 1899, when he was eighty-two years of
age, and his widow passed away in February, 1908, at the age of
eighty-eight years. During his active career Mr. Greep was engaged
in agricultural pursuits, first assisting his father and later
farming independently in Lynn township. After his marriage he
purchased the present Greep homestead in 1882, and twelve years
later removed to Galva, Illinois, where he died in 1905. After the
death of her husband Mrs. Greep returned to the farm, where she is
now residing. They were the parents of three children: Orpha E., who
is a home missionary in North Dakota; Theodore W., who has assumed
the management of the home farm; and Olive S., who is residing with
her mother.
Mrs. Greep traces her ancestry on the maternal line back to Samuel
and Johanna (Thorndyke) Annis, the former a native of Maine who died
in Victoria in 1854 at the age of ninety years and the latter, of
Scotch-Irish descent, passed away in the same town. Their son,
Ellison Annis, was born in 1792 in Waldo county, Maine. In early
life he left his native state and crossed the country to the
Illinois river on July 4, 1837, settling in Victoria on the 28th of
July of that year. He was married to Catherine Maro, whose birth
occurred, in 1796, in Boston and who passed away in 1871, while her
husband died at the age of about eighty-nine years in July, 1880. He
began life as a sailor and was in the war of 1812 drawing a land
warrant for his service. During this service he first became
acquainted with the western country.
Mrs. Greep's life has been devoted to her home duties and to the
interests of her church. She holds membership in the Second
Adventist church, and aims to live in accordance with the high
principles of its teachings. Both she and her husband have been
useful citizens in their community, because of their substantial
moral worth and because of their constant devotion to duty.
GEORGE W. WITHERELL.
George W. Witherell is the owner of the Spring Brook Stock Farm, in
the operation of which he is meeting with a gratifying degree of
success. He is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred in
Washington county, on the 8th of September, 1845, and a son of
Ephraim H. and Rebecca (Donaldson) Witherell. Mr. Witherell traces
his ancestry back to the colonial days, his great-grandfathers in
both lines having participated in the Revolution, while his
grandfather, Witherell, was a captain of artillery in the war of
1812, and his grandfather, Donaldson, a captain of infantry. The
paternal ancestors came from 735 Vermont, where his father was born
in 1816, but when a child of two years he was taken to Pennsylvania
by his parents and there he was reared and educated. After leaving
school he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed during
the greater part of his active life. The mother of our subject was
born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and it was there she and
Mr. Witherell were married and spent the early days of their
domestic life. In 1840 they removed to Washington county, Indiana,
where for five years he followed his trade and also that of
shoemaker. The expiration of that period they again started
westward, this time settling in Peoria county, Illinois, continuing
to make their home there until 1851, when they came to Knox county.
There they settled on a farm in Kickapoo township, but at the end of
two years located in Knoxville, and here the father passed away in
1908, at the age of ninety-two years, while the mother was
seventy-one at the time of her demise, The family of Mr. and Mrs.
Witherell consisted of one daughter, Ursula, who died in 1861, and
six sons, who are as follows: Loren R., who is a resident of
Knoxville; George W., our subject; Willard, who is living in
California; Erie, whose home is in Missouri ; Silas, who is a
resident of Springfield, Missouri; and Oscar, who passed away in
1905.
Practically the entire life of George W. Witherell has been spent in
Knox county, as he was only a child of six years when he came here
with his parents. He obtained his education in the common schools
and when old enough to become self-supporting decided to take up
agriculture for his life vocation. He located on his present farm
just after his marriage in 1866, and has devoted his entire
attention to its cultivation and the raising of stock for forty-five
years. It contains one hundred acres of fertile land, that is
devoted to such cereals as are best adapted to the soil and climate,
and pasturage for the stock. As his means have permitted Mr.
Witherell has improved his place by the addition of many modern
conveniences, characteristic of the spirit of progress he has ever
manifested in his undertakings. He has a fine grade of cattle,
mostly Shorthorns and Jerseys, of which he makes a specialty, and is
constantly improving the line by careful breeding. In the
administration of his affairs he evidences the clear judgment,
discretion and intelligence that ultimately bring prosperity,
particularly when united with enterprise and diligence.
Mr. Witherell was united in marriage on the 17th of May, 1866, at
Knoxville, to Miss Martha A. Stolloper, who was born in Washington
county, Maryland, on February 28, 1847. The parents of Mrs.
Witherell were Henry and Harriet Stolloper, also natives of
Maryland, whence they removed to Knox county fifty years ago. The
mother is still living but the father passed away when Mrs.
Witherell was a child. Eight children were born of the marriage of
Mr. and Mrs. Witherell, as follows: Flora, who is the wife of George
Breed-laugh, of Knox county ; Minnie, who married John Dredge, also
of Knoxville ; Etta, the wife of Harry Woolsey, likewise of
Knoxville; Daisy, who became the wife of James Ferrell, of
Galesburg; Clara, who married Ray Howser, of Gales-burg ; Harmon,
who married Lola Myers, now residing in Kingston, Kansas; Arthur,
whose wife was Miss Mamie Peterson of Knoxville, a resident of this
county; and Clyde, who married Miss Mae Dawson. of Dahinda. now a
resident of Knoxville.
736
Mr. Witherell is a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in
Company A, Seventy-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and gone to
the front on the nth of February, 1863, where he remained until the
close of hostilities. He saw much active service, having
participated in fourteen battles, the most important being those of
Vicksburg and Cross Roads, and he was also present at the siege of
Mobile. On the 15th of August, 1865, he was mustered out at New
Orleans, receiving his discharge at Springfield, this state, on the
2d of September, 1865. He is a charter member of Post No. 239, of
the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he has held all of the
chairs. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of
America, being a charter member of the Knoxville camp, with which he
has been identified for twenty-four years and has held all of the
chairs, and he also belongs to the Fraternal Reserve Association. In
matters of faith both he and Mrs. Witherell are Methodists, and take
an active interest in the work of their church, among the membership
of which they number many friends.
JAMES
W. COX.
James W. Cox, a prominent and respected resident of Abingdon, has
for more than two decades served as president of the Globe Shirt &
Overall Company, one of the leading manufacturing enterprises of
Knox county. His birth occurred in Indian Point township, this
county, on the 12th of May, 1855, his parents being John and Rebecca
(Bellwood) Cox, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father came
to Knox county, Illinois, in early manhood, about the year 1850,
while the mother was brought here by her parents when a little maid
of about six. Following his marriage John Cox located on a farm in
Indian Point township, residing thereon until called to his final
rest in 1893, when about sixty-five years of age. His widow still
survives and makes her home with our subject. She has spent
practically her entire life in Knox county and is well known and
highly esteemed within its borders.
James W. Cox was reared under the parental roof and supplemented his
preliminary education, obtained in the district schools, by a course
of study at Hedding College. Subsequently he followed the profession
of teaching for five years, imparting clearly and readily to others
the knowledge that he had acquired. In 1880 he turned his attention
to merchandising, first conducting an establishment at Albert Lea,
Minnesota. A short time afterward he came to Abingdon, Illinois, and
opened a store here, being one of the leading general merchants of
the town for about five years. After abandoning mercantile pursuits
he was not connected with business interests for about a year. In
1889, however, in association with S. T. Mosser, he established the
Globe Shirt & Overall Company. Business was begun on a modest scale
on the site now occupied by the Mercantile, but these quarters were
soon found inadequate and a removal was made to the present
location. The rapid growth of the business required frequent
enlargements of the plant, which today is a modern structure of two
stories and covers a quarter of a block. Employment is furnished to
from one hundred and seventy-five to two hundred operatives. Mr. Cox
is a 737 man of excellent executive ability and sound judgment,
carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. In
addition to his manufacturing interests he is also a factor in
financial circles as a director of the First State & Savings Bank of
Abingdon.
In politics Mr. Cox is independent, supporting men and measures
rather than party. A stanch friend of the cause of education, he has
served as a member of the board of education for the past ten or
twelve years and is now acting as its president. Fraternally he is
identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to
Abingdon Lodge, No. 184. He has spent almost his entire life within
the borders of Knox county and is widely recognized as one of its
representative and esteemed citizens.
submitted by Anne who calls herself Ancestor
Seeker which she had already submitted these Cox's biographies to
Illinois Trails before my time but they are not here. so am putting
them here again. Thanks Anne.
ANDREW JACKSON ROSS.
Andrew Jackson Ross is one of the well known retired farmers of Lynn
township who has taken an active part in the agricultural
development of this section and who is now enjoying the fruits of
his former labor. He was born on the 14th of April, 1835, in Camden
county, New Jersey, and is a son of Benjamin and Nancy (Norcross)
Ross. He is a grandson of Andrew Ross, who was a native of Scotland
and came to New Jersey when but a young man. He was engaged in
agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1839.
Benjamin Ross was also a native of Camden county, New Jersey, and
was an agriculturist throughout his entire active career. His death
occurred in 1856, when he was fifty years of age. In politics he
gave his support to the democratic party and held various township
offices. The mother's birth occurred in 1806 and she passed away in
her native state, New Jersey, in 1895. She was a daughter of Joseph
and Martha (Sloan) Norcross, the former of whom was an agriculturist
and of English descent. To Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Ross eleven
children were born, five of whom survive: Joseph, who is residing in
Camden, New Jersey; Hannah, the wife of Thomas McCann, of New
Jersey; Andrew J., of this review; Edward, who is also living in New
Jersey; and Patience, who is the widow of J. T. Howard, of New
Jersey.
After finishing his education in the district schools near his home,
Andrew J. Ross worked out by the month until 1859, when he removed
to Knox county and located upon the farm which is now known as the
Gibbs farm. Subsequently he came to Victoria township and from 1870
until 1894 resided there. After he left that township he removed to
the property upon which he is now living retired. In addition to
general farming he also engaged in stock-raising and in both of
these undertakings his labor and efforts were amply rewarded by the
increasing returns which were annually yielded to him. He instituted
many reforms as fast as they were advanced by leading agriculturists
in the country and in this way raised the standard of the science of
farming in this township. Because of his long experience in
agricultural pursuits his advice is frequently asked and always
heeded, his judgment being based upon the results which he received
by careful and untiring efforts.
738
On the 5th of September, 1858, Mr. Ross was married to Miss Mary Ann
Downs, whose birth occurred in 1824 and who passed away in 1901. She
was a daughter of Charles and Patience (Chew) Downs, both of whom
were natives of Ireland. The father was engaged in farming and in
the sawmill business. Their deaths occurred in 1867 and 1871
respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Ross were the parents of two children.
Ella, the eldest, was born June 26, 1859, an^ *s' at home.
Elizabeth, born May 3, 1867, is the wife of John R. Goff and the
mother of two children: Ford, who is married to Ora Todd and has one
daughter, Lillian; and Grace Mildred, whose birth occurred October
31, 1886, and who became the wife of David Craig, a son of David and
Mary (Cowell) Craig, of Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. David Craig, Jr.,
three children were born, Howard, Mildred and Lucille. The death of
Mrs. Ross occurred on the 17th of May, 1901.
Politically Mr. Ross is affiliated with the republican party, by
whom he was elected to the office of road-master of the township. In
religious faith he is affiliated with the Christian church of La
Fayette. For more than fifty years Mr. Ross has been a resident of
Knox county and during this period he has made his influence felt in
the circles with which he has been connected and has performed a
citizen's duty in the development of the township. He is a man of
noble qualities of character, of strong and resolute purpose,
industrious and, enterprising, and, well known throughout the
community for his uprightness and honesty, he merits and enjoys the
respect and confidence of his neighbors and many friends.
CHARLES D. NORTH
Prominent in financial as well as agricultural circles in Knox
county, Charles D. North, president of the Bank, of Yates City and
owner of one of the finest farms in Elba township, resides four
miles north of Yates City. Born in Pendleton county, Virginia,
October 8, 1844, he was a son of Thomas J. North, whose birth
occurred in 1801, in Loudoun county, Virginia, whither Caleb North,
the great-grandfather of our subject, had come from Ireland, leaving
there May 1, 1729, and landing here July 20. George North, the
grandfather, was born in 1751 and was an officer in the
Revolutionary war. Thomas J. North was a miller by trade and
followed this occupation in Virginia until 1875, when he removed to
Yates City, Illinois, and lived retired, dying here several years
later. He married Eliza Hinkle, who was a daughter of Jesse Hinkle,
a Methodist Episcopal preacher. The Hinkle family are of Dutch
origin and the first ancestor to come to this country was Anthony
Jacob Hinkle, who settled in Virginia. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J.
North fourteen children were born, of whom three are now living,
Sarah K., Thomas G. and Charles D.
Charles D. North obtained his education in Virginia and on leaving
school enlisted in the army with the Sixty-second Virginia Cavalry,
under the command of Fitzhugh Lee, and served during the last three
years of the war. He took part in some of the important engagements
and was wounded three times. When the war was over, he settled in
Knox county in 1866 and engaged in the 741 cultivation of the
soil, first renting land and, later on, purchasing a tract of his
own. He made a number of purchases at various times and now he and
his wife own three hundred and twenty acres, upon which their home
is situated, and another tract of three hundred and twenty acres six
miles north of Yates City, besides thirty acres located six miles
north of Yates City and thirty-six acres three miles from the home
place. Mr. North is the president of the Bank of Yates City, of
which L. A. Lawrence is the vice president and Jack Mason the
cashier, and he is likewise the owner of a one-fourth interest in
the National Coal Company of Middle Grove, which is capitalized
forty to fifty thousand dollars. Charles D. North came to Yates City
on the 20th of March, 1866, and there was married, on the 226. of
December, 1875, to Mary Sophia Nicholson, the only child of James H.
and Catharine (King) Nicholson. They have resided on their present
farm near Yates City since 1877. In their family were the following
children: Adah Katharine, born September 15, 1877; Ralph Nicholson,
born August 20, 1879; Earl James Hasbrouck, born January 25, 1881 ;
Carl Clinton, born May 25, 1882, who was married to Edith Victoria
Slay ton, January 26, 1910; Harold Edward, born July 25, 1884; and
Elsie Louise, born June 9, 1889. All of the sons are engaged in
agricultural pursuits with the exception of Harold, who is
bookkeeper in the Bank of Yates City.
Since exercising the right of franchise Mr. North has been
affiliated with the democratic party and has served as road
commissioner and for twenty-five years as school director. He is a
member, of the Universalist church and in the conduct of his life
exemplifies its principles of open-mindedness and truth as well as
the lofty ideals of the Masonic order to which he belongs, being a
member of the blue lodge and the chapter of Yates City and of the
commandery at Gales-burg. Mr. North possesses singular force of will
and the power to execute whatever enterprises he chooses to
undertake, and it is his determination and his fearlessness in
meeting obstacles that have won for him his remarkable success in
life.
HERMAN P. SMITH.
Heman P. Smith, who is living retired upon his farm in Lynn
township, Knox county, has devoted almost his entire life to
agricultural pursuits. He was born in Cortland county. New York, on
the 14th of November, 1833. His paternal grandfather, Robert Smith,
was a native of England, having come to America in 1775, when George
Washington was organizing his army at White Plains. Robert Smith
immediately enlisted and served through the entire war, being a
subordinate officer under Washington. After the war he was given a
patent to land in Cortland, New York. During the political
organization of New York state he was the first town clerk elected
in Schenectady, and during his services the township offices were at
his home and all the meetings were held there. Thereafter he moved
onto the land granted him which he farmed for some time. Shortly
after his election to the office of clerk his son. the father of the
subject of this review, was sent to a neighbor's for a. supply of
dishes. Being delayed on his errand, he was severely punished by his
father upon his return.
742
HISTORY OF. KNOX COUNTY
The reprimand seemed uncalled for to the boy and he replied to his
father, that just because he had been elected town clerk he need not
feel so big. This anecdote was subsequently repeated to Washington,
who enjoyed it greatly. The grandmother was in her maidenhood Miss
Grace Braithwait. Both the grandparents passed away before Heman P.
was born. The parents, William and Lorinda (Badger) Smith, were
natives of New York state and Ohio, respectively. William Smith came
to Knox county in 1844 and located upon the property which is now
known as the Smith farm. In New York state he engaged in milling but
took up agricultural pursuits after his removal to Knox county. His
death occurred in 1880, when he was ninety-two years of age. Mrs,
Smith was a daughter of Edmond and Margaret Badger, who came to
reside with their daughter after they left Ohio. Mrs. Smith passed
away in 1890, when she was one hundred years of age. She had become
the mother of eight children, three of whom survive: Heman P., who
is the subject of this review; Austin, who is living in La Fayette;
and Erastus, of Lynn township.
The boyhood and youth of Heman P. Smith were spent at home, his time
and attention being divided between the duties of the schoolroom,
the pleasures of the playground and the work on the home farm. When
he was twenty-one years of age he taught school for a short time in
Altona and attended Beloit College, of Beloit, Wisconsin, for some
time, before locating permanently upon the family homestead.
Agricultural pursuits formed his chief occupation during the
remainder of his life excepting while he was in service in the Civil
war. He enlisted on the 9th of August, 1862, at Altona, with Company
G, Eighty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Thomas Whiting.
For three years he served in the Army of the Cumberland, which was
commanded by General Sherman, and during this time he saw active
service, at Nashville, Louisville, Chattanooga and Atlanta. He was
taken ill and was in a hospital for nine months before being
mustered out because of disability for further service. He
immediately returned home and took up the cultivation of his farm,
which he had left in charge of his brother. His hard labor,
persistency and untiring energy won him a sufficient competence that
now permits him to live retired and enjoy the comforts of life. His
farm presents a neat and thrifty appearance and is one of the most
highly productive in Lynn township. Because of his long
identification with agricultural interests his advice is frequently
sought and is always heeded in matters pertaining to farm
development.
In 1865 Mr. Smith was married to Miss Harriet E. Thompson, whose
birth occurred on the 4th of August, 1838, in Goshen, Connecticut,
and is a daughter of John F. and Harriet E. (Reed) Thompson. Mrs.
Thompson was a daughter of William and Amy (Crandall) Reed, who came
to Knox county before the Smith family located here. Throughout his
active career Mr. Thompson followed the blacksmith's trade. To Mr.
and Mrs. Smith seven children have been born: Lemont, who is married
to Minnie Short, by whom he has four children; Lethay, who is
engaged as a hospital nurse; Fred, an engineer of Gales-burg, who is
married to Emma Blene and has seven children; Abbie and Addie,
twins, the former being engaged in teaching school and the latter at
home; Urban, of Lynn township, who is married to Myrtle Jones, and
has two children; and Bertha, of Kansas City, Missouri.
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
743
In politics Mr. Smith has always given his support to the democratic
party and has served as assessor of the township and for many years
as member of the school board. He holds membership in the Grand Army
post of Victoria and both he and Mrs. Smith are members of the
Baptist church of Galva. Because of his long residence in this
county he has been a witness of much of its development, in which he
has taken more than a citizen's interest and share, and is a well
known figure in social and agricultural circles.
ABRAM MYERS EIKER.
Abram Myers Eiker for many years closely identified with the
agricultural interests of Knox county and now living retired on his
farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Orange township, was born
in Adams county, Pennsylvania, June 18, 1840. His father, Abram
Eiker, a native of Pennsylvania, was a farmer and blacksmith by
occupation and also for many years operated a gristmill. He was
married to Josephine Myers, who was born in Maryland, and in 1861
removed his family—consisting of his wife, four sons and one
daughter, of whom Abram M. Eiker, his brother Isaac and Elizabeth
Anderson survive—to Knox county, Illinois, settling on a farm that
he purchased in Orange township. There he lived until the death of
his wife when he made his home with his two children, living a
peaceful existence which was terminated eight years ago.
Passing his boyhood days in Adams county, Pennsylvania, Abram M.
Eiker was reared and educated in that locality. On coming to
Illinois at the age of twenty-one he entered the employment of his
uncle on his farm in Knox county. Before long he was prepared to
engage in farming for himself and forty-six years ago, in 1865, he
bought the farm of one hundred and seventy acres on which he now
lives. At that time the country was only wild prairie land and
tangled underbrush, but this he cleared and developed, improving it
until it is now one of the flourishing farms in this section. He
built the present substantial house and the barns, and devoted
himself to the various departments of general farming, making a
specialty of raising cattle and horses. Some years ago he withdrew
from active work on the place and now his son operates it continuing
his father's wise administration and thorough-going methods of
cultivation.
In 1861 Mr. Eiker was united in marriage, in Adams county,
Pennsylvania, to Miss Martha Krise, a native of Pennsylvania and a
daughter of George Krise, a farmer in Adams county. Mrs. Eiker
passed away in 1905, leaving her husband and five children to mourn
her loss. Their names are: George L., a farmer in Orange township;
Flora B., the wife of Curt Clark of Orange township; Bert K.,
living on a farm in Chestnut township; Ross, who operates his
father's farm; and Henrietta, the wife of Oren Smith, living in
Kansas.
On January 15, 1906, Mr. Eiker was again married, the second union
being with Miss Letitia Prushafer, born near Monmouth, Illinois,
March 9, 1867. She was a daughter of Fred and Hannah Prushafer,
natives of Germany who became pioneer settlers of Illinois, locating
near Monmouth, where they lived for twenty-eight years when they
removed to the county line and resided there until their death. The
children of this marriage are: Mary, the wife of William B. Briggs, living near Victoria; Lucy, the wife of Alfred
Myrick, living in Knox county northeast of Knoxville; Grant and
Charles, living in Butte, Montana; and John, a farmer in the state
of Washington.
744 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Mr. Eiker votes with the republicans and has been county
commissioner for a period of nine years and school director in
Orange township for sixteen years. He is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church while Mrs. Eiker belongs to the Christian church.
Their home is pleasant and hospitable, being always open to the many
friends who often come to seek their generous and cordial welcome,
and who pronounce Mr. and Mrs. Eiker a charming host and hostess.
JACOB M. OBERHOLTZER.
Jacob M. Oberholtzer is a retired farmer, living in Knoxville. He
was for many years identified with general agricultural pursuits and
is still owner of four hundred and sixty-eight acres in Elba and
Truro townships. His birth occurred in the former township, March
14, 1845, his parents being Henry and Martha (Tucker) Oberholtzer,
both of whom were natives of Ohio, whence they removed to Knox
county between the years of 1838 and 1840. The family, as the name
indicates, comes of German ancestry and was founded in America by
Samuel Oberholtzer, the grandfather of J. M. Oberholtzer, who, upon
crossing the Atlantic, settled in Ohio, where he followed the
occupation of farming. He was married three times and had a family
of twenty-one children. His death occurred near Findlay, Hancock
county, Ohio. His son, Henry Oberholtzer, was born in the Buckeye
state and came to Knox county with Samuel Tucker, settling in Elba
township. The Tuckers were also early settlers in this part of the
state, and on their removal from Ohio settled near Williamsfield.
They were farming people, and Henry Oberholtzer was employed by Mr.
Tucker, who afterward became his father-in-law. He wedded Martha
Tucker in the early '40s, and their son, Jacob M. Oberholtzer, was
the eldest of four children. Following his marriage Henry
Oberholtzer began farming on his own account in Elba township, where
he resided until the spring of 1865, when his life's labors were
ended in death.
J. M. Oberholtzer, spending his youth on the home farm in Elba
township, attended the common school throughout the winter months
and worked in the fields during the summer seasons. The occupation
to which he was reared he determined to make his life work, and
continuously carried on farming until 1904, when he retired to
private life, establishing his home in the village of Knoxville,
where he is now resting from further labor. Throughout his well
conducted business interests he acquired a substantial competence
that now supplies him with all the comforts and many of the luxuries
of life. He is the owner of four hundred and sixty-eight acres of
land in Elba and Truro townships, and the rental there from is the
source of a gratifying income.
On the 28th of October, 1869, Mr. Oberholtzer was united in marriage
to Miss Laura A. Wheeler, a daughter of Moses and Cynthia (Walker)
Wheeler.-The Wheeler family is of Swiss origin, and the great
grandfather of Mrs. Oberholtzer. a native of Switzerland, was the
first of the name to come to America. 747
Moses Wheeler, was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, September
2J, 1810, and was a resident of that district until 1820, when he
removed to Tioga county, Pennsylvania. There he made his home until
1845 when he removed to Bradford county, where he lived for eleven
years. In 1856 he became a resident of Peoria, Illinois, and in 1857
removed to Knox county, where he took up the occupation of farming,
owning and cultivating a tract of land of two hundred and
sixty-seven acres in Elba township. He was a. man of considerable
local prominence and held a number of offices in the county. He was
a member of the Baptist church and he gave his political support to
the republican party. While living in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, he
was married May 1, 1834, to Cynthia O. Walker, whose parents had
removed from New Hampshire to Tioga county, following the birth of
their daughter, who first opened her eyes to the light of day in the
Old Granite state May 22, 1812, her life record covering the
intervening years to the 4th of May, 1880, when she passed away in
this county.
Mrs. Oberholtzer was the youngest of the children born unto Mr. and
Mrs. Wheeler, and by her marriage she has become the mother of six
children. Elza, the eldest, is now living near Beardsley, Minnesota.
Lloyd H., also residing near Beardsley, where he is engaged in
farming, is married and has five children: Wilma; Vera; Lynn;
Harley; and Lela. Oliver T., who carries on general agricultural
pursuits near Beardsley, is married and has two children, Ora and
Alto. Bertha Blanche is the wife of Frank C. Sherman of Beardsley,
Minnesota, and unto them were born six children, Hubert, Laverne,
Robert (deceased), Lyle, Chester and Carter. Forrest Earl, born in
August, 1881, died in October, 1883. Hubert W. is living in
Knoxville, but is employed as a bookkeeper by the Brereton Coal
Company of Galesburg. He is married and has a daughter, Evelyn.
Mr. Oberholtzer has always exercised his right of franchise in
support of the men and measures of the democratic party, and has
held the office of supervisor in both Elba and Knox townships. His
religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church to the
teachings of which he has always been loyal. He is interested in the
welfare of his community and has cooperated in many measures for the
public good, but his time is given mostly to his business efforts
which, capably conducted, have brought to him substantial success
Year after year he carefully tilled the fields and cultivated his
crops in such a manner that substantial harvests were gathered and
his annual income was augmented. His life indicated what may be
accomplished when energy and determination lead the way. '•■:,.'
GEORGE K. SLOUGH.
George K. Slough, one of Abingdon's foremost citizens, is the
cashier and secretary of the First State & Savings Bank of that
town. His birth occurred near Peoria, Illinois, on the 30th of
October, 1861, his parents being George W. and Anna M. (Kellar)
Slough, who were also born near that city and came of Pennsylvania
Dutch stock. The paternal grandparents were Jacob W. and Anna
Slough, natives of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, who crossed the
Atlantic to the United States some time in the '20s, locating in
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
748
In 1834 they came west to Illinois, locating in Peoria, which was
then a town of only sixteen cabins. They conducted the first tavern
at that place and both he and his wife remained residents of Peoria
until called to their final rest. Following his marriage George W.
Slough, the father of our subject, located on a farm near Peoria,
where his demise occurred about 1883. His widow subsequently took up
her abode in Peoria, where she died about 1905, passing away in the
faith of the Congregational church. George K. Slough now owns the
old homestead which has been in possession of the family for about
seventy years.
George K. Slough was reared under the paternal roof and obtained his
early education in the public schools, later pursuing a business
course in the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso. After
putting aside his text-books he was employed for a short time as
clerk and bookkeeper in Peoria. Subsequently he went to Burrton,
Kansas, where he remained for six years, spending three years with a
grain firm and three years as assistant cashier in the Bank of
Burr-ton. In 1890 he returned to Peoria and entered the service of
the Wilson Grocery Company, a wholesale grocery concern, having
charge of their books for twelve years. In 1902 he came to Abingdon
to accept the proffered position of cashier in the First State &
Savings Bank, in which capacity he has since served in a most
satisfactory and commendable manner. In 1908 he was one of the
organizers of the Abingdon Sanitary Manufacturing Company,
manufacturers of vitreous china plumbers' supplies, and was chosen
treasurer of the concern, in which connection he has since
contributed to its growth and success.
On the 2d of September, 1884, Mr. Slough was united in marriage to
Miss Jessie Gordon, of Peoria county, by whom he has seven children,
as follows: Charles G., who is engaged in the automobile business at
Abingdon; Georgia K., a teacher by profession; Howard Austin, who is
a senior in Knox College; and Ethel, Andrew, Theodore and Marjorie,
all at home.
In politics Mr. Slough is a stanch republican but his aspirations
are not in the line of public office. He is a worthy exemplar of the
Masonic fraternity, belonging to Abingdon Lodge, No. 185, A. F. & A.
M., of which he is at present worshipful master. He is likewise
identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Mystic
Workers, while his wife is a devoted and consistent member of the
Methodist Episcopal church. Upright character and sterling worth
have gained him a favorable place in the regard of many friends, and
Knox county numbers him among her valued citizens.
RICHARD F. GIBBS.
Agricultural interests in Lynn township, Knox county, are ably
represented by Richard F. Gibbs, whose birth occurred on the Gibbs
homestead August 14, 1850. His paternal great-grandfather was born
in England and came to America about the time of the Revolutionary
war. The grandparents, Martin and Hannah (Beck) Gibbs, were early
residents of this county, where the former, whose death occurred in
1870 when he was eighty years of age, erected a sawmill on the only
timber land in the northern part of Knox county. The parents of our
subject were Jonathan and Tamer (Norcross) Gibbs, both of whom were
born in New Jersey, where their marriage also occurred. In his
native state the father had learned the glass-blowers' trade in
Waterford, but after his removal to Lynn township, Knox county, he
engaged in agricultural pursuits and made that his life's work. Mrs.
Gibbs was a daughter of Joseph Norcross. To Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs six
children were born, four of whom survive, namely: William H., a
resident of Galva, Illinois; Phoebe, who is married to D. Bradley,
of La Fayette, Illinois; Clayton A., who is living in Galva; and
Richard F., the subject of this review.
Acquiring his education in a near-by district school and attending
to many of the lighter duties on the farm occupied the youth and
boyhood of Richard Gibbs. He remained with his father until the
latter's death, and since that time has been the owner and manager
of the home farm. His life has been marked by constant labor and
conscientious attention to duty and the results of these are clearly
shown in the improved condition of his property and the abundance of
his harvest. In addition to general farming he is also engaged in
stock-raising.
On the 30th of November, 1875, Mr. Gibbs was married to Miss Mary J.
Reed, whose birth occurred on the 24th of September, 1852, near
Newcastle, England, and who came to Galva, Illinois,, with her
parents, George and Jane (Cockburn) Reed, when she was but five
years of age. Mr. Reed, who has now passed the ninety-first
milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred in August,
1820, is one of the most venerable citizens of the county. His wife,
who was a daughter of George and Ann (Foster) Cockburn, passed away
in 1857. George Reed is a son of Gabriel and Dorothy (Scipry) Reed,
agriculturists, who died in 1857 and 1859, aged seventy-four and
seventy-six, respectively. The mother's three brothers were soldiers
in the English army and fought in the battle of Waterloo. When but
fourteen years of age George Reed began earning his own livelihood.
He learned the mining trade in Pennsylvania and began work at
sixteen cents a day, furnishing his own clothes and working twelve
hours. After he had saved thirty-five dollars he was married and
took up his home with his wife's parents, but realizing, that if he
were to" win the success he desired, he must engage in a more
lucrative work he came west, making the trip on a fishing vessel.
The journey took seven weeks. He settled in Galva and again followed
mining until 1863, his wife and three children following two years
later. Subsequently he became overseer in a coal mine at Galva.
After giving up mining he followed agricultural pursuits on a farm
located at Centerville near Victoria.
To Mr. and Mrs. George Reed six children were born: Anna, of Copley
township; Mary Jane, who is married to Richard F. Gibbs of this
review; John Reed, who is living in Galesburg; George W., of
Victoria; Joseph G., an agriculturist of this county; and Emma, also
of Victoria. Mr. Reed is at present a member of the Christian church
although he formerly held membership in the Methodist church. To Mr.
and Mrs. Richard F. Gibbs four children have been born: Grace, who
died when but eight years of age; Aris, who is married to Joseph
Leslie Haxton, of Lynn township; Laura E., who is the wife of
Charles LI. Baker, of La Fayette, and who has three children, J.
Herbert, Harold F. and Dorothy; and Harry A., who is married to
Myrtle Haxton and is residing at home.
In politics Mr. Gibbs gives his allegiance to the republican party
but he has never sought nor desired office. In religious faith he
holds membership in the Christian church of La Fayette. The greater
part of his time and attention has been given to his various
undertakings, and he has had little chance to affiliate with lodge
or fraternal circles. By thus devoting himself constantly to his
farm, he has proven his worth as a substantial, progressive
agriculturist.
GEORGE A. SHIPPLETT.
George A. Shipplett, one of the leading and most progressive
citizens of Abingdon, is a prominent factor in financial circles as
the cashier of the First National Bank of Abingdon and as a member
of the board of directors and cashier of the Bank of St. Augustine
and an organizer and director of the Farmers State Bank of
Ellisville. Of the last two named institutions he was> one of the
promoters, being one of four men who established the Bank of St.
Augustine. His birth occurred in Mount Crawford, Virginia, on the 2d
of October, 1871, his parents being John M. and Sarah E. (May)
Shipplett, also natives of Mount Crawford, where they were reared
and married. The mother there passed away on the 3d of August, 1911,
when sixty-eight years of age. The father, who survives, yet makes
his home at Mount Crawford, where he is now living retired.
Throughout his active business career he was successfully engaged in
general agricultural pursuits, the old homestead being near the town
of Mount Crawford. For many years past he has done all in his power
to advance the cause of prohibition, being a leading worker in the
local ranks of the party. He has lived a clean, upright and
honorable life and has always been among the first to support any
movement or measure instituted to promote the general welfare. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Shipplett took an active part in the work of the
Methodist Episcopal church and gave liberally of their time and
means in the interests of religion and charity. In December, 1911,
John M. Shipplett celebrated his seventieth birthday.
George A. Shipplett was reared under the parental roof and
supplemented his preliminary education by a course of study in the
Mount Crawford high school and the Mossy Creek Academy. After
putting aside his text-books he was associated with his father in
the operation of the Buena Vista Mills in Rockingham county for two
years. In 1891 he made his way to Illinois, locating in St.
Augustine, where he secured employment in the mercantile
establishment of Mills & Shipplett. At the end of a year, however,
he came to Abingdon to accept the proffered position of bookkeeper
in the First National Bank. After about two years, having
demonstrated his faithfulness and ability in the discharge of the
duties entrusted to him, he was made assistant cashier of the
institution and sometime later was promoted to the position of
cashier, in which capacity he has since ably served. He is a member
of the board of directors of the First National Bank and is likewise
a director and cashier of the Bank of St. Augustine. He assisted in
the organization of. the Farmers State Bank of Ellisville and has
since been a director of that institution. Mr. Shipplett has been
identified with the promotion and organization of practically all of
Abingdon's industries. He is vice president of the Abingdon Sanitary
Manufacturing Company, director and treasurer of the Abingdon Shirt
& Overall Company and director and treasurer of the Abingdon Trap
Company. In these various connections he has displayed excellent
business ability and keen discrimination, carrying forward to
successful completion whatever he undertakes. 751
Mr. Shipplett gives his political allegiance to the democracy and
his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called
him to several positions of public trust. He has served as a member
of the town council, as township treasurer and also as mayor of
Abingdon and at present is treasurer of both the town and township
school board. He was one of the chief factors in establishing the
public library in Abingdon, which was maintained by private
subscription during the first two years of its existence but has
since been maintained by taxation. At the time of its organization
he was made treasurer and director, in which capacity he has served
continuously since or for a period of fifteen years. Fraternally he
is identified with the following organizations: Abingdon Lodge, No.
185, A. F. & A. M.; Achilles Lodge, No. 373, K. P.; the Supreme
Court of Honor; Mystic Workers of the World; the Order of the
Eastern Star; and Galesburg Lodge, No. 894, B. P. O. E. His
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian
church. His unbending integrity of character, his fearlessness in
the discharge of duty, in every relation in which he has been found,
and his appreciation of the responsibilities that have rested upon
him, have made him a citizen whose worth is widely acknowledged.
MANDIVILLE JOHN.
Mandiville John, now living retired in Hermon, was for many years
actively engaged in general farming in Knox county. He was born in
Clinton county, Ohio, his natal day being the 2d of January, 1854,
and his parents Elisha and Rachel (Lewis) John. The family removed
to Illinois in 1856, locating in Knox county, where Elisha John
later bought some land that he cultivated and improved until his
death. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted in Company D,
Seventh Illinois Volunteer Cavalry and went to the front, where he
remained three years. He was wounded during the period of his
service, having participated in twenty-seven engagements among them
being some of the notable battles of the war. He always kept in
touch with his comrades of the field, through the medium of his
membership in Abingdon Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, to
the interests of which he was ever loyal. Mr. John passed away in
1900, but the mother still survives at the advanced age of eighty
years, and now makes her home in Hermon. Three sons were born of the
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. John, all of whom are living, those beside
our subject being, Edwin and Samuel, both of whom are farmers in
Indian Point township, this county.
When brought to Knox county by his parents, our subject was only a
child of two years, so that practically his entire life has been
spent in the vicinity where he is now residing. Reared in a home
where much stress was laid upon the necessity of thrift and industry
in recognition of the responsibilities of life, when still little
more than a child he was assigned regular duties about the farm.
752
These increased with the passing years and when not engaged with his
studies in the district school the greater part of his time was
given to assisting his father in tilling the fields and caring for
the stock. After leaving school he worked with his father until old
enough to begin for himself. He then left the parental roof and
began his independent career as an agriculturist, continuing to
follow this vocation until 1908, when he retired and removed to
Hermon. Mr. John was successful in his undertakings, and now owns
eighty acres of land, which furnish him a competence that enables
him to live in retirement, enjoying in the evening of life the ease
and comfort that is the just reward of a well ordered and usefully
spent period of activity.
Mr. John has been married twice. His first union was with Miss Mary
Berry, their marriage occurring on the 24th of December, 1878. She
was a daughter of Joseph and Martha Ann Berry and a native of
Virginia, her birth there occurring on the 2d of October, 1858. In
1862 she accompanied her parents on their removal to Knox county,
where the father engaged in farming. Later he went to Hermon and
engaged in the manufacture of wagons, continuing to make his home
there until his death. Mrs. John passed away in 1901, leaving one
son, Everett Le Roy, the only child born of this union. On the 9th
of February, 1908, Mr. John married Miss Hila Martin, who was born
in Missouri on the nth of August, 1881. Her mother is now deceased,
but her father, William Martin, is still living in Missouri, where
he located during the pioneer days, and engages in farming.
Both Mr. and Mrs. John are members of the Christian church and he
votes the republican ticket, but has never taken an active part in
local politics, as his own interests demanded all of his time and
energies for their development.
DEWITT
SMITH.
Dewitt Smith, is one of the oldest residents of Maquon township,
having spent seventy-five years in the immediate vicinity of his
present homestead, which is located five miles from the town of
Maquon. He was born in Pennsylvania, in 1833, and is a son of E. R.
and Angeline (Catlin) Smith. The father, who was a native of
Vermont, removed with his wife and family to Illinois in 1836,
locating in Knox county. He purchased one hundred and thirty acres
of land in Maquon township and began the life of a pioneer farmer.
The country was largely in a wild state at that period, the
government still owning vast stretches of uncultivated prairie and
acres of native timber, while the streams and forests abounded in
fish and game. The life of the settlers was very primitive, rude log
cabins serving for homes, as well as schoolhouses and churches,
while little time was left from the work of the fields and the care
of the homes for social life. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of
eleven children, five of whom are still living. The father lived to
a ripe old age, being ninety-three years at the time of his demise.
As he was only a little lad of three years when he accompanied his
parents on their removal from Pennsylvania, Dewitt Smith spent the
greater part of his boyhood and youth amid the environment of
frontier life. When old enough to begin his education he entered the
district schools of the vicinity, where he mastered the common
branches. After laying aside his school books, he gave his attention
to agricultural pursuits, under the direction of his father, until
he was familiar with the practical methods of tilling the fields and
caring for the stock. In 1859, he yielded to the longing of every
ambitious young American and went west, spending three years amid
the gold fields of California. Upon his return home he again turned
his attention to farming and in 1877 bought his present place. Here
for many years he engaged in general farming and stock-raising, both
proving to be very lucrative, but the active operation of the fields
is now left to his son, although Mr. Smith still gives the work his
supervision. The buildings now standing upon the place were, with
few exceptions, erected before Mr. Smith purchased it. They were
substantially constructed and have always been kept in a good state
of repair. In addition to his fine homestead he owns thirty-one and
a half acres of land southeast of Maquon, that contains a vein of
coal.
Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe Day, of Clermont
county, Ohio, and unto them have been born three children: Robert
D., who has passed away; one who died in infancy; and one son,
Victor, who is unmarried. He attended the public schools and after
the completion of his education undertook the operation of the
homestead, to which activity he still devotes his energies. In 1907
Mr. Smith mourned the loss of his faithful helpmate and wife, having
traveled life's path together for many years in joys and sorrows.
The political views of Mr. Smith coincide with the principles of the
republican party, to whose candidates he gives his support. He
served for six years as township commissioner and he also acted as
school director. During the seventy-five years he has been a
resident of Maquon township, Mr. Smith has witnessed many changes,
the progress and development of the county having kept pace with the
onward spread of a newer and higher form of civilization.
LEWIS EDWARD GIBBS.
Lewis Edward Gibbs, who is engaged in farming and stock-raising in
Lynn township, Knox county, was born upon the farm upon which he is
now residing on the 29th of June, 1863, his parents being Joseph and
Elizabeth Ann (Goetzinger) Gibbs, the former of whom was a native of
New Jersey. The father came to Knox county with his parents in 1837
and they located at once on the property, where the Gibbs family
still reside. They made the trip from New Jersey by team, there
being eight in their family. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Gibbs, the
grandparents of our subject, were among the oldest settlers and were
one of the Quaker families who settled in this county. They remained
actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until Joseph Gibbs
purchased the farm. He arrived in this county when he was twenty-one
years of age but returned to
Peoria shortly after, going down the Illinois river and up the Ohio
river to the old home, where he was married and was engaged as a
glass blower. He lived in Philadelphia for ten years and during that
time operated a wood-yard. In 1858 he came to the present homestead
and resided there until two years before his death, when he removed
to Galva, where he died when well advanced in years. His wife passed
away on the 1st of March, 1911, when she was eighty-nine years of
age. She was a daughter of Christopher and Jeannette (Altman)
Goetzinger.
To Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs ten children were born, of whom five are
now living: Lewis E., who is the subject of this review; William H.,
who is in the insurance business at Galva; Joseph E., who is
residing in Victoria township ; Hannah V., a widow living in La
Fayette; and Elizabeth A., who is married to Charles Howell, also of
La Fayette. Mr. Gibbs was one of the leading republicans in his
district and held many offices, among them being that of supervisor
when the county seat was changed from Knoxville to Galesburg. He
held membership in the Masonic lodge at Philadelphia.
Lewis E. Gibbs acquired his education in the district schools and
assisted his father on the home farm until he was twenty-one years
of age, after which he farmed on shares until he was twenty-five
years of age, when he removed to Galva and engaged in the hardware
business, which he conducted for three years before returning to
Lynn township and operating a farm for five years, which his father
gave to him. He then rented a farm from his mother for five years
and it is still his home. He has engaged in stock-raising in
addition to carrying on general farming. Almost his entire active
career has been spent in agricultural pursuits and because of the
thorough training which his father gave him, he has become one of
the most successful agriculturists in Lynn township. The Gibbs
family have contributed much to the development of the land of this
region and have been among the most successful farmers who have ever
resided here.
Mr. Gibbs was married on the 12th of December, 1888, to Miss Eva May
Dudley, whose birth occurred on the 1st of January, 1867, and who is
a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth C. (Bevier) Dudley, who are
living in La Fayette at the ages of seventy-seven and sixty-six
years respectively. They are both natives of Knox county and have
spent their entire lives in this region. Mr. Dudley was born in
Massachusetts on the 1st of October, 1834, and is a son of Stephen
and Salome (Collins) Dudley. The father was born in Wallingford,
Connecticut, in 1809, and passed away at the age of seventy-two
years. Throughout his life he was an active farmer and blacksmith
and removed to Knox county in 1854, when he settled in Lynn township
upon the farm upon which he resided until he removed to Galva, where
his death occurred. Charles Dudley, retiring from the farm, removed
to Altona, where he remained five years, and then went to La
Fayette. He was a soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted in 1861
for three years' service with Company D, Thirty-seventh Illinois
Volunteer Infantry. After he had completed his term of enlistment he
joined Company G, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Illinois Volunteer
Infantry, at La Fayette, under General White of Chicago. He served
in the Western army and at one time was under Grant. He was mustered
out at Springfield and immediately returned to his agricultural
pursuits. Mrs. Dudley, whose birth occurred on the 16th of December,
1842, in Ulster county, New York, is a daughter of Abram and Adeline
(Meisner) Bevier, whose deaths occurred on December 8, 1910, and in
1876, at the age of ninety and fifty-four, respectively. The
grandparents, Moses and Elizabeth Bevier,' were also agriculturists
and Adeline Meisner, who became the wife of Abram Bevier, was a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Meisner. Of the 757 children born to Mr.
and Mrs. Dudley four survive: Martha, who is the wife of J. A.
Johnson, of La Fayette; Mrs. L. E. Gibbs; Minnie, at home; and
Flossie, who became the wife of L. Hulick, of Neponset, Illinois. To
Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs four children have been born, all of whom are
residing at home. Elizabeth May, Lewis Edward, Jr., Charles D. and
Hazel Bernice, aged twenty-two, twenty-one, eighteen and sixteen
years, respectively.
Mr. Gibbs gives his political support to the republican party and
has served as commissioner for his district. He has also held the
office of assessor and is now serving his second term as justice of
the peace. He has acted as clerk of the school board for several
years and in 1909 was elected supervisor of Lynn township. He is one
of the most active representatives in his district and has served as
delegate to various conventions as a republican representative. Both
he and his wife hold membership in the Christian church of La
Fayette, Illinois, and he is a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, of La Fayette, of the Mystic Workers of Galva and of
the Modern Woodmen of America, of La Fayette, of which lodge he has
served as clerk. He is popular with a large circle of friends and
the public know him as a successful and enterprising agriculturist.
CARL LUTHER YOUNGDAHL.
Carl Luther Youngdahl, prominently identified, with the agricultural
and stock-raising interests of Walnut Grove township, this county,
where for a number of years he has kept an extensive farm under a
high state of cultivation, was born February 18, 1869, in Wyanet,
Illinois, a son of Nels S. and Bertha (Goerenson) Youngdahl. The
paternal grandfather, Nels Swanson, . was a soldier in Sweden, his
native country. The father was a native of Krefanstad, Sweden,
having been born September 17, 1832, and came to the United States
in 1856, locating in Minnesota until 1863, when he removed to
Princeton, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. In 1881 he removed
to the present Youngdahl homestead and was engaged in its
cultivation until his retirement in 1891, when he located in Altona,
where his death occurred April 14, 1909, and where his widow is now
living at the age of seventy-four years. He was a member of the
Lutheran church of Altona and gave his political support to the
republican party although he never sought office as a reward for
party fealty. They were the parents of six children: Christina, the
widow of P. A. Amenoff; George E. and Nels T., both deceased;
Sophia, who is the wife of John Johnson, of Altona; Anthony C. who
is a college professor in Michigan; and Carl Luther, who is the
subject of this review.
In the common schools of Illinois Carl L. Youngdahl acquired his
education and remained at home engaging in farm duties until he was
twenty-one years of age, when he removed to his present home. He has
cultivated and improved this property and today it is provided with
all the conveniences necessary to the farming occupation and he has
given his time to raising crops together with stock breeding. As a
farmer he has been quite successful and, taking pride in the
appearance of his property, he has added every improvement that
might contribute to its neatness and utility.
758
Mr. Youngdahl has been twice married, his first union being to Miss
Cora Anderson, a daughter of C. J. and Mary (Riegel) Anderson. To
this union one child was born, Ruth, who is fifteen years of age.
The mother died in 1901, at the age of twenty-seven years. Mr.
Youngdahl was again married in 1906, his second union being with
Miss Margaret Johnson, who was born in 1868 and is a daughter of
Mons and Amelia (Ewalt) Johnson, the latter residing in Princeton,
Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were the parents of seven children:
Mrs. Margaret Youngdahl; Ellen, who is the wife of William Linn, of
Princeton; and Rachel, Matilda, Minnie, Hugh and Hattie, all
residing at home.
Politically Mr. Youngdahl gives his support to the republican party.
He is serving as highway commissioner of the township for a second
term. He belongs to the Lutheran church of Altona and is a man whose
high moral character, industry and straightforwardness, together
with his interest in the general welfare of the community, have
given him high standing in the township.
WILLIAM NICHOLAS BUCK.
William Nicholas Buck, who is successfully engaged in stock-raising
in Haw Creek township, was born in the vicinity of Greenfield,
Highland county, Ohio, on May 28, 1854. His father, Thomas Buck, was
born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but was reared in Highland
county, Ohio, and there he married Miss Mary Lowman. Mrs. Buck was a
native of Pike county, Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob Lownian. Mr.
and Mrs. Thomas Buck began their domestic life in the Buckeye state,
where they resided until 1874 when they came to Illinois, first
locating in Maquon township, Knox county, but later removing to Haw
Creek township. The father, who had always engaged in farming,
continued to devote his energies to agricultural pursuits until his
death, which occurred at the age of sixty-five years. The mother was
sixty-three when she died and was laid to rest beside her husband in
the Maquon cemetery. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Buck numbered
six: William Nicholas, our subject; Edgar, who married Arzella
McWilliams, now residing in Galesburg; Austin, who married Flora
Smith, residing in Haw Creek township; Elmer, who married Alta
Connor, living in Gilson, Illinois; Tillie, the wife of Charles
Smith, of Maquon township; and Carrie, the wife of Amos McWilliams,
of Elba township. The family was reared in the faith of the
Presbyterian church, in which the parents held membership, while his
political allegiance Mr. Buck gave to the republican party but has
never sought public office.
As he was a youth of twenty when he removed to Illinois with his
parents William Nicholas Buck had already acquired his education, in
pursuit of which he attended the common schools of his native state.
Reared on a farm, he was at that time familiar with practical
agricultural methods as well as the care of stock. During the first
year of his residence in Illinois he lived in Maquon township, but
subsequently removed to Haw Creek township. After his marriage he
began farming for himself as a renter on the Daniel Housh place,
where he remained for three years. From there he went to the Mary
Ann 759 West farm, the cultivation of which engaged his energies for
eight years. His efforts had proven so lucrative that at the
expiration of that period he had accumulated sufficient capital to
buy eighty acres in this township. After cultivating this tract for
four years, however, he disposed of it to Frank Nelson and removed
to the T. Humstead farm, where he remained for a year. He again
invested his capital in the purchase of his present farm, which
contains eighty-two acres of fertile land, located on section 32,
Haw Creek township, on the east and west road between that and
Maquon township. Mr. Buck takes great pride in his homestead as well
as its appearance, and during the period of his occupancy has
erected a number of good, substantial outbuildings, at the same time
putting those already on the place in repair. Everything about his
farm suggests thrift and prosperity, the fences are in good
condition, ample provision is made for housing both the stock and
machinery, while the grounds about his residence are given careful
attention. Stock-raising has always been Mr. Buck's specialty and he
breeds and raises high-grade horses, cattle and hogs, and is meeting
with success in his undertaking.
Mr. Buck married Miss Rozina Ouderkirk, whose birth occurred on the
farm where she is now residing, on the 6th of September, 1861. She
is a daughter of John Ouderkirk, who was born in New York state,
whence he came with his parents to Maquon township, in 1835, when a
child eight years of age. The paternal grandfather was a blacksmith,
but upon locating here bought a quarter section of land that has
ever since been in the possession of some member of the family. He
paid for this one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, and met
with great difficulty in meeting his payments. It was here that John
Ouderkirk was reared and educated, and upon attaining his maturity
he married Caroline Jones, a native of the state of New York. Of
this union there were born the following children: Mary, who married
Milton Housh of Maquon township ; Ellen, who became the wife of
Leslie Howard, of the same township; Charles, who is deceased; Ada,
who died when an infant; Rozina, now Mrs. Buck; Louisa, a resident
of Maquon township, the widow of Philip Selby, who succumbed to
typhoid fever; and Cassie, the wife of Silas Dennison, a resident of
Maquon township. Grandfather Ouderkirk died in Haw Creek township,
in 1846, and was buried in the cemetery at Maquon.
His political allegiance Mr. Buck has always accorded to the
republican party and has served as school director and trustee in
his township. The greater part of Mr. Buck's life has been spent in
the vicinity where he is now residing and among the citizens of
which he numbers many loyal friends.
FRANK
POPLETT.
In the early development and improvement of Knox county the Poplett
family has borne an active part and is numbered among the pioneer
settlers. Here Frank Poplett was born on the 28th of May, 1851. His
parents, John and Sophia (Davis) Poplett, were natives of Kentucky,
the father settling in Knox county with his people in 1835, after
having lived for some time in Indiana, the mother accompanying her
people to Knox county when they settled here in 760 1834. The
paternal grandfather, Thompson Poplett, bought one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Sparta township on his arrival. This land he farmed
for twelve years when he removed to Peoria county and lived there
until his death in 1868. The grandmother died before Frank Poplett
was born. John Poplett, the father, lived with his people in Peoria
county assisting his father with the work on the homestead. He died
leaving his son Frank, who was one year of age, and his widow to
mourn him. Mrs.' Poplett subsequently married David Henderson, of
Henderson township, Knox county. She is still living on the farm, a
widow, her husband having died some years ago.
At the usual age Frank Poplett entered the district school in the
vicinity of his home and acquired a practical education. On leaving
school he worked on the home farm until twenty-one years of age and
then set out to cultivate the soil for his own benefit. For this
purpose he rented eighty acres of land which he operated for three
years. At the expiration of this time he engaged in mercantile life,
conducting a store in Henry county. This he discontinued after three
years and returned to farming. In 1883 he purchased the place on
which he lives at present, eighty acres in Henderson township, Knox
county. He was a practical farmer and during the twenty-eight years
of his management of the homestead improved it greatly and was very
successful in all departments of general farming. He was progressive
in his methods and owns a farm of which he can be justly proud.
Mr. Poplett was married in July, 1872, to Miss Laura Rowe, a
daughter of Laurenza and Narcissa (Goff) Rowe, who were natives of
New York and Kentucky, respectively, but became residents of Knox
county at an early date, where Mr. Rowe was engaged in agricultural
pursuits. Mrs. Poplett lived to be forty-one years of age, her death
occurring in March, 1890. Of the four children born of this union
two died in infancy. Ella, the surviving daughter, is the wife of J.
M. Findley, of Henderson township, where they rent a fine farm. They
are the parents of six children, namely: Giles, Geneva, Edith, Inez,
Frank and May. Elmer F. Poplett, the surviving son, is operating the
home farm which he rents of his father. Fie is married and has two
children, William and Dale.
Mr. Frank Poplett accumulated a sufficient income to enable him to
withdraw from the management of his farm. He makes his home with his
son, living retired on the place where his labors have borne their
fruit for many years.
R.
J. McKEIGHAN.
R. J. McKeighan, one of the successful representatives of the
farming and stock-raising interests of Knox county, is the owner of
a finely improved property of three hundred and twenty acres located
on sections 21 and 22, Salem township, known as Willow Row Grain &
Stock Farm. He was born in Fulton county, Illinois, on the 21st of
March, 1849, and is a son of the late James McKeighan, one of the
well known and successful agriculturists of Salem township. The
father was born, reared and educated in the north of Ireland,
remaining a resident of his native land until he had attained the
age of thirty-three 763 years, when he emigrated to the United
States. Upon his arrival in this country Mr. McKeighan made his way
to Illinois, locating at Farmington, where he followed various
occupations until he had acquired sufficient capital to begin
business for himself. Believing that farming offered a safer
investment and more lucrative returns than anything else, he then
invested his small savings in some land three miles southwest of
Farmington and industriously applied himself to its improvement and
cultivation. He subsequently returned to the Emerald isle for a
visit and while there was married to Miss Elizabeth Cunningham, also
a native of northern Ireland. Returning to the United States with
his bride he settled on his farm in Fulton county, continuing to
live there until 1855, when he removed to a tract of one hundred and
sixty acres of prairie land on section 22, Salem township, Knox
county, which he and his brother, Alexander McKeighan, purchased in
1853 for one thousand dollars. In 1854 James McKeighan paid his
brother a thousand dollars for his half interest in the property.
Soon afterward he succeeded in selling his Fulton county farm and
with the proceeds bought eighty acres of land on section 21, Salem
township. As he was both capable and energetic he met with excellent
success in his efforts and subsequently extended the boundaries of
his farm by the addition of another eighty, making the aggregate of
his holdings three hundred and twenty acres. This is now the
property of his son R. J., having been in the family for over
fifty-six years. Mr. McKeighan made a specialty of raising corn, and
today our subject and his son are among the most noted raisers of
seed corn in this part of the country. McKeighan's Golden Dent
corn has many points of excellence, being a heavy yielder, of very
deep grain, early maturing, shells high per cent of corn, has no
superior for feeding purposes and is adapted to different soils and
climatic conditions. James McKeighan always continued to -be more or
less actively connected with the operation of his farm until he
passed away at the age of eighty-three years. He was laid to rest in
the cemetery at Farmington, as was also his wife, who was
seventy-seven years of age at the time of her demise. Their family
numbered six, of whom our subject is the eldest. The others in order
of birth are as follows: Rachel, the wife of Rev. W. H. Clatworthy,
of Yates City; Elizabeth, who married Robert R. Steck, of Salem
township; James and Margaret, who died in infancy; and Emma, the
deceased wife of D. F. Lawrence, of Salem township. The parents were
both earnest members of the Presbyterian church and the father gave
his political support to the republican party but was never an
office seeker. He was one of the prosperous agriculturists of the
county and for a short time during the early days was identified
with the Yates City Bank.
As he was only a child of six years when he removed with the family
to Knox county, R. J. McKeighan obtained the greater portion of his
early education in the district schools of Salem township, the
course therein pursued being later supplemented by study in the
schools of Farmington and Monmouth. Having been accustomed to
agricultural pursuits from his earliest boyhood, upon attaining his
majority he began operating the home farm on the shares, continuing
this for two years. Following his marriage he located with his bride
on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 17, Salem
township, which he cultivated for three years, at the expiration of
that time returning to the old homestead, where he is now residing.
During the period of his occupancy 764 he has erected all of the
buildings now standing upon his farm with the exception of the house
and the horse barn, both of which were built by his father. Mr.
McKeighan is one of the capable agriculturists of the county and
annually reaps abundant harvests from his fertile fields, which are
cultivated under his personal supervision. In connection with his
general farming he has always made a specialty of raising Hampshire
sheep, while he keeps a fine herd of thoroughbred Jersey cows for
dairy purposes. His interests have spread beyond the boundaries of
his farm and stock-raising and he was one of the organizers of the
Ideal Telephone Company, of which he was president for about six
years and likewise a member of the board of directors.
In 1877 Mr. McKeighan completed his plans for a home of his own by
his marriage to Miss Ximena Corey, a native of Maryland and a
daughter of J. M. and Martha Corey. To them were born two sons, the
younger of whom, John, died in infancy. James Leslie, their
surviving son, is residing on the home farm with his parents,
assisting his father in its operation. He married Sarah Rice, a
daughter of Amos Rice, of Mattoon, Illinois, and they have three
children : Martha Lorene, James Rice and Anna Katherine.
The entire family affiliate with the Presbyterian church at Yates
City, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest.
For over forty years Mr. McKeighan was an elder of the church, while
for ten years his wife has been treasurer of the Home Missionary
Society, and their son is now an elder in the church and
superintendent of the Sunday school. Both father and son give their
political support to the republican party, but they have never
aspired to official honors although the former has for some years
been a member of the board of school directors. Mr. McKeighan is not
only one of the prosperous but one of the highly respected men of
his community, ever having conducted his business transactions in a
manner to preclude all possibility of adverse criticism, his honor
and integrity being above question.
LEVI J.
COX.
Levi J. Cox, deceased, who passed his life, spanning three score
years and one, within the confines of Knox county, was born- here
January 1, 1849. ^s parents, James and Emma (Pittard) Cox, were both
natives of Somersetshire, England, who lived there until after their
marriage, Mr. Cox being engaged in farming as a tenant on an English
estate. They crossed the Atlantic in 1848 and found their way to
Ontario township, Knox county, where they settled on a farm. Later
he removed to Oneida and since 1880 lived retired. In 1884 the
mother passed away and eleven years later the father's death
occurred, on May 13, 1895.
Reared at home Levi J. Cox obtained his education in the rural
schools in the vicinity and in the Oneida high school. At the age of
nineteen years he engaged in farming for himself but almost at the
outset met with a serious accident that retarded his progress for a
time in no slight degree. He was out hunting prairie chickens with a
party of friends, when he was shot by the accidental discharge of a
gun. For fourteen years he cultivated eighty acres of 765land on
section 28, after which he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in
Sparta township, operating this farm for a number of years. He
disposed of this property and went east, remaining in Hartford,
Connecticut, long enough to learn the butcher trade, which he
followed on his return to Knox county. After a time he sold out his
interests in this business and again took up farming, confining his
labors first to a tract of forty acres and later increasing this to
one hundred and sixty acres. He acted as pound-master for a period
of twelve years. On March 4, 1902, he retired to live a quiet life
in Oneida village. He passed away just eight years from that time,
dying from injuries received in an automobile accident in 1910. Mr.
Cox was a man of industrious habits and by his thrift and good
management was able to multiply his income and at his death
bequeathed to his wife and children four hundred and ninety acres of
land in the county. He belonged to Oneida Lodge, No. 337, F. & A. M.
Mr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth West, a daughter of
Samuel and Kathryn (Anderson) West, the father a native of England
and the mother of Scotland. The story of the emigration of the West
family from their native shores is a narrative filled with the most
thrilling incidents. The grandfather, John West, was sold in
Scotland to an American living near New York and when the
Revolutionary war broke out he gave his services to the cause of
freedom. He was shipwrecked on his voyage to America and passed
sixteen years before he finally reached our shores. Mr. and Mrs. Cox
were the parents of three children: Arthur B., who operates a farm
of one hundred and sixty acres in Ontario township, given him by his
father, is married to Maude Houghton and has three children living,
Laverne, Joseph Elishier and Levi Charles, while one child, Maude,
is deceased. Stewart lives on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres,
which his father gave him and is married to Mildred White. They have
three children, Garrett, Minnie E. and James. Asa, the youngest in
the family, has passed away.
Mrs. Cox gives her helpful support to the Presbyterian church and is
also an enthusiastic worker in the Order of the Eastern Star of
Oneida. She is a woman of much charm of manner and has many close
friends to whom she has always been loyal.
submitted by
Anne who calls herself Ancestor Seeker which she had already
submitted these Cox's biographies to Illinois Trails before my time
but they are not here. so am putting them here again. Thanks Anne.
SWAN
J. THULINE.
Swan J. Thuline, who owns and operates a farm in Walnut Grove
township, Knox county, was born in Kristianstad, Skona, Sweden, on
the 9th of September, 1848, his parents being John and Lissa
(Swanson) Olson. He was the grandson of Olaf Olson and Swan
Peterson. In his early life he engaged in agricultural pursuits and
continued in this industry for the greater part of his active career
and was also employed in a gristmill. His birth occurred in 1813,
and he was one of seven children, five of whom now survive: O. J.,
of Gales-burg; Swan, who is the subject of this review; Ellen, who
is the wife of Mr. Johnson of Chicago; Magdalena, who is living in
Sweden; and Hannah, who married L. N. Lundgren of Chicago. 766
After attending the public schools and assisting his father in farm
work Swan J. Thuline, desiring to start out upon his independent
career in a country which offered great opportunities to all, set
out for America at the age of nineteen years. He came direct to Knox
county, and after residing in Galesburg, removed to Walnut Grove
township, where in 1905 he purchased the property which is his
present home. During these years he engaged in general farming and
stock-raising and met with the success which has been the reward of
so many of the thrifty sons of Sweden who have come to this rich
agricultural district.
In 1882 occurred the marriage of Mr. Thuline to Thilda Johnson,
whose birth occurred on the 23d of May, 1862, in Sweden. She was the
daughter of Johann and Burgda (Nelson) Talkelson, who are
agriculturists. Her grandfather was a soldier in his native country
in the war of 1812 and died in 1872 at the age of ninety years. In
addition to Mrs. Thuline one other daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson
has come to America and is living in Galesburg. Mrs. Thuline came to
America at the age of twenty years and went direct to Galesburg,
where she met Mr. Thuline, who had sent for her. To Mr. and Mrs.
Thuline the following children have been born: Joel, who is
twenty-eight years of age and married to Jennie Plem, by whom he has
had one child, Irene; David, aged twenty-seven, who is engaged in
farming; Winfred, aged twenty-five, who is residing in Rock Island;
Carl, who is twenty-four years of age and is farming; Edwin, Esther
and Ruth, aged twenty-two, twenty and eighteen respectively, all
residing at home; Mabel, aged seventeen, who is in Galesburg;
Walther, Robert, Mary and Alice, aged sixteen, thirteen, eleven and
ten respectively, all living at home; Roy, who is eight years old
and residing at home; Lilly, who is also at home and seven years of
age; and Gladys, who is a girl of but five years.
In politics Mr. Thuline gives his support to the republican party,
and although he does not seek office for political reasons he is at
present highway commissioner of the township because of his interest
in the development of his home district. His parents were members of
the Lutheran church and his family are being brought up in the same
faith. He has never had occasion lo regret leaving his native land,
for in America he has found the opportunity for which he sought—the
opportunity to win success by honorable and industrious methods.
E.
H. BROADFIELD.
E. H. Broadfield, deceased, for many years well known in Peoria and
Knox counties, where he was identified with agricultural interests,
was a native of England, having been born in Stourport,
Worcestershire, May 8, 1831. His father, Edward H. Broadfield, was
born in Shropshire, England, February 21, 1810; his mother, whose
maiden name was Ann Rowley, was a native of Worcestershire, England,
born June 6, 1806, and died September 22, 1881.
A resident of England until he was twenty-four years of age, E. H.
Broadfield acquired his education in the night schools of
Manchester, where for four years he was employed in the lithographic
and printing business. In 1855 he 769 crossed the Atlantic, hoping
to find larger opportunities for obtaining a livelihood in America.
Settling in Peoria county he lived there until 1864, when he removed
to Knox county, where he tilled the soil until his death December
19, 1903, having attained the age of seventy-two years, seven months
and eleven days. Ever industrious and faithful in the performance of
his duties, his labors, were rewarded by an ample competence derived
from his farm of a hundred and sixty acres, so that he was enabled
to leave his family well provided for.
Mr. Broadfield was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Crandall, a
daughter of Zane and Mary (Johnson) Crandall, at Peoria, Illinois,
on April 12, 1864. Ten children were born of this union, Edward H.,
Walter, William R., Arthur. Frank, John, Lyman, George EL, Ada, and
Nellie. Mr. Broadfield was independent in his political convictions
and served for a number of years as commissioner of highways. Mrs.
Broadfield, who is in her sixty-eighth year, her birth having
occurred in Peoria county on March 22, 1844, owns the farm of one
hundred and sixty acres which her husband cultivated for many years.
Here she lives a quiet life surrounded by her family and friends,
ever occupied in the service of others believing that this is the
only way to the attainment of true happiness.
ELIAS WILHELM NORENE.
Elias Wilhelm Norene, who is an agriculturist of Walnut Grove
township, Knox county, was born May 29, 1868, on the old Norene
homestead in this county, his parents being Hans and Anna (Erickson)
Norene. The father was born in Sweden and came to America at an
early age, settling in Knox county in" 1856, where he spent
practically his entire active career, with the exception of one
winter, during which he followed agricultural pursuits in southern
territory. He was a son of Hans and Kate (Olson) Johnson. He
returned for a visit to Sweden, after which he rented a farm for a
year and in 1866 purchased the homestead, where he resided until
1878. In that year he bought a farm, on which he lived until his
retirement in 1895. He died February 3, 1907, at the age of
seventy-five years, but Mrs. Norene is still living in Altona, being
seventy-one years of age. She was born October 27, 1840, and came to
America when she was twenty-four years of age, making the trip on
the same steamer on which her husband was traveling. She is a
daughter of Eric Pearson, an agriculturist of Sweden, who died in
1867, at the age of sixty-eight years. His widow, Mrs. Martha Olson
Pearson, came to America and lived with her daughter until she
returned to Sweden shortly before her death, which occurred at the
age of eighty-six years. The grandfather, Peter Larson, was also an
agriculturist. Mrs, Norene was one of six children, five of whom are
living: Olaf Erickson, of Nebraska; Pear Erickson, of Sweden;
Carrie, who is the wife of Peter Norberg, of Nebraska; and Martha,
who is the wife of N. Nordestrom, also of Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs.
Norene were married in Knoxville, Illinois, on March 15, 1865, but
they later resided in Walnut Grove township on the farm, where the
youngest son now lives. Subsequently he purchased the present home
of his older son. Both Mr. and Mrs. Norene were members of the
Swedish Lutheran church and were among the prominent citizens of
Walnut Grove township. They were the parents of three children:
Alfred T., an agriculturist; Josephine C, who is the wife of Carl A.
Nybladh, of Galesburg; and Elias W., who is the subject of this
review.
After attending school Elias W. Norene remained at home with his
father assisting in the farm duties until he entered the Galesburg
Business College. After completing his course in that institution he
again returned home and has since been the manager of the property
upon which he is now residing. He is one of the most modern and
scientific farmers in Walnut Grove township and is winning
profitable returns for the careful management and the industrious
labor which he is giving to his undertakings.
On June 26, 1905, Mr. Norene was married to Miss Bertha S.
Linderholm, a daughter of H. L. and Hedwig (Johnson) Linderholm, who
are both residing in Altona and were among the pioneer settlers of
Knox county. Mrs. Norene's birth occurred on the 15th of April,
1874, in Knox county. She is one of eleven children; the others are
as follows: Latimer B., of Galesburg; Martin, of Farmington, Iowa;
Otto Herman, deceased; Hannah, who is the wife of David Anderson;
one, who died in infancy; Theresa Amelia, who is married to J. A.
Boland; Harrison B. and Hattie P., twins, the former residing in
Pomona, California, and the latter deceased; Ernest Arthur, of
Chicago; and Lilly Cornelia, the wife of Thomas Chinn, a resident of
Pasadena, California. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Norene: Lula Florinda, born May 4, 1896; Mabel Pemilla, born April
8, 1898; Frances Lilly Wilhelmina, born November 12, 1901; and
Maurice Elias, born December 19, 1908.
Mr. Norene gives his political support to the republican party and
is at present a member of the school board, having served for
twenty-two years in that capacity. In religious faith he is a
Lutheran, holding membership in the Swedish Lutheran church of
Altona. He is one of the native sons of Knox county, who has made a
successful career for himself in the new world by displaying the
persistency, energy, industry and thrift which are so characteristic
of the Swedish people.
NATHAN
MILROY.
Nathan Milroy, who has been a lifelong resident of Knox county, is
residing upon his farm in Copley township. His birth occurred on the
16th of December, 1851, in the old log cabin which is near his home
today. He is a son of Samuel and Margaret (McNish) Milroy and a
grandson of Samuel and Agnes (For-syth) Milroy. The father was born
in Wigtonshire, Scotland, and came to America with his family in
1851. Immediately upon their arrival in this country they settled in
Copley township and were among the first settlers in this part of
Knox county. His death occurred in 1887, at the age of sixty-nine
years. He was one of three children born to his father's first
marriage, his two sisters both having also passed away. Of a second
union there was born to Samuel Milroy, Sr., one daughter, Isabel,
who is the wife of Hugh McCormick, and living at Creston, Iowa. Mrs.
Milroy, who was born January 22,
1815, and was a daughter of Nathaniel and Jane (McGoch) McNish, died
October 3, 1903, at the age of eighty-eight years. Her brother is
residing in Australia.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm
life for Nathan Milroy in his boyhood and youth. He attended school
and assisted his father upon the farm until the latter's death,
after which he continued the management of the home property and is
still engaged in raising stock. He has given his whole attention to
this work and has met with the success which is the reward of
persistency, energy and diligent labor.
Mr. Milroy was married to Miss Belle Cook, whose birth occurred on
the 2d of April, 1854, and who is a daughter of James and Agnes
(Stein) Cook, the former having been born on October 24, 1815, and
the latter now residing in Galesburg. The Cook family removed to
Knox county in 1845, coming from Ross county, Ohio. The
grandparents, Robert and Jeannette (Lochie) Cook, came originally
from Roxburghshire, Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Milroy were the parents
of seven children, six of whom survive: Mary Ellen, who became the
wife of M. Gibbs, of Victoria township, and is the mother of two
children, Dale M. and Dean M.; William Morris and Samuel Stein, both
of whom are residing at home; Edna Grace, who is the wife of G.
Gibbs, of Victoria; and Archie Nathan and James N., both of whom are
at home.
Politically Mr. Milroy gives his support to the republican party
and. has been most active in promoting its policies and working for
its best interests. He has held the office of road commissioner for
fifteen years and has been a member of the school board for the past
twenty-one years, being one of the oldest school directors in the
county and having succeeded his father to that office. He is a
member of the John Knox church, as his father had also been, and has
held the office of trustee for many years. During his residence here
he has helped to improve the agricultural districts of the county
and is justly accounted one of the progressive farmers of Copley
township. His labors have been a cooperant factor in many movements
which have been of value to the community, bringing Copley township
from its position as an uncultivated prairie to a leading place
among the developed agricultural regions of Illinois.
A. J. VICTOR JOHNSON.
A. J. Victor Johnson is engaged in general farming and stock-raising
on the place, where he was born on the 2d of February, T883. His
father, Jonas Johnson, was born on the 1st of March, 1839, in Norbo
Ockelba Soken Ageveleborg Ian, Sweden, where he spent his boyhood
and youth. The grandparents were Jonas and Martha Johnson, the
former dying in 1870, at the age of eighty years. They came to
America in 1864 and lived with their son, Jonas Johnson, in Knox
county until their death. Jonas Johnson left his native land in 1857
and came direct to Altona, where he resided until after his marriage
to Christina Olson, whose birth occurred on the 25th of December,
1843. Subsequently he removed to Sparta township and later purchased
the property which is the present homestead. Mrs. Johnson was a
daughter of Olaf Peterson, who came to America with his family in
1857 and after residing in Altona removed to Moline, Illinois, where
he died in July, 1858, at the age of sixty-three years, and the
mother in 1870, at the age of seventy-nine years. Of the children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Johnson there are still living besides
our subject, three daughters, as follows: Minnie, who married P.
Stromberg, a farmer of Sparta township; Amanda, the wife of Andrew
Lindstrom, of Altona, Illinois; and Rosa, who married Herman Smith,
of Altona.
The business career of A. J. Victor Johnson was begun in a grocery
store at Altona, where he accepted a clerkship soon after leaving
school. He remained there for two years, then pursued a commercial
course in Brown's Business College at Galesburg, after which he went
to Aberdeen, Washington. There he successfully engaged in the
grocery business for two years, but at the end of that time he
returned to Galesburg, where for a year he was associated in
business with J. A. Peterson. In 1908 he returned to the old
homestead and has ever since devoted his attention to the tilling of
the fields and the raising of stock. Mr. Johnson is directing his
efforts along the more progressive methods and is meeting with
success, his diligence and enterprise being prominent factors in
promoting his prosperity.
On the 27th of April, 1904, at Altona, was celebrated the marriage
of Mr. Johnson and. Miss Goldie Holmes. She was born in Galesburg,
on September 18, 1885, the only child of H. H. and Mattie (Burkhard)
Holmes. The father, who is an engineer on the Chicago & Rock Island
Railroad, is still living but the mother passed away in 1892, at the
age of twenty-six. Mrs. Holmes was a daughter of Jacob and Sarah
(Rogers) Burkhard, who were among the pioneer settlers of Knox
county. The father was a native of Pennsylvania. After their
daughter died Mr. and Mrs. Burkhard brought up Mrs. Johnson, who
made her home with them until her marriage. Her grandfather Holmes
was killed in the Civil war, having enlisted and gone to the front
from this state. Mrs. Johnson is connected with some of the oldest
families of the county, her great-grandfather Rogers having erected
the first frame house in Galesburg, which was located on the present
square. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson there has been born
one son, Freeman, whose birth occurred in Aberdeen, Washington, on
January 29, 1905.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnson belong to the Methodist Episcopal church
of Altona, and she also belongs to the Ladies Aid Society. He does
not take an active interest in politics and has never affiliated
with any party, giving his support to the man he thinks is best
qualified for the office.
FRANK U. DAUGHMER. 773
Frank U. Daughmer, who has been one of the road commissioners of
Salem township for the past two years, is the owner of a fine farm
of four hundred and thirty-seven acres located on section 5, where
he engages in stock-raising in connection with his agricultural
pursuits. He was born in Haw Creek township, on January 28, 1868, a
son of N. George and Harriet (Lindsey) Daughmer. The former was a
native of Pendleton county, Virginia, his birth occurring in 1830,
but he was reared and educated in Ohio, having removed there when a
child with his father, James Daughmer, who spent the remainder of
his life in the Buckeye state. When he had attained the age of
twenty-two years, N. George Daughmer left the parental roof and
started westward, making the journey across the prairies to Illinois
with a buggy and team of horses. He was accompanied by his first
wife, Lamenta Huey, a native of Ohio. They located in the vicinity
of Maquon, Haw Creek township, where Mrs. Daughmer subsequently
passed away and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Maquon. Mr.
Daughmer, who was married three times, took for his second wife Miss
Harriet Lindzey, our subject's mother, who also passed away in Haw
Creek township, while his third union was with Miss Hattie Lawrence.
He disposed of his Haw Creek farm about 1874 and removed to Douglas,
locating on the farm now owned by his son, Frank U., in Salem
township. He industriously applied himself to the cultivation of
this property which he improved by the erection of good, substantial
buildings, making it one of the valuable places of this section.
Much of his time and attention were directed to the raising of
thoroughbred Polled Angus cattle, that he exhibited at the fairs and
fat stock show in Chicago and also sold at public auctions in this
vicinity. In connection with this he also raised and fed Shorthorn
cattle for the market, but gave less attention to this during the
latter years of his life. He passed away on his homestead on the
24th of May, 1908, and was buried in the cemetery at Maquon. In
politics Mr. Daughmer was a republican, but he had never held any
office in either the township or the county. He was one of the very
prosperous farmers of Salem township and numbered among its
residents many warm friends by whom he was held in the highest
esteem.
Frank U. Daughmer was reared from the age of six years on the farm,
where he now resides, attending the public schools of Douglas in the
acquirement of his early education. He subsequently spent one year
at Knox College and also attended the Agricultural College at the
University of Illinois, at Urbana. for a similar period. At the
expiration of that time he returned to Douglas and turned his
attention to the cultivation of his father's homestead and to
stock-raising. Following his marriage he located on the old home
farm, where he has ever since resided. He has made quite extensive
improvements during the period of his occupancy, having erected a
number of new buildings and repaired and remodeled the old ones. The
land, which is in a high state of cultivation was thoroughly drained
during his father's lifetime and given the careful attention that
has made it possible to keep it in its present state of productivity
with comparative ease. He is conducting his operations very much as
did his father, making a specialty of the breeding and raising of
the thoroughbred Polled Angus cattle, always keeping a herd of about
forty-five, and he also raises and feeds high-grade cattle for the
market. Mr. Daughmer is meeting with a gratifying degree of
prosperity in his undertakings and is recognized as one of the most
capable and successful agriculturists and stockmen in Salem
township. He is a progressive business man to whose practical ideas
and well organized system of directing his energies must be
attributed the success of his efforts.
On the 2d of September, 1902, Mr. Daughmer was united in marriage to
Miss Bertha H. Bronson, who was born in Peoria county, Illinois, on
the 6thof January, 1878. She was a daughter of D. L. T. and Nina (Gue)
Bronson. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Daughmer there has been
born one daughter, Bernice Violet, who is attending school in
Douglas. The first year of their domestic life they spent in
Douglas, but at the end of that time they located on the farm, where
they now live.
Mr. Daughmer is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church of Douglas, in which his
wife also holds membership. His political allegiance he gives to the
republican party and has for several years been a member of the
central committee, and he is also now serving as a school director.
Mr. Daughmer leads a very busy life as is evidenced by the
attractive and well kept appearance of his farm and the abundant
harvests annually yielded by his fertile fields.
B. P.
BAIRD.
B. P. Baird, a prominent and prosperous resident of Abingdon, has
made extensive speculations in lands and now has large property
holdings not only in Knox county but in the states of Iowa and
Wisconsin. His birth occurred in Pennsylvania, on the 19th of March,
1855, his parents being William H. and Elizabeth J. (Farwell) Baird,
who were born, reared and married in the Keystone state. The father,
who was for some years engaged in the timber business, came west to
Illinois in 1856, locating in Elba township, Knox county, where he
turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. In the
conduct of his farming interests he won a gratifying measure of
prosperity, owning three hundred and sixty acres of land at the time
of his demise and after having given property to each of his sons.
Conservative, reliable and honorable, he enjoyed the high esteem of
all who knew him. Though a generous contributor in the interests of
religion and charity, he was not identified with any denomination.
Prior to the Civil war he gave his political allegiance to the
democracy but after the close of the conflict championed the
prohibition cause and was the first man in Elba township to vote
that ticket. The cause of education also found in him a stanch
friend and for possibly thirty years he served as a member of the
school board. He acquired a good education in his youth and for
about three years during his early manhood taught school in his home
district in Pennsylvania. Throughout his entire life he read
broadly, thus constantly augmenting his knowledge. He passed away in
1890, when seventy years of age, and his demise was the occasion of
deep and widespread regret, for he was everywhere recognized as a
man of sterling integrity and worth. His wife, whose natal year was
1830, was called to her final rest in May, 1906.
B. P. Baird was reared under the parental roof and supplemented his
preliminary education, obtained in the district schools, by a course
of study at Hedding College. In the spring of 1877, when twenty-two
years of age, he began farming on his own account as a renter. In
the following fall he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Ellen
Oberholtzer, a daughter of Joseph Oberholtzer, one of the early
settlers of Knox county. In the spring of 1878 Mr. Baird purchased a
farm of eighty acres in Peoria county, residing thereon for three
years. The demise of his wife occurred on the 13th of June, 1880. In
1881 he sold his property and purchased the James V. Rynerson farm
of one hundred and sixty acres in Elba township, continuing to
reside thereon for ten years. In the spring of 1891 he disposed of
the place and bought the Charles farm of two hundred and eighty
acres near Elba Center. In 1900 he purchased a farm of eighty acres
near Abingdon and made that his home in order that his children
might enjoy the advantages of the Abingdon schools. Fully
appreciating the value of education as a preparation for the
practical and responsible duties of life, he has provided his
children with every advantage in this direction. In 1902 he built
his present handsome residence in Abingdon and in December of that
year took up his abode in the town where he has since lived. His
property holdings in Knox county are extensive and he also owns
large tracts in Iowa and Wisconsin, having speculated in lands on
quite a large scale. He is likewise a stockholder and director in
the First National Bank and for several years past has served as a
member of the board of trustees of Hedding College.
In 1882 Mr. Baird was again married, his second union being with
Miss Josie Gray, a daughter of Lemuel and Mary A. (Sweegle) Gray,
who were natives of Ohio and New Jersey respectively and took up
their abode among the early settlers of Knox county, Illinois, here
celebrating their marriage. Mr. Baird is the father of six children,
one of whom was born of his first marriage. Newton Homer, who was
educated in Knox College and also pursued a business course in
Denver, Colorado, now owns a cattle ranch of twenty-four hundred
acres near that city. William Lemuel, who spent several years in
Hedding preparatory school and Hedding College, is now engaged in
general agricultural pursuits in this county. Leo Preston, who was
graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign with the
class of 1906, winning the degree of Bachelor of Arts, served as
superintendent of high schools for three years. In 1910 he was a
candidate for the position of county superintendent of schools of
Peoria and notwithstanding the fact that he was but a young man and
a Knox county citizen, carried the city of Peoria by seven hundred
votes and was defeated by only eighty-two ballots. At the present
time he is superintendent of the electric light plant in Abingdon
and is also engaged in the insurance business. Lois Irena, who was
graduated from Hedding College in 1908, winning the degrees of B. A.
and B. O., has for the past three years taught in the high school at
Winfield, Iowa. Eva Lena, who was graduated from Heckling College in
1911 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, will teach as assistant
superintendent in the schools at Whitehall, Michigan. Forest Gray is
a senior in Hedding College. Mr. Baird indeed has reason to be proud
of his children, all of whom have developed into splendid young men
and women under the influence and training of a loving yet wise
mother. He attributes his success in no small degree to his wife,
who has ever proved a loyal and loving helpmate and companion to
him. She is a woman of refinement and culture and presides with
gracious hospitality over a charming home.
Mr. Baird gives his political allegiance to the republican party,
believing that its principles are most conducive to good government.
He is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to
Abingdon Lodge, No. 185, A. F. & A. M.
He is a steward and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church, to
which his wife and children also belong. Mr. Baird is a man of
undoubted integrity in business, of progressive spirit and marked
enterprise, a man whose popularity and prosperity have been won
through his many good qualities and his well directed effort.
SAMUEL ROBERT PARKINSON.
Samuel Robert Parkinson, a resident of Wataga, early recognized the
fact that success has its foundation in persistent, honorable and
intelligently directed labor and has worked his way upwards until he
is now one of the largest landowners in Knox county and is also well
known as a prominent representative of its agricultural,
stock-raising and banking interests. He was born on the 3d of
November, 1866, in Sparta township, Knox county and is the son of
John Parkinson. The father, born in 1828, is a native of England and
in 1856 came to America locating in Knox county, where he has since
resided, giving his time and attention to farming and mining. He
gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is
conversant with the leading issues of the day. He has served as road
commissioner and also as a member of the school board and is a man
of strict integrity and worth, and has the confidence and regard of
the entire community. He was married to Ann Taylor, who was also a
native of England and the daughter of James Taylor. Although she has
reached the advanced age of eighty-six years she is still enjoying
life and is a comfort to her family. They became the parents of
seven children, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of M. Gehring, of Sparta
township, Knox county, Illinois; Ellen, who is married to A. Simmons
of Adair county, Nebraska; Mattie, who is the wife of Arthur Mayse,
a resident of Greenfield, Iowa; James, who is a resident of Morris
county, Kansas; Sadie, the wife of Elder Ecknam, of Morris county,
Kansas; Samuel R., the subject of this sketch; and Frank E., of
Sparta township.
After spending a few years in the near-by district schools he
remained at home till twenty-one years of age. He began farming and
continued in this occupation for five years, when he engaged in the
meat-market and grocery business. He conducted this enterprise for
seventeen years, at the same time looking after the farm, which he
had previously acquired. Because of his close application and his
persistent effort to develop his business along lines of modern
improvements abreast of the times, Mr. Parkinson secured an
extensive patronage and realized a success which was as remunerative
as it was gratifying. In 1909 he purchased a one-half interest in
the Bank of Wataga, of which he is now ably serving as vice
president. In this as in his previous undertakings the accrued
profits have increased his capital and thus enabled him to make
further investments. At the present he is the owner of one thousand
acres of land in Knox county, which he devotes to crops and stock.
His buying-in and market transactions show rare judgment and
inevitably financial results of enviable proportions.
Mr. Parkinson was married in 1892, to Elizabeth Campbell, whose
birth occurred on the 29th of November, 1871. She is the daughter of
Robert and Catherine Dolan Campbell, the former of whom died
December 10, 1911, at the age of seventy-six, while Mrs. Campbell is
surviving and now in her eightieth year. Mr. and Mrs. Parkinson are
the parents of one son.
In politics Mr. Parkinson casts his vote with the republican party,
and has been honored by his fellow citizens with the office of
president of the village board which he has competently administered
for thirteen consecutive years. He holds membership in Wataga Lodge,
No. 291, A. F. & A. M.
Mr. Parkinson's enterprise and industry have carried him into
important relations with business affairs and he has won for himself
a most creditable reputation by his enterprise and reliability in
every one and all matters, with which he has come in contact.
ROBERT
GIBBS.
Robert Gibbs, who is the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of
valuable land in Copley township, which he devotes to farming and
stock-raising, was born in Lynn township, December 30, 1874. Lie is
a son of Joseph E. and Margaret (Speck) Gibbs. The mother is a
daughter of E. Speck, a soldier of the Civil war, who died at
Andersonville prison. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs are now living retired in
La Fayette, Illinois. The father's birth occurred in Pittsburg. The
grandparents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Goetzinger) Gibbs, removed to
Lynn township, Knox county, with their three children and settled on
the old Gibbs farm, where he passed the remainder of his life. Mr.
and Mrs. Joseph E. Gibbs were the parents of four children: Helen,
who is the wife of W. Craig, of Victoria township; Florence, who was
married to Harry Thomas, also of Victoria township; Frank L., who is
diving in Stark county, Illinois; and Robert, the subject of this
sketch.
After finishing school Robert Gibbs remained at home and assisted
his father in the cultivation of the farm until twenty-one years of
age. After this he began upon his independent agricultural career in
Lynn township on the farm of his grandfather. Subsequently after
three years' residence there, he removed to La Fayette and engaged
in the meat-market business for the following two years. After
disposing of this he purchased his present home and is now farming
four hundred and eighty acres of productive land, which is under a
high state of cultivation and equipped with modern and substantial
buildings. In all of his work he is progressive, employing the
latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields,
while his careful study of cattle-raising has given him accurate
knowledge concerning the best methods of raising stock.
Mr. Gibbs was married in January, 1896, to Miss Abbie May Goff,
whose birth occurred on the 9th of June, 1873, m Copley township and
who is a daughter of Marvin and Mary Elizabeth (Monasmith) Goff",
the former one of the old settlers of Copley township, having passed
away in 1897, at the age of fifty-six years, and the latter now
residing at the age of seventy-one years on the old homestead. To
them ten children were born: Julia, who is the wife of S. Col-linson,
of Victoria township; John, of Lynn township; Marvin, a resident of
Victoria township; Sarah, who is the wife of A. McCormick, of
Creston, Iowa; George, a resident of Copley township; Mps. Gibbs;
Charles, who is living at home; Louis, of Victoria township; Maggie,
who became the wife of Fred McIlvray, of Victoria township; and
Leona, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs are the parents of four
children: Milo, whose birth occurred on October 24, 1896; Mary
Margaret, who was born July 9, 1899; George Reed, born January 5,
1900; and Robert Russell, who was born August 3, 1906.
Mr. Gibbs' political allegiance is given to the republican party and
in 1909 he was elected supervisor. He belongs to the Masonic lodge
of Victoria, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Royal Neighbors and
the Mystic Workers of the World. He cooperates in many movements for
the general good and is particularly interested in everything
pertaining to the agricultural development of the county. He is
known as a reliable and public-spirited citizen and stands high in
the regard of all who know him.
DAVID MERRY SIMPSON.
David Merry Simpson, who is living retired on his farm in Walnut
Grove township, was born in Sorn Point, Ayrshire, Scotland, on the
15th of October, 1835, his parents being Hugh and Janette (Murdock)
Simpson. The grandfather was George Simpson and was the father of
twelve children, of whom David and Robert K., of Glasgow, Scotland,
are the only surviving members. George Simpson was active in his
duties as a member of the United Presbyterian church. The father was
a shoemaker by trade and was engaged in this business throughout his
life, his death occurring in 1852 at the age of sixty-five years.
The mother was the daughter of John and Mary Murdock, the former a
weaver by trade. Mrs. Simpson's death occurred in 1872 at the age of
eighty-four years.
David Simpson attended the district schools in his native country
until twelve years of age and then entered into agricultural
pursuits, assisting his brother. For the following two yea,rs he was
engaged in the tile and brick business and subsequently after his
father's death, he went to the coal regions and engaged in mining,
but in 1857, desiring to seek his fortune in the new world, he came
to America, going directly to Oneida, Illinois, arriving there on
the 16th of April, 1857. For the next three years he fanned out by
the month and then began farming for himself. Subsequently he
removed to his present farm which was at that time all prairie land,
and Mr. Simpson now has the distinction of being the only living old
settler in this township. When he had acquired one hundred and
twenty acres of land he established his present home, and has
constantly added improvements and,conveniences until he now has one
of the well equipped and modern farms in the township.
Mr. Simpson was married in 1861, to Lavina (Garland) Hawk, a native
of Virginia, her parents being Thomas and Mildred (Moon) Garland.
The father was a planter and slave owner until he removed to Ohio,
where he spent the latter part of his life and where his death
occurred. Mrs. Simpson had been previously married to Jacob Hawk,
and was the mother of four children, all of whom are living. Mr. and
Mrs. Simpson have become the parents of eight children, of whom
three died in infancy. Of those living, Hugh C, the eldest, was born
on the 14th of December, 1861, and is engaged in agricultural
pursuits. He married Ada McLaughlin, by whom he had five children:
Leola, Milo, James and David, and one, the eldest, who died in
childhood. Mildred Lavina was born June 5, 1864, and is living at
home, where she is keeping house for her father. She is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church, and is very active in its various
societies, being one of the prominent members of the Ladies' Aid
Society. Janette M., who was born November 19, 1866, is the wife of
Ed N. Suydam, of Galesburg, and has four children: Marie, Fern, Edna
and David, who died, when three years of age. Amanda Ellen was born
October 19, 1868, and is the widow of William Mead, of Oneida. David
J. was born January 13, 1872, and is a traveling salesman residing
in Peoria, Illinois, and is a widower.
Mr. Simpson is an active supporter of the policies of the republican
party, doing all in his power to promote its measures and to
influence his fellow citizens in their support. He has served as
central committeeman, highway commissioner and as member of the
school board. He also holds membership in the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows of Altona and in the Methodist church of Altona. In his
social, fraternal and political relations he has won for himself the
same esteem and regard, which he has won in the industrial circles,
and has lived in accordance with the teachings of high principles,
continually extending the circle of his friends wdio almost comprise
all his acquaintances.
WILLIAM N. THOMAS.
William N. Thomas, who is operating a blacksmith shop in Wataga, has
been a resident of Knox county for over fifty-two years. He was born
in Wayne county, Indiana, on the 14th of May, 1842, and is a son of
Edward and Maria (Kitwell) Thomas. The father was a native of Wabash
county, Indiana, and there he was also reared and educated, after
which he entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church, his
first field being in the vicinity of his early home. His labors were
terminated by death some nine years later, however, his demise
occurring in 1850. The mother, who passed away in 1876, at the age
of sixty-two years, was a daughter of J. H. and Maria Kitwell,
natives of Kentucky. The paternal grandfather of our subject, J. H.
Thomas, was prominent in promoting and spreading the Universalist
belief and for many years devoted his entire time and attention to
advocating his views, traveling throughout the country and lecturing
wherever he could obtain a hearing. He also owned and operated a
printing establishment and emphasized his personal work by
scattering broadcast essays and lectures of himself and others on
the theme of universal salvation. He was a native of Kentucky. Of
the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Thomas there were born five
children: William N., our subject; James E., who is living in
Prairie City, Iowa; W. H., a resident of Dodgeville, Wisconsin;
Maggie, the wife of W. H. Moon, also of Prairie City, Iowa; and Mrs.
J. H. Gregg, of Missouri.
The eldest child of his widowed mother, William N. Thomas left
school at the age of twelve and during the succeeding eight years
devoted his energies to the operation of their farm. In 1859 he came
to Galesburg, continuing to follow agricultural pursuits until the
breaking out of the war in 1861, when he enlisted as a musician in
Company A, Fifty-Ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and went to the
front under General Post of the Army of the Cumberland. He
participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Stone River, Chickamauga,
Atlanta and Nashville, having been wounded in the latter engagement.
He had enlisted at Knoxville for three years but upon the expiration
of his period of service re-enlisted until the close of the war.
After the close of hostilities he went to San Antonio, Texas, where
he was retained for nine months, being mustered out on September 19,
1866. Upon his return to Galesburg he gave his attention to the
carriage manufacturing business, for about three decades, when he
came to Wataga and opened a blacksmith and general repair shop which
he is still operating.782
For his wife Mr. Thomas chose Miss Frances A. Gibbs, a daughter of
Nelson and Adelia Gibbs, the father a farmer of Knox county,
where Mrs. Thomas has spent the greater part of her sixty-five
years. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas there were born two
sons: W. H., a resident of Galesburg, who married Ada Tulson and has
one child; and A., living in Oneida, who is married and has two
children.
Fraternally Mr. Thomas is a member of the Masonic order, being
affiliated with Wataga Lodge, No. 291, A. F. & A. M., and he also
belongs to the Odd Fellows, holding membership in Galesburg Lodge,
No. 142, I. O. O. F. His political support he gives to the
democratic party and he has several times been called to public
office, having served as mayor and marshal for two terms each, and
as constable for three. In all of his relations of life Mr. Thomas
has ever exhibited the loyalty and efficiency that characterized him
on the battlefield, the details of every responsibility he assumes
being discharged with conscientious exactitude.
C. P.
SMITH.
C. P. Smith, representing agricultural interests in Knox county,
lives half a mile east of Elba Center on the farm and in the same
house where he first beheld the light of day, fifty years ago, his
birth having occurred July 9, 1861. His father, Ira A. Smith, was a
pioneer settler of Illinois, coming here from New York state in
1850, when a young man, and carried on farming. He bought the
present homestead and lived here for many years until his death in
January, 1907, when he was eighty-four years old. He married Sarah
A. Rose, whose grandfather, Stephen Rose, was one of the original
settlers of Knox county, taking up his residence here in 1830. There
were eleven children in the Smith family, of whom seven are still
living: Mrs. Donnelly, of Kansas; Alfred A., of Iowa; Salem, of
Kansas; C. P., the subject of this biography; W. T., of Texas, and
Mrs. Barry of Nebraska, the last two being twins; and Mrs. Ramp, of
Nebraska.
Upon the old homestead C. P. Smith spent the days of his boyhood and
youth, and in the local district schools he obtained a fair
education. He began work on the home place and has remained here
ever since with the exception 785 of a year and a half spent
in Nebraska. He is a successful farmer and a breeder of high-grade
live-stock.
Mr. Smith was married to Miss Harriett Miller and they became the
parents of a son, Elmer, who was born in 1890 and passed away in
1907. In 1894 Mrs. Harriett Smith was called to her final rest and
on June 12, 1907, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Julia
Rausch, a daughter of Gustavus and Bertha Rausch, of Galesburg,
where her father occupied the position of minister in the
Evangelical church. She was one of five children in her family.
Mr. Smith belongs to the Masonic order and in his political
convictions is not bound by party ties, preferring to vote
independently for the man rather than according to the dictates of
the party. He was elected to the office of constable and for four
years served as justice of the peace. Fraternally he is connected
with the Masonic order. Ever faithful in adhering to his ideals, he
has unflinchingly performed the duties which have fallen to his lot
and in the success which has attended his efforts has found his
reward.
FRED C. BEARMORE.
Fred C. Bearmore, president of the First National Bank of Maquon,
has long been prominently identified with the commercial and
financial enterprises of this village, of which he has been a
resident for thirty years. He was born in Monmouth county, New
Jersey in 1853, and is a son of David T. and Rebecca (Conover)
Bearmore, natives of the same state. The father was a wagon and
carriage maker but also engaged in the operation of a farm in
connection with his trade. The parents spent their entire lives in
their native state, both passing away at the age of about
seventy-five years, the father's demise occurring near the town of
Freehold, and that of the mother at Lakewood. The family of Mr. and
Mrs. Bearmore numbered three, of whom our subject was the eldest,
the others being as follows: David, a real-estate man of Emporia,
Kansas, who married Harriet Emma Hall and has one daughter, Edna;
and Elnora, who is the wife of Joseph W. Thorn, of Farmingdale, New
Jersey.
The early life of Fred C. Bearmore was spent in the village where he
was born, and to whose schools he is indebted for his education.
After acquiring such knowledge as was deemed essential to enable him
to assume the heavier responsibilities of life he laid aside his
text-books and operated his father's farm. He had from his earliest
youth been trained in those qualities of integrity and industry that
tend to develop men of enterprise and high principle, his ideals
ever having been of the highest type of manhood. At the age of
twenty-eight he left the parental roof and came west and entered
into the mercantile and banking business with William Swigart. This
venture proved to be very lucrative and they were associated
together in this business in Maquon for twenty-two years. In 1903
Fred C. Bearmore established a private bank that he operated for
three years and then reorganized and established as a national bank,
the institution since 1906 having been known as the First National
Bank of Maquon. It has a paid-up capital of thirty-five thousand
dollars and is recognized as one of the most substantial and
conservative financial organizations of this section of the
state. Mr. Bearmore is the president; John Wolf, vice president; and
A. S. Potter, cashier. All are men of high standing and well known
integrity and business ability.786
For his wife and helpmate Mr. Bearmore chose Miss Sarah Swigart, a
daughter of William Swigart, their marriage being celebrated in
1885. Six children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Bearmore. Freda,
who married Glen McGirr and has two children, is living on a farm
south of Maquon. Ella, the second daughter became the wife of Ralph
White and resides in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Fay, who is
unmarried, is teaching in the schools of Hinsdale, Illinois.
William, the only son, is living at Minot, North Dakota. The two
youngest members of the family, Genevieve and Marian, the latter
born on the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of the parents, are
both at home.
The political views of Mr. Bearmore coincide with the principles of
the democratic party, in support of whose candidates he casts his
ballot. Though he has never been prominently identified in municipal
politics, he served most capably as supervisor. During the long
period of his residence in Knox county Mr. Bearmore, by reason of
his honorable transactions, trustworthiness and absolute reliability
on any and all occasions, as well as his regard for his word, has at
all times had the full confidence of his fellow citizens and has
manifested those characteristics which are among a business man's
greatest assets. His name connected with any business enterprise is
recognized as a guaranty of its reliability and assurance of its
stability
PROFESSOR ARTHUR CLARK
BUTLER.
Professor Arthur Clark Butler, who has served as superintendent of
the city schools of Abingdon since 1904, is one of the well known
educators of northern Illinois and has long been a prominent and
valuable factor in educational circles in this part of the state.
His birth occurred in Morgan county, Illinois, on the nth of April,
1848, his parents being James L. and Oletha Parker (Sargent) Butler,
who were natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. In early manhood
the father journeyed westward to Ohio and thence to Indiana and in
1840 removed to Morgan county, Illinois, being there married and
purchasing a farm near Jacksonville. In 1862 he left the place and
took up his abode on a farm which he purchased in Macon county,
where he remained until 1870, when he removed to Neosho county,
Kansas. There he continued to reside until called to his final rest
on the 29th of July, 1891. James L. Butler was an ardent worker in
the cause of temperance and also labored effectively in advancing
the interests of education in his community. While living in Morgan
county he was a prime factor in the erection of one of the best
country schoolhouses to be found in the state. He was always an
advocate of good public schools and worked earnestly for their
establishment and keeping up their standard. Both he and his wife
were devoted and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. Mrs. Butler, who was still but a girl when she accompanied
her parents on their removal to Morgan county, passed away on the
27th of May, 1900. Her father, William L. Sargent, there became a
well known figure in state politics at an early day. He was a whig
and a strong anti-slavery man, his home being one of the stations on
the underground railway. He served as a member of the state
legislature from his district and was one of the influential factors
in the organization of the republican party. All of his sons, six in
number, served throughout the Civil war and returned home after the
cessation of hostilities. The only one still living is Henry, an
inmate of the Soldiers' Home at Quincy, Illinois. 787
Arthur C. Butler was reared under the parental roof and obtained his
early education in the public schools of Morgan county, Illinois.
Subsequently he pursued the full course and also did an additional
year's work in the State Normal School at Bloomington, Illinois,
being graduated from that institution with the class of 1878. Later
Dr. Richard Edwards, who has been president of the State Normal
School, became president of Blackburn University at Carlinville and,
having recognized Mr. Butler's efficient work in the normal school
as an institute instructor and writer, recommended him to the
university for the degree of Master of Arts, which was accordingly
conferred upon him. Subsequently Mr. Butler took a correspondence
post-graduate course from the University of Chicago, which completed
his schooling. Five years prior to his graduation" from the State
Normal School he had taken up teaching as a vocation and during his
normal course continued teaching at intervals. Following his
graduation he was made principal of the schools at Normal, Illinois,
where he remained for two years. On the expiration of that period he
accepted the principalship of the schools at Virginia, Cass county,
Illinois, there remaining for a similar length of time. He was next
offered and accepted the position of superintendent of the
Beardstown (111.) schools, in which capacity he served for nine
years. At the end of that time he went to Taylorville and organized
the Taylorville township high school, formulated the course of study
and presided over the schools for three years. In 1894 he left that
place to become superintendent of the schools at Kewanee, Henry
county, Illinois, where he remained for ten years. In 1904 he came
to Abingdon as superintendent of the schools here and has held that
responsible position continuously since. He is a broad-minded man
and an able educator and for several years past has been a regular
contributor to the School News and has also written extensively for
other educational publications. He has recently completed a series
of articles for the School News and has begun another. "Persimmons"
and "Gala Day Stories," two books of which he is the author, have
won him merited fame. The former publication is very popular and has
enjoyed an extensive sale. Miss Caroline Grote, formerly county
superintendent of Pike county, Illinois, said: "I am frequently
asked to name a collection of books for a school library. Whether
the collection is to be a large or a small one I always name
Persimmons among the first." This is only one of scores of
testimonials from nearly every state in the Union. Professor Butler
was a charter member of the Schoolmasters' Club, which has done much
toward shaping the educational policy pursued in the northern part
of the state. He is recognized as an able institute instructor and
in 1911 was chosen to teach advanced-grade reading at the teachers'
institute of Knox county.
On the 15th of June, 1871, Professor Butler was united in marriage
to Miss Eliza H. Eaton, of Stonington, Christian county, Illinois,
by whom he had three children, one son and two daughters. The
son and one of the daughters are now deceased. Gazelle is the widow
of Frank B. Newell and resides at home. 788
Professor Butler gives his political allegiance to the republican
party, where national questions and issues are involved, but at
local elections casts an independent ballot. Fraternally he is
identified with the Masons, belonging to Abingdon Lodge, No. 185, A.
F. & A. M. He is a member of the official board of the Methodist
Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. Association with
him means elevation and expansion, for his interests have always
been in touch with those broadening processes which bring a wider,
higher knowledge of life and enable the individual to place a
correct valuation upon the things which go to make up life's
activities and interests.
A. S.
POTTER.
A. S. Potter, who is cashier of the First National Bank, is a native
son andl a representative of one of Maquon's pioneer families. His
birth occurred on May 31, 1862, his parents being Dr. Alvin H. and
Eliza (Moore) Potter. They were the parents of two sons, of whom our
subject is the elder, the other, A. G., now being a resident of
Oklahoma. The latter married Miss Hattie Simpkins, a daughter of
Dean and Harriet Simpkins, who at that time were residents of Knox
county, but now make their home in Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. A. G.
Potter also have two sons: Alvin, who married Miss Iva Simpkins, a
daughter of G. L. and Jane Simpkins, and has two children; and
Forrest.» Dr. Potter came to Maquon in his early manhood and engaged
in the practice of medicine, continuing to be actively identified
with this profession for about forty years. His demise occurred in
this town, where he had resided for many years, when he was about
sixty-five.
Reared at home, A. S. Potter spent his boyhood and youth in Maquon,
obtaining his education in the public schools. In his sixteenth year
he left the parental roof and went to Osceola, Nebraska, where he
began his business career as a clerk in a mercantile house. He
subsequently became the owner of this establishment, spending
nineteen years in the business, as employe and proprietor. Mr.
Potter took an active and helpful interest in the public life of the
western town where he resided for so long, later spending four years
as deputy in the office of the county clerk and two in that of the
county treasurer of Buffalo county, Nebraska, while for three years
he was city assessor of Kearney, Nebraska. In 1895 he returned to
Maquon and during the succeeding five years turned his energies to
farming. In 1900 he again became identified with mercantile
pursuits, when he took the position of cashier of the First National
Bank, prior to which he had been one of the directors of this
institution.
For his wife Mr. Potter chose Miss Mauda E. Housh, a daughter of
James O. and Ann Eliza (Strong) Housh, residents of Knox county.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Potter there have been born four children: Lydia
Garnett, who married DeWitt DePue, of this county; Oliver Sheldon,
who is living in southern Texas ; Florence Ethyl; and Opal, both of
whom are living at home. 789
Mr. Potter has always been a stanch republican, considering that the
policy of that party is best adapted to sub-serve the interests of
the majority. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order,
Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America,
while both he and his wife hold membership in the Central
Congregational church, in the work of which they take an earnest
interest.
W. G.
LEHMAN.
W. G. Lehman, who has ably filled the office of postmaster of Yates
City since October i, 1897, is one of the spirited and ambitious
business men of Knox county, having an active interest in a number
of flourishing enterprises which advance the well-being and the
commercial standing of the community. He is the proprietor of a
general store carrying staple articles, school supplies and feed. In
addition to this business he is one of the men who were chiefly
instrumental in securing the installment of a local telephone
exchange, operating under the name Ideal Telephone, of which he is
the director and manager. This company was organized September,
1901, beginning with sixty-five members. From the sixty-five
telephones which they put in at that time they have expanded their
territory until now they have one hundred and eighty-five telephones
on their system and are connected with the Bell Telephone and the
local exchange covering the surrounding country. Mr. Lehman was
educated in the public schools and attended business college at
Quincy, Illinois, but his real training he received under
Mr.-Garrison of Yates City, whose good judgment and progressive
methods gave him his keen insight into the practical ways of
conducting business. He has an up-to-date store that bespeaks
prosperity and employs three clerks, his wife assisting also in the
store and the post-office.
Mr. Lehman was married to Miss Stella M. Boyes, a native of Yates
City and a daughter of Robert Boyes. They are the parents of one
child, Lloyd B., who lives at home. In his political sympathies Mr.
Lehman is a republican and has been elected to the office of town
clerk for two terms and has served as mayor for one term. He is a
man of energetic temperament not afraid to take a hazard in a
business venture and through the exercise of good judgment has made
a success of whatever he undertook.
THOMAS A. CLARK.
The late Thomas A. Clark, who for many years was successfully
identified with the agricultural interests of Knox county, was born
in the vicinity of Gil-son, in September, 1847, and was a son of the
Rev. W. M. Clark.
The youngest son in the family, Thomas A. Clark was reared at home,
obtaining his preliminary education in the public schools of this
county after which he pursued a course at Hedding College. After the
completion of his education he turned his attention to agricultural
pursuits, locating on the farm that his widow now owns. This
contained three hundred and twenty acres of land, well improved and
highly cultivated. Here Mr. Clark successfully engaged in general
farming and stock-raising until his demise in 1900, being considered
one of the most capable and efficient agriculturists in the
community. He was widely known and highly esteemed, possessing those
personal qualities that enabled him not only to win but retain the
respect and regard of those with whom he came in contact. 790
For his wife and helpmate, Mr. Clark chose Mrs. Salina Thurman, a
daughter of P. Selby. She was the widow of Franklin Thurman, by whom
she had two children: Mary, who married Elmer Kromer and is living
in Maquon; and Florence, who is living in Alabama. Of the marriage
of Mr. and Mrs. Clark there were born four children: Jean, the wife
of Charles Burnside, of Maquon; William E. and Kathryn, both of whom
are at home; and Fred A., who is living in Idaho.
Mr. Clark was a republican in politics and always took an active
interest in all township affairs, having served as road commissioner
and in some of the other township offices. Fraternally he belonged
to the Knights of Pythias and in faith he was a Methodist, his widow
also being a member of that church. Mrs. Clark still owns two
hundred and forty acres of their farm which she now rents, having
moved to Maquon and built a nice residence in 1904 and has ever
since made this her home. Mr. Clark was one of those who so strongly
impress their personality upon the community in which they reside
that they are not readily forgotten and although more than a decade
has passed since his death, he is often thought of and kindly
mentioned by those who knew him well and held him in high regard in
Maquon township, where he so long resided.
M. S.
LEMON.
Among those who contributed to the agricultural growth and
development of Knox county, M. S. Lemon must be given a prominent
place since his energy and zeal were devoted to the cultivation of
the fields for a period of forty-two years. He was born August 1,
1847, in Highland county, Ohio, and is a son of Samuel and Nancy
(Shields) Lemon, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a
farmer all his life and died in Ohio in 1848, his wife departing
this life a year later.
Reared on the home farm M. S. Lemon obtained his education in the
public schools near by and began to assist his father when barely
old enough to handle a plow, remaining in Ohio until some time
during the war when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixty-eighth
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving not quite a full year. In 1865 he
arrived in Galesburg, Illinois, and purchased eighty acres of land
in the county. This he improved and operated, increasing his
holdings by additional purchases until he now owns a tract of four
hundred and thirty acres. Through industry and thrift he transformed
the raw prairie land into a flourishing farm yielding abundant
crops. He is progressive in his methods and believes in utilizing
the soil to its fullest extent, conforming to scientific principles
of intensive farming instead of the old-fashioned manner of
operating land with much wastefulness and without regard for the
future possibility of exhausting the soil. Four years ago he retired
from active work upon his place, giving the management of it to his
son. 793
On March i, 1871, at Galesburg, Illinois, Mr. Lemon was united in
the bonds of wedlock to Miss Mary E. Whitfield, a daughter of John
and Elizabeth (Thurwell) Whitfield, both natives of England. They
came to America and settled in Pennsylvania where the father, who
was a boiler maker, died before he reached middle life. His widow
left alone with the task of bringing up two children came to Knox
county and settled on a farm.
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Lemon are seven children: Nancy, who
married Arthur Coolidge, a farmer in Iowa and has two children,
Horace and Phillip; Ruth; Fannie, a graduate of business college,
who lives at home; Louis ; Grace and Alice, both high-school
graduates ; and Stella. Being a veteran of the Civil war Mr. Lemon
is an enthusiastic member of the Galesburg Post of the G. A. R. He
is a mild-mannered man of genial temperament making friends easily
and keeping them because he is big-hearted and loyal, always ready
to lend his aid to those who may need it.
J. W.
BRIGGS.
The late J. W. Briggs, who was one of Maquon's successful business
men as well as extensive land owners, his holdings aggregating over
fifteen hundred acres at the time of his demise, was a native of the
state of New York.
He was essentially a self-made man, having arrived in Illinois at
the age of thirty years with a capital of fifty cents. He was a
tinner by trade, hard-working and enterprising as well as ambitious,
and subsequently had the means to engage in the livery business,
being one of the pioneer livery men of the town. Success in the life
of the average man is largely a question of being able to recognize
opportunities and to dominate conditions as the advantages afforded
are the same in many instances. The essential factors in the success
of J. W. Briggs was his ability to anticipate contingencies and so
apply his energies as to realize the greatest possible benefit that
might accrue therefrom. He dealt extensively in live stock, this
proving to be a very profitable source of revenue, and as he was
able, from time to time invested his capital in farms, until he had
acquired fifteen hundred acres of land. Since his death this has
been divided among his widow and children, Mrs. Briggs' portion
being three hundred acres, which she is now renting.
Mr. Briggs married Miss Priscilla Jones, a daughter of Peter and
Sallie Jones, who came to Illinois from Pennsylvania when Mrs.
Briggs was a girl of thirteen years. Here she grew to womanhood,
becoming the wife of J. W. Briggs in i860, when she was seventeen
years of age. Mr. Jones, who always engaged in farming in
Pennsylvania, was injured in a railroad strike soon after locating
here and subsequently died from the effects. Eight children were
born unto Mr. and Mrs. Jones, four of whom are deceased. The family
of Mr. and Mrs. Briggs numbered three. Ida, who is living in
Galesburg, married William Cauffman, a farmer, and has six children,
Nina, Harry, Kate, Maud, Briggs and Samuel. Charles, who is
conducting the livery formerly owned by his father in addition to
which he has a fine farm, is soon going west. He married Lizzie
Combs and has one son, Judson. Frank, who engages in farming in
Maquon township married Clara Ouderkirk of this county, and has two
children, Faith and Paul. 794
Mr. Briggs was an out-and-out republican and a stanch adherent to
his party and its policies, a faithful supporter of its candidates,
devoting such of his time to political matters as the development of
his personal interests, in which he met with such notable success,
permitted of. His demise occurred in Maquon on the 22d of February,
1906.
WILLIAM A. SPIES.
Some men achieve success by a chance turn of fortune, some by an
auspicious combination of circumstances which makes their rise
possible, and some win their laurels by dint of hard toil and
intensive application. The success of William A. Spies, president of
the Abingdon Wagon Company, may be said to be due in a measure to
all of these. He was fortunate in his parentage, his father, Adam B.
Spies, founder of the wagon works, having been a man of rare
organizing genius and administrative capacity along industrial
lines. He was also fortunate in having his father blaze the trail
before him. But William A. Spies' success is due to something more
than ancestral heritage and the fact that the wagon industry was
bound to flourish in a rapidly growing agricultural state like
Illinois. In the wisdom of the ages he found the solution of his
life's problem and following the old adage to learn one thing and
learn that thoroughly, mastering every detail of the work, he
followed in his father's footsteps and chose for this purpose the
science of making wagons. No department of the trade was too mean or
too unimportant for his attention, but giving himself wholly and
enthusiastically to the work, he mounted in his calling with such
exceptional celerity that, in 1895 when the present factory was
erected and the company was reorganized, at the age of twenty-two
years he won his well-merited reward in being chosen for the
presidency of the company, a position which he has occupied ever
since.
William A. Spies was born in Sterling, Illinois, on April 14, 1873.
Flis father Adam B. Spies, Sr., a native of Germany, came to this
country in 1852, when a boy of fourteen, his parents locating in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his father, also named Adam,
followed his trade as a stone mason. After living there four or five
years the family came westward and settled on a farm in Whiteside
county, Illinois, where William Spies' grandfather engaged in
agriculture. His father, then a young man in his twentieth year,
had, during their residence in Philadelphia, served an
apprenticeship at the wagon-maker's trade and now, after the
family's removal to Illinois, served as a journeyman wagon maker in
Sterling for about two years. He then opened a general repair shop
in Sterling and in 1865 he began making farm wagons for the trade.
The demand for these was so great that he was called upon to enlarge
and improve his facilities until from small beginnings there grew a
large and prosperous manufacturing
plant. In 1891 the factory burned, and in place of rebuilding on the
old site which had become insufficient for their purposes, the works
were transferred to Abingdon, where a new and modernly equipped
plant was built and put into operation in 1895. Upon the
reorganization of the company, A. B. Spies, wishing to lay aside the
too exacting cares and responsibilities as the chief director,
passed the reins of management to his son William. How creditably
the new trust was assumed by the young man may be seen in the rapid
development and expansion of the firm's output. The capacity of the
plant is about fifteen thousand vehicles annually and, equipped with
excellent shipping facilities on the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy
and the Iowa Central Railways, it constitutes one of the most
important factors in the industrial life of this section of the
country. After the company's incorporation under a new name, A. B.
Spies, Sr., did not sever his connections with the establishment of
which he was the founder, but continued to take an active part in
its affairs until his death in 1907. His wife had departed this life
in 1895, twelve years earlier. 795
William A. Spies was educated in the public schools of Sterling.
Even when a boy he evinced great love for the work carried on in his
father's shop, where he spent most of his spare moments, thus
absorbing many of the intricacies of the wagon-maker's trade with
which he had practically grown up. For this reason, when the time
came for him to assume responsibilities, he was ready to discharge
his duties with the forethought and assurance that results from a
thorough knowledge of the details of his business.
Mrs. William A. Spies was formerly Miss Blanche Johnston of
Abingdon, the daughter of Merrick Johnston now residing in Chicago.
Her marriage to Mr. Spies occurred in 1896. One son was born of this
union, William A. Spies, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Spies are active workers
and influential members of the Universalist church and had no small
share in bringing about the fulfillment of the project long desired
by the congregation, the erection of a new church upon which work is
to be commenced this fall. In his political allegiance Mr. Spies is
a republican. Fraternal circles know him as an active worker in
Abingdon Lodge, No. 185, A. F. & A. M. and the Galesburg Lodge of
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In the industrial and
commercial affairs of his community he occupies a leading position
and no one is regarded with more esteem for his straightforward,
unequivocal method of conducting his business.
L. W. BENSON.
L. W. Benson, who passed away September 23, 1907, was for many years
actively identified with the agricultural interests of Maquon
township. He was a native of Green Briar county, Virginia, one of
the eight children born of the marriage of Thomas P. and Maria (Sneidger)
Benson, also natives of Green Briar county, where they were reared
and married. In 1836 they came to Illinois, locating on a farm in
Haw Creek township, to the cultivation of which Mr. Benson devoted
his energies for many years, but he was living in Maquon when he
passed away, his demise occurring at the venerable age of
eighty-four years. 796
The greater part of the life of L. W. Benson was spent in Knox
county, in whose common schools he was educated. While pursuing his
studies he also assisted his father in the operation of the home
farm, his duties and responsibilities increasing from time to time
in accordance with his development. With the discovery of gold in
California and the marvelous stories of the wealth to be found
there, the youth decided to abandon farming and go to the new
Eldorado. He spent eight years prospecting in the mines of
California, with but little reward, so returned home and resumed
agricultural pursuits. Upon his return he purchased the farm of his
father-in-law, Nelson Selby, but after six years residence there
removed to Maquon. At the time of his death he owned fifty acres of
productive land, twelve of which is still in the possession of his
widow.
For his wife Mr. Benson chose Miss Mahala Selby, a daughter of
Nelson Selby, who was a cloth manufacturer in Ohio, who came to Knox
county in 1834, engaging in agricultural pursuits. Of this union
there were born four children. Thomas P., the eldest, is deceased.
Kathleen M., the deceased wife of Charles Hoxworth was the mother of
two children, Raymond and Laura E. Leven W., who is a road-master on
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Gales-burg, married
Elevan Stoke. Wade H., the youngest member of the family, is a
resident of the state of Washington.
Mr. Benson affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church of which
his widow is a member, and fraternally he was a Mason. His political
support he gave to the democratic party and for eight years most
efficiently served his township in the capacity of supervisor.
DAVID CATION.
David Cation, president of the First State Bank of Williamsfield and
one of the most prominent and influential business men of this part
of the county, is a native of Illinois, born in Peoria county in
June, 1856, and is a son of James and Catherine (Gray) Cation, both
of whom, were born in Scotland.
Having been reared in the country, David Cation obtained his
preliminary education in the district schools of Peoria county and
Elba township, Knox county. This was later supplemented by study at
Hedding College and he also pursued a commercial course in Brown's
Business College, thus better qualifying himself for the practical
duties of life. While attending school he also assisted his father
with the operation of the farm, and after laying aside his textbooks
he devoted his summers to agricultural pursuits and his winters to
teaching. In 1881 he went to Oregon, where he remained for nine
years, being identified with wheat-raising and the lumber industry.
In 1890 he returned to Knox county, locating in Williamsfield, where
he at once became associated with L. J. Baird in the operation of a
private bank, known as Bank of Williamsfield, with L. J. Baird as
president and himself as cashier. This institution was reorganized
in April, 1908, as a state bank with a capital stock of thirty
thousand dollars, David Cation first becoming vice president and
later president of the new institution. Its officials have always
been conservative business men of recognized standing and naturally
the bank has flourished, being now one of the well established
financial institutions of the county. The present officers are:
David Cation, president; A. L. Harris, cashier; and J. D. Doubet,
vice president, all widely known and highly esteemed citizens of the
community. 801
Mr. Cation has been twice married, his first union having been with
Miss Ella Barber, who passed away in 1905. Four children were born
to them, as follows : Russell and Mary, now deceased; James L., a
farmer, who married Miss Myrtle Tucker, a daughter of J. A. Tucker;
and Catherine, who graduated from the Abingdon high school and is
now attending the State Normal.
In 1908 Mr. Cation married Miss Emma Parker, of Williamsfield, who
for nine years was bookkeeper and assistant cashier in the bank and
is a daughter of George and Sallie Parker. Her parents take especial
interest in advanced farming and were the first in Truro township to
make use of phosphates as recommended by the State Agricultural
College at Urbana. They also built the first silo in the township
and conduct their farming on the cooperative plan, furnishing the
stock and tools, and sharing the profits with those who do the
actual work.
Mr. Cation manifests his religious faith through his membership in
the Methodist Episcopal church, and his political support he gives
to the republican party. He takes an active interest in local
affairs and served for two years as supervisor and for six as
township treasurer, which office he still retains. He is one of the
progressive and public-spirited business men of his town, the
development of which he forwards on every possible occasion by
giving his support to every movement that he feels will promote the
welfare of the community.
J. A. HENSLEY.
J. A. Hensley, for many years justice of the peace in Yates City and
a representative of the mercantile interests, was born near Mount
Sterling, Montgomery county, Kentucky, October 15, 1844. His parents
Evan S. and Amis (Anderson) Hensley were both natives of Kentucky.
The grandfather, Elijah Hensley, came from Virginia to Kentucky at
an early date and died when J. A. Hensley was but a small boy; the
grandmother survived her husband for many years and passed away
during our subject's early manhood. When the convulsions of the
great war were rending the usual peace and quiet of Kentucky, his
father, Evan S. Hensley, removed his family to Illinois settling in
Elba township, Knox county, in 1864. There he lived, engaged in the
pursuits of farming, until his death, caused by typhoid fever, at
the age of sixty-one years. His mother, who was a daughter of James
Anderson, died at the age of eighty-four years, both parents being
buried in the cemetery at Yates City. Ten children grew to years of
maturity, of whom four are now living. They are: Julia A., the widow
of Nathan Williams, residing in Spokane, Washington ; J. A. Hensley
; Isabelle, the wife of R. H. Taber, residing in Portland, Oregon;
and Charlotte, the widow of L. A. Thomas, residing in Kansas City,
Missouri. The deceased are: Emily, who was the wife of Elijah
Shubert, of Council Bluffs, Iowa: Dr. J. W. Hensley, who died in
Peoria, Illinois, where he was practicing medicine; Dr. Joseph
802 Hensley, who died in Oklahoma
City, where he was a physician; W. D. Hensley, a member of the
Twenty-fourth Kentucky Regiment, who died in the army of measles;
Sarah C, who remained unmarried; and Ella, .who was the wife of J.
M. Ewalt, of Yates City.
During his boyhood J. A. Hensley lived in Kentucky, where he
obtained most of his education completing his schooling in Elmwood,
Peoria county, Illinois. He was engaged in farming in Kentucky, when
he resolved to enter the army and accordingly enlisted in Company B,
One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment of the Illinois Volunteer
Infantry, and served with honor for one year.
Not only in times of war did J. "A. Hensley render valuable service
to his country, however, but in times of peace he has performed his
duties in the administration of public office, since in his long
continued position as justice of the peace in Yates City, he has
contributed to the maintenance of order and propriety in his
community. He has served in this capacity ever since 1884 with the
exception of four years, from 1889 to 1893 under Harrison's
administration, when he was postmaster of Yates City. In 1897 he
engaged in the grocery business and opened a store of his own which
he managed with much success until the year 1908, when he sold out
to D. M. Enochs. He has, furthermore, represented for the past
twenty-eight years the Fire Association of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, insuring for fire and lightning. In his appointment to
the position ot notary public he is empowered to use the official
seal in many legal transactions. A man of force and executive
ability, he has been able to follow many interests and perform with
credit the duties that have devolved upon him in his public and
private capacity.
Mr. Hensley was united in the bonds of matrimony, on August 19,
1869, to Miss Sarah A. Enochs a native of Shellsburg, Jo Daviess
county, Illinois, who has been to him an able helpmate and a true
wife, all of these years. Her father, Samuel D. Enochs, was born in
Belleville St. Claire county, Illinois, and was a carpenter by
trade, pursuing agricultural interests during the later years of his
life. He served in the Black Hawk war, in which he distinguished
himself for bravery, and throughout his life gave himself loyally to
the principles of democracy. He was for a time a school director in
the earlier days of Yates City, being a resident of that place. His
death occurred at the age of sixty-eight years and nine months, and
he was buried in the cemetery at Yates City. His wife, Mrs. Sarah
(White) Enochs was a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Den-ton) White of
Virginia. She makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. J. A. Hensley,
and is one of the oldest women living in this part of Knox county,
being in her ninety-fifth year. Throughout her life when not
hampered by ill-health, Mrs. Enochs was an active worker for the
cause of temperance and in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which
she is a member. Since 1903, however, her activities have been
interrupted and she is now an invalid, her infirmities resulting
from a fracture of the hip caused by a fall. She is the mother of
eight children, of whom Mrs. Hensley is the only girl, beside one
sister, who died in infancy. Of the six sons none is residing in
Knox county. Mrs. Enochs receives a pension from the government for
her husband's service in the Black Hawk war and has the distinction
of being the only one in Yates City accorded this privilege of all
those surviving, who were dependent on men that risked their lives
in that war. 803
In national affairs Mr. Hensley is a democrat while in local
politics he is independent, voting for the candidate whom he
considers best qualified to fill the respective office. In his
fraternal relations he is connected with the Masons and the Odd
Fellows, his membership in the former being with Yates City Lodge,
No. 444, and in the latter with Yates City Lodge, No. 370, in which
he holds the office of treasurer. He is a Presbyterian in faith and
is a trustee of the Yates City Presbyterian church. As a veteran of
the Civil war he is an enthusiastic member of Morgan L. Smith Post,
No. 666, G. A. R., in which he has held the office of adjutant and
quartermaster for a number of years. He is likewise one of the
directors of the Harvest Plome Association of Yates City. In their
pleasant home on West Main and Marietta streets Mr. and Mrs. Hensley
often gather about them an interesting group of friends and
relatives who are sincerely devoted to them for their hospitality
and good-will towards all.
W. W. HARLER.
W. W. Harler is one of Knox county's agriculturists, who, by reason
of his energy and industry, has acquired the means to enable him to
spend his latter years in the ease and comfort that justly belong to
every well spent life. He laid aside the active work of the fields
more than a year ago and is now living retired in Maquon. He is a
native of Huntington county. New Jersey, his birth there occurring
in 1844, while his parents were J. W. and Anna M. (Slack) Harler,
the father a native of Massachusetts and the mother of New Jersey.
J. W. Harler, who was a molder, removed with his wife and family to
Illinois in 1853, locating here on November 8. He was for many years
employed in the Peterson foundry, but was forced to withdraw from
this employment during the latter years of his life. Pie removed to
Chippewa county, Minnesota, about seven years prior to his death,
which occurred at the age of seventy-two years. The family of Mr.
and Mrs. Harler numbered eight, six of whom are living.
W. W. Harler was a lad of nine years when brought to Illinois with
his parents and has ever since been a resident of the state. He
attended the common schools until he had acquired sufficient
knowledge of the common branches to enable him to begin his real
life work, when he laid aside his text-books and entered Peterson's
foundry with his father. There he applied himself to the mastery of
the molder's trade but never followed it, subsequently turning his
attention to agricultural pursuits. He remained under the parental
roof until he was twenty-four years of age, at which time his father
went to Minnesota to make his home. Having gained a good practical
knowledge of the principles of general farming, he took a position
as a farm hand, diligently applying himself to this work for the
succeeding four years. During that period by reason of his
unremitting energy and thrift he acquired enough capital to
establish a home of his own and after his marriage began farming as
a renter. He continued in this way until 1889, when he invested the
capital he had acquired in one hundred and forty acres of land in
Maquon township. The cultivation and improvement of this land
engaged his attention until 1910. when he turned the operation of
his homestead over to his son and removed to Maquon, where he 804
owns a comfortable residence. Mr. Harler diligently applied himself
to the tilling of his fields and the raising of cattle with growing
success for many years, during that time bringing his land into a
high state of cultivation and making his farm one of the valuable
properties of the district. When he bought his place it was
unimproved, but as the years passed he made such annual expenditures
as he was able from time to time until it now contains good,
substantially constructed barns and outbuildings, serviceable fences
and a comfortable residence. He also effected many minor changes
during the period of his occupancy that added greatly both to the
appearance and value of the property.
For his wife Mr. Harler chose Miss Lizzie White of Fairview, and
they became the parents of three children: Idella, who married
Arthur Addis of this county and has four children, Pearl, Cecil,
Fred and Irene; A. C, living on his father's homestead, who married
Minnie Agers and has three children, Mildred, Wilson and John; and
Myrtle, who married Floyd Selby and has three children, Fred, Helen
and Grace.
Mr. Harler has always voted with the republican party, and has held
the offices of commissioner, justice of the peace and constable,
serving with efficiency in each capacity. In matters fraternal he
has never been identified with any organization save the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the principles of which body have been very
influential in directing his life. Mr. Harler is one of those to
whom success came as the result of unremitting and persistent
endeavor, and such ease and comfort as is now permitted himself and
wife by reason of the competence they have acquired is the well
merited reward of years of toil and self-denial.
GEORGE L. HAGAN.
George L. Hagan, cashier of the State Bank of St. Augustine, began
his career as a farmer, following the pursuit in which his father
had met with much success before him. Born in Knox county, Illinois,
on the 21st of May, 1858, he was one of a large family of children.
ITis grandparents lived in Maryland and were of Irish extraction.
His parents were natives of Kentucky, the father George Henderson
Flagan, having come to Indian Point township, Knox county, Illinois,
in 1841, where he continued to live until his death April 1, 1898.
During this time he saw the raw prairie of the surrounding country
converted into fine farms and rich pastures, and with his own
industry and thrift contributed in no slight degree to the
agricultural prosperity. Fie married Miss Teresa Onan, whose parents
came from Kentucky and located in Indian Point township in 1841, the
same year in which his parents had come to this place. Mr. and Mrs.
Hagan were the parents of eleven children. The order of their birth
was as follows: Frances, Wallace, Robert, two Carolines and William,
all of whom are deceased; George L., the subject of this sketch; H.
Albert, who is living on his homestead northeast of St. Augustine;
Henson, a twin brother of H. Albert and Charles, both deceased; and
Blanche, who has also passed away. Mrs. Hagan died in 1907, nine
years after her husband, and was buried by his side in the
805 old town cemetery in Fulton county,
Illinois, with the rites of the Catholic church to which they had
belonged.
George L. Hagan, the seventh child, was educated at the district
school of Pleasant Valley and for one year attended Notre Dame
University of Indiana. He then came home and engaged in farming,
which occupation he followed until 1905, when he removed to St.
Augustine, where he became cashier of the State Bank, of which Oron
Latimer is the president. He also conducts business in real estate
and life insurance, and, in partnership with his brother, owns the
home farm of two hundred acres.
In 1889 he was married to Miss Linnie Jennings. In politics he is a
stanch democrat, thus following the political inclinations of his
father. He is an assessor of Indian Point township, a position which
he has held for ten years. Devotion to work and adherence to the
principles of integrity, the characteristics which won for Mr. Hagan
success in his agricultural career now distinguish him as an able
business man in financial circles in his community.
H. A. HAGAN.
H. A. Hagan, the brother of George L. Hagan, and eighth child of Mr.
and Mrs. George Henderson Hagan, lives a short distance northeast of
St. Augustine, where he is successfully engaged in agriculture. He
was born in Indian Point township, July 18, 1859, and was educated
in the local district school. At the age of thirty-two he left home
and began farming on the place which he now owns, two hundred acres
on section 27, a valuable tract of land yielding abundant annual
crops. He was married in 1893 to Miss Kate O'Pray, born in Fulton
county, a daughter of Patrick and Mary (Daugerty). Their union was
blessed with eleven children namely: Mary, Teresa, Patrick, Frances,
Katie, Lorina, Maude, Jennie, Flenderson, and the last two, who were
twins, Ellen and Estelle, all living at home.
In politics Mr. Hagan, like his father and brother gives his
allegiance to the democratic party, and his religious faith is
indicated by his membership in the Catholic church. Mr. and Mrs.
Hagan are numbered among the substantial citizens of their
community, where they have many friends.
WILLIAM L. McGIRR.
William L. McGirr, who is successfully engaged in agricultural
pursuits in Maquon township, where he owns a fine farm of one
hundred and sixty acres, is a native of Knox county. He is one of
the six children born of the marriage of Mahlon and Sarah L.
(Barbero) McGirr, his natal day having been the 31st of July, 1863.
His father was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1828, and there he
learned and followed the blacksmith's trade until he was twenty-two.
Feeling a desire to create a place for himself in one of the newer
western sections, then being opened up, he came to Illinois,
locating on a farm in Maquon township,
Back to 1912 Index
link bar to links for other web pages in this
site. |