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

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 113

Lewis took a portion of the goods to Philadelphia, where he remained two years. He then returned to New York and married Elizabeth Annesly, his partner's sister. When the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia he was unanimously elected a member on April 22, 1775, and continued to hold the office until 1779. He was an uncompromising advocate of liberty and was one of the first to declare that the colonies could not live under the domination of Great Britain. For the cause of freedom and the inalienable rights of the colonies he spent his fortune and died poor in 1803, at the advanced age of ninety.

Henry Lewis, the father of John Henry Lewis, was a native of New Jersey, born in Sussex county, October 6, 1796. His kinsman, General Morgan Lewis, whose wife was of the noted Livingston family, was once its governor. The wife of Henry Lewis was Permelia M. Shaver, a native of New York state. They were married July 8, 1826, and removed to Illinois in the fall of 1836 with their two sons, George W. and John H. The day of railroads and steam had not yet dawned and they were compelled to make the trip in a two-horse wagon, loaded with implements that would be of service in their new settlement. At length after fifty-one days of extreme weariness and toil they reached their journey's end, October 15, 1836. They settled in Ellisville, Fulton county, where there were only a few deserted wigwams. Mr. Lewis erected the first frame house in that town and it was here that the hopes and plans of the little family were blasted by his death, September 25, 1837, within a year of his arrival. The mother bore up as bravely as she could under her sorrow and in the wilderness, without friends or home, battled nobly to sustain herself and her children until they could become self-supporting. George, the eldest son, left home while yet young and traveled in the eastern states and in Mexico, at last settling in southern California, where he died.

John H. Lewis remained with his mother until he was eleven years of age, attending school a few months each year and earning his living mostly by farm work. Then a contract for his services for a period of six years was made with a South Carolinian family under the following stipulations: good clothing; three months' schooling each year; a horse, saddle and bridle at the close of his apprenticeship. These conditions were almost wholly neglected. For the first five years he had but forty-one days' schooling, was poorly clad, was treated as a menial and at meals was not allowed to sit at the table with the family. His mother, learning of the situation, succeeded in removing him at once. He was placed for the winter in the family of William Kent, who lived near the present site of Yates City. In the spring he was employed on the farm of James Kent at seven dollars a month. In the fall of 1847 he went to Knoxville, doing chores for his board in the family of Judge R. L. Hannaman. There he remained for two years, enjoying at the proper season the advantages of a common school. In 1849 he was employed in the store of G. M. Ewing, of Knoxville, at a salary of fifty dollars a year and board. The second year his salary was raised to seventy-five dollars and the third year he was offered one hundred and fifty dollars but declined the offer, that he might obtain a more liberal education and thus fit himself for the higher duties of citizenship. He was next employed in the store of Alexander Ewing, of Knoxville, and by his trustworthiness and fidelity gained the confidence of his employer. Mr. Ewing entrusted him with a small bill of goods to sell on the road on a commission.

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Mr. Lewis had neither horse nor wagon nor money to purchase an outfit, his cash capital being only twenty-two dollars, and of this twenty dollars was paid, toward a horse and harness, purchased for forty dollars, and a sixty-day note for sixty dollars was given for a wagon. Thus equipped he started out on his new venture and so successful was he that the amount of his profits was sufficient to pay off his note before maturity. In 1852 he took a clerkship in the store of a Mr. Chesney at Abingdon, with whom he remained until his employer sold out in 1857.

Previously Mr. Lewis had been employed in the law office of Hannaman & Hale, making out abstracts of county records. It was there that he acquired a liking and taste for the law and having access to the library of A. J. King, a prominent lawyer at Abingdon, he availed himself of the privilege and studied at night while clerking in a dry-goods store. He was soon qualified for practice and was licensed by the supreme court, January 10, 1870, to practice in all the courts of the state.

In politics Mr. Lewis is a stalwart republican and as a member of that party has held many public offices, which he has always filled with marked ability. In his early years he was an abolitionist, sympathizing greatly with the colored race in their enslaved condition. Lie became a member of the republican party at its organization and voted for John C. Fremont, its first presidential nominee. In the exciting campaign of i860 Mr. Lewis was elected clerk of the circuit court of Knox county, holding the office for four years. He then took a vacation for several months, visiting friends in the Union army. All this time his interest in politics was unabated and he kept thoroughly abreast of all national affairs. In 1868 he again entered the clerk's office as deputy, holding that position for six years. In 1874 he was appointed one of the trustees of the Institution for the Education of the Blind, which office he resigned when elected to the state legislature. His legislative record is highly commendable and for his judicious acts and votes there he has received the encomiums of his fellow citizens generally. One of his acts while a member of the legislature is especially deserving of notice. Having examined carefully into the penal institutions of the state and believing that their management was not for the good of the criminal and the best interests of the state, he framed and introduced a preamble and resolution that was read for information but, being objected to by a single member, was not allowed to be considered. It was published in the papers throughout the state and highly commended. Mr. Lewis urged that prisons, in a measure, should be reformatory and that criminals as such have rights which the state is bound to respect; that those bound by the ties of consanguinity and love should have a portion of the fruits of their labor. The resolution excited a great deal of comment and interest far and near and was probably the first introduced in this state on that subject. In 1880 Mr. Lewis was elected to congress by the republicans of the ninth congressional district of Illinois over his opponent, John S. Lee. In 1882 he was renominated but was defeated on account of his vote on the river and harbor bill.

The life of Mr. Lewis is proof of the fact that a man is the architect of his own fortune. Poverty in his youth had no power to control his ambition or smother his aspirations. In the distance he saw the fertile fields of promise and through the open gateway he was determined to enter. By his determined

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resolutions he hewed his way through the wilderness of doubt and uncertainty and won for himself riches and honor. As a citizen he is noted for his affability and urbanity of manner, for his kindness and sympathy to the unfortunate and his charity toward all. He is bound by no creed, is a member of no church, but believes in the gospel of good deeds. However, when a young man he joined the Masonic fraternity, to which he still belongs. He is also a member of the Commercial Club of Knoxville. While serving as circuit clerk of this county in the early '60s he commenced buying and selling land and has since devoted more or less attention to the real-estate business. He is now serving as one of the directors of the Farmers National Bank of Knoxville.

In December, 1857, Mr. Lewis was married, in Abingdon, to Miss Elizabeth S. Russell, a daughter of R. H. and Elizabeth Russell, of that city, who came to Illinois in the fall of 1837. They were Virginians by birth and left their native state on account of their hatred of slavery. To Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were born six children, four sons and two daughters, of whom only two are now living, namely: Ira J., who was born August 14, 1865, and is now married and living in Knoxville; and John LI., who was born August 30, 1874, and is also married and makes his home in Knoxville. The latter is practicing law in Galesburg and is master in chancery.

JOHN S. TURNER.

Becoming a resident of Knox county in 1853, John S. Turner has been intimately associated with the development of this locality and has also been a witness of the interesting historical events which have occurred in Illinois since the middle of the nineteenth century. He was only a boy of twelve years when he heard the Lincoln-Douglas debate, but he still carries a vivid impression of that memorable incident and the exciting scenes of those stirring anti-bellum days. He was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, August 29, 1846, his parents being William B. and Eliza Turner, natives of Pennsylvania. The family is of German ancestry on the father's side and of Scotch-Irish on the mother's. William B. Turner learned the shoemaker's trade in Pennsylvania and conducted a shoemaking establishment there until he came to Illinois, in 1853, when his son, John S. Turner, was a lad of seven years. He purchased a farm in Orange township, Knox county, and operated this for many years until he retired to Knoxville in order to pass the last year's of his life in a peaceful manner in the enjoyment of leisure. The family consisted of ten children, six sons and four daughters, of whom five sons and three daughters are now living, namely: Mrs. Katherine Keller, of Orange township this county; Margaret, the wife of Isaac Eiker, of Orange township; Henry, who resides in Missouri; John S.; William, of Macon, Missouri; Libby and Israel both of whom are deceased; Stephen, of Knox township, this county; Stella, the wife of J. Michael Brown, of Knoxville; and Albert, who resides on the home place in Orange township.

John S. Turner obtained his early education in the rural schools of Orange township; he applied himself to the carpenter's trade, first in Red Oak, Iowa,

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where he remained until 1883, when he returned to Knoxville, where he has followed his trade ever since. He has met with much success in his work as a carpenter, builder and contractor and is well known throughout the county.

In 1887 occurred the marriage of Mr. Turner and Mrs. Clara Moray, a native of Knox county. In politics Mr. Turner holds to the principles and ideals of the democratic party. In 1864 he was elected collector of Orange township, serving in this capacity for nine years. In the exercise of his calling Mr. Turner has few rivals in the county, being recognized as a very thorough and reliable builder and contractor by those who are best able to judge of the excellent quality of his workmanship.

EVERETT E. HINCHLIFF.

Everett E. Hinchliff, president and manager of the Hinchliff Lumber Company and thus actively associated with the commercial interests of Galesburg, was born in Rio, this county, December 23, 1881, a son of James Edward and Ida M. (Woodman) Hinchliff. The father was also a native of Rio, born on the 17th of July, 1853, and the mother's birth there occurred on the 27th of April, 1858. James E. Hinchliff devoted his time and energies to the occupation of farming until he came to Galesburg in 1890, after which he engaged in the retail lumber business, opening a yard at No. 491 West Main street. He was thus identified with the lumber trade of this city until his death, which occurred March 28, 1909, and the record which he made in business circles was an enviable and creditable one. His widow still survives him and is now living on North Broad street in this city. In his political views Mr. Hinchliff was a republican, always giving stalwart support to the party, and he held membership in the Central Congregational church, of which he was a trustee. He took an active interest in the church work and at all times was loyal in his support of measures promoting material, intellectual, social and moral progress in his community. It was in Rio, on the 1st of January, 1880, that he wedded Ida M. Woodman and they became the parents of four children, as follows: Everett E., of this review; Lulu May, at home; Ray, associated with his brother in the lumber business; and Grace F., also at home.

In the public schools of Galesburg Everett E. Hinchliff pursued his education, being a lad of nine years when the family removed from Rio to this city. When his public-school course was completed, he entered Knox College and was graduated with the class of 1903. Immediately afterward he began assisting his father in the office and in 1906 was admitted to a partnership. The business* was originally conducted as a partnership concern, under the name of Conger & Hinchliff, and later when James E. Hinchliff was sole proprietor his name stood at the head of the business. When Everett E. Hinchliff entered the firm the style of the Hinchliff Lumber Company was assumed and under that name papers of incorporation were taken out in January, 1910, with E. E. Hinchliff as president and manager and Ray Hinchliff as secretary and treasurer. They not only carry a large stock of lumber but also lime, sand, coal and general building materials

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. Their patronage is now extensive and their business methods are such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.

On the 15th of October, 1907, Mr. Hinchliff was married to Miss Nell Town-send, a daughter of Leon A. Townsend. She was born at Hermon, Illinois, November 21, 1881, and they now have one child, Christina Virginia, born in Galesburg, October 28, 1910. The parents are members of the Central Congregational church, being both soloists in the quartette and are prominent socially in this city, the hospitality of the best homes being freely accorded them. Mr. Hinchliff votes with the republican party, finding its principles coinciding most closely with his ideas of governmental policy. In his college days he became a member of the Phi Delta Theta and he now belongs to the Galesburg and the Soangetaka Clubs. He is yet a young man and, possessing a spirit of enterprise and determination, is steadily working his way upward in business circles and sustains the honorable record which has always been associated with the name of Hinchliff since his father became a factor in the business life of Galesburg.

RAY W. HINCHLIFF

Ray W. Hinchliff, secretary and treasurer of the Hinchliff Lumber Company, was born in Rio, January 5, 1887, and is a brother of Everett E. Hinchliff, whose sketch is given above. To the public-school system of this city he is indebted for the early educational opportunities which he enjoyed and in Knox College he pursued a more advanced course, being graduated there from with the class of 1909. He became connected with the Hinchliff Lumber Company in 1910 and the two brothers are now at the head of a substantial and growing business, having one of the large lumberyards of this city, while their correct business methods and enterprise are factors in its continuous growth.

Ray W. Hinchliff makes his home with his mother. He belongs to the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and also the Galesburg and Soangetaka Clubs. He votes with the republican party and his religious faith is indicated by his membership iii the Central Congregational church. His social qualities render him popular and he has many friends in this city, where almost his entire life has been passed.

LOUIS PALMQUIST.

Louis Palmquist, who was for many years a prominent furniture dealer and undertaker in Knoxville, now lives retired, passing his declining years in the peaceful leisure which his long continued faithful labors enable him to enjoy. A native of Sweden, he was born October 2, 1834. Of his parents, who died when he was very young, he has scarcely any recollection save that his father's name was Charles Palmquist and that he was a cabinetmaker by occupation. Passing his childhood and youth in Sweden, he obtained his education in the common schools of his native locality, leaving his home at the age of twenty-

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three years, in order to seek the opportunities of the new world. He landed in New York harbor in 1857, after having passed through the most terrifying hardships and privations as the result of a shipwreck disaster, which occurred to their vessel on approaching the coast of Newfoundland in a heavy fog. Of those on board ship only the crew and five passengers of a total of sixty were saved. They were picked up by a fisherman and taken to .St. Peter island, where the little band of survivors was taken on board an ocean liner and carried to New York. Even at this distant day it is difficult for Mr. Palmquist to contemplate without emotion the hair-raising incidents of that experience which befell him like an evil omen foreshadowing misfortune at the outset of his career. Undaunted, however, he renewed his courage and his high hopes, on finding himself safe in the country of which he had dreamed since the early days of his boyhood adventures. It was as if the pages of a book were unfolded before him and he himself was writing upon them the record of his own life. With a buoyancy of spirit which is the inalienable possession of youth, he found his way from New York across the Alleghenies to Knox county, Illinois, settling in Galesburg. He resided here four years, during which time he learned and followed the cabinetmaker's trade, and in 1861 came to Knoxville. Here he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, conducting a prosperous establishment for forty-five years. He retired in 1906 and has since lived a quiet life, free from responsibility.

The marriage of Mr., Palmquist and Miss Carrie Nelson, a native of Sweden, was solemnized on September 29, i860. Mrs. Palmquist's parents came to America and settled near Knoxville, where her father operated a farm throughout his life. They are now both deceased. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Palmquist there were eight children, of whom six are now living: Charles, operating his father's farm in Cedar township, east of Abingdon; Ada, the wife of J. M. Short, of Galesburg; William; Amanda, the wife of J. T. Parmenter, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Hulda, the wife of C. C. Arms, of Knoxville; and Anna, the wife of Ralph Scott, of Galesburg. Mr. Palmquist and his wife hold membership in the English Lutheran church. In his political faith he is a republican and has served as alderman of Knoxville for two terms and also as a member of the school board. He is connected with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Pacific Lodge, No. 66, A. F. & A. M.; of Raboni Chapter, No. 95, R. A. M.; and Illinois Council, No. 1, R. & S. M., being Tyler in these three lodges. Practically penniless at the beginning of his career, Mr. Palmquist has worked himself up by steadfast application to the duties which lay within the scope of his activities and has met with a deserved reward and an ample competence.

A. C. BURNETT.

A. C. Burnett, the owner and manager of the Aqua Vitae Mineral Springs of Maquon, Illinois, has been a resident of Haw Creek township, Knox county, since the date of his birth, February 18, 1839. His parents were Josiah and Elizabeth (Housh) Burnett, the former a native of the east, the latter of Indiana. Josiah Burnett became a resident of Haw Creek township in 1835, settling on a farm of one hundred

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and sixty acres on sections 29 and 30. He cleared and improved the land, of which a large part was timber, and devoted himself to the various departments of general farming and cattle raising. He lived there until 1848 when he bought the farm at present held in the family name and situated at no great distance from the former place. Adjacent to his farm was a mill in which he acquired one third interest by building a dam for the water power. Not long after that he bought out the other two thirds interest in the mill and became sole proprietor of it, running it in his own name for a brief period. He then gave his title to it to two of his sons who managed the mill for a while until they disposed of it for other interests. The father was a democrat in his political faith and held several township offices, and in his religious life followed the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal church to which he and his wife belonged. Living on the old homestead till the last, Josiah Burnett passed away at the age of seventy-seven and his wife at the age of sixty-four, both being buried in the cemetery at Maquon.

In spite of the limited education received in the schools of Haw Creek township and Maquon, A. C. Burnett possesses a large fund of general knowledge being a well informed man. After his school days were over he assisted on the farm and later assumed charge of a share of the management of the mill which his father entrusted to the responsibility of his brother John in partnership with him. The occupation of milling he followed for some years during which time John Burnett disposed of his interest in the management of the mill to his brother Josiah, who thereupon became his partner. At length the two young men traded the mill and the right to the dam for western land. On the site, where these were once familiar landmarks the dam has disappeared, the mill race is dried up and only the frame of the old gristmill, vacant and fallen into neglect, stands like a grim monitor of time defying the ravages of the elements.

As the next step in his life's career A. C. Burnett turned his attention to farming, buying for this purpose the land which he now owns, one hundred acres on section 34 and one hundred and sixty acres on section 35 in Haw Creek township. Here he tilled the fields for many years until one day he came, wholly by accident, upon a spring located in a hitherto unnoticed portion of a field in which he was digging. Upon chemical examination it was found that the spring contained minerals and was very valuable for medicinal purposes. Mr. Burnett, by no means slow to realize the immense financial possibilities growing out of the ownership and control of a natural resource so valuable as this, organized a company for bottling the water and shipping it for market use. The name under which the plant is operated is the Aqua Yetta Mineral Springs Company of Maquon, Illinois, and since the water was awarded second prize, a silver medal, at the St. Louis exposition, it has become widely known as one of the best brands of medicinal water on the market, good for stomach and intestinal troubles, for rheumatism, in short for cleansing the system of any poisonous accretions with which it may be clogged. The company ships extensively of its water from Maine to the coast of California and as far as the remote parts of Canada. On the land adjacent to the spring there is a sanitarium accommodating about twenty patients, who may come there and have a complete rest while availing themselves of the privilege of the unlimited use of the spring water. In season this is a favorite resort for week-end parties and for parties of dinner

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guests who come from the towns and country about. It is the owner's present plan to reorganize and form a corporation for developing the site on which the springs are located and ninety acres of the adjoining land. Such a company properly financed and under the efficient management of a man like A. C. Burnett will be of necessity a profitable undertaking. The farm is now being cultivated by a tenant.

The marriage of Mr. Burnett and Miss Mary Elizabeth Barlow occurred October n, 1866. Born in 1848, a native of Warren county, Illinois, she was a daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Kenton) Barlow, residents of Abingdon, where Mr. Barlow died. In the family of A. C. Burnett there were four children, of whom all are living but an infant son, who died at the age of four months. The names of the others are: Fred J., reared and educated in Knox county and Dixon, who is a telegraph operator and resides with his parents on the home farm; Margaret, the wife of G. M. Richey, who resides in Gales-burg, Illinois, and is the mother of two children, Bernice and Madeline; and Samuel C., who is married to Miss Myrtle Garrett and has two children, Pauline and Elizabeth, residing on a farm adjacent to the father's property.

Mr. and Mrs. Burnett are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. At elections Mr. Burnett votes with the democrats although he is no active politician. His absorbing passion is the development of the land surrounding the spring, to make of this a health resort of modern comfort and equipment that may rival any place of its kind in the state. He has laid out an orchard which is already bearing abundant fruit for the refreshment and edification of the many guests who come from far and near to seek the bounty of his board.

JOHN C. GEER.

John C. Geer, who from the age of fourteen years has made his home in Knox county, where through a considerable period he has been identified with merchandising as proprietor of a grocery store, deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in life, his success being attributable to his energy, determination and successful management.

Fie was born in Connecticut, near Hartford, on the 17th of October, 1846, and was the second of the three sons of Luther and Abby (Hempstead) Geer. On the paternal side he traces his ancestry back to George Geer, who was one of three brothers to emigrate from England to the United States at an early day. Fie married Sarah Allen, a daughter of Captain Allen, and among their children was Isaac Geer, who was the father of Jacob Geer. Solomon Geer, the son of Jacob, married Anna Tiers, and to them was born a son, Luther Geer, Sr., February 14, 1773, in Connecticut. The last named was the grandfather of our subject. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for many years. With his family he came to Illinois, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Stark county, where his wife died in early life, but he lived to be quite advanced in years. She bore the maiden name of Esther Whipple and to them were born six children, namely, Esther, Lucinda,

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Ophelia, Luther, Solomon and Hiram. The maternal grandparents of our subject were Avery and Lucy (Leeds) Hempstead, who were residents of Mystic, Connecticut, where they died at a ripe old age. Their children were Abby, Lucy, Nancy, Frederick and Courtland. Avery Hempstead was a son of Robert and Ann (Avery) Hempstead. The birth of his father occurred February 7, 1746, and his mother was born May 8, 1745. Robert Hempstead served as sergeant in William Stanton's Company, Eighth Regiment, Connecticut Militia, August 6, 1780.

Spending his youthful days in the Charter Oak state, Luther Geer, Jr., there learned the carpenter's trade. Prior to the Civil war he removed westward to Illinois, settling at Toulon, where he engaged in contracting and building. He also bought a farm and devoted considerable time to cultivating the fields which he improved with all modern equipment. He died there about 1880 when sixty-four years of age and was long survived by his wife, who passed away in 1906, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years and eleven months. Both were members of the Baptist church and were earnest Christian people at all times loyal to their professions. Of their children Avery, the eldest son, died at the age of fifty-five years and Courtland, the youngest, is now living in Stark county, Illinois.

John C. Geer, whose name introduces this record, was a small boy when he came to this state, and was a youth of fourteen years when he arrived in Knox county. He had obtained his education in Stark county and had scarcely started upon his teens when he took upon himself the task of providing for his own support. His life has been one of earnest and persistent toil, at length crowned with a substantial measure of success owing to his unfaltering industry and intelligently directed energy. He was first employed as a clerk in a grocery store in Galesburg and while working in that capacity saved his earnings until his industry and careful expenditure had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to engage in business on his own account. In 1887, therefore, he opened a grocery store and has since continued in this line of business, having for a long period conducted a store at No. 121 East Main street. He still continues in the grocery line, having a store at Knoxville.

Mr. Geer was married on the 1st of December, 1869, to Miss Delia Murphy, who was born in this county, February 12, 1848. Her parents came from Ireland and were early settlers here and afterward removed to Topeka county, where they died in old age. They had three sons and five daughters, Robert, John, Margaret, Josephine, Helen, Delia, Catharine and Mary. In 1883 Mr. Geer was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away when thirty-five years of age. She was a faithful member of the Baptist church and a woman of many remarkable traits of character. She left three children: Cora, who is acting as her father's housekeeper; Abbie, at home; and George. The son is a blacksmith residing at Keokuk, Iowa. He married Blanche Ferguson and they have two children, Charles and Daisy.

Mr. Geer holds membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and also with the Grand Army of the Republic. His connection with the latter comes through the fact that in 1863 he enlisted for three months' service in the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry as a member of Company D. His political support is given to the democracy and he is some-

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what prominent and active in the party ranks, serving for twelve or fourteen years as county supervisor from Galesburg. He is also loyal to the best interests of the community and has long been regarded as a worthy citizen as well as progressive merchant. What he undertakes he accomplishes and the years of a well spent life have won him the kindly and merited regard of all with whom he has come in contact.

WILLIAM E. DOYLE.

William E. Doyle, one of Galesburg's enterprising young business men, was born in Woodhull, Henry county, Illinois, on the 9th of September, 1869. He is a son of James and Harriet (Mitchell) Doyle, the father a native of Toronto, Canada, his birth occurring December 20, 1836, and the mother of Farmington, Illinois, her natal day being the 23d of December, 1848. James Doyle was reared to agricultural pursuits in Canada, where he passed the first fourteen years of his life. In 1850 he came to the United States, locating in Vienna, Oneida county, New York, and he also resided in the vicinity of Rochester for a time. When he attained the age of nineteen years he went to California in search of his fortune, but after spending four years in the gold fields returned to New York. He located in the neighborhood of Buffalo, where he remained until i860, when he again started westward, Illinois being his destination on this occasion. During the succeeding twenty years he devoted his entire time and attention to the operation of a farm near Woodhull. His farming exploits proved to be very lucrative, but deciding that commercial pursuits offered greater possibilities, in 1880 he engaged in the general mercantile business in Woodhull. He conducted his store with increasing success until 1887, when he disposed of his interests and removed to Knox county. Here he again turned his attention to agriculture and for two years cultivated a farm near Abingdon. In 1889 he came to Galesburg and purchased the second-hand store of J. C. Hollis, that he carried on for two years. During that period he enlarged the business and extended the scope of his activities until he had developed it into a general house-furnishing establishment. It was incorporated for thirty thousand dollars in 1907, under the firm name of the Doyle Furniture Company, with James Doyle, president; and W. E. Doyle, secretary and treasurer and also manager. This is one of the largest retail concerns in the city, and gives regular employment to twenty-five people. They have forty-five thousand square feet of floor space and carry a large and well assorted stock of furniture, carpets, rugs, stoves, china, cut glass, curtains, draperies, bedding, and all other articles that are usually found in an exclusive house-furnishing establishment. It is one of the flourishing retail stores of the city. Their goods are selected with a view to meeting the varied tastes and circumstances of their patrons; their prices are reasonable; and the personnel of their staff of employees is high. It is the policy of the firm to treat each visitor with courtesy, and every effort is made to accommodate all, thus they have built up a large permanent trade among a most desirable class of people.

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The education of William E. Doyle was obtained in the common schools of Henry and Knox counties, and after laying aside his text-books he began his business training under the capable direction of his father. He has ever since been identified with him and in this capacity has been connected with the commercial activities of Galesburg for twenty-two years.

On the 15th of June, 1893, Mr. Doyle was united in marriage to Miss Ethelyn Scott, a daughter of Charles E. and Estella (Scudder) Scott of Galesburg. The father, who passed away on the 28th of February, 1911, was employed for several years on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad as a brakeman and conductor. He subsequently withdrew from this vocation and went into the transfer business, which he successfully followed for many years. When the call came for volunteers during the Civil war he responded by enlisting as a private in the Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His political allegiance was accorded to the democratic party, and fraternally he was affiliated with the local post of the G. A. R. and he was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In matters of faith he was a Christian Scientist, as is also his widow, who continues to make her home in Galesburg. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Scott there were born four children: Ray E., who is living in Kansas City, Missouri; Mrs. Doyle, who was born in Galesburg, November 8, 1873; Edith M., the wife of Fred Seacord, of Galesburg; and Ernest, who is also living in Galesburg. Mr. and Mrs. Doyle have one son, Forrest A., whose natal day was February 23, 1895.

Mr. Doyle has never allied himself with any political party, but always gives his support to such men and measures as he deems best qualified to sub-serve the interests of the majority. He is a trustee of the East Main Street Congregational church, in which Mrs. Doyle also holds membership, and he is affiliated with the Galesburg Club. He has always led a rather unobtrusive life, never having sought publicity in any form, but his influence is potent and is exercised in support of every worthy cause, noble impulse or high ideal.

HENRY N. MURPHY.

Henry N. Murphy is well known in the business circles of Galesburg as a member of the firm of Murphy Brothers & Anderson, dealers in house furnishings and hardware, and conducting as well a plumbing and heating establishment. Their business is located at No. 310 East Main street and Air. Murphy resides at No. 794 North Kellogg street. He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, September 16, 1850, and is a grandson of Edward and Matilda Murphy. The former, a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, devoted his life to shoemaking and farming save for the period when he served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812. Nathaniel Murphy, the father of Henry N. Murphy, was born in the Keystone state and was reared in Lancaster where he learned the tinner's trade. He afterward engaged in the hardware business in Erie, Pennsylvania, continuing for many years a valued and worthy citizen there. Pie married Elvira Hubbard. who was also born in Pennsylvania and was a daughter of John Hubbard. They became the parents of the following children: Henry N., of

126 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

this review; Mary, the wife of A. H. Zoller, of Oak Park, Chicago; Charles H., of Galesburg, a partner of his brother Henry; Harley, of Erie, Pennsylvania; Etta, who married A. L. Piper, of Erie, Pennsylvania; William, also of Erie; Fred, associated with Harley at Erie, Pennsylvania; and Frank, who died in childhood. The father passed away in Erie, Pennsylvania, when sixty-one years of age but the mother still survives and makes her home there. She is a member of the Methodist church to which Mr. Murphy also belonged, and he was prominent in the local life of the community, holding various city offices including that of councilman.

Henry N. Murphy was reared in Erie, Pennsylvania, and attended the public schools, passing through consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school. He then entered his father's store in which he remained for a number of years, receiving thorough business training in that connection. Fie has been a resident of Galesburg since 1871, in which year he entered the employ of the Covenant Mutual Insurance Company. Later he spent six years in the hardware house of Babcock & Pierpont, but carefully saving his earnings he was at length enabled to engage in business on his own account, establishing his present enterprise in connection with his brother Charles and J. A. Anderson under the firm name of Murphy Brothers & Anderson. They opened with a full line of house furnishings and hardware, and their plumbing and heating department is also a profitable feature of their business.

In 1871 Mr. Murphy was united in marriage to Miss Ada S. Sawyer, who was born in Sycamore, Illinois, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Armory W. Sawyer, who are natives of Massachusetts and now reside in Chicago. Mrs. Murphy is their only child and has but one son, Harry Sawyer Murphy, who married Mildred Oldburg and is now a practicing dentist of Fremont, Nebraska. Mr. Murphy is a member of Veritas Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of Galesburg Lodge, No. 894, B. P. O. E. Of the latter he is now exalted ruler. Fie is sixty-one years of age yet looks to be no more than forty and possesses an alert, enterprising manner that shows him to be alive to the business conditions and situations of the present day. Fie has never feared to venture where favoring opportunity has led the way and his even-paced energy has carried him forward until a comfortable competence is now his.

Chauncey J. McMASTER.

Chauncey J. McMaster is one of the prominent farmers and stock dealers of Walnut Grove township, carrying on his business interests on an extensive scale. He does not hesitate to branch out along new lines, for his progressiveness is always guided by sound judgment and tempered by a safe conservatism. He is today the owner of the finest herd of thoroughbred Shorthorns in western Illinois and his farm is one of the largest and best improved in the northern part of Knox county.

He was born on the old McMaster homestead, May 19, 1862, and is a son of John McMaster, now a retired farmer living at Altona. He was born in Scotland, May 15, 1827, a son of John and Ann (Struthers) McMaster, who

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 129

died at the ages of ninety-two and eighty-four years respectively. It was in 1850 that the father came with his wife and children to America, traveling by way of the canal from Chicago, thence by team to Peoria and across the country to Copley township, Knox county, where he built the first log house of that district. There he secured eighty acres of land and began the development of a farm. His last days were spent in the home of his son, John McMaster, in Walnut Grove township. John McMaster, the father of our subject, early started out in life on his own account. He saved his money until he had accumulated a sufficient sum to purchase a team of horses and after having assisted in making a home for his parents he began to provide for himself. He first purchased eighty acres of land in Walnut Grove township but after two years he sold out and later became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres in the same township, constituting the farm upon which he reared his family, although he added to his landed possessions from time to time. Since 1898 he has lived retired in Altona. His life history is given at length on another page of this volume.

After attending the common schools Chauncy J. McMaster became a pupil in the commercial college at Galesburg and then returned to the old home farm, whereon he engaged in general agricultural pursuits for five years. He next turned his attention to merchandising and was connected with the conduct of a grocery and hardware business at Altona for eleven years. During that time he served as postmaster of the town under appointment of Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt, filling the office altogether for eight years. He then resigned and built his present home. Pie is today regarded as one of the most progressive and prosperous agriculturists of the northern part of the county. He owns one of the largest stock farms and the largest herd of Shorthorn cattle in the county. In fact he has upon his place some of the finest stock to be found in western Illinois. His business is carried on very extensively and he has become widely known not only in this state but elsewhere among prominent stock-raisers. His farm is equipped with all modern improvements and accessories. His home is built in an attractive style of architecture, is very commodious and is fitted up in excellent taste. His barns and sheds, too, afford ample shelter for grain and stock, and everything is done to care for his stock in the most scientific manner. His labors are doing much to improve the grade of cattle raised in this part of the state and his example serves to stimulate and encourage others. In addition to his Knox county property he is also interested in a large farm in the Red River valley of Minnesota which is operated by the most modern machinery. There the plowing is done by steam plows and the other equipments are equally, modern, showing him to be in keeping with the most advanced spirit of progress and enterprise.

On the 1st of January, 1889, Mr. McMaster was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Stuckey, a daughter of S. S. and Carrie (Borden) Stuckey. On the 13th of August, 1890, Mrs. McMaster died at the age of twenty-four years, and on the 1st of September, 1892, Mr. McMaster was again married, his second union being with Ida E. .Sawyer, who died July 12, 1897. On the 28th of March, 1901, he wedded Miss Frances A. Reed, who was born December 31, 1858, in the old Reed home near Wataga. She is a daughter of James D. Reed, who was born in Kentucky, June 27, 1825, and as a boy came to Knox county, settling in Henderson township with his parents, Jonathan and Polly (Newell) Reed,

130 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

who spent the remainder of their days in that township. In early manhood James D. Reed took up the occupation of farming and after his marriage, which took place on the 27th of August, 1847, removed to Sparta township, settling on what became known as the old Reed farm near Wataga. He was of Scotch descent and was a worthy and highly respected resident of his community. He held membership in the Baptist church and gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. His death occurred December 8, 1882. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Martha A. Duval, was born in Kentucky, April 27, 1831, and was a daughter of Thomas C. Duval, who was born February 28, 1802, and was of French descent. His parents were James and Judith (Jennings) Duval, the former a native of Virginia and a soldier of the war of 1812. Thomas C. Duval was married April 2, 1822, to Miss Nancy Shumate, who was born in Virginia, August 19, 1802. She died March 2, 1888, while Thomas Duval passed away September 25, 1890. He was one of the earliest residents of Knox county, having settled in Henderson township in 1835. He at that time had one hundred dollars in cash, which he invested in land, and in 1869 he owned two thousand acres of land in Sparta and Henderson townships. His investments were most judiciously made and as he prospered, he added to his holdings until he was one of the most extensive landowners in this part of the county. In politics he was a republican and his religious faith was that of the Christian church.

Mrs. McMaster is therefore descended from one of the oldest and most prominent pioneer families of Knox county. She was one of ten children, of whom the following are living: Ellen, the wife of Henry Redfield, of Gales-burg; Sarah, the wife of Robert Langloff, of Topeka, Kansas; Mrs. McMaster; Polly, the wife of Henry Slabaugh, of Warren, Ohio; Dora, the wife of Fred Corey, of Fort Dodge, Iowa; and Albert Reed, of Rockford, Illinois.

Mr. and Mrs. McMaster hold membership in the Presbyterian church and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a republican, active in his support of the party, and he has served in various local offices. As a business man, however, he is perhaps best known and he is one who contributes to Knox county's reputation as a leading stock-raising center. His business affairs have been so capably managed that he has won substantial success and the years have placed him in a prominent position among the farmers and stock-raisers of western Illinois.

JOHN F. HAMILTON.

John F. Hamilton, attorney at law practicing at the Galesburg bar and also serving as justice of the peace of this city, was born near Wenona, Illinois, February 3, 1867. He represents one of the old families of Ohio. His paternal grandfather, Samuel Hamilton, a descendant of Eli Hamilton, was a native of that state where he followed the occupation of farming as a life work. Fie there married Nancy McMorris who was a niece of Chief Justice John Marshall. Removing to Illinois they became early settlers of Marshall county where they died when well advanced in years. They had a large family, including: Celia, deceased who was the wife of Hiram Meyer, of Galesburg; William T.; Elizabeth, the wife of Josiah

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 131

Miller, of Richwood, Ohio; John M., at one time governor of Illinois; Oscar, deceased; Frank Y., a resident of Bloomington; and Roa, the wife of Oliver Allen, of Wenona, Illinois. Through the period of their residence in Illinois the family has been prominent in promoting the general work of up- building and improvement.

William T. Hamilton, father of John F. Hamilton, of this review, was born in Ohio and spent his youthful days in Union county, that state, near Rich-wood, there remaining until his parents brought their family to Illinois. In Marshall county, this state, he engaged in farming and later established his home in Wenona, where he lived until 1891 when he came to Galesburg and during the period of his residence in this city he was prominent in public affairs and served for two or three terms as alderman from the third ward. In 1904 he removed to Pomona, California, where his death occurred in 1911, when he had reached the age of seventy-one years. His wife died on the 27th of June of the same year at the age of sixty-nine years. They were both faithful and devoted members of the Presbyterian church and earnest Christian people throughout all their lives. The father served as an elder in the church in Galesburg and also after his removal to Pomona. Pie was at all times a public-spirited and patriotic citizen and was a stalwart champion of the Union cause during the Civil war, for which he organized two companies, but was himself rejected on account of physical disability, although he had been elected captain of the company. As he could not aid the army at the front he raised a third company and thus rendered excellent service to the cause at home. He married Susan Clifford, who was likewise a native of Ohio and was a daughter of Edward and Rebecca (Dunlap) Clifford, who were also born in the Hawkeye state. They, too, became residents of Marshall county, Illinois, making the journey overland across the country in wagons when Mrs. Susan Hamilton was quite young. Both lived to old age, Mrs. Clifford being ninety-six years old at the time of her death. They had a large family, namely: Sarah, now the wife of James Phillips, of Table Rock, Nebraska ; Nancy, deceased; Jane, the wife of William Dunlap; Samuel and Margaret, both of whom have passed away; and Susan, who became the wife of William T. Hamilton. By her marriage she had four children who reached adult age: Luetta, now the wife of J. F. Evans, of Pomona, California; John F.; James E., who follows farming near Magnolia, Illinois; and Samuel O., living in Lordsburg, California.

John F. Hamilton was reared upon his father's farm near Wenona, Illinois, and after mastering the common branches of learning in the district schools attended the high school of Wenona. Subsequently he entered the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington. With broad literary learning to serve as the foundation for professional knowledge he took up the study of law and passed the examination before the Supreme court of Illinois, being admitted to the bar on the 1st of March, 1893. lie then began practice in Galesburg where he still remains and in following his profession has won a good clientage.

On the 5th of June, 1895, occurred the marriage of Mr. Hamilton and Miss Anna Wright, a daughter of William and Sarah (Bellows) Wright, the former a native of New York and the latter of Hartford, Connecticut. Removing

132 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY, Illinois

westward they settled in Indiana where their remaining days were passed. They were parents of four children, including Anna, who became Mrs. Hamilton. She was born in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, and by her marriage has become the mother of three children, William Wright, John Philip and Dorothy Luetta. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton hold membership in the Presbyterian church and in social circles occupy an enviable position by reason of that genuine worth which is always the passport to good society. Mr. Hamilton belongs to Alpha Lodge, No. 155, A. F. & A. M., and also to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Tribe of Ben Hurr, the Yeomen of America and the Knights and Ladies of Honor. He is likewise a member of the Sigma Chi, a college fraternity, and of the Country Club. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is now capably serving for the fourth term as justice of the peace. His military experience covers service as captain of Battery B, Illinois National Guard, and he was inspector of rifle practice on Mayor Yeager's staff. He was also military instructor in St. Albans Academy at Knoxville for two years. His interests are broad and varied and he has led a busy and useful life, his activities touching the general interests of society whereby the welfare and the legal status of the community are upheld.

SAMUEL TUCKER.

The late Samuel Tucker, for more than fifty years actively engaged in agricultural pursuits in Knox county, was the most extensive landowner in Truro township at the time of his death, eighteen years ago. He was born on his father's farm in Ohio, on October 12, 1822, and there he spent the first twelve years of his life. In 1834 the family residence was changed to Peoria county, Illinois, where the father continued to follow farming during the remainder of his active life.

The education of Samuel Tucker was begun in the common schools of his native state and completed in Peoria county, Illinois, where he was reared to manhood. His youthful years were very similar, save in details, to those of other lads of the period and circumstances. At such times as he was not engaged with his studies in school he assisted with the work of the farm, and when little more than a child assumed the duties of a man in the operation of the fields. He remained with his people until his marriage at the age of twenty-seven years, when he began his independent agricultural career. Together with his bride he came to Knox county, settling on a small farm he had acquired in Elba township. Fie was a man of tireless energy, and industriously applied himself to the operation of his land. At the expiration of seven or eight years he removed to Truro township, where he resided until his death. Not the least of Mr. Tucker's many admirable traits was his patriotism, and when the nation's chief called for volunteers he responded, enlisting in Company Ii, One Hundred and Second Regiment. He entered the service in 1862 and remained at the front until July, 1865, when he was mustered out. Returning home he resumed his farming, in which he met with such lucrative returns that he was

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 137

able to extend his holdings from time to time until he owned five hundred acres of most productive land.
He assiduously applied himself to the further cultivation and improvement of this property until his death
on May 8, 1893, at the age of seventy-one years. The prosperity that attended the efforts of Mr. Tucker
must be attributed to his own personal endeavors, helpfully supplemented by Mrs. Tucker's capable
management of the household affairs. He belonged to the type of men who set themselves a task, and
disregarding all obstacles that may arise to thwart their plans, tenaciously adhere to their plan of action
until they attain their ambition. Success would have attended his endeavors in any vocation he might have
elected to follow, because he would never have accepted defeat, failure but serving to renew the energy
by means of which he conquered. He located in Knox county at a period when pioneer conditions still
existed, and farming was largely little more than drudgery, as it was prior to the advent of the modern
agricultural implements. Hardships and privations, disappointments and misfortunes fell to his lot as to
that of all pioneers, but he steadily persisted in his course and in the end won such feasible success that
he owned at one time three thousand and forty acres of land.

On February 29, 1849, Mr. Tucker was united in marriage to Miss Mary Mundy, who was born October 1, 1831, and was a daughter of James Mundy of Elba township, Knox county. Mr. Mundy was one of the pioneers, while Mrs. Mundy's father also was one of the first settlers in this section of the county. James Mundy engaged in farming in Elba township until his death, which occurred at the age of sixty-six years. He was one of the estimable citizens of his community and held membership in the Masonic fraternity. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Tucker there were born eleven children, of whom four sons and three daughters are living. In order of birth they are as follows: James; L. V.; Noah; Eugene; Catherine Elizabeth, the wife of A. D. Moon; Sarah Amanda, who married Charles H. Eastman; and Mary Evelyn, the wife of Dr. Ben D. Baird.

His political allegiance Mr. Tucker always accorded to the republican party, and he served as supervisor
of his township for several terms, while he also acted as school director. His public duties were always
discharged with the same competence and efficiency that marked his private undertakings, as he always
considered that anything that was of sufficient importance to engage his attention was worthy of his best
efforts. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Tucker left the farm, which she is now renting and removed
to Williamsfield, where she continues to reside. She is a woman of many most estimable qualities and is
held in high regard by her large circle of acquaintances.

GEORGE M. CLARK.

George M. Clark, chief clerk of the election commissioners for the city of Galesburg and at one time
treasurer of Knox county, was born in Orange township, this county, on the 24th of April, 1872. The
ancestral history declares the family to be of German origin although representatives of the name have
long been residents of America. Abraham Clark, the grandfather of George M.

138 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY, Illinois

Clark, came from the state of New York and was a farmer by occupation. He married Anna Wise and at length removed westward, becoming one of the early farmers of this county. The land which he purchased he converted into rich and productive fields and he continued his residence upon the old homestead until his death, which occurred in Orange township when he had passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten. His wife reached the very remarkable old age of ninety-four years. Their family numbered three children, Nelson, Luther and Elizabeth, the last named becoming the wife of Cornelius King.

Luther Clark, the father of George M. Clark, was born in Tioga county, New York, July I, 1829, and was fourteen years of age when the family came to Knox county, Illinois, in 1843, so that he- attained his majority while living upon the old homestead in Orange township. He shared with the family in the
hardships and experiences of pioneer life, early becoming familiar with the work of the fields from the
time of early spring planting until after the crops were harvested in the late autumn. When he had
attained man's estate he began farming on his own account, purchasing eighty acres of land. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the property when it came into his possession but with characteristic energy he began to break the sod and till the fields and in due time his land returned to him abundant crops. As he prospered in his undertaking he extended the boundaries of his property until at one time he owned two hundred acres. On the 3d of February, 1859, he married Sarah Yeager, who was born in Miami county, Ohio, April 5, 1839, and traced her ancestry back toGermany. To them were born six children: Anna E., the wife of Arthur S. Randall, of Orange township; Curtis A. and Frank N., both residents of Orange township; John A., of Galesburg; George M., of this review; and Mary, who married J. W. Wise, of Knoxville. The death of the father occurred February 3, 1900, and the mother passed away May 25, 1903. She was a devoted member of the Congregational church and her kindly spirit and many good traits of character won her the love of all who knew her. In politics Mr. Clark was a republican and served in several local offices, acting as township assessor and also as supervisor for a
number of years.

George M. Clark spent his youthful days on his father's farm in Orange township, dividing his time
between the work of the fields and the acquirement of an education in the district schools up to the time
when he entered the Galesburg Business College. After completing his course in that institution he then
returned to the farm and carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1907. Fie inherited a part of the
old homestead and bought out the interests of the other heirs in that property, still owning the farm which
comprises one hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land. A noted educator who has given much study to the sources of the country's wealth says that there is no better investment in all America than Illinois farm land and in his property Mr. Clark has a source of gratifying income. He left the farm and removed to Galesburg to assume the duties of county treasurer, having been appointed to the office in January, 1909, after which he was chosen for the position at a special election in June of that year. He
served for about two years, filling out an unexpired term of O. N. Custer. He had formerly filled the
office of supervisor for seven years and was township collector for three years. He has ever discharged
his

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 139

official duties with promptness and fidelity and the record he has made in this connection is a most
creditable one. In his political views he has ever been a republican and for one term served as chairman
of the republican county central committee. He was likewise chairman of the board of supervisors for two terms. and resigned to enter upon the duties of the office of county treasurer.

The marriage of George M. Clark and Miss Elizabeth Krise was celebrated October 22, 1894. She was a daughter of George A. and Mary A. (Sheets) Krise, and by her marriage she became the mother of three children, Clare, Frances and Dorothy. Death called her March 18, 1900, and the family lost a devoted mother and the Congregational church a faithful member. Mr. Clark was married again, December 21, 1905, his second union being with Miss Susie D. Flartnell, w7ho was born in England, of which country her parents, George and Mary (Dean) Hartnell, were also natives. They came to this country during the early girlhood of their daughter Susie. They now reside in Orange township, where Mr. Flartnell is yet following the occupation of farming. The children of the family are: Mary; Albert; Ethel and Edith, twins; John; Joseph; Susie; and a half-brother, William Aplin. Mr. and Mrs. Clark became parents of two children, Helen and Ruth Margaret, but the first born, Helen, died in infancy.

Mr. Clark belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp of De Long, also the local lodge of the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. lie is supreme treasurer of the Fraternal Reserve
Life Association of Peoria. Wherever known he is held in high esteem and most of all where he is best
known. His life has been quietly passed and yet he has at all times been a faithful citizen and a reliable
business man who is trustworthy in his friendships and true to every trust reposed in him.

EDWARD R. DRAKE.

Edward R. Drake, a member of the firm of Kellogg, Drake & Company, dealers in dry goods, cloaks and carpets, their large establishment extending from No. 227 to 235 East Main street, is one of the native sons of Galesburg, his birth having here occurred November 10, 1856. His great-grandfather in the paternal line was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His grandfather, David Drake, was a native of New York and devoted his life to farming. When called to his final rest his remains were interred at Crown Point, that state. His family numbered several children, including: Lyman C, the father of Edward R. Drake; Amos, who remained a resident of the state of New York; Nathan B., who came to the middle west at an early day arid took up his abode just across the street from his brother Lyman; Olive, the wife of Charles Needham, who removed from Galesburg to California in 1865, settling at Merced; and Mary, the wife of James Squire, of Galesburg.

Lyman C. Drake, a native of New York, was reared in Essex county of that state and, having arrived at
years of maturity wedded Lucy Ann Hyde, a native of Vermont, who spent her girlhood days in
Middlebury of the "Green Mountain" state. She was a granddaughter of Russell B. Hyde, who served

140 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY, Illinois

throughout the Revolutionary war, retiring with the rank of major. He received from the government in
recognition of his services a land grant of a township in Northern Vermont, which was named Hyde Park in his honor. Lucy Ann Hyde was a daughter of Jabez Perkins and Martha (Edgerton) Hyde, who removed to the Mississippi valley with their children and spent their last days in Galesburg, where they passed away at an advanced age. They had a large family, namely: George J., a resident of Davenport, Iowa; Andrew J., who in 1828 went with his brother George to Davenport, the remainder of their lives being passed in Scott county, Iowa; Martha, who married George W. G. Ferris, the youngest son of Sylvanus Ferris, who with George W. Gale and others founded the city of Galesburg; Lydia E., who became the wife of Albert Cline and removed to Peoria county; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Edward Ray, a soldier of the Civil war, and both are now deceased; Diadama, the wife of Horace B. Weeks, who died in early manhood in Galesburg and was laid to rest in Hope cemetery; and others. His family included Lucy Ann Hyde, who became the wife of Lyman C. Drake, and in the year 1843 they removed westward, settling just within the edge of Warren county, Illinois. where Mr. Drake engaged in farming for a number of years. In 1854 he brought his family to Galesburg where he lived retired. Here he died in 1887, at the age of eighty years, while his wife passed away in 1888, when seventy-four years of age. Both were members of the Baptist church and Mr. Drake was at one time a member of the New York State Militia and held a captain's commission. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, but only two are now living, the younger being Frederick S., a resident of Detroit, Michigan.

Edward R. Drake, born and reared in Galesburg, pursued his education in the public schools here and made his initial step in the business world as a clerk in a dry-goods store. Ambitious to enter business life on
his own account, he availed himself of the opportunity which in 1888 came to him, of becoming a member of the firm of Kellogg, Drake & Company. This organization has since maintained a continuous existence and is regarded as one of the old reliable houses of the city, carrying a large and well selected line of dry goods, cloaks and carpets. The honorable business methods of the house and the unfaltering enterprise of the partners have enabled them to meet competition and win a fair share of the public patronage, so that the undertaking has been crowned with prosperity from the outset.

On the 29th of June, 1894, Mr. Drake was married to Miss Harriet E. Stone, the youngest daughter of
Lester T. and Sallie (Ferris) Stone, who died in 1895; the former was a native of Vermont and the latter
of Galesburg. L. T. Stone was a soldier of the Civil war, serving for nearly four years as an officer and
died November 12, 1911. He was the son of C. D. Stone, at one time a resident of Galesburg, his remains
now resting in Hope cemetery. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Drake was S. W. Ferris, a son of
Sylvanus Ferris, native of New York. He married Currance Ann Winniger. The death of Mrs. Drake
occurred November 15, 1896, and was the occasion of deep and widespread regret to her many friends.

The public interests of the community outside of business circles have benefited by the efforts of Mr.
Drake who, never neglectful of the duties of citizen-

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 141

ship and realizing the responsibility of the individual in community affairs, has done public work of a
helpful nature. ' He has always given his political support to the republican party, but the offices he has
filled have not been of a political character. For twenty-eight years, however, he has served on the
library board and at this writing, in 1911, is its president. He was a charter member of the Galesburg
Club and twice served as its president, and he holds membership in the Baptist church. Where the
interests and welfare of the city are involved his influence and aid are always given on the side of
progress and improvement.

PETER EPLEY.

The late Peter Epley, who for many years was a street commissioner in Knoxville, located here with his
family in the '80s. His birth occurred on a farm in the vicinity of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on the 23d of
April, 1833, his parents being George and Harriet (Vance) Epley, also natives of the Keystone state.
George Epley came to Knox county with his family during the pioneer days, and here both he and the
mother passed away. Their family consisted of four sons and seven daughters of whom the following are
living: John; William; Mrs. Sarah Lightner, of Knoxville: Mrs. Mary Pfeffer, of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania;
Mrs. Mattie Hoke, of Elk Creek, Nebraska; and Mrs. Amanda Korman, of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

In the acquirement of his education Peter Epley attended the common schools in the vicinity of his
birthplace, at the same time assisting his father with the work of the farm. When the war broke out he
was drafted from Gettysburg and went to the front where he remained for three months, to assume on his return the responsibilities of manhood and directed his energies thereafter along different lines of
activity.

When twenty-one years of age, Mr. Epley married Miss Agnes Evelyn Cur-rens, their marriage being
celebrated in Gettysburg, on February 27, 1854. She is a daughter of Elijah and Mary Ann (Dix)
Currens, natives of Maryland, in which state Mrs. Epley's birth occurred on the 23d of July, 1835. Her
father was a shoemaker, and after following his trade for many years in his native state, he removed with
his family to Pennsylvania, where he passed away at the age of ninety-six years. He was a veteran of the
Revolutionary war. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Currens there were born five sons and five
daughters, Mrs. Epley being the only one now living. In order of birth they were as follows: John; Mary
Jane; Ann Eliza; Isabella; Sarah M.; Agnes; Jessie; Stephen; and two who died in infancy. The family of
Mr. and Mrs. Epley numbered twelve, nine sons and three daughters. Calvin, who was the eldest, died in infancy. William, who conducts a restaurant at Elm-wood, is married and has one son, Max. John, who is the next in order of birth, is deceased. Sarah R. married William Johns, at Gettysburg and has six
children and one grandchild, as follows: Laura, who is married and has one child; and Mary, Ada, Walter, Howard and one child who died in infancy. Mary Ann, the wife of William Gross, is living in Boston, where both she

142 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

and her husband are Christian science practitioners, Laura married Reuben H. Culp, an undertaker of
Gettysburg, and has two children, Charles and Ethel. Frederick is deceased. Charles is conducting a
restaurant in Knoxville. George. who is a resident of Elmwood, is married and has three children; Leo,
Everett and a baby. Isaac is engaged in the operation of a farm near Maquon. Robert, a painter and
decorator, is a resident of Knoxville. Curtis, the youngest member ;of the family, is conducting a flour and feed store at Norwick, Kansas. He is married and has one child, Harold.

Mr. Epley affiliated with the Lutheran faith, while his widow belongs to the Presbyterian church. He
voted the democratic ticket, and was an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic. The
residence now occupied by Mrs. Epley was erected by them more than twenty-seven years ago. In
November, 1905, Mr. Epley passed away while on a visit in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

O. JOHN OBERHOLTZER.

By the intelligent and capable direction of his activities along agricultural lines O. John Oberholtzer met
with such success that he became one of the extensive property owners of Elba township, spending the last years of a well rounded life in retirement in Williamsfield, his death occurring on November n, 1911. He was born in the vicinity of Ashland, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 12th of May, 1846, a son of James and Ann (Tedrow) Oberholtzer, both of German extraction. The father was born and reared in Pennsylvania, but in his early manhood he located in Ohio, where he followed the blacksmith's trade until 1848, when with his wife and family he came to Knox county. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Oberholtzer there were born five children : Louisa J.; O. John ; Elizabeth J., who is deceased; Homer W.; and Mary E., who has passed away.

The son of a pioneer farmer, O. John Oberholtzer was afforded but limited educational advantages,
during which time he also assisted his father with the cultivation of the fields. At the age of eighteen
years he enlisted in Company E, Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, going to the front on the 20th of
January, 1865, where he remained until the close of hostilities. Upon receiving his discharge he returned
home and again applied his energies to the cultivation of the farm, remaining with his people until he was
twenty-two. He then began to make his own way in the world and the following year was married,
immediately after which he and his bride settled on a quarter section of land he had purchased in Truro
township. He assiduously applied himself to the further improvement of his property, during the
succeeding five years, at the expiration of which time he disposed of it. The proceeds he invested in three hundred and twenty acres located in the same township, and there he lived until his retirement. Mr.
Oberholtzer perseveringly devoted his energies to general farming and stock-raising and met with such
excellent returns that he was able to increase his holdings until he had acquired five hundred and ninety
acres. He erected good barns and substantial outbuildings as well as a comfortable residence on

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 his homestead, which he further improved by the addition of many modern conveniences and comforts. The operation of his fields and the harvesting of his abundant crops was always conducted under the personal supervision of Mr. Oberholtzer, who is a man of practical ideas and progressive methods. To his capable supervision of every detail about his farm as well as his energy and the concentration of his powers must be attributed much of his success.

At Knoxville on the 21st of February, 1869, Mr. Oberholtzer was united in marriage to Miss Amelia A. Smith, a daughter of William H. and Mary (Almey) Smith, natives of New York. Six children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Oberholtzer, as follows: Clara E.; Emma A.; Nellie J.; Ida E.; Edward J., who is engaged in the practice of medicine, at Williamsfield; and Joseph W., who is deceased.

Mr. Oberholtzer was an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being commander of the local post, and his political support was given the republican party. In 1880 he served as assessor and four years later he was elected justice of the peace, while he also served as township supervisor for nine years. He has always taken an active part in local political affairs and up to the time of his death discharged the duties of justice of the peace. He received and fully warranted the high esteem of the community, in which he was widely known and left his family a comfortable competence and large property interests, a monument of diligence and persistent effort. His demise on November 11, 1911, caused deep sorrow to his family, to whom he had been a devoted husband and father, and wide regret among his many friends and acquaintances who reverently cherish his memory. He was laid to rest in the cemetery at Williamsfield.

GENERAL F. C. SMITH.

General F. C. Smith, whose title came in recognition of the valiant services which he rendered to his country in the Civil war, made an equally creditable record in private life and, although all days were not equally bright when viewed from the financial standpoint, he ever maintained a high position in the honor and regard of his fellowmen, and in fostering railroad building and other business enterprises contributed much to the substantial development of the districts in which he lived. He was born in Portageville, New York, July 14, 1824. His father, Cyrus Smith, was a soldier of the war of 1812 and his example of military service and valor inspired the son, who later gave equal proof of his patriotism and loyalty to his country. General Smith spent his youthful days in Portageville and pursued his early education there. He also studied for a year in Hamilton University and afterward engaged in teaching school for a number of terms in his native town. He also added to his own knowledge by reading and study and therein laid the foundation of that broad general fund of information which always characterized him and which was ever ready at his command. He was only fourteen years of age when he lost his father so that from that time he was largely dependent upon his own re-

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sources. From the work of the schoolroom he turned his attention to contracting and gained prominence in that line in the state of New York. He was interested in the construction of the Geneseo canal and did extensive work on the Erie canal besides executing other large contracts. For this work he was splendidly qualified, possessing much natural mechanical ingenuity and talent in the line of civil engineering. He also studied law while a resident of New York and although he did not at that time enter upon active practice, he later depended upon his knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence and the success which he obtained in practice showed that he was well grounded in the fundamentals of the law.

In February, 1856, General Smith was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Gilbert, of Batavia, New York, and after residing for three years in the Empire state they came to the middle west in 1859, settling in Oneida, Knox county, Illinois. Some of the members of his family had preceded him and by reason of this he was induced to establish his home in the Mississippi valley. He was residing in Oneida when the Civil war broke out and his patriotic spirit was fired by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union. He was among the first of this district to respond to the call to arms and he was connected with some of the most brilliant achievements of the war. He took an active part in organizing Companies A, B, D, F, H and I, of the One Hundred and Second Illinois Regiment, all of which were raised in this county while the other companies of the regiment were raised in Mercer, Warren and Rock Island counties. The One Hundred and Second Illinois was mustered into service, September 2, 1862, with F. C. Smith as lieutenant colonel, and it is said that this command was never known to retreat. He was promoted to the rank of colonel, October 24, 1862, following the resignation of Colonel William McMurtry, and remained in command of his regiment until the close of the war. It was successively connected with Gordon's Reserve Corps, the Eleventh Army Corps and the Twentieth Army Corps, and during the Atlanta campaign was a part of General Sherman's army. On the 16th of March, 1864, an order came attaching the regiment to the First Brigade of the Third Division of the Twentieth Corps and in consequence thereof General Smith participated in the campaign against Atlanta, followed by the celebrated march under Sheridan to the sea. In this campaign he and his regiment made a record of which his country may well be proud. They participated in the battle of Resaca, May 15, 1864, and took part in the daring charge made across a ravine against a rebel fort which they captured, Colonel Smith being one of the first to enter the fort. Subsequently the One Hundred and Second Illinois was in the engagement of New Hope Church and at Golgotha Church, and, on the 16th of June, 1864, at Pine Mountain, Georgia, their commander was severely wounded in the left leg above the knee. As soon as he was able to walk he returned to the command of his regiment, which was on the 10th of August, 1864. When General Benjamin Harrison was granted a furlough and returned home the command of the brigade fell upon General Smith and he led it on the great march through the wilderness to Savannah. After that he was granted a furlough and visited his family and home, but rejoined his regiment on the 13th of April, 1865, near Raleigh, and with the brigade under General Harrison marched on to Washington, participating in the grand review on the 24th

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 147

of May, 1865, his regiment leading the brigade. They were mustered out in. June and Colonel Smith was brevetted brigadier general on account of his long and efficient service. The president treated him with great respect and paid him a high compliment because of the valorous aid which he had rendered his country.

When the war was over General Smith returned to his home in Oneida and became prominently connected with the building of the Fort Scott & Western Railway. The failure of this road embarrassed him financially, for he had spent much of his private means to pay the men. About 1874 he removed to Galesburg. While living in New York he had studied law and was admitted to practice in the courts of Illinois about 1883. For ten or twelve years he-occupied the same office as the Hon. J. C. Stewart and during 1877 and 1878, when Mr. Stewart was mayor of the city, General Smith served as city attorney. He followed his profession continuously for a number of years and his opinions upon law matters were regarded as models of clearness and perspicuity. General Smith also became one of the builders of the Central Illinois Railroad. During President Cleveland's administration he was connected with the revenue office at Peoria and from 1883 until 1885 served as superintendent of streets in Galesburg. He was ever loyal to the public trusts reposed in him and was equally faithful in the discharge of every private duty.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith there were born two children, but the younger, a daughter, Anna, is now deceased. The son, William, still resides in Galesburg as does his widowed mother, Mrs. Sarah Smith. The death of General Smith occurred in 1891. He belonged to Vester Lodge, No. 584, A. F. & A. M., and to the Royal Arch chapter, and his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the First Baptist church. His was an upright and honorable life, in consistent harmony with his professions, and at all times he was actuated by the spirit of progress that prompted his hearty cooperation in many movements for the material, intellectual, political and moral progress of his community.

WILFRED ARNOLD.

Wilfred Arnold, lawyer and legislator, who as a member of the firm of Arnold & Arnold, is practicing in the courts of. Illinois, makes his home in Galesburg, his native city, where he was born June 24, 1871. His parents were Benjamin F. and Ella (Ferris) Arnold, natives of New York, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume.

Wilfred Arnold spent his youthful days in this city and in the acquirement of his education attended the public schools until graduated from the high school with the class of 1889. He afterward entered Knox College, therein completing his course in 1894. His law studies were pursued at Harvard and after two years' preparation he was admitted to the bar, on the 19th of November, 1896, and opened an office in Galesburg, where he has since followed his profession, practicing now as a member of the firm of Arnold & Arnold.

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On the 18th of October, 1899, Mr. Arnold was married to Miss Nina May Lahann, who was born in Monmouth, Illinois, a daughter of Riemer and Kath-erine (Fongart) Lahann, who were natives of Germany, but now reside in Galesburg. Of their three children but two are living: Ida, now the wife of Fred Hayden, of Warren county, Illinois; and Nina May, who became Mrs. Arnold and is the mother of one child, Katherine. Mr. Arnold is a member of the Central Congregational church and his wife holds membership in the Episcopal church. He belongs also to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and gives his political support to the republican party. He has been somewhat prominent in political circles and has twice been called to represent his district in the state legislature, serving in the forty-third and forty-fourth general assemblies. While undoubtedly not without that honorable ambition which is so powerful and useful as an incentive to activity in public affairs, he regards the pursuits of private life as being in themselves abundantly worthy of his best efforts. He has never regarded a public office as a personal asset and in discharging his duties has ever subordinated personal ambition to public good. His energies, however, have been chiefly concentrated upon his professional duties.

WILLIAM HENRY MALEY, M. S., M. D.

Thorough training and recognition of the responsibilities which devolve upon him as a physician and surgeon, have won for Dr. William H. Maley an enviable place in the ranks of the medical fraternity of Galesburg. His record is in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, for he has won signal success in this district, in which his entire life has been passed.

He was born in Galesburg township on the 27th of March, 1867, his parents being Michael and Ann (Ryan) Maley. The former was a son of John Maley, who died on the Emerald Isle when a comparatively young man. Fie and his wife reared a large family, which included Owen, who became a resident of Troy, New York, while a brother went to Australia. Michael Maley was born in County Croom, Ireland, and spent his youth in his native land. In 1855 he determined to try his fortune in America and, empty-handed, sailed for the new world. He first settled in Lebanon, Ohio, and as his financial condition made it imperative that he obtain immediate employment, he began work as a farm hand and devoted the succeeding two years to that task. He then came to Galesburg and engaged as a farm hand with Len Conger but, desiring that his labors should more directly benefit himself, he afterward began farming on his own account by renting a tract of land southwest of the city. Later he was united in marriage to Miss Ann Ryan, who was born near Brimfield, Illinois, and was a daughter of Dennis and Johanna (Hennessey) Ryan. Her father was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit until his death. His wife long survived him, reaching the very advanced age of ninety-three years. They had two daughters, Ann and Mary, the former becoming the wife of Michael Maley. It was not long afterward that Mr. Maley purchased eighty acres of land in Galesburg township, bending every energy to the further development and improvement of his

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farm, to which he added from time to time until he became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres. Year by year he carefully tilled the soil until he had brought the entire place under a high state of cultivation, the rich and arable fields returning to him golden harvests. In 1899 he determined to put aside business cares and, leaving the farm, removed to Galesburg, where he purchased a residence that he continued to occupy until his death, which occurred July 9, 1901, when he was seventy-three years of age. His wife still survives him and, like her husband, holds membership in the Catholic church. He held many offices and positions of trust and at all times sought the progress and improvement of the community in which he made his home. He and his wife were among the stanch, unflinching pioneers of Knox county—public-spirited and progressive, firmly believing that knowledge is power. Accordingly they equipped their nine children with diplomas from the best schools and colleges of the city. In fact, Airs. Maley will not have to wait long before seeing her grandsons, Charles Maley and George L. Burns, and her granddaughter, Estella M. Burns, all graduates of Knox College and St. Joseph's Academy. She is not only affectionately called grandmother of St. Joseph's Academy but the happy grandmother of all the children who know her. She is genial, jovial, young and spry as a girl, though an indefatigable worker, and is a great lover of children, flowers and gardens. She has just completed a handsome and spacious brick residence and her home is always filled with guests and friends who earnestly hope that she will continue to spread the rays of sunshine for many years to come.

To Mr. and Mrs. Michael Maley there were born nine children: Madge, now the wife of Charles H. Burns, of Galesburg; William H.; John E., a lawyer of this city; Mary E., who is teaching in the Galesburg city schools; Frank T., an electrician of New York city; Anna E., a teacher in Galesburg; Adele M., of Galesburg; George E., a practicing physician of this city; and Fred L., who is engaged in mercantile and journalistic work.

Dr. William H. Maley spent his youthful days on his father's farm and early became familiar with the labors incident to the development and cultivation of the fields. After attending the district schools he further pursued his studies in St. Joseph's Academy and was graduated from Brown's Business College in 1888. His more specifically literary education was acquired in Knox College, in which he completed his course with the class of 1894, and while in college he won many honors in oratory and was a winner of the Colton debate. His broad, general learning served as an excellent foundation upon which to build professional success and in preparation therefore he entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which he was graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1897. Returning at once to Galesburg, he here opened an office and in the intervening period of fifteen years, by faithful application to professional business and keeping abreast with the marvelous strides in medicine and surgery, he has succeeded in building up until he now enjoys a most successful and extensive practice, second to none in central Illinois. The assistance of a younger brother, Dr. George E. Maley, a promising young physician, is now necessary to enable him to handle his practice. Fie is very careful in the diagnosis of his cases and his judgment is seldom if ever at fault in foretelling the outcome of disease. lie has pursued post-graduate work in the New York Post Graduate Medical School and Hospital, which he attended in 1899. His reading and

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research have been broad and have brought to him comprehensive knowledge o