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

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 145

 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-

146 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY, Illinois

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.

148 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY, Illinois

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

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 151

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

152 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY, Illinois

research have been broad and have brought to him comprehensive knowledge of the great scientific principles which underlie his chosen profession. In 1902 he went to Europe and pursued a course at Berlin and Heidelberg, Germany.

On the 30th of June, 1902, Dr. Maley was united in marriage to Miss Clara Augusta Forrester, a daughter of Edward and Mary Desire (Brown) Forrester. Her father was a native of County Roscommon, Ireland, and a son of James and Katherine (Moore) Forrester, whose family numbered nine children, all of whom are now deceased with the exception of Thomas Forrester, who resides in Laporte, Indiana. The birth of Mrs. Edward Forrester occurred at Stoning-ton, Illinois, and she was a daughter of John and Mary Ann (Desire) Brown, the former a prominent man and a teacher of North Stonington, Connecticut. The death of Edward Forrester occurred in 1909, when he had reached the age of seventy-four years. His wife is still living, a respected citizen of Taylorville, at the age of sixty-six years. Following the discovery of gold in California, he made a trip by wagon across the plains in 1849 and out of a party of thirty-five he was one of only three who survived the perilous journey. To him and his wife were born six children, of whom three reached adult age: Katherine, who became the wife of Jacob Corzine but is now deceased; James, an attorney of Taylorville; and Clara Augusta. Mrs. Augusta Forrester Maley, wife of the Doctor, was born in Taylorville, Illinois, September 24, 1877, and is a graduate of the Taylorville high school. For some time she also attended the State Normal at Normal, Illinois, developing a musical temperament, and later entered Knox Conservatory of Music at Galesburg, for further development, from which institution she was graduated in 1901. For three years she was organist of the Baptist church of Taylorville, at the same time conducting a studio at that place, and was subsequently called to fill the chair of musical director in the Montana Wesleyan College at Helena, Montana. She resigned that position in 1902 to become the bride of Dr. Maley and after their marriage they took an extended trip through Europe, visiting all the interesting points and places. Especially were they fortunate in having an audience with Pope Leo XIII. Mrs. Maley often sings for the benefit of church and charitable organizations and is a devoted mother and home maker. The marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Maley has been blessed with two sons, William Forrester and Robert Frederick.

The parents are members of the Catholic church and Dr. Maley also belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and to the Galesburg Club and the Soangetaka Country Club. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and for eight years he served as a member of the city council, exercising his official prerogative in support of many movements and measures for the general good. In strictly professional lines his membership is with the County and State Medical Societies, the American Medical Association and the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States. For ten years he was a member of the National Guard, serving with the rank of first lieutenant, and is at present a member of the Medical Reserve Corps of the United States army with the same rank. He is generous with his time, skill and money in behalf of charity and suffering humanity. His friends, and they are many, find him a genial, social gentleman and he is never remiss in the duties of citizenship, notwithstanding the fact that his professional duties

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 153

are making a constantly greater and greater demand upon his time and energies. He is keenly interested in all that tends to bring to light the key to the complex mystery which we call life, and his studies have ever kept him thoroughly in touch with the onward march of the profession.

MADISON C. BATES.

Madison C. Bates, now living retired in Galesburg, well merits the rest which is his, because his life has been an active and useful one, characterized by earnest labor and by successful accomplishment along several lines. He was born in Morgan county, Illinois, in 1836, and is therefore today one of the oldest native residents of the state. His birth occurred near where the city of Jacksonville now stands. Six years before his father, Joseph H. Bates, had removed to that county from Tennessee and after residing in Morgan county for about sixteen years, 'he took his family to Adams county, settling near Camp Point, where he lived for a number of years, devoting his time and energies during that period to farming.

Madison C. Bates was educated in the public schools of Adams county and in Cherry Grove Commons. He received excellent home training which developed in him habits of industry, perseverance and determination. Following his marriage he purchased a farm in Cedar township and took up agricultural pursuits on his own account. He has resided continuously in Knox county since 1861 save for the period of eight years spent in Oberlin, Ohio, and several years in Toulon, Illinois. He has not confined his attention entirely to agricultural pursuits, for he was instrumental in organizing the First National Bank of Abingdon and became its first president, serving for five years. When he went to Ohio to live he disposed of his farm and since his return has lived retired in Galesburg.

It was on the 16th of May, 1861, that Mr. Bates was united in marriage to Miss Emma Lattimer, a daughter of George G. Lattimer, of Cedar township, Knox county, who came to this state from Tennessee. He was a son of Joseph Lattimer who brought the family from Tennessee in the fall of 1832, making the journey by wagon. That was the year of the Black Hawk war in which he served as a soldier, and in this section of the state there were many evidences of pioneer life at that early period, the family experiencing all of the hardships incident to residence on the frontier. In his family were eight children of whom five reached years of maturity. One of these, William D. Lattimer, attended Knox College and after his graduation there entered the Albany (New York) Law School, from which he was in due time graduated. He then enlisted in the Civil war, serving in the quartermaster's department, but while at the front was stricken with yellow fever and was buried at sea, off Fortress Monroe. The three surviving members of the family of George Lattimer are: Mrs. Emma Bates; Mrs. Mire E. Patten, of Enid, Oklahoma; and Mrs. D. B. Miller, of Abingdon.

George G. Lattimer, the father of Mrs. Bates, was a young man when he accompanied the family to Illinois. While en route, in Sangamon county, he

154 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY, Illinois

met Miss Rebecca Drennan, his future wife, subsequently returning to that county where he married her. They made the journey to Knox county on horseback and here spent their remaining days, Mr. Lattimer following the occupation of farming. They provided their children with good educational privileges, making it possible for them to attend the seminary located near what is now Abingdon or, as it was known in an early day, Cherry Grove. Mr. Lattimer assisted in establishing that school and was very liberal in its support.

Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bates there were born five children: George L., who is now in Africa; Mrs. Ula G. Lee, who was a missionary in Turkey for twenty years; Mary D., the wife of Dr. A. I. Sargent; Harriet B., the wife of W. E. Gould, of Kewanee, Illinois; and Madison C, professor of English in the State College at Brookings, South Dakota.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Bates hold membership in the Central Congregational church of Galesburg and in former years he was identified with the Masonic fraternity but has been demitted. His political allegiance has been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and while he has never been a politician in the sense of office--seeking he has always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day and for seven years filled the office of supervisor from Cedar township. In 1911, he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding, on which occasion all of the family were united at a reunion.

Henry F. ARNOLD.

Henry F. Arnold, engaged in the general insurance business, with offices in the Commercial block,. has always been a resident of Galesburg and is, therefore, well known to its citizens. His parents were Benjamin F. and Ella (Ferris) Arnold, who are mentioned at length elsewhere in this work. The son spent his youthful days in his native city and at the usual age entered the public schools, mastering the different branches of learning that constitute the curriculum until graduated from the high school with the class of 1885. He then entered the classic walls of old Knox—a college that has never lowered its standards through all the years of its existence—and was graduated there from in 1890. The initial year of his business experience was spent in the general offices of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Galesburg and for five years thereafter he was connected with the Galesburg Electric Motor & Power Company as secretary and treasurer. Since 1897 he has been engaged in the insurance business and fourteen years' identification with this line stands as incontrovertible proof of the fact that success must have attended his efforts in this field, while careful analyzation of his career indicates that close application and indefatigable energy have been the salient features in his progress.

On the 27th of April, 1893, Mr. Arnold was married to Miss Anna Ward, of Springfield, a daughter of Henry and Pauline (Roth) Ward. Her father came from Ohio, while her mother was at one time a resident of Camp Point, Illinois. The latter died in Galesburg, April 6, 1908, at the age of fifty-nine years, while Mr. Ward had departed this life in Ohio many years before. Fol-

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 155

lowing his demise his widow became the wife of C. J. Owen, of Camp Point, and he, too, is now deceased. She was a daughter of John and Pauline (Schell) Roth, who were early settlers of Camp Point, where they reared their family of four children, Theodore, John, Pauline and Anna, the last named the wife of E. A. Rhea. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold have become the parents of a daughter and son, Esther Pauline and Henry Ferris, Jr. The parents hold membership in the Central Congregational church and are allied with many movements that contribute to the material, intellectual, social and moral welfare of the community. His political views accord with the principles of the republican party and as city assessor for three years he proved himself a capable official, individual interests being at all times made subservient to the general good.

DAVID McWILLIAMS.

The late David McWilliams was one of the well known farmers of Knox county and he also served in a number of public offices, having acted as constable of Knoxville and Orange township for twenty-five years. He was born in Maquon township, this county, on the 7th of April, 1846, and was a son of Robert and Margaret (Thurman) McWilliams. The parents were natives of Ohio, whence they came in the pioneer days to Knox county, settling on a farm the father purchased in Maquon township. The cultivation of his land engaged his attention during the remainder of his active life and there they both passed away. Their family consisted of six sons and four daughters, of whom there are now living three sons and two daughters: John; Manson, who lives in Maquon township; Anson, also of Maquon township; Mandana, the wife of Frank Burtnett, of Galesburg; and Rosella, who married Edward Buck, now residing in the vicinity of Galesburg.

Reared under the paternal roof, in the acquirement of his education David McWilliams attended the district schools until he had mastered the common branches. He was early trained in the work of the fields and care of the stock, devoting his entire attention to agricultural pursuits from the time he left school until the opening of the war. Although he was only sixteen at the opening of hostilities he enlisted at Maquon in the Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, starting to the front from Peoria. He continued in the service until after Lee's surrender, participating in many of the notable battles of the war. After receiving his discharge he returned to Knox county and again took up farming.

On the nth of January, 1866, Mr. McWilliams and Miss Mary E. Rambo were united in marriage. She was born in Gallia county, Ohio, on the 26th of June, 1846, and is a daughter of Harvey and Deborah (Faulkner) Rambo, also natives of Ohio, the father's birth having occurred in March, 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Rambo came to Knox county in the early days, settling on a farm he bought in Orange township. Here they spent the remainder of their lives, the mother's death occurring on the 25th of April, 1904. Unto them were born two sons and four daughters, four of whom are now living, Mrs. McWilliams, being the eldest of these. The others in order of birth are as follows: Emery, who lives near Maquon; Lodema, the wife of Thomas Painter, who also lives

156 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY, Illinois

in the vicinity of Maquon; and Andrew. Levi Rambo, the grandfather of Mrs. McWilliams, was a veteran of the war of 1812. The family originally settled in Virginia, when they came to America, removing from there to Ohio, thence to Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McWilliams there were born five children, one of whom died in infancy. The eldest of the family is Flora, the wife of Leonard Stegall, who has one son, Floyd. Frank, who is a resident of Seattle, Washington, married Miss Ollie West, a native of this county, and they have two children, Alma and Lucy. Elmer married Miss Mertie Gearhart, of New Mexico, and they are now living in Canyon City, Colorado. Lodema, the next in order of birth, is deceased. Hattie married Andrew Peterson and they have four children: Forest, Ira L., Dorothy O. and Clara May.

In matters of faith Mr. McWilliams was a Universalist, and his widow is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was always one of the honored members of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic and Mrs. McWilliams is identified with the Women's Relief Corps. All matters of public interest engaged the attention of Mr. McWilliams, who served with efficiency as deputy sheriff and city marshal of Knoxville, while he also acted as school director. That he discharged the duties of the different offices he filled with a conscientious sense of his public responsibilities is manifested by the long period of his service.

MARK E. TUCKER.

The late Mark E. Tucker, who passed away on the 12th of November, 1907, was one of the highly successful agriculturists and stockmen of Truro township. He was born in Knox county in 1869, and was a son of Samuel and Mary Tucker, who are mentioned at greater length elsewhere in this work.

Having been reared' on a farm, Mark E. Tucker obtained his education in the district schools, during which time he was laying the foundation for a successful agricultural career by assisting his father with the work of the fields and care of the stock. After leaving school he devoted his entire attention to farming, first at home under the capable supervision of his father, and later for himself. He was an indefatigable worker with practical and intelligent ideas, and so capably directed his endeavors that he met with a most gratifying degree of success. At the time of his death he owned four hundred acres of land, under high cultivation and well improved, that his widow is now operating. His fields were carefully tilled and devoted to such cereals as were best adapted to the soil, the greater portion of which he used in feeding. In connection with his general farming he also raised stock, and for several years prior to his death he extensively engaged in buying and shipping cattle and hogs.

For his wife Mr. Tucker chose Miss Nellie J. Oberholtzer, and to them were born three children: Mary Alina, who died at the age of one month; Edna Ida, who was born November 1, 1899; and Otto John, whose birth occurred on the 30th of December, 1905. The two latter are both in school.

Fraternally Mr. Tucker was a Mason and his political support he gave to the republican party. A capable agriculturist and a business man of more than

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average foresight and sagacity, he was recognized as one of the most successful citizens of the township.
He was public-spirited and progressive in his ideas, and took a deep interest in promoting the development
of the community, and gave his unqualified endorsement to every movement that he felt was at all likely to
advance the welfare of the township. A member of one of the well known pioneer families, he was widely
known and highly respected, possessing many substantial qualities that won him the esteem of all with
whom he had transactions.

JAMES W. GRUBB.

James W. Grubb, secretary, treasurer and manager of the West Drug Company of Galesburg, was born in
Atlanta, Georgia, July 15, 1868, his parents being Samuel W. and Jane A. (Wright) Grubb. The father
was a native of Washington, D. C, born August 19, 1832, and the mother's birth occurred in Selma,
Alabama, July 20, 1840. Samuel W. Grubb learned the printer's trade and when a young man went to
Atlanta, Georgia, where he secured a position on the Atlantic Telegram, becoming superintendent of that
paper. In 1872 he removed to Galesburg, purchasing the Republican and consolidating it with the Register.
For thirty years he remained at the head of the Register and made it one of the leading papers of the
state outside of the large Chicago dailies. He became recognized as one of the foremost journalists of
Illinois. When his son, James W. Grubb, took over the stock the father retired and spent his remaining
days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He commanded the respect and honor of all with whom he came
in contact and was recognized as an influential factor in the community, his paper being at all times
recognized as a force and power for good along the lines of general advancement, reform and
improvement. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and while residing in Atlanta he
filled the office of alderman. He was also prominent in the Odd Fellows society and served as grand
scribe of the grand lodge of the state of Georgia. In the Episcopal church, in which he long held
membership, he filled the office of vestryman and at all times was a willing cooperant in its well defined
lines of work for the moral progress and uplift of the community. He died on the 6th of September, 1909,
and is still survived by his widow who is now a resident of Atlanta, Georgia. They were married November
28, 1867—Thanksgiving Day—at Atlanta, Georgia, and became the parents of three sons, but Lucien and
William A. both died in infancy.

James W. Grubb, the eldest of the family, pursued his education in the Galesburg schools, having been
brought to this city by his parents when a lad of four years. After completing his public-school course he
attended Knox Academy and then worked in his father's newspaper office, of which he became foreman.
Gradually as his experience increased and his business ability developed, he more and more largely
assumed the management and control of the paper and following his father's retirement became secretary,
treasurer and business manager. He was thus active in shaping the policy and molding the

destiny of the paper until the 17th of April, 1909. when he disposed of his stock vol. n—8

160 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

in the Republican-Register. He afterward engaged in dealing in real estate to a limited extent and on the
5th of June, 1911, again entered into active relations with the business interests of Galesburg as the
secretary, treasurer and manager of the West Drug Company. They conduct a retail drug business and
enjoy an extensive trade, the business policy of the house being such as to commend it to the confidence
and support of the general public.

On the 14th of July, 1892, Mr. Grubb was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Parry, a daughter of
Samuel J. and Martha (Scofield) Parry, of this city. Her father was born in Athens, Pennsylvania,
January 1, 1825, and the mother's birth occurred in the state of New York, July 4, 1831. Samuel Parry
was a contractor and on coming to the middle west settled in Canton, Illinois. He afterward lived in Viola,
Mercer county, this state, before coming to Galesburg, where he continued in business as a contractor,
becoming senior partner of the firm of Parry & Stevens. He was thus long associated with industrial
interests in this city but is now living retired, his former enterprise and perseverance having brought to
him the substantial competence that now enables him to enjoy rest from further labor. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served as school director but has never sought nor
held political office. Pie belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Central
Congregational church, and during the years of his residence in Galesburg his well spent life has ever
commanded the confidence and good-will of those who know him. Unto him and his wife were born four
children but the first two, Jeanette and Mary, are deceased. The others are Dr. H. E. Parry and Mrs.
Grubb, who was born in Galesburg, July 7, 1873, and by her marriage has become the mother of two
children: Samuel Parry, born in Galesburg, September 18, 1893; and Jeanette Parry, born in this city,
July 11, 1901.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Grubb has voted with the republican party and
keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He is a member of Central Congregational
church, is serving as one of its trustees and is interested in its various lines of work. Pie also belongs to
the Odd Fellows lodge and to the Country Club, and those who know him—and his friends are many—find
him a social, genial gentleman, always courteous and approachable. He has long since learned not to select
the second best but to choose those things which count for greatest worth in business, in municipal affairs
and in character development.

BENJAMIN F. ARNOLD.

During more than a half century Benjamin F. Arnold has figured conspicuously in the public life of
Galesburg and Knox county, as a lawyer, a real-estate dealer and an agriculturist, and as a citizen whose
interest in public affairs has prompted active and helpful cooperation in many measures for the general
good. If a pen picture could accurately delineate his life such might be given in these words: A
progressive spirit ruled by more than ordinary intelligence and good judgment; a deep earnestness
impelled and fostered by indomitable perseverance; and a native justice expressing itself in correct
principle and practice. Pie was

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 161

born in Otsego county, New York, July 26, 1833. His father, Horace Arnold, was a native of Greene
county, New York, and a son of the Rev. Horace Arnold, Sr., who was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. He became a minister of the Baptist church and, removing with his wife to Cairo, Duchess county, New York, they there spent their remaining days, passing away at an advanced age. Their family numbered four or five sons, including Horace Arnold, who was reared in the Empire state and served his country as a soldier of the war of 1812. In early life he learned and followed the mason's trade. From Greene county he removed to Otsego county, New York, about 1817, and later became a resident of Delaware county, that state, where he resided for some time and there died in 1850, at the age of fifty-two years. In early manhood he had wedded Harriet Hine, who was born in Greene county. New York, and after his death came to Galesburg, to live with her son Benjamin F., with whom she remained for thirty years, passing away at the age of ninety-three years. She was of the Methodist faith, while her husband held to the Universalist faith. In their family were fifteen children, fourteen of whom reached years of maturity: Mortimer; Noble; Airs. Hannah Wilbur; Martha, who became the wife of Ichabod Wilbur; Seymour; Elijah; Edward; George; Benjamin F.; Elida; Harriet, who married Hiram C. Smith; William; Julia, who also married; and Mary. The other member of the family died in early life.

Benjamin F. Arnold spent the greater part of his youthful days upon a farm in Delaware county, New
York, pursuing his education in one of the old-time log schoolhouses, where the curriculum was limited, yet thorough instruction was given in the fundamental studies. Later he became a clerk in a hotel, following that pursuit in the winter months, while the summer seasons were devoted to agricultural pursuits. At length he came west to Galesburg in 1856 and has since made his home here, covering a period of fifty-five year. The first salary which he ever earned here was fifty cents per day. In the winter he took up the profession of teaching but later turned his attention to the real-estate business and while
thus engaged began studying law in Galesburg under the direction of Judge Smith and E. P. Williams. In
May, 1862, he was admitted to the bar and for about fifteen years continued in the practice of law, being associated for half of the time with Judge Douglass and during the remainder with Judge Kitchell. His business often took him to Springfield, where he made the office of Abraham Lincoln his headquarters. This was in 1857 and l^S^>-In i860 he attended the democratic national convention at Baltimore. It was in that convention that he heard Ben Butler's famous speech. Mr. Arnold had been reared in the democratic faith but after spending some time in Missouri and Kansas and being a witness of the conditions that there existed he joined the ranks of the new republican party and has never faltered in his allegiance thereto since that time. Moreover, he has ever kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, supporting his position by intelligent and comprehensive argument. For over a half century he has also been engaged in the real-estate business and his operations in that field have been unusually profitable, contributing at the same time to the welfare and progress of the community. He has laid out twelve additions to the city of Galesburg and has erected over two hundred houses, selling them on monthly payments. He has also carried on farming on an extensive scale, cultivating not less than a
162 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY, Illinois

section  of land for over forty years. In the summer of 1857 he purchased a quarter section of land and
throughout that summer engaged in breaking prairie. This was the beginning of his connection with farming interests, with which he has since been identified, and the rich soil of the Prairie state has amply
rewarded his efforts in this direction.

On the 26th of May, 1864, Mr. Arnold was married to Miss Ella Ferris, a daughter of Henry and
Elizabeth (Hudson) Ferris. Mrs. Arnold was born in Galesburg, while her parents were natives of New
York, the birth of her father having occurred north of Utica, where her grandfather had settled at an
early day. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ferris were early settlers of Galesburg, the former spending his first year
in Knox county in a dugout. He was, indeed, one of the earliest settlers here and his labors constituted an element in the growth and progress of the community. His father, Sylvanus H. Ferris, was one of the first residents of Galesburg, sent out here to locate Knox College. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ferris there were born five children who reached adult age: Alfred, who was supposed to have been murdered by the Mormons when on his way to California; Harriet; Ella, who became Mrs. Arnold; Timothy; and Lilly C, the wife of Congressman Prince, of Galesburg. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold there were born nine children, Ella May, the eldest, became the wife of Edwin M. Williams but both are now deceased. They had two children, Dorothy and Edwin. Laura, the second daughter, is the wife of George A. Felt, of Galesburg, and they have two children, Eleanor and Rebecca. Henry, who is engaged in the insurance business in Galesburg, married Anna Ward, of Springfield, and has two children, Esther Pauline and Henry Ferris. Wilfred, a lawyer of Galesburg, wedded Nina Lahann, of Monmouth, Illinois, and has one daughter, Katherine. Frances is the wife of Frederick C. Wood, of Galesburg. Louis E., a dentist of Salt Lake City, Utah, wedded Marie Raymond, and they have one son, Raymond. Ray M. is a lawyer and also owns large tracts of land in this vicinity. Elizabeth H. is the wife of Dr. Charles H. Lowman, of Los Angeles, California, and Harriet is at home. The mother is a member of the Congregational church and Mr. Arnold is prominent in Masonry, holding membership in Vesper Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Galesburg Chapter, R. A. M., and Galesburg Commandery, K. T. Mr. Arnold has lived in the same house for forty-seven years, his home being at No. 759 East Main street. From time to time, however, he has added improvements to his place, ever keeping it one of the attractive and modern residences of the city. In public affairs he has ever been deeply and helpfully interested and his name has become inseparably interwoven with the history of this city. For fifteen successive years he served as a member of the city council, ever exercising his official prerogatives in support of measures for the general good. For one term he served as mayor of Galesburg and he has assisted in the execution of many public commissions. He was on the building committee for the erection of the Central Congregational church, also for the public library, the Brown Hotel, the Union Hotel, the Commercial block and the gymnasium of Knox College. For many years he has been one of the trustees of Knox College and at all times has been a friend and champion of education. Such in brief is the life history of Benjamin F. Arnold, who though he has now passed the age of seventy-eight years is still in a considerable measure an active factor in the

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 163

business life and interests of his adopted county. His intellect early grasped the eternal truth that
industry wins and industry became the beacon light of his life. He realized, too, the fact that
opportunities slip away from the sluggard and tauntingly play before the dreamer but that they surrender
to the individual with high purpose, undaunted courage and indefatigable determination. He has, therefore, employed those qualities in every relation of life and has today "the blessed accompaniments of age—honor, riches, troops of friends."

ROBERT GORDON SINCLAIR.

Realizing at the outset of his business career that success has its root in unfaltering diligence and
determination, Robert Gordon Sinclair has employed those qualities in the attainment of the present
enviable position which he occupies in business circles. He is now engaged in the manufacture of ice cream, ices and soft drinks, employing about eighteen people. He was born in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, October 9, 1866, and is a son of Alexander and Margaret (Griffith) Sinclair. The father's birth occurred in that county, August 24, 1839, but the mother was a native of Wales, her birth occurring in that little rock-ribbed country on the 10th of March, 1834. She was only four years of age when she was brought to the United States by her parents, who established their home near Ebensburg in Cambria county, Pennsylvania. Alexander Sinclair pursued his education in the public schools of Pennsylvania and in early manhood engaged for a time in teaching school, but eventually took up the occupation of farming and, on removing westward, in 1870, established his home near South Haven, in Van Buren county, Michigan. There he worked in a sawmill until the fall of 1876, when he removed to Livingston county, Illinois, where he followed farming until 1910. His well directed labors during all these years had brought him a substantial measure of success and thus with a handsome competence to meet his needs through his remaining days he retired to private life. In his political views he is a republican, always loyal to the party, yet never seeking nor desiring office. He has served as school director and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and their lives have ever been in consistent harmony with their professions. They are the parents of five children, namely: Barbara E., at home; Robert Gordon, of this review; Evan Barker, of Galesburg; and Mary F. and Irwin A., both at home.

In the public schools of Michigan and of Livingston county, Illinois, Robert G. Sinclair pursued his
education and in his youth worked upon his father's farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and
labors incident to the development and cultivation of the fields. He was twenty-two years of age when he
abandoned the plow in order to become connected with commercial interests, which he believed would
prove more congenial and hoped would prove more profitable. For three years he was employed in a
grocery store in Pontiac, Illinois, and then embarked in business on his own account, forming a
partnership with S. W. Strong for the conduct of a grocery store in Pontiac. After two years he
purchased his partner's interest and carried on the business

164 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

alone until October, 1899, when he sold out and went upon the road as a traveling salesman. In the spring of 1901 he came to Galesburg and established an ice-cream business which he carried on independently for two years. He then sold a half interest to his brother, E. B. Sinclair, and in 1909 they removed from their old location at No. 471 East South street to the adjoining building, thus obtaining more commodious quarters. On selling his interest in the business to his brother, R. G. Sinclair removed to Pontiac where he engaged in the real-estate business for two years. He was also circuit clerk of Livingston county for four years and then returned to Galesburg where he again became interested in business, now employing from fifteen to eighteen people in the manufacture of ice cream, ices and soft drinks. His enterprise has assumed extensive proportions, its sales reaching a large annual figure, owing to the excellence of their output and their reliability and enterprising business methods.

On the 2d of October, 1895, Mr. Sinclair was united in marriage to Miss Maude Thompson, a daughter of Hugh and Frances (Ketcham) Thompson, of Pontiac. Their children are five in number, namely: Robert Elwood, born in Pontiac, Illinois, August 17, 1897; Clyde Evan, born in Pontiac, January 25, 1899; Maude Louise, whose birth occurred in that city on the 23d of February, 1903; William Gordon, born on the 25th of December, 1905, in Pontiac; and Margaret Frances, born there March 5, 1908. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair have a wide acquaintance in Galesburg and enjoy the high regard of their many friends. His political support is given to the republican party and he has always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and he is now acting as a trustee of the church to which he belongs. He is likewise a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Woodmen camp and the Galesburg Club. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, find him a social, genial gentleman, and his business associates speak in high terms of his enterprise, progressiveness and thorough reliability.

H. R. GRIFFITH.

H. R. Griffith, whose well cultivated farm forms one of the attractive features of Cedar township, was
born on his father's homestead south of Galesburg, Knox county, Illinois, on the 8th of January, 1861. His father, Morris Griffith, was a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having there occurred on the 17th of
February, 1836. When a lad of four years he removed with his parents to Ohio, where they resided until
1852, when they came to Illinois, settling in the vicinity of Galesburg. There Mr. Griffith continued to
live until the year prior to his death, when he went to reside with a son living north of Galesburg, where he passed away on December 9, 1906, being laid to rest in the cemetery at Knox-ville. His parents, Abel and Hannah (Gore) Griffith, also spent their latter days in Knox county. For his wife and helpmate Morris Griffith chose Miss Elizabeth Harmony, their marriage being celebrated on the 27th of December, 1859. Mrs. Griffith, who was born near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, died in

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 167

Knox county on February 12, 1901, at the age of sixty-seven years. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Griffith there were born seven children, of whom our subject was the eldest. Etta, the second in order of birth who was born on the 22d of May, 1862, was married on March 28, 1895, to G. C. Hutson, and is now living in the vicinity of Arkansas City, Kansas. William E., whose birth occurred on the 18th of January, 1864, married Mattie Brooks on January 27, 1892, and resides near Galesburg. Arthur, who was born on January 22, 1866, chose for his wife Ella Hutson, to whom he was married on March 17, 1898, now living near Galesburg. Frank M., born on the 24th of August, 1868, was married on the 20th of October, 1898, to Lennie Hutson and is living near Knoxville. Mary E., the next in order of birth, was born on the 21st of April, 1871, and died on the 21st of September, 1872, being laid to rest in the cemetery at Knoxville. Jessie A. was born on the 21st of June, 1877, and on December 27, 1900, married Marvin McGahey. The parents were earnest members of the Presbyterian church, while his political support Mr. Griffith accorded to the republican party. He took an active interest in all public affairs and held some of the township offices, the duties of which he discharged with efficiency.

Born and reared on a farm, Mr. Griffith has always been more or less actively identified with agricultural
pursuits. His preliminary education was obtained in the public schools, after the completion of which he
entered Knox College at Galesburg. He remained at home with his parents until he was thirty-two years of  age, when he came to his present place on section 20, Cedar township. He owns eighty-seven and a half acres of land here upon which he has made most extensive improvements, having erected some fine
buildings, planted an orchard and grove, in addition to effecting various minor changes. He has applied
himself diligently and intelligently to the cultivation of this property, his efforts in this direction having
been rewarded in a most substantial and gratifying manner. In addition to his fine home farm he owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Dundy county, Nebraska, while his wife has forty acres in Orange
township, this county.

On the 24th of August, 1893, Mr. Griffith was married to Miss Flora A. Parmenter, whose birth occurred in Orange township, Knox county, on the 1st of November, 1868. Her paternal grandparents were among the pioneer settlers of the county and here her father, John Parmenter, whose birth occurred January 18, 1842, was united in marriage on December 31, 1867, to Miss Anna Haynes, who was born December 10, 1842. Both parents passed away in the same year, the father on December 29, 1880, and the mother on August 29 of that year. Mrs. Griffith was the eldest of the four children born of this union. In order of birth the other three are as follows: Asa PL, a resident of Galesburg, whose birth occurred on the 16th of June, 1870; Charles E., who was born on May 21, 1875, now living in Watertown, Illinois; and Lenna, whose birth occurred on the 18th of November. 1877, is the w^e °f Henry Godfrey, of Kansas. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Griffith five children have been born: Jessie May, who was born on the 6th of November, 1894; Claude Russell, whose birth occurred on October 25. 1895: Harold O., born on the 19th of December. 1897: Alary L., born February 17, T903 ; and John Herbert, who was born on the 18th of  December, 1908.

168 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

Mr. and Mrs. Griffith after coming to their present location united with the Congregational church of
Abingdon and are devoted members thereof. Mr. Griffith has now held for over six years the office of
deacon, while his wife has for five years been assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. His political
prerogatives Mr. Griffith exercises in support of the men and measures of the republican party and he
has served in the capacity of school director and tax collector.

SIMEON B. DAVIS.

Death gives the perspective which enables one to judge of the real worth of an individual, placing him in
proper relation with his contemporaries and those things which went to make up his life's contacts and
experiences. Judged from the standpoint of success and of personal character, Simeon B. Davis measured up to the highest standard of manhood and of citizenship and was honored and respected by all who knew him. His life record covered the intervening period between the 7th of December, 1836, on which day his birth occurred in Ashland county, Ohio, and the first of March, 1909, when he passed away in Galesburg. His parents were Amos and Nancy (Crawford) Davis, both of whom were natives of Ohio, and the former was a daughter of Colonel Samuel Crawford, an officer of the war of 1812.

At the usual age Simeon B. Davis became a pupil in the public schools near his father's home and
throughout his life he continued his reading and study, thus adding greatly to his knowledge and promoting his efficiency as a factor in the world's work. When eighteen years of age he became a resident of McDonough county, Illinois, where for eight years he followed the profession of teaching, being regarded as one of the most capable and successful educators in that part of the state. He then turned his attention to farming and stock-raising and in addition to the cultivation of his fields engaged in shipping stock to the Chicago market for a number of years. His farm constituted a fine tract of land in Hire township, McDonough county, and he brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and added many substantial improvements to the place in the way of good buildings, well kept fences and the latest improved machinery. At length he retired from the farm and removed to Macomb, the county seat of McDonough county, where he established a marble and granite business, developing one of the leading monument enterprises in this part of the state. There he carried on business until 1887, when he removed to Galesburg and opened a similar establishment, which he conducted with profit up to the time of his death. In all of his business life he was strictly honorable and upright, never taking advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any business transaction, and by reason of the excellent work which he did he won a very gratifying patronage.

In September, i860, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Artimesa Stambaugh, a daughter of the
Rev. Adam and Margaret (Shields) Stambaugh. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania and her mother
was born in Indiana but was reared in Canton, Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Davis were born nine

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 169

children, Emma, Eva, Margaret, Elsie A., Stewart A., Alice J., Louie May, James E. and Stella, but the last named is now deceased. Mr. Davis was ever devoted to the welfare and happiness of his family and found his greatest joy in ministering to their pleasure. Following his demise Mrs. Davis carried on the business until July 1, 1910, when she was obliged to give it up in order to look after the realty interests of the estate. The business, however, is still continued by her son under the style of the S. B. Davis Granite Company.

In his political views Mr. Davis was a stalwart republican, recognized as one of the leaders of the party in the central section of Illinois. He was a pleasing public speaker and took prominent part in many of the presidential campaigns, speaking throughout the state and doing good service for the organization. In 1880 public honors were conferred upon him in his election to the office of state representative from the district comprising Warren and McDonough counties. During the regular session of 1881 and the special session of 1882 he was a member of several important committees and rendered valuable and efficient service in those connections to the commonwealth. He was always much interested in local progress and improvement and while residing in Galesburg served for several terms as a member of the city council, in which connection he exercised his official prerogatives in support of various progressive and beneficial measures. Fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and was ever a most loyal and helpful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Following his demise the house of representatives of the Illinois legislature passed the following resolutions:

'Whereas, by reason of the promulgation of an unappeasable infinite decree, the Hon. Simeon B. Davis rests to-day in his last sleep at Galesburg, Illinois, and

"Whereas, the said Simeon B. Davis was an honored and respected member of this house, having served his people with distinction in the thirty-second and thirty-third general assemblies, and

'Whereas, in the departing of Mr. Davis to obey such divine decree, his city and state have sacrificed an upright and patriotic citizen, his family a kind and affectionate father and husband and his associates a friend.

"Therefore, be it resolved by the house of representatives of the state of Illinois, in regular session assembled that we deeply deplore the death of Mr. Davis and as a mark of respect to his memory, this house do now adjourn, and be it further

"Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the journal of this house and an engrossed copy be forwarded to the family of the deceased."

Mr. Davis was one of the most widely and favorably known of the residents of Galesburg and his influence was always found on the side of those activities which uplift mankind and promote general progress. He was a most earnest and helpful member of the church and the Methodist denomination in Galesburg owed much to his cooperation. In the funeral services, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Blodgett, of Cincinnati, who had formerly been his pastor, the minister said: "The deathlessness of the friendship existing between the man whose body lies before us and myself is evidence to me of the immortality of man." Later he said: "Mr. Davis was a man of virile blood. He

170 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY, Illinois

came of good ancestry of a class of men that make nations. He was drilled in the school of poverty and by an inherent force made himself felt in the state and in the city. He was not a trimmer, but had a broad charity in his judgments of others, although very positive in his own convictions of the right. As a churchman he believed thoroughly in the book, basing his beliefs more on a personal experience of God than on any critical analysis. He believed that the church is a means to an end and, therefore, utilized all of its forces not only as an unlift for society but for his own personal benefit. As a citizen he believed in the highest integrity of the state. His home life was like a midsummer dream, to him his wife was the pearly gate always through which he entered into all of his joys. I tested his friendship at a time which was critical in the history of this church and he was one of the few men who through his belief in the right made it possible for the church to be rebuilt. It was well worth to know such a man and enter with him into the inner circle of his friendship." There was in all the life record of Simeon B. Davis only such qualities as won him honor and respect. While he gained success, it was not this which secured for him the regard of his fellowmen, but the sterling traits of character which he ever displayed, the honor, integrity, kindly spirit and the words of helpfulness and cheer which he spoke, and thus it is that those things which men learn to value more than gold and gems are the treasures of friendship and memory.

ADDISON JOSIAH BOUTELLE.

Addison Josiah Boutelle, states attorney for Galesburg since 1900, his twelve years' connection with the office standing as incontrovertible evidence of his ability in the field of his chosen profession, was born November 9, 1869, on a farm near Rutland, La Salle county, Illinois. His father, Josiah Boutelle, died in 1872 but the mother, Mrs. Ellen (Hastie) Boutelle, is still living. She is a daughter of James H. Hastie, one of the early settlers of Sparta township, Knox county. In her girlhood she heard the Lincoln and Douglas debate held in Galesburg and has written an interesting account of that historic event and the incidents that occurred on that memorable day.

During the boyhood of Addison Josiah Boutelle the family removed to Knox county and he pursued his education in the Galesburg schools, being graduated from the high school with the class of 1887. He afterward entered Knox College, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of 1891. He was a member of the Gnothautii Literary Society in Knox and was honored with its presidency. In debate he won the Colton prize for oratory. Nature endowed him with gifts that constituted an excellent foundation upon which to build his success at the bar for which he early made preparation by reading law in the office of the late J. J. Tunnicliff, former states attorney of Knox county. He was admitted to practice in 1893 and has since been continuously engaged in the work of his profession in this city. His constantly developing ability brought to him a growing clientage, his work increasing in volume and in importance as the years passed by. In 1897 he was elected

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 173

city attorney of Galesburg and was reelected in 1899, serving continuously for four years. In 1900 he was chosen states attorney, which office he has held to the present time, carefully safeguarding the interests of the district in the faithful and prompt discharge of his duties in that position.

Mr. Boutelle has always given his support to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and has done considerable campaign work under the direction of the state central committee in various cities of the state. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar and in his life exemplifies many of the high principles of Masonry. He is also connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias, and he belongs to the Galesburg Business Men's Club.

On the 17th of October, 1899, m Galesburg, Mr. Boutelle was married to Miss Elizabeth Lee Switzer, a daughter of Charles E. and Mary B. Switzer. They have one child, Mary Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Boutelle are well known socially in this city where they have long resided and where he has so directed his efforts that he is today classed with the leading lawyers, representative men and progressive and respected citizens.

HARLEY F. DRURY.

In the establishment and conduct of the florist's business Harley F. Drury has displayed an aptitude for successful management, combined with unfaltering determination and industry, that have brought him to a prominent position among the prosperous business men of Galesburg. This city has drawn a considerable quota of its citizens from New England and Mr. Drury is a representative of this class, having been born in Essex, Vermont, June 13, 1855. His parents were Jacob and Caroline (Bascom) Drury, also natives of the Green Mountain state. The former was a son of Isaac and Sallie (Herrick) Drury. They became the parents of seven children, Betsey, Annie, Daniel, Hannah, Jacob, Harriet and Mary Ann. The maternal grandfather of Harley F. Drury was a Vermont farmer and both he and his wife died at an old age after rearing a large family.

Jacob Drury, father of our subject, spent his youthful days in Vermont and was reared to the occupation of farming, which he chose as his life work, but after tilling the soil for a number of years he took up the business of manufacturing brick. Fie not only figured actively and prominently in business circles but also in connection with public affairs, holding a number of local offices and also representing his district in the state legislature. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist church and were earnest, consistent Christian people. Fie died in Essex, Vermont, in 1889, at the age of eighty-one years, having for three years survived his wife, whose death occurred in 1886, when she was sixty-eight years of age. They were the parents of seven children: Hannah M., widow of the late Byron A. Stevens, of Galesburg; George B., now a resident of Essex, Vermont; Jannette, widow of the late C. C. Field, of Essex; Charles K., also living in Essex; Edwin I., deceased; Harley F.; and Homer D., likewise living in Essex, Vermont.

174 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY, Illinois

In the place of his nativity Harley F. Drury spent his youthful days and attended the public schools, afterward pursuing his studies in the Vermont Methodist Seminary at Montpelier, from which he was graduated in 1875. Later he remained at home for two years, during which period he assisted his father in the office of the brickyard. His residence in Galesburg dates from 1878, at which time he entered the employ of Lake W. Sanborn as a clerk in his insurance office, there remaining for about two years. He next became connected with the grocery trade, spending two and one-half years in the employ of C. E. Landstrum. On the expiration of that period he established a grocery store on his own account, conducting it successfully for eighteen years, during which period he ever maintained an honorable position in commercial circles. He then sold out and turned his attention to the cultivation of flowers, establishing greenhouses which are situated on Broad, Sanborn and Cherry streets and which contain forty-five thousand square feet. Here he raises almost every variety of flowers and the business has grown rapidly until now his sales reach a large annual figure. He is likewise a director of the Farmers & Mechanics' Bank.

On the 28th of March, 1883, Mr. Drury was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Trask, a native of Ohio, as were her parents, Homer and Belinda (Lane) Trask, who emigrated to Galesburg about forty-five or fifty years ago, both having now passed away. They were survived by three daughters, Nellie, Kitty and May, while a son had died in early childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Drury have but one child, Louise, who is now attending the high school. The parents are members of the Christian Science church, and in politics Mr. Drury is a republican who has been somewhat active in local politics, serving for one term as alderman from the fifth ward. His position upon any vital question is never an equivocal one and he seeks always to aid the measures and movements for the general good. He is well known socially, holding membership in the Elks Club and in the Soangetaka Country Club and the Galesburg Club, being now president of the latter. For a third of a century he has been a resident of this city and the sterling traits of character which he has manifested throughout the entire period have gained for him the unqualified regard and good-will of his fellow men.

SETH CRUMP.

Seth Crump was a lifelong resident of Knox county and had a wide acquaintance, while his many sterling traits of character gained for him a position in public regard that made his death the occasion of deep and widespread regret. He was born near Hermon, in this county, November 24, 1842, a son of Madison and Rebecca (Massey) Crump, who were early settlers of this county. The father was both a farmer and carpenter. He followed these occupations for some time and also conducted a hotel in Knoxville during the early days, his hostelry being known as the Virginia Hotel. Both he and his wife remained worthy and respected residents of Knoxville until called to their final rest.

Seth Crump spent his youthful days under the parental roof and in his boyhood acquired his education in the public schools, which he attended through the

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winter seasons, while the summer months were devoted to farm labor. After putting aside his text-books he gave all of his attention to farm work until the outbreak of the Civil war, when his patriotic spirit was aroused and he offered his services to the government, enlisting from Knox county as a member of Company E, Eighty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served throughout the Civil war, participating in many important engagements. After the close of hostilities, in all of which he bore himself with signal credit and honor, he returned to Knoxville and here remained until his death, which occurred on the 10th of December, 1908, when he had reached the age of sixty-six years.

Mr. Crump had been married on the 15th of August, 1870, to Miss Henrietta Woolsey, of Knoxville, who was born here on the 23d of December, 1853, a daughter of William and Margaret Woolsey, who were natives of Pennsylvania and at an early period in the development of this part of the state came to Knox county, where they resided until called to their final home. In their family were eleven children, namely: Frederick, now deceased; James, who served as a soldier of Company E, Eighty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and is now a resident of Iowa; Henry, who also served in the Civil war and is now living in Atlantic, Iowa; John, who valiantly espoused the cause of the Union on southern battlefields and also makes his home in Atlantic; Byram, now deceased; Wright, who has also passed away; Henrietta, now Mrs. Crump; Kate, the wife of William Meecham, of Knoxville; Clayton, a resident of Atlantic, Iowa; William, of Atlantic, Iowa, and Fayette, deceased. The father of Mrs. Crump was also a soldier in the Union army and died from wounds while in the service—and thus the family made a splendid record for loyalty and bravery.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Crump were born three children, the elder being Mina L., wife of Claude Vangilder, now deceased; Catherine, the wife of William Venell, of St. Joseph, Missouri; and Valda, a son, living at home with his mother. Mr. Crump always maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. He was also interested in local affairs and at one time served as city marshal of Knoxville. His aid and cooperation could ever be counted upon to further progressive public movements and he was accounted a valued citizen, upright and honorable, his sterling worth winning for him the confidence and good-will of all who knew him. He had a wide acquaintance in Knox county, where his entire life was passed, and many of the comrades of his youth remained the friends of his manhood, indicating that his life record was ever a creditable one.

JAMES C. SIMPSON.

There have been many theories advanced concerning success, but careful analysis of the lives of many men, who have risen from comparative obscurity in business to a position of prominence, indicates the fact that all honorable success has had its root in straightforward dealing, indefatigable industry and persistent purpose. Such has been the record of the senior partner and manager of the firm of James C. Simpson & Company, operating country lumberyards, and president of the Simpson, McClure Lumber Company of Galesburg.

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James C. Simpson was born in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, April 13, 1864, and his parents, William E. and Sarah Ann (Means) Simpson, were also natives of that state. The former was a son of John H. and Eliza (Lewis) Simpson. John H. Simpson, born in Virginia, was a farmer by occupation. His family included William, Jane, Ann, David, Thomas, Irwin, Caroline, Theodosia and Harry. Of these David and Thomas were killed while serving as soldiers in the Union army. The maternal grandfather of James C. Simpson was Edward Means, a native of Pennsylvania, who engaged in both merchandising and farming. He married a Miss Hopkins, who died at a comparatively early age, while Mr. Means lived to the age of seventy-seven years. Their children were Sarah Ann, Jane, Dr. William A. Means, the Rev. Theodore Means, Mary, Charlotte, Thompson, Milton and Thomas. The last two died while serving in the Union army during the Civil war.

William E. Simpson, father of James C. Simpson, was reared in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, pursued his education there and became a public-school teacher and farmer. He served as a soldier in the Civil war for one year, acting as assistant to the surgeon and doing duty on a federal hospital boat on the James river. He passed away at Punxsutawney in 1906, at the age of sixty-five years. His first wife, Sarah Ann Means, had died in 1873, at the age of thirty years. Both were members of the Presbyterian church and were consistent Christian people. For his second wife William E. Simpson married Miss Anna North. There were six children born of the first marriage, of whom three are now living: James C.; Mrs. Etta Farrand, of Chicago; and Wade M., of Galesburg. Frank, Clayton, and Ida died at an early age. The children of the second marriage were also six in number: Blanche, the wife of Lex N. Mitchell, of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania; Burt, living in Kewanee, Missouri; Blaine, a resident of Oregon ; Mrs. Catharine Lindsay, of Portland, Oregon; Vere, living in Punxsutawney; and Raymond, whose home is in Lawrenceville, Illinois.

The youthful days of James C. Simpson were spent on a farm in the vicinity of Punxsutawney. Fie attended the district school, while later he became a student of the Covode (Pa.) Academy and in J. C. Duncan's Business College of Davenport, Iowa. Pie came to the middle west in 1884, making his headquarters first at Albany, Illinois. He had previously engaged in teaching through three winter terms in the country schools of his native state, and also followed that profession for three terms in Whiteside county, Illinois. During the first five years of his residence in this state he was also employed during the summer months as a clerk on a Mississippi river steamboat, and later as a traveling salesman for a wholesale lumber house, which he represented for six years. In the winter of 1894 he became a resident of Galesburg, where he has since made his home. Unfaltering industry and careful expenditure enabled him here to embark in business on his own account. He purchased the lumberyard owned by O. Hawkinson & Company and conducted the business under the name of J. C. Simpson & Company. This yard was afterward incorporated under the name of the Simpson, McClure Lumber Company. During the seventeen years of his residence in Galesburg he has made for himself a creditable position in its business circles. Promptness, reliability and persistency of purpose have been the factors employed in the attainment of success and have gained for him an enviable position among Galesburg's leading citizens.

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On the 17th of February, 1897, Mr. Simpson was united in marriage to Miss Harriette H. Post, a daughter of General Philip Sidney and Cornelia A. (Post) Post, natives of New York. Mrs. Simpson's father served in the Civil war and was afterward made consul at Vienna. Subsequently he served as congressman, from 1887 until his death in January, 1895. His wife passed away in 1908. They were the parents of three children, Harriette H., Philip S., and William S. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have five children, Sidney, Cornelia, William, Harriet and Mary. The family reside at No. 516 North Prairie street and theirs is one of the hospitable homes of the city. In his political views Mr. Simpson is a republican and, while never seeking nor desiring office, has always kept well informed on the general issues and questions of the day. He holds membership in the Galesburg and Elk Clubs and of the former is a director. He is also one of the trustees of Galesburg Hospital and the present chairman of its board. In all his life, duty and honor have been his watchwords and justice has been one of his strong characteristics. In his business career he is prominent as a man whose constantly expanding powers have taken him from humble surroundings to the field of large enterprise and continually broadening opportunities.

THOMAS KEEFE.

The United States has become peopled by the native sons of every country and among the worthy residents that the green isle of Erin has furnished to Galesburg is numbered Thomas Keefe, now one of the prosperous lumber merchants of this city. He is a self-made man, starting out in life empty-handed and depending upon industry, perseverance and diligence for his success. He still continues active in trade circles although he is now seventy-two years of age. He was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, April 22, 1839, a son of Thomas and Catherine (Farrell) Keefe, who were also natives of the same place. There they were reared and married and in the early '50s they came to the United States, settling in Delaware county, New York, where the father secured employment in a tannery. He worked in that way for six or seven years and then began farming, which he followed in Delaware county until his death. His wife passed away in the same locality. They were members of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. Keefe gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. In their family were the following children : Patrick, John and Maria, all now deceased ; Thomas, of this review ; Luke and Margaret, who have also passed away; Catherine, the wife of James W. Tucker, of Cooperstown, New York; and Michael, deceased.

Thomas Keefe was a lad in his teens when he accompanied his parents on the long voyage across the Atlantic to the United States. His education, which had been begun in the schools of his native country, was continued in the public schools of New York, and for a time he gave his attention to farm work in the Empire state, but in 1861 he came to the middle west, settling in Henderson township, this county, where he entered the employ of Henry and Will Sisson, working on a farm for three years. He was afterward employed for a year by Captain Grant and spent a similar period on the Potter farm. Twenty years

178 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY, Illinois

were passed in the employ of G. W. Barnett in the grain business and during the last seven years of that period he was in partnership with Mr. Barnett in the grain trade at St. Augustine, Illinois. At the time the Santa Fe Railroad was being built he came to Galesburg and established a lumber business at his present location. During the years of his connection with the business interests of this city he has made steady progress, has a well equipped lumberyard and enjoys a good patronage.

On the 22d of December, 1864, Mr. Keefe was united in marriage to Miss Winifred O'Hare, a daughter of Simon O'Hare, of Tuam, Galway County, Ireland. The children of this marriage are: John, now living in Sioux City, Iowa ; Winifred, who is the wife of John Scanlon, of Chicago, and has four children; Marie, Genevieve, John and George; Frank, living in San Francisco, California; Ursula and Teresa, both at home; Ira, who is the wife of T. H. Kelvin, of Chicago, and has one child, Marion; Anastasia, living in Chicago; and Regina, at home. The wife and mother died July 18, 1907, at the age of sixty-three years, her death having occurred at her home in Galesburg.

In politics Mr. Keefe is independent, voting as his judgment dictates rather than by the promptings of party rule. He is a member of the Corpus Christi Catholic church and also holds membership with the Knights of Columbus. He may truly be called a self-made man and as the architect of his own fortune has builded wisely and well. He has never allowed obstacles or difficulties to discourage him and his persistency of purpose and energy have opened for him the way to success.

ISAAC FRANK COLE.

For the past thirty-one years Isaac Frank Cole has been successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising on a hundred and twenty acres of land, located two miles south of Williamsfield. His birth occurred two miles east of here in Brimfield township, Peoria county, on the 21st of December, 1851. He is of English extraction in the paternal line, his grandparents having come from Yorkshire, while his father, William F. Cole, was born in Pitts-burg, Pennsylvania on the 18th of July, 1818. Upon their arrival in this country the family located in Pennsylvania in the vicinity of Pittsburg. In his early manhood William F. Cole came west, settling in Brimfield township, Peoria county, in the spring of 1844. There he engaged in farming until 1854, when he removed with his family to Millbrook township, where he acquired one hundred and twenty acres of land that he cultivated until his death on December 23, 1883. For his wife Mr. Cole chose Miss Mary Ann Cutter, who was born in the vicinity of Ashland, Richland county, Ohio, on the 29th of July, 1829. As a child of four years she accompanied her people on their removal to Peoria county in 1833, and there she was reared to womanhood and married on the 16th of April, 1846. She survived her husband for a number of years, her death occurring on March 15, 1894. Thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cole, as follows: John, a veteran of the Civil war, who is a physician in Williamsfield; one, who died in infancy; William PL, who is farming in the

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vicinity of Joplin, Missouri; Isaac Frank, our subject; Charles, a farmer near Iota, Allen county, Kansas; Sarah, the wife of G. L. Doubet; Lucy, who married George Nelson, of Elmwood; Minnie, who died at the age of thirteen; Lemuel, who is a farmer of Canada; Marge, who died on the nth of May, 1903, the wife of Samuel M. Parker; Fred G., who lives in Truro township; Job, who resides in Williamsfield; and Newton J., residing a half mile south of Williamsfield, who is a rural mail carrier.

There were no particular events in the early life of Isaac Frank Cole to differentiate it from those of other lads reared in the rural communities at that period. He attended the district schools until he had mastered the common branches of English learning, and during that time he was also laying the foundation of a future agricultural career by assisting his father with the work of the fields and care of the stock. Laying aside his school books, he gave his entire time and attention to agricultural pursuits in Peoria county until he had attained the age of twenty-five years. On the 16th of April, 1877, he came to Knox county, settling on a rented farm for three years, whence, in 1880, he removed onto the place where he has ever since lived. He has one hundred and twenty acres of land here that he has brought under high cultivation during the long period of his ownership. Mr. Cole has prospered in both his general farming and stock-raising, and from year to year has made such improvements in his property as his circumstances would warrant. All of the buildings now standing on the place have been erected since he bought it. His barns are large and commodious, affording ample shelter for his stock and grain, and he also has substantial outbuildings for the protection of farming implements and a very comfortable farm house. He has always given his undivided attention to the plowing, sowing and harvesting of his fields, and to his painstaking application is probably attributable much of his success. His land is very productive and he annually realizes a goodly dividend on his summer's labor.

On the nth of January, 1877, Mr. Cole was united in marriage to Miss Martha Ann Nelson, whose natal day was the 14th of September, 1854. Mrs. Cole is a daughter of Josiah and Margaret (King) Nelson, the father a native of Pennsylvania, his birth occurring in the vicinity of Altoona in 1816. Mr. and Mrs. Cole have been the parents of eight children: John, who was born November 27, 1877, and died at the age of eleven months; Mary Ann, whose birth occurred on the 5th of March, 1879: Maude, born on November 18, 1880; Lemuel J., whose natal day was the nth of February, 1884; Marge who was born on May 6, 1886; Sarah, who was born May 13, 1888, and died on the 25th of February, 1889; Martha, who was born September 16, 1889; and F. H., who was born on the 23rd of August, 1891. Maude, who is the third in order of birth, married Harry F. Blank and they have four children: Wilbur; Grace, who died at the age of six weeks: Dwayne; and Edna. Lemuel J., the eldest living son, married Mary A. Lagergren, and they have two daughters, Marie and Ann. Marge, the next in order of birth, became the wife of Alfred H. Lamboley, and they had two children: Jeannette; and Charles who died November, 20, 1911. vol. n—9

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The fraternal relations of Mr. Cole are confined to his membership in the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias. In his political views he has always been a stanch republican, but has never had either the time or inclination to enter public life, all his energies finding ample scope in the development of his personal interests, in which he has met with success.

FRANK E. WOOLSEY.

The late Frank E. Woolsey, for many years engaged in the harness and saddlery business in Knoxville, was born here, on the 30th of August, 1851, and was a son of Edwin and Mary (Tingle) Woolsey. The father was a native of the state of New York, where he engaged in farming until 1848 when he came to Knoxville. Soon after his arrival here he engaged in business, continuing to be identified with the commercial activities of the town until his retirement. He had resided here but a short time when he was married to Miss Tingle, a native of Ohio, and they became the parents of six sons and two daughters, as follows: Frank E., our subject, who was the eldest; James E., who is engaged in the wholesale grocery business in Chicago; Charles, who is living near La Junta, Colorado; Hattie, who died at the age of eighteen years; Ida; George, who is also deceased; Arthur, a brick mason of Knoxville; and Leroy, who is deceased. The mother passed away in 1907, at the age of seventy-nine, while the father was eighty-four years of age when he died in 1910. Fie was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted and gone to the front from Knoxville, when hostilities first broke out, continuing in the service for three years.

Frank E. Woolsey was educated in the common schools of Knoxville, and when old enough to commence preparations for his life work, learned the harness-maker's trade. Fie followed this for a time in his native town, when he went to Moline and subsequently took a position on the road. Withdrawing he returned to Knoxville and established a harness and saddlery business that he conducted until his death, which occurred on May 30, 1895. The business was continued for about a year thereafter under the supervision of his widow, who then disposed of it.

Rock Island, Illinois, was the scene of the marriage of Mr. Woolsey, on the 19th of March, 1882, to Miss Hannah Arabella Simpson. She was born ii> Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of Jesse Swan and Eliza (Gunnell) Simpson. Her father was also a native of Westmoreland county, his birth occurring in Hempfield township, on the 18th of November, 1815, his parents being James and Hannah (Steinmetz) Simpson. James Simpson was born and reared in Scotland, whence he emigrated to America in the very early days, locating in Pennsylvania before the war of 1812, in which he participated. His wife was a native of Germany and a daughter of John and Mary Steinmetz, who were also among the early settlers of Westmoreland county. Mrs. Woolsey was born on the old homestead in Pennsylvania, where her grandfather Simpson lived and died. In the maternal line Mrs. Woolsey is of French extraction, her great-grandfather having emigrated to America from France in the early days of the last century and settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. The grand-

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father, Corbin Gunnell resided there until 1862, when he removed to Moline, Illinois, where he for many years was engaged in the dry-goods business, but he was living retired at the time of his death, which occurred in Moline. His parents were Jonathan and Parmelia Gunnell, the father a veteran of the Revolution having served under General Washington. Jesse Swan Simpson, Mrs. Woolsey's father, came to Rock Island, Illinois, in 1869, locating in Coe township, where he bought a farm that he operated until his death on the 30th of June, 1903, in his eighty-seventh year. Her mother, who died very suddenly from heart failure on October 4, 1908, at the age of eighty-six, was born in Pennsylvania, on the nth of May, 1823. Of their marriage there were born six sons and five daughters, as follows: Benjamin F., who is now deceased, a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted from Pennsylvania; Maria C, the wife of Joseph Askew, of Cordova township, Rock Island county; Mary Jane, who died when she was twenty-four; Silas M., who resides near Hillsdale, Rock Island county; Jesse L. and Almira, twins, the latter the wife of William Aldridge of Port Byron, and the former also a resident of Rock Island county; Mrs. Woolsey; Emma C., the wife of John Groom, editor of the Aurora Daily Beacon, of Aurora Illinois ; Curtis, who is living in St. Louis; Elmer E., a farmer of North Dakota; and Ulysses Grant, who is a resident of Rock Island, so named from General Grant, a cousin of Mr. Simpson. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Woolsey there was born one son, Jesse Francis, a manufacturing chemist connected with the firm of Strong, Cobb & Company of Cleveland. He married Miss Maude Belle Johnston, a native of Indiana, and they have one son, Robert J. Woolsey.

Mr. Woolsey was a member of the Presbyterian church, as is also his widow and son, and fraternally he was connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He belonged to the Sons of Veterans and his political support he gave to the republican party. Mrs. Woolsey has continued to live in Knoxville ever since the death of her husband, where she owns a very pleasant residence and has many friends, by whom she is held in high esteem.

LUCIAN P. STEEPLETON.

Lucian P. Steepleton, who is conducting a grocery and meat market on North Cherry street, is one of the enterprising and progressive merchants of Gales-burg. He was born1 on a farm in the vicinity of Gilson, Knox county, on the 17th of September, 1867, and is a son of Harrison and Ellen (Parkins) Steeple-ton. The father was a native of Indiana, his birth occurring in the vicinity of Harrisburg, on August 16, 1831, while the mother was born in Illinois, in November, 1841. Harrison Steepleton, who was an agriculturist, came to Illinois in his early manhood, locating at North Henderson, this county. There he engaged in farming for a while but subsequently removed to the vicinity of Gilson, where he was later married. Agricultural pursuits engaged his energies during the entire period of his active life, but he has now withdrawn from the work of the fields and is living retired in Gilson. He has always taken much interest in public affairs, although he was never an office seeker, and gives his political support to the republican party. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Steepleton numbered nine,

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as follows: Lorena, who is deceased; Winfield Scott, who is a resident of Gilson; and Melissa, Ella and Dorrance, all of whom are deceased; Lucian P., our subject; Vesta, the wife of Charles I. Butt, who resides five miles east of Knoxville; Jennie, the wife of Edward Hiler of Knoxville; and Ed, who is also a resident of Gilson.

The public schools of Gilson provided Lucian P. Steepleton with an education. and after he was graduated from the high school, he taught for two years in one of the near-by districts. At the expiration of that time he applied himself to learning telegraphy and when he had mastered the key, he was appointed assistant agent for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Oneida. He remained in the service of this company for ten years, withdrawing from their employ at the end of that time to become superintendent of the Galesburg & Great Eastern. When their coal fields were exhausted he gave up railroading in order to engage in mercantile pursuits. He first embarked in the grocery business at Wataga, where he conducted a store for eighteen months. At the end of that time he went to Oneida, where he operated a similar enterprise for three years. Disposing of his store, he withdrew from commercial activities and for ten years gave his entire time and attention to the fraternal insurance business in Galesburg. During that period he was also secretary for the Knox County Farmers' Mutual Fire & Lightning Insurance Company for four years. He subsequently returned to mercantile pursuits and is now conducting a grocery and meat market on North Cherry street. Enterprising and progressive in whatever he undertakes, Mr. Steepleton is meeting with success in his undertaking. He carries a comprehensive assortment of staple and fancy groceries that are attractively displayed, and in his market can be found a choice line of fresh and cured meats, fish, vegetables, fruits and dairy products. Care and discretion is always displayed in the selection of all brands he offers to his customers, it being his desire to provide the best the market affords for the price. Courtesy and consideration are shown to all who accord him their patronage and he exerts every effort to be accommodating. He is thoroughly modern in all of his ideas and believes that the best interests of both patrons and merchants are protected through the organization of the latter, whose effort it is to promote all of the public utilities. At the present time he is secretary of the Retail Merchants Association, having entered upon his duties in May, 1911, and enthusiastically champions its endeavors to advance the development of the community.

On the nth of May, 1892, Mr. Steepleton was united in marriage to Miss Susan Wiles, a daughter of John and Margaret Wiles of Wataga, and they have become the parents of one child, Wyllie, whose birth occurred on the 30th of October, 1907. John Wiles was a native of England and there he passed the first eighteen years of his life. Believing that better advantages were afforded energetic and thrifty young men in America, at the end of that time he took passage for the United States, coming directly to Illinois. He first located in Peoria, where for many years he was employed in the coal mines. He subse- • quently retired to Wataga, where he passed away as did also the mother, and there Mrs. Steepleton was born on the nth of April, 1870. Mr. Wiles was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his political support he gave to the democratic party.

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The religious views of Mr. and Mrs. Steepleton are manifested through their membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. They take an active and helpful interest in the work of its various societies and departments, and for many years he has been teaching a Bible class, and he is also a member of the official board of stewards. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and he votes the prohibition ticket, thus voicing his views on the liquor traffic. Mr. Steepleton represents the class of citizens who can successfully conduct their personal interests and yet find time to fulfill their duties to society by giving assistance in advancing the welfare of the community along those lines than* redound to the benefit of humanity at large.

JOHN C. TOLER, M. D.

While Dr. John C. Toler's degree indicates that he is qualified for the practice of medicine and in fact he devoted his attention to the profession for a number of years, he is now connected with commercial interests, having for some time been traveling representative for the Peru (Indiana) Refrigerator Company in eight of the central states. Fie was born in Astoria, Fulton county, Illinois, in i860, a son of William T. Toler, a native of Virginia, whose father at one time was professor of Greek and Latin in a university at Winchester, Kentucky. William T. read medicine at an early age and when a young man went to Astoria, Illinois, where he engaged in the practice of medicine successfully for more than forty years. He was also interested in a general store and in a drug store there 'and was an active, public-spirited man whose influence was always found on the side of progress and improvement. Fie was regarded as one of the most prominent, valued and honored citizens of his adopted town. He married Sarah A. Morrow, a representative of one of the pioneer families of Bath, Mason county, Illinois. Her death occurred December 13, 1911, in Astoria, at the advanced age of eighty years. In their family were four children of whom three are living: Temple E., who is a business man of Astoria; Allie E., a widow, living in that place; and Dr. Toler, of this review.

The last named, stimulated by the example and success of his father, took up the study of medicine following the acquirement of his early education in the public schools, and was graduated from the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis with the class of 1881. For five years he practiced in his native town, where he still has business interests, and in 1889 became a resident of Galesburg, where he became associated with Dr. Cowan in the drug business. After two years he purchased his partner's interests and conducted the store alone for a year. He then sold out and purchased the stock of Van Shack & Bellows Hardware Company, after which he conducted that business successfully for seven years, or until his health failed him and he was obliged to sell out. He then went to California where he spent two years and upon his recovery he returned to Galesburg, since which time he has represented the Peru Refrigerator Company as traveling salesman in eight of the central states. In this connection he became widely known and is regarded as a business man of marked ability and enterprise, building up an excellent trade for the company which he represents, and

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because of the faithfulness and efficiency of his service gaining an excellent remuneration for his labors.

Dr. Toler was married in Fulton county, Illinois, in 1882, to Miss Eva Kost, and unto them have been born two children: Mrs. Henry W. Lass, of Galesburg, and Ethelyn, at home. In his political views Dr. Toler is a democrat but without desire for office. He belongs to the Galesburg Club and to the Methodist church and his interests are always along those lines which represent the best things of life and which promote the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of his city.

ROBERT WEIR COLVILLE.

Robert Weir Colville, deceased, was for many years well known as a representative of industrial interests in Galesburg, becoming master mechanic for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in this city in 1878. In that position he continued until his death and the record which he made was at all times a creditable one—a record of industry, diligence and faithfulness.

He was born March 31, 1839, in Glasgow, Scotland. His father was Robert Colville, who is remembered by his many friends as a genial, generous and honorable man whom all admired because of his many sterling qualities. At the time of his death he had almost completed his second term's service in the office of city treasurer of this city, having performed the duties of that responsible position to the satisfaction of all concerned. He was a native of Scotland who had emigrated to the United States in early manhood. For many years he carried on the business of bookbinding in Galesburg, but in the spring of 1869 was elected to the office of city treasurer and continued therein until his life's labors were ended in death. He was ever a courteous, polished gentleman whom it was a pleasure to meet, and his conversation was enriched by allusions to literary subjects with which he was thoroughly familiar. At his death he left a wife and four sons to mourn the loss of a loving husband and devoted father, and his demise was also the occasion of deep regret to many friends. His first wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna Maxwell, died in 1861, and he subsequently married Sarah Crocker, by whom he had one son.

His son, Robert Weir Colville, was a youth of twelve years when, in 1851, the family crossed the Atlantic to the new world. In early life he learned the bookbinder's trade and was connected therewith in Chicago from 1851 until 1856, when the family came to Galesburg. Here Robert W. Colville made his home until his death, on December 28, 1909, with the exception of a few years spent in Aurora, Illinois, in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. At the time of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations that he might aid in the struggle to preserve the Union, enlisting in Company E of the Seventeenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He continued at the front until 1863, when he mustered out on account of .failing health that rendered him unfit for field duty. He was present at the battle of Fort Donelson and also took part in the hotly contested battles of Shiloh.

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After being honorably discharged, Mr. Colville returned to Galesburg and, having but little liking for the trade of bookbinding in which he had been assisting his father, he entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company in the capacity of fireman. His faithfulness and ability later won him promotion to the position of engineer and from 1863 until his death he was in the employ of the railroad company, being advanced through various positions, including that of foreman of the local roundhouse and foreman of the roundhouse at Aurora until 1878, when he was made master mechanic at Galesburg, continuing in that position until he met an accidental death under an engine.

On the 4th of March, 1866, Mr. Colville had been married in Galesburg to Miss Edith Wilbur Cole, the daughter of George W. Cole, who came to this city from Sheldon, Vermont, in 1856, and was engaged in the harness and saddlery business. Mrs. Colville is justly proud of a most distinguished ancestry, including patriots of the Revolutionary period, governors and men of note during the colonial epoch and several who were passengers on the Mayflower, including Governor Bradford. George W. Cole, her father, was one of the prominent early merchants of this city but retired fifteen years prior to his death in 1902. He married Almira Holcomb, of the state of New York, and their daughter, Edith, became the wife of Mr. Colville. Three children were born of this marriage, namely: Alma B., the wife of Victor E. Bender, owner of the Springfield News; Nita M., the wife of Nevin C. Lescher, a brick dealer of Galesburg; and Robert Rex, who married Jessie Ayre of Galesburg, and is in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad.

In his fraternal relations, Mr. Colville was. a Mason and exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He was also a member of the Elks lodge of Galesburg and a charter member of the Galesburg Club, and had many friends in those organizations as well as among his business associates and those whom he met in social circles. The greater part of his life was passed in this city and those who knew him recognized in him the sterling traits of character which in every land and clime win confidence and regard. He was for several years a member of the board of education of Galesburg, was a democrat in politics but in the latter years of his life voted for the man instead of the party.

GEORGE BOARDMAN CHURCHILL.

The steps in the orderly progression of George Boardman Churchill are easily discernible. He has gradually worked his way upward until he is now at the head of the Churchill Hardware Company, one of the largest commercial enterprises of Galesburg. He is also recognized as a man of marked public spirit, whose interest in the general welfare has never been a perfunctory one. His active and helpful cooperation in public movements has been the manifestation of a deep interest in all that pertains to the progress, up- building and prosperity of the community and his work of a public nature has always been fruitful of substantial results. Galesburg numbers him among her native sons, his birth having here occurred August 16, 1865. He represents one of the oldest families of the city. His paternal grandfather was Norman Churchill, a native of New

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York, who served as a soldier in the war of 1812, while his father was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war. Norman Churchill became a pioneer of Galesburg and is said to have made the first trade consummated here. He took a very active and helpful part in the development and progress of this section of the state and was also connected with many interests and projects of a public nature outside of the field of business. He became one of the conductors on the famous underground railroad, for his anti-slavery views prompted him to assist many a negro on his way to freedom in the north. Both he and his wife remained residents of Galesburg until called to their final rest. Their children were: Wilberforce, who was killed while serving in the Civil war; Emily; Belle; Elvira; Norman; Julia; and George.

The last named was the father of George Boardman Churchill, and was a native of New York. He was brought to Galesburg in 1839, when but ten years of age, was here reared to manhood and devoted his entire life to the profession of teaching. For forty-seven years he was one of the professors in Knox College and his labors did much to place that institution in the high and honored position which it has always held as one of the educational centers of the state. He was also the founder of the public-school system of Galesburg and for many years served on the board of education, his labors constituting a practical and forceful element in the establishment of the schools and their conduct along lines, rendering them of practical worth to the young as a preparation for life's work. Professor Churchill also served for many years on the library board, was city engineer for thirty years and was one of the first surveyors of the Military Tract Railroad, which became a part of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy system. He long filled the position of alderman and exercised his official prerogatives in support of every plan and project for the general good. His entire life was actuated by the high and honorable principles which have their root in Christian faith and he was long a devoted member of the Central Congregational church, serving as superintendent of its Sunday school for a quarter of a century. He was twice married, his first wife being Clara Hurd, a relative of the Gale family, who were the founders of Galesburg. They had one son, Milton E. Churchill. After losing his first wife Professor Churchill wedded Ada Hayes, a native of Vermont. She was a second cousin of ex-President Hayes, while Professor Churchill was a second cousin of Samuel J. Tilden, the two men who were rival candidates for the presidency in 1876. Mrs. Churchill was a daughter of the Rev. Gordon Hayes, whose father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Gordon Hayes was a native of Vermont and a minister of the Congregational church. He married a Miss Fassett and on removing westward settled in Muscatine, Iowa, where both he and his wife passed away, his death occurring when he was more than ninety years of age, while his wife died at the age of eighty-nine. They had a large family: Alary, a missionary to China, who was the wife of William Jones, an editor of the Old Curiosity Shop, a department of the Chicago Inter-Ocean; Lilly, the wife of Walter Waugh; Ed.; Charles ; Daniel; John; and Ada. It was the last named who became the wife of Professor Churchill, and unto them were born three children: Charles Edward, now living in Montclair, New Jersey; George Boardman; and Alary, who was accidentally shot when three years old. The mother also met her death by accident in April, 1869, after which Professor Churchill married Ellen Sanborn Watkins.

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He died in Galesburg in 1899, at the age of seventy years, the city thereby losing one of its most honored and representative residents—a man whose worth to the community as a factor in its intellectual progress and its stability and prosperity cannot be overestimated.

George B. Churchill has been a lifelong resident of Knox county, spending the entire period in Galesburg save for three years, during which he resided in Abingdon. He was a pupil in the public schools and in Knox College and following the completion of his education engaged in clerking for five months in the hardware store of Main, Foltz & Givens. This sufficed to convince him that it was a congenial occupation and he then entered into partnership with W. B. Main, spending two and a half years in that relation in Abingdon. This terminated the three years' period of his absence from Galesburg, after which he returned to his native city and purchased the hardware store of O. T. Duvon, admitting his brother-in-law H. F. Wetherbee to a partnership under the firm style of Churchill & Wetherbee. This connection was continued until 1894, when he purchased his partner's interest and conducted the business under the name of the G. B. Churchill Company. For the past eleven years it has been carried on under the style of the Churchill Hardware Company and is one of the most extensive mercantile enterprises of the city, a large stock of goods finding ready sale because of the excellent line which he carries and his thorough reliability in all business transactions. In addition to his hardware enterprise Mr. Churchill has been closely associated with many business interests and activities of a semi-public character, which have proved potent forces in the city's growth and development. He was instrumental in securing the building of the switch between the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and the Santa Fe Railroads. He was also chairman for many years of the new enterprise committee of the Commercial Club, which instituted organized efforts for the public good. He is likewise president of the Galesburg Union Telephone Company, which is the largest independent telephone plant outside of Chicago in the state, and for many years he was a director of the Coulter-Disc Manufacturing Company, his labors being largely responsible for the location of this plant in Galesburg. He was likewise one of the original ten men who built the street car line from Galesburg to Abingdon and thus his work at all times has been a feature in the business development and public improvement of the city. Mr. Churchill was a member of the committee on city buildings and as such instrumental in erecting the fire department building, the city hall, the jail and patrol station, and also served on the committee that bought the city park.

Mr. Churchill was married, January 17, 1894, to Miss Matie O'Connor, a daughter of James and Mary (Ryan) O'Connor, but she died in the fall of the same year. On the 12th of February, 1896, he wedded Clara Scott Babcock, who was born in Detroit, Michigan, a daughter of Charles M. and Maggie (Mc-Chesney) Babcock. Her father was a native of New York, while her mother was one of the first children born in Galesburg. She is now living in Los Angeles, California, but Mr. Babcock passed away in this city when about sixty-five years of age. In their family were four children, O. Frank, George M., Mabel E., and Clara. Mr. Babcock's father was a native of Oneida county. New York, and his mother belonged to the Sherman family. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Churchill was an early settler of Galesburg and married a Miss Scott. Unto

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Mr. and Mrs. Churchill have been born three children, Lake George, Marjorie, and William. The family residence is at No. 1042 North Cedar street and the members of the household are prominent in the social circles of the city. Mr. Churchill belongs to Veritas Lodge, No.. 478, I. O. O. F., and to the Galesburg Club, of which he was one of the founders. Any project or movement which has its root in a desire to prove of public benefit receives his endorsement and cooperation, for he is widely known as a public-spirited citizen, whose work has been a resultant factor for good. His business interests and connections have largely been of a character that has contributed to general progress and prosperity and his labors have been a most potent factor in stimulating trade relations.

JOHN MOSSER.

John Mosser is a self-made man of prominence, attaining to his present position as president of the First State & Savings Bank of Abingdon by reason of a well defined purpose and unfaltering effort and determination in its achievement. Fie was born January 1, 1832, in Preston county, West Virginia, his parents being John and Susan (Frankhauser) Mosser, natives of Maryland and Virginia respectively. The father was a farmer by occupation and removed from Maryland to West Virginia, where he passed away when almost eighty-eight years of age. He had purchased a farm in that state, cleared and developed it and it is still in possession of the family, being now the property of Daniel Mosser, the brother of John Mosser. The father was a soldier of the War of 1812 and his political support was given the democratic party. He came of one of the old families of Maryland.

John Mosser, spending his youthful days in his native county, pursued his education in select schools, where he spent only a few weeks each winter. The little temple of learning was a log building supplied with slab benches and other primitive furnishings. The remainder of the year was devoted to work upon his father's farm in West Virginia and experience early impressed upon his mind the lessons of industry and perseverance. Like many another young man, he felt that better opportunities might be afforded him elsewhere than in his home district and on attaining his majority he started out to make his way in the world. His choice of a destination was a wise one, for in 1855 he arrived in Illinois. For a time he worked on a farm near Industry, this state, and then went to the west, starting on the overland trip for Pike's Peak in 1859 to dig gold. After getting well into Kansas he turned around and came back to Illinois, resolved that he would dig his gold from the fertile fields of the Prairie state. He then formed a partnership with his brother, Jacob F., for the conduct of a blacksmith shop in Industry, where he remained until 1864. He then removed to Abingdon, bringing with him the little capital which had accrued from his earnest labor and his careful expenditure. Here he purchased the general store of Swarts & Quinby and has since been allied with the business activities of this place. He built a two-story brick building and occupied both floors in the conduct of a mercantile enterprise which prospered year by year. In 1895, however, he withdrew from commercial pursuits and established a private bank

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under the name of John Mosser & Company. Again success attended him and on March n, 1902, he organized the First State & Savings Bank of Abingdon, of which he became the president. He has continuously filled that position and has made his bank one of the strong financial institutions of this part of the state. In business matters his advice has always been sound and is frequently sought. He has ever been conservative and this quality has given strength to his banking career.

In i860 Mr. Mosser was united in marriage to Miss Mary Carroll, a daughter of William and Sarah (Conaway) Carroll, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. The father was a farmer by occupation and they were married in the Keystone state, after which they removed westward in 1858, settling in McDonough county, Illinois, where their remaining days were passed. Their daughter Mary, who became Mrs. Mosser, died October 21, 1866, and in November, 1867, Mr. Mosser married her sister, Sarah J. Carroll. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1849 and was therefore a little maiden of nine summers when the family came to this state. By the first marriage there were two children: Samuel T., who wedded Kate Newell; and Ida L., the wife of John Reed. The three children of the second marriage are: Corliss G., who married Elizabeth Snedaker; Stacy C.; and Lloyd L.

Mr. Mosser is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His political allegiance is given to the prohibition party, for he has ever been a strong temperance man and believes this to be one of the dominant issues before the country. For eighteen years he served as school director of the Abingdon school district and the cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion. He filled the office of city treasurer of Abingdon in 1871-2, has been supervisor of Cedar township and was mayor of the city from 1879 until 1881 and again from 1888 until 1891. His long service as chief executive indicates his high standing as a citizen and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He has ever reared his family in the belief that honesty is the best policy and trained his children to live within their means, saying that if an individual spends less than he makes he will never see hard times. In a word, Mr. Mosser stands for everything that is safe, sound, conservative and upright in the commercial world and for all that is trustworthy and progressive in the individual.

EDWIN F. HOLMES.

Edwin F. Holmes, who resides on his farm in Ontario township, is a member of a family which has been identified with the agricultural interests of the township for nearly forty years. His birth occurred October 3, 1884, his parents being John and Aledo (Olson) Holm, the former a native of Sweden, having been born in West Morland, July 18, 1850. The father was the son of Nels and Anna

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Holm, both lifelong residents of Sweden, where the former lived to be ninety-two years of age. John Holm received a common-school education in Sweden and emigrated to this country in 1869, coming direct to Galesburg, where he entered the employ of the Charles Johnson Brick Company for a short time and then accepted a position on a railroad at North Henderson before returning to Galesburg in 1870. Since that time he has resided in Knox county continuously. Coming to Ontario township in 1872 he purchased the land which was the nucleus of his present three hundred and twenty acre farm, upon which he has lived retired for the last fifteen years, his two sons, Fred L. and Edwin F., working the farm on shares and devoting it to raising cattle and hogs. Mr. Holm has been twice married. His first union was with Miss Olson, of Henry county, whose death occurred in 1892 and his second marriage was to Helen Erickson, the daughter of Eric Erickson, of Knox county. In politics Mr. Holm gives his support to the republican party, and in religious faith he is a Congregationalist, holding membership in the Congregational church of Oneida. He is also a school director.

Edwin F. Holmes acquired his education in the common schools of Ontario township and since laying aside his text-books has devoted his entire attention to agricultural pursuits on the home place. Until 1905 he assisted his father with the general farm duties but during the last six years has been farming on his own account, engaging in general farming and also in raising cattle and hogs for the western markets.

On May 2, 1906, Mr. Holmes was married to Ruth Sturgeon, the daughter of Sheldon and Rosa (Lowry) Sturgeon, of Henry county. The father was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until a few years prior to his death, in 1908, and the mother is residing at Woodhull, Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Holmes two children, Willard V. and Harriet Ruth, have been born.

In politics Mr. Holmes gives his support to the men and measures of the republican party, and he is a member of the Congregational church of Oneida, and of Camp, No. 555, M. W. A. Although still a young man he has already won a creditable measure of success in the pursuit to which he has faithfully devoted his entire energy thus far, and because of his intelligent and industrious labor he is regarded as a man of sterling worth to the industrial development of the township.

LOWRY J. EDGAR.

Dating his residence in Knox county from 1854, Lowry J. Edgar has been for more than four decades one of the important factors in aiding the agricultural advancement for which this section of the country is noted. His birth occurred in Hart county, Kentucky, November 19, 1827, and he was a son of James and Sarah (Trowbridge) Edgar, whose childhood days belong to that period in history when our country was in its tenderest infancy, the former being born in Iredell county, North Carolina, June 5, 1781, the latter in Essex county, New Jersey, April 10, 1787. They were married in Kentucky in 1807 and had eleven children, of whom Lowry J. Edgar was next to the youngest.

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Equipped with the meager educational advantages which were offered by the district schools of Kentucky as of other states in that day, Lowry J. Edgar lent his assistance to the maintenance of the family by working on the farm as soon as he was old enough. In 1849, during the exciting days of the gold boom in California, he followed the multitude drawn thither, making his way by New Orleans and the isthmus of Panama to San Francisco. After four and a half years spent in the far west, during which time he became richer in experience than in the acquisition of gold, he returned to the region east of the Mississippi, settling in Knox county, Illinois. He began to farm on his present place which he has named "The Old Homestead," the tract of land which he cultivated for a continuous period of forty-two years, pursuing the various departments of general farming and stock-raising. Fifteen years ago he retired from active interest in the place, which comprises one hundred and eighty acres of rich and productive land, now being operated by his sons.

The marriage of Lowry J. Edgar and Miss Martha A. Brown of Hart county, Kentucky, occurred March 6, 1859, her parents being Armsted and Sarah (Ferguson) Brown, natives of Kentucky. Mr. Brown was. born December 18, 1808, and his wife November 23, 1808, their marriage occurring in Kentucky March 3, 1830. Five years later they left their native state and settled in Knox county, Illinois, where their six children were reared. Mr. Brown was a democrat in politics and with his family worshiped in the Baptist church. He died December 17, 1851, twenty-three years before his wife, who passed away February 25, 1874.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar were four children, of whom two are deceased: Willett S., born December 27, 1859, who died in 1890; Lillian J., born December 23, 1861, who died in 1880. Two sons are living, Frank L., born August 30, 1865, and Charles, both of whom are living on the home farm which they manage. Mrs. Edgar passed away on May 8, 1911, at an advanced age,

Politically Mr. Edgar has always been a loyal supporter of the democratic party and has voted for the men and measures which he felt would contribute, to the welfare of his community, his state and his nation. He is a member of the Baptist church and throughout his life has been faithful in the observance of its lofty principles of moral rectitude. Although in his eighty-fifth year he is still in the possession of good health and hearty spirits enjoying that peace of mind which is the crowning glory of a long life, well spent.

FRANK L. EDGAR.

Frank L. Edgar, born August 30, 1865, is the son of Lowry J. and Martha A. (Brown) Edgar. After a common school education in this locality, where he has lived from the time of his birth, he engaged in agriculture on his father's farm, assisting in the management until his father retired fifteen years ago when he, in company with his brother, assumed full charge.

Mr. Edgar was united in marriage to Miss Adeline Paul of Galesburg, Illinois, June 27, 1894. Her parents, Andrew and Lavina (Taylor) Paul, were

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both natives of Canada and never came to the United States. They are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Edgar are the parents of four children, of whom three are living at home and one is deceased. The living are: Lillian Merle, Lavina Pauline and Martha Elise.

Mr. Edgar is a democrat in politics but has never sought for the honor of public office. Fie is a successful farmer and a good citizen who subordinates petty self-interest for the good of the community at large.

FRED L. Holmes.

Fred L. Holmes, who resides on his father's farm in Ontario township, has been engaged in agricultural pursuits since he completed his high school education. He was born May 23, 1886, in Ontario township, his parents being John and Aledo (Olson) Holm, both natives of Sweden, and he is the grandson of Nels and Anna Holm. The grandmother died in Sweden when her son was very young, but the grandfather came to America after he gave up his farm in Sweden and lived retired with his son until he passed away at the advanced age of ninety-two years.

John Holm acquired his education in the common schools of his native country and emigrated to America in 1869, when he was eighteen years of age. He located at once in Galesburg, where he remained for a short time, being in the employ of the Charles Johnson Brick Company, but later he worked on a railroad for a few months and then returned to Galesburg in 1870. Since that time he has been a resident of Knox county and since 1872 he has resided upon his farm in Ontario township, which he cultivated until fifteen years ago. This farm consists of three hundred and twenty acres and has been devoted to general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Holm was twice married. His first marriage occurred September 12, 1873, to Miss Olson, of Henry county, who died in 1892, and his second marriage February 7, 1893, to Helen Erickson, a resident of Knox county, who is the daughter of Eric Erickson, a lifelong resident of Sweden. Mr. Holm is a republican and for several years served as school director. He also holds membership in the Congregational church.

Fred L. Holmes began his independent career at the age of nineteen years, when he rented the one hundred and forty acres of land which he now cultivates. Although he is one of the youngest agriculturists in Ontario township, he has already met with success in his work and his large crops attest to his ability. His chief attention thus far has been given to general farming but he has specialized somewhat in hog-raising.

On December 9, 1909, occurred the marriage of Mr. Holmes to Esther Olson, of Rio township. To this union one child, Karl Frederick, has been born. Mrs. Holmes is the daughter of Charles W. and Emma (Selberg) Olson, who have resided in Rio township for many years. Mr. Olson was born in Sweden, December 23, 1846, and is the son of Ole and Betty (Anderson) Person. They spent their entire lives in Sweden, Mr. Person being a carpenter by trade. The son, Charles W. Olson, received a common-school education and then engaged as carpenter until he came to America in 1871. After a three

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months' stay in Chicago he went to Wisconsin for a short time before coming to Knox county, where he accepted employment on farms in Ontario and Rio townships during the winter. He then removed to Clover township, Henry county, and for about twenty years rented a farm there before purchasing his present farm. This farm consisted of one hundred and sixty acres but at the present time Mr. Olson is cultivating four hundred acres of land in Knox county, engaging in general farming and cattle and hog-raising. In politics he is a republican and during his nine years' service as road commissioner did much to further the development of his township. He is a stockholder in the Oneida Elevator Company and is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church of Woodhull. On March 18, 1883, Mr. Olson was united in marriage to Miss-Emma Selberg, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Selberg, who was a lifelong resident of Kansas, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. To Mr. and Mrs. Olson seven children were born, namely: Emil; Herman ; Minnie ; Esther, who is the wife of Fred L. Holmes; Hilmer; Hartwig; and Walter.

In politics Mr. Holmes gives his support to the republican party in the firm belief that republican principles are most effective for good government. He is also a member of the Illinois Banker's Life Association. In all his relations he is conscientious and honorable and because of his unusual amount of energy and foresight he is meeting with success in his agricultural pursuits.

LOUIS L. STEELE.

Louis L. Steele, a factor in the business circles of Knox county, is now serving as secretary and treasurer of the Churchill Hardware Company at Gales-burg. His birth occurred in Dover, Illinois, on the 18th of May, 1863, his parents being Andrew and Susan (Zearing) Steele, who were natives of New York and Pennsylvania respectively. The paternal grandfather, a gentleman of Scotch-Irish descent, was born in Vermont and died in the east in middle life. His widow, Mrs. Lydia (Abel) Steele, came west with her son Andrew and passed away at Dover, Illinois, when sixty-five years of age. Their children were three in number, namely: Henry P., Andrew L. and Leonora. Martin Zearing, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania and came of German descent. In 1835 he removed to Dover, Illinois, there following general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life. To him and his wife, Mrs. Sarah Zearing, were born the following children: Martin; Louis; David; John; Henry, who was killed in the Civil war; Carolina; Elizabeth; Sarah ; Mary ; and Susan.

Andrew Steele, the father of Louis L. Steele, was reared near Buffalo, New York, and became a very early settler of Bureau county, Illinois. For about thirty-five years he was successfully engaged in general merchandising at Dover, while his demise occurred at Princeton, Illinois, in January, 1910, when he had attained the age of eighty-two years. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party and held various town offices. Fraternally he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His widow still resides at Princeton and is now eighty-three years of age. She is well known and highly esteemed

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throughout the town, having made her home near there for seventy-five years. In religious faith she is a Baptist. By her marriage she became the mother of six sons and one daughter, as follows: Charles D., who is a resident of Chicago; George, living in Dover, Illinois; John, of Gunnison, Colorado; Dick, who makes his home at Springfield, Illinois; Louis L., of this review; Harry, of Princeton, Illinois; and Lottie, the deceased wife of W. J. Bailey, formerly of Princeton, Illinois.

Louis L. Steele was reared in Dover and obtained his education in the public schools and an academy of that town. Subsequently he followed the profession of teaching for two terms. He was next engaged in general merchandising at Alden, Iowa, for five years and on the expiration of that period removed to Buda, Illinois, where for eleven years he was identified with business interests as a hardware merchant. Coming to Galesburg, he became associated with the Churchill Hardware Company as secretary and treasurer and in those capacities has largely contributed to the continued growth and success of the concern. He is a man of excellent executive ability and sound judgment, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

On the 14th of February, 1889, Mr. Steele was united in marriage to Miss Alice R. Carter, a native of Dover and a daughter of George F. and Emily (Parsons) Carter, both of whom were born in Maine and became early settlers of Dover, Illinois. The father, whose natal year was 1833, passed away at Dover in March, 1911, when seventy-eight years of age. The mother still survives. Mrs. Steele is one of a family of three children, the others being Charles E. and Edwin P. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Steele was born in Maine, in which state both he and his wife passed away. They had three children, namely: George F., Mrs. Ruth Plummer and Lyman. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Steele was likewise a native of Maine.

Mr. and Mrs. Steele have two daughters, Lottie and Mildred. They are devoted and consistent members of the Central Congregational church, taking an active and helpful part in its work. Mr. Steele is a man of many sterling traits of character, enterprising in business, progressive in citizenship and at all times trustworthy and reliable.

JOHN MILLER McKIE.

John Miller McKie is one of the most prominent citizens and active business men of the northern part of Knox county. Honored and respected by all, he occupies an enviable position in financial circles not alone by reason of the success he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward and progressive business methods that he has ever followed. He has been a lifelong resident of the county and therefore has a wide acquaintance.

His birth occurred in Copley township, June 4, 1844, his parents being William and Margaret (Miller) McKie. The father was born in Scotland and in his boyhood days became familiar with farm work. In 1840 he accompanied his parents on their removal to America, at which time the family home was established in Copley township, this county. There he continued his residence

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 207

throughout his remaining days. He married Margaret Miller and they became the parents of two children, the sister of John M. McKie being Jeanette, now the widow of William H. Leighton, a farmer of Copley township. After losing her first husband Mrs. McKie became the wife of Peter McClymont.

In his boyhood days John M. McKie remained at home with his parents, continuing with them until he had attained his majority, when he took up the occupation of farming on his own account. He largely followed that pursuit until 1876, when he came to Altona, where he turned his attention to commercial pursuits, becoming proprietor of a dry-goods house. He was quite successful in the management of his store and enjoyed a gratifying trade for a number of years. At length, however, he became a factor in financial circles. In 1890 he was associated with Judge Craig in the establishment of a private bank in Altona, and such was the success of the institution that on the 3d of October, 1891, the bank was reorganized under a state charter as the Bank of Altona. Mr. McKie then became assistant cashier and so continued until 1895, when he succeeded George H. Craig as cashier of the bank, which office he continued to fill until the 29th of September, 1911, when, following the death of Mr. Craig, he was elected to the presidency of the institution and is now its chief executive officer, bending his energies to administrative control. He has furthermore become known as a factor in banking circles in other connections, for he is also the president of the State Bank of Victoria. He has important business interests, being connected with a number of leading enterprises in the northern part of the county, and he is also extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising. His judgment is sound, his discrimination keen and whatever he undertakes he accomplishes because of his ready adaptability and his enterprising spirit. A confidence reposed in him has never been misplaced and he has been called upon to settle many estates, about thirty in the last twenty years. One of these amounted to one hundred thousand dollars, the heirs living in Edinburgh, Scotland, and Liverpool, England. In settling up another Mr. McKie had to give bonds to the amount of one hundred thousand dollars, which shows the vastness of the property involved.

On the 22d of February, 1872, Mr. McKie was united in marriage to Miss Janet G. McDowell, a native of Copley township, and they are well known in this part of the state, where they have an extensive circle of warm friends. They hold membership in the Presbyterian church of Altona and labor consistently and effectively for its up-building and for the advancement of all those causes which lift man to a higher plane.

Politically Mr. McKie is a republican and his fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, have several times called him to local offices, the duties of which he has discharged with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. For many years he served as an officer on the school board of Walnut Grove township and in 1894 he was elected to the position of county treasurer, which he filled for four years or until 1898. He made an excellent record as the custodian of public funds and is equally loyal in guarding the private interests entrusted to his care as a banker. He has ever recognized the fact that the bank which most carefully safeguards the interests of depositors is most worthy of credit, and in his bank management his progressiveness is tempered by a conservatism that has made the Bank of Altona a synonym for reliability

208 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY, Illinois

to those who are acquainted with the policy pursued. Mr. McKie is deserving of much credit for what he has accomplished, for he has never allowed difficulties nor obstacles to deter him. On the contrary when such have arisen they have seemed to call forth renewed effort and his persistency of purpose and capable management have constituted the foundation of an honorable success.

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