Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 98

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972

USA > Illinois > Winnebago County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II > Part 98

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On August 14. 1913, Mr. Knight was married at Vancouver, Wash., to Grace Ella King, born March 1, 1888, a daughter of John Ellsworth King, and a granddaughter of William Henry King, founder of the village of King's Station, Ill. Mrs. Knight is a graduate of the Western College for Women of Oxford, Ohio, Mr. and Mrs. Knight are the parents of two children, Jane Emeline and Elizabeth Ann. The Presby- terian Church holds his membership, and he is connected with the First Presbyterian Church

of Rockford. Democratic in his tastes, Mr. Knight is a good mixer, and a man universally liked, while he is highly respected for his ability and knowledge of law.

KNOWLTON, Homer W., cashier of the Peca- tonica Bank, who has held that important office since 1873, was born at Freeport, Ill., April 9, 1839, a son of Dexter A. and Eveline (Arnold) Knowlton, both of whom were natives of Herki- mer County, N. Y. The paternal grandfather was David Knowlton and he was born May 7, 1783, and in 1804, he married Achsah Barnes, and removed to Stockton Township, Chautauqua County, N. Y. about 1813. He followed farming and shoemaking, and became an active factor in local affairs. The Baptist church at Old Town Line held his membership and he was one of its deacons. This church was organized in 1814, and later was known as the First Baptist Church of Stockton. They had seven children as fol- lows: Sophronia, who was born March 5, 1806, married Isaac Andrews, May 29, 1823, removed to Rockford, Ill., in 1848, and died here June 10, 1888; Achsah, who was born March 23, 1809, died in childhood; Dexter A., who was born March 3, 1812; Betsey A., who was born March 3, 1820, married Lewis Morgon and died Novem- ber 16, 1882; Dyer, who was born May 11, 1822, died in childhood ; William Alfred, who was born August 4, 1831, was married January 21, 1857, to Matilda Hitchcock, and died at Rockford in 1892.

When Dexter A. Knowlton was a year old his parents moved to Chautauqua County, N. Y., and there he lived until 1839, in which year he moved to Freeport, Ill., and there embarked in a general merchandise business. He was instrumental in securing the building of the old Galena & Chicago Railroad running out of Chicago, that is now a part of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad system, and in 1855 was one of its directors. He returned to Westfield, N. Y., and after six years there. moved to Saratoga, N. Y., where he purchased the Empire Spring, and organized the Congress and Empire Spring Company. At the same time he continued his connection with the banking house of D. A. Knowlton & Sons, which he had founded at Freeport in 1869, until his death, March 10, 1876. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian, and in politics he was one of the early advocates of abolition of slavery, and was one of the first candidates of the Anti-Slavery party for governor. His wife, a native of Herki- mer County, N. Y., went with her parents to Chautauqua County, N. Y., when seventeen or eighteen years old, and the marriage between her and Mr. Knowlton was celebrated at what was known as Town Line, between Jamestown and Fredonia, N. Y. They had the following children : Arminda, who was born December 29, 1834. died May 10, 1891 ; Dexter U., who was born July 28, 1836, died in 1840; Eveline A., who was born August 17, 1837, married Carlos Currier, and died June 30, 1914, in California; Homer W .; Dexter A., who was born August 25, 1843, mar- ried Mary L. Myers and lived at Freeport until

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his death, October 19, 1903. Julian D., Charles D. and Ophelia A.

Dexter A. Knowlton was educated at Free- port, and was graduated with honors from Wil- liams College in 1866. He became a member of the Phi Beta Kappa fraternity. His entire bus- iness career showed him to be a man of enter- prise and public spirit. After the death of their father, he and his brothers continued the bank- ing business established by him, changing the name to that of Knowlton Bros., and he was iden- tified with this house until his death. For twenty-six years he was a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church, and was also a trustee of it and of Beloit College, Wis. He was also a member of the church board and connected with several colleges and academies. His family con- sisted of the following children : Florence, Maria, Mabel Clara; Mary L., who died June 16, 1883, and Jane and Dorothy. Charles D. Knowlton, who was born in Freeport, January 27, 1848, inarried Ida A. Mann and has three children : Edith, who is now living at Freeport; Charles D., Jr., who recently went to North Dakota to establish a bank, and Kenneth. He was a mem- ber of the firm of D. A. Knowlton & Sons, is one of the sound business men of his section, and has contributed to the prosperity of his community. Ophelia A. Knowlton, the youngest member of the family of Dexter A. and Emeline (Arnold) Knowlton, was born Jan- uary 30, 1852, and died in infancy. It was while Mr. and Mrs. Dexter A. Knowlton were making a pleasure trip through the South that Mr. Knowlton died, at New Orleans, being found life- less on the steps of a public building in that city. During the stirring times preceding and dur- ing the Civil war he stood fearlessly for what he believed was right.

Homer W. Knowlton acquired his early educa- tion in the public schools and an academy of New York state, and he also attended Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Buffalo, N. Y. In 1858 he entered the employ of the J. H. Manny Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of reap- ers, at Rockford, Ill., and traveled for that house, mking collections for it for about a year. His uncle, William A. Knowlton, was in full charge of the business and the estate, the founder then being deceased. Later. Homer W. Knowl- ton secured a position in the Westfield Bank. at Westfield, N. Y., now the First National Bank, and in 1861 he went to Saratoga where he en- tered the employ of his father, who at that time was the owner of the Empire Spring Company. For four or five years Homer W. Knowlton con- tinued with his father, and then began traveling for the American Insurance Company of Chi- cago, making collections for it until 1873, when he came to Pecatonica, Ill., and has since been engaged in the banking business established by his father and brothers. He has continued to be its cashier, and the success of the institution is largely attributable to his efforts.

Homer W. Knowlton has been twice married, first in May, 1862, to Kate Alton who was born in Dunkirk, N. Y., December 3, 1844, and died

July 4, 1897. Her parents were Luther and Mary Ann (Weaver) Alton, also natives of the Empire state. On April 20, 1903, Mr. Knowlton was married (second) to Marsha J. Langtry, a daughter of Dr. William and Jane ( Hill) Lang- try, born at Westville, Franklin County, N. Y. In local affairs, Mr. Knowlton has been active and influential. He has served as president of the town board, but has never sought public honors, preferring to contribute to the progress of his community in other ways than as an offi- cial. His political support is given to the Repub- lican party. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church.

KOPPEN, Fred, a prosperous farmer and land- owner of Seward Township, is one of the enter- prising agriculturalists of Winnebago County, He was born at Berlin, Germany, February 22, 1882, a son of John and Anna (Fibrie) Koppen, the former born December 4, 1855. These parents came to the United States in 1883, and located in Pecatonica, where the father died in 1907, and the mother in 1902. They had two children, Fred, a sister, now Mrs. Verona Last, of Seward Township.

Fred Koppen was but a baby when his parents came to Winnebago County, so he has lived here · practically all his life, and received his educa- tional training in its public schools. After leav- ing school he began to farm, and has been so engaged ever since. For the past fourteen years he has lived on his present farm, known as the G. T. Peterson property, which is located two miles east of Seward. He owns a half interest in 160 acres on section 27 in Seward Township.

In 1904 Mr. Koppen was married to a young lady born in Winnebago County, December 11, 1886. Her father was born in Germany and there educated. After he had served his time as a soldier in the German army, he came to the United States and devoted himself to farming until his death. The mother is also deceased. Mrs. Koppen is the only survivor of her family. In religious matters, Mr. Koppen is a Congre- gationalist. His political belief makes him a Republican and he supports the candidates of his party faithfully and well.

KOSTKA, Frank J., foreman of the finishing department of the Schumann Piano Company of Rockford, with residence at No. 2202 Wallace street, is a highly skilled workman whose effi- ciency has been produced by years of experience. He was born in Germany, February 26, 1869, and was brought to the United States by his parents in 1SS1. He attended school in his native land and later a German school in Chicago, and also a night school in that city.

Mr. Kostka went to work first with Schaff & Schmidt, with whom he remained five years, there learning the finishing trade. From that firm he went with the Gerts Piano Company, and remained with that concern after it became Bush & Gerts, his continuous connection extend- ing over six years. His next place of employ- ment was with Decker Bros., of New York City, but after two years there he returned to Bush

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& Gerts, Chicago, and remained with them for three years, when he entered the employ of Reed & Son, Dixon, Ill. After one year at Dixon, Mr. Kostka returned to Chicago aud was with Mr. Schaff uutil 1901, in which year he became counected with the Schumann Piano Company as assistant foreman, a short time thereafter being made foreman of the finishing department, which position he still holds.

Mr. Kostka was married to Catherine Linicka, and their living children are: Walter, Adolph, Lillian, Fraucis and Hattie. One child died in infancy. Mr. Kostka is a member of the Germania Society, and of the order of Eagles. St. Mary's Catholic Church holds his religious membership. He owns city property and is a substantial and reliable man.

KRAKER, Peter, foreman of the finishing de- partment of the Illinois School Furniture Com- pany, aud shipping clerk, for the entire concern, with residence at No. 1402 Twentieth street, Rockford, is one of the substantial and reliable men of this city, one who is recognized as a desirable addition to the community. He was born in the Netherlands, May 1, 1867, and in 1872 his parents, who were farming people, came to the United States, and located at Grand Rapids, Mich.

Peter Kraker grew up at Grand Rapids, at- tending its public schools, and there began working in furniture factories, during the last three years of his service being foreman of the finishing department. In 1895 he came to Rock- tord but in 1896 returned to Michigan and spent two years at Muskegon. In 1898 he came back to Rockford, and has since made this city his home, although he maintains a partuership with his brother in a meat market at Grand Rapids, Mich. When the Illinois School Furniture Com- pany was organized, Mr. Kraker was offered his present position and has since held it to the sat- isfaction of all parties concerned. He owns stock in the company, and is in comfortable circumstances.

In 1896 Mr. Kraker was married at Rockford, to Hilda Hook, of this city. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and is popu- lar in that order, as he is with his associates in other connections. He has been clerk of the school board in his district for the last nine years and in 1916 was re-elected without opposi- tion for a term of three years.

KRYGHR, James C., president of the Rockford Illustrating Company, at No. 130 N. First street, with residence at No. 110 Sheridan place, is a man who had sounded a new note in commer- cial illustrating. and occupies a field peculiarly his own. He was born at Grand Rapids, Mich., May 31. 1883, a son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Class) Kryghr. The father was born in the Netherlands. and the mother at Grand Rapids, Mich., and both were most worthy people. Many years ago the father came to Grand Rapids, Mich, where for thirty years he was engaged in a wholesale grocery business, but then retired,

and is now enjoying the leisure his years of en- deavor have provided for him. The mother also survives.

James C. Kryghr was reared in his native city, and there given educational opportunities. De- velopiug decided artistic tastes, he attended the Chicago Art Institute, from which he was grad- uated, following which he was employed by different firms as an artist for three years. For some years thereafter he was associated with the Franklin Engraviug Company of Chicago. Mr. Kryghr then went to New York City to become an artist tor the Beck Engraving Company, but was later transferred to their Philadelphia plant where he remained for five years. In 1907 he formed desirable connections with the Rockford Illustrating Company, and in 1910 was made its president. This concern is the largest of its kind outside of Chicago, in the state, and controls an immense business, much of which has been developed by Mr. Kryghr. Socially inclined Mr. Kryghr belongs to the Country Club, and he is also au Elk.

KUHARSKE, Edward A., whose agricultural operations embrace both farming and dairy- ing, is one of the substantial men and reliable citizens of Guilford Township. He was born at Green Lake, Wis., December 25, 1880, a son of George and Moby (Friday) Kuharske, who were born in German Poland and Germany, respectively. They were married in Wisconsin, where the father died after having been a tarmer all his life. The mother survives.

When he was fifteen years old, Edward A. Knharske began earning his own living by trap- ping and fishing, and he later worked in the lumber regious of Wisconsin. When he was twenty-two years old, he embarked in a ma- chine shop business, but finding his lack of education a drawback, he studied with the Scranton Correspondence School to fit himself as a locomotive engineer, and also took up architecture. Following this he was fireman for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad until 1906, when he came to Winnebago County and took charge of a farm three miles north- east of Rockford. In addition to this farm of eighty acres, Mr. Kuharske owns 120 acres and rents an additional 132 and one-half acre farm. When he bought his first farm he began at once to put in improvements and enrich the impov- erished soil. His specialty is dairy farming, and he has a fine herd of Holstein cattle, and conducts a milk route, delivering sixty-two and one-half gallons per day. To feed his stock he raises grain and hay, and also breeds Nor- man horses. His entire equipment is in the best of shape for he is an excellent type of the modern. progressive agriculturalist who makes efficiency his watchword.

On February 15, 1904, Mr. Kuharske was mar- ried to Edith Cleveland, born at Chicago, a daughter of Charles B. and Theodocia (Gar- rison) Cleveland, natives of New York State. Mr. and Mrs. Kuharske are the parents of the following children: Edward, Charles, Milton Theodocia and Cleveland. Mr. Kuharske is a

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member of the Court Street Methodist Church. In politics he is a Democrat, but he has not sought office. A hardworking man, he has won all he possesses through his own efforts, and deservedly stands high with his neighbors.

KULLBERG, Carl David, foreman of the action department of the east plant of the Haddorff Piano Company, with residence at No. 121 Paris avenue, is illustrating in his everyday work the value of skill and ability. He was born at Malmo, Sweden, April 27, 1886, and was brought to the United States when fifteen months old by his parents who located at Chicago. He was edu- cated in that city and Rockford, and taught to be a cabinetmaker. His first work was with the Standard Furniture Company of Rockford, but after a year he entered the employ of the Had- dorff Piano Company, and remained with this concern from 1902 to 1905, when he went with the Schumann Piano Company. A year later, however, he returned to the Haddorff Piano Company, and remained until 1907. In that year he left and for six weeks was in a grocery store. He once more engaged with the Schumann Piano Company, and in 1908 returned to the Haddorff Piano Company, working in the artistic finish- ing department, until he was made a foreman in 1914. Mr. Kullberg is unmarried and lives with his father, his mother being deceased. A consistent member of the Baptist Church, he endeavors to carry into his everyday life the creed he professes, and is a very excellent young man.

LAKE, John, page 647.

LAKE, Thomas, page 644.

LANE, E. T. S., whose connection with several of the leading business houses of Rockford, gives them added strength, is vice president and direc- tor of the Community Savings Company, and a director of the Sanitary Products Company, with residence at Nos. 114-116 S. First street. He was born at St. Paul, Minn., December 19, 1882. After attending the public schools of his native place, he went to a military academy in Georgia. For some years he was engaged in newspaper work, in all the states in the Union, and in Chi- na, Japan, the Philippines and Hawaii and Aus- tralia. While in the Philippines he was a first lieutenant in the Philippine Scouts, and assist- ant press correspondent. In recent years he has been engaged in the advertising business and is associated with Walter R. and Milton H. Trigg, and Edwin J. Thompson. His broad experi- ence, extensive traveling and thorough knowl- edge of conditions in all parts of the world are a valuable asset, and he knows how to make the best use of it.

Mr. Lane was married in California to Della A. Hutchinson of Chicago, and they have a son,- Howard H. He belongs to the Pacific Coast Advertising Agency and the San Francisco Press Club, and has friends all over the globe.

LANE, Robert P., page 706.

LANGE, Fred C., manager of the Coppins & Lange Flour & Feed Company, at Nos. 602 to 614 Cedar street, has assisted in developing one of the largest enterprises in this line at Rock- ford, and is a man whose value as a citizen is equal to his worth as a business factor. He was born at Elkhorn, Wis., September 21, 1880, a son of John and Frederika (Krikow) Lange, natives of Germany. The father was brought from Germany in childhood by his parents, wlio located at Chicago and there lived for a number of years. There John Lange married, and after the death of his father, with his wife and wid- owed mother moved to Elkhorn, Wis. He was a carpenter by trade, and executed a number of important contracts at Chicago and in Wiscon- sin, where he lived until 1890, when he came to Rockford, and went into the same business, but , later retired and is now living at No. 415 Forest avenue. Both he and his wife are members of the Trinity Lutheran Church. In politics the father is a Republican.

Fred C. Lange was ten years old when brought to Rockford, and later he assisted his father in his business. In 1909 Mr. Lange and Mr. Coppins bought the present concern of E. M. Breckenridge, and on August 1, 1913, incorpo- rated the business, buying out the interests of his partner, although his name is retained. A complete line of flour, feed and similar commodi- ties is carried, and a branch at No. 936 W. State is maintained, there being a grain elevator in connection with this last named establishment.

In 1905 Mr. Lange was married to Miss Minnie Weidman, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Wagner) Weidman, and they have one child, Catherine Louise. Mr. and Mrs. Weidman are natives of Germany, and the for- mer came to the United States in young man- hood, and was married in New York state. He was a carpenter at Fort Atkinson, Wis., and from there moved to Rockford, where he fol- lowed his trade until his death in October, 1911. Mrs. Weidman survives and lives at No. 701 Woodlawn avenue. In politics Mr. Weidman was a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Lange reside in their beautiful, modern home at No. 1002 Rockton avenue, where they dispense a pleasing hospitality to their numerous friends.

LANSING, A. C. There are a number of the substantial men of Rockford who have resided in this city for over forty years, and have therefore witnessed and assisted in bringing about many remarkable changes. One of these representative men is A. C. Lansing, a retired merchant, who was born at East Line, Saratoga County, N. Y., January 12, 1840, a son of Cor- nelius and Lydia (Reed) Lansing, both of whom were born in New York State. The paternal grandfather was an extensive farmer in New York State, and died in Montgomery County. Cornelius Lansing was also an agriculturalist, and took charge of his father's estate upon the latter's death, and died upon the property in

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1870, aged seventy-one years. His wife died at the age of eighty-four years.

A. C. Lansing spent his boyhood in New York State where he attended school, and began his days of self supporting effort by assisting his father in the farm work, so continuing until 1870, when he came to Rockford, Ill., where, in partnership with a Mr. Wiswoll, he embarked in a flour business. Mr. Wiswoll dying soon afterward, Mr. Lansing took over the business and conducted it very successfully for eighteen years, when he sold and embarked in a grocery business on East State street, and conducted it for seven years. He then retired and now lives at his beautiful home at No. 1517 East State street. Mr. Lansing is a consistent member of the Centennial Methodist Church of Rockford. In politics he is a Republican, but has not cared for public life.

In 1866 Mr. Lansing was married to Miss Sarah Elizabeth File, a daughter of Joshua and Mary Ann File, and they became the parents of one son. George Lansing, who died at Rock- ford when eleven years old. Joshua File was born in New York State, as was his wife. and they were there married, but came to Rock- ford. Ill .. in the early days. After a year spent in this city, they bought a large tract of land at Monroe Center, Ogle County. Ill., which Mr. File operated until his death. The mother of Mrs. Lansing also died on this farm. Mr. File was a Republican. In religious faith he was a Methodist.

LARSON, Alfred G. Not only is Alfred G. Larson one of the leading contractors of Rock- ford, but he has also held some of the most important offices of the city and township, and in each relation of life proven his solid worth and admirable citizenship. He was born in Westergotland. Sweden. September 5, 1857, where he was educated. There he learned the stone mason trade in the thorough manner of his country, but upon coming to the United States at the age of twenty-one years, he worked for three years on a farm for his father who had preceded him, In the fall of 1882 he came to Rockford, and was associated with various contractors, among them being the late George Wilson, until in 1885 he established him- self as a general contractor, although he special- izes on mason work. In the interval which has followed, Mr. Larson has developed one of the finest business connections in the county in his line, and has executed and holds some of the most important contracts of this locality. A man of more than ordinary public spirit, he has taken an intelligent interest in politics and for two years served his township as supervisor and for two years was the alderman from his ward. Mayor Johnson appointed him a member of the Rockford Library Board, and he held this position for two years. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and for eight years he was a mem- ber of the Rockford Order of Elks.

Mr. Larson has been a member of the board

of directors and executive committee of Scan- dia Life Insurance Company of Chicago, since its organization. In religious matters he has been a member of the First Lutheran Church since January, 1883.

In 1883 Mr. Larson was married to Selma J. Peterson, who came with her brother to America from Sweden in the spring of 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Larson became the parents of five children as follows: Arthur, who died at the age of five years; Victoria, who died at the age of two and one-half years, and Laura, Florence and Lawrence, who are at home.

LARSON, Anton, superintendent of the Rock- ford Cabinet Company, stands unusually high among his associates, and is a man of action and excellent business judgment. He was born in Sweden, May 31, 1885, and there received his preliminary education, but after coming to Rock- ford he attended night school for a time and also the Rockford School of Engraving. For nearly two years he worked at Stockholm, prior to leaving Sweden for the United States, which he did in 1902, and after his arrival in this country, he came direct to Rockford. Here he found employment in a lumber yard, and later went into the mill connected with it and there worked for two years. For a summer Mr. Lar- son was then on a farm in Winnebago County, and then went to the Pacific coast, where he was engaged in lumbering. After a year he returned to Rockford and entered the employ of his pres- ent company as a machine operator. in 1907. Ambitious, he studied and learned all he could of the business and in 1912 he was made super- intendent and continues to hold that responsible position, being one of the most valued employes of the company.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 98

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 972

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972