Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 143

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913; Gale, W. Shelden
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1388

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Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Milton L. Comstock was the eldest of eleven children. His schooling began when he was four years of age, in a log school house, which had split logs for seats, and a stick chimney. His winters were spent in school, and his summers on the farm. After his removal to Iowa, his time was mostly occupied in improving their farm in the new country. Besides the ordinary work upon a farm, his experience included breaking prairie, making rails, riving and shav- ing shingles, running a shingle machine and sawmill, quarrying stone with drill and powder,

Sette It Isad

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running a threshing machine, raising and caring for flax, and the propagation and culture of fruit trees.

At the age of twenty Mr. Comstock began a life of study and teaching. His physical welfare was assured by early training and habits of temperance, and daring forty-six years of teach- ing he lost only three days from sickness. In September, 1844, he entered Knox Academy, Galesburg, Illinois, with a fair common school education, but never having seen an Algebra or a Latin Grammar. He studied a year with all possible diligence, for his dominaat wish had been to possess knowledge. Ja June, 1845, he returned home, taught school, studied and taught in Yellow Springs Academy, Des Moines County, Iowa, and after two years returned to Galesburg, entered Knox College, and at the end of four years of untiring study, had con- ferred upon him the degree A. B., June 26, 1851.

July 30, 1851, he married Cornelia Ann, second daughter of Norman and Anna (Eggleston) Churchill, of Galesburg, formerly of Herkimer County, New York. Mrs. Comstock was born at Winfield, New York, March 17, 1831, and was a granddaughter of Rev. Jesse Churchill, min- ister at Winfield, who was a son of Jesse Churchill, who died at Wethersfield, Connecti- cut, in 1806, and grandson of Samuel Churchill of Wethersfield. Her family, on the maternal side, can be traced to an ancestor who settled at Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1635. She com- pleted the. Ladies' Course in Knox College, ex- cept one study; taught school several terms; taught in the Haynes Academy, Cherry Grove, Knox County, and sang in the choir of the "Old First" Church for thirty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Comstock have had six childrea, four of whom are living: Cornelia Belle, Clara Emily, Clarence Elmer, and Ada Heletia, all of whom are graduates of Knox College. Cornelia B. is the wife of Will W. Hammond, a lawyer of Peoria, Illinois, who graduated from Knox Col- lege in 1878; she is a member of the choir of Plymouth Congregational Church. Clara E. is a stenographer and Notary Public, at Peoria. Clarence E. is in charge of the Mathematical Department of Bradley Polytechnic Institute, Peoria; he is leader of the choir, deacon, and trustee of Plymouth Congregational Charch. Ada H. is a member of the choir of Central Congregational Church, Galesburg.

Mr. Comstock taught three years in Knox Academy. In 1854, the degree A. M. was con- ferred upon him by his Alma Mater. In the summer of the same year, he removed to Des Moines County, Iowa, and engaged in horti- cultural pursuits, and during the three years spent in that occupation he was, most of the time, Editor of the lowa Farmer. In September, 1857, he became a Professor in Yellow Springs College, Iowa. In September, 1858, he came to Knox College as Assistant Professor of Mathe- matics, and in 1861, became Professor in that department. He discharged the duties of the po- sition till June. 1898, when he hecame Professor Emeritus. In addition to the pure mathematics, he taught Astronomy, Physics, and Meteorology.

He was secretary of the Faculty for twenty years. Devoting an average of two hours a day to outside studies, he spent at least two years upon each of the followlag branches: Trigo- nometry, analytic geometry, differcatlal caleu- lus, integral calculus, and astronomy; he also devoted considerable time to quartenioas, deter- minants, trilinear co-ordinates, and differen- tial equations, and in 1879, when Lombard Unl- versity conferred upon him the degree Ph. D., he did not hesitate to accept the honor from fear of being criticised for not being properly quali- fied.

Mr. Comstock became a member of the M. E. Church in 1840, but withdrew from that church on account of the slavery agitation, and joined with others la forming a Wesleyaa Methodist Charch, in 1844. He united with the "Old First" Church of Galesburg in 1851, and was elder and clerk in that church for twenty-sevea years; he sang in the choir twenty-five years, and repre- seated the church in various associations; he is now a deacon in the Central Church of Gales- burg.

His writings are confined to a few articles la different mathematical journals and In news- papers, over his name and the signatures: "X. Y. Z.," "C.," "K" and "Ecleme." He joined a temperaace society ia 1833. He has been a re- publican ever since that party was organized.

HON. ZELOTES COOLEY.

Hoa. Zelotes Cooley sought his fortune la the West at a very early period, when Knox County contained here and there only a few hamlets and the virgin soil was almost unbroken. He was a large factor la its development and growth from the day he set foot on her soil to the mo- ment of his death. In his maaaer of living, he was plain and simple and was never guilty of ostentatious display. In honesty aad moral rectitude, the true digalty of his character was shown. His suave disposition and his iaborn gentility fitted him especially to deal with men, and to these qualitles his great success in busl- ness and in life is principally due. He had keen perceptioas and a sound judgment, and could anravel the machinations and evil designs of men as by intuition. The frivolous was no part of his nature, aad consequently, he took life as a serious business. He was always knowa for his strict honesty and hls fair deal- Ings with his fellowmen. His unyleldiag firnı- ness in justice and right begat confidence, aad as a result, place and honor were bestowed upoa him. He honored every office that he was called to fill, because he regarded himself as a true servant of the people.

Judge Cooley came from a loag llae of Puritan ancestors. He was born November 10, 1808, in East Windsor, Connecticut. He removed to Glastonbury with his parents in 1816. At sixteen, he went to Hartford to leara the earpenter'a trade and afterwards to Westfield, Massachu- setts, and later to Poughkeepsie, New York, where he engaged ia the grocery business uatil 1837. He next weat to Philadelphia, then down the Ohio River, up the Mississippi, through III]-

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nois to La Grange. He then went to Quincy, then to Macomb and Carthage. At Carthage, he was employed to build the Court House. In 1838, he came to Knox County. With a partner, Mr. Alvah Wheeler, he built the Court House at Knoxville, drawing the plans himself. He was engaged as a contractor and builder until 1846, when he was appointed County Assessor. He was elected County Clerk in 1847 and held the office for ten years, when he commenced the practice of law.

In politics, Judge Cooley was a democrat. In religion, he was not connected with any order, but believed in the Golden Rule and in loving and serving his fellowmen. He was charitable, always bestowing his means judiciously when- ever a worthy object was presented. His sev- eral bequests to St. Mary's at Knoxville, and to the hospital, Knox College, and the Universalist Church at Galesburg sufficiently attest the char- acter of his benevolence and charities.

He married Miss Julia A. Hanks, of Connecti- cut in 1833. Of this union, two daughters are still living-Mrs. David W. Bradshaw and Mrs. Samuel L. Charles.

REV. JOSEPH COSTA.

Rev. Joseph Costa, O. C., R. D., was born October 18, 1823, in Pettinengo, Province of Biella, about thirty miles northeast of Turin, Italy. His father s name was Antonio Costa, and his mother's, Angela Maria Facio. His father was occupied in land-industries, and was also employed in running a tailoring establishment.

There were four brothers in the family, of whom Joseph was the youngest and the only one in the ministry. The others followed other professions. The family records go as far back as six hundred years from the present time. Some of the members along the line were priests.

Father Costa received the first rudiments of letters and music in his native town. Subse- quently, he entered a college called "Bachette," and began his studies of Latin under Rev. Pro- fessor W. Scaglia. Later on, he pursued his studies in classics in the city of Biella, and after an interval of two years of rest, he began his course of philosophy in the College Melerio Ros- mini in the city of Domodossola under Professor Parma, continuing for two years. Having passed his examination in philosophy and being a member of the Order of Charity, he applied himself, under able professors, to the study of Divinity in the Rosminan Institute at Stresa on the borders of Lago Maggiore.

In 1851, as a member of the order, he was sent by the General, the Rev. Antonio Rosmini, to the English Missions belonging to the same order. In this, his new country, he reviewed. his theology under Professor Caccia and pre- pared for the reception of Holy Orders.

On February 18, 1853, he was examined and ordained Priest in the Church of Oscott College, by the Rt. Rev. Bernard Ullathorne, Bishop of Birmingham. As a priest, he labored for eleven years in Great Britain, either doing parish work or preaching at missions or teaching in college.

In 1864, at the request of Dr. Yunker, Bishop at Alton, Illinois, he was sent by the General of his order to work in that Bishop's diocese.

In the United States, the field of his labors was chiefly in Illinois-Springfield, Jacksonville, El Paso, Lincoln-and finally in 1877, he was sent to Galesburg by Dr. John L. Spalding, first Bishop of Peoria, for the special purpose of establishing Parochial Schools. From that date to the present time, his labors have been de- voted to the wants and improvements in that city for the Catholic population.

Since his arrival here, Father Costa has worked earnestly and faithfully for the upbuild- ing of the church to which he belongs. In the Spring of 1878, the erection of St. Joseph's Academy was commenced, and in the Autumn of 1879, it was opened for use, with about ten teachers and four hundred pupils. Stevens and Parry, of this city, were the builders. The cost of the building, including heating apparatus and excluding furniture, was $16,858.13.

The convent contiguous to the Academy was erected partly by Jacob Westfall, of Peoria. Failing to complete the contract, the building was finished under the direction of Father Costa. The work was commenced in 1880 and finished in 1881. It cost $11,388.52.

The ground upon which Corpus Christi church stands cost $4,885. The contract of the build- ing was given to Matthias Schnell, of Rock Island. It cost, including heater, seats, bell, etc., $38,611.43. Corpus Christi dwelling cost $5,500, including heating apparatus.

St. Mary's Primary, on the corner of Fourth and Seminary streets, cost $2,500, without the furniture.

The lot on which Corpus Christi Lyceum stands was purchased for five thousand dollars. The building and furniture cost about $42,000. It was commenced in 1891 and finished in 1894. This edifice is private property of the Order of Charity in this country.

Father Costa has done much in the erection of buildings in this city. For that purpose and the benefit of his church, he has expended more than $125,000. In the work of his hands, he has been diligent and fervent in spirit. As a man, he is kind and gentle in manners, tem- perate in speech, unyielding in his convictions, and firm in his ideas of duty and right. He is a Catholic, and lives and labors for the Cath- olic faith. He comprehends the duties and re- sponsibilities of American citizenship, and in a word, has lived a life above reproach.

ALFRED M. CRAIG.

Alfred M. Craig is a man of characteristic personality. His look and his general bearing indicate decision of character and strong in- tellectual endowments. He is a native of Illi- nois, and was born in Paris, Edgar County, January 15, 1831. His father was David Craig, a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother's maiden name was Minta Ramey.

David Craig was of Irish descent and was born in Philadelphia. His parents came from the northern part of Ireland. David, when a

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young man removed to Kentucky; but being unwilling to live in a slave State, he came to Illinois in 1830. After remaining a short time in Edgar County, he finally settled in Fulton County, where Justice A. M. Craig was born.

Justice Craig's father was a farmer, and it was on the farm that the lad was brought up. His early advantages for schoollng were such as are incident to a new country and the life of a farmer boy. He attended school in winter, and worked on the farm in summer, until he entered upon a course of study at Knox College. In the Fall of 1848, he became a member of the prepar- atory class, and was admitted to the Freshman class in June, 1849. With distinguished honor, he graduated in June, 1853. After graduation, there was no halting or indecision as to his future course. Immediately, he entered the law office of William C. Goudy, of Lewiston, Illi- nois, and after one year's study, was admitted to practice in all the courts of Illinois. In the Fall of 1854, he opened an office in Knoxville, which was then the county seat of Knox County. By his perseverance and determination, he soon built up a large and lucrative practice in Knox and the adjoining counties. His skill and erudition in law are exemplified in the fact that he rarely, if ever, lost a case at court. He continued his practice until June, 1873, when he was elected Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois.

Justice Craig has richly earned the com- mendations and confidence of his fellow citi- zens. His knowledge of law and his fidelity in practice have opened to him places of honor and preferment. In 1856, he was appointed States Attorney by Governor Mattison for the Circuit, composed of the counties of Mercer, Henderson, Warren. Knox and Fulton. The appointment was for the unexpired term of one year, caused by the resignation of William C. Goudy. In November, 1861, he was elected County Judge of Knox County, serving four years. In 1869, he was elected to the Constitu- tional Convention from Knox County, and as- sisted in forming the present constitution of the State.

Justice Craig has lived a. successful life. He started in the world a poor boy and by his good judgment and great business sagacity, has be- come the owner of great possessions. He is President. of the Bank of Galesburg, of which he is the largest stockholder, and his landed estates cover rich and extensive fields of ter- ritory. As a lawyer, he is profound and a great judge. For the correctness and justness of his decisions, his fame is unsurpassed. He is not an observer of conventionalities, and is no servile worshiper of court etiquette. He is plain in his manner, kind, social, and generous to his friends. He is a student of human nature, and has won distinction more by his practical common sense than by his knowledge of Latin or Greek. He has served his county and his State faithfully and well, and is entitled to the plaudits of all.

Justice Craig was married in August, 1857, to Elizabeth P. Harvey, daughter of C. K. Har-

vey, who was a lawyer of eminent abilty. Mr. Harvey was born and educated In the State of Vermont. He came to Knox County at an early day, and built up a large practice in Knox and adjoining counties. He represented Knox County in the Constitutional Convention of 1847. He died at Knoxville in 1848, at the age of thirty-three.

Justice and Mrs. Craig have had four chil- dren, two now living; Dr. A. H., a druggist, and Captain Charles C., a lawyer, both living in this city.

LEVI FRANKLIN DANFORTH.

Levi Franklin Danforth, son of Oliver Crom- well and Eliza (Lincoln) Danforth, was horn in Norton, Massachusetts, June 5, 1825. His father was a farmer, which occupation he pursued until the year of his death, 1828. He left four sons, two of whom passed the limit of the com- mon age of man; one, Lemuel, still survives, who has been foreman of the Old Colony Car Shops for forty years, a position which he still holds.

Levi's youth was spent on his father's farm. His educational advantages were not the best, but he availed himself of all the instruction of- fered in the common schools of his native town, until he was seventeen years of age. He then left the paternal home for Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to learn the painter's trade, at which he served as an apprentice for two yeara. After suf- fering from severe sickness induced by polson- ous paints, he learned carpentry, which he fol- lowed until 1877. He afterwards engaged to a considerable extent in buying and selling real estate. In December, 1888, he opened a grocery store on Monmouth Boulevard, and continued in that business until Auguat, 1889, when he was compelled to sell out on account of an affliction of his eyes.

Mr. Danforth with his wife made several trips across the continent, before he made his final settlement for life. In September, 1857, he went to California and pursued his trade in the vicin- its of Mariposa Grove. He returned to Paw- tucket in February, 1860, and in 1867, came to Galesburg, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Mr. Danforth from early youth was thrown upon his own resources. There were difficulties to overcome, which called into action the het- ter qualities of his nature. He possessed exec- utive ability, a determined will, efficiency and force. He was naturally social in his nature and loved his family, friends, and home.

He was sensitive, open-hearted, and self-reli- ant and thoroughly despised shams of every kind. He was generous and liberal, and at the same time, economical and saving. He did hla own thinking, was tenacious of his opinions, but he accorded the same privilege to others that he asked for himself. Hia ways and means were his own, which gave to others the Impres- sion of a positive character. He was fond of discussion and argument, and was inclined to the investigation of intricate questions. He was a lover of poetry and music and devoted

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his leisure hours to the enjoyment of verse and song. In a word, he was affectionate and kind, and lived the life of a temperate and up- right citizen.

Mr. Danforth never connected himself with many of the various societies. His individual- ity was too strong and too independent to sub- mit to society routine and society discipline. He once joined the Masonic Order, but was not an active member. He said that he loved his family aud home too well to spend his evenings away from them. He was never connected with any church, but favored the morality and pre- cepts therein taught.

In political faith, he was a republican, but not a strong partisan. He was once accosted by a friend who said to him, "Well, you will vote for Lincoln; he is a cousin of yours; your mother was a Lincoln." His reply was, "The relationship is not near enough to do any harm."

Mr. Danforth was twice married. He was united to his first wife in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, October 4, 1846. Her maiden name was Phebe Ann Alexander. To them were born five children, Eugene Franklin, Phebe Richmond, Levi Franklin, Ella Cook, and Walter Lincoln. These children all died in youth.

His second marriage was March 18, 1875, to Mary A. Pottinger, who survives him.

SIMEON B. DAVIS.

Simeon B. Davis was born in Ashland County, Ohio, December 7, 1836. His parents were Amos and Nancy (Crawford) Davis, natives of Ohio. His mother was a daughter of Colonel Samuel Crawford, an officer in the War of 1812.

Mr. Davis received a common school educa- tion in his native State, and took advantage of every educational opportunity afforded; and being a great reader has always kept abreast of the times. He located in McDonough County, Illinois, at the age of eighteen, where he soon engaged in teaching school, and where for eight years he was one of the most successful teachers of that county. He then engaged in farming and stock-raising for a number of years, shipping stock to the Chicago market. He still owns a farm in Hire Township, Mc- Donough County. He afterwards removed to Macomb, Illinois, where he engaged in the monument business. In 1887, he came to Galesburg, where he has since been the leading marble and granite merchant of this section of the State.

Mr. Davis has been a prominent member of the republican party for many years. In 1880, he was elected to the Legislature, representing the counties of Warren and McDonough. At the regular session of 1881, and the special ses- sion of 1882, he was a member of several im- portant committees, and rendered valuable and efficient service. Mr. Davis is a pleasing and impressive public speaker, and has rendered valuable service to his party during Presiden- tial campaigns, both before and since coming to Knox County. Mr. Davis has always taken a

lively interest in the advancement and im- provement of the city of Galesburg. He is now serving his second term as Alderman from the Third Ward, which is but one of the many evidences of the respect and confidence of the people.

He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having held official positions therein for many years, at present being one of the Trustees. He is a member of Veritas Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; a member of College City Lodge, Ancient Order of United Workmen, having served in all the chairs of these orders.

September 27, 1860, Mr. Davis was married to Artimesa Stambaugh, daughter of Rev. Adam Stambaugh. They are the parents of nine children: Emma; Eva; Margaret; Elsy A .; Steward A .; Alice J .; Louie May; James E .; and Stella, deceased.

LOYAL CASE FIELD.

Loyal Case Field was born in Cornwall, Addi- son County, Vermont, February 29, 1824. He was the son of Luman and Abigail (DeLong) Field. In early life, the father was a school teacher, but afterwards devoted himself to farm- ing. He left Vermont in 1835 and lived in Yates, Orleans County, New York, for two years. In May, 1837, he came with his family to Knoxville, this county, remaining there until October 8, when he removed to a farm he purchased at Center Point. Here he resided until his death, September, 1846. In religion, he was a Baptist; in politics, a republican. He was ever regarded as a worthy and upright citizen.

Loyal's early educational advantages were limited. He made the best use possible of all the opportunities the common school of his na- tive town afforded; but it was in the great school of experience that he was fitted for the active and responsible duties of life. While in school, he manifested a decidedly artistic taste. He had a fondness for drawing pictures of ani- mals and natural scenery.

Soon after the arrival of the family at Knox- ville, Loyal was engaged for four years as a clerk in the dry goods store of Joseph Gay, of Henderson. He was also clerk for Mr. Whistler, of Davenport, Iowa.

After his father's death, he took care of the farming interest; settled the estate, and farmed for his mother's family and himself from Sep- tember, 1846, to January, 1852. He then sold the home farm and bought Mr. Wiley's stove, tin, and hardware store in Galesburg, F. M. Smith being his partner and E. C. Field a silent partner and bookkeeper. This firm of Field and Smith continued the hardware business for four years. He then became a leading member in the Frost Manufacturing Company, where he remained as President until his death. As a canvasser for jobs or contracts, or as manager at the office desk, he always manifested a supe- rior talent for business, and was always known for honesty and fair dealing.

Under his advice and management, the firm prospered and gained a wide reputation.

C. C. Merrill

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Mr. Field was never a seeker after office. Nevertheless, by reason of his ability and integ- rity, his fellow citizens demanded his services. In 1860-61, he held the office of Alderman, and in 1872, he was elected Mayor of the city of Galesburg.

In religious belief, Mr. Field was orthodox, although not a member of any church. He was generous almost to a fault, contributing liber- ally to all churches where he attended.

In political faith, he was an outspoken advo- cate of the principles of the republican party. No preferment ever biased his judgment. He espoused a cause, because he thought it was right.

He was married September 13, 1848, to Clara Armeda Davison, daughter of Artemas Davison (who was accidently killed by his son-in-law while hunting in Henderson Grove, November 17, 1842). To them were born five children: Frank Smith, born February 24, 1850, died July 8, 1850; Edward Loyal, born January 4, 1855, artist in New York City; Kate Elnora, born April 28, 1859, married to Edward Russell Grant of Cromwell, Iowa; Carrie Luella, born June 12, 1862, died April 2, 1866; Charles, born January 26, 1866, died September 26, 1866. Ed- ward Loyal was married November 3, 1890, to Flora Stark, in London, England.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 143

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913; Gale, W. Shelden Publication date: 1899 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1388

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913; Gale, W. Shelden
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1388