Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 147

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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The early educational advantages of Albert Hurd were the customary ones of that period. He obtained a good English education in the common schools. He fitted for college, partly in the preparatory department of Victoria Col- lege at Coburg, Ontario, and partly at Ogdens- burg Academy, New York. He matriculated at Middlebury College, Vermont, in 1846, and grad- uated in 1850. Subsequently, he studied chem- istry and the natural sciences. at the Lawrence Scientific School of Harvard University under Professors Horsford and Louis Agassiz.

Professor Hurd, whose father was a farmer, passed his youth upon the farm at home. Like many a New England boy, he worked on the farm in the summer and attended school in the winter. He was always fond of books, and when he was seventeen years of age, had read thought- fully and lovingly much of the best English poetical literature. Before reaching the age of sixteen, he was the teacher of a district school near his home, and for the next five years con- tinued that work, more or less.

For the first year after leaving college, Pro- fessor Hurd became Principal of the Vermont Literary and Scientific Institution, located at Brandon. At the end of the year, he accepted an invitation to become Tutor and Lecturer on the Natural Sciences in Knox College, Gales- burg, Illinois. Since the Fall of 1851, he has re- mained in this institution, pursuing the quiet and uneventful, but laborious life of a Western College Professor. For three years, 1851-1854, he was Tutor and Lecturer on the Natural Sciences; for forty-three years, 1854-1897, Professor of Chemistry and Natural Science, and from 1897 to the present time, he has held the Latin Pro- fessorship, having previously, for nearly twenty years, been the acting Professor of Latin in ad- dition to his other duties. He says of himself: "I am not conscious of having ever deliberately chosen the profession of teaching for my life- work. I have always been of the opinion that an over-ruling Providence decided that matter for me. From boyhood, I loved books and study. The door of the teacher's life was al- ways open wide before me. Other doors did not invite my entrance. I merely passed through the

open door and have been led along through a life of contentment and satisfaction, teaching, more or less, every year for sixty years."

Sixty years of earnest toil with the mind of youth! Sixty years of untiring energy and labor in erecting the temple of manhood and woman- hood! Sixty years in developing the latent powers of the human soul! How full of inter- est, how full of thought the reflection! What joys, what hopes, what ambitions were inspired during the recital of the daily lessons! How many can look back and say, the inspiration and impulse of my life-work and life-deeds were given, when receiving instruction from this teacher of sixty years' experience! How many can say, then was opened to me my pathway of life! Truly, sixty years, as a teacher and Pro- fessor, is a holy sacrifice on the altar of devo- tion. It is almost impossible, in any depart- ment of labor, to accomplish a greater life-work.

As a teacher in the class room, Professor Hurd stands pre-eminent. He has but few equals. He is clear and logical in thought and expression, and has a most incisive way of imparting in- struction. His lessons are always well learned, and he never meddles with subjects that are hazy in mind or not well understood. He is positive and commanding, and no student can fail to see the lucidness of his teaching and illustrations.

As a man and citizen, he has never made him- self popular by his sociability. In the broad sense, he is not social, and yet, when thoroughly acquainted, he is one of the most social of men. He is especially known for his decision of char- acter, purity of motives, and fair-mindedness in his relation with his fellow-men. He despises all shams and detests all sycophancy and dema- gogism. In a word, he is acknowledged as a man of ability, of sound learning, and as one who always acts with prudence and discretion.

Professor Hurd has always shown a com- mendable interest in the prosperity and welfare of this city. At the commencement of the legal existence of the Young Men's Library Associa- tion in January, 1860, he was elected its Presi- dent. After holding that office for a year, he became its Librarian and served in that capac- ity until April, 1867, when the continued exist- ence of the Association had become assured and it was possible to pay the Librarian a small sal- arv.

In religious faith and belief, Professor Hurd is a Congregationalist. On his arrival here in 1851, he became a member of that church. He never has been identified with any of the various secret or social organizations. Politically, he is a republican, believing, in the main, in repub- lican principles and republican doctrine. Some- times, he has voted the prohibition ticket be- cause of his life-long and earnest opposition to the use of intoxicating drinks.

He was married January 11, 1855, to Eleanor Amelia Pennock, who died August 11, 1895. To them were born two children, Harriet Sophia (McClure), wife of the founder of McClure's Magazine, and Mary Charlotte, teacher of French in Knox College.

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PAUL RAYMOND KENDALL.

Panl Raymond Kendall was born in Phillips- ton, Massachusetts, August 27, 1822. He was the son of Paul Raymond and Jane (Nickerson) Kendall, both of whom were natives of Massa- chusetts.

The Kendall family are of English descent and came to this country in 1636, settling in Woburn. Massachusetts. They are of a strong and sturdy race and are endowed with superior intellectual powers.

Paul Raymond, in his youth, had all the trials and experiences of the average New England boy. He was not born into luxury and wealth; but even in his early years, he had to do his part to earn the means of subsistence. He laid the foundation of his education by attending the district school of his native town. Having a quick mind, and naturally studious, he soon became a proficient scholar. He next entered an academy at Swanzey, New Hampshire, where he fitted for college. He then matric- ulated in Norwich University, which was under the charge of General Truman B. Ransom, who fell in storming the heights of Chapultepec, Mexico, and graduated with very high honors, July 7, 1847.

Immediately after his graduation, he entered upon his life-work as an educator. He first took charge of an academy in Sharpsburg, Ken- tucky, where he remained about two years. In 1849, he became the Principal of the Western Liberal Institute, located at Marietta, Ohio. The success of this institution led to the founding of a similar one at Galesburg, Illinois, and in the Autumn of 1852, Professor Kendall became its Principal. The following year, col- lege powers were granted to it, and he became its first President. He soon conceived the idea of converting it into a real college. He stood alone. There was not a single Trustee that favored his project. In June, 1854, he invited the Rev. Dr. Weaver, who was then pastor of a church in St. Louis, to plead the cause of the prospective college before the Board of Trustees. Dr. Weaver came, and a day was spent in discussion of the subject. At last consent was given under the conditions that Professor Kendall should raise the necessary funds for an endowment and for the erection of buildings. He invited Dr. J. V. N. Standish to become the Acting President while he was in the field canvassing for funds. During his three years' work, he secured from $60,000 to $75.000, and from the largest contributor, Ben- jamin Lombard, for whom the institution was named. $20,000. The college charter was se- cured February 14, 1857. No college ever had a more indomitable worker than President Kendall. His zeal always outran his execution; and yet. his execution was two-fold. Without his mighty efforts, assisted by Drs. Weaver and Standish, Lombard University would never have been. It stands to-day as a monument to his brain and labors.

President Kendall had not only a military education, but a heart full of patriotism. In 1861. he engaged in the volunteer recruiting

service in Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri, and raised the greater part of the Eighth Kansas Infantry Volunteers, the Eighty-third, Ninety- second, and One Hundred and Second Illinois Infantry Volunteers, and the Twelfth Missouri Cavalry. In 1863, he was commissioned First Lieutenant and Quartermaster of the Twelfth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry. In 1864, he was assigned to General Hatch's staff as Quarter- master of his division of the Army of the Tennessee. At the close of the war, he was ordered to Fort Leavenworth, as recorder of a military commission, and remained till 1866.

In 1868, he became a teacher again, taking charge of Clinton Liberal Institute in Central New York. In 1870, he was invited to the Presi- dency of Smithson College at Logansport, In- diana, where he remained for four years. Again, he became connected with Clinton In- stitute and effected its removal to Fort Plain, New York. For this institution, he raised a large fund and served one year as Professor. He then retired to private life, crowned with many honors.

Intellectually, President Kendall was a supe- rior man. He had a diversified talent and was a superior scholar. He was known for his quickness of perception, kindness of heart, sin- cere affection, and true friendship. He labored for others rather than for himself, and was constantly making personal sacrifices for the public good. He believed in every kind of im- provement and spent his life in working for the elevation of humanity.

In 1894, he was stricken with partial paralysis, from which he never recovered. He lived with his daughter in Canton, New York, where he died, April 4. 1897, in the seventy-fifth year of his age.

President Kendall was twice married. First, November 6, 1847, to Abby A. Weaver, of Rock- ingham, Vermont, who died a few years later, leaving one daughter, Mrs. Abbie S. Cleveland. His second marriage was November 6, 1853, to Caroline S. Woodbury, of Bethel, Vermont. Of this union three daughters were born: Marion. Flora, and Gertrude. The first two are living.

WILLIAM OWEN LOVEJOY.

William Owen Lovejoy, whose name imme- diately suggests relationship with one who was famous in the earlier annals of Illinois. was born near Quincy, February 13, 1841. His father, Jabez Lovejoy, was a farmer, and a cousin of Owen and Elijah Lovejoy. The mother of William Lovejoy was Catherine Waldron, a descendant of a German baronlal house. In 1830. the parents removed from Schoharie County, New York, to Adams Coun- ty. Illinois, and settled on one hundred and sixty acres of land deeded to Mr. Lovejoy by his sister, the widow of General Leavenworth. When William was a boy ten years of age. his parents died, and he was sent to live with an uncle in Dutchess County, New York. He re- ceived a common school education. and spent one term in the Oxford Academy, Oxford, Con- nectient. He afterwards took the entire four

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years' Chautauqua course, in the "Pioneer" class.

William O. Lovejoy's first employment after leaving. school was as a clerk in a store at Brooklyn, New York, and later in New York City. He was afterwards employed as clerk on his uncle's steamboat, which carried freight on the Hudson River, between Red Hook and New York. In 1862, Mr. Lovejoy returned to the old homestead in Illinois, and for several years managed the farm. In 1870, he entered the Galesburg offices of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, as a telegraph operator. Since 1894, he has-been President of the Even- ing Mail Publishing Company.

Mr. Lovejoy has filled important positions, including those of Town Clerk and Collector, in Honey Creek Township, Adams County, and for nine years he has been City Assessor of Galesburg. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity and is a Knight Templar; he also belongs to the Order of United Workmen; and to the Modern Woodmen of America. In these various organizations, he has been honored with high official work; he is Generalissimo in the Galesburg Commandery, K. T .; Secretary, Royal Arch Masons; Master Workman, A. O. U. W .; Venerable Counsel, M. W. A .; and Rep- resentative to the Grand Council in both orders.

In his religious connection, Mr. Lovejoy is a member of the Central Congregational Church of Galesburg. He has always been a republican in politics.

September 3, 1862, Mr. Lovejoy was married to Elizabeth A. Near, a native of Dutchess County, New York. She is of German descent. Their only child, a son, died in infancy.

CAPTAIN THOMAS LESLIE MeGIRR.

Captain Thomas Leslie MeGirr, son of Mahlon and Sarah Lodema (Barbero) McGirr, was born in Maquon, Illinois, January 12, 1854.

His father was born in Stark County, Ohio, afterwards moving to Washington County, and then in 1851, to Maquon. For a while, he worked at the carpenter's trade, and later, in company with his brother, established a general store of merchandise, continuing in the business until his brother's death in 1855. He then engaged in farming.

His mother, a native of New York, came to Illinois at a very early date, 1839.

The McGirrs are of Scotch descent. Arthur M. McGirr, Leslie's great-grandfather, was born near Glasgow, Scotland. He was a linen draper, and on a visit to Ireland, became acquainted with Nancy MeClintic, whom he married Octo- ber 22, 1783, in the County Tyrone. They then came to Dover, Delaware, and of their numerous family of children, the seventh, Thomas Mc- Girr, was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He married Ann Wileman in Stark County, Ohio, December 12, 1821. They were Quakers, and in language, simplicity of man- ners, and style of dress, they adhered strictly to their faith.

On account of the newness of the country and a want of proper facilities, Leslie's educational

advantages were somewhat circumscribed. He attended the public schools of several different townships and received what instruction they were able to give. Besides the branches pur- sued in school, he studied chemistry, physics, botany and history. , He began teaching in Elba Township in December, 1873. Afterwards, he taught in Haw Creek and Maquon townships- was principal of school at St. Augustine, taught a summer school at Greenbush, and was princi- pal at Prairie City for several years. For some time he was a student in the college at Abing- don, but left in 1876.

After leaving college, he made a tour of some of the Western States-Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri-and visited the Centennial at Phila- delphia. He then became a law student under the late Judge Douglas, of the Knox County Bar, and was admitted to general practice in all the Courts of the State, November 13, 1882. He first opened a law office at Maquon and practiced there until he moved to Galesburg, August 4, 1887; he afterwards visited New Mexico, Ari- zona and Mexico.

March 14, 1891, he was elected Captain of Company C, Sixth Illinois National Guards, re- elected in March, 1894, and again in March, 1897.

Captain McGirr has always shown a patriotic spirit. At his country's call, he has never hesi- tated or wavered. On June 10, 1894, he was ordered by the Governor to Pekin to guard and protect the town against mob violence and mob rule. He was ordered to Spring Valley, July 8, 1894, to enforce the law and maintain order against the striking miners. Here he had com- mand of Company A, of Rock Island and Com- pany C, of Galesburg. He also entered the United States Volunteer service in the late war with Spain and marched to the front. Septem- ber 1, 1899, he received notice of his appoint- ment to a captaincy in the Fortieth Regiment, United States Volunteer Infantry, to rank from August 17, 1899. The appointment was accepted by him, and he was assigned to recruiting serv- ice for his regiment on September 8.

Captain MeGirr has been an honored member of the following societies: Has passed through all the chairs in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Past Grand; A. F. and A. M .; Sachem of Tribe two terms, Improved Order of Red Men; Great Keeper of the Wampum two years; and Great Sachem one term for States of Illi- nois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

Captain McGirr is a man of commanding pres- ence and of a genial disposition. In personal relations, he is affable and agreeable, and meets all with the warmth of friendship and the im- pressiveness of sincerity. In his religious views, he is not connected with any organization. He believes more in good works than in creeds. He is an unwavering adherent of the republican party.

Captain McGirr was never married.

HIRAM MARS.

Hiram Mars was born in Oldham County, near Louisville, January 7, 1829. He was the son of Andrew and Elizabeth P. (Whips) Mars and was

I.S. Pekius

737

KNOX COUNTY.

reared on a farm. His father was a farmer and a planter, and both parents died when he was quite young. After their decease, his home was with his maternal grandfather, and under his care and watchfulness, young Mars was raised to manhood.

His early educational advantages were of the poorer sort; for at that early day, the modern school system of that State was not as yet estab- lished. He attended private schools during his boyhood and became proficient in the various studies pursued. He came to Illinois when about seventeen years of age, and entered Illinois Col- lege at Jacksonville, remaining there three years. After leaving college, he went to Quincy and remained there until 1856, when he came to Galesburg. His first occupation here was in connection with a planing-mill and sash fac- tory, in which business he was engaged for two years. Then for two years, he worked in the lumber yard of Mr. Edwin Post. In 1863, he was connected with the Revenne Department on the Mississippi and was located at Memphis, Tennessee, and served for two years, when he returned to Galesburg. In the Spring of 1865, he again entered the lumber yard of Mr. Post and served for the period of six years in the capacity of bookkeeper and salesman. At the end of this period of service, he purchased the Inmber yard and was associated with Mr. Nor- man Anthony as his first partner. Afterwards, he was associated with Stanley and Hitchcock, and two or three years later, he again formed a copartnership with Mr. Anthony, which con- tinned for several years, or until Mr. Anthony withdrew. Then Mr. Mars took as a partner Mr. Hamilton, of Chicago, and the firm was known under the name of Hamilton and Mars. This firm continned its existence until 1888, when it was dissolved by mutual consent. Since that time, Mr. Mars has carried on the business alone.

Mr. Mars has earned for himself the name of a trustworthy man. By fair dealing and strict integrity he has won the confidence of his fellow citizens. He has never sought office, but has been called to several places of public trust. He has been on the Board of Park Commissioners for fifteen years, and his knowledge in this de- partment has made him a most valuable mem- ber. He was a member of the Public Library Board for nine years; was Treasurer of Veritas Lodge of Odd Fellows for twelve years; was Trustee of the Presbyterian church about the same length of time; was a member of the Building Committee, when the late, new church was erected; and has served as one of the City Aldermen for two years.

Mr. Mars has lived an uneventful but indus- trions life. He has shown praiseworthy dili- gence in business and the work of his hands has been crowned with success. The essential ele- ments of his nature can be expressed in three words-temperance, frugality, economy. He has always shown himself to be a public spirited citizen and an honest man.

Mr. Mars' religions creed Is rather broad than otherwise. From childhood, he has attended the

Presbyterian Church, though not a member. His political convictions are republican. With that party he has acted since its organization. He was formerly a whig and cast his first vote for Zachary Taylor.

Mr. Mars was first married in 1852, to Louisa Barr of Quincy, Illinois. One daughter was born to them, Nettie L., now the wife of F. H. Holmes, of this city. His first wife died in 1864. His second marriage took place in 1873, to Eliz- abeth H. Smith, of Wellsburg, West Virginia. To them were born three children, Katie M .; James A .; and Mary Elizabeth.

SETH WELLER MEAD.

Seth Weller Mead, son of Orrin and Rhoda (Weller) Mead, was born in the town of Hins- burg, Vermont, April 13, 1835.

His father was a farmer, and it was in culti- vating the sterile and unyielding soil of the home farm that Seth spent his boyhood. His mother, in the maternal line, was a direct de- scendant of General Green of Revolutionary fame.

Seth Mead was educated in the public schools and academies of his native State. His early life was not blessed with superior educational ad- vantages. Like other New England boys, he worked on the farm summers and attended school winters. But he improved every oppor- tunity and made even necessity a means of im -. provement. He became a teacher in the public schools, and in them took his first lessons in discipline and command. Afterwards, he be- came a country merchant-a line of business which he pursned for many years.

For several years his prospects for success in his native State were not bright, and he resolved to try his fortunes in the West. In 1875, he came to Illinois, and in the following year, to Galesburg. For the first five years, he was en- gaged as clerk in the Union Hotel and in Brown's Hotel. In 1882, under the clerkship of Mr. A. J. Perry, he was appointed Deputy County Clerk, which office he held until the time of his death, July 10, 1898.

Mr. Mead had no great fellowship for societies, whether secret, religious, or political. When a young man at Hinsburg, Vermont, he joined the fraternity of Free Masons, but never removed his membership from that lodge. He belonged to no church; he had no creed but that of kindness and mercy towards his fellow beings. He was uncompromisingly republican and was thor- oughly conversant with the party organization and party measures. He believed in right living and right doing, and lived a most exemplary life. He was known for his kindness of heart and gentleness of disposition, and possessed the in- nate power of drawing around him a host of friends. He was loved and beloved by all who knew him. In his daily labors, and especially in the office which he held, he was Intelligent, kind, and affable; and it may be said that no Deputy County Clerk ever performed the duties of that office more acceptably than he. So conversant was he in connty matters that he was regarded as an authority. He filled every station in life

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well, and his memory is cherished for the good he has done.

Mr. Mead was twice married. He was first married in 1861, to Celia J. Furguson. There were born to them three children, one daughter and two sons, Abbie H., Seth Earnest, and Her- bert Furguson.

His second marriage was October 27, 1873, to Sarah M. Gregg. The issue of this union was two children, Frank L., and Mabel L.

CHARLES C. MERRILL.

Charles C. Merrill was born in Orwell, Ver- mont, September 10, 1833. His father was Hor- ace Merrill and his mother's maiden name was Deborah Paine. After their marriage, they re- sided in Amherst, Massachusetts, until about 1830, when they removed to Orwell. About the year 1836, they went West, settling in Chardon, Geauga County, Ohio, where they continued to reside until their death. They came from good New England stock, and had all the sterling qualities of that industrious and thrifty people. In their natures, they were quiet and retiring, but were tenacious and unwavering in their re- ligious opinions, which were Presbyterian. To their neighbors and friends, they were always kind, sympathetic, and generous, and spent their lives in doing good. The son has em- balmed their memory in the following words: "A happy, well mated couple, taking great de- light in each other, and rearing a large family, who will ever revere their memory. They both died at a good old age."

C. C. Merrill's father was the son of Captain Calvin Merrill, and was boru in Amherst, Mas- sachusetts, August 31, 1789. He died September 6, 1873, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. His mother was born in Vernon, Connecticut, August 31, 1788, and died in Kingsville, Ohio, August 5, 1874, at the age of eighty-six. They were married in Amherst, October 19, 1809, and had nine children, four sons and five daughters. Two daughters and three sous are deceased.

C. C. Merrill received an excellent common school education at Chardon, Ohio. At fifteen years of age, he attended the Western Reserve Teachers' Seminary at Kirtland and became well qualified to give instruction in those branches usually taught in the common schools. Mr. Merrill's experience as a teacher is not a long one. He taught for a short time in the seminary at Kirtland, and one term in a district school.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 147

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