Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 148

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).

The boyhood of Mr. Merrill was spent at the paternal homestead in Chardon, Ohio. His older sisters were teachers, and this circumstance gave him a most excellent opportunity for study, for which he had a strong desire. His father was not a man of affluence. Consequently, young Merrill was obliged to "shift for himself" and earn in part his own support.

In the Fall of 1853, when he was only twenty years of age, Mr. Merrill came to Illinois. He spent a few days in Galesburg with his uncle, Roswell Paine, who was one of the original Galesburg colony. He then went to Oquawka, Illinois, and took a position as clerk in the store

of James McKinney. He remained here from the Spring of 1854 to September of the same year, when he went to Greenbush, Illinois. Here he formed a partnership with his brother, F. H. Merrill, and Alfred Osborn in a general store, under the firm name of Merrill, Osborn and Merrill. In the Fall of 1860, he came to Gales- burg and was first employed as a clerk in the dry goods store of E. F. Thomas. In the Fall of 1863, he engaged in the clothing business for himself, and continued in that business at the same place, 136 Main street, for the long period of nearly thirty-six years. April 27, 1899, he disposed of his stock of goods and retired.

Honor does not always come to the deserving, or merited praise to the public benefactor. By a consistent and conscientious life, Mr. Merrill has won both praise and honor from his fellow townsmen. In 1873-4, he was elected to an aldermanship from the Second Ward of the city and served his constituents faithfully and honorably. From 1885 to 1894, he served as a member of the Board of Education, and in 1898. he was again elected, which position he still holds.

As a citizen, Mr. Merrill is a good example of a just and honorable man. He is patriotic in spirit, has great decision of character, and has always been known for his fair dealings in business. He is possessed cf kindly feelings towards all, is charitable towards the failings of others, and does not believe in temporizing where principle is concerned. He has lived an upright life, faithful to duty, and his ex- ample is worthy of imitation.

Mr. Merrill joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1867, and has since been a reliable and consistent member. In political faith, he is a republican. He says: "I cast my first vote for John C. Fremont, in 1856. I have never changed my views, and am a firm believer in the political platform of the republican party, and in William McKinley as President of the United States."

Mr. Merrill was married August 27, 1855, at North Bloomfield, Trumbull County, Ohio, to Cornelia Converse Osborn. Her father was a farmer and one of the earliest settlers in that part of Ohio. The family came from Con- necticut, with ox teams, requiring many weeks to perform the journey. There were nine children. Mrs. Merrill's brother, Dr. R. H. Osborn, now living in Detroit, Michigan, was, for about forty years, the resident physician for the Hecla and Calumet Mining Company, located at Calumet, Michigan. Her older sister, Mrs. David Parsons, was for many years a prominent teacher and was the first woman elected on the Board of Education at Detroit, where she still resides.

TIMOTHY MOSHIER.

Timothy Moshier was a prominent man in every sphere of life. He was born in Washing- ton County, New York, May 18, 1812. His father, whose name was also Timothy, was a farmer, and a Canadian by birth. The mother's

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maiden name was Rachel Curtis, a native of Washington County, New York. Here they were married, and five sons and four daughters were born to them. At the early age of 47 years, the father died in Cayuga County, August 4, 1828. The mother died in the same county at the age of 69, having outlived her husband twenty-three years.

Of the five sons, Timothy was the eldest. He lived at the paternal home, and was engaged in the routine of the farm until he was 16 years of age. His early educational advantages were limited; but the spirit of the boy, which is the index of the man, was shown in his ability and sound judgment to make the best use pos- sible of the means at his command. In a schol- arly sense, he was not educated; but the great lessons of experience and of life were so im- pressed upon him that he became better edu- cated than many a graduate of the college. At twenty-three years of age, he left Cayuga Coun- ty, New York, for Cass County, Michigan, where he remained for three years. In I838, he went to the Platte Purchase in Missouri, remaining there for five years, and then came to Warren County, Illinois. Here for ten consecutive years, he was a successful farmer. Here he laid the foundation of that financial prosperity that seemed to lie along his pathway. In 1852, he removed to Galesburg and was engaged in farming, stock-raising, and trading. In 1864, he became greatly interested in the estab- lishment of the First National Bank of Gales- burg. He was the largest stockholder, and a director, from its organization until the day of his death-a period of nearly thirty years.

In whatever occupation Mr. Moshier was en- gaged, he was eminently successful. He seemed to possess the wizard's power of transmuting even the clods of earth into gold. He started poor and died rich. He was a man of great natural ability and was blessed with an almost unerring judgment. He was courageous and selfpoised, and was not easily betrayed into false positions. He was practically a lawyer, well versed in the intricacies of the law, and could manage cases at court shrewdly and wisely. He was a great reader, a thorough historian, and a critical scholar in the history of our country. He was a good talker, full of information, and on political history and gov- ernmental topics, could make a most effective and impressive speech.

Physically, he was a man of fine figure, tall and commanding. His manners were pleasing but not finical. He was fond of horses and was a good horseman. He sat in the saddle with stateliness and elegance, winning the ad- miration of every beholder. He was gentle and kind towards his fellow citizens, and a lover of friends and home. He wore the dignity of manhood, possessed unswerving honesty and integrity, and had the intellectual power and keen foresight that is necessary for a success- ful life.

In religion, Mr. Moshier was not narrow or bigoted. He had very decided views on

religion and a future life. He did not belong to any churen, but favored the Universalist faith. He gave for the support of the Gospel as he thought best. He believed that a good act was better than burnt offerings or any such sacrifice.

Mr. Moshier was naturally a politician. The political history of this country and of men was to him like the alphabet. He could repeat it without an effort. He was an ardent and staunch republican. His views of currency, tariff, and government were of the Websterian kind-a name that he held in the highest ven- eration. He was a party man, because he he- lieved his party was right.

Mr. Moshier was twice married. He was married in Michigan, November 7, 1837, to Sarah Garwood, daughter of William and Mary (Thatcher) Garwood. She died in Warren County, Illinois, February 22, 1851. There were born to them six children: Perry, who died in Michigan; David H., of Denver, Colorado; George S .; Henry Clay; Ada M., who married D. H. Pankey, of this city; and William Weston, who died in infancy.

His second marriage was at Knoxville, December 27, 1854, to Adelia Gardner, daughter of Richard and Mary (Bronson) Gardner. The issue of this marriage was one daughter, Cora, who married Fred Seacord.

NELS NELSON.

Nels Nelson, son of Nels and Hanna (John- son) Bengtson, is a self-reliant and self-made man. He was born in Ebbared, Weinge Parish, Halland, Sweden, July 13, 1840.

His father lived on a small farm which he tilled, and worked also at carpentry in order to secure the necessary means of subsistence for his family. In June, 1854, he left Sweden for America, leaving for lack of funds the oldest son, Nels, behind, who was then fourteen years of age. Shortly after the arrival of the family in Chicago, the father and youngest son contracted the cholera, which was epidemic there, and died of that disease. His mother, with her three children, then went to Andover, Henry County, Illinois, and soon after to Gales- burg, where they have lived ever since.

Young Nelson had no schooling in Sweden, . but he learned to read at the paternal fireside. When only eight years of age, it seemed neces- sary that he should earn his own living, and for that purpose he secured employment in herding stock. In that manner. he supported himself until he was fourteen. Afterwards, the burden was lighter, but no time was given him for study or recreation.

At sixteen years of age, an opportunity to go to America came to him, which he most joyfully embraced. It was here that he received his first instructions in the public schools. He arrived in America, July 15, 1856, and immedi- ately joined the broken family of his mother, two sisters and a brother. His first work was farming in Mercer and Henry counties, until he had earned enough to pay his fare from Sweden, which had been advanced by a friend,

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Bengt Nelson, to whom he yet feels indebted for his great kindness. He next found employ- ment at the round house of the Chicago, Bur- lington and Quincy Railroad at Galesburg, work- ing during the summers and attending school winters. In the Fall of 1860, he went into the furniture factory of Bartlett and Judson, and in the following year, he enlisted in a company of Swedish Americans, organized at Galesburg, in August, 1861. He served as sergeant until March 3, 1865, and then, for meritorious ser- vice in the field was promoted to the First Lieutenancy. He not only took part in many skirmishes, but was in the battles of Shiloh (Pittsburg Landing), siege of Corinth, and Vicksburg. He was mustered out of service, November 30, 1865, arriving home in December. He then commenced clerking in the grocery of Bancroft and Lanstrum, and also for a short time for O. T. Johnson and Brother, at Altona. On January 1, 1867, he started the grocery firm of Bengtson, Nelson and Company, at Galesburg, and soon built up a prosperous business. But owing to failing health, from the effects of his army life, he was compelled to retire from that bus- iness in January, 1871. From this time until November, 1875, he held the position of City Treasurer. Again failing health necessitated his retirement from all active duties. After recuperating, he again embarked in the mercan- tile business, which was continued until Octo- ber, 1883, when he was elected secretary of the Scandinavian Mutual Aid Association.

Mr. Nelson has filled other important posi- tions and offices, and always with great credit. He served four years as a member of the Board of Education, served seven years on the Library Board, acting as its President for one term, and as Secretary four years; has been a member of the County Board of Supervisors for many years; and is at present Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary and Clerk's Offi- ces in the Board; was a Director in the Cot- tage Hospital four years; and has also served on many committees appointed to act in the advancement of public enterprises.

Mr. Nelson's benevolent sympathies are broad and charitable. In every worthy enter- prise, he has always aided to the extent of his limited means. His ruling desire has always been to be useful; aiding those in distress, cheering and encouraging the despondent, and giving counsel to those asking advice. For thirty years a wide field of work has been open to him in assisting the many emigrants coming here from the Old Country. Much he has done to initiate them into the American ways of life.

In religious faith, Mr. Nelson is Lutheran. He was confirmed by the minister of the Lutheran Church of Weinge Parish, Sweden, when fifteen years of age. He is a member of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Gales- burg, and a teacher in the Sabbath school. He has served as Trustee and Treasurer of the church for thirteen years.

In politics, he is a thorough-going republi- can. A firm believer in republican principles,

he has always taken active interest in the suc- cess and welfare of the party.

He was married May 19, 1868, to Sarah Nel- son, who died December, 1898. To them were born two children: Arthur U., born July 29, 1869; and Edmund L., born March, 1880, died in infancy.

Mrs. Nelson's parents died in Sweden. She came to this country in 1862. All her hrothers and sisters were here, and all died before her.

PETER T. OLSON.

Peter T. Olson was born February 10, 1860, at Hastveda, Christianstads Lan, Sweden. His first impetus to his successful life work, that of builder and contractor, was his father, Trued Olson, who was a carpenter and natural mechanic, and constructed his own tools and farm implements out of wood. His mother, Kerstin Truedson Olson, was a woman of strong character, and a devoted wife and mother. Her son, Peter Olson, was a capable and ambitious hoy, who saw beyond the rim of his surroundings. His duties or pastimes on the farm were not allowed to interfere with his fortunate educational advantages, and in 1875, at the age of fifteen, he graduated at the High School at Hastveda, ranking third in a class of one hundred and fifty members. Thus equipped, he longed for broader fields, which seemed to him to be America, but, yielding to the solicitations of his parents, he postponed his journey to this country until May, 1879.

In 1882, Mr. Olson settled in Galesburg, and, desiring to learn the bricklayer's trade, entered the employ of contractor T. E. Smith, to whom he rendered faithful and efficient service until 1890. Appreciating the benefits of an inde- pendent line of work, he started in business for himself as a contracting mason and plas- terer. Considering the breadth and excellence of Mr. Olson's work, the amount accomplished by him is remarkable for a man of his years, and the city of his adoption contains many evidences of his skill. Among the buildings erected by him may be mentioned the follow- ing. The Hitchcock School building, the Com- mercial and Triola blocks, the Young Men's Christian Association building, Lombard Gym- nasium building, the Galesburg High School building, the Galesburg National Bank build- ing, the Scott and Jordan block, the Bateman School building, and numerous handsome resi- dences.

One of the fine traits of Mr. Olson's character is his open acknowledgment and appreciation of the good work of those upon whose efficiency and co-operation he is more or less dependent. He employs only skilled labor, and pays good prices, believing that to his employes he owes much of his success in life. The greatest good fellowship exists between employer and em- ployes, many of whom have been with him since he started in business. Through the medium of periodicals and correspondence, Mr. Olson keeps in touch with the progress in his line in all parts of the world, and tries at all

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times to obtain the most convenient, substan- tial and artistic results.

Mr. Olson was married November 1, 1888, lo Caroline C. Edoff, who was born in Sweden, and came to America in early childhood. She Is an exemplary wife and mother, and presides over a pleasant home on the corner of Bateman and Dudley streets. To her, Mr. Olson attrib- utes much of his good fortune in life. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have five children. Oscar Mauritz, Agnes Mildred, Karl Natan, Helen Marie, and Earnest Joshua.

ISAAC AUGUSTUS PARKER.

Isaac Augustus Parker, son of Isaac and Lucia (Wood) Parker, was born in South Woodstock, Vermont, December 31, 1825. His grandfather, Eleazer Parker, removed from Mansfield, Connecticut, to South Woodstock, Vermont, about the year 1780, and cleared land for a farm, which remained in his possession and in that of his son for nearly a century. Records in the State Library of Connecticut show that Eleazer Parker responded to the Lexington alarm in 1775.

Mr. Parker's mother was the daughter of Joseph Wood, a revolutionary soldier, who re- moved from Middleborough, Massachusetts, to Woodstock, Vermont. Joseph was a direct descendant of Henry Wood, who went from England to Holland, and afterwards to Ply- mouth, Massachusetts. The wife of Joseph Wood was the daughter of Gershom Palmer, a descendant of Walter Palmer, who came from England and settled in Charlestown, Massachu- setts, in 1629, and removed to Stonington, Con- necticut, in 1652.

Mr. Parker spent his boyhood on his father's farm, assisting in cultivating it, and attending the district school in the winters. He enjoyed the advantage of a select school in the fall for two or three years. A library, to which he had access, which had been established at an early period in the village near his father's residence, was of great benefit to him, as he was fond of reading. In the Fall of 1846, he attended Black River Academy in Ludlow, Vermont, with the view of fitting for college. The next Spring, Summer and Fall, he studied Latin and Greek at an academy in Hancock, New Hampshire, devoting a large portion of his time to teaching some of the higher branches of mathematics, to which he had given considerable attention, and the study of which he enjoyed. He com- pleted fitting for college at Green Mountain Liberal Institute in South Woodstock, Ver- mont, and entered Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, in the Fall of 1849, and was graduated from that institution in 1853. He was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi Society, and at graduation became a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society.

Commencing at the age of seventeen, he taught district schools for ten successive win- ters. Immediately after graduating from col- lege, he became Principal of Orleans Liberal Institute in Glover, Vermont, and held this position for more than five years. Having been

elected Professor of Ancient Languages in Lombard University, in Galesburg, Illinois, in the Fall of 1858, he resigned his position in Glover and at once entered upon the duties of his professorship. He continued to discharge the duties of this professorship till 1868, when he was made Williamson Professor of Greek Language and Literature in the same institu- tion, which position he now holds. He has, however, continued to give instruction in Latin. Thus he has given forty years of continuous service to Lombard University.

He received the degree of Master of Arts from Dartmouth College in 1856, and that of Doctor of Philosophy from Buchtei College in 1892. For several years he has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Galesburg Public Library. He is a member of the Univer- salist Church in Galesburg.

In 1856, he was married to Sarah A. Labaree, daughter of William and Parthena (Whitmore) Labaree, of Hartland, Vermont. Mrs. Parker died in 1889. A daughter and son survived her, both of whom were graduated from Lombard University. The daughter, Izah T., died of con- sumption in 1891, at the age of thirty-four, hav- ing spent the last four years or her life in Southern California, whither she had gone in the hope of regaining her health in the sal- ubrious climate of that favored region. While she was there her father spent his summer vacations with her.

The son, William A .. for the last seventeen years, has pursued the vocation of a civil en- gineer. He is now in the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad Company.

JAMES FULTON PERCY.

James Fulton Percy is a physician, and was born in Bloomfield, New Jersey, March 26, 1864. His father was James Percy, who was born in Soho, New Jersey, and hrs mother was Sarah Ann Fulton, who was born in New York City.

Dr. Percy's ancestors are of Scotch-Irish descent. His paternal grandfather was Francis Percy, who was born in Belfast, Ireland, and his paternal grandmother was Mabel Wilson, who was born in Gatside, County of Antrim, Ireland. She was the daughter of Stafford Wil- son, who was born and lived in the same place. His maternal great-grandparents were born in Ireland, and lived and died in the land of their nativity. His maternal grandparents were James Fulton and Mary Rogers, who were born in County Dowie, Ireland.

Dr. Percy received his early instruction in the common schools of New Jersey. On ac- count of ill health he was sent to Minnesota at the age of fourteen, where he remained for three years. Here he availed himself of school advantages, and by his perseverance, acquired such education as to fit him for higher duties and responsibilities. He then went to New York City, and took a four-years' graded course in a medical college there, when the law required only two years. By reason of the pleasant memories of his boyhood experiences

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and the thought of better opportunities, he re- turned West after graduating, and located at Mazeppa, Minnesota. Here he practiced general medicine and surgery for two years. Consider- ing his field of operation too narrow and desir- ing a larger one, he came to Galesburg in February, 1888. Here he found himself among strangers, having the acquaintance of but one person, the Rev. J. W. Bradshaw, pastor of the "Brick Church." His fame as a physician soon spread, and to-day, he is one of the best known men in Galesburg. Besides his profes- sional duties, he has engaged in other worthy enterprises. He called the first meeting out of which the Galesburg Cottage Hospital Associa- tion grew. It was in bis Bible class in the First Congregational Church Sabbath School, that the idea of the union of the "Old First" and the First Congregational Church was first considered. It was at his house that the first meeting was called to consider the question. At this time, the plan of union was not com- pletely accepted, on account of a previous call of the "Old First" Church to the Rev. Dr. Sher- rill, which had been accepted. Soon after, these churches were united under a new name, the Central Congregational Church. Dr. Percv also interested himself in the establishment of the Congregational Church on Knox street, which led to the organization of the Congrega- tional Church on East Main street.

Nor are his special labors confined wholly to church work. His surgical operations attest his knowledge and ability. He was the first surgeon in Galesburg to perform successfully an abdominal operation, which was done August 1, 1893. In order to perfect himself in the study and practice of surgery, he went, in 1896, to Europe, remaining there nearly a year. He was under the instruction of specialists, Professors Springel and Kraske, two of the hest known surgeons in Germany. He then returned to Galesburg and continued the prac- tice of his profession, which has been uniformly successful. In 1898, he was offered and accepted the chair of the Principles and Practice of Surgery and Surgical Clinics in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Keokuk, Iowa. From time to time he has made contributions to the medical and surgical literature of the day.

Dr. Percy has not been backward in perform- ing his duties as a citizen. He is a progressive man, and has shown originality in planning and execution. He is an independent thinker and is bold in the expression of his views. He is intelligent with strongly marked character- istics, and is a better leader than follower. He is amiable in his public and private character, generous in spirit, and gentlemanly in his bear- ing. He believes in the elevation of humanity; is charitable and kind; and has always shown himself a public spirited citizen. He is a re- publican and labors for the interest and wel- fare of his city and country.

Dr. Percy was married at Mazeppa, Minne- sota, June 12, 1888, to Josephine L. Robinson. They are the parents of one child, Sarah Katherine.

ISAAC STILES PERKINS.

Isaac Stiles Perkins, son of Walter and Har- riet Perkins, was born in Southwick, Massachu- setts, June 4, 1832.

He received all the advantages of a New England farmer's son, and obtained his early education at the public schools of his native town. He also attended the Southwick and Westfield academies. After he became of age, he resolved to seek his fortune in the great West. His hrst residence was at Terre Haute, Indiana, where he was employed in teaching a district school for one year. Preferring a · more active life to the confinement of the schoolroom, he engaged himself as a commer- cial traveler for a period of five years. He.then returned to Massachusetts, continuing in the same business until 1863, when he came to Jacksonville, Illinois, where he was connected with a hardware firm for one year.

In 1864, Mr. Perkins came to Galesburg, and was employed as the traveling salesman for George W. Brown. By the geniality of his nature and his personal address, he was pecul- iarly' fitted for this work, and the business pros- pered greatly under his efforts. In a short time Mr. Brown had learned to place so much con- fidence in his integrity and ability, that he made him general manager of his large and increasing manufacturing interest. As head of the factory, he labored for the company for twenty-two years, until ill health compelled him to retire. He was instant in season in all his work. He labored not for himself, but for the great good and the best interest of his employer.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 148

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