Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 149

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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In 1880, the company was reorganized and incorporated under the firm name of George W. Brown and Company, and Mr. Perkins was elected vice-president, which position he held until his retirement. By his untiring energy and shrewd management, the patent litigation and the demand for royalties were carried through to a successful issue.

His efficiency was shown in every department in which he was engaged, and on account of the success that attended his efforts, he received the hearty commendations of his employers.

Mr. Perkins had a decided talent for business. He had quick perceptions, and his affability and gentility of manners especially fitted him to deal with men. Two characteristics were always manifested in his life and dealings with others-honesty and integrity. These shone out so conspicuously as to inspire confidence in all with whom he came in contact.

On all moral questions, Mr. Perkins was ever on the side of right. He had high ideals, and the instincts of his moral nature ever pleaded for the better in both church and state. Although he never sought or held any public office, yet he was interested in and actively identified with the affairs of the city of his adoption. For fourteen years he was a member of the city Library Board, giving his services freely without compensation. For nearly five years he was a member of the Park Commis- sion, and his services in this capacity were

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always considered most valuable. He was also, for a short time, a Director in the City Hospital. In a like capacity, he served the Galesburg Printing Company, For more than twenty years he was a Director in the Second Na- tional Bank; and it may be truly said that in all these positions he was called to fill, he acquitted himself as a man of large experience and of excellent judgment. His associates always regarded him not only sociable and com- panionable, but of keen insight and wise in counsel.

Mr. Perkins, in his political faith, was a republican, having been identified with that party from its organization. In religious belief, he was a Congregationalist, having united with the Old First Church during the pastorate of Dr. A. R. Thain. And it may be said that dur- ing these many years of his connection, he kept the laws and ordinances blameless, and walked and demeaned himself as hecomes a Christian gentleman. For several years he was a mem- ber and President of the Board of Trustees, and with the same untiring energy that was displayed in his business relations, he lab- ored for the interests and upbuilding of the church.

Mr. Perkins' father died several years ago in Massachusetts. His mother was once a member of his household, living in Galesburg, but died in Tuscola, Illinois, in July, 1885, while visit- ing her son.

Mr. Perkins was married in Westfield, Massa- chusetts, July 31, 1866, to Miss Eliza Clark, who was a graduate of the State Normal School and a teacher in the public schools of her native State for several years. To them was born, in Galesburg, November 24, 1873, one son, Clayton Clark Perkins.

Mr. Perkins died in Galesburg on the twenty- first day of April, 1898.

HENRY M. ROBBINS.

Henry M. Robbins, son of Cyrus and Polly Maria Robbins, was born in Sparta Township, Knox County, Illinois, August 28, 1842. His parents, actuated by a sincere missionary mo- tive, left their home in Eastern New York and came, in 1836, to this western country, which was then almost a wilderness. Their children, growing up in such an atmosphere of self- sacrifice and devotion, became men and women of faith and unselfishness.

Henry's first months in school were in an old shop on the Churchill place, West Main street, Galesburg, and in the Robbins District School, in Sparta Township. Here Miss Mary Allen West, who was prepared for Knox Col- lege, but who was too young to be admitted, was spending the waiting time in teaching. Later, Mr. Robbins attended Knox College for several years, and afterwards Bryant and Strat- ton's Commercial College, in Chicago.

In early manhood, the spirit of adventure took possession of him and he left the farm and went to California and Idaho, by way of New York and the isthmus, where he spent some time in mining, prospecting and teaching.

Some of his prospecting trips took him for months into the wildest portions of the West. But the unsettled condition of the country was not congenial to him, and ne decided to return East. There was no railroad In that section of the country, the Union Pacific reaching only to the Missouri River, and the journey was a dangerous one. Mr. Robbins started with only one companion, but was soon joined by others until there was a company of about one hundred. In those days whole trains of travel- ers were sometimes annihilated, and they saw along their route traces of ruined goods, and sometimes the dead bodies of men. He re- turned to Knox County in December, 1865, and settled on the old homestead in Sparta Town- ship. In 1888, he came to Galesburg.

In early life Mr. Robbins united with the Baptist Church in Ontarlo Township, but later became a member of the Advent Christian Church.

In politics, he was for many years a firm republican, but when that party would not de- clare itself against the liquor traffic, he voted with the prohibition party as a protest, hoping that the republican party would embody the issue in its platform.

In 1867, Mr. Robbins was married to Louisa Babcock, daughter of Ransom and Mary (Mil- Ier) Babcock, who were among the earliest settlers of "Old Henderson." Three children were born to them: Jennie M., wife of W. T. Smith: Mary M .; and Frances Zilpha. Jennie M and Mary M. are students at Knox College.

Mr. Robbins is Treasurer of the Galesburg Brick and Terra Cotta Company. He has served for two years as Supervisor for the City of Galesburg. He is an upright man, a fearless citizen, and enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him.

JOHN ROBSON.

John Robson was born in Whittington, Northumberland County, England, March 5, 1827. His father, John Robson, was a farmer and raiser of stock. His mother, Mary (Brown) Robson, was of Scotch descent. He received his education in the English common schools, and spent his youth upon the farm. As a young man, he found employment for a time in a railroad office in the vicinity of his birthplace; but in 1850 he came to America and settled in Knox County, not far from Galesburg. Two brothers, Robert and William, joined him here in the Spring of 1851, and together they pur- chased land and engaged in farming. Three years later, John Robson bought a farm for himself, just north of Henderson, where he continued to reside until his removal to Gales- burg in 1889. This farm is still the property of Mr. Robson. As an agriculturist, Mr. Rob- son has met with notable success, and, like his brother Richard, has conducted his operations on a generous scale. For many years he has been a prominent stockman, buying, feeding, and shipping cattle for the Chicago market.

Lack of time and taste have kept Mr. Robson from an active participation in politics. He

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is an independent republican, and was elected County Supervisor in 1873.

He is a stockholder in the Galesburg National Bank, and is President of the Glenwood Ice Company. He is a member of the Business Men's Association of Galesburg. He is an attendant on the services of the Congregational Church. In October, 1873, Mr. Rohson was mar- ried to Pamela Davis. They have no children living.

DAVID SANBORN.

David Sanhorn will ever be remembered hy the citizens of Galesburg as a kind hearted and true man. He never sought popularity or the applause of the multitude, and yet, by virtue of his genial character, he was a popular man. He was a native of Vermont, and was born In Rockingham, April 30, 1813. His boyhood was spent on a farm and his education was obtained at the district school. He was well informed, as he had been a student, more or less, all his life. In business affairs, he always showed great acumen and was blessed with a keen in- sight and a sound judgment. When only nine- teen years of age, he went to Philadelphia and was engaged in mercantile pursuits. He trav- eled through the Southern States for a large publishing house for a period of nearly five years. In the Spring of 1837, he came West with Mr. Robert Wiley, as a traveling com- panion. Their route was by the way of Bur- falo, across Lake Erie to Detroit. At this place they purchased a horse and carriage, making their journey across the country to Chicago, and thence to Winchester, Illinois.

Mr. Sanborn remained at Winchester for a few months, then went to Brimfield, Peoria County, and purchased a farm, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his re- moval to Galesburg. In 1840-41, he was elected Assessor of Peoria County, which position he filled most acceptably. In 1850, he was elected to the Legislature to represent the county of Peoria. On his removal to Galesburg in the Spring of 1851, he engaged in the mercantile business for nearly three years, until he was appointed to the office of Secretary and Treas- urer of the Central Military Tract Railroad, which has now become a part of the Burlington system. Under President Pierce, he was ap- pointed Postmaster of the City of Galesburg, and in 1857-58-59, he was elected City Assessor. In 1859-60-61, he held the office of General State Agent for the Hartford Fire Insurance Com- pany.

When the Internal Revenue Department was established during the Civil War, Mr. Sanborn was appointed Assistant United States Collec- tor under Collector Bryant, of Princeton. But his great work was in organizing the Second National Bank of Galesburg, which stands as one of the strongest and most reliable mone- tary institutions of the city. Mr. Sanborn was elected its first President, which position he filled with the greatest satisfaction to stock- holder and patron until his death.

Mr. Sanborn's long period of service was in

connection with Lombard University. No man ever served an institution of learning more faithfully or in a kinder spirit. He was elected Trustee in June, 1859, and was re-elected every year until his death, April 9, 1883. He was a member of the Executive Committee for twenty-four years, and Treasurer of the Uni- versity for twenty years. As a guardian of the college, he was a most efficient and indefa- tigable worker. He gave liberally of his means, and there was no enterprise entered into for its upbuilding and advancement without his benefactions.

As a man and citizen, he was the peer of any man. His character was open and unvarnished, and his manners were plain and unassuming. His kindness of heart and his charitable feel- ings threw a glamour around him that was pleasing and attractive to everyone. His genial look was an inspiration, and his friendly address a benediction. He was noted for his sincerity and candor, and was no patron of evil in disguise. He was a thorough student of human nature, and in his business relations knew how to deal with the foibles of men. He was sincere in his convictions, honest in his purposes, and upright in all his dealings. He was honored by all who knew him, and lived a life above reproach. Another has said, "He trod life's journey, and performed its duties well, and upon the verge of three score years and ten, laid down its burdens without the throes and agonies usually accompanying na- ture's dissolving ties. In his track lie no bruised or crushed hearts, no empty hand of pinched want, no imprecations from betrayed trusts."

Mr. Sanborn was a man of liberal principles and broad views, and was not hemmed in hy creed or doctrine. He was a member of the Universalist Society, and was a faithful worker therein. He believed in the good and true, and in a happy home for all God's children. In political faith, he was once a democrat, hut in later years he was a republican. He was not a partisan, but always voted and acted for the hest interest of his country.

Mr. Sanborn was married on his twenty- seventh birthday to Sophia A. Ramsey, an adopted daughter of Alpheus Willard, of Brim- field, Illinois. They have had horn to them five children: Ellen, the wife of Dr. George Churchill; Mary, who married J. K. Mitchell; Lelia; William D., who lives in San Francisco, and is General Western Agent of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad; and Lake W., who is engaged in insurance at Galesburg, and is Secretary of the Mechanics' Homestead and Loan Association.

HENRY MCCALL SISSON.

Henry McCall Sisson, son of Pardon and Abba (McCall) Sisson, was born in Clinton, New York, September 29, 1829. His parents were natives of New England. They were mar- ried September 30, 1827, in Lebanon, Connec- ticut, and settled in Oneida County, New York, for fifteen years, or until they came to Gales-

David Santos

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burg, Illinois, in 1842. Four children were born to them: A daughter, who died about 1863; a son who died in infancy; William Pardon, now of Peoria; and Henry McCall.

The ancestral line of the Sisson family, on the mother's side, has been traced back to a very early period. Its length stretches through thirty-seven generations-to Egbert, who became King in the year 802, and was styled "Rex Anglorum," or King of the Eng- lish.

Henry's great-grandfather was Captain Veach Williams-a man of considerable prom- inence in his day and generation, who was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, April 23, 1727. He was of the same family as Ephriam Williams, founder of Williams College; and of William Williams, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and Speaker of the Colonial Congress. Veach married Lucy, fourth daughter of William and Mary (Avery) Wal- worth, of Groton, Connecticut. Her family were related to Chancellor Walworth, of Sara- toga, New York, and were descended from Gen- eral John Humphrey, Deputy Governor of Mas- sachusetts Bay Colony, whose wife was de- scended from King Egbert. The genealogy of this family presents many noted and historical names. In this country, and to some extent, in the Old World, families are so broken up by emigration, marriage, and other conditions, that it seems wonderful that so long and authentic a lineage as this of the Sisson family could be secured.

Henry M. Sisson, who stands almost at the end of this ancestral line, had, in his youth, all the educational advantages that the com- mon schools of his native town afforded. "Mul- tum in parvo" was his motto, and from the little offered, he possessed the spirit and ability to extract much. After leaving the common school, he entered the Clinton Grammar School, where he received thorough drill in some of the more advanced branches. After arriving in Galesburg, he continued his studies, in the district school, and afterwards, entered Knox Academy in the Fall of 1843. He recited in the college classes and made considerable profi- ciency in the study of Latin. But his bent of mind turned to mathematics, which was easy to him, and which he regarded as more closely connected with the business of life. When only sixteen years of age, he made such advancement as to become manager and teacher in a public school.

Mr. Sisson lived in Galesburg thirteen years, and in the Summer of 1855, removed to his farm in Henderson Township. He has heen engaged in agricultural pursuits and fine stock raising from that time to the present, and has been entirely successful. As a stock raiser and a judge of fine stock, he is regarded as an authority, and his reputation in that line ex- tends far and wide.

Mr. Sisson has the confidence of his fellow citizens, and has been called to many places of public trust. He was first elected Supervisor from Henderson Township in 1869; again in

1876, 1877, 1878; then in 1885, holding the office thereafter for eleven consecutive years. He has been a School Trustee; member of the County Agricultural Board; President of the Farmers' Institute; Road Commissioner; mem- ber of the Farmers' Congress, for the World's Fair; delegate to the Farmers' Na- tional Congress, held at Fort Worth in 1898; President of the Old Settlers' Association of Knox County; President of National Poland China Swine Association; and for ten years President of American Poland China Record Company.

Mr. Sisson is a man plain in his manners, and possesses a nature free from all disguise. He is a lover of friends and home, strong in his attachments, and unyielding in his pur- poses and plans, He is intelligent, a great reader, and keeps himself abreast of the times. The history of the country and party politics is familiar to him, and his ability and discre- tion make him strong in the defense of his principles. He has always been regarded as an upright citizen, and as one worthy of con- fidence and trust.

In his religious creed, Mr. Sisson is broad and liberal. He believes in the religion of deeds, rather than in ritual or ceremony. He . attends the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is an uncompromising republican, and takes a deep interest in every election.

Mr. Sisson was married, December 25, 1860. to Eliza Jane, daughter of John and Jane A. (Crane) Miller, who then lived in Chicago. Ten years after the death of her mother, Mr. Mil- ler moved to Galesburg. He was one of the early settlers of Chicago, and was elected one of the first Trustees. He died in Galesburg, January 22, 1858.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Sisson are the following: John Miller, died December 1, 1863; Mary E., died April 4, 1863; Della Abba; Dora Eliza; Fanny Owen; Margaret Miller; Helen McCall; and Anna Miller.

ARTHUR A. SMITH.

Judge Arthur A. Smith, for his sterling qual- ities, is entitled to the respect and veneration of every citizen. A life of duty well done is always interesting, and commands universal approbation.

Judge Smith, son of Eratus and Martha (Hulick) Smith, was born in Batavia, Clare- mont County, Ohio, May 9, 1829. His father was a New Englander by birth, a native of Rhode Island; his mother, a native of Ohio. The family removed to Illinois in the Fall of 1840, and settled upon a farm in Knox County.

Young Arthur spent his boyhood at the paternal fireside, attending school and perform- ing the customary duties of a farmer's son. On account of the newness of the country and the unsettled condition of the schools, his early educational advantages were not the best; but he had the ability and will to make the best use possible of the means at his command, thus laying a firm foundation for his future success. After arriving in Knox County, he remained a

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member of his father's family until 1848, when he became a student of the Preparatory De- partment of Knox College, and afterwards en- tered college, graduating with high honors in 1853.

Immediately thereafter, he commenced the study of law under the instruction and super- vision of Abraham Becker, an able practitioner of Otsego County, New York. After remaining with Mr. Becker for a year, he finished his course in the office and under the tuition of Hon. Julius Manning, of Peoria, Illinois, and was admitted to the Bar in 1855. He opened his first office in Galesburg, and continued in active practice until the breaking out of the Civil War. Inspired by a patriotic spirit, he then left home and friends for his country's service. With General A. C. Harding, of Mon- mouth, Illinois, he organized the Eighty-third Regiment of Illinois Infantry-General Hard- ing being elected Colonel, and Judge Smith Lieutenant Colonel. This regiment was mus- tered in at Monmouth, August 21, 1862, and was immediately ordered to Forts Henry and Don- elson, where for a time, it performed guard duty along the Cumberland. February 3, 1863, the Confederate- Generals, Forrest, Wheeler, and Wharton, with 8,000 men, made an attack upon the Eighty-third Illinois, a company of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, and a section of the guns of Flood's Battery. Colonel Harding com- manded the post, and Colonel Smith the reg- iment.

This engagement is regarded as one of the greatest triumphs of the war. The Confeder- ates were determined to capture Fort Donelson. They surrounded it and demanded its surren- der. The little Spartan band, with heroic faith, resolved to stand their ground and die, if needs be, in their country's cause. The Confederates succeeded in capturing one gun of Flood's Bat- tery. Colonel Smith proposed to recapture it, and with the assistance of a few men, made the attempt, but without success. The battle raged until nightfall, and this little band of patriots withstood this vastly superior force, and at last, the rebels were forced to retreat. The gunboats coming up, Colonel Smith was ordered to go aboard and direct the fire. This caused the rebels to abandon their plan of taking Fort Donelson. General Lowe, the commandant of Fort Henry, gave both Colonels Harding and Smith great praise for their bravery and meritorious conduct in this battle.

The following incident will show something of the spirit and character of Colonel Smith as a military man:

Lieutenant Gamble with six men was dis- patched to guard a train going to Nashville. He was attacked by rebel guerrillas, and both he and his men were captured. They were stripped of their shirts and arranged in line for the final tragedy, with this tab attached to each one: "Killed by Guerrillas." As the deadly aim was taken, Gamble made a leap for liberty and escaped. The others were butchered on the spot. This act so outraged the feelings of Colonel Smith that he issued orders that these

inhuman butchers be captured, dead or alive. Subsequently, they were captured-dead.

Lieutenant Gamble reached the camp in safety. Subsequently, for meritorious service, General Harding was made a Brigadier General, and Colonel Smith was assigned to the com- mand of the District of Tennessee, with head- quarters at Clarksville. This position he held until the close of the war, when in 1865, he was mustered out and brevetted with the rank and title of Brigadier General.

With these well-earned honors, General Smith returned to his home in Galesburg; but soon thereafter left for Clarksville, Tennessee, on a business venture with W. A. Peffer, after- wards United States Senator for Kansas. In this position, he did not remain long; for the passions and animosities of the Southern peo- ple had been so aroused against the North dur- ing the rebellion, that it was extremely danger- ous for a Northern man to attempt to live in or pass through many sections of the South. Frequently, under the cover of night, General Smith was shot at, and he also received many threatening letters. By the advice of friends, he left Clarksville, and, in 1866, returned to Galesburg, entering again upon the practice of law, which he continued until 1867, when he was appointed by Governor Oglesby Judge of the Circuit Court to fill the unexpired term of Judge John S. Thompson. In June, 1867, he was elected to the same position, and for five successive terms, he received the almost unani- mous suffrages of the people for that office. For the long period of twenty-nine years, he sat on the bench as Circuit Judge, performing his duty faithfully, wisely, and justly, with few decisions of his reversed in the higher courts. On account of ill health, he resigned two years before the expiration of his last term of office.

In public and private life, Judge Smith has shown himself to be a superior man. Rigid in- tegrity, a sound judgment, prudence, and dis- cretion are some of the elements of his char- acter. As a lawyer, his reputation is estab- lished for his fairness towards his opponent and for his candor in speech and argument. As a Judge, his impartiality and the justness of his decisions were the predominating char- acteristics. As a citizen, his views are broad, liberal, and charitable, looking towards the im- provement and welfare of his city, his State, and his country. He is regarded as an upright and trustworthy citizen, and is highly honored for his services in the dark days of the rebel- lion, and as a Judge of the Circuit Court.

Judge Smith's religious creed is not narrow. He accords to every man the right of worship as he pleases. Early, he was a member of the Methodist church, but in later years, he has been an attendant at the Congregational serv- ice, though not a member of that church.

In politics, he is a staunch republican. He is a believer in party principles more than in party machinery. He was a member of the Legislature in 1861, and worked faithfully for the interests of his constituents. He is a mem- ber of the G. A. R .; member of the Loyal

Henry Mª ball Sisson

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Legion, and has been a trustee of Knox Col- lege for more than twenty years.

Judge Smith was married in 1855 to Mary Delano, whose death and the death of one child occurred the following year. He was again married, November 12, 1856, to Mary E. Ben- ner, of Galesburg. To them were born five children: Blanche V., who is an accomplished musician, having spent five years in Europe studying music; Arthur A., an attorney-at-law; DeWitt, who is engaged in the jewelry busi- ness in Chicago; Loyal L., an attorney in Chi- cago; Benner X., a leading lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 149

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