Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 152

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).

In musical circles, Father Tonello fills a con- spicuous place. Some of his artist friends of early days, now famous in their profession, have been brought to Galesburg because of his presence in that city. He is himself a musician of acknowledged talent, and among his nu- merous compositions, one in particular, "Cuba's Dream," has achieved widespread fame.

JOHN JAMES TUNNICLIFF.

Hon. John James Tunnicliff, lawyer, son of Nelson and Mary (Smith) Tunnicliff, was born in Penn Yan. Yates County, New York, March 17, 1841. His father was a merchant and son of John Tunnicliff, who waa one of the early settlers of Herkimer County, New York.

The educational advantages of Mr. Tunnicliff were of the better kind. After receiving the

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rudiments of his education in the public schools of his native town, he was placed under com- petent instructors and fitted for a more' ad- vanced course of study. He entered Hamilton College, located at Clinton, Oneida County, New York, and graduated with high honors in 1863. Immediately after graduation, he took a course in the Albany Law School and was admitted at the Bar in 1864. He then came West and entered the office of Judge D. G. Tunnicliff at Macomb, Illinois, where he remained until he came to Galesburg in September, 1865. His first partnership here, in the practice of law, was with the late Thomas G. Frost, one of the leading lawyers of the State, under the firm name of Frost and Tunnicliff. This partner- ship continued until 1871, when it was dis- solved by the removal of Mr. Frost to Chicago. This firm had a large and extensive practice in the counties of Knox, Warren, Henry, Mer- cer, and Henderson, and also had many cases in the Supreme Court of Illinois and some cases in the United States Court.

Mr. Tunnicliff has been called to positions of honor and trust, which is an evidence of the confidence of the people in his ability and in- tegrity. At the general election in 1872, he was elected State's Attorney for Knox County, and was re-elected five successive times, holding the office until 1892, a period of twenty years, and then declined a re-election. He was elected Mayor of the City of Galesburg in April, 1895, and held the office until 1897.

Mr. Tunnicliff ranks high as a lawyer, and when he was State's Attorney, he prosecuted several criminal cases of national notoriety. He prosecuted John Marion Osborn for murder, who was hanged at Knoxville, March 14, 1873, -being the first and only criminal suffering capital punishment in Knox County. He also prosecuted the notorious "Frank Rand," known as the "Bandit of the Wabash," who was sentenced to the penitentiary at Joliet for life, where he tried to murder the Deputy Warden and afterwards hung himself in his cell.

Mr. Tunnicliff holds no official position at present. He is engaged in the practice of law -the firm name being J. J. and G. Tunnicliff.

As a citizen, he has lived a life above re- proach. He is esteemed as a man of stern in- tegrity, consistent in his views, wise and dis- creet in judgment. He is affable towards all, and with friends, frank and familiar, without the appearance of affectation. In religious faith, he is Presbyterian. His political creed is republican.

Mr. Tunnicliff has been twice married. He was first wedded July 4, 1866, to Catherine Ludlow Burrows, who was born at Avondale, Ohio; died April, 1871. By this union, one son was born to them: Fredrick B.

He was married a second time January 23, 1873, at Saginaw, Michigan, to Margaretta Willoughby Duffield, daughter of Rev. George Duffield, D. D., late of Detroit, Michigan. To them were born three children: George Duf- field, Augusta Willoughby, and John J., Jr.

JOHN BOWEN VIVION, M. D.

John Bowen Viviou, M. D., son of Hervey and Mildred (Ryon) Vivion, was born in Clark County, Kentucky, October 23, 1810. At eight years of age, his father's family moved to War- ren County, Kentucky, where they remained for six years. Then they moved to Howard County, Missouri, where they lived until the father's death at the age of seventy-nine. The mother afterwards resided in Clinton County, Missouri, with her oldest son, James, and died at the advanced age of ninety-five years and four months.

The parents of Dr. Vivion were natives of Virginia, being raised on farms about forty miles from Alexandria. They moved to Clark County, Kentucky, into a region called the "Canebrakes," at a very early day, when the county was almost an unbroken wilderness. They were firm believers in the Christian re- ligion, and were members of the Baptist Church, until that church in Missouri separated into two divisions. Then they joined the Re- formed Christian Church, remaining in that faith until their deaths.

During this time, the father was the owner of ten or fifteen slaves, which were held in accordance with the institution and laws of the State in which he lived. He was ever regarded as a good citizen and a thrifty farmer. He was always charitable to the poor. The benevolent traits of his character are illustrated by the following incident: In 1822, the scarcity of corn caused great suffering among the poor. He refused to sell at the high price of a dol- lar a bushel, saying that what he could spare should be given to the poor.

Dr. Vivion's opportunities for education were meager, but he availed himself of all the ad- vantages that the country schools afforded, un- til he was eighteen years of age. For two or three years, he was a teacher; but his inten- tion of making medicine the professional busi- ness of his life never forsook him. During his spare hours, when teaching, he studied those branches which belong to that profession. At the age of twenty-two, at Huntsville, Mis- souri, he commenced the study of medicine, and for a year and a half, was under the tuition and instruction of two most excellent teachers -Doctors Head and Rutherford. He then went to Winchester, Kentucky, and for the same length of time, studied with Doctors Frasier and Vivion. During all these years, he was en- gaged in practice as a student, under the di- rection of his preceptors. Afterwards he at- tended courses of lectures in the Medical De- partment of the Transylvania University at Lexington, Kentucky, and May 1, 1836, settled as a physician in Dover, Missouri,-a profes- sion which he has followed assiduously for sixty-three years.

Dr. Vivion's first thirty years of practice was in accordance with the rules of the allopathic system, but in 1866, he changed to the homeo- pathic system, being convinced of its superior- ity. To practice the latter system, he received

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a diploma from the Hahnemann Medical Col- lege and Hospital.

In 1851, Dr. Vivion moved from Dover to Waverly, Missouri, and in 1853, he purchased a farm two miles from Dover, on which he lived seven years, practicing his profession in the meantime. In 1860, he disposed of his farm and moved to College Mound near Macon City, Missouri. In 1865, he moved to Ursa, Illinois, a few miles north of Quincy, and in 1868, he came to Galesburg, where he has been an hon- ored resident ever since.

In 1840, Dr. Vivion was elected to the Legis- lature on the whig ticket, being the first suc- cessful candi late of that ticket in Lafayette County, Missouri. He did not seek the office, but the office sought him. He never has been an aspirant for political honors. After becom- ing a resident of Galesburg, he served as Health Commissioner for several years; was City Health Officer for two years; held the office of City Physician about five years. At a meet- ing of the State Medical Society, he was elected President pro tem., and by the same body, he was elected permanent President, but resigned in favor of a younger man.

In politics, Dr. Vivion was a whig until the whig party was disorganized in 1856. He then became affiliated with the democratic party, al- though not strongly a party man.

In religion, he is a member of the Christian Church, having connected himself with that church at Dover, Missouri. In the same year, 1843, he was elected Elder and ordained, and has filled that office ever since. After coming to Galesburg, he made his church home tem- porarily with the Baptists, until in 1871. a small number of similar faith held meetings in a hall over the Second National Bank. During the Winter of the same year, services were con- tinued in the Doctor's office in the Matthews Block. The sacrament was administered every Lord's day, and the weekly meetings were con- ducted with great regularity.

In the following Spring, the hall over L. B. Miller's music store on the Square was occu- pied, and there services were continued until a church organization was effected in February, 1872, with twenty members. Dr. Vivion filled, without compensation, the place of minister in this church nearly half the time from its or- ganization until 1890. Since then a regular pastor has been employed. The number of church members in 1898 was two hundred and twenty.

Dr. Vivion is possessed of a deeply religious nature. His correct tastes and habits are large- ly due to the religious training of his parents, who required him to take the New Testament to school and read it every day. In all his long life, he never saw a moment when he doubted the truth of the Christian religion. Even when a boy of sixteen, he saved a sufficient amount to purchase Buck's Theological Dictionary, the price paid being two dollars. He made good use of his opportunities, and his wisely chosen profession afforded an ample field for exercise of his powers.

Although having passed the period of life set by the psalmist, he still enjoys good health and is practicing his profession, and fills his place at church regularly.

He was united in marriage to Marla Jane Atkinson, an only child, September 26, 1836. Her family was of the Presbyterian faith, but she joined the Christian Church at the same time her husband joined. She was a kind and faithful wife, ever ministering to the wants of her family. She died August 24, 1887. Eight children were born to them, four of whom died in infancy. The names of the others are Sarah Ann Mildred, born June 15, 1839, married to T. L. Gorham; Robert, horn November 10, 1848, died February 5, 1866; John G., born July 18, 1853; Eaward L., born November 22, 1857.

A second marriage to Lucy Neely was con- tracted May 16, 1888.

WELLINGTON W. WASHBURN.

Wellington W. Washburn was born in Akron, Ohio, September 18, 1836. His father was Leander Washburn, whose occupation was that of a carpenter and builder. He was born in Kingston, Massachusetts, December 9, 1811, and died in Galesburg in 1881. His boyhood was spent in his father's family, almost in sight of Plymouth Rock. His father, with his family, moved to Troy, New York, when Leander was about twenty years of age. After living there about a year, they went West, settling in Akron, Ohio.

Wellington's mother was Eliza Upson, who was born in talmadge, Summit County, Ohio, January 21, 1813, and died in Oakland, Califor- nia, in 1893.

'The "Wasnburn family," without doubt, are of English descent, as the name indicates; al- though tradition says that they came into Eng- land with William the Conqueror, and one of them was knighted by him, on the battlefield, for meritorious service. In Worcester and Gloucester counties, England, there are two villages known by the name of Great Wash- burn and Little Washburn, where the family have lived for many generations.

The "Washburn family" in America not only is numerous, but contains many distinguished men. John Washburn came to Duxbury, Massa- chusetts, about 1628-32. His wife Margerie came with her two sons, John and Phillip, in 1635. He is said to have been the first secre- tary of the Plymouth Colony Company In London in 1628-9.

John, who belonged to the second generation in the line, married Elizabeth Mitchell, whose mother was Jane Cooke, daughter of Francis Cooke, who came over in the Mayflower in 1620. He was one of the signers of the "Com- pact" on the deck of the vessel before landing.

The third generation contains the names of Joseph and Hannah, who married a Mr. Latham. In the fourth generation, we again find the name John with Mehitable or Lydia. In the fifth, is Jabez, who was born in 1708, and Judith, who married a Mr. Faunce. In the sixth generation is to be found Jabez and

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Mary, who married a Mr. Sherman. The sev- enth generation contains the names of Abiel and Rebecca (Adams) Washburn, the grand- parents of Wellington W. Thus it appears that Wellington W. belongs to the eighth generation from John Washburn, who settled in Duxbury about 1631-2.

Wellington W. Washburn belongs to the class of self-made men. He had the care of loving parents and attended the public schools of his native town. For a time, he pursued a course in the High School under the Principalship of General Leggett, a noted teacher. On May 3, 1852, when only sixteen years of age, he left the High School and entered a jeweler's store to learn the watchmakers' and jewelers' trade. He was under the instruction of H. S. Abbey, one of the leading jewelers of Akron. Here he remained until 1859, when he came to Gales- burg, Illinois. His capital was his ability and the few tools that he brought with him. His first co-partnership was with J. K. Armstrong, from 1867 to 1872, under the firm name of Washburn and Armstrong. He continued in the jewelry business until April, 1875, when he sold out to E. W. Trask, of Aurora, Illinois, who continued it under the firm name of Trask and Gentry.

In 1877, he was elected cashier in the Second National Bank of Galesburg, remaining there until after the death of the President, David Sanborn, in 1883. He then organized the Gales- burg National Bank with a capital of one hun- dred thousand dollars, which opened for busi- ness May 3, 1884. He was elected its first President and held that position until May, 1889, when business called him to California. He resided at Oakland until May, 1895, when he returned to Galesburg, where his home has been ever since.

The name Washburn is imperishably written in the archives and history of the nation. Two of them, Emory and William B., have been Governors of the Old Bay State. Israel was Governor of Maine. Peter T., of Woodstock, Vermont, was once Governor of that State. Elihu B., was once a Congressman from Illi- nois, Minister to France, and Secretary of State under President Grant. Cadwell C. was Major General in the Civil War and afterwards Governor of Wisconsin. John D. was once Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Repre- sentatives and Minister to Switzerland. Will- iam D. was United States Senator from Min- nesota. Charles A. was Minister to Paraguay. Washburn Maynard, commander of the gunboat Nashville, is the son of Hon. Horace Maynard, of Tennessee, and Laura Washburn, of Ran- dolph, Vermont. Truly, such a list of patriots and statesmen have honored the name of Washburn.

Wellington W. Washburn has shown himself to be an enterprising citizen. He has aided greatly in the improvement of Galesburg. In 1869, he built the "Washburn Block," which, at that time, was one of the best in the city. He has erected several dwelling-houses, which stand as an evidence of his enterprise. He has

labored for the upbuilding of the city, and bas aided by his means in all undertakings which his judgment approved. As a man, he is social in his intercourse, kind in disposition, charit- able in his relations towards his fellows, and popular in his every-day life. He has ever shown himself to be an honest, intelligent, and trustworthy citizen. His religious views are broad and without cant. He is a member of no church, but attends the Universalist. In politics, he is a republican if the party candi- dates for office are good men.

Mr. Washburn was married, February 9, 1876, to Margaret Lockwood, who died in June, 1883. She was born in New Albany, Indiana. Her father's family were long residents there, and were held in high esteem. By this union, one son was born to them: Fred Lockwood, born May 10, 1878.

His second marriage was December 28, 1893, to Etta P. Burrows, of Chicago.

EUGENE WILLIAM WELCH.

Eugene William Welch, one of the most active and industrious men of Galesburg, was born in LaSalle, LaSalle County, Illinois, Octo- ber 28, 1852. He is the son of William W. and Jane (Chadwick) Welch. His father is a phy- sician of ability, and of considerable education, acquired in the practical school of the world. In his profession, he rose to a degree of prom- inence after years of effort and struggle, and became also a writer of some note. When the war of the rebellion broke out, he enlisted as a surgeon of a regiment. He was promoted to be a Brigade Surgeon, then Acting Staff Sur- geon of the Western District of Mississippi. He entered the volunteer service in 1861, and was mustered out in 1865.

Eugene's early educational advantages were very limited. However, he made the best use possible of his opportunities, availing himself of the instruction afforded in our public schools. This preparatory training was supplemented by attendance at St. Patrick's Academy, at La- Salle, and for a short time, as an "irregular" at Knox College.

His first occupation after leaving school was teaching. He taught in the district schools of Knox County for eight consecutive winters, commencing in 1870-71, and three summer schools during this period. Being anxious to earn an honest dollar whenever possible, he worked on the farm during the interim between terms of school. Many a farmer will remember him as a faithful hand in the harvest field.

As a teacher, he held advanced and indepen- dent ideas. He believed that the teacher should conduct his school without the use of books, if required; that he should be the book and the active spirit of his school. With such views in imparting instruction, his teaching was always practical and successful.

Mr. Welch's early life was spent in LaSalle. In the latter part of 1869, he moved with his parents to Galesburg, where he has lived ever since.

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He was elected City Attorney for two years, 1889-91, and re-elected for 1891-93, both times on the liberal ticket. He was elected State's Attorney for four years, 1892-96, and re-elected for four years, 1896-1900, both times on the republican ticket.

The societies with which he is connected are the following: Vesper Lodge, No. 584, A. F. and A. M., Master of the same for two years; Gales- burg Lodge No. 142, I. O. of O. F., now Noble Grand, heretofore Vice Grand; Galesburg Camp, No. 667, Modern Woodmen of America, being Venerable Consul: was a member of Edvall Camp, No. 50, Sons of Veterans; member of Galesburg Club; memher of the Illinois State Bar Association, and Association of State's At- torneys of Illinois.

As an attorney, Mr. Welch has been emi- nently successful. He stands in the front rank of his profession at the Knox County Bar. As State's Attorney, his work has been prosecuted conscientiously and thoroughly. The indict- ment is the lawyer's work, and its preparation is a safe indicator of his knowledge and ability. If there is the least flaw, the indictment is quashed. For the past six years, as State's Attorney, he has prepared 450 indictments, and the records show only two quashed. It is doubt- ful whether a cleaner record than this can be shown by any other State's Attorney. For the last three years, the jury, in every case, have returned the verdict, "We, the jury, find the defendant guilty."

When he was City Attorney, important im- provements to the amount of $344,000 were made. Street pavements were put in and water- works constructed. Ordinances were to be framed, contracts drawn, and confirmations in courts attended to. All this work was so well done that the city was never required to pay one dollar, owing to the hlunders of the City Attorney. These things speak volumes for his efficiency.

Mr. Welch has always had for his motto: "Never be idle." A kindred sentiment he has also cherished: "He who would enter through the door of success, must observe the sign, 'Push.' "

He commenced the study of law in June, 1875, and before the entire Supreme Court, in June, 1877, was admitted to the bar. He read for a short time, with the firm of Lanpher and Brown, composed of the late Judge George C. Laupher and A. M. Brown. His reading mostly was with Douglas and Harvey, the partners being Judge Leander Douglas and Hon. Curtis K. Harvey.

Mr. Welch is a public spirited man, and is always interested in public improvements. His charity is of the kind to help those that help themselves. He is a member of the Christian Church. His political sentiments are intensely republican.

Mr. Welch was married in Galesburg, June 24, 1879, to Ida Spencer, a lady of intelligence and refinement. Of this union, four children were born: Nellie M., Frank A., Bessie S., and Sidney Post.

LLOYD FRANKLIN WERTMAN.

Lloyd Franklin Wertman. son of Ellas and Mary Wertman, was born in Bloomsburg, Penn- sylvania, November 7, 1845.

His father was both a merchant and a farmer, being engaged in the mercantile business in the East, and giving his attention to farming after settling In Illinois. The Wertman family came to this State in the Spring of 1864, when Lloyd was 19 years of age. They moved on to a farm seven miles east of Knoxville. known then as the "Bob White" farm, which was owned hy George Stevens. Here the family lived for three years, and then purchased a farm in Elba Township, where they lived until the Spring of 1879.

In the meantime, young Wertman engaged in farming for himself. In 1870, he rented lands in Elba Township of George A. Charles, and these he cultivated for three years. Then he purchased his home place, where he devoted himself to farming until the Spring of 1879. He then moved from Elba to Yates City, and was employed as a bookkeeper and salesman for one year in a co-operative store. He then formed a partnership with J. H. Nicholson and W. P. Parker in the purchase of the Farmers' Bank, Yates City, which was owned by J. M. Taylor. He was elected Cashier-a position he occupied until January, 1889. He was then elec- ted Cashier of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank, Galeshurg, Illinois, and served for six years. In January, 1895, he was elected Vice President of the First National Bank, serving for two years. Then in January, 1897, he was elected President of the same, which position he now holds.

Mr. Wertman has held several other offices of honor and trust. He was Township Clerk of Elba for eight years, Collector for two years, School Treasurer for four years, Supervisor of Salem Township for two years, Vice President and Director in the Galesburg Printing Com- pany, Director in the Board of Education, and Director in the Mutual Loan and Building Asso- ciation.

The life and success of Mr. Wertman should encourage every young man who may read thia sketch. By probity and strict integrity, he has risen to places of honor and trust. His early educational advantages were greatly cir- cumscribed, but he availed himself of all the opportunities the common school afforded. With this preparatory education, he completed his studies at the Academy and Missionary In- stitute, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. Thus equipped he has gone on from one position to another, and won for himself an enviable reputation.

In political faith, Mr. Wertman is a staunch republican. In religious affiliations, he Is an attendant at the Presbyterian Church. He is a believer in moral and benevolent institutions of every name.

Mr. Wertman was married January 11, 1870, to Miss Isabella J. Obeholtzer, whose parenta settled in Knox County, in 1840. Of this union, four daughters and one son were born: Mary

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Estella, Martha Leora, Maud S., and Norma Blanch, now living.

MARY ALLEN WEST.

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. Yea, saith the Spirit, for they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."

Of few of the ladies of Galesburg could these words of the inspired writer be predicated with more appropriateness than of Mary Allen West, whose name is a fragrant memory in every household where self-sacrifice, higher consecra- tion and devotion to religion and temperance are held in higher esteem than worldly gain. She was born in a cabin, in "Log City," on July 30, 1837, her father having been one of those devoted men who aided George W. Gale in planting the Galesburg colony and founding Knox College. Her mother's maiden name was Catherine Neeley, and her father was Nehemiah West. He was a man of spontaneous generosity and of rare executive talent. It is possible that from him she inherited her strength of char- acter, while from her mother she derived her loving disposition, her innate cordiality of tem- perament and her simple, sublime faith in God.

Her earliest education, outside of the refining influence of her home, was received from George Churchill, an instructor of no mean fame. Her bright eyes evinced her eager, am- bitious temperament, while her sensitive moral sense, carefully stimulated and guided by a pious mother, and developed through the ex- ample of a Godly father, aided her in avoiding the foibles and frivolities of children of her years. At the age of thirteen she was qualified for admission to Knox Seminary, but the rules of the institution forbade her entrance until she was fifteen years old. She graduated, how- ever, at the age of seventeen, and at once began teaching, a profession for which she was eminently qualified by intellect, impulse and training.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 152

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