Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 174

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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GARWOOD, JONATHAN C .; Farmer and Stock-raiser; Galesburg Township; born in 1826 in Ohio: educated in the common schools of Michigan. His parents were William Garwood of Ohio and Mary (Thatcher) Garwood of Ken- tucky. He was married in Knoxville, Illinois. October, 1852, to Mary Churchill, daughter of Lewis and Mary (Churchill) Weeks, who came to Galesburg in 1841. She was born May 13, 1832, at Sheldon, New York. Two children were born to these parents, Mamie E .; and Martha. who died at the age of six years. In politics. Mr. Garwood is a republican.

GEORGE, JOHN W .; Farmer; Galesburg Township; born August 19, 1836, in Ohio, where he was educated in the common schools. His parents were Thomas George of Ohio, and Mary (Gorsuch) of Maryland; his paternal grand- parents were Presbyterians from Ireland; his maternal grandparents were Norman and Kit- turah Gorsuch of Maryland. Mr. George was married March 9, 1862, în Hancock County, Illi- nois, to Mary E. Younger, who was a native of Ohio. Their children are: Charles C., John E .. Minnie D., Lulu B., Mary Blanche and Florence. In politics he is a republican and has held va- rious township offices.

GRIFFITH. MORRIS; Farmer: Galesburg Township; born February 17, 1836, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania; educated in the common schools. He was married to Elizabeth Har- mony, at Knoxville, Illinois. December 27, 1859. They have six children: Herbert R., Willian E., Arthur A., Frank M .. Etta O. (Mrs. George C. Hutson, Jr.) and Jessie A. Mr. Griffith was the son of Able Griffith, who came from Ohio to Knox County in 1852. He settled in Cedar Township and followed for many years the occu- pation of farming; he died in 1875, leaving five

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sons and three daughters: John, William, George, Howard M., Morris, Anna E., Mary E. and Frances Belle. In 1859, Mr. Griffith built a house on a part of a tract of land purchased by his father in Galesburg Township, where he still follows his chosen occupation of farming. In religion, Mr. Griffith is a Presbyterian. In politics, he is a republican, and was Highway Commissioner for seven years, and has held the office of School Director.

GUM, CHARLES D .; Farmer; Galesburg Township, where he was born September 12, 1866, and where he received his education in the common schools. His father, Jacob D. Gum, was born in Sangamou County, Illinois; his mother, Minerva (Montgomery) Gum, was born in Spencer County, Indiana. His paternal grandparents, John B. and Casander (Dills) Gum were natives of Kentucky. Mr. Gum was married March 18, 1891, to Ellen Eckuant, in Knoxville, Illinois. They have three children. Edwin, Bessie and Grace. Mr. Gum is a repub- lican.

JOHNSON, DANIEL; Galesburg Township; born in Sweden March 23, 1838, where he was educated in the con mon schools. He has been three times married; first to Charlotte Wahl- strom, who died and left three children, Peter, Mary and Victor; his second wife was Emma Johnson, who died and left two children, Jen- nie and August; his present wife was Clara B. Larson. They have one child, Arthur. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Lutheran Church. He came from Sweden in 1869, and for some time worked for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad; he afterwards followed coal mining for fifteen years. In 1886 he began farming on Section 35, Galesburg Township, where he still resides. He is regarded as one of the substantial farmers of the southeastern part of the township. In politics, Mr. Johnson is a republican.

MAIN, C. A .; Farmer; Galesburg Township: born November 19, 1833, in Otsego County, New York. He was married to Harriet Mosher in New York, March 16, 1880. They have three children: Earl T., Harry E., Frances M. Mr. Main came with his father to Knox County in 1854 and lived in Oneida three years before com- ing to Galesburg where he worked as brakeman for eighteen months. He was freight conductor for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Company for ten years and passenger

conductor twelve years. In 1869 he bought the farm on which he now lives and for a time combined farming with road work. Mr. Main is a republican and has held several township offices. He was Highway Commis- sioner for seventeen years, School Director for twenty years, and is a member of the Board of Directors of Knox County Agricultural Society. He is.an Odd Fellow and a Charter Member of the Lodge. In religion, Mr. Main is a Methodist. NELSON, NELS X .; Farmer; Galesburg Township; born in Sweden in 1840, where he was educated. He was married to Benta Palm, in 1863, in Sweden. Their children are: John X., David E., Frans Joseph and Nels W. Mr.

Nelson came from Sweden to Galesburg in 1872, and for some time worked by the month. In 1880 he began farming for himself, and is now a thrifty farmer on Section 33, Galesburg Town- ship. In religion, Mr. Nelson is a Lutheran. He is a republican.

PADEN, JAMES; Farmer and Stockman; Galesburg Township; born June 17, 1827, in Crawford County, Pennsylvania; educated in the common schools. His parents were Isaac Paden of Pennsylvania and Celia (Fish) Paden of New York. Mr. Paden was married to Mar- tha Edgar in Galesburg in 1851. They have one child, Alonzo F., living in Galesburg Township. Mr. Paden is a republican and was Supervisor for several years.

KNOX TOWNSHIP.

By O. L. Campbell.

Knox Township, as described in the United States Government Survey, is Number 11 North, Range 2 East. Its surface is a level prairie and its soil is as fertile as any in the county. Excellent natural drainage is afforded by Court and Haw Creeks, with the numerous streams tributary to them. The first named crosses the township from east to west; the latter cuts it in the southwest corner. Origi- nally about one-third of Knox was covered with timber, and although most of the growth has been cleared away, there is yet a considerable amount standing along the banks of the water courses. The early history of the township is interesting, but is virtually identical with that of Knoxville, which is related in the suc- ceeding pages. That city, for many years the county seat, and Randall, are the only towns of importance. Lake George and Highland Park, favorite pleasure resorts for the 'people [See Lake of Galesburg, are within its limits. George.]

Highland Park is situated in Section 18, a mile east of the city limits of Gales- burg. It is under private management, which has arranged the grounds for the accommoda- tion of picnic parties and keeps boats for hire upon the numerous small lakes with which the park is dotted, and in the neighborhood of which are large brick yards. A street car line runs out from the city, and the place is well patron- ized in summer. Ice is cut in considerable quantities from the little ponds and there are several large ice houses in the vicinity.

The chief industry of the township is farm- ing, although brick is extensively manufactured in that part adjacent to Galesburg. [See Brick Making.]

LCampbell

KNOX COUNTY.

RANDALL.

This village stands on the north half of Sec- tion 15. It was laid out on November 8, 1890, hy C. B. Randall, and owes its existence to the phenomenal growth of the brick making industry and the completion of the Santa Fe line to Chicago. The population numbers abont eight hundred and is composed chiefly of employes of the brick yards. In 1892 the rail- road company changed the name of its station to East Galesburg, hut that of the town re- mained the same as at first.

Randall supports two churches, Christian and Methodist Episcopal, a good school and a weekly newspaper.

The Christian Society was organized January 1, 1894, with eighty-six members, and may be rightly said to be the result of evangelistie work done by Rev. J. M. Morris and Elder J. G. Rowe. It is a mission of the Galesburg Church, which erected an edifice costing twelve hundred dol- lars in 1893. The present membership is sixty. and the Sunday school attendance sixty-five. T. L. Rowe is Superintendent.

The Methodist Episcopal denomination or- ganized its church here a few years ago and built a house of worship costing three thousand dollars. There are twenty-seven communi- cants. and fifty pupils in the Sunday school. There is no settled pastor.

The East Galesburg Tribune was established in 1892, and is issued every Saturday from'the presses of the Galesburg Plaiudealer, by Karl R. Haggenjos, who is both editor and publisher. It is a seven column folio, and democratie in politics.

The Knights of Pythias and Modern Wood- men of America are well represented in the vil- lage. East Galesburg Lodge 46, K. of P., was organized with forty- five charter mem- bers, and has a present membership of forty-six. The first officers were J. Stiekels, C. C .; J. W. Yard, V. C .; F. Parkins. P .; J. H. Potter, K. of R. and S .; J. E. Hebard, M. of A .; C. J. Nibel, M. of F. Present officers, H. B. Corbin, C. C .; J. Underwood, V. C .; J. Bushong, P .; J. H. Pot- ter, K. of R. and S. Meets at Robbins and Gran- vil's store.

The East Galesburg Camp of Modern Wood- men was established August 16, 1894, with eleven members. Its present membership is forty-one. Meets in K. of P. Hall. First offi- cers: J. L. Rowe, V. C .; John F. Barmore. Clerk. Present officers: A. P. Melton, V. C .; John F. Barmore. Clerk.

KNOXVILLE.

By O. L .. Campbell.

Knoxville is located on the southern quarter of Section 28 North, Range 2 East, Knox Connty, and was laid out August 7, 1830, by Parnach Owens. The town was first called Henderson, but in 1833 was given Its present appellation, both county and town be- ing named in honor of General Knox, of Revo- lutionary fame. Its location, on the divide be- tween the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, on the east and west, and smaller streams on the north and south, renders the site a most desirable one for a city of homes; salubrious, healthful and pleasing.

The town's early history is full of interest. The first settler was Perry Morris, who, in 1829, located on what is known as the east side of the present city. He afterwards sold his farm to Captain John Charles. John Montgomery and Dr. Hansford came soon after. The last named was the first physician, and his daughter, Mrs. Grace Shock, was the first female child born in Henderson. John Moore Bartlett was the first boy. In 1832, John G. Sanburn brought a stock of goods here. Down to the time of his death he was a prominent figure in the town's his- tory. He was Knoxville's first postmaster and held many important county and government positions, including that of the first Circuit and County Clerk. He died April 14. 1865. Henry Runkle came in 1833, his brother Eldred in 1834 and another brother, Cornelius, in 1836. These brothers have been closely identified with the development and history of the town from the date of its organization. Henry owned the first mill in the settlement. He died in 1852. and his brother, Eldred, who was associated with him in mercantile business, died in 1865. Cornelius Runkle is still an honored and re- spected resident of this city. Rev. Jacob Gum. a Baptist minister, was Knoxville's first preacher. His son, John B. Gum, came to the township in 1839. He left a numerous progeny, who have become influential citizens. Daniel Fuqua came here in 1834, and for sixty-three years has been prominent in town and muni- cipal affairs. The family is a prolific one, num- bering one hundred and thirteen, including ten children, sixty-eight grandchildren and thirty- three great-grandchildren. He finds his great- est pleasure now in the family reunions of his descendants. Judge R. L. Hannaman lo- cated here in 1836. Although for a time he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, it was as an at-

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torney that he was best known. For many years he was the leading lawyer of the county, and always known as the firm friend of the poor and distressed. The first sale of lots took place in 1831, when those upon which the offi- ces of the Republican now stand brought over three thousand dollars.

From the time of its organization until 1872, Knoxville was the county seat of Knox County. [See Court House.] The Knoxville of to-day is a model residence town, its citizens being a community of educated and refined people, with whom it is a pleasure to reside. It has excep- tionally good educational advantages, electric lights, electric street railway and a splendid system of waterworks. Here also are situated the County Fair Grounds and the County Alms- house. [See Almshouse.] Its people always point with especial pride to the city's excellent private and public schools.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

First in importance is St. Mary's School, or- ganized as Ewing Female Seminary, in 1859. This institution was opened on Monday in Easter week, 1868, and after the destruction of the building and contents hy fire, on January 4, 1833, was reopened January 31, in St. Aus- garius College building. The new structure was hegun in April, occupied in October, and has twice been enlarged. The limit of its capacity (one hundred pupils) has been reached. St. Mary's is an incorporated institution, the Board of Trustees representing the City of Knoxville and the three diocesses of the Pro- testant Episcopal Church in Illinois. The build- ings, grounds, furniture and apparatus are val- ued at one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Of this amount about fifty thousand dollars were given and hequeathed hy the late Hon. James Knox. . The house is constructed of the best materials-stone, brick, iron and slate-and the interior is finished with southern pine. The plans are the result of thirty years' experience in school management and construction, and for adaptation to both sanitary and educational purposes are unsurpassed. St. Mary's Church, built of stone, is a fine specimen of Gothic ar- chitecture, and connected with the school build- ing by a cloister of rare beauty, Among the contents of the sacred edifice are a fine pipe or- gan, memorial windows and other gifts.

The provision made in the school for astro- nomical study is very complete, the apparatus and equipment having cost more than three

thousand dollars. The Observatory is of brick. surmounted by a dome sixteen feet in height, with transit room adjoining. The telescope is an equatorial refractor, mounted with clock work, having a six-inch object glass of Alvin Clark and Sons' manufacture. The transit is a very fine instrument, made by Messrs. Fautlı and Company. Personal attention is given to every pupil, and religious and semi-parental in- fluences accompany the daily work and discip- line. It is the aim of the school to prepare its pupils for responsible positions in life, and to adorn the family and social circle not only with intellectual culture, but also with graceful manners, refined tastes and Christian character. One special feature of the administration is that St. Mary's continues under the rectorship and care of Rev. C. W. Leffingwell, D. D., who founded the school in 1868. Thirty years of ex- perience, with a record of successful work, con- stitute a strong assurance of safe and wise man- agement for the future. The following are the officers and teachers of the institution: . The Rev. Charles W. Leffingwwell, D. D., Logic and Psychology, Civics; the Rev. Edward H. Rudd. S. T. D., Chaplain, Latin, Greek, Natural Science; Nancy Meneeley Hitchcock, M. A .. Principal Emeritus; Emma Pease Howard. Principal, Literature, Rhetoric and German: Mrs. Leffingwell, Vice Principal; Mrs. E. H. Rudd, French, Italian, History; Emily Seamans. Mathematics and Latin; Charlotte W. Campbell. English; Jessie M. Leath, Director of the Stu- dio; Mrs. Helen Carlton-Marsh, Vocal Music. Mary Harriet Howell, Biology, Physical Train- ing; William H. Sherwood, Chicago, Visiting Director of Music; Eleanor Sherwood, Resident Director of Music; Susan Bertha Humston, Or- ganist, Assistant in Piano and Harmony; Will- iam H. Cheesman, Violin and Guitar; Mrs. Francis H. Sisson, Elocution; Charlotte Cooper. Preparatory Department; Louise Nicholas, Ma- tron; John F. Somes, Curator.

St. Alban's Academy was founded by Rev. Dr. Leffingwell in 1890. The property on which it stands had been originally occupied by a Swedish-American college, which was largely indebted to Hon. James Knox, who gave thir- teen thousand dollars toward the erection of the building. After five years, the embryo col- lege had ceased to exist, and the property re- verted to the City of Knoxville. In 1894, Dr. Leflingwell leased the school to Colonel A. H. Noyes, the present Superintendent, who had been a member of its original teaching staff. and

Established in 1868.

ST. MARY'S SCHOOL, KNOXVILLE.

Rebuilt in 1883.

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KNOX COUNTY.

who ably discharged the duties of Superinten- dent for five years. The main building is a four- story brick structure, with a mansard roof and stone basement. It will accommodate fifty pu- pils, besides masters, matrons and attendants. In its enlargement and improvement strict at- tention has been given to the securing of the best sanitary conditions. Water supply, drain- age, ventilation, light and heat are all of the best, and the appliances therefor are all of the most modern type. The recitation. class and assembly halls and chambers are well lighted, large and lofty, and admirably arranged for the combination of school and home comforts. In 1898. Phelps Hall was erected, the beautiful frame building for younger boys. Chief among the institution's many attractions and improve- ments is the new gymnasium and armory. The main room of this building is seventy by forty feet, with a ceiling twenty feet above the floor, finished in Georgia pine, and thoroughly equipped with modern gymnastic appliances. In winter it is used as a drill hall and for in- door athletic games, as well as for social en- tertainments. The chapel, a wooden building in the Gothic style of architecture, having a seating capacity of two hundred, stands on the grounds near the main building. An addition has recently been made to the latter, enlarging the number of recitation rooms and sleeping apartments. The academic staff is as follows: Rev. C. W. Leffingwell, D. D., Rector and Founder; Arthur H. Noyes, B. A., Superinten- dent; Rev. Francis Mansfield, M. D., M. A., Chaplain; Charles A. Adams, B. A., Sciences: Nelson Willard, B. A., Classics; John Harris Booge, Primary Department; J. Grant Beadle. Drawing and Architecture, Penmanship; Mrs. A. H. Noyes, Vocal and Instrumental Music; Miss S. E. Hayden, Studio Director; Mrs. E. M. Harrison, Matron; Miss Lutie Booge, Matron Phelps Hall.

Knoxville has an admirable public school sys- tem, with two good buildings. The first was erected in 1876, at an outlay of eighteen thou- sand, five hundred dollars; the second was fin- ished in 1896, the cost being about seven thou- sand dollars. Both buildings are modern in construction, well arranged and have a fine equipment, including a large and well selected library. The corps of teachers embraces only experienced and capable instructors. They are as follows: Principal, W. F. Jones; Assistants, Eighth grade, Emma Mowery; Seventh, Joseph- ine McIntosh; Sixth, Amanda C. Lightner:

Fifth, Nellie Evans; Fourth, Lodena McWill- iams; Third, Belle Sanford; Second, Mary A. Parmenter; primary grade, Flora Smith, teacher of vocal music, M. B. Parry.

CHURCHES.

The first religious denomination to form an organization in Knoxville was the Methodist Episcopal, which has held regular services since 1831. The Free Methodists have also held services in the city for several years, but have no house of worship. The African Methodist Episcopal Church owns a church building and a parsonage, but the membership is small.

St. John's Episcopal Church was organized in 1843, and erected an edifice, costing two thou- sand, five hundred dollars, in 1867. The building is now used as a chapel for St. Alban's Academy. The congregation embraces some seventy-five communicants, and the Sunday school membership is about one hundred and twenty-five, including the pupils of the Acad- emy who attend. A bandsome chapel is also connected with St. Mary's Academy, of which mention has been already made.

The Swedish Lutherans formed a church in 1853, which is still in existence and holds regu- lar services.

The present Presbyterian Church of Knox- ville was organized in 1870, by the union of the "old" and "new" school branches of that de- nomination, under the pastorate of Rev. D. G. Bradford. Rev. W. H. Mason is the present pastor, and the church is in a flourishing con- dition.

The former "old school" Presbyterian house of worship is now occupied by the Christian So- ciety, which was organized in 1871 and pur- chased the building trom its former owners.

FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Illinois Council No. 1, R. and S. M., was or- ganized March 11, 1852, under a dispensation granted from Kentucky. Its first officers were: T. J. G. M., William A. Seaton; Deputy T. . J. G. M., G. C. Lanphere; P. C. W., Harmon G. Reynolds; J. G. C. G., I. M. Wilt; I. G. S., I. Gulihur: Recorder, J. W. Spaulding; Treasurer. William McMurtry; Stewards, F. Mason and B. F. Hebard.

Rabboni Chapter, No. 95, R. A. M., was insti- tuted October 5, 1856. Its first officers were: James McCracken, H. P .; Alvah Wheeler, K .; Adam Brewer, Scribe.

Pacific Lodge, No. 66, A. F. and A. M., was

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KNOX COUNTY.

organized in 1896, by uniting Pacific Lodge No. 400 and Knoxville Lodge No. 66. E. T. Eads was the first W. M., and E. Codding, Secretary.

Knoxville Lodge, No. 126, A. O. U. W., was organized September 30, 1878. Dr. G. S. Chal- mers was the first M. W.

Knox Lodge, S. K. of A., was organized in 1887, and is now in a flourishing condition.

The Knoxville Lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America was organized in 1888 and is now the largest fraternal organization in the city, numbering one hundred and thirteen members. The Royal Neighbors, a branch of this order which admits women, was organized in 1896, with J. A. Westfall as its first presiding officer.

Knoxville Home Forum, No. 586, was organ- ized April 18, 1896, and now has a membership of fifty. O. L. Campbell was the first presi- dent of the organization.

Horatio Lodge, No. 362, K. of P., was organ- ized in 1892, and has sixty members. Hon. A. M. Parmenter, the Mayor of the City, is its pre- siding officer.

A Temple of Honor was recently established, with Dr. L. Becker as presiding officer.

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS.

The Knox County Old Settlers' Association, whose composition is indicated by its title, holds annual meetings at Gilbert's Park, Knox- ville, which are very largely attended and are a source of great pleasure, besides promoting a friendly feeling among the members. Hon. H. M. Sisson is President, and O. L. Campbell, Sec- retary.

The Knox County Agricultural Board was or- ganized in 1856, at Knoxville, and since that date has only once failed to hold a yearly meet- ing. The object of the organization is to pro- mote the educational and other interests of the farmers of the county. The impetus which has been imparted to agriculture by this long series of annual gatherings has proved of the utmost benefit. The present officers are: President, Hon. J. F. Latimer, of Abingdon; Vice Presi- dent, Hon. H. M. Sisson, of Galesburg; Secre- tary, O. L. Campbell, of Knoxville.

BANKS.

The first banking facilities of Knoxville were afforded by James Knox, as early as 1850, if not before, who received deposits and drew bills of exchange on New York for the accommodation of his customers. The transactions, however,

were, in a sense, irregular, Mr. Knox having uo established bank and being prompted chiefly by a desire to oblige his friends and neighbors. Jehial B. Smith started a private bank in 1850, and seven years later T. J. Hale became his partner, but before the outbreak of the Civil War the business was discontinued and the bank closed.

In 1853, Mr. Knox was sent to Congress, leav- ing the management of his affairs in the hands of Cornelius Runkle, who thus gained his first insight into the principles and usages of bank- ing. On May 1, 1857, he, in connection with his brother, Elbert Runkle, opened a private bank, which they conducted until 1865, in which year they organized the First National Bank, with a paid capital of sixty thousand dollars. Corne- lius Runkle was President, and John Babbing- ton, Cashier, The stockholders were James Knox, G. A. Charles, John Eads, Miles Smith, A. M. Craig, John Carns, and the Runkle brothers. The bank was successful from the start, doing a large and profitable business; and when it was finally wound up, in 1865, it had a surplus of sixty thousand dollars.

Upon the closing of the First National, the Farmers' National Bank came into existence, with F. G. Sanburn as President, and C. G. Smith, Cashier. It, too, had a capital of sixty thousand dollars. This has since been increased to one hundred and sixty thousand dollars. The present officers are J. Z. Crane, President, and H. J. Butt, Cashier. The bank's surplus is twelve thousand dollars, and its deposits and loans each about one hundred thousand dollars

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 174

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