Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 176

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).

wholly neglected. For the first five years, young Lewis had had but forty-one days of schooling; was poorly clad, was treated as a menial, and at meals was not allowed to sit at the same table with the family. His mother, learning of the situation, succeeded in removing him at once. He was placed for the winter in the fam- ily of William Kent, who lived near Yates City. In the spring, he was employed near by on the farm of James Kent, at seven dollars a month. In 1847 he came to Knoxville, doing chores for his board in the family of Judge R. L. Han- naman. Here he remained for two years, en- joying, at the proper season, the advantages of the common school. In 1849, he was employed in the store of G. M. Ewing, of Knoxville, at a salary of fifty dollars a year and board. The second year, his salary was raised to seventy- five dollars. The third year, he was offered one hundred and fifty dollars, but the offer was de- clined, that he might obtain a broader and more liberal education, and thus fit himself for the higher duties of citizenship. He was next en- gaged in the store of Alexander Ewing, of Knoxville, and by his trustworthiness and fidel- ity, he soon gained the confidence of his em- ployer. Mr. Ewing entrusted him with a small bill of goods to sell on the road on commis- sion. Young Lewis had neither horse nor wagon, nor money to purchase an outfit,-bis only capital being less than twenty-two dollars. Of this amount twenty dollars was paid towards a horse and harness, purchased at forty dollars, and a sixty-day note for sixty dollars was given for a wagon. Thus equipped, Mr. Lewis started out on his new venture, and so successful was he, that the amount of his profits was sufficient to pay off his note before maturity. In 1852, he took a clerkship In the store of Mr. Chesney, of Abingdon, where he remained until his employer sold out in 1857.

Previous to this time, Mr. Lewis had been employed in the law office of Hannaman and Hale, making out abstracts of county records. It was there that he acquired a liking and a taste for law, and in 1857, having access to the library of a prominent lawyer at Abingdon, Mr. A. J. King, he availed himself of the privilege of reading law, and soon was qualified for prac- tice. He was licensed by the Supreme Court, January 10, 1870, to practice law in all the courts of the State.

In politics, Mr. Lewis is a thorough-going re- publican. As a member of that party, he has held many public offices, which he has always filled with marked ability. In his early years he was an abolitionist, sympathizing greatly with the colored race in their enslaved condi- tion. He became a member of the republican party at its organization and voted for John C. Fremont, its first nominee for President. In the exciting campaign of 1860, when Lincoln was elected President, Mr. Lewis was elected to the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court of Knox County, holding the office for four years. He then took a vacation for several months, visiting friends in the Union Army. All this time, his interest in politics was unabated, and

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he kept himself thoroughly posted on all na- tional affairs. In 1868, he again entered the Clerk's office, as deputy, holding that position for six years. In 1874, he was appointed one of the Trustees of the Institution for the Educa- tion of the Blind. He resigned this office when he was elected a member of the State Legisla- ture.

Mr. Lewis' record in the State Legislature is highly commendable, and for his judicious acts and votes there, he has received the enconiums of his fellow citizens generally. One act of his, while member of the Legislature, is deserving especial notice. Having examined carefully into the penal institutions of the State, and believ- ing that their management was not for the good of the criminal and the best interests of the State, he framed and introduced a preamble and resolution which was read for information, but being objected to by a single member was not allowed to be considered. It was published in the papers throughout the State and highly commended. Mr. Lewis argued that prisons, in a measure, should be reformatory; that crim- inals as criminals have rights which the State is bound to respect; that those hound by the ties of consanguinity and love should have a portion of

the fruit their labor. The resolution excited

great deal of comment and interest, far and near, and was probably the first introduced in this State on that subject.

In 1880, Mr. Lewis was elected to Congress by the republicans of the Ninth Congressional District of Illinois, over his democratic oppon- ent, John S. Lee. In 1882, he was renominated, but defeated on account of his vote on the river and harbor hill.

Mr. Lewis is a living proof that a man is the architect of his own fortune. Poverty in his youth had no power to control his ambition or smother his aspirations. In the distance, he saw the fertile fields of promise, and through the open gateway, he was determined to enter. By his determined resolution, he hewed his way through the wilderness of doubt and uncer- tainty, and won for himself riches and honor. As a citizen, he is noted for his affability and urbanity of manners; for his kindness and sympathy to the unfortunate and his charity towards all. He is bound by no creed, is a member of no church, but helieves in the gospel of good deeds. He belongs to the Masonic Order, having joined when quite young.

Mr. Lewis was married, December, 1857, to Elizabeth S. Russell. She was the daughter of R. H. and Elizabeth Russell, of Abingdon, Illinois, who came to this State in the Fall of 1837. They were Virginians by hirth and left their native State on account of their hatred of the institution of slavery. To Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were born six children, four sons and two daughters, two of whom are now living: Ira J., born August 14, 1865, now married and living in Knoxville; and John, born August 30, 1874, now practicing law in Galesburg.

JOHN M. NISLEY.

John M. Nisley is of German descent and was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Novem- ber 26, 1840. His father was Joseph Nisley, who was born in the same county. His mother was Mary (Schwartz) Nisley, a native also of Penn- sylvania.

Joseph Nisley, the father, had the misfortune or good fortune of not inheriting riches. He was bereft of parents when only about six years of age, and was left almost alone to battle with the storms and vicissitudes of life. For a term of years, he was bound out to a cabinet-maker, which occupation he followed until he came to Knox County in the Spring of 1843. He set- tled on a farm near the city of Knoxville, where he became a successful farmer, and where he lived the remainder of his days. He died January 2, 1861.

Mary Nisley, the mother, was a kind, neigh- borly woman and performed the duties of the household in a wise and acceptable manner. She was the daughter of Daniel and Catharine Schwartz, both of whom were natives of Penn- sylvania.

John M. Nisley was brought up on a farm and had some of the experiences and struggles of the pioneer farmer of Illinois. He relin- quished this pursuit in 1873 and took up his residence in Knoxville. He received his educa- tion in the country schools and at Knoxville. He never had the advantages that the college affords; but in the public schools, he received such instruction as would thoroughly fit him for the duties and practical business of life. In education and in every sphere of life, "not how much, but how well," has been the ruling char- acteristic of his mind.

From the business of a successful farmer, Mr. Nisley passed to that of a banker. In 1890, he started a private bank in Knoxville, which he has since conducted. This bank has always been regarded as a popular financial institu- tion.

As a man and citizen, Mr. Nisley has disclosed traits of character that have made him popular. He is mild in disposition, agreeable in manner, and has an air of sincerity and honesty that draws around him many friends. He possesses sound discretion, is endowed with a good judg- ment, and never gets entangled or meddles with the affairs of others. He has a cool, reflecting mind, and always reaches his conclusions after mature deliberation. He is kind and charitable, and believes in helping those who will make an effort to help themselves. He is a repub- lican in politics, but not an offensive partisan. He is liberal-minded in his religious views, and believes that the science of true living is above creed and doctrine.

Mr. Nisley was married in Newton, Kansas, to Kate C. Runkle, December 19, 1889. She is a niece of Cornelius Runkle, of Knoxville.

Cel. Leffingwill

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KNOX COUNTY.

ORANGE LOWELL CAMPBELL.

Orange Lowell Campbell is a native of Knox County and was born in Knoxville, March 7, 1852. His father was Elisha Campbell and was born in Gallipolis, Ohio. His mother was Mary Amelia I.owell, a native of Maryland.

As the name indicates. Mr. Campbell's an- cestors are of Scotch descent. His great-grand- father, John Campbell, was born in Scotland, and was a cousin of Thomas Camphell. the poet. His grandfather was also called John Campbell and was a man of broad culture and an accomplished gentleman. He was a phy- sician and poet. and during the struggle for independence, became an officer in the Revolu- tion. He was a native of Virginia.

Mr. Campbell's father was both a teacher and mechanic. As a sergeant. he entered his country's service in the War of the Rebellion and was wounded in a skirmish at Fort Don- elson. He was so injured as to induce a spinal disease; but by exercising the greatest care, his life was prolonged for fifteen years. At the early age of sixteen, he left his Ohio home. coming first to Bloomington, Illinois, then to St. Louis, then to Peoria, and finally to Knox- ville. He resided in Knoxville for twenty- five years, and then removed to Council Bluffs. lowa, where he died.

Mr. O. L. Campbell obtained his education in the public schools of Knoxville. After re- ceiving the customary training in the pri- mary grammar schools, he entered the high school, from which he graduated in 1868. In his studies he was proficient. The circum- stances and conditions of his boyhood opened up to him a practical view of life. When but a lad, the bent of his mind was turned to- wards the printers' art. Early he entered the printing office of the Knox County Repub- lican under the editorship and management of Z. Beatty, and served there as an apprentice almost continuously until February 23, 1876, when he became editor and proprietor. For nearly a quarter of a century, the Knox County Republican has made its weekly visit in many homes and has ever heen regarded as an interesting and reliable publication.

Mr. Campbell is certainly a public spirited man. Self-interest, the main spring of action, has not been the all-absorbing passion of his life. The many and various offices that he has held in different organizations attest the fact that he has been a worker for the public good. He was elected City Clerk of Knoxville for eight different terms and served as Town Clerk for twenty years. In town and county he has been the Secretary of twenty-two organiza- tions. He was a member of the Knox County Agricultural Board for nineteen years, serving as Secretary during the entire period. For seventeen years, he has served with credit as Secretary of the Old Settlers' Association. In 1892, he was one of the originators and organ- izers of the Farmers' Institute, and has held the office of Secretary during the eight years of its existence. He is also one of the organ- izers of the Knoxville Public Library; was a

member for eight years of the Board of Edu- cation; is a member of the Fraternal Life In- surance Organization, called "The Miner of Honor"; was charter member of the Home Forum, Sons of Veterans, and Modern Wood- men of America. It is but truth to say, that Mr. Campbell has performed the functions of these various offices acceptably and credit- ably.

Mr. Campbell's great experience, well in- formed mind, and readiness to assist in public enterprises, have made him a very useful member of society. He attracts by his personal bearing, gentility of manners, and frankness of spirit. He is liberal, kind, and charltable, and the golden rule of right doing and right living is his unerring guide. He is frank, open hearted, consistent, and manifests In his daily life honesty of purpose and integrity of ac- tion. In religious belief, he is a Presbyterian. In political faith, he is a conscientious. straightforward republican. Under President Harrison's administration, he was appointed Postmaster at Knoxville, holding the office for four years. He is now Chairman of the Re- publican Congressional Committee of the Tenth Congressional District.

Mr. Campbell was married in Knoxville, June 19, 1873, to Augusta Stowe Bull. Three chil- dren have been born to them: Sterling H., Secretary of the National Railway Specialty Company, Chicago; Charlotte W., teacher of English in St. Mary's School, Knoxville; and Mary, who was born October 9, 1893.

JOHN COOKE.

John Cooke is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Fayette County, December 11, 1834. His father was Thomas Cooke, who was born in the same county. April 3, 1813. He is still living very near the place of his birth, at the advanced age of eighty-six. His occupation, at first, was that of a miller; afterwards, a farmer. He was a sturdy yoeman and earned a compe- tence for himself and family by almost unre- mitting toil. In 1848, he made an extensive trip through the Mississippi valley when the means of conveyance and places of entertain- ment were very unlike those of the present day. He passed down the Ohio River, up the Mis- sissippi to Burlington, thence to Mt. Pleasant, lowa, thence eastward to Macomb, Canton, Pe- oria, and finally to his Pennsylvania home, where he has lived in retirement these many years.

His mother was Eliza Frazer, who was born in Franklin Township, Pennsylvania, June 2, 1812. She was the daughter of Luke and Eliz- aheth Frazer, and was a most estimable woman. She died in Knox County, Illinois, at the early age of sixty-four.

The ancestry of this branch of the Cooke family in this country is not far to trace. Some

of them were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania. and belonged to the Quaker fraternity. One somewhat peculiar and distinguishing characteristic ran along the succeeding generations of this

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KNOX COUNTY.

family, which is worthy of mention. They had a "passion" for two Biblical names-Thomas and John. Away back in early times, the fam- ily is represented by Thomas Cooke-a substan- tial Quaker. Then comes a John Cooke, who is followed by a Thomas, then by a John, and so on, even down to the latest generation.

John Cooke, the subject of this sketch, had no special advantages for an education beyond the common schools of his native town. He made a good use of his time and became well versed in the practical branches then taught. His school days were intermingled with home duties and labors in a mill and on a farm. After arriving to manhood, he pursued a simi- lar occupation, until he came to Illinois in 1868. He first engaged in farming near Knox- ville, which occupation he followed for twenty- four years. In 1892, the Board of Supervisors of Knox County elected him Superintendent of the Almshouse, which position he still holds. The wisdom of this selection is shown in the air of neatness and general good management that seem to pervade every department.

As a citizen, Mr. Cooke needs no encomium. By his own exertions, he has earned his way in the world without assistance from either friends or relatives. It is by attending strictly to the duties and obligations of life that he has acquired a competence and a name for honesty and integrity. He is considerate in action and has no disposition to antagonize those with whom he comes in contact. He is not forward in opinion, but always has a reserved force in his judgments. In religion, he belongs to the Christian Church, having joined in Fayette City, Pennsylvania, in 1875. In politics, he is a republican.

He is a member of Pacific Lodge, No. 66, A. F. and A. M., and of the A. O. U. W. of Knoxville, No. 126.

Mr. Cooke was married in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, October 2, 1856, to Martha M. Torrey.

JOHN D. MCCLURE.

John D. McClure is a native of Lawrence County, Illinois, where he was born August 13, 1854. His grandparents were John A. and Louisa (Hadden) McClure, the former born in Kentucky. His father, Thornton Scott Mc- Clure, is a Presbyterian minister at Oaktown, Indiana, and was born in that State. His mother, Lucinda (Ennons) McClure, was born in Lawrence County, Illinois.

John D. McClure was educated in the com- mon schools, and at Howe's Academy, Mt. Pleasant, lowa. Upon attaining his majority, he went to Fort Worth, Texas, where for sev- eral years he engaged in the grocery and gen- eral merchandise ' business. Owing to ill- health, he disposed of his interests in Texas, and in 1890, moved to Knoxville, Illinois. For some months he was not actively interested in business, but in 1892, having regained his health, he bought property on the square, oppo- site the Court House in Knoxville, where he en-

gaged in the restaurant and confectionery busi- ness. In the pursuit of this occupation he has met with pronounced and gratifying success.

Mr. McClure was married at Fort Worth, Texas, April 21, 1881, to Edith Adelia Chapin, a daughter of Burrell N. and C. Jane (Culver) Chapin. They have one daughter, Edith Mau- rie. Mrs. McClure comes of distinguished May- flower and Revolutionary ancestry, many of whom rendered conspicuous service to their country. Her grandparents were Moses Bas- comb and Irenia (de Maranville) Chapin, the former a lineal descendant of William White, the eleventh signer of the Mayflower compact of 1620. Mrs. McClure was educated at Knox College, Galesburg.

Mr. McClure is a man of quiet, unassuming manner, whose good judgment and reliability are thoroughly appreciated by his friends and business associates.

In politics, he adheres strictly to republican principles, but has never sought official recog- nition. In the Spring of 1899, he was elected a member of the Board of Education of Knox- ville.

HARVER MONTGOMERY.

Harvey Montgomery is a thrifty farmer, and was born in Knox Township, on the place where he now lives, January 14, 1834.

John Montgomery was his father, whose oc- cupation was that of a farmer. He was a native of Kentucky and was born in Nelson County, October 27, 1801. When he was ten years of age, his parents sought a home in Indiana and lived in that State until they removed to Henderson, Illinois. They arrived in Henderson on May 10, 1830, living there and engaging in farming for a period of eighteen months. They then removed to the farm in Knox Township, where Harvey Montgomery now lives.

Harvey's mother was a Kentuckian by birth and was born in Barren County. This county takes its name from Little Barren River, which drains this section of country. The origin of the name is traceable to sparsely wooded tracts, called in the West, "Barrens."

His parents were married in 1825, and there were born to them seven children: three boys and four girls,-three of whom are still living. The following is the order of their births: Rob- ert, Rebecca, Minerva Jane, Eliza, Harvey, Sarah S., and John W. One of the daughters became the wife of Jacob D. Gum, a familiar name in Knox County, and another is the wife of C. N. Butt, who lives near Knoxville.

Harvey Montgomery's grandfather, Robert Montgomery, was a Pennsylvanian, and was born in Mifflin County, which took its name from Governor Mifflin. His grandmother was Rebecca Brown, a native of Pennsylvania. Har- vey's great-grandfather was killed in an Indian engagement on Pickaway Plains in the eastern part of Ohio, when the State was but a wilder- ness, inhabited by tribes of wandering and ferocious Indians. The name Pickaway comes

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KNOX COUNTY.

from the misspelling of "Piqua," the name of an Indian tribe, inhabiting this region.

Harvey Montgomery, during his school age, had no easy task to perform. He had to labor almost incessantly on the farm while attend- ing school. It was a true example of pursuing "knowledge under difficulties." Making use of what time was spared him, he attended the district school at what is known as the "Hague Schoolhouse," and acquired there the rudiments of his education.

When his meager school-days were ended, he continued the avocation of farming, which he had pursned, more or less, during his boyhood. And during these many years of his life, his business has been farming and stock- raising. His aim is to cultivate the best of stock, which he regards as more profitable than keeping an inferior sort. His horses, his short- horns, and his sheep have been considered among the best, and he has been reckoned among our most thrifty and reliable farmers. His home farm is well sitnated and covers an area of eight hundred acres-the larger portion of which is tillable land, the smaller portion is covered with native forests. His homestead does not comprise all of his real estate. A short distance south of the city of Galesburg, he owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres; he owns another farm of eighty acres; and still another of eighty acres more. His landed pos- sessions, in all, comprise eleven hundred and twenty acres. The land is rich and valuable.

Mr. Montgomery has no particular love for office. He seeks to do his duty as a citizen, and leaves to others the trials, troubles, bick- erings, honors, and emoluments of office-seeking and office-holding. For the long period of twenty-five years, he has been a member of the Knox County Agricultural Board, and served for a term or two as an Assistant Super- visor. He is a member of the Old Settlers' Association, whose meetings he never fails to attend. He wears a gold medal presented by them, on which is the following inscription:

HARVEY MONTGOMERY. 1834-1898. Oldest Person Born in Knox County.

Mr. Montgomery has no church affiliations, but believes it to be a religious duty to live an upright and moral life. He has no sym- pathy with cant or fustian, whether practiced by Christian or Infidel. He has lived a plain, unaffected life, and is regarded by the com- munity as an estimable and worthy citizen. He is guided by moral principle, kind and affec- tionate, and he bestows his charities where his sound discretion and judgment dictate. Politi- cally, he has always been a stanch democrat, with unswerving faith in Jeffersonian princi- ples. He is not radical, and is ever willing to listen to the views of his opponents.

Mr. Montgomery was married in Henderson Township, November 15, 1864, to Louisa Max- well. She was born in Henderson Township, February 28, 1842, and was the daughter of Harvey and Sarah Maxwell. Her father came to Knox County, in 1829, and located near Henderson Grove.

To Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery were born three children: Sarah J., born November 18, 1865; John, born December 2, 1866; and Henry, born November 22, 1870.

Sarah J. married John G. Hayes, and has one child, Harry M. They live in Galesburg Town- ship. John married Grace Dunlap, and to them has been born one child, Marie. They live in Knox Township. Harry married Mary Bow- ers. They have one child. Jennie, and live in Knox Township.

ALLEN MOORE PARMENTER.

Allen Moore Parmenter is a native of Knox- ville, Illinois, and was born December 21, 1846. He is the son of Theophilus Talcott and Rox- anna (Warren) Parmenter, who were an indus- trions couple, and scrupulons in the moral training of their children. His father was an exemplary man, honest and upright in all his dealings. He was born near Greenfield, Frank- lin County, Massachusetts, in 1809. His mother died when he was only seven years old, leaving a family of three boys, of which he was the old- est. He was bound for a term of years to his uncle, who resided near Hartford, Connecticut, to learn the tanner's trade. He was married in Pepperell, Massachusetts, where for a short time he made his home. He then moved to Albion, Erie County, Pennsylvania, and, after remaining there a few years, started for Knox- ville, Illinois. His conveyance was the usual

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KNOX COUNTY.

emigrant wagon, drawn by a span of horses, which he drove the entire distance, reaching Knoxville in 1837. His business was that of a boot and shoe merchant. Here he lived the remainder of his days, and died, March 20, 1897, in his eighty-seventh year.

Mr. Parmenter's mother was a native of Mas- sachusetts, born in Pepperell, June 17, 1810. She was a spirited woman, domestic in her family relations, and was proud of her an- cestry. One of her ancestors, John Farrer, was one of the Pilgrims of the Mayflower. She lived to an advanced age, universally respected, and died in Knoxville, March 13, 1894.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 176

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