Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 177

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

USA > Illinois > Knox County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 177
USA > Illinois > Lake County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 177
USA > Illinois > Mercer County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 177
USA > Illinois > Kane County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 177
USA > Illinois > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 177
USA > Illinois > Coles County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 177
USA > Illinois > Clark County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 177
USA > Illinois > McDonough County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 177
USA > Illinois > Schuyler County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 177

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).

Allen M. Parmenter is, in a great measure, a self-educated man. The rudiments of his edu- cation were obtained in the Public Schools of Knoxville. This instruction was supplemented by attending night-schools, when he was work- ing at his trade in Peoria. Although his op- portunities for education were limited, yet by his reading and his intercourse with the world. he has become well posted for the duties and practical business of life. He first learned the tinner's trade of Thomas C. Moore, who was appointed Assessor, of what was then the Fifth District of Illincis, by President Lincoln. He next went to Boston and was employed for five months by the Eastern Railroad Company. He then was engaged by the Boston Stamping and Manufacturing Company, where he worked for three years. He next served for a period of three years, at Troy, New York, as a tinner for Tibbits and Butler .

While here he was engaged by J. B. Wilker- son to build perfect working models of the different makes of cook stoves, manufactured in Troy and Albany, some of the models cost- ing thirty dollars each. He then returned to Knoxville, the home of his childhood. He first engaged in the boot and shoe business with his father and continued therein until 1874. Then he launched into the hardware business, con- necting therewith the sale of carriages and farm implements, which is his present occupa- tion. His first bill of hardware amounted to eight dollars and fifty cents, for which R. A. Culter, of Peoria, went security.

Mr. Parmenter, by his probity and honesty of purpose, has earned the respect and good- will of his fellow citizens. He is Chair- man of Knox Township Republican Com- mittee; has served nine years as Alderman of the City of Knoxville; has been elected twice

to the office of Mayor, his last election being without a dissenting vote. His second term of office is not yet completed and he is still work- ing for the general good of his native city. He was instrumental in establishing St. Albans- a school which is looked upon by every Knox- villian with pleasure and pride. The street-car line between Galesburg and Knoxville received his hearty commendation and support.

Mr. Parmenter has confined his travels to the United States and Canada. He has journeyed eastward several times. over different routes, and has learned much of the physical features and development of the Eastern States and the States of the Mississippi Valley. He was once a member of the Methodist Church and for seven years was Superintendent of the Sabbath School. At present he is connected with the Presbyterians, having joined that organization about fifteen years ago. Politically, he is an unswerving republican and a firm adherent of his party's principles and policies.

Mr. Parmenter is connected with the follow- ing societies: Knoxville Lodge, No. 66, Royal Arch Masons; Illinois Council, No. 1, serving as its present Secretary; Raboni Chapter, No. 95; the Order of Redmen; A. O. U. W .; Select Knights of America, being the present Chancel- lor Commander of the same; member of the Knights of Pythias; Venerable Council of Mod- ern Woodmen of America; member of Miner of Honor.

Mr. Parmenter is a working man. He dis- charges his public and private duties with zeal and discretion. He is known for his honesty of purpose, his uprightness in action, and for his adherence to principle. He is not fastidious but frank and open-hearted. He is entertaining in conversation and his apparent brusqueness of manner is more pleasing than otherwise.

Mr. Parmenter was married in Knoxville, Illinois, December 25, 1872, to Catharine Eliza- beth Rosenberg, a daughter of Henry Rosen- berg, a native of Pennsylvania and a practicing physician at Knoxville for many years.

Mr. and Mrs. Parmenter have had four chil- dren: Willie R., born September 23, 1874, died December 25, 1880; J. Harvey, born June 7, 1876, died June 14, 1881; Henry A., born Aug- ust 8, 1882, a graduate of the High School at Knoxville, an excellent performer on the piano, now clerking in his father's store; Mau- rice, horn February 16, 1884, at present a mem- ber of the High School at Knoxville.

867

KNOX COUNTY.

ARTHUR HAMILTON NOYES.

Arthur Hamilton Noyes, son of George S. and Mary S. (Murdock) Noyes, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, June 23, 1867.

His father was a clergyman, and for ten years officiated at the Seaman's Bethel in Boston, as the successor of that remarkable man, Father Taylor. He had a fine presence and was ex- tensively known for his ability and eloquence.

The Noyes family reaches back to an early period in the history of this country. Nicholas and the Rev. James Noyes came from Eng- land in 1634 and settled in Newbury, Massa- chusetts, the following year. This family is represented in many departments of American history. The name appears in the Continental Congress of 1774-75, in the Revolutionary strug- gle and other wars, and lastly, in the War of the Rebellion. A large number of the men were clergymen and army officers, and one became Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Arthur H. Noyes had superior educational ad- vantages. He first received instruction in the public schools of Nahant, Massachusetts. After- wards, he entered, for a short time, Boston Uni- versity, and lastly, matriculated at Trinity Col- lege in Hartford, Connecticut. From Trinity, he graduated with high honors, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts.

In childhood, young Noyes was blessed with good surroundings and an ideal home. His parents were intelligent, and gave him that moral and religious instruction, which guided his footsteps in after years. The seeds of his manhood were sown at the paternal hearth. Early he disclosed a fondness for reading and study, and a strong desire for education was manifest.

Before completing his course and during the intervals of college work, he engaged in teach- ing at the early age of seventeen. He also did some newspaper work and engaged iu other occupations for his support. He graduated in 1889, and came to Knoxville in 1890.

President Noyes first entered St. Albans Academy as Master in Greek and Latin in 1890. He was promoted to be head master in 1892. In 1894, he leased the school, acting at the same time as its Superintendent. When the insti- tution was incorporated in 1896, he became its President. Under his management, St. Albans has acquired a good reputation for thorough- ness of instruction. It is doubtful whether any western school of a similar grade can make a hetter showing. Her graduates have attained a uniformly high standing.

President Noyes, in his early years, lived in a country of the best of schools and colleges. He was surrounded with classic literature and had the companionship of educated men. He embraced all his opportunities for learning and has become a thorough scholar. He is not for- ward in his address, but rather retiring. He dis- likes large social functions, and never courts popularity.

His dignity of manhood is such that he makes friends that are lasting. He is kind and

affable, and is endowed with warm feelings and generous sympathies. He Is thoroughly con- versant with the duties of his profession, and la not unmindful of home duties, or the duties of citizenship.

Societies, religious or polltical, secret or so- cial, have but little attraction for him. While in college, he was a member of only two fra- ternities: I. K. A. and O. A. X. By virtue of his position as head of St. Albans, he holds a commission as Colonel in the Illinola National Guard.

In religlous faith, he is connected with the Episcopal Church. At present, he is Junior Warden of St. John's Parish, Knoxville.

He was married June 6, 1892, to Eunice Alice Phelps, daughter of Judge Charles H. Phelps, of Burlington, Iowa, niece of Hon. E. J. Phelps, late minister to England.

They have had born to them three children: Dorothy Louise; Arthur Phelps, deceased; and Virginia Murdock.

CORNELIUS RUNKLE.

Cornelius Runkle is one of the few aurvivora of the pioneers of Knoxville and Knox County. He has watched the growth of city and town, and has marked the onward march of civiliza- tion. This venerable man, who is now in his ninetieth year, has been a co-worker here with others for nearly two generations, and has borne a conspicuous part in every good work and improvement.

Mr. Runkle was born in Watervliet, Albany County, New York, January 19, 1810. His father, John Runkle, and his mother, Helen Van Wert, were natives of the same State, though of Hol- land descent. Mr. Runkle was left fatherless when only three years old; but he had the ten- der care of a loving mother until he reached the age of fifteen, when she died, leaving a fam- ily of four sons and two daughters. The chil- dren remained at the old homestead, until August, 1833, when the two elder brothers, John and Henry, came to Illinois. John settled at Hanna City, Peoria County, and resided there until his death at a very advanced age. Henry located at Knoxville. Cornelius started west- ward in August, 1834, seeking his fortune and a home in this almost unexplored region. He reached Knoxville in 1834, and engaged In the mercantile business with his brother for a year and a half. He then went to Mt. Pleasant, Henry County, Iowa, where he was engaged In trade until 1847. He then returned to Knox- ville, accepting a clerkship for his brother, until he was elected Sheriff in 1854. He held this of- fice for two years, and then engaged in the banking business with his brother under the firm name of Runkle and Company. This co- partnership lasted for eight years, when a Na- tional bank was established, which led even- tually to the founding of the First National Bank of Knoxville, with Cornelius Runkle as Its President.

Mr. Runkle conducted the affairs of the bank as its chief head until January, 1885, when he

868

KNOX COUNTY.

resigned that position to a younger man. In all his business relations as a banker, Mr. Run- kle showed a marked ability and a peculiar fit- ness for his vocation. He exhibited a keen financial sagacity and a gentleness of manners towards his customers that was observable by everyone. His probity, genial character, and unswerving honesty won for him friends and fame.

As a banker, Mr. Runkle had one experience which shocked the community far and near. It happened on the night of February 6, 1880, and is told in the following language: "His private sleeping room was in his bank building. After he had retired and gone to sleep, he was awak- ened by three men in his room. They blind- folded and gagged him, after which they took him to the safe and ordered him to unlock it. Not having the combination, he could not do so, and he says that he would not, even if he had known the combination. In order to com- pel him to acquiesce in their demands, they hung him up by the neck, then let him down; he still refused. Then they laid him in bed, drew his feet over the foothoard, and held the lamp underneath them, burning and torturing him in a most fearful manner. They left about three o'clock in the morning; but before go- ing, they tied Mr. Runkle securely in bed, as they thought; but he succeeded after a couple of hours, in releasing himself, and when he went to breakfast, ne gave the alarm. The thieves, however, secured three thousand five hundred dollars, which they found in a small, old- fashioned safe, the key of which was in Mr. Runkle's pocket. It was about two months be- fore he fully recovered from the shock to his system, and the effects of the burning. The thieves were never caught."

What courage, what purpose, Mr. Runkle dis- played in an hour like this. What thoughts, what emotions must have disturbed the usual quietude of his being! Threats may intimidate, but they had no power to destroy his manhood. Torture also was powerless. As a citizen, Mr. Runkle has always shown the same manly character. Firm in the principles of justice and right, kind in disposition, benevolent in his sympathies, and full of charity and good deeds, he has lived a long life above reproach.

In politics, Mr. Runkle in early years was a whig. Afterwards he hecame affiliated with the republican party. He has never been a poli- tician, but has exercised the right of suffrage as his conscience dictated. He is not a mem- ber of any church, but has contributed largely to the support of the Christian religion.

Mr. Runkle was never married.

FRANCIS GRANGER SANBURN.

Francis Granger Sanburn was born in Knox- ville, Illinois, October 4, 1843. His father was John Goold Sanburn, and his mother's maiden name, Althea Owen.

The genealogy of the Sanburn family reaches back to Lieutenant John Sanburn, who was born in 1620. The next in the line of descent was Nathaniel Sanburn, who was born in 1666.

The third generation reaches Jedediah San- burn, Francis' great-grandfather, who was born in 1757. He was one of the patriots of the Revolution, and was on the Lexington "Alarm List," living at Wethersfield, Connecticut. In the fifth generation is found the name of John Goold Sanburn, the father of Francis Granger Sanburn.

John Goold Sanburn was a distinguished man, intellectually, and morally. To his name is linked much of the early history of Knox County. He was born in Canandaigua, New York, March 13, 1797-the home of Francis Granger, Postmaster-General under the first Harrison and the namesake of his son. His parents were New Englanders, and were thor- oughly schooled in industry and economy among the rugged, barren hills of their nativity. They were among the earliest pioneers of west- ern New York, then the home of the savage Indians and wild buffalo. The spirit of enter- prise was in the son, and in the Autumn of 1817, he came to Ohio, where he spent the win- ter in teaching school .. In the Spring of 1818, he embarked in a skiff at Pittsburg with his brother and three other young men, and sailed down the Ohio River, landing at a point op- posite St. Louis. He then, with his companions, made his way on foot to that city. He then went to St. Charles, Missouri, where he spent the summer in teaching. The following winter, he returned to Canandaigua, making almost the entire journey on toot. His diary kept on this journey is in the possession of his children and is highly prized. It shows his spirit, enterprise, and sturdy endurance. After spending two or three years in western New York, he again re- turned West, locating at Vandalia, then the capital of Illinois. He remained here until 1830, when he again visited his native home, mak- ing the journey both ways on horsehack.

About this time, the Military Tract was at- tracting great attention on account of the fer- tility of its soil and other natural advantages. Mr. Sanburn saw here an opportunity, and in 1830, opened a store in Henderson Grove. In this year, the new County of Knox was organ- ized. At the same time Knoxville became the county seat. Mr. Sanhurn, by reason of his gen- eral intelligence and accurate business havils, held nearly all the important offices. He was Clerk of the Circuit Court, Clerk of the County Court, Recorder, Probate Judge, and Postmas- ter.

Mr. Sanburn was married in 1831 to Althea Owen, a native of western New York. At an early age she came to Ohio, thence to Knox County, Illinois. To them were born six chil- dren, four sons and two daughters.

At the time of his death, Mr. Sanburn was Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue of Knox County. He also held other minor offices, such as City Clerk and Trustee of both Knox and Ewing University.

As a man, Mr. Sanburn was kind, well edu- cated, well informed, and a pleasing conversa- tionalist. He was positive in his political pref- erences, was formerly a whig, but later a repub-

869

KNOX COUNTY.

lican. He was patriotic and loyal, and during the Civil War, was a strong advocate of free- dom and union. In religion he was an Episco- palian, but with his wife, attended the Presby- terian Church.

Mr. Sanburn died April 14, 1865, the day President Lincoln was assassinated. Mrs. San- burn died at the old home in Knoxville, January 30, 1883.

Francis G. Sanburn was fortunate in his birth. He belonged to a family of lofty aims and of great moral worth. He was the fifth of seven children, and was taught in boyhood the high moral lessons that blossomed into the fruit of a true manly life. In childhood, he re- ceived much instruction from loving parents, and in mature years, he had the advantages of the common school, and of higher institutions of learning. Early, he became well fitted to enter upon the active duties and business of life. Like many a young man, he went west- ward, spending a summer in Kansas. He soon, however, returned to his native State, and was next engaged for two years as Deputy Postmas- ter, under the late Z. Beatty. In 1872, he went to Topeka, Kansas, and was employed there but a short time. He next found employment in the firm of Phillips Brothers at Galesburg. He soon resigned this position and accepted the offer of a clerkship in the Farmers' National Bank in Knoxville, which was more to his taste and liking. With this bank, he remained until his death, serving for several of the last years of his life as its President.

The esteem in which Mr. Sanburn is held is marked. His friends and fellow citizens had perfect confidence in his integrity and ability, and had no misgivings in placing him in posi- tions of honor and trust. He was retiring, and had no hankering after office; and yet, he served his native city two terms as City Clerk, five or six terms as City Treasurer, and two terms as a member of the Board of Education.

A graphic representation of his early life may be obtained from the following sketch, written by his sister, Althea O. Sanburn:

"His early childhood was passed in the modest home of his parents. He engaged with keen in- terest in the amusements of boyhood life, but was equally ready and willing to bear his share in the tasks and duties of home life suited to his years. He early showed mechanical tastes, and delighted younger children of the neighbor- hood by his constructive genius. Numerous water-wheels, windmills, fishing seines, and, fin- ally, a miniature railroad on which the boys and girls were delighted to ride, though in a rude box car, were some of the results of his recreation hours up to his thirteenth year. His love for flowers was very marked, and he never failed to find the first spring blossoms before others suspected their arrival. While a mere boy, he became quite an expert in budding and grafting choice varieties of roses, which were his favorites. As a child, his mind was quick and active, and his reasoning powers good. In school he was a diligent pupil and a general favorite with his teachers."

Mr. Sanburn had no striking characteristics. He was admired for his equanimity of temper, his gentleness of manner, and his uprightness of character. He was not given to frivolity, but was always sedate and thoughtful in his bear- ing. He was kind to the unthankful, full of charity for the unfortunate, and merciful in speech and act. He lived a life above reproach, and had the reward that comes through indus- try, strict integrity, and Christian obligation.

Mr. Sanburn's religious faith was Presby- terian. In early manhood, he joined that church, and was an elder therein for about five years. He was not a partisan or a ponucian, but was a firm adherent to principle. He was a republican, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln for President.

Mr. Sanburn was married August 1, 1818, to Mary H. McCracken, who was born in Worth- ington, Ohio, and died in Knoxville, Illinois, February 7, 1881. When a child, her parents removed to Knoxville. She graduated from St. Mary's in 1871. After graduation and until two years after her marriage, she taught painting

in oil, Latin, French, and the sciences in her Alma Mater.

To Mr. and Mrs. Sanburn was born one daughter, Mary Louise.

BANNON, JOHN F .; General Merchant; East Galesburg. Knox Township; born in Lowville, Lewis County, New York, September 10, 1866; received an academic education in Lewis County, New York. His father, Patrick Bannon, was born in Ireland; his mother, Julia (Carroll), was born in Lewis County, New York. Decem- ber 13, 1893, Mr. Bannon was married in Al- tona, Knox County, Illinois, to Lottie E. Pierce; they have two sons, Raymond C. and Harold M. Mrs. Bannon's father, Mathew Pierce, was born in Lewis County, New York, in 1832. He was educated in the common schools and was by occupation a farmer. He was still a young man when he came to this State and county. He was twice married, first to Mary Hobbs, who died in 1861. They had three children: Charles, Ella and Mary. Mr. Pierce's second wife was Amelia (Mix), formerly of Dutchess County, New York. They had five children: Delbert, who died in his eighteenth year; Lottie E .; William E .; Lorenzo; and Park A. Mr. Bannon was one of seven children: James Patrick, Edward, John F., Jennie, Nettie and Florence. Mr. Bannon's father died June 8, 1886; his mother is still living. Mr. Bannon is a member of the I. O. O. F., Veritas Lodge, No. 478, Gales- burg, Illinois; Hazle Lodge, No. 378, Knights of Pythias, East Galesburg; East Galesburg Camp, No. 2436, M. W. of A .; and of Fraternal Tribunes of East Galesburg, No. 17. He is a democrat in politics.

BECKER, LOUIS; Knoxville; Physician; born in Clarksville, Tennessee, October 15, 1864; edu- cated in Galesburg, Illinois. His father, Lother Becker, was born in Germany; his mother, Mary (Smith), in Vermont. His maternal grandparents, Loren and Eliza (Bemis) Smith, were natives of Vermont. Dr. Becker studied

870

KNOX COUNTY.

medicine one year at Michigan University, Ann Arbor, and graduated from the Chicago Med- ical College in 1888. He has had a successful practice at Knoxville. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is a re- publican. October 11, 1888, Dr. Becker married Addie H. Rearick in Galesburg; they have three children: Harry F., F. Marjorie and L. Dunster.

BORRELL, CHRISTOPHER; Farmer; Knox- ville; first husband of Mrs. Hannah Patterson; born July 9, 1834, in England, where he received his education. February 16, 1859, in Knox Township, he was married to Hannah A. Rew- land. Their three children now living are: George T., Charles J. and Emily M. George T. married Melinda Patterson, of Warren County. Emily M. married Bert C. Allen; they have two children: Mary A. and Clyde F. Charles J. married Rosa B. Sharp; they have six children: C. Edward, William C., George G., Emily E., Sarah F. and Samuel C. Mr. Bor- rell was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he was independent. He died August 19, 1881.

BUCK, FRANK; Knoxville; Cooper; born September 9, 1842, in Altheim, Germany, and educated in that country. June 29, 1864, in Knoxville, he was married to Barbara C. Reker, daughter of Christian G. and Wilhelmina (Birch) Reker. Mrs. Buck's parents were born in Germany, her father in 1798. They had nine children: William, Christian, August, Gottleib, Frederick, Marie, Barbara C., Sophia and Caro- line. His parents are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Buck had four children: William M., John A., Nellie J. and Frank C. Mrs. Buck is a mem- ber of the Christian Church. Mr. Buck was a democrat in politics. He died September 9, 1894.

BUCKLEY, ROBERT ROLLAND; Retired Farmer; Knox Township; born

in Yates County, New York, February 26, 1827; edu- cated in the district schools of Illinois. His parents, John and Nancy (Ambree) Buckley, were born in New York, the former in Yates, the latter in Saratoga County. His paternal grandmother, Mary (Botsford), was a native of Mohawk Valley, as were also his maternal grandparents, Rolland and Ann (Van Amburgh) Embree. His paternal grandfather, Robert Buckley, was born in Connecticut. Mr. R. R. Buckley has been married three times. His first wife was Mary M. Carter, whom he married in Tazewell County, Illinois. His second wife was Alvira Charles, whom he married in Knoxville in April, 1883. They had one son, Rolland C. His third wife was Hannah E. Miles, daughter of Hon. Rufus Miles, of Persifer Township, whom he married at Galesburg, April 19, 1892. They had two children, Mary A. and John Miles. Mr. Buckley attends the Presbyterian Church. He is a republican.

BUTT, CHARLES N .; Farmer; Knox Town- ship; born in Champaign County, Ohio, March 10, 1833; educated in one of the log school houses of Knox County. His parents, Thomas D. and Sarah (Williams) Butt, were born in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. His paternal

grandparents, Archibald and Sarah (Norris) Butt, and his maternal grandparents, John and Martha (Knight) Williams, were natives of Virginia. Archibald Butt was Drum Major in the War of 1812, and while on a retreat was wounded in the shoulder by a shot through his drum. December 31, 1857, Mr. Butt was married to Sarah S. Montgomery in Knox County. They have one child, Harvey J., who is cashier in the Farmers' National Bank of Knoxville. Harvey J. was married to Sarah McCracken. They have one daughter, Dorris. Mr. Butt's brother, George W., and several of his cousins were sol- diers in the War of the Rebellion. In religion, Mr. Butt is a nominal Protestant. In politics, he is a democrat.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 177

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