USA > Illinois > Knox County > History of Knox county, Illinois > Part 59
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71
Barber, J. G., farmer, son of James and Mary (McForlard) Barber, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Ohio, was born in Ohio, Oct. 7, 1848. He was educated in the common schools; early life passed in learning a trade; fol- lowed the business of engineering and sawing, which proved satisfactory to him, but finally changed it to farming; re- moved from Ohio to Knox county Nov. 28. 1868; was married to Mary Ellen Fields. They are the parents of four children. He has been quite successtul as a farmer, and is now in moderate cir- cumstances. In politics he is Democratic. Postoffice, Knoxville.
Barbero, Nathan, son of John and Sarah (Van Patten) Barbero, natives of New York, was born in Montgomery county, N. Y., April 13, 1805 ; had a lit- tlc schooling in district school before 10 ycars old; reared on farm; learned the trade of carpenter; built many carding machines at Maquon; drove a team in the war of 1812; came to Knox county in 1839; married Calista W. Loomis March, 1832; parents of four children. Mr. R. drove from New York once with. 1,500 pounds on wagon in twenty-two days. He is a member of the Christian church; Republican; residence, Maquon.
Barker, "John F., photographer, is the son of Amos and Sophia Barker, both of Connecticut, was born in Nunda, N. Y., Nov. 14, 1831. He received his education in the district schools of' Nun- da and by study and observation since. Most of his early life was spent on a farm. He learned photography. He was As- sistant Postmaster in Belfast. N. Y., and . was Commissary Sergeant and military detective in the late war. He went from New York to Whitewater, Wis ; went back to Nunda, and thence to Galesburg.
...
650
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
Has been a member of the M. E. Church since 1856; is Steward and Trustee. Is a Republican.
Barnes, M. S., cditor of Galesburg Press, was born in Malone, N. Y., March 4, 1824. His parents were William and Margaret Barnes, of Vermont. He re- ceived a liberal education; learned the printer's trade, and became an editor at 16. He served in Second Illinois Regi- ment in the Mexican war; was at the battle of Buena Vista-wounded After war conducted Southport American(Wis.); 1849 became editor of Independent Watch- man, Ithaca, N. Y .; remained till 1856; he then removed to Chicago and became editor Chicago Daily Ledger, and when the war broke out was editor RockIsland Daily Register. Helped raise 37th Illi- nois Infantry ; was commissioned Colonel and served with distinction and after- wards was breveted Brigadier General. Left army in 1863 and published Rock Islund Union. Raised 140th Regiment, but did not enter field. Gen. B. is per- haps the oldest newspaper man in Illi- nois. In political views a Democrat.
Barnes, E. F., farmer, son of Ezra and Ann C. (Davis) Barnes, was born May 7, 1840, in Clinton county, O. He was reared upon a farm, and received liis ed- ucation in the common school; came from Ohio to Knox county in 1868. He married Sarah E. Moon Sept. 29, 1859. They have two sons and two daughters. He lias been a member of the Christian Church since 1857. Political views Dem- ocratic. Postoffice, Hermon.
Barringer, Henry, son of Peter D. and Elizabeth Barringer, natives of Rensselaer county, N. Y., born at Poesten- kill, Pine county, N. Y., Sept. 14, 1821; was blacksmith, but changed his trade to that of carpenter in 1874; was in Company K, 83d Illinois Infantry ; in 1853 removed to Pike county, Ill., and to Wataga in 1857; married Margaret E Simmons July 20, 1844, and they are the parents of one son and one daugh- ter. He is a Close-Communion Baptist, uniting with the church in 1855. Is a Republican. Postoffice, Wataga.
Barton, I. H., Galesburg.
Bartholomew, T. E., Galesburg. Bartlett, John D., Sr., born at Norridge, Vt., 1805. His father, Geo. C. Bartlett, a native of same place; his mother, Anna (Swain) Bartlett, was born at Newark, N. J .: removed to New York, 1807, to Ohio, 1814; came to Rio town- ship, Knox county, 1844; was connected with U. S. mail service in Genesee county, N. Y., and Postmaster sixteen years in Rio; married Sarah Pryne; they have hree sons and two daughters; is a farmer
in good circumstances: in politics a Re- publican. Postoffice, Rio.
Bartlett, I. S., upholsterer, Gales- burg.
Bassett, Chas. K., editor Abing- don Register, was born in that city Feb. 24, 1859. His parents are George and Nancy (Wilson) Bassett, the former a na- tive of New York, the latter of Ohio. Charles spent six years in the common schools of Abingdon, and then com- menced the printing business, issuing a tiny amateur paper. For his journalist- ic career we refer to sketch of his paper in this book.
Bateman, Hon.Newton, Presi- dent of Knox College, was born in Cum- berland county, N. J., July 27, 1823; came to Illinois in 1833. His opportu- nities for education in early years were very limited. In 1835 he attended the an- niversary exercises of Illinois College, and was deeply impressed with the addresses of the graduates, and then and there he formed the determination that lie too would deliver a graduate's oration from that platform. Poverty stared him in the face, and for four years he was prc- vented from commencing to execute lıis plans. In 1839 he entered upon preparation. So zealous were his ef- forts, and so remarkable his powers of acquisition, that in less than four months he passed a satisfactory ex- amination, and entered the freshman class. The rigid economy practiced, tlie arduous labor performed-chopping wood, sweeping rooms, making fires, and all manner of work, besides teaching at in- tervals, and his constancy of purpose and application, and the marvelous rapidity with which lic advanced appear like a stirring romance. While fitting for col- lege lie studied in the woods in warm weather; but when the cool scason came on, a huge elm tree which stood ncar his home was selected. It was hollow. He cut a hole in one side for a door, cleared it out and furnished it with a rough stool and table, and a piece of carpet. In this novel domicil, warmed by a fire in front of the door, the master pursued liis studies for months. When lie entered upon his freshman year his caslı capital was $2 50. He supported himself unaided through his college course; his boarding expenses during the sophomore year aver- aged only 11 cents per week ; and through the whole four years averaged but 45 cents per week.
In June, 1843, lie did deliver liis grad- nating oration from that same platforni. After a brief attendance at the Lane The- ological Seminary, at Cincinnati, lie ac- cepted a traveling agency for a historical
651
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
chart, and traveled extensively in several States, which brought him in contact with many teachers and prominent men, and afforded him an opportunity to be- come acquainted with the educational deficiencies and needs of the people.
In 1845 he opened a private school in St. Louis. In 1847 he was chosen Pro- fessor of Mathematics in St. Charles Col- lege, Mo., and remained till 1851, when he went to Jacksonville, where he was elected Principal of the Public Schools. While there he was twice elected County Superintendent of Schools In 1954 he assisted in organizing the State Teach- ers' Association, and was one of the committee who established the Illinois Teacher. He was one of the first board of editors, and in 1858 principal editor ; same year he was chosen Principal of Jacksonville Female Academy. Early in the year he, with others, began efforts which resulted in establishing the Nor- mal University.
Mr. B. was first nominated for the po- sition of State Superintendent of Public Instruction by the teachers in conven- tion in 1855; and the following year by the Republican State Convention, but de- clined. In 1858 he was elected to the that office. He received in all seven nominations by the Republican party, and five times was elected by a large majority,-one time by a larger major- ity than any Congressman or State officer had ever received. In 1860 ap- peared the first of that series of mas- terly biennial reports which charac- terized him as one of the leading edu- cators of this country. In these re- ports he grappled with the profoundest as well as the most practical educational questions of the day. As a teacher he has been eminently successful. He was elected President of Knox college in 1874.
An interesting volume could be com- piled of his life work, but our space for- bids.
Baxter, Joshua, Section 26, Hẹn- derson township. Postoffice, Henderson.
Beach, J. W., merchant, Gales- burg.
Beatty, Zaccheus, editor of the Republican Register, Galesburg.
Becker, John, merchant and farmer; was born in Otsego county, N. Y., June 10, 1811 ; his parents were Philip and Catherine (Wager) Becker, the former of Otsego county, the latter of Columbia county, N. Y. He spent his childhood on a farm, and his educational opportunities were limited to the district schools of his native county. He en- gaged in the mercantile business at the age of 18, and continued in it till 1866. In 1844 he came to Victoria, this county,
and built a store and started in business. In 1845, June 10, he married- Mary Jane Smith, by whom he has had seven chil- dren, of whom only three are now living. They removed to Galesburg in 1866. Mr. B.'s attention has been divided between merchandising and farming, he having purchased and managed a large farm which he still owns. Republican.
Beechtel, George, carpenter, born in Pennsylvania in 1831 ; his parents are John Y. and Susanna (Gerhart) Beech- tel, of Pennsylvania. He was educated in common schools; was musician in the 16th Illinois Infantry; came to Illinois in 1856, went to Kansas in 1870, and re- turned in 1874; married Miss E. S. Haines in 1868; two children of the four born to them are living. Postoffice, Galesburg; politics. Republican.
Behringer. George, farmer, son of Michael and Helen Behringer, natives of Germany; was born in Galesburg Ncv. 4, 1856; moved to Sparta township in 1875: independent in politics. Post- office, Wataģa.
Belden, Marcus, farmer and grain merchant, was born in Greenfield, Saratoga county, N. Y., April 1, 1815. He is the son of Aaron and Sarah (Wood) Belden, of the same county; his early life was spent on a farm, and his educa- tion obtained in the common schools and by individual effort. When he was 10 years old his parents moved to Genesee county, N. Y .; he came to Galesburg in the spring of 1840; since he settled in Illinois he has been engaged in farming and dealing heavily in grain. He has held the office of Mayor of Galesburg, and has been Alderman for six years; April 21, 1846, he married Ann Norton, who was the mother of four girls. He married Louvica B. Rigby for his second wife, by whom he has two sons and two daughters ; he has been a member of the Congregational Church for years, and an Elder in the "First Church of Christ" for twenty years. He was a strong Abo- litionist, and an active member of the Underground Railroad Company ; he has hauled many loads of wheat to Chicago, and has camped opposite the Tremont House. Postoffice, Galesburg.
Belden, H. W., proprietor Depot Hotel, Galesburg.
Belden, Clark, farmer, son of W. O. and Nancy Belden, of New York ; was born in Cedar township, Knox county, Ill., in 1855; was educated at the district school ; he removed to Iowa, but returned after a short stay. Mr. B. has always been quite active in society circles. He is a Republican. Postoffice. Galesburg.
Bellwood, James, farmer ; son of Seth M. and Polly C. (Shumaker) Bell-
...
652
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
wood, natives of Ohio; was born in this county March 3, 1845, where, in the com- mon schools he was educated; served as School Director, and is Constable; was marricd Aug. 11, 1870, to Sarah E. Shu- maker; two children have blessed this union; one dead. Democrat. Postoffice, St. Augustine.
Bellows, Frank D., foreman molding shop, Frost factory, Galesburg. Belknap, Erwin H., conductor C., B. & Q. R. R .; residence, Galesburg.
Bennett, William, farmer, son of George and Betsey Bennett, of Eng- land; was born in England in 1831; he spent his early life till 25 years of age in a cotton manufactory, after which he turned his attention to farming; lis edu- cation was obtained chiefly in evening schools; he came from England to Knox county, Ill., in 1856; he has filled the of- fice of school director for six years in this county. Hc married Sarah Chap- man in 1860, by whom he has had th. ee children, two of whom are living; his po- litical views are Republican. Postoffice, Douglass.
Berggren, Augustus W., Sher- iff ; was born in "Amot," Sweden, Aug. 17, 1840. He is the son of Johan and Karin Berggren; he received his educa- tion in the country schools of Sweden and by instructions from his father, who was a well-read man. Hespent his early life until 14 on a farm. At that time he contracted to serve a five-year apprentice- ship at the tailor's trade, the first three for his board, the last two for a very small additional compensation. In 1856, his father, five brothers and one sister and himself started to America, and after a nine weeks' voyage in a small sailing ves- sel they reached New York, from whence they proceeded to Oneida, Knox county. The subject of this sketch worked at his trade in Victoria the first year after his arrival, for $8 per month, at the expira- tion of which time he came to Galesburg, where lie has lived since, except four years spent in Monmouth, Warren county. He was elected City Justice in 1869, at the age of 29, and while filling that office in 1872, was elected Sheriff by the Re- publican party ; he was again re-elected in 1874, 1876, and 1878 nominated for the fourth term, and again re elected. Mr. Berggren has a fine talent for music, and for several years teaching music was his principal occupation; he was leader of a string band at Monmouth and at Galesburg; taught and arranged music for bands. Hc was married to Christine Naslund, March 10, 1866, which has resulted in a family of one daughter and three sons; he is a promi-
nent member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellow orders, and a high official in each; he has been a member of the Swe- dish M. E. Church since 1870, and is- President of the Board of Trustees of the church in Galesburg. Politically he is a staunch Republican. P. O. Galesburg.
Bevard, George, farmer, was born in Huntington county, Pa., April 16, 1801; he is the son of John B. and Hester (Smith) Bevard; father born in Ireland, mother in Maryland; his early life was passed on a farm, and his educa- tion was such as the common schools afforded; hc removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio when that country was new; left Ohio and came to Fulton county, Ill., in 1845, from there to Knox county in 1854; he was married to Hannah Crone Sept. 21, 1826, which union resulted in ten children, of whom four sons and three daughters are living. He has been a member of the Christian church since 1837; is a Republican. P. O. Hermon.
Bevier, Celia R. A. L. R. Bevier,. her father, was born in Ulster county, N. Y., July 16, 1820, and her mother, Adaline (Misner) Bevier was a native of Sullivan county, N. Y., born April 20, 1826; Celia was born at LaFayette. Stark county, Ill., May 23, 1855, united with the Stark County Congregational Church, was received by Elder Delle, of La- Fayette. Postoffice, Mitchellville, Iowa.
Biggerstaff, William, farmer, was born in Athens county, Ohio, Sept. 11, 1803; he is the son of John and Mary Biggerstaff, the former of Virginia, the- latter of Pennsylvania; he was educated in the common schools, and learned the harness-maker's trade in youth; later in life abandoned that business and devoted himself to farming; he also engaged in the mercantile business in Gilson for a. time; he came to Knox county in 1851; in 1823 he married Mary Kirgan, and as his second wife he married Debora Ducenberry, in 1977; he joined the M. E. Church in 1833. Politically he is Dem- ocratic. Postoffice, Elba Center.
Binge, George P., farmer ; rcsides on section 1, Walnut Grove township. Postoffice, Galva, Henry county, Ill.
Bishop, Samuel H., farmer, was born Feb. 24, 1837, in the State of Penn- sylvania ; his parents were John M. and Jane Elizabeth Bishop, the former a na- tive of New York, and the latter of New Jersey ; he enjoyed only the advantages of a common school education; he came West to Indiana in 1852, and to Knox county, in 1860. He was married Jan. 27, 1864, to Amelia Calkins, and has three sons and one daughter living, and one daughter deceased; joined the M. E.
653
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
church in 1861, is Class-leader and Sec- retary of the church. Politically is a Republican. Postoffice, Oneida.
Blair John L., physician, Abing- don; was born in Franklin county, Pa., Sept. 18, 1845; his parents were James and Mary (Lawton) Blair, the former of Maryland, the latter a native of Ireland. Dr. B. was educated at Dickinson Sem- inary and Marshall College, Pennsyl- vania, regularly preparing himself for the study of medicine; he entered the University of Michigan, after which he went to the University of Maryland, where he graduated, holding a place in front rank. He lias also attended lec- tures at the Universities of New York and Edinburgh. In a scientific point of view the Dr. has but few equals, which is shown in a clock constructed by him alone and inside of a period of a year, during leisure. As a piece of mechan- ism it las no equal. In it are combined the sciences of astronomy, anatomy, mathematics and mechanics. It tells the minutes and hours, and has but one hand; it tells the day of the week, the week of the year, the month and the day of the month. It also tells the time of day in any part of the world; it explains longitude and time. There are three skeletons: One strikes the time of day, one plays a tune every hour five minutes before striking, the third represents Father Time. On the top of the clock stands two small forts-Moultrie and Sumter-mounted with small cannons; Suinter is fired on by Beauregard, giving the date. It also shows the assassination of Lincoln by Booth, who fires at Lin- coln and he drops forward; this is only visible the day of the year the President was killed. It also shows any historical scene you may want, and as many. It represents the fall of the Southern Con- federacy with Jeff Davis in petticoats. Astronomically this clock shows the earth passing around the sun every 36514 days, and on its own axis each day; in passing through its orbit, goes through the twelve constellations or signs of the zodiac, as well as through her seasons she enters her solstices. It shows the moon and all its movements, and all the planets and their movements. Hal- ley's comet is shown, and other wonders. He was married to Sadie Ann Anderson Feb. 27, 1867, who has borne him two children.
Blakeslee, Sala, farmer, son of Sala and Mary (Merchant) Blakeslee, of Connecticut; was born Jan. 14, 1805, in the State of Connecticut. His education was limited to the common schools; he worked a while at the blacksmith trade in his youth, but abandoned it for the
the farn : his parents moved to Ohio in 1817, and he came to Knox county in 1834; he was married on Jan. 10, 1830; he has held the offices of School Director . and Commissioner of Highways for many years. Postoffice, Douglass.
Blanchard, Jonathan, was born in Rockingham, Vt., Jan. 19, 1811; lie shared the labors and the sports of New England farmer boys, laying there the foundation for that superb physique . for which he has since been so distin- guished. He attended the district school of his native place, going thence to Ches- ter Academy, where he fitted for college; he graduated at Middlebury College in 1832. Though but 21 years of age, he was immediately elected Preceptor of Plattsburg Academy, where he taught two years to earn money to continue liis studies. Prior to this, however, he had consecrated himself to the work of the ministry, and in 1834 he entered Ando- ver Theological Seminary, where he re- mained two years.
About this time the cause of human freedom began to revive; the smoke of the slavery controversy began to blacken the air, the war in words waxed fierce, and the valiant little band of anti-slavery workers sent up a cry for help. Mr. Blanchard responded; leaving the sem- inary, he spent a year in Pennsylvania battling for the right, where he soon be- came a leader of the noble band of re- formers. He then finished his theologi- cal course and graduated at Lane Sem- inary, Cincinnati; was ordained and then installed over the Sixth Presbyterian Church in that city, Oct. 31, 1838, wliere he remained nine years, serving with so great fidelity that 500 were added to the church. He was also active in the va- rious forms of Christian, temperance and other philanthropic work in the city. Stationed thus on the boundary between the slave States and the free, his anti- slavery zeal was kept well fired up; he was sent in 1843 as a delegate to the sec- ond World's Anti-slavery Convention in London, and was there elected the Amer- ican Vice-president of that body.
In 1846 he was called to the Presi- dency of Knox College. So promptly and completely did he and his amiable wife identify themselves with every in- terest of the college that before they had been here a month every citizen felt that they had always lived here. During the fourteen years of liis presidency here there was not one agency in the village for the promotion of good which did not · receive their aid; he was 35 years of age when he eame to Galesburg. Teaching all day, writing much of the niglit, preaching a great portion of the time,
-
654
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
taking the lead in all good enterprises, caring with fatherly kindness for all the students, spending his vacations in travel- ing and striving to enlist his friends in the interests of the college .- with all these labors abundant, it is no wonder that he grew aged before his time. He came here in his early prime, he left here an old, gray-haired man.
When he came, the college was in its in- .fancy ; he graduated its very first class and the 13 following. The "Seminary" had no existence, the ladies' collegiate course being organized under his direction. Financially, also, his administration was a success. He found the college in debt several thousand dollars and running behind, and for several years before he left it each annual report of its treasurer showed it free from debt; the main col- lege building and the seminary was erected and paid for, and when he re- signed, the college property was estima- ted at $400,000 to $500,000. Much of this increase was of course due to the rise in real estate; but credit is due to Mr. Blanchard, as he collected or received from personal friends and paid into the treasury over $50,000, which obviated the necessity of sacrificing real estate be- fore it attained its highest value.
He was naturally a teacher, and in- spired his pupils with such a love for learning that all their future lives felt the influence of that inspiration. He possesses in a wonderful degree that personal magnetism which draws people unto him. In spite of all the seeming hard- ness which his life-long conflict with evil has developed, or rather with which it has encased him, underlying the strength of his character is a vein of tenderness which makes children always recognize in him a friend.
When his resignation was accepted he was invited to continue in charge of the college the following year, which he did. At its close he became pastor of the First Church. He was closely identified with all kinds of Christian work throughout this county. The first sermon in Oneida was preached by him. In 1860 he ac- cepted a call to the Presidency of Whea- ton College, where he has labored un- tiringly for these 18 years.
He has his faults, but they are the faults of a strong nature, and such as necessarily arise from his hand-to-hand conflicts with evil. A reformer by na- ture, he must ever suffer, as all reformers do, from being misunderstood by his fel- lows, because he is in advance of them.
During these years the part which Mrs. B. took was scarcely less important than his. She gave gentleness, regularity and cheerfulness to their whole work.
Bliss, Cyrus, farmer, was born in 1834,in Chautauqua, N.Y .; son of Z.G. and Mabcl (Gillett) Bliss, the former a native of New York and the latter of Connecti- cut; early life was passed on the farm. His general character in youth was hon- est and upright; moved to Peoria county, Ill., in 1837, and settled there until 1853, when he moved to Knox county; in 1855 was married to Angelina Smith, and now are the parents of six children; in 1859 united with the Christian Church : has always been engaged in farming, and been quite successful. P. O. Yates City.
Block, Charles Owen, mer- chant, Galesburg ; was born in Muscatine, Ia., May 8, 1846; had a good common school education; embarked in dry-goods and notion business several years ago in Galesburg with small capital, but now has an extensive trade and carries a large stock.
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.