USA > Illinois > Knox County > History of Knox county, Illinois > Part 61
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
Butler, James W., has for many years been prominently before the pub- lic as an educator and prcacher of the Gospel of the Christian Church. He was born in Warren county, Ky., Oct. 2, 1826. His father, Peter Butler, moved to War- ren county, Ill., in 1829, hence was among the earliest settlers in this part of the State. In 1853 he removed to Polk county, Oregon, where he died in 1856. His mother was Rachel (Murphy) Butler, of Kentucky. The first school attended by Mr. B. was taught in a log school- house in Warren county, Ill. His first teacher was Alexander Reynolds, a preacher ; subsequently he received train- ing of that successful teacher, officer and farmer, Howell Haskell. In 1845 he en- tered Knox Academy, Galesburg, and after two years entered Knox College. In 1847 he entered Bethany College, . Bethany, Va., where he graduated in 1850, and soon entered upon the ministry. It was under the preaching of Alexander Campbell while at Bethany that he made a profession of religion and was im- mersed by W. K. Pendleton, the present President of Bethany. Among his class-
..
660
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
mates were J. B. New, late Treasurer of United States, and J. W. McGarvy, Pro- fessor in Kentucky University. July 1, 1851, he was married to Mary E. Ground, daughter of Henry Ground, who resides two miles west of Abingdon. Mrz. B. has ever been a faithful and devoted wife. In 1853 he was elected Treasurer of War- ren county, which position he held until called to the chair of Mathematics in Abingdon College in 1855. The princi- pal work of his life was performed while President of that college, which position he filled for fourteen years. During the war it seemed the College must fail, the trustees could not pay the Faculty, but President B. assumed all, and by his un- tiring labors raised it to prominence among Western Colleges. In 1867 he was called to the Presidency of Christian College, Monmouth, Oregon. 'The trus- · tees of Abingdon College would not ac- cept his resignation, but consented to his absence six months. In Aug., 1867, he and his family sailed from New York city for California, whence, after a short visit, they went to Oregon. Feb. 2, 1868, they started home by rail. At Rowling Springs a heavy snow storm was en- countered, which stopped the train and cut off all communications either way. The snow filled the cuts to the depth of 25 feet. After three weeks delay, and in great danger they proceeded on their way. In 1874 he was called to the Pres- idency of Christian College, Santa Rosa, California, which position he filled for one year, where he also was Pastor of the Christian church. He is logical and for- cible in argument, pleasing and courte- ous in manner, and possesses rare good judgment, In 1877 he was elected Su- pervisor, and re-elected in 1878. He has but one child living His son, Seldon H, is a graduate of Abingdon College, also of the Law Department of the North- western University, Chicago.
Butt, Charles Norris, farmer, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, March 10, 1833. He is the son of Thomas D. and Sarah (Williams) Butt, of Green- briar county, West Virginia. His parents came to Knox county, Ill., in 1837. He was educated in the district schools of Persifer township. He still lives on the old farm six miles east of Knoxville, where his parents sett ed forty-one ycars ago. He filled the office of Road Com- missioner in Knox township, in the years of 1875-6-7. Dec. 31, 1857, he married Sarah S. Montgomery, who has borne him one child, a son. Politically, he is Republican. Postoffice, Knoxville.
Byram, Nelson B., son of Joseph and Abigail L. (Harris) Byram, natives of New Jersey; was born in Dayton,
Ohio, April 4, 1818, educated in common schools in Indiana, and reared on the farm ; learned the blacksmith trade, which he changed to farming ; was married Dec. 24, 1847, to Rebecca Jane Hamilton, who has borne him three children; united with M. E. Church in 1857; has been Collector, Town Clerk and Justice of the - Peace. Republican in politics. Post- office, Knoxville.
Cadwell, J. P., Postoffice, Altona. Cadwallader. William O., miller, of London Mills, Fulton county, Ill., was born Sept. 10, 1830, in Hahoning county, Penn .; his parents were Eli and Catharine (Hank) Cadwallader, the for- mer a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Maryland. He received a com- mon school education; worked at shoe- making until 1858, then followed other professions and business until he changed to milling, in which he has been very successful. June 11, 1855, he was mar- ried to Isabel Sence; they have been the parents of one child, a boy, who died at three years of age. He removed to Ohio, thence to Iowa, and to Illinois in 1866; he is Republican; he clings to the Uni- nitarian doctrine; was Township Clerk in Iowa, Postmaster in Ohio, and is now Postmaster. Postoffice, London Mills, Fulton county.
Calkins, Win. C., attorney, Gales- burg, of the firm of Mckenzie & Calkins.
Calkins, Edwin J., son of Elijah and Philena (Coleman) Calkins, was born Oct. 23, 1811, in Hillsdale, Columbia coun- ty, N. Y .; he learned the carpenter trade in his youth, and followed the business until 1837, when he quit it and went to farming: he settled in Sparta town- ship in 1837, where he has since re- . sided; he was united in matrimony with Harriet Alvira Park in 1836, who borc him threc sons and two daughters; he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is one of its Trustees; polit- ically he is a Republican. Postoffice, Oneida.
Campbell, Orange L., editor Knox Republican, is the son of Elisha and Mary A. (Lowell) Campbell, the for- mer of Ohio, the latter of Maryland; he was born in Knoxville March 7, 1852; educated in public schools and the print- ing office; learned the printer's trade quite young ; is City Clerk of Knoxville; was married June 19, 1873, to Miss A. S. Bull, who has borne him two children ; a Presbyterian in religious faith and Re- publican in politics.
Cardiff, Mrs. Edward, Section 2, Lynn township. Postoffice, Galva.
Carr, Clark E., Postmaster Gales- burg.
Carr. M. S., M. D., Galesburg.
661
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
Carpenter, Asaph Newton, is the son of Asaph and Caroline Carpen- ter, of Rehoboth, Mass., where he was born June 2, 1828; his parents lived on a farm. Early in life lie manifested a genius for invention, which took the di- rection of landscape architecture; he labored at liis chosen art with an inten- sity of devotion, without an instructor, until it can be truthfully said he is mas- ter of it, having conceived and executed some of the most extensive and beautiful scenic effects, in both private and public grounds, to be found in America. His love for his calling amounts to a fascination, and he still plies himself to it with an unabated zeal. On the 20th of November, 1853, he was married to Mary Elizabeth Winter; their family con- sists of two daughters. They came to Galesburg in 1854.
Cashman, D. A., Indian Point township. Postoffice, Hermon.
Cashman, J. L., farmer, the son of George and Rebecca J (Murphy) Cashman, was born in Clinton county, O., Jan. 6, 1836; he had such educational advantages as the common schools of Ohio afforded till he was 14 years of age, when his parents came and settled in Tazewell county, Ill. ; he removed to Knox county in 1856, where he has since lived ; he has held the offices of School Director and Road Commissioner in Indian Point township; he married Martha E. Bond Dec. 31, 1858, by whom he has one son and one daughter; he is a Deacon in the Hermon Christian Church: has been a member since 1852: Democratic in poli- tics. Postoffice, Abingdon.
Cashman, I. M., farmer, whose parents were George and Rebecca J. (Murphy) Cashman, formerly of Vir .. ginia, was born in Tazewell county, Ill., Feb. 11, 1850 ;. his educational advantages were the High School of Cherry Grove and a course in the Abingdon College; he was married Jan. 16, 1873, since which time he has lived in Knox county; he has been a member of the Christian Church since 1870: politically he is a Democrat. Postoffice, Hermon.
Cassel, Elmer, Sparta township. Postoffice, Wataga.
Castle, Reuben, farmer, was born at Green Prairie, W. Va., Sept. 15, 1813; his parents, Henry and Sarah (Curry) were natives of Virginia; he was raised on a farm, and obtained his education in the old log school-house; came to Knox county in 1834 ; was married March 18, 1841, to Mary Long; they have four chil- dren ; has been school Director and Road Commissioner; is member M. E. Church, joined in 1831; Republican. Postoffice, Knoxville.
Catterton, J. R., farmer, son of Diler and Sarah Ann Catterton, was born in the State of Kentucky Aug. 20, 1819; his only opportunity for education was in common schools; he served an ap- prenticeship at the harness trade at the age of 14: he followed the business for a time, and then turned his attention to farm- ing; he served in the Mexican war under General Scott, and was a member of the 102d Regiment Illinois Infantry from 1862 in the war of the rebellion; he mar- ried Sarah Ann Organ on the 18th day of February, 1849; they have had nine chil- dren, four of whom are living; he joined the Christian Church in 1844; politically is a Republican. Postoffice, Elba Center.
Caulkins, Samuel, farmer, born in Washington county, Ind., Oct. 21, 1821 ; married Sarah Ann Stewart Dec. 8, 1842; they have a family consisting of eight children living, 2 having died, making ten in all; he united with the Church of the United Brethren faitlı 1840, in which he served as Steward and in 1843 as Class Leader; was Justice of the Peace in Hen- derson township in 1868; came to Knox county in 1855 and has never desired to remove. Postoffice, Gilson.
Cawlkins, Albert A., farmer, son of Stephen and Anna (Smith) Cawlk- ins, both of New York, was born in Co- lumbia county, N. Y., June 1, 1803; his childhood was spent on a farm, and his only educational facilities were the com- mon schools; he learned the trade of house carpenter and plied himself to it for many years, but turned his attention to farming later in life; he came to Knox county in 1836, and settled on section 2, Sparta township, where he has lived ever since; he was one of the first settlers on the prairie; May 1, 1837, he married Louise M. Park; they have had eight children, six of whom are living; he has been a member of the Baptist Church since 1832; he lias been a pronounced Republican since 1850. Postoffice, Oneida.
Chaffin. S., Galesburg.
Chambers, Jacob S., retired merchant, was born in Addison county, Vt., March 14, 1816; his parents were Matthew and Hannah (Smith) Chambers, the former born in New Hampshire, the latter in Vermont; Jacob was educated in the common and select schools of his native State; he began the mercantile pursuit in his boyhood and continued in it until 1858; his father, Matthew Cham- bers, purchased property in Galesburg with the colony, and erected ine second store in the place; he settled however in Knoxville, where he remained several years; then came to Galesburg, where he died in 1869. Jacob went from Knox- ville to Whiteside county, but finally
36
662
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
settled in Altona, and opened the first store in the town; after condueting his business there successfully for a number of years he came to Galesburg, where he now lives, retired. On Sept. 28, 1857, he married Amanda M. Parsons, who is the mother of three ehildren living and one dead; he is a member of the First Chureh ; politically a Republiean ; he was for several years Supervisor, and filled the office of Road Commissioner in Wal- nut Grove township.
Chandler, Charles P., mer- chant, of Galesburg, was born in Seioto county, O., Aug. 2, 1817; his parents were Ellis and Deborah Chandler, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the lat- ter of Vermont; lis edueation was lim- ited to the common schools in the vicinity of his father's farm, where he remained until he was 23 years old; on Nov. 10, 1840, he married Azuba G. Miles, who has borne him eight children, seven of whom are living; Ellis Chandler was born Feb. 12, 1846; A. Deborah, born Oet. 29, 1848; Sally Miles, born Oct. 5, 1851; Joseph Barton, born June 20, 1854; Charles P., Jr., born Jan. 17, 1859: Stephen, born April 1, 1862; Har- riet M, born May 26, 1868. Ellis died Oct. 5, 1847. Moved to Missouri in 1841; remained until 1844, when he returned to Ohio, and in 1867 came to Galesburg, where he now resides; he was Sheriff of Scioto county, O., two terms, and Treas- urer one term; served as Provost Mar- shal during the rebellion, and in Mis- souri was elected Justiee of the Peace; he is a member of the M. E. Church, and politieally a Republiean.
Chapman, Ezra, son of Asa and Susanna (Berry) Chapman, of Providence, R. I., born in Whitestown, N. Y., Jan. 28, 1797; had only a common school educa- tion; machinist by trade, at which he lias worked thirteen years, and followed farming sinee; has held offiees of Justice of Peace and Postmaster; married Sarah Ann Lanfear April 8, 1825; they have had two boys and three girls; one girl dead and one boy received a wound in army from which he died. After working in machine factory about three years it stopped ; he then went to Western Penn- sylvania and worked at a variety of oc- cupations, barely making a living, being just after the elose of the war of 1812; at the end of five years Mr. Waleott pro- posed to open his works, when Mr. C. re- turned and went to work; the fellow workmen indulged in gambling, but Mr. Chapman would never take part; he ad- vised all young men to abstain from it. Postoffice, Ontario.
Chapman, Samuel,Jr., section 29, Ontario township. Postoffice, Oneida.
Chappell, Robt., clerk, Gales- burg.
Charlson, Mons, iron molder, son of Charles Frederick and Catharine (Soldwin), was born in Sweden, Oet. 24, 1822; his early life was spent on a farm, and his education was obtained in the common schools of Sweden ; he learned the tailor's trade and followed it for six- teen years; came to this eountry and set- tled in Victoria, Knox county, in 1852; he married Ellen Peterson July 4, 1856, bv whom he has had five ehildren, four of whom, two sons and two daughters, are living; he removed to Galesburg, where he now lives, in 1863; he has been a member of the Lutheran Church for over forty years.
Chesney, John E., wagon and carriage maker, Abingdon, is the son of Thomas and Hannah (Mitehell) Chesney, of Maryland ; was born in Hartford coun- ty, Maryland, in April, 1815; was edu- eated in common sehools of Indiana; learned his trade with his father; came to Abingdon April 21, 1842; was married to Hannah J. Swartz June 6, 1844, and the second time to Eliza E. Foster Dee. 21, 1854; is a member of the M. E. Church and Class Leader; Republican in polities.
Chesney, Mrs. J. H., residence Abingdon.
Child, Erastus, son of Charles T. and Clarissa Child, of Connecticut, was born Oet. 4, 1817, in Exeter, N. Y .; his early life was spent on a farm; think- ing to become a public speaker, entered Oneida Institute, New York, in 1838, graduating in 1841; that not proving sat- isfactory, and after teaching school for a long time, settled down as a meehanie, still elinging in some form to books and the press ; has been a regular newspaper correspondent for twelve years ; was the Oneida correspondent for the Galesburg Republican from the first, and sinee for the Republican-Register; he also deals in the Simmons' sash supporter; was married April 29, 1846, to Raehel Foster, of Whitestown, N. Y .; of their children Sarah E. is now the wife of F. B. Webb, Bedford, Ia .; Charles F. met his deatlı by sealding when young, and Julia I. is with her parents; le eame to Oneida in 1855; was a radieal Abolitionist, now Republiean. Postoffiee, Oneida.
Chittenden, Martin W., book- keeper, Galesburg.
Christianer, Frederick, den- tist and jeweler, Abingdon, is the son of August T. and Dorothea J. (Obroek) Christianer, natives of Germany, where, in Ostereappeln, Nov. 22, 1829, he was born; when 16 years old he eame to America, going to St. Louis; in 1846, commenced business for himself; moved
663
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
to Canton in 1849 and to Abingdon in 1856, where he has since lived; he bas served as City Clerk ten vears, Justice of Peace and Police Magistrate for eight years, also Township Clerk and School Director; in 1869 was elected County Superintendent of Public Schools and served four years ; married Dec. 5, 1850, to Jane E. McMillen.
Churchill, Geo., Principal of Knox Academy, Galesburg, was born in Winfield, N. Y., April 2, 1829; he is the · son of Norman and Anna (Eggleston) Churchill, the former born at Hubbard- ton, Vt., Nov. 5, 1799, his mother in Ba- tavia. N. Y., Jan. 24, 1806. George was rcared on a farm, attended school and worked at mechanical labor, and gradu- ated at Knox College in 1851; he came to Galesburg with liis parents in 1839, and since remained liere save two years passed at Farmington, Ill., where he liad charge of the High School; he has given particular attention to educational mat- ters, and has done much to give Gales- burg the excellent school system she nowenjoys ; he visited schools in different parts of Europe, especially in Germany, and studied their systems; he worked faithfully 4 years to consolidate the 8 district schools of Galesburg and inau- gurate the present system ; was Chairman of the Committee of Citizens who pre- pared the charter of the schools and got it through the Legislature, and finally effected the organization; he employed, mostly at his own expense, Hon. William Baker, of Connecticut, to labor in the city for this end; he served as Alderman 4 years ; is present City Engineer and has been for 8 years; is member of both the Board of Park Commissioners and Li- brary Board; was member of Board of Education 14 years : was employed 1 year as Assistant Civil Engineer on the Cen- tral Military Track Railroad, and has donc much surveying through the coun- try. He has been Principal of Knox Academy since 1855; he joined First Church Galesburg in 1846; he is deacon, and has been for 20 years, and is also Su- perintendent of Sunday-school, which position he has occupied with great suc- cess for 21 years. He prepared an elab- orate history of Galesburg in 1876, to which we are indebted for much valuable information. Prof. Churchill was mar- ried first time in 1855 to Clara A. Hurd, again to Ada A. Hayes in 1858, and the third time to Ellen S. Walker in 1869; is the parent of 4 sons. Republican.
Churchill, Norman, Jr., ice dealer, son of Norman and Ann (Eggle- ston) Churchill, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of New York, was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., July 16,
1833; educated in common schools and reared on a farm; came to Galesburg with parents wlien 6 years old ; was mar- ried Nov. 20, 1863, to Ann E. Hinsey ; they have three children. Republican in politics.
Clark, Dennis, County Judge, was born Aug. 14, 1817. in Washington, Ind ; his parents were Walter and Mary (Young) Clark, the former of Virginia, and his mother a native of New Jersey ; he was educated in common schools, and attended Cherry Grove Seminary in 1841-2; his early boyhood days were passed on a farm, and in the year 1837 commenced teaching school in winter and farmed in summer; followed this for several years; after he was married commenced the study of law at home; admitted to the bar in 1866; he was mar- ried April 10, 1845, to Martha Meadows, who has borne him ten children, five of whom are dead. Judge C. is one of the pioneers of Illinois : he came to the State in 1823 with his father, who moved to Wisconsin in 1828, where shortly after he was poisoned drinking mineral water, when the whole charge of the family fell upon Dennis; with an ox team he has made trips 50 miles to provide food for the family; in 1829 family moved to St. Louis, then to Sangamon county, Ill., where he was bound out to a farmer; he got $5 ahead, left and came to Knox county in 1833, settling near Abingdon; he served as Captain of mili- tary company in 1836 and for several years afterwards; has been Township Clerk, Overseer Poor, and in Nov., 1865, was elected County Judge, and re-elected three times since ; during the war he was enrolling officer, and labored earnestly to relieve the families of soldiers who were in the field; he is possessed of good practical judgment, sympathetic, always ready to accommodate, benevolent, and is highly respected and honored ; in politics lie was formerly a Whig, but now a Re- publican ; he resides at Abingdon.
Clark, W. E., farmer; Postoffice Abingdon: Republican; was born in Haw Creek township, Knox county, Fcb. 28, 1838; he is the son of Wm. M. and Lydia (Carmichael) Clark, the former of Kentucky, the latter North Carolina ; was educated at select school Knoxville and Hedding Seminary, Abingdon; in 1861 enlisted in 8th Missouri Zouaves; dis- charged July 9, 1864; was married July 4, 1866; joined the M. E. Church in 1853, wife joined in 1860; served as Class Leader, and been an Exhorter.
Clark, Luther, son of Abram and Anna (Wise) Clark, natives of New York, was born in Tioga county, N. Y., July 1, 1829; was raised on farm and
-
664
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
educated in common schools; came to Orange township in 1843, where he still resides; was married Feb. 3, 1859, to Sa- rah Yeager, who has borne six children, all living; politically a Democrat. Post- office, Knoxville.
Clay, A. C., section 20, Galesburg township. Postoffice, Galesburg.
Clay, H. H., farmer, was born in Windsor county, Vt, in 1838. His pa- rents were John and Louisa M. Clay; they came to Knox county in 1840. He attended the common schools, and was one year at Lombard College. His early life was passed on the farm where he now lives, in which vocation he has been quite successful. He enlisted in the 102d Regiment Illinois Infantry in 1861 as a Lieutenant, was promoted to Captain, and afterwards to Major, for bravery. He commanded the regiment from Atlanta to Goldsboro, N. C., under Sherman dur- ing his famous "March to the Sea," and was with the regiment in every battle. He is a Democrat. P. O., Galesburg.
Clearwater. Abraham S., son of Jacob and Esther (Shealy) Clearwater, natives of New York, was born in Mont- gomery county, N. Y., May 3, 1818; reared on a farm, and educated in com- mon schools; came to Knox county in 1843; was married April 13, 1856, to Margaret J. McGreggon, who has borne him one boy and one girl. He joined the Baptist Church in 1837, and is con- nected with Ontario Church. Republi- can in politics.
Clesson, Joseph, farmer, son of Joseph and Mehetabel Clesson, was born in Deerfield, Franklin county, Mass., in 1818, where he received a common school education. He came west and settled in Shelby county, Ill., in 1837, where he remained until 1842, when he removed to Knox county, where he still resides. He has filled the offices of School Trustee and Road Commis- sioner. He was married in 1844; is now living with his third wife, Hepsia Carr; is a professor of religion, but not con- nected with any church; is a Democrat. Postoffice, Yates City.
Cleveland, Mrs., Superintendent County Alms-House, Knoxville.
Cochran, Andrew, son of Simon and Margaret Cochran, natives of Vir- ginia, was born in Franklin county, O., Aug. 27, 1809; was raised on a farm, and attended the subscription schools ; learned blacksmithing, and in 1867 went into the drug business; came to Illinois in 1837; was married to Nancy I. Cannon Aug. 22, 1833; has been School Director. As- sessor and Postmaster; joined the M. E. Church in 1825, held church offices; Re- publican; resides in Abingdon.
Cochran, Josiah C., Abingdon. Cochrun, Asbury, Yardmaster, Galesburg stock yards, Galesburg.
Codding, Albert S., son of Al- bert and Abigail Codding, of Canan- daigua, N. Y., was born in a log cabin on section 6, Victoria township, Knox county, May 1st, 1846. His education was acquired at a district school half a mile distant; is a farmer from choice; served five months as a private in the war of the rebellion. He was married to Eleanor Clesson Aug. 4, 1874. They have two children, both girls. He is a professor of religion, but is not con- nected with any church. His postoffice is Victoria.
Codding, Mrs.A. B , sec. 6, Vic- oria township. Postoffice, Victoria.
Coffman, William, farmer and stock dealer, was born in Chestnut town- ship, Knox county, Aug. 12, 1858. His parents were Samuel and Mary (Burn- side) Coffman; his father was a native of Clintou county, O., and his mother a na- tive of Virginia. He was educated in the graded schools of Chicago and in Bryant & Stratton's Business College. He lived with his parents in Chicago from the age of thirteen till he was eighteen, since which time he has resided in Knox county. His postoffice address is Maquon.
Coleman, James, son of James & Sarah Coleman, of Pennsylvania, was born in Mercer county, Pa., Dec. 27, 1830; was reared on a farm, and sent to common schools; was married Nov. 1, 1859, to Charlotte Kane; they have four children; is a strong Republican. Post- office, West Jersey, Ill.
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.