USA > Illinois > Knox County > History of Knox county, Illinois > Part 62
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Cole, C. A., sec. 7, Walnut Grove township. Postoffice, Altona.
Cole, George W.,saddle and har- ness maker, Prairie street, Galesburg.
Collier, Mrs. Helen M., teacher, Galesburg.
Collinson, Charles, farmer, son of Thomas and Hannah, natives of England, was boru at Yorkshire, Eng., May 14, 1826. and spent his early life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania, where he went with his parents at the age of four years; came to Knox county in 1852; was married July 17, 1847; is the father of eleven children; united with M. E. Church in 1857, has acted as Steward and Sunday-school Superintendent; served three years in the war for the Union as Corporal; Dem- ocrat. P. O., Galva, Ill.
Collinson, Geo. M. Thomas, his father, was born in England, and his mother, Louisa, was a native of France; George was born iu Pennsylvania April 12, 1846; spent his early days on a farm ;
-
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
removed to Lynn, Mass., in 1851, and soon after eame to Illinois; married Mary A. Murray May 22, 1868, and they have three children, all girls; has been a mem- ber of the Board of Education in the Col- linson Academy nine years; is a Demo- crat in politics. Postoffice, Altona.
Collinson, Henry G. His father, Simon L. Collinson. was a native of Eng- land, and his mother, Mary M. Collinson, born in Pennsylvania. Henry was born in Lynn township, Knox county, Jan. 4, 1840, where he has a fine farm. He has always been a farmer from choice;' served in the war for the Union three years; married March 7, 1867, Miss Jan- nett McKie, who bore him two sons, neither of whom is living; united with the Presbyterian Church in 1870. Post- office, Altona, where he now resides.
Collinson, Simeon L., is the son of Thomas and Mary (Kirby) Collin- son, natives of Yorkshire, England; Sin- eon was born July 7, 1806, in Yorkshire, England; spent his youth' and received his education in his native country ; came to America and settled in Pennsylvania, where he spent five years in the coal mines; came to Illinois, where he en- gaged in farming, accumulating a large property, and is now the owner of 1,700 aeres of beautiful farm land; has been twiee married; Nov. 5, 1834, to Mary Craver, who bore him nine children, five boys and four girls; Nov. 21, 1874, to Mrs. Jane MeClure, one son being the issue. Has held the office of School Trustee eight years; first Assessor after township organization two years; Road Commissioner, ten years; served seven years in Pa. Light Inf. under the State law; always led a moral life, resolving when young never to gamble or lead others by his example into bad habits. Postoffice, Altona.
Collinson, Thomas W., born in Pennsylvania July 2, 1835, is the son of Simeon Collinson, native of England, and Mary Collinson, born in Pennsyl- vania. He came with his parents to this county in 1838, when but three years of age, and is therefore one of the earliest settlers of Knox county. He ellose the best of all occupations, that of farmer, in which he has been very successful ; was married on Nov. 25, 1858, to Miss Sarah Brooks, from which union sprang eight children, seven boys and one girl, two of whom are dead; has served as School Director ten years. Postoffice, Altona.
Colton, Chauncey S., retired merchant and capitalist, was born in Springfield, Luzerne eo., Pa., Sept. 21, 1800. His parents were Justin and Abi- gail (Sill) Colton : and were both natives of New England. Soon after the birth
of Chauney they returned to Massachu- setts. He was educated in the common schools of that State. In 1820 they re- moved to Maine, where five years later he was married to Emily H. MeLaňa- than. In 1836 he came west. In the spring of 1837 he was the first to break ground for building on the site of Gales- burg. He erected the first store in the infant village that summer, and filled it with the first stoek of goods ever brought to this part of the county. For thirty years he carried on a general merehan- dising business. At the close of this long and successful career he retired from mercantile life. He has been al- ways actively identified with the educa- tional interests of the county ; he has for many years been Trustee of Knox Col- lege, and is now its Financial Agent, and has by his wise counsels, ardent la- bors and generous donations been effici- ent in building up this institution. He was one of the chief originators of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway, and has been one of its Directors ever since the company was organized until . recently. Its present charter was ob- tained by him. Though Mr. Colton is verging upon four-score years he is re- markably well preserved and active, and has personal management of the affairs incident to his large estate.
Colton, Hon. Francis, Presi- dent of the Farmers & Mechanies' Bank, Galesburg, was born in Monson, Mass., May 22, 1834. He is the son of Chauncy and Emily H. (McLanathan) Colton; his parents came to Galesburg in 1837; he grew up amid the native beauty and ex- pansive freedom of the broad prairies, and spent his early school days in the publie schools of Galesburg. finishing up with a classical course in Knox College, where he graduated in 1855. On leaving school he engaged in the mercantile busi- ness with his father, in which he contin- ued until 1864, when he was elected Vice President of the First National Bank of Galesburg. He filled this office for two years, and at the same time held the office of Internal Revenue Collector. In 1866 he was appointed U S. Consul to Venice, and held the position four years, return- ing to Galesburg in the fall of 1869. He assumed the duties of a general officer of the Union Pacific Railroad in October of the same year, and had charge of the general passenger traffie. In 1870 he was appointed Foreign Agent of the U. P. and C. P. Railways ; and sent to Japan, China and India to arrange for the tea and silk trade of the Orient. He also at the same time made a eireuit of the globe, and established several thousand agencies in Europe and Asia, for a gen-
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
cral passenger and freight business be- tween Europe and Asia via the United States. To him is also due the honor of introducing "round the world" tickets. In 1871 he was clected to the presidency of the Farmers & Mechanics' Bank, which position he now fills. He again went to Europe in a semi-official capaci- ty; he was chosen Centennial Commis- sioner for the State of Illinois in 1876. During his residence in Europe he achieved some journalistic honors as Vi. enna correspondent for the Tribune and other New York journals, which he maintained during and subsequent to the Austrian-Prussian war.
Colton, Gad Dudley, manufac- turer, was born Jan. 10, 1816, at Monson, Mass., which was also the native place of his parents, Justin and Abigail (Sill) Col- ton. He was educated in common schools; learned the building and cabi- net trade; came to Galesburg in 1837, where he built the first store building. In 1854 built first shop run by steam in Galesburg; in 1856 erected a planing mill; was burned out Nov. 17, 1864. In 1865 G. D. Colton & Co. added a foun- dry and machine shop and denominated it Novelty Machine Works. He is a mem- ber of the Congregational Church, hav- ing joined in 1839. He has been four times married, and is the father of ten children, of whom only four are living. Residence, Galesburg.
Colville & Bro., editors and pub- lishers of Galesburg Review. Galesburg.
Comstock, Milton Lemmon, was born in Hamilton co., O., Oct. 19, 1824. His father, Rev. Jacob Comstock, was a native of the same county; his mother, Jane (Lemmon) Comstock, was a native of Hartford co, Md .; was reared on the farm from his early boyhood, spending the winters in the district school until 1839, when the family re- moved to Des Moines co., Ia. There the subject of this sketch lived until Septem- ber, 1844, with little schooling. He then spent a year in Knox Academy, Gales- burg; after which he spent two winters in teaching in Des Moines co., Ia. He entered Knox College in September, 1847, and received the degree of A. B. in June, 1831. Hc chose the profession of teaching; he was Principal of Knox Academy three years, then for three years he engaged in horticultural pur- suits, being also editor of the Iowa Farmer. A year was then spent as pro- fessor in Yellow Springs College, Des Moines co. In September, 1858, he re- turned to Knox College as assistant pro- fessor of mathematics, and in 1861 be- came Professor of this department, a po- sition he now holds. July 30, 1851, he
married Cornelia Ann Churchill; six children have been the fruit of their mar- riage, of whom four are living; is a member of the "First Church of Christ " Galesburg, since 1851; has been Elder and Clerk.
Coners, James.
Conklin, John R., butcher, Gales- burg, is the son of John and Maria (Richey) Conklin, both from Ohio. He was born in Muskingum co., O., Dec. 13, 1838; raised on farm, educated in com- mon schools, and has followed stock-rais- · ing and the meat business ; enlisted April, 1861, in Co. E., 20th Ill. Inf., served three years, pro. Sergeant, then Major, and then was a member of Gen. Leggett's staff; was married March 29, 1866, to Al- bina M. Pharis; is the parent of four sons, two living; of the Universalist be- lief. Republican.
Cook, E. C., Victoria township. P. O., Victoria.
Cook, Giles, Jr., was born in Lebanon, N. H. His father, Giles Cook, was a native of Lebanon, and liis mother, Parthena (Allen) Cook, was a native of Connecticut. He came west and settled in Victoria, Knox co., at which place he has been Postmaster for six years. He was married to Miss Abial Johnson Jan. 2, 1821, who has borne to him eight chil- dren, five of whom are sons. He em- braced the Mormon faith in 1832, and has since been a believer in that doctrine. Republican. Address, Victoria.
Cook, James, born in Roxbury- shire, Scotland, Oct. 22, 1816; son of Rob- ert and Jeannette Cook, natives of Scot- land. Hc is a farmer by profession; re- moved to Ohio in 1836, from that State to Knox co, Ill., in 1842; was married March 3, 1853, to Agnes Stine of Edin- burg, Scotland, They are the parents of six children, one son and five daughters. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church; Republican. P. O., Victoria.
Cook, J. P., merchant, Galesburg, of the firm of Cook & Beach, dealers in paints, oils, wall paper, etc.
Cooke, M. D., magistrate, was born in Cornwall, Addison co., Vt., June 4, 1819. He availcd himself of the superior educational advantages afforded in his native State, finishing up with a com- plete course at Middlebury College, Vt., in 1842. After leaving college he spent several years in teaching. He came to Illinois in 1852 and located in Hender son, where he engaged in teaching for three years. In 1856 he removed to Galesburg; and in the spring of 1857, at the first election of officers under the city charter, was elected Police Magis- trate, which office he still holds. In 1862 he was licensed by the Supreme Court
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
to practice law, but owing to the duties of his official position he has not at- tempted to engage in his profession. Forest F. Cooke, now practicing law in Galesburg, is his son.
Cooley, Orin P., son of Samuel H. and Mary M. Cooley of Ohio, was born in Suffield, O., Sept. 30, 1843. He was educated in common schools and read law. Has been Town and City Clerk and Tax Collector; enlisted in 42d Ill. Inf., Co. C., Aug. 10, 1861 ; discharged July 20, 1865; was captured by rebels at Decatur, Ala., and taken to Castle Morgan, Cata- ba, Ala. ; kept five months ; was appointed Judge Advocate 2d Brigade I. N. G. July 25, 1877. Belongs to Episcopal Church. Democrat. P. O., Oneida.
Coombs, Andrew Jackson, son of James and Henrietta Coombs, natives of Oneida co., N. Y .: was born March 25, 1855, in Faberg, Oneida co., N. Y .; received a common-school educa- tion ; spent his boyhood days on a farm; worked four years in the cotton factories of his native State; came west in 1870, and to Knox county in 1872; remained here since, engaged in farming and cheesemaking, in which he has been very successful, and now in good circum- stances. Republican P. O., Oneida.
Cooper, E. S., M. D. The ances- tors of Jacob Cooper, the doctor's father, were Welch, and emigrated to the United States under Wm. Penn in 1635. His mother's ancestors were of Scotch-Irish origin. Dr. C. was born Jan. 1, 1820, in Butler co., O., near Oxford, the seat of Miami University, where he received his education. He, however, obtained his academic degrees from the college of South Hanover, Ind., and several other colleges have also conferred on him the degree of A. M. He spent a portion of his early life working on a farm, and on every occasion engaged in the study of mathematics. He has taken great inter- est in botany, and the sciences of mathe- matics and astronomy. He calculated all the eclipses of this century at the age of 17; is familiar with the name and properties of almost every plant in North America. He was com. Surgeon of the 83d Ill. Inf. Dec. 1, 1862; in August, 1863, detailed to take charge of the United States General Hospital, Clarksville, Tenn., where he remained until dis- charged from service July 3, 1865. He was also Medical Director of the District of Middle Tennessee. He came to Hen- derson, this county, in 1843, and has continued to reside there. About that time married Mary E. Martin, and they have four sons and two daughters. He especially qualified himself for his chosen profession by four years' study
under eminent medical men at the Cin- cinnati Medical College; three of his sons are physicians. Dr. C. is deeply read in the holy scripture in the old tongues as well as in theology as taught by St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Liguori and other standard theolo- gians. He is a scholar of great attain- ments. Republican.
Copley, Joseph H,, son of Joseph and Mary Copley of Connecticut, was born at Harpersfield, Delawareco., N. Y., Jan. 9, 1814; educated in common schools of New York; raiscd on a farm, but learned the tanner's trade, which proved unsuccessful, when he changed to farm- ing, which he follows at present. Has represented Victoria tp. in Board of Sup- ervisors four years; and has held all the minor town offices; School Director for seventeen years ; Captain of militia ; came to this county in 1856; married to Ruth Ann Hinman March 6, 1848; they have five children living, three girls and twof boys; one son dead. He is a member o the M. E. Church, joined 1852; Class- leader. Republican. P. O, Altona.
Corbin, Emery J., farmer, is the son of Henry and Olive (Harris) Corbin, both natives of South Carolina. They came to Knox county in 1840, and on ar- riving had twenty-five cents in money. Emery was born in Truro township, Knox co., Ill., March 10, 1847, and re- ceived his education in the common schools of that township. Having been brought up on a farm he chosc the voca- tion of his father. He married Sept. 10, 1872, and now resides on a 160-acre farm of his own in Truro. He has served as Assessor and Commissioner of Highways in the township. Republican. P. O., Eugene.
Corey, David. Dec. 24, 1824, in Cheshire county, N. H., there was born to David and Betsey Corey their fourth son, David. He grew up under the pa- rental roof, working on the farm in sum- mer, receiving only a common-school education with an occasional term in the town academy. At the age of seventeen he was employed as teacher. Dec. 29, 1850, he married Charlotte English of Marcus Hook, Pa, and soon after pur- chased a farm in Kent co., Md. He trav- ersed the country from Red Wing, Minn., to Cario, Ill., in September, 1855. March, 1856, he came to Salem township, Knox co. February, 1848, he formed a busi- ness partnership with his brother J. M. There have been born to David and Charlotte Corey two sons. P. O., Yates City.
Cothren, James W., freight agent C., B. & Q. Railroad, Galesburg.
Cover, J. Calvin, son of Jacob
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
and Mary (Jones) Cover, natives of Mary- land ; was born in Adams co., Pa., March 29, 1829, where he remained until his re- moval to Knox county in 1856, since which time he has been an active enter- prising citizen of the county. In youth he learned the trade of a tanner, which business he followed for some years. He is at present engaged in the book busi- ness in Knoxville, also Postmaster of the city. Republican. He served the county as Sheriff during the trying days of the rebellion, being elected in 1862. He also has held the office of Mayor of Knoxville for two terms. Mr. Cover was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Cooper on the 16th of November, 1852. They have four children. He is genial, generous and en- terprising, possessing rare business capa- bilities and fine personal appearance, thus making him well calculated for public life.
Cox, G. W. P. O., Yates City.
Cox, L. J., sec. 16, Ontario tp. P. O., Oneida.
Craig, Alfred M., Judge of the Supreme Court of Illinois, residence, Galesburg.
Crane, Edward, sec. 32, Ontario tp. P. O., Ontario.
Crane, J. W., sec. 33, Ontario tp. P. O., Oneida.
Cranston, Charles E., was born in Champaign co., O .. April 19, 1833. His parents were Christopher and Sara (Parks) Cranston; the former born in Ohio, and the latter in Connecticut. Mr. Cranston, Sr., was a well-to-do farm- er, and his son chose the same voca- tion. His education was limited to the common schools of Ohio. He came from Ohio to Knox county in 1863, where he has since lived. He married Keturah T. Park March 15, 1860. He has at various times held the offices of Postmaster, Jus- tice of the Peace, and Revenue Collector. Republican. Pecuniarily well fixed. P. O., Knoxville.
Crocker, E. O., residence, Copley township.
Crossett, Samuel, is the son of Liberty and Lydia Crossett, both of Massachusetts. He was born in Geneseo, Henry co., Ill., Jan. 7, 1857. He was brought up on a farm; attended the com- mon school in the neighborhood, and spent some time at the High School at Abingdon, Ill. Hc learned the telegraph- ing business with B. F. Davis at Abing- don, in the years 1875-6, and is now op- erating in the employ of the C., B. & Q. Railway. He camc from Henry to Knox co. in 1865. Republican. P.O., Abingdon.
Cross, L. N., farmer, was born April 19, 1858, in Ohio; passed liis early life in the rolling mills of Ohio and on the farm.
His parents, H. E. and Sarah J. Cross, were both natives of the Old Keystone State. Republican. Lives on a farm near Gilson, his postoffice address.
Cummings, William J., is the son of William and Mary Cummings. He was born in Brinfield, Mass., March 27, 1842. His education was limited to the common schools of that State. His early life was spent chiefly in the New England cotton mills. He has spent much of his life in traveling, since which time he has been in business in Maquon.
Cummings, William. P. O., Maquon.
Cunningham, N., farmer. P. O., Yates City; was born Jan. 7, 1834, in Pennsylvania; his parents were Joseph and Sarah Cunningham of that State; at- tended common schools of his native State; came to Illinois in 1865; is Assess- or for 1878-9; served in the Pennsylvania militia; married Miss Elizabetlı Buchan- an; they have had seven children, five now living; is a Presbyterian. Mr. Cunningham has been a successful farm- er. Republican.
Davidson, George W., son of Robert and Julia A. (Lasher) Davidson ; born at Springfield, Ill., Dec. 28, 1846. Educated in the common schools; chose agricultural pursuit. Democrats in poli- tics; served as Postmaster and School Director. Removed to Henderson, thence to Galesburg and back to Henderson .. Married Sarah J. Bair Oct. 8, 1870 ; joined the United Brethren Church ; was chosen Class-leader and Stewart. Is now owner of a good farm in Henderson township. Postoffice, Henderson.
Davis, Mrs. D. W., was born in Mt. Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, April 5, 1840. Her parents, Garrett and Har- riet White, were natives of the same State, the former born in Greenfield, the latter in Mt. Vernon. Mr. D. W. Davis, her husband, was a native of Farming- ton, Me., and was born June 21, 1828, and was a mason by trade. Hc commenced his trade in Knoxville in 1848; was mas- ter builder of the Town Hall and High School of Wataga, and the Alms-House at Knoxville. Died Nov. 21, 1873. They were married Nov. 27, 1867. They had but one child, a son. Mrs. Davis has been a member of the M. E. Church since 1860. Postoffice address, Wataga.
Davis, E. F., dentist, Galcsburg.
Davis, George, Treasurer of Knox College, Galesburg; was born in Ireland in 1814. That country is also the native place of his parents, Robert and Mary A. (Earls) Davis. Hc received a sound English education, as far as it went, in Ireland. Has been City Treasurer, Township Treasurer, County Treasurer.
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
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and Assistant United States Assessor. He was married in 1843 to Sarah Books; they have one daughter ; he is a member of First Congregational Church, and in politics Republican.
Davis, George R., son of Solo- mon and Lucinda Davis, natives of Ken- tucky; was born in Henderson township in 1845. His early life was passed on the farm. Received a common school education. In politics he is a liberal Democrat. From choice he has always followed farming and been very success- ful. At present is Road Commissioner. Postoffice, Galesburg.
Davis, Jefferson T., farmer, son of Solomon and Lucinda Davis, was born in Kentucky, Aug. 26, 1826. His parents came to Knox county and settled on sec- tion 32, Henderson township, in June, 1829, where Jefferson still lives. His education was limited to the common schools. He has held the office of Collector two years, that of Constable fifteen years, and School Director twenty years. He is Demo- cratic in politics. Postoffice, Galesburg.
Davis, John A. W., dentist, Galesburg.
Davis, Mary E. Her father, Rob- ert H. Davis, was born in Livingston co., Ky., and her mother, Elizabeth Davis, was born in Athens county, Ohio. Mary E. Davis is a native of Knox county, Ill., born Feb. 14, 1858. Her parents, being in good circumstances, gave her a lib- eral cducation in the high schools of her native county. She also lias a fine mu- sical education, having qualified herself for a teacher of music. Miss Davis in- herited a strong love for individual lib- erty, and advocates the right of her sex to elcctive franchise. Postoffice, Maquon.
Davis, Samuel, farmer, son of James and Martha (Edwards) Davis, natives of England; was born in Eng- land April 10, 1826. His carly life was passed on the farm; received liis educa- tion from the night and day schools of England, and Knox College, Galesburg. He learned the mason's tradc, but changed afterward to farming, in which he has been very successful and well prospered. Removed from England to Canada in 1846, thence to Cook county, Ill., in 1847, and to Knox county in 1848. Dec. 26, 1858, was married to Lucy Jane Bond. They have been the parents of eight children, of whom seven are now living. In 1866 he was baptized by Rev. David Thompson, and united with the Christian church, of which he is Dcacon and Trustee. He is Republican in poli- tics. Postoffice, Hermon.
Davis, William, attorney ; post- office, Galesburg; born in England Sept. 24, 1824; parents were James and Martha
Davis, natives of England. He removed to Canada in 1847; learned his profession partly in England and partly in Canada; married in 1861 to Anna M. Hewson, of Canada. They are the parents of four children, of whom one is dead. Hc moved from Canada to Galesburg in 1862; is a Republican; was baptized in England, and upon a confession of faith united with the First Church of Christ (Congregational) in 1863; has been very successful as a lawyer.
Dawdy, Jefferson M., farmer, son of James and Margaret (Morse) Dawdy, natives of North Carolina; was born in Kentucky Jan. 24, 1812; received a common-school education; moved to Knox county in 1847; marricd Elizabeth Amos May 24, 1833. They are the parents of eight children. In 1848 he united with the Christian Church of Ab- ingdon; was Township Collector for sev- eral years; Democrat. P. O., Abingdon.
Dayton, Benjamin, son of Byron C. and Lydia (Copley) Dayton, of Delaware county, N. Y .; was born March 13, 1834, in Harpersfield, N. Y .; re- ceived a common-school education ; camc to Knox county, Ill., in 1854, walking from Peoria; has devoted most of his time to farming; has held the office of School Director, Trustee, Commissioner Highways and Assessor. Politically al- ways Republican. Postoffice, Altona.
Dean, Joseph H., farmer. Sam- uel L. Dean, his father, was a native of Nashville, Tenn .. and his mother, Julia Ann (Hahn) Dean, was born at Craw- fordsville, Ind. Joseph Dean was born July 21, 1836, on section 27, Rio town- ship, Knox county, Ill .; was twice mar- ried, Sept. 2, 1858, to Melvina J. Coleman. They had three sons and two daughters, and Feb. 3, 1870, married Abbie Dalton, who bore him one son. Abbie Dalton is a native of Rio; went to Kansas in 1856: returned in 1870. Mr. Dean is now en- gaged in the butchering business in Rio, his present address. Conservative in politics.
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