USA > Illinois > Knox County > History of Knox county, Illinois > Part 66
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Jones, Esech O., miller, son of William and Nancy (McCall) Jones, of Pennsylvania, was born Feb. 15, 1826, in Crawford co., Pa. His education was ob- tained in the common schools. He learned the miller's trade in youth, and followed it till 1867, when he changed to farming. He came to Illinois in 1839. Sept. 5, 1849, he was married to Maria Brayton, by whom he had twelve chil- dren, seven girls and three boys living, two boys dead; has been School Director for twelve years. Democrat. P. O., Lon- don Mills, Fulton co., Ill.
Jones, James E., farmer, son of Reece C. and Angeline (Willard) Jones, natives of Ohio, born in Knox county in 1853. He was educated in the common schools, and his life lias passed in farm- ing; removed to his own farm; married Kezia Hunter,and they are the parents of two children, of whom one is living. Re- publican. P. O., Yates City.
Jones, Walter, sec. 32, Haw Creek township. P. O., Maquon.
Junk, John, whose parents were born in Pennsylvania, farmers, was born May 6, 1827, in the same State; attended the public schools; learned the carpen- ter's trade; was elected Assessor, Road Commissioner and Supervisor; married
to Elizabeth Robertson in 1855, who bore him two children ; served as Major in 1st Battalion, Fayette Inf .; is a member of Henderson M. E. Church, of which he is Trustee. Democrat. P. O., Henderson.
Junk, Samuel, a native of Fayette co., Pa., born Dec. 19, 1832, and received his education in the schools of his native county. His parents, James and Eliza- beth Junk, were both born in the same county; learned the trade of carpenter, but now a farmer; came to Illinois in 1856; married Anna Henderson in 1857. four children have been born to them. Democrat; has served in Green Mountain Blues, a company of infantry in his native county ; has been both School Director and Trustee. P. O., Rio.
Junk, Thomas, sec. 2, Henderson township. P. O., Henderson.
Kays, James Wesley, farmer, is the son of William and Elizabethi (Bracken) Kays, of Kentucky; he was born Nov. 17, 1831, in Indiana; his early life was passed on a farm, and his educa- tion obtained in the district school. He come to Abingdon, Ill., in 1834. He en- listed in the Union army in Oct., 1861, private ; remained till the close of the war ; and was promoted to Captain, Aug. 14, 1864, when he went home on a furlough ; he married Sabina Reed, by whom he has 1 son and 1 daughter. He has been a mem- ber of the Protestant Methodist Church since 1865. P. O., Abingdon.
Keith, F. O., butcher, Abingdon, son of Edwin and Hannah Keith, of Massachusetts, was born in Norfolk co., Mass., Oct. 21, 1846; spent early life in Quincy, Mass .; came to Abingdon, 1876; married Nellie Jones March 10, 1875; have 1 child. Republican.
Kellogg, Dennis, was born in Austerlitz, N. Y., Feb. 26, 1810; he is the son of Elisha and Olive (Mallory) Kellogg, of Austerlitz, N. Y., and Cornwall, Conn. His youth was spent on a farm, and his education secured in the common schools .; learned the carpenter trade, and followed it a portion of his life ; he came to Oneida, May 28, 1855; Oct. 30, 1836, he married Emeline Son, who has borne him 2 sons and 1 daughter; his oldest son enlisted in Co. D. 17th Ill. Inf., and was killed by the accidental discharge of a musket in the hands of a comrade. Republican. P. O., Oneida.
Kellogg, G. B., residence, Gales- burg.
Kellogg, William Marvin, son of Dennis and Emeline Kellogg, na- tives of Austerlitz, N. Y., was born at. the same place March 19, 1851; moved to Oneida, Ill., May 28, 1855; was brought up on the prairies of Illinois; educated in the common schools of Oneida. Bee-
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
keeping has been his principal business, although it has been varied with other work, until the last two years, it has been a speciality. Removed to Oquawka. Rad- ical Republican. P. O., Oncida.
Kennedy, Andrew J. Andrew T. and Mary (Sheldon) Kennedy, his par- ents, were both natives of Otsego co., N. Y. They settled in Lorraine co., O., where Andrew J. was born Oct. 4, 1832, and 3 years later came to Knox co .; engaged in farming, and now owns a beautiful farm of 200 acres; married Catharine Rainey, Feb. 12, 1857 ; have 3 sons and 1 daugliter. Republican. P. O., Rio.
Kennedy, George W., farmer; P. O., Douglas; son of George and Nancy Kennedy, natives of Tennessee; born in 1833 in Indiana. His early life passed on the farm; removed from Tennessee to Illinois, coming to Knox co. in 1844; has been School Director 6 years. In 1857 he was married to Elisia Darnell; made a profession of religion in 1865 or '66. Democrat.
Kennedy, M. G.,residence, Gales- burg.
Kewley, Edward. farmer, resi- dence Lynn tp., son of Wm. and Jane (Carran) Kewley, natives of Isle of Man, Great Britian; born in same place Sept. 19, 1826. His early life passed on the farm. In 1847, he was married to Ann Craine; they are the parents of 9 children, of whom 5 are living; emigrated to New York in 1850; moved to Michigan in 1855, thence to Knox co., in 1856. P. O., Gal- va, Henry co.
Kightlinger, Andrew Jack- son, farmer, son of Jacob and Maria Kightlinger, of Pennsylvania ; was born in this county, Dec. 29, 1845; spent his early life on farm, and at country schools; was married to Anna Shelton Feb. 11, 1875; one child, Floyd, has blessed the union. Democrat. P. O., Yates City.
Kightlinger, Jacob, one of the old settlers of Knox, was born Nov. 15, 1800; came to the county in 1837, settling in Elba township, where he lived for many years, being a live, enterprising citizen. He then moved to Yates City, where he now lives. Respected by all.
Kightlinger, L. C., farmer ; P. O., Yates City; is a son of Jacob and Maria Ann Kightlinger, natives of Pennsylvania. L. C. was born in Knox co. in 1849; was raised on farm, and has continucd the business with success; he attended the common schools; was married in 1873 to Miss Laura E. Hurlbutt.
King, Cornelius, farmer, P. O., Knoxville; is son of Jacob and Margaret King of Indiana; was born in Morgan co., Ind., Aug. 26, 1821; has been Road Com- missioner and School Director; married
Elizabeth A. Clark, Aug. 8, 1852 ; parent of 5 children ; joined the M. E. Church in 1870. Trustee.
King, James, farmer, son of Jolın and Mary King, the former a native of Ireland, and thic latter of Pennsylvania; born in Richland co., O., April 6, 1833; moved to Illinois in 1845, and was educa- ted in the common schools of Illinois; his carly life was passed on the farm; married Bertana Parish ; they are the par- ents of 4 children; was a soldier in the 11th Ill. Cav .; he united with the Ad- ventists in 1874 ;; School Director 8 years. Republican. P. O., Eugene.
King, William, son of Jolin and and Mary King, born in Ohio in 1817; he was educated in the log school-houses of Ohio, and his early life passed on the farm; learned the carpenter's trade, but changed to farming, and since 1841 has worked the same farm and is now quite well off; removed to Knox co. in 1834; in 1841 was married to Rebecca Glad- fetder, and the fruits of their marriage are 7 children. Republican. P. O., Elm- wood. Has been School Director and Constable each 12 years.
Kirkhuff, Jesse, farmer, P. O., Maquon ; born in Warren co., N. J., Jan. 1, 1816; his parents were Jesse and Char- lotte Kirkhuff, natives of New Jersey ; he received a limited education, and his early life passed on the farm; Oct. 15, 1836, he was married to Caroline Kirkhuff; they are the parents of 6 children, of whom 4 are living; removed from New Jersey to Illinois in 1848. Democrat.
Knapp, William C., Professor Hedding College, Abingdon, is the son of Amasee and Sally (Carter) Knapp, natives of New Hampshire, was born in Littleton, N. H., March 10, 1853; educated in Ver- mont Seminary, Newburg, Vt., and North- western University, Evanston, Ill .; en- gaged at preaching and teaching; was married to Ellen A. Bronson, Aug. 19, 1860, and to Amelia Seybold in 1866, and the third time to Matilda McDowell in Dec., 1876; he has been a member of the M. E. Church since 1852; also has been Deacon and Elder.
Knox, James, deceased, and whose portrait appears in this book, was born in Montgomery co., N. Y., July 4, 1807; he was the son of James and Nancy (Elile) Knox; he prepared for college in Hamilton Academy, New York, and en- tered Hamilton College at Clinton, N. Y., in 1827, and then went to Yalc; where he graduated; was admitted to the bar in 1833; in 1836 hc came to Knoxville, Ill., where lie soon assumed a prominent posi- tion, and took a leading part in developing the interests of the town and county, and opening up avenues of communication
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
with other portions of the country ; he was one of the prime movers in the construction of the Peoria & Oquawka railroad, and was its first President; in 1847 he was elected a member of the State Constitutional Convention, and to Congress on the Whig ticket in 1852; hc married Prudence H. Blish in 1840, who died childless in 1846; during the last years of his life he made a number of very liberal donations to collegiate institu- tions ; he died Oct. 9, 1876.
Knox, Edwin, P. O., Ontario, farmer; born in North Salem, N. Y .; his parents, Thomas and Mary (Hobly) Knox, were natives of New York; Edwin was educated at New Hartford; moved to Whitestown, N. Y., in 1840, and to Knox co., Ill., in 1854; married Rachel Stewart Wetmore, Aug. 24, 1853; they have 2 chil- dren, son and daughter; united with Bap- tist Church in 1850. Republican. Cir- cumstances moderate.
Knox College, Galesburg.
Krans, Geo. E., son of Eric and Anna (Olson) Krans, was born in Sweden Aug. 19, 1847; came to this county in the fall of 1835, and moved into Walnut Grove tp. in 1864, where he now lives ; was ed- ucated in the common schools of this county ; was reared upon a farm, and con- tinues in the occupation ; he is desirous of becoming thoroughly acquainted with the country of his adoption; lic was mar- ried in 1869, to Anna Obrink; they have 4 children ; joined the Swedish Lutheran Church in 1862. Republican. P. O., Al- tona.
Ladd, Arthur W., editor Oneida News, is the son of James M. and Saralı G. Ladd, of New Hampshire. Arthur was born in Ontario township, Knox co., July 29, 1858; attended country schools and high school at Oneida ; never appren- ticed to learn printer trade, never in a print- ing office until lie commeneed his own publication. Enlisted in 1877 as a musi- cian in the 4th Regt. I. N. G .; soon after appointed Drum Major of regt.
Lambert, W. S., farmer, was born in Truro township, Knox co., Ill., March 24, 1853. Hc is the son of Martin and Adaline Lambert, the former of Kentucky, the latter from Ohio. He was educated at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. He chose farming because he believed it the most independent pursuit; removed from Truro to Elba township, where hc now lives. In 1870 he married Julia Dixon, by whom he has 2 children. Rc- publican. P. O., Elmwood.
Latimer, John Carson, farmer, was born in Robinson co., Tenn., Aug. 18, 1812; is the son of Joseph and Anna (Dobbins) Latimer, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of South Carolina.
His educational opportunities in youth were very limited, not being able to write intelligibly until after he was married. He was encouraged to pursue study by County Surveyor Denny, to whom he feels greatly indebted. He came to Knox co. in 1831 ; married Ann Pierce Jan. 5, 1834. They are the parents of 4 sons and 6 daughters. He united with the M. E. Church in 1834, changed to the Christian in 1842. He has held the offices of Super- visor and J. P. Republican. P. O., Ab- ingdon.
Latimer, J. S., dealer in thorough- bred stock; P. O., Abingdon; was born in Cedar township, Knox co., in 1836. His father, A. Latimer, was one of the first settlers in the county; attended the log school-house in 1846, and Cherry Grove Seminary in 1850. In 1856 he went to Minnesota with an ox team; was one of the first settlers of Faribault co., with Indians as neighbors; engaged in the war against the Sioux in 1862; detailed to buy cattle for the Government; returned to Knox co. to the farm known as Cedar Farm, which he bought in 1867; since has been foremost in raising fine cattle and hogs.
Latimer, Hon. Joseph F. There is perhaps no family more widely known and respected, living in Knox co., than that of which the subject of this sketch is an honored member. For nearly half a century the Latimer family has been closely allied to the interests of this county. In 1831 Elder Joseph Latimer, the grandfather of Joseph F., came to the county and settled in Cedar township. Soon thereafter-1832-came Jonathan Latimer, the father. He also located in Cedar township. Jonathan Latimer was born in Robinson co., Tenn., May 29, 1803, and was the eldest of 5 sons. His parents were Joseph and Anna (Dobbins) Latimer. His grandfather was Colonel in the revo- lutionary war, and his 12 sons served un- der him. Jonathan Latimer was married to Miss Nancy West in 1825, came to San- gamon co., Ill., in 1829, and to Knox co. in 1832. There were but 4 families in Cedar township at the time he located there. He made a profession of religion early in life, and lived a consistent, zeal- ous Christian man until his death. He was one of the original members and Elders of the Cherry Grove Presbyterian Church; was the prime mover and one of the founders of Cherry Grove Seminary ; was noted for his large, noble, benevolent lieart, ever ready to help the poor, and full of sympathy and love for his fellow men. None knew better than he and his de- voted, energetic wife, the hardships and sacrifices of pioncer life. On the same place where they settled they reared 10
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
children, 7 of whom are now living. Jonathan Latimer passed from earth Aug. 4, 1866, leaving as a rich legacy a blessed mcmory.
· Joseph F. Latimer, whose portrait is in this volume, was born at Abingdon, this county, April 15, 1840. His father, al- though poor when he came to the county, had accumulated a goodly fortune ere liis death. The early life of Joseph was passed upon a farm in summer and in at- tendance at school in the winter. He then entered Knox College, graduating with honor in the class of 1864. Imme- diately thereafter-June 5-enlisted in Company G, 137th Ill. Inf., as 2d Lieut. On returning home he was chosen Prin- cipal of Cherry Grove Seminary. In 1866 was elected to fill the chair of Natural Science in Lincoln University, Lincoln, Ill. This position he resigned after one year, owing to ill health. He returned to his farm in Cedar township. He was elected member of the Legislature from the 22d district for the years 1871-2. Again in 1877-8 he served an honorable term in the House of Representatives, and is again re-elected this fall. He was married to Joanna Humiston ; 2 children have blessed this union. He made a profession of re- ligion in 1862, and is connected with the Presbyterian Church at Abingdon. Re- publican.
Lawrence, Geo. A., lawyer, Galesburg.
Lawson, J. P., miller; residence, Oneida.
Leach, Edwin Hatch, lawyer, is the son of Clement and Laura (Hatch) Leach, and was born in Eaton, Madison co., N. Y. His early life was chiefly spent in school. He took a course in Knox Col- lege, where he graduated, receiving the degree of A. B. in 1869 and of A. M. in 1873, at which time he delivered the Mas- ter's oration. In 1869 he entered Harvard Law School, where he graduated in 1871. He started in his chosen profession in Galesburg, and was City Attorney in 1875-6. Republican.
Leamons, H. A., farmer, son of Samuel and Nancy Leamons, of Ohio, was born in Highland co., O., Oct. 29, 1838; was educated in common school; was a member of the Band of the 48th Regt., and 60th Regt. Co. A, and was a private in Co. K of 12th Regt. O. Inf. in the late war. He married Ellen Barrere. They have had 6 children, 1 dead. Republican. P. O., Galesburg.
Lee Bros., Sparta township. P. O., Wataga.
Leflingwell, Charles W., rec- tor of St. Mary's School, Knoxville, was born Dec. 5, 1840. He is the son of Rev. Lyman and Sarah (Brown) Leffingwell,
natives of Connecticut. He prepared for Yale College at Temple School, New Haven, but cntered Union College, N. Y .; came to Illinois, and at the age of 17 taught school; then went to Galveston, Tex., where he taught a select school ; in 1861 returned to Illinois and entered Knox College, where in 1862 he gradua- ted. He was married to Elizabeth Fran- cis July 23, 1862. He soon afterwards became Vice-Principal of the Military Institute, New York. After 3 years be- gan to prepare for the ministry, and com- pleted his theological course in the Sem- inary at Nashotah, Wis., in 1867, and re- ceived the degree B. D. After his ordi- nation by Bishop Whitehouse, he was elected tutor of that institution. In 1868 he was called to take charge of St. Mary's School, of which we give a sketch in edu- cational chapter; since then he has con- ducted that institution successfully. He is also editor of "The Diocese." In the midst of his labors he has found time to study the fine arts, and has made 3 trips to Europe, visiting principal places of in- terest. He is the parent of 6 children, 4 of whom are living.
Leigh, Mary, was born at Mount Washington, Mass., Sept. 14, 1805. Her parents were David and Elizabeth (Hull) Booth, of Connecticut. She was brought up on a farm and received a common- school education. She came to Illinois in 1833, where she has lived since. Nov. 2, 1826, she was married to Robert Leigh, who was born June 24, 1792, and died in 1868. Mrs. L. has been a mem- ber of the M. E. Church since 1823; al- ways lived on a farm until her husband's decease. P. O., Hermon, Ill.
Leighton, John A., sprang from vigorous Scotch stock, his parents, Wil- liam and Isabel, both being natives of old Scotland, where John A. was born Feb. 10, 1828; married May 26, 1849, to Jessie Russell; 5 children were born to them. His wife having died, was mar- ried again March 21, 1860, to Jane Brant; they have 1 boy. Has served as Trustee, Collector and School Director; is a farmer. Address, Oneida.
Leonard, John, was born in War- wick, Mass., June 13, 1806. He married Louisa Jones March 5, 1832; united with the Presbyterian Church in 1828, and was Deacon for a series of years. He died Jan. 13, 1865. The only surviving mem- ber of his family, Henry F. Leonard, was born in LaSalle co., Ill., May 22, 1842; he spent his youth on a farm, and his only educational opportunities were such as the common schools offered. He came with his parents to Galesburg in 1849; he enlisted in 1861 in Co. C, 42d Ill. Vol .; was wounded at Spring Hill, Tenn., Nov.
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
29, 1864. He served 4 years and 6 months. Jan. 31, 1865, he married Sarah J. Bruner, who has borne him.3 sons and 1 daugh- ter. He has been a member of the Con- gregational Church for 18 years. Repub- lican. Is a member of the firm of Stone & Leonard, grocers, Galesburg.
Levalley, Christopher H., far- mer, is the son of John and Betsey Ann (Durham) of New York State. He was born in Schoharie co., N. Y., May 7, 1815. He has spent his life in farming and working at the cooper's trade. He mar- ried Harrict Gaines Jan. 18, 1837. They have a family of 7 daughters and 1 son ; came to Illinois, and settled in Copley township in 1842. Since 1843 he has been a member of the Congregational Church, and a Trustee for many years. Republi- can. P. O., Victoria.
Lewis, Hon. John H. But few men have had a more varied life expe- rience than has John H. Lewis, of Knox- ville, and who is yet in the prime of life. He was born on the 21st day of July, 1830, in Tompkins co., N. Y. His parents were Henry and Permelia M. (Shaver) Lewis, the former a native of New Jersey and was a descendant of Francis Lewis, one of the signers of the Declaration of In- dependence. His mother was a native of New York State. With their two sons, George and John, they emigrated to Illi- nois in the fall of 1836, locating in Ellis- ville, Fulton co. This wearisome jour- ney was made in a wagon, and consumed 51 days. On their arrival at their new Western home, several Indian wigwams were still in existence in the neighbor- hood. Henry Lewis was one of the pio- neers of that section, and built the first frame house in that town ; but he was not permitted to witness the wonderful trans- formation that has taken place in this State, for death removed him from earth on the 25th of Sept. 1837, leaving a widow and 3 small children. After his death his widow and children, in due course of administration, were turned out of house and home to provide for themselves as best they could among strangers in a new and strange country, and with a mother's devotion she took care of her children to the best of her ability, until they were able to provide for themselves. The oldest son left his adopted State when young in ycars, and after extended travels, spending several years in Mexico, found a home in lower California. The young- est son also left his home early in life, and after traveling extensively, including a trip on a whaling expedition, he located in Australia. Thus the three surviving members of this family are separated by thousands of miles, John H. residing in Knox co. After his father's death, he re-
mained in and near Ellisville, sometimes working on a farm, and at other times in town, until the fall of 1841. At that time when only 11 years old, he was put out to work on a farm near Farmington, in the edge of Peoria co., in the family of a South Carolinian, for a period of 6 years (under the impression that he was bound, but no papers were ever executed), the conditions being that he was to have good clothes, three months' schooling each year and a horse saddled and bridled at the close of his servitude. Even these hard conditions were not complied with. At the end of 5 years' hard work he had re- ceived but 41 days' schooling, during that time being poorly clad, and never per- mitted to eat at the table with the family. His mother, who was then working by the week, at a house some 6 miles dis- tant, attended the funeral of the lady of the house where he lived, and learned the true condition of her son. She deter- mined to find him another home, which she soon succeeded in doing, and John H. was admitted to the home of William Kent, who lived near the present town site of Yates City, where his mother lived. He remained there during the winter and attended the country school, his mother providing him with suitable clothing. John H. was a favorite of Mr. Kent, who furnished him with a rifle and ammunition, with which he spent many pleasant hours in the beautiful grove that surrounded the house, and where squir- rels and other small game were in abund- ance. In the spring John H. hired him- self to James Kent, a son of William Kent, to labor on his farm, receiving $7 per month. His mother also went there to live.
In the fall of 1847 the subject of this sketch, then but 17 years of age, went to Knox co., and in Knoxville made his home with the generous R. L. Hanna- man for 2 years, in the mean time attend- ing school and doing chores for his board.
In 1848 his mother followed him to Knoxville. The spring of the following year found him without money and cloth- ing threadbare. At this critical moment Mr. Hannaman procured for him a situa- tion in the store of G. M. Ewing at $50 a year, and board. At the end of the first year hc camc out $2.20 in debt, but the following year, by careful and judicious management, which has always charac- terized him, he saved $12.60 out of a sal- ary of $75. His employer desired him to remain longer, and offered him $150 for another year of service, but he chose rather to attend school, whichi he did until fall, when Alexander Ewing, who had re- turned from California, bought a large stock of goods, which John H. assisted in
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
marking; here was an important period of his life. Mr. Ewing gave him a small stock of goods to peddle on commission ; he had no wagon or horse with which to convey his goods, and had but $22 in money. This he paid on a $40 horse and harness, and to procure a wagon he gave his first note for $60. due in 60 days, which was paid before it matured; he continued in this business until the summer of 1853, when shortly afterward he went to Ab- ingdon to clerk for a Mr. Chesney ; his business connection with this gentleman continued until he sold out, which was a · period of 5 years.
On the 12th day of December, 1857, Mr. Lewis was married to Elizabeth S. Rus- sell, a native of Virginia, but who had been reared in Knox county, her parents being among the pioneers of 1837, she being then in her first year. About this time, having access to the law library of A. J. King, he devoted his spare hours to the study of law, and in January, 1870, was regularly admitted to the bar as an attorney at law. In politics the subject of this sketch has always been a staunch Republican, and during the exciting po- litical campaign of 1860 was deeply in- terested in the issues. He was elected to the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court, and ex-officio Recorder for Knox county at that election. This compelled his pres- ence at Knoxville, the county seat. After his term of four years expired he took a vacation to recruit his physical strength. He traveled considerably, and in the fall of 1868 again entered the Clerk's office, this time as Deputy, where he remained until 1874. May 25th of that year he was appointed by the Governor one of three trustees of the "Illinois In- stitution for the Education of the Blind," which position he resigned on being elected to the Legislature in the fall of 1874. As Representative he la- bored hard for the welfare of his constit- uency, and leaves an honorable record. He is a temperate, moral and upright man. He is not disposed to agitate differ- ences, and has had but few, although having business dealings with large numbers. He belongs to no church, and accepts no creed, yet his faith in the mer- cy and justice of God is great and immov- able. He was made a Free Mason as soon as he arrived at the proper age, which is the only secret society he ever connected himself with. Mr. Lewis has been eminently successful in his business career, and a glance at the county records plainly shows that his profits depend largely on the success of the agricultural interests of the country. Coming to Knox county an uneducated boy and without a penny, he has by integrity of character
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