USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 30
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 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93
WILLIAM HAWKINS
305
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
and comprehensive. He remained with his parents until twenty-six years of age, when he married and started out in the business world on his own ac- count, wisely choosing as a life work the occupation to which he had been reared.
In March, 1860, Mr. Hawkins arrived in Vermilion county, Illinois, and here rented a farm which he operated until August, 1862, when, putting aside all personal interests, he enlisted for service in the Union army, becoming a corporal in Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Regi- ment. He served for three years, or throughout the remainder of hostilities, being mustered out with the rank of sergeant. He participated in many of the hotly contested and important engagements of the war, including the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and the engagament at Perryville, Ken- tucky, and many others, and also marched with Sherman to the sea. He re- ceived an honorable discharge at Washington, D. C., and returned home with a most creditable military career.
After the close of the war Mr. Hawkins returned to Vermilion county and here purchased eighty acres of land, upon which he made his home. For a number of years he devoted his time and attention to the further development and improvement of his place, and in connection with general farming he en- gaged in stock-raising, making a specialty of raising and feeding cattle and hogs. The thorough training which he received in the early days upon his father's farm well fitted him for the successful conduct of an enterprise of this character, and his keen business sagacity and his wise management were resultant factors in the success which attended his efforts. His prosperity was most substantial and gratifying and at last made it possible for him to retire from active business life and enjoy in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. Consequently, in 1905 he left the farm and came to Catlin, where he built the beautiful residence which is now his home. As he prospered he con- stantly added to his possessions until now he is the owner of over three hundred acres of rich and valuable land in addition to his town property and is recog- nized as one of the substantial and representative citizens of the community.
In March, 1855, Mr. Hawkins was united in marriage to Miss Duannah Burgoin, a native of Ohio, and unto them were born five children, namely : Elizabeth, the wife of George Patterson, of Catlin; Nora B., who married Thomas A. Church, of Catlin township; Luella, the wife of Arthur Woods, also residing in this township; Marietta, the wife of Gale Taylor, making his home in Catlin township; and William, deceased. On the 23d of November, 1895, the wife and mother passed away, and on the 4th of March, 1898, Mr. Hawkins was again united in marriage, his second union being with Mrs. Tina (Payne) Shelton, who was born in Livingston county, Illinois, and was a daughter of Squire L. and Margaret Payne, both now deceased. She was one of a family of nine children, and by her marriage to Mr. Shelton became the mother of five children, as follows: Frank, now deceased; Hattie, the wife of T. W. Church, of Vermilion county ; Maggie, the wife of Oscar Kidd; Clara, single, living in this county ; and Edna, who married Roy Clingan of this county.
The religious faith of Mr. Hawkins is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church of Catlin, to which his wife also belongs, and they are
306
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
well known socially, the hospitality of their home being enjoyed by a large cir- cle of warm friends. Fraternally Mr. Hawkins is connected with the blue lodge of Masons, No. 285, at Catlin, in which he has filled part of the chairs, and maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his mem- bership in the Grand Army of the Republic at Georgetown. Politically he is a republican, giving stanch allegiance to the party which was the support of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war, and although he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, he served as a school director for several years, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. Although he has long since passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, he yet takes a deep interest in public affairs, keeping well posted on the questions and issues of the day, and is recognized as one of Catlin's honored and valued citizens.
CHARLES N. KNOX.
Born in Oakwood township, May 4, 1860, Charles N. Knox is a farmer who has gained an enviable reputation for the success in the county where he has lived ever since his birth. His father was also a native of this county and was here married in 1850 to Martha Norris, a native of Brown county, Ohio. He was a man of fine character and marked intellectual traits and after his marriage began the practice of medicine, in which he continued with a good measure of success until he was called away April 1, 1863. Four children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Knox: Frank, now a resident of Butler county, Kansas; A. D., of Cincinnati, Ohio; Charles N., the subject of this review; and James A., who died April 4, 1897. Four years after the death of her first husband the mother was married to William Meade, a farmer of this county, and had three children by her second husband: Irvin M., now of Jefferson county, Illinois ; and Delbert and Robert, both of Vermilion county. After her second marriage she resided upon a farm in Oakwood township until called away by death July 24, 1900. Mr. Meade, who proved a kind protector to the family, departed this life in February, 1902.
Charles N. Knox received his education in the district schools and assisted in the work of the farm during the years of his boyhood until he arrived at maturity. After his marriage he located upon a farm near Oakwood, it being a part of the old homestead which had passed into the possession of his wife. Here he made many improvements and during the years that have elapsed has added one hundred and twenty-five acres to the original tract, so that now he and his wife own a highly developed farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres, the general appearance of buildings and the farm itself indicating that Mr. Knox is up-to-date in his ideas and has made practical use of modern methods. He has always been an admirer of fine breeds of stock, for the farm as well as for any other use to which they may be applied, and he has been a fancier of Percheron Norman horses and owns some of the finest animals of that kind in the county. He has also handled other stock of good quality such
307
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
as cattle and hogs and by the application of practical ideas attained in this branch of industry a marked degree of success. He and his wife now live in a beautiful home in Oakwood, which is the center for many gatherings of friends and ac- quaintances of the family.
On September 22, 1881, Mr. Knox was united in marriage to Miss Ella M. Fox, a daughter of George A. and Margaret (Oakwood) Fox, her father being a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania, and her mother of Brown county, Ohio. The latter came with her parents to this county in 1832 and Mr. Fox came alone about 1850 and here they became acquainted and on Sep- tember 9, 1854, were marired. Mr. Fox was a respected farmer, who had a wide acquaintance in this part of the county, his death, which occurred October 14, 1900, being a matter of sincere regret. He was preceded to the grave by his wife, who was called away July 30, 1899. At the time of their departure they owned a farm of sixty-five acres. They were the parents of six children : William H., Abraham L., Eli H., Grant, George F. and Ella N. To Mr. and Mrs. Knox three children have been born. Florence, who was born August 9, 1888, received a fine education and, being granted a diploma as a school teacher, has taught for four years and still engages in the work, being highly popular as a teacher and as an active member of the community. John C., born March 25, 1892, is a graduate of the Oakwood high school. Blanche, born January 21, 1894, is now pursuing her studies in the final year of the high-school course.
Mr. Knox years ago became affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, No. 872, of Oakwood, and has served as treasurer of that organization. He is also a mem- ber of Lodge No. 332, B. P. O. E., of Danville, and of Lodge No. 1727, M. W. A., of Oakwood. He and his family are closely affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church and both he and Mrs. Knox are stanch advocates of the value of education, as is shown by the excellent advantages which they have extended to their children. He is an intelligent, active and progressive citizen, belong- ing to that sort of men that keep business alive and moving and who consti- tute the basis of our civilization.
WILLIAM H. JOHNS.
Earnest and eminently capable, it is not strange that William H. Johns should have attained an enviable position in the business circles of Danville, nor that the city should profit directly or indirectly by his efforts. He was one of those successful Americans whose success is measured not only by material gain but also by intellectuality, aggressiveness, independence of spirit and sincerity of pur- pose. He was one of Vermilion county's native sons, his birth having occurred July 14, 1845, on his father's farm on the old Ottawa road.
His parents were John and Mary (Humphrey) Johns. The name of the former is engraven deeply upon the pages of pioneer history, for he was among the first settlers of Vermilion county, taking up his abode here in 1829 ere the Indians had left this part of the state to make way for the civilization of the white race. His birth occurred in Kentucky on the 25th of May, 1805, and his
308
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
father was Judge George W. Johns, who was also born in the Blue Grass state and followed the occupation of farming. On leaving the south he crossed the Ohio river into Indiana and continued his residence in that state until his de- mise. John Johns accompanied his parents on their removal to Vigo county, Indiana, and through his youthful days met the usual hardships and difficulties which fall to the lot of the pioneer. He labored on the home farm, converting wild prairie into productive fields, and adding to the place such equipment as at that time indicated the march of progress along agricultural lines. He lived in Indiana until 1828 and spent the succeeding year in his native county in Ken- tucky. In 1829, however, he arrived in Vermilion county, Illinois, finding here the same conditions of frontier life which he had previously met in Indiana. Securing a tract of wild prairie and timber land in Blount township, he began the development of that place and evidences of his labor were soon seen in the cultivated fields, well kept fences and the substantial buildings which he put upon his farm. Tree by tree was cut down and the stumps grubbed up that the land might be plowed and planted, and he carefully carried on the work of general farming until 1866, when he retired to private life and removed to Danville to enjoy there the fruits of his former toil in a comfortable home which he occupied until his death.
John Johns gave his early political support to the whig party and when the new republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery he joined its ranks. He was twice elected to represent his ward on the board of city aldermen of Danville and was also a member of the state school board. He ever kept well informed on the issues and questions of the day and was always ready to support his position by intelligent argument. Both he and his wife held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Danville and were earnest and active supporters not only of the church but also of the temperance cause and of every movement that works for righteousness, truth and justice. The first Methodist services held in Vermilion county were on his farm in Blount township in 1829. He was honored wherever known because of his many ster- ling traits of character and his fidelity to the best interests of citizenship.
John Johns was married three times. For his first wife he wedded Miss Mary Humphrey, a daughter of John Humphrey, of Virginia, who removed from the Old Dominion to Kentucky, where he entered land from the govern- ment and developed a farm. By this marriage there were the following children : John, who was a soldier in the Civil war; Sarah, the deceased wife of Perry Copeland; Eliza, who became the wife of J. H. Miller and who has passed away ; Sue, a resident of Danville; Martha, who married R. S. Partlow, of Oregon and is deceased; Margaret, the deceased wife of Charles Hacker; and William H. Mr. John's second wife was a sister of the first, while his third wife bore the maiden name of Miss Jane Myers. At her death she left a son and daughter ; Charles, who is employed as clerk in Klein's clothing store of Danville; and Amelia who is engaged in the millinery business in this city.
Of this family William H. Johns spent his entire life in Vermilion county, supplementing his early educational advantages by study in the Danville Method- ist Seminary. He was a young man in his teens when he responded to the country's call for aid to crush out the rebellion in the south, enlisting in Com-
309
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
pany K, One Hundred and Thirty-Fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served during the entire time of his enlistment. He made a creditable mili- tary record by his unfaltering loyalty to duty, performing faithfully every ser- vice whether called to the lonely picket line or stationed on the firing line. After receiving an honorable discharge he returned home and became identified with commercial interests in Danville as proprietor of a grocery store. In that busi- ness he was quite successful and continued in that line for a number of years, after which he became associated with C. H. Giddings in the real-estate busi- ness. They bought and sold much property, negotiating many important realty transfers, and through their operation contributed directly to the welfare and upbuilding of the city.
He was thoroughly conversant with the value of property, knew what was upon the market and was thus able to assist his clients in making judicious in- vestments.
In 1875 Mr. Johns was united in marriage to Miss Eva G. Swannell, a daughter of John Swannell, who was of English birth. He was a cabinet-maker by trade and owned and conducted a store in Danville, having arrived in this city at an early day in its business development. He had the first turning lathe ever brought to Danville and was well known as an early maker of furni- ture here. After the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south he responded to the country's call for troops and was assigned to duty with Company A, Seventy-first Regiment of Illinois Infantry, with which he en- tered the battle of Fort Donelson and there gave his life in defense of the prin- ciples for which the Union army stood. It was his daughter Eva who became the wife of William H. Johns and of this marriage there were born two daugh- ters, Nellie and Evelyn.
In his political views Mr. Johns was an earnest republican, supporting the party from the time he attained his majority until his demise. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Modern Woodmen camp, and his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the First Methodist Epis- copal church. He possessed many sterling traits of character, so that when he passed away on the Ist of May, 1899, the community lost an upright and valued citizen. He stood for progress along all lines and there was in his life his- tory not a single esoteric phase. He was always a resident of Vermilion county and from his boyhood to his death he exemplfied in his life those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.
ANDREW JOHN DALLSTREAM.
Beautiful must have been the life over which such a transcendent eulogy is pronounced as appeared in one of the local papers when Andrew John Dall- stream passed away, which said: "His conduct was so exemplary, his disposi- tion so kind and gentle, his nature so lovable and withal he was so upright, honorable and generous that no man, woman or child had aught to say against him." At the time of his death Mr. Dallstream had been a resident of Hoopes- ton for thirteen years.
310
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
He was a native of Wernersborg, Sweden, born on the 6th of January, 1865, and during his early childhood he accompanied his parents, John and Catherine (Johnson) Dallstream, on their removal to one of the suburbs of Stockholm. His ancestors at a more remote period were wealthy farmers and landowners of that country. The father served as a soldier in the Swedish army and was a sailor and sea captain for many years. He came alone to America in 1870, settling near Utica, New York, but some accident befell him and the family never heard from him again. There were two children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. John Dallstream, the sister of Andrew J. being three years younger than himself. While living at Stockholm Andrew J. Dallstream became em- ployed in a porcelain factory and because of the dust which he inhaled con- tracted a pulmonary complaint from which he suffered throughout the re- mainder of his life. He continued a resident of Sweden until 1880, when, at the age of fifteen years, he crossed the Atlantic to America, attracted by the broader business opportunities of the new world, his mother and sister remain- ing in Sweden. One of the local papers thus described him: "He was about fifteen years old then, a little lad with a little cap and a tassel on it. He couldn't speak English then but he brought his manners with him. He was soon known by everybody in Hoopeston for, though quiet, he was ever sociable, and always saluted you with a good-natured smile."
Arriving in Hoopeston, Mr. Dallstream entered the employ of his uncle, Joseph Dallstream, a shoe merchant of this city, with whom he was connected continuously until the time of his death. He at once found favor with the patrons of the store, for he was always obliging, courteous and kindly. More- over his business integrity was proverbial and all recognized the fact that his statement of the quality of goods was a sure guarantee.
On the 26th of October, 1887, Mr. Dallstream was united in marriage to Miss Lida Loveless, of Milford, Illinois, whom he met while conducting a shoe store there for his uncle for a brief period. Mrs. Dallstream is a daughter of Thomas and Harriet (Funk) Loveless, of Milford, her father being a pioneer farmer and stock-dealer of that locality, now living retired. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dallstream were born two children: Lillian C., who was born December 17, 1889, and died July 21, 1909, when in her twentieth year : and Andrew J., Jr., who was born April 29, 1893, and is now in school. About 1888 the death of Mr. Dallstream's sister occurred and three years later he sent for his mother to come and make her home with him. Those who had known and benefited by the kindness, gentleness and noble soul of the son then knew from whom he had inherited those qualities when they met the kindly old lady who had left her native country and crossed the sea alone to give the remaining days of her usefulness to those left whom she loved - her son and his family. To his mother Mr. Dallstream ever manifested a most filial devotion, repaying her thus for the care and love which surrounded him in his youth.
In his political views Mr. Dallstream was a republican, earnestly advocat- ing the party principles. He was a public-spirited man, and in so far as pos- sible aided the various public projects for the general good. At the time of his death he was serving as township clerk of Grant township, and such was his popularity that he had no opposition for the nomination, and after he was
311
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
made the republican candidate the democrats would not nominate any one against him. All of his duties in this office as well as in other stations of life where any responsibility rested upon him, were discharged with the utmost fidelity. He was well known in fraternal relations, and in his life exemplified the beneficent spirit of the orders with which he was associated. He belonged to the Masonic lodge and chapter at Hoopeston and of the latter was secre- tary. He was also a member of the Hoopeston Camp, No. 257, M. W. A., of which he served as clerk, and he likewise belonged to Hoopeston Lodge, No. 195, K. P. Above and beyond all of his business and fraternal relations, how- ever, he regarded his connection with the church. He held membership in the Methodist denomination, was most loyal to its teachings and faithful to his professions. He was so warm-hearted and so catholic in spirit that his friends were not limited to the membership of his own church - a fact which is indi- cated by the ready response which was made when members of the Presbyterian, Universalist, Christian and Methodist church choirs were asked to sing at the funeral.
During the period of his residence in Hoopeston Mr. Dallstream suffered at times as the result of the pulmonary trouble which he had contracted in his youth, and although this was not the direct cause of his death, it undoubtedly greatly hastened the end. He bore intense suffering with the greatest heroism, making no complaint, until his eyes closed in dreamless sleep on the 25th of June, 1893. His funeral was one of the most largely attended in Hoopeston. The services were conducted by the Rev. E. S. Wamsley, assisted by the Rev. J. M. Lester. Rev. K. M. Haff and Rev. V. C. Randolph. The services were attended by the Masonic, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen lodges in a body, the former having charge. The funeral escort consisted of two hundred men of the home lodge and visiting brothers from Rossville, Milford, Wellington and other points. The business houses of Hoopeston were closed during the hour of the service and the whole city mourned the dead. At the grave the Masonic ritualistic services were performed. The following resolutions were passed at the regular meeting of Hoopeston Lodge, No. 195, K. of P., Tuesday eve- ning.
Whereas, The Universal Chancellor Commander, in his wisdom, has seen fit to remove from his family, his friends and his lodge our brother, Andrew John Dallstream; and
Whereas, His character as a member of this lodge, his reputation in the community and his standing as an honorable and upright citizen demand an official expression from those intimately associated with him as to our appre- ciation of his many manly qualities and our sorrow at his untimely end; there- fore be it
Resolved, That while we deplore his early death, we will cherish his mem- ory and strive to emulate his example; and
Resolved, That we extend to his bereaved wife and little children and to his aged mother our sincere sympathy and commend them to Him who doeth all things well; and
Resolved, That these resolutions be spread on the records of Hoopeston Lodge, No. 195, K. of P .; that an engrossed copy thereof be presented to his
312
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
family, and that the city papers be requested to publish them in their columns; and
Resolved, That in token of our respect for our departed brother the charter of our lodge be draped in mourning for a period of thirty days.
CHAS. W. WARNER, J. W. HEATON, JOHN KING,
Committee.
One of the local papers said: "When a young man has so lived that, in a quiet life, he has gained the friendship, love and esteem of all of his acquaint- ances, he has lived well. When a boy, coming from a foreign land, so con- ducts himself that at his death the tears of our grief bring to quick maturity in our recollections his many noble traits of character and gentleness of heart, though they leave us only pallid shades of memory, he has lived a noble life. To have been the friend of such a boy gives a most delicious peace. In this friendship Andrew J. Dallstream, lived content, and in this friendship he died - a noble boy, generous, high-souled, true." A life so full of noble pur- pose and manly principles as that of Andrew J. Dallstream seems not to end, even though death comes, for the influence and memory remain and the hearts of those that are left behind echo the words:
I cannot say, and I will not say That he is dead - He is just away ! With a cherry smile and a wave of the hand He has wandered into an unknown land, And left us dreaming how very fair It needs must be, since he lingers there. And you-O you, who the wildest yearn For the old-time step and the glad return, Think of him faring on, as dear In the love of There as the love of Here; Think of him still as the same, I say : He is not dead - he is just away !
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.