Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 80

Author: Collins, William H. (William Hertzog), 1831-1910; Perry, Cicero F., 1855- [from old catalog] joint author; Tillson, John, 1825-1892. History of the city of Quincy, Illinois. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1228

USA > Illinois > Adams County > Quincy > Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois > Part 80

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WILLIAM HERTZOG COLLINS.

William Hertzog Collins was born March 20, 1831, at Collinsville, Ilinois, and received his early education in the public school of that town. He was a member of the class of 1850 at Illinois College at Jacksonville. Hle after- ward served as trustee of the college for sev- eral years. After leaving college he took a

post-graduate course at Yale College in philos- ophy and theology. For six years he was pas- tor of the Congregational church at La Salle, Hiinois. In 1858 he bought and conducted the Jacksonville Journal. In 1861 he became chap- lain of the Tenth Illinois Infantry. but later he resigned this position and assisted in raising the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois Infantry. He commanded Company D of this regiment in the battles of Elk River, Chieka- manga. Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge and Ringgold. In the spring of 1864 he was appointed on the staff of Major General John M. Palmer and served during the campaign, which ended with the fall of Atlanta. In De- eember he was appointed provost marshal of the twelfth district of Illinois and served in that office until December 31, 1865.

In 1866 Mr. Collins engaged in the manufac- ture of plows and agricultural implements and later organized the Collins Plow Company. lle has been associated with this business for about a quarter of a century. For several years he also had an interest in the State Street Bank. At the solicitation of friends he has sometimes made political ventures in city. state and national polities. Ile has always been an ardent republican and his ward, city and representative district has been strongly demo- eratie. During his service as alderman of the fifth ward he was elected by a democratic conn- «il to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the mayor of Quincy. lle was twice elected, in 1884 and 1888. a member of the state legis- lature. He was afterwards nominated for con- gress in 1888 and for the state senate in 1902. Ile was unsuccessful but the usual heavy demo- cratie majorities were redneed. Without a. canvass for the position he received a heavy vote in the republican convention for lieu- tenart governor. He was elected supervisor for six years. During his service in the legis- lature he gave by invitation orations upon Decoration Day, npon the occasion of the me- morial service of Senator John A. Logan, and upon the anniversary of the death of President Lincoln. These orations were extensively pub- lisher in the daily press.

Mr. Collins has written a good deal for pub- lication. Quincy people know of his literary ability chiefly through his communications with the press of the city. Some of these letters have been accounts of his hunting expeditions and his travels. Other newspaper articles have been on economic questions of current interest. Ils magazine articles "Elements of Truth in all Religions." "Reaction of Law upon The- ology" and the "Logos," show his sympathy with a national theology. Sinee 1897 he has

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been president of the board of directors of the Anna Brown Home for the Aged. In 1903 he was appointed on the board of education and was made its president. lle was afterwards elected to the same office, his term as director expiring in 1901. In the spring election of 1905, without any canvass on his part, he was elected alderman of the sixth ward. He has always maintained that it is the duty of every citizen to serve the commonwealth as he best ean without questioning the dignity of the of- fice or its emoluments.

In philosophy he is a theistic evolutionist. in polities a republican, who holds the welfare of the people as above the success of party. In religion he is a believer in the law of love as the highest law. Ilis versatility is indicated by a toast as announced at a recent literary an- niversary : William II. Collins. preacher. poet. politician, plow-maker, soldier.

JOHN O. REYNOLDS.

John O. Reynolds, who is now successfully engaged in farming on seetion 33, Houston town- ship, was born in this county. January 26, 1873, his parents being George R. and Margaret (Simpson ) Reynolds. The ancestry of the fam- ily can be traced back to the Mayflower. The paternal great-grandfather of Charles Reynolds was a native of Connecticut and served for seven years in the Revolutionary war. subsequent to which time he followed blacksmithing. Ilis son, Ilorace Reynolds, was born in East Hartford, Connecticut, January 27, 1790. and was one of a family of four daughters and four sons and for some years was the only survivor of the fam- ily. Ile, too, became a blacksmith and worked at the forge for a half century. Leaving Win- sted. Connecticut. he removed to Houston, Adams county, Illinois, in 1835, and there pur- chased land and established his home, being one of the pioneer residents of that locality. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made upon his land. but he soon broke the prai- rie and after turning the sod, planted his seed and in due course of time gathered rieh crops. ultimately improving and cultivating two hun- dred acres. The usual experiences of pioneer life were familiar to the family. Wolves were frequently heard howling around the cabin at night and it was no unusual thing to see a herd of deer, while venison was a frequent dish upon the family board. Horace Reynolds reached the advanced age of ninety-three years, passing away February 5, 1883. He had been married on the 11th of October, 1815, by the Rev. Dr. Lyman Beecher, to Miss Annie Culver, who was

born in Litchfield, Connecticut, in 1792. Their married life covered sixty-eight years and she survived her husband two years. She held mem- bership in the Congregational church and was an able assistant to her husband, carefully man- aging the household affairs, while he devoted his attention to the improvement of the farm and to working in his blacksmith shop. As the years passed they prospered and they always main- tained a high position in the regard and esteem of their neighbors and many friends. In their family were ten children.

George Reynolds, the youngest of this family, was born in Litchfield. Connecticut, March 6, 1834, and was only fourteen months old and weighed but fourteen pounds when brought by his parents to Illinois. During the winter months he was a student in a log schoolhouse. which, however, in course of time was replaced by a neat frame structure. Ile learned the blacksmith's trade with his father and during the winter months followed that pursuit, while in the summer season his attention was given to the cultivation of the fields and the care of the crops. In the spring of 1855 he formed a partnership with his brother Henry for the con- duet of a blacksmithing shop but about 1860 the brother went to California, while George Rey- nolds continued blacksmithing for three years longer. In 1863 he removed to Hancock county, Illinois, where he gave his undivided attention to farming, having purchased one hundred and ninety acres of land there. In March, 1865, how- ever. he returned to Adams county and for four Years resided near Mendon, while in 1870 he took up his abode in Houston township. Here he had four hundred and thirty acres of land in one body on section 4. Camp Point township, and three hundred and thirty-five arres of land in Houston township, his farm bordering each side of the Camp Point road that divides the two townships. He was also extensively engaged in the raising of eattle and hogs and his business affairs were most capably conducted. For the last thirteen years, however, he has lived a re- tired life but remained upon the farm until about three years ago, when in 1902 he and his wife removed to Camp Point, where they now make their home, being among the most honored and respected pioneer residents of the county.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. George Reynolds were born five children, the brothers and sisters of our subject being George, who married Artie Groves and lives in Houston township : Henry II., who married Lola MeAnulty and resides in Camp Point : Anna M., who is living with her parents : and Elodie, also at home.

John O. Reynolds pursued his education in the common schools of Adams county and at

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

C'amp Point, subsequent to which time he at- tended the Gem City Business College in Quin- cy. After leaving school he returned to the old home farm and lived with his father for ten years, since which time he has carried on general agrienltural pursuits on his own account. He is to-day the owner of two hundred and five acres of rich land on section 33, Houston township, which he has placed under a high state of culti- vation, the fiells annually returning his golden harvests. He also raises high grades of stock and this department of his business is likewise profit- able.

Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage March 19, 1902, to Miss Stella Kessler, who was born in Adams county, December 21, 1881, and is a daughter of C. W. and Belle (Reed Kessler. Her father was born in Adams county where he now lives and his wife became a resident of this county about 1840. Both still survive. Mrs. Reynolds was born in Camp Point township and obtained her education in the public schools. She has one brother and one sister: Ehner, who mar- ried Miss Idla Meyers, of Columbus, Ilinois, and lives with his parents; and Edith E., the wife of P. S. JIndy, a resident of Paloma.

Mr. Reynolds is a republican in his political views but never sought or desired office. prefer- ring to concentrate his energies on his business affairs. He is a young man of excellent business enterprise and executive force and has already won success that might well be envied by many an okler man.

DANIEL C. WOOD.

Daniel C. Wood, the eklest son of Governor John Wood and Ann Maria Wood, was born February 9, 1829, in Quincy, Illinois, in a log cabin that stood on Delaware street, near Front. Mr. Wood was the first white child born in Quiney and is the only person now living here who was born in Quincy prior to 1830.

Mr. Wood attended the first village school, near Fifth and Jersey streets, taught by Mr. S. F. Safford. While on the farm with his father, young Wood operated the first hay-press built in Quincy. About 1847, Mr. Haight opening the first telegraph office in Quiney, on the north side of Washington square, Mr. Wood entered the office as messenger and assistant. and soon was looking after the lines connecting Quincy with Warsaw and Hannibal. Later, he was given temporary charge of the office at Hannibal. Shortly after this, the gold fever in California broke out and Wood, in company with seventeen others, went to the "diggings" via Panama, most of the others being: Dr. Samuel Rogers,

Charles Brown, Major George Burns, David Wood. John MeClintock, D. Guthrie, lehabod Mil- Jer, Jordan, Messrs. Dorman and Sheldon, Cap- tain John P. Mikesell, George Rogers, John Wood and John Wood, Jr. As far as known, but two of the party are living, namely : Mr. Wood and Mr. Mikesell. Nathan Pinkham con- tracted to take the party by sled to the Illinois river, whither they started February 1, 1849. They did not reach San Francisco till the middle of July, and did not get to the mines till Angust 1st, or six months after leaving Quincy. Wood and others returned to Quiney from Cali- fornia.

In 1855, Mr. Wood formed a partnership in the lumber business with Charles II. Howland, the place of business being on Hampshire and Vermont streets, on the site now known as Mol- ler & Vanden Boom's lumberyard. The firm bought ground south of Jefferson street on the river to enable them to draw in their rafts of humber coming from the pineries. Northeast of the yard they erected a planing mill and dry house. In the fall of 1868, Wood entered into partnership with Alexander Stobie, in the ice business. The firm bought land on the Missouri side of the river and there built two houses, the first ice houses built on the river north of St. Donis. The firm did a large wholesale business with firms in St. Louis. Mr. Stobie withdraw- ing from the firm later, Mr. Wood soll his inter- est to Mr. Frederick Whipple and united with Mr. James W. Stewart, and the firm built two new houses at the foot of the island and con- tinued the ice business till in the '80s, when some incendiary burned their iee houses.

In 1886 Mr. Wood became associated with Mr. Shelly in the lime business, and kilns were located north of the city, on Whipple's creek. The business was not successful, owing to the quality of the stone and to other circumstances. Mr. Wood has also been identified with a num- ber of other enterprises in this eity.

Mr. Wood was married Angust 26, 1858, at Denmark, Lee county, lowa, the lady being Miss Mary Jane Abbernethy. Their surviving chil- dren are : Mrs. W. F. Sapp, of Galena, Kansas ; Mrs. 11. F. Porter, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota ; -lames T. Wood. of White Sulphur Springs, Montana; and Mrs. Thomas F. Dunn, of Car- thage, Illinois.

At an early date Mr. Wood was a member of the "Quiney Blues," a military organization, of which Benjamin F. Prentiss was captain. For many years Mr. Wood was a member of the old "Water With" or No. 2 hand fire engine, one of the most efficient fire companies of the city, under the captainey of E. K. Stone and E. M. Miller. The only other fire engine at that time was the No. 1. Mr. Wood represented the fourth

DANIEL C. WOOD

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ward for one term in the city council. Ile has always been greatly interested in the growth and prosperity of the city from its earliest period to its present beautiful proportions. Personally. Mr. Wood is a man of excellent character and agreeable address, who is held in cordial esteem.

REV. JAMES ROBERT SMITH.

Rev. James Robert Smith, pastor of the First Congregational church at Quiney, was born near Canton, Fulton county, Illinois, February 15, 1862, a son of Rev. Oscar F. and Esther Ann Smith. His father, a minister of the United Brethren church, was one of the pioneer circuit riders of Illinois and a man of considerable influ- ence in that day, sowing the seed of gospel truth that in time brought forth good fruit. IFis wife. too, was an earnest and devoted Christian, and her influence proved a potent element in the life of her son James. In their family were four sons who entered the ministry, the others being Frank G. Smith. D.D., who is pastor of the War- ren Avenue Congregational church of Chicago, Illinois: Rey. O. O. Smith, who is pastor of the First Congregational church at Conneil Bluffs, Iowa : and the oldest son, Rev. W. II. Smith, who died some years ago, being a minister of the United Brethren church for several years before his death. The paternal grandfather of Rey. James R. Smith was of English descent and sey- eral generations of the family resided in Vir- ginia. Ile married a native of France. In the maternal line Rev. Smith is of Scotch-Irish lineage.

In his youth a student in the district graded and high schools and later for a brief period in Knox College, at Galesburg, Illinois, Rev. Smith afterward continued his studies in the Morris Normal at Morris, Illinois, where he was grad- nated in 1883. Ilis childhood was largely passed on a farm or in the various villages in which his father was performing pastoral duties. After completing his education he engaged in teaching school for three years and devoted his leisure hours during that period to the study of law, thereby preparing for admission to the bar at Ottawa, Illinois, in 1886. He began practice in Moline, Illinois. and subsequently removed to Kansas City, Missouri, where he continued in the practice of law until 1892, when he left the courtroom for the pulpit. identifying himself with the ministry of the Congregational church.

After preaching his first sermon in Hennepin, Illinois, he was called to the pastorate of that church in 1892 and in the following year he ar- cepted a call from the church at Blue Island. Illinois. In 1895 he removed to Superior, Wis-

consin, to become pastor of Pilgrim church, at that place, and eight years later he came to Quincy, where since September, 1903. he has re- mained in charge of the First Congregational church of this city. In church matters he is closely identified with the larger enterprises of the denomination. He has been chosen delegate to the national council of the Congregational church for three conseentive terms by the local associations where he has been engaged in the ministry. In religious thought he is liberal, but sympathetic with all honest and sincere believers of whatever name or denomination. Ile is recog- nized as one of the strong preachers of the Con- gregational church in the middle west and each successive call he has received has ealled him to a larger and more prominent church, giving him greater opportunity for work.

In his political views Rev. Smith is a repub- lican, manifesting the interest of a publie-spir- ited citizen in the issues of the day affecting the welfare of state and nation. For fifteen years he has been a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and for five years of the Inde- pendent Order of Foresters.

Rev. Smith was married at Gilson, Knox county, Illinois. September 1, 1887, to Miss Jessie Law- rence, of that place, who is a graduate of Knox College, of Galesburg, Ilinois, of the class of 1886, and has been of much assistance to him in his church work. They have two children : Zens L., born January 9, 1889, in Kansas City, Mis- souri: and Paul, born in Superior. Wisconsin, March 4. 1896.

Perhaps no better account of the character and ability of Rev. Smith can be given than by quoting from the writing of one, who having good opportunity to judge of both, said: "As a genial, modest. honest, an earnest and fearless hater of evil, a loyal friend and advocate of good. People believe in him, admire his ability. respect his opinion and willingly co-operate in his plans. As a preacher he is magnetic and strong. In the pulpit he is able, sincere and fearless. Ife appeals to reason as well as to con- science and is eloquent with the simple eloquence of the truth. In all relations he endears himself to the church and community."

THADDEUS E. CONOVER.

Thaddeus E. Conover is the owner of a fine farm comprising two hundred and four acres of land, which has been acquired through his own efforts. This lies west of Lima, conveniently near the town so that all the comforts and ad- vantages of town life may be easily secured, while those of rural existence are enjoyed also

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

by the family. Mr. Conover was born Novem- ber 2, 1884, in Adams county and is a son of Jonah and Hester A. (Homan) Conover, the former a native of Little Lake Harbor, New Jersey, while the latter's birth also occurred in that state. In his childhood days, Jonah Con- over went with his parents to Ohio and came with them to Ilinois in 1835, the family home being established in Adams county upon a farm just sonth of Lima. Jonah Conover also became a farmer of this locality, his place being upon sections 11 and 12, Lima township. There he remained until his death, which occurred in 1872, when he was about sixty-three years of age, having been born in 1809. ilis wife was born in 1812 and died July 19, 1889, when nearly seventy-seven years of age. They were worthy pioneer people of the county, having assisted in the early development and improvement of this part of the state, and through the long years of their residence hore they had made many friends.

T. E. Conover pursued his education in the public schools of Lima and after putting aside his text-books he responded to his country's call for aid, enlisting with the boys in blue of Com- pany G. One Hundred and Nineteenth Ilinois Infantry. He joined the army. August 12, 1862, as a drummer, being then but seventeen years of age, and he served faithfully until Angust 26, 1865, when the war having ended, he was nmis- tered out at Mobile, Alabama. He still has in his possession the drum that he carried through- out the war. Following his return to Adams county he worked upon his father's farm until 1868, when desiring to engage in farming for himself, he bought the farm on which he now lives on section 11, Lima township. As his finan- cial resources have increased he has added to his property from time to time until he is now the owner of two hundred and four acres of rich and arable land, which yields him splendid harvests in return for the labor he bestows upon the fiells. He carries on general farming and in addition to the raising of the cereals best adapt- edl to the soil and climate, he raises peaches and apples, having a fine orchard.

On the 14th of January, 1866, Mr. Conover was married to Miss Margaret Shipe, who died in August, 1872, leaving two children: Martin II .. who was born Jannary, 8, 1867, and married Laura Ware, their home being upon his father's farm: and William b., who was born March 23. 1868, and married Nora Shipe, they residing in Hancock county, Ilinois. On the 17th of Oeto- ber. 1876, Mr. Conover married Jemima Lind- say, a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Bragg) Lindsay of Hancock county. She was born JJune 2, 1855, and by her marriage became the mother of six children : Maud R., who was born June 2,

1881: Joseph E., born October 3, 1883; Emma L., born March 1, 1887 ; Guy L., born August 28, 1889; Virgil 11., born May 21, 1892; and Mary L., born Angust 30, 1895.

Mr. Conover is a stanch advocate of repub- liean principles and although he lives in a strong democratie district, he has been elected to the office of supervisor, in which he served for four years: assessor for two years; and road com- missioner, for two years; and at the present writing is again supervisor. The fact that he has frequently been elected is an indication that his fellow townsmen repose the utmost confi- dence in his ability and fidelity. He is a mem- ber of Lima lodge, No. 135, A. F. & A. M., and Lima pest, 567, G. A. R., and his wife belongs to the Christian church of Lima. Their home is pleasantly located two miles west of the town and is noted for its warm-hearted hospitality.

CARNAHAN D. VANN FRANK.

In the business history of Quiney the name of Carnahan D. Van Frank figured prominently, for he was actively connected with commercial pur- snits here for many years, developing a business of large proportions and so conducting his in- terests that his honorable methods and straight- forward dealing gained for him the trust of the business world.' He arrived in Quincy in 1862, being then a young man of but nineteen years. Ilis birth occurred in Bristol, Indiana, April 27. 1843, his parents being Gerrit and Emily Van Frank, who were natives of Utica, New York, and in an early day removed to Bristol, Indiana, where the father engaged in farming until his death, passing away in that place. The mother died at the home of her son James in Dodge Center, Minnesota.

Their son Carnahan D. Van Frank was in- debted to the common schools of his native city for the educational privileges he enjoyed. Ile was only eighteen years of age at the time of the in- auguration of the Civil war, but his patriotic spirit prompted his enlistment and he joined the Eighteenth Indiana Infantry, participating in a number of engagements, including the battle of Stone River. He was also in several skirmish- es and on one occasion, while carrying his wounded captain from the battle-field. Mr. Van Frank was struck by a bullet in the thigh. Be- canse of his injuries he was sent to the hospital in Quiney, where he remained for several months. When he had somewhat recovered from his injuries he went to Rock Island, Illinois, to join his company, but on account of his wound and consequent ill health he was not sent to

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

active duty, but he was made steward in the hospital at Rock Island, where he remained until honorably discharged. le afterward contin- ued a resident of that city for a time and there pursued a full course in Bryant & Stratton Busi- ness College. Later he returned to Quincy, where he entered into partnership with his two brothers in the fire insurance business, in which they continued for several years. Mr. Van Frank of this review subsequently opened a store on Front street, where as a wholesale dealer in fish and oysters he worked up a good trade and con- tinned his sales with profit for a few years. Ile then enlarged the scope of his business by deal- ing also in ice and for a considerable period sold fish, oysters and ice to the wholesale trade. At a later date, however, he disposed of the fish and oyster department and continued in the ice busi- ness alone for twenty years, or up to the time of his death. From the beginning his patronage steadily increased until it had reached large pro- portions and brought to him a very gratifying competency.

Mr. Van Frank was married in Quiney to Miss Abbie Martin, a native of Salem, Washington county, New York, and a daughter of James L. and Ann (Hanks) Martin. Her father was a farmer throughout his entire life and both he and his wife resided at Salem, New York, until called to their final rest, though the latter died at the home of her daughter in Quincy. Mr. Van Frank died February 26, 1901, his death being the occasion of deep regret among his business associates and social acquaintances. While he carefully controlled his commercial interests and so directed his efforts as to win prosperity, he also found time to promote public interests and was accounted one of the representative citizens of Quiney. For a number of years he served on the city conneil and ever exercised his official prerogatives in support of those measures which he deemed would prove of most value in the npbuilding and permanent good of Quincy. He was a member of the board of education at the time of his death. His political allegiance was always given to the republican party and he ever kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day so that he was able to support his position by intelligent argument. Socially he was a member of the Masonie fraternity and served as master of his lodge for several years, exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft which has as its basic elements mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. Ile at- tained the Knight Templar degree. Ile held membership in the Presbyterian church, to which his wife also belongs, and his entire life in its business, social, political and democratic relations was in harmony with his professions as a member of the church. In 1876 he built

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Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 80

Author: Collins, William H. (William Hertzog), 1831-1910; Perry, Cicero F., 1855- [from old catalog] joint author; Tillson, John, 1825-1892. History of the city of Quincy, Illinois. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1905 Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1228

Author: Collins, William H. (William Hertzog), 1831-1910; Perry, Cicero F., 1855- [from old catalog] joint author; Tillson, John, 1825-1892. History of the city of Quincy, Illinois. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1228