Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 96

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 96

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).

Mr. Weems was married in Augusta, Illinois, in 1856, to Miss Louisa Kimball, a daughter of the Rev. Milton Kimball, the first minister of the Presbyterian church of that place. now de-

ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Weems had four children, but the eldest and the youngest are deceased. The others are Milton K. and Frank H., proprie- tors of Weems' Laundry of this city. The wife and mother died in 1876, and in 1884 Jesse E. Weems married Mrs. Brawner, who is still living.

He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Odd Fellows' lodge, but is not active therein. He holds membership in the Congregational church. More than half a century has passed since he first came to Quiney and he has delighted in the changes which have since occurred, making sub- stantial improvement and progress in the city. As a railroad builder he was a promoter of the development of this part of the state and is now an active factor in industrial and commercial in- terests of the city- upon which the development of every community depends.

.I. MONROE RIFENBERICK.

J. Monroe Rifenberick, who has been a resi- dent of Quincy for twenty-two years and is now living retired at No. 625 North Tenth street, is a representative of one of the old families of New Jersey, his great-grandfather, a native of Ger- many, having emigrated to the new world at an early period in its colonization. IFis son, William Rifenberick, was born in New Jersey and throughout his entire life carried on general ag- rienltural pursuits, remaining a resident of the state of his mativity until his son, William, was fourteen years of age, when he removed with his family to Clarion, Pennsylvania, where he made his home until called to his final rest.

William Rifenberick, father of our subject, spent the first fourteen years of his life on the home farm in New Jersey and was afterward identified with agrienltural pursuits in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, until he had attained his majority, his education being acquired in the public schools, which he attended through the winter months when his services were not needed on the home farm. Later he embarked in mer- chandising at Greenville, Pennsylvania, and was very successful in his undertakings. continuing in the business for several years, after which he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Greenville, continuing its cultivation and making his home thereon until his death, on the 14th of May. 1863. In his political allegiance he was an unfaltering democrat and he filled a number of local offices in a creditable manner. His religions faith was that of the Methodist church. He married Miss Margaret Ralston, a native of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. a daughter of William Ralston,

582

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

who was born in Ireland and after coming to America carried on farming on a tract of land about five miles from Greensburg. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church and was one of the most prominent and influential residents of his community. Mrs. Rifenberick died in Pennsylvania, December 1, 1869, leaving two children : J. Monroe, and Louisa, the wife of Wil- liam Il. Lane, living near Peoria, Illinois.

J. Monroe Rifenberick was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, April 30, 1842. Reared in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period he began his education in the district schools and later was afforded the opportunity of at- tending Covode Academy of Pennsylvania, where he pursued his studies until August 12, 1864. No longer content to remain at his books while the stability of the Union was still endangered. he joined the "boys in blue" of Company C, Two Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania Infantry and was sent to the front. He was on guard duty at Richmond, Virginia. until the fall of that year and was honorably discharged June 25. 1865. He sustained a flesh wound in the right hand when before Richmond but was never off duty.

When the war was over and the country no longer needed his services in the field, Mr. Ri- fenberick resumed his interrupted academic course, which he completed by graduation with the class of 1866. Later he was employed to teach the high school at Covode, Pennsylvania, and for two years was a teacher in Punxsutawney. Ile read medicine for a year with Dr. W. A. Means, of that city, but never practiced and in the fall of 1870 he came to Illinois, making his way first to Bloomington. He engaged in teach- ing school in Peoria county, Illinois, for two years and then returned to Clarion county, Pennsyl- vania, where he studied law under David Lawson for eighteen months. after which. in order to re- plenish his depleted exchequer, he began teach- ing school in Mebean county. Illinois. So ac- ceptable were his services that for three years he was principal of the Selina schools. He was a capable educator, clear and concise in imparting instruction, firm in maintaining discipline. and his efforts materially promoted the cause of pub- lie schools in whatever locality he was employed.

Suffering from a third stroke of paralysis in 1883. Mr. Rifenberick came to the Soldiers Home of Quincy, and after being nnable to walk for thirteen months he entered upon a slow recovery. Having become familiar with the pension busi- ness during that time, he was registered as an attorney in the department of the interior and on January 30 1889, he opened a pension office in the government building. This is a very im- portant work in Quincy from the fact that the Soldiers Home is located here and Mr. Rifen- beriek was very successful, presenting many

claims. the great majority of which were granted. He became recognized as one of the most able pension attorneys of the west and continued the business until 1898, when on account of failing health he retired.

While residing in Bloomington, Illinois, Mr. Rifenberick was married, February 12. 1883, to Miss Eva E. Hayes, of Lexington, Illinois, the wedding taking place at Genoa, this state, but she died in Bloomington a few months later, passing away JJune 16, 1883. On the 25th of July. 1890. he married Mrs. Elizabeth A. (Craig) Thomp- son. a daughter of John and Charlotte ( Gatliffe ) Craig. Iler father was an early settler of Quin- cy and followed the blacksmith's trade here until his death. Mrs. Rifenberick was born in La Grange. Missouri, and was the widow of Frank (. Thompson, traveling agent for the Singer Sewing Machine Company, with office in Qniney. He died in Alabama. The four children of that marriage were: Eher, who is residing in the Indian Territory : Ora L., of North Dakota ; Clif- ford, an electrician residing with his mother; and Pansy E., also with her mother.

Mr. Rifenberick is a member of the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows and of John Wood Post. No. 96, G. A. R. llo has always been a stanch republican, deeply interested in the suc- cess of his party. He and all of his family are members of the Presbyterian church and they oreupy a pleasant home at No. 625 North Tenth street, Mr. Rifenberick owning this property. He had a wide acquaintance, especially among the old soldiers, with whom he is very popular. Throughont his entire life he has manifested the same loyalty in citizenship that he displayed in early manhood when he enlisted in defense of the stars and stripes.

DAVID MURTON KNAPP. M. D.

With careful preliminary training fitting him for the practice of medicine Dr. David Murton Knapp has now entered upon a successful ca- reer as a physician and surgeon of Mendon. He was born in Kingston, Ontario, October 4, 1870, his parents being James Fletcher and Ann Eliza- beth ( Murton ) Knapp, of that place. His father was born February 27, 1837, and is a son of Peter and An (Guess) Knapp, of Kingston township, Ontario, while his mother was born February 18. 1839, and is a daughter of lohn and Ann E. (Bennington ) Murton. the former from London. England. and the latter from Kingston, Ontario. Both parents are of English descent and the Doctor's father is a representa-

583

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

tive of an old New England loyalist family. For six years he served as alderman of Reidean ward of Kingston and prior to 1899 was county con- cil for twelve consecutive years. In his family are five children, namely : Albert E., born No- vember S. 1868, is a dentist of Kingston : David M. is the next of the family ; buella A., born Oc- tober 11, 1872. is connected with the Conserva- tory of Music of Toronto, Canada ; Sarah E., born November 9. 1875, is teaching at Anaheim, C'ali- fornia : and Rachel S., born May 23, 1880, is at home.

Dr. Knapp, reared to manhood under his par- ental roof. completed his more specifically liter- ary education in the Sydenham "Ontario high school and subsequently was graduated from the Kingston Business College on the 16th of May. 1858. Almost immediately afterward he engaged in the real estate business at Desmet. Kingsbury county, South Dakota, where he remained For a year and then left that place to become a teacher in the public schools at Lake Henry, South Da- kota. He met with success in his work as an educator and was made principal of the public schools of Bancroft, South Dakota. He was thus engaged until September, 1901. when he aban- doned the teacher's profession in order to pre- pare for the practice of medicine. He took a preparatory medical course at Queen's Univer- sity. in Kingston. Ontario, and afterward was graduated from the medical department of the University of Iowa on the Ith of March. 1896. He did post-graduate work in the Chicago Poly- «linie in May, 1897, and thus by his comprehen- sive study became well equipped for his chosen life work. He entered upon practice in Mendon in 1896 and has gained a very enviable reputa- tion here by reason of the skill and ability which he has displayed in carrying on his chosen work. Ile has a thorough and accurate knowledge of the principles of medicine, is careful in the di- agnosis of a case and correet in his use of the remedial agencies which tend to alleviate disease and restore health.

Dr. Knapp was married at Mendon on the 26th of September, 1900, to Miss Olive Ely, a danghter of Jared and Sarah (MeFarland) Ely. both members of pioneer families of this county. This union has been blessed with one child Ilelen Knapp, born September 17. 1901. Dr. Knapp is a member of Mendon Lodge, No. 449. A. F. & A. M., and El Aksa commandery, at Quincy. He likewise belongs to Mendon lodge, No. 877. I. O. O. F., and to the Modern Woodmen of America. No. 751, of which he is local ex- aminer. In the line of his profession he is con- neeted with the Adams County Medical Society and with the Illinois State Medical Society and thus keeps in touch with the progress that is con- tinually being made by the medical fraternity as

research, investigation and experience constant- ly add to the sum total of medical knowledge and promote the efficiency of the practitioners.

ADAM ROHRBOUGH.

Adam Rohrbough, deceased, was for six years a resident of Quincy, during which time he lived retired. Previously he had been an agri- culturist of this part of the state, becoming one of the early settlers of Hancock county, Illi- nois, his home being near the Adams county line. He was a native of Weston. West Virginia, born Angust 6. 1827, and his parents were George and Sarah Rohrbough. The mother died in West Vir- ginia and the father afterward married Miss Emily Curtis, who was a sister of Mrs. Adam Rohrbough. After his second marriage he re- moved from West Virginia to Elveston. Hancock county, Illinois, where he engaged in general farming throughout the remainder of his life. Both he and his wife died on that farm, the for- mer December 7. 1876, and the latter January 23, 1895. Four of the children of the first mar- riage are now living : Isaac, who is a resident of West Virginia: Anthony, who is engaged in merchandising in Missouri; Jackson, who is now living a retired life in Omaha, Nebraska : and Edward, who is conducting a feed store in Omaha. There were four children by the second union, namely : Mrs. Sarah Jane Cozad. a widow living in Altamont. Kansas, who is the mother of nineteen children : Mrs. Mahala Moore, who re- sides in Brookfiekl, Washington: Mrs. Miriam Tweed. deceased : and Bland. a resident of Giro- gory. Missouri.

Adam Rohrbough is indebted to the common schools of his native state for the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth. He remained at home up to the time of his marriage. which was celebrated in West Virginia, Miss Susannah Curtis becoming his wife on the Sth of May. 1845. She. too, was a native of West Vir- ginia, born May 24. 1822, her parents being Al- exander and Jane .Mitchell Curtis, both of whom were natives of the same state. The Cur- tis family, however, came originally from Eng- land. Both parents of Mrs. Rohrbough died in West Virginia, her mother dying January 26. 1881, and her father in the early 20s.

After his marriage, Mr. Rohrbongh removed to the west, settling in Hancock county. Illinois, Hear the Adams county line. There he purchased a farm and began stock-raising. As he Found opportunity, he added to his farm until he be- came the owner of six hundred acres of very rich

584

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

and arable land. Ile made stock-raising and shipping his chief business, continually making purchases and sales, and he also engaged in the tilling of the soil. He prospered in his business engagements, capably conducting his affairs so that he won very desirable success. He continued farming until March, 1892, when he sold his tract of land of six hundred acres and removed to Quiney, purchasing a residence on North Eighth street, where he lived a retired life until his death.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rohrbough were born five children : Benina, who is the wife of John Pot- ter and resides in Quincy: Marion G., who is president of the Commercial College in Omaha, Nebraska: Lee J., who is a teacher in that col- lege : George, who is secretary of the college ; and Mary A., who is the wife of Lonis HI. Miller and resides with her mother, Mrs. Rohrbough. The father died Angust 15. 1898, and his remains were interred in the cemetery at Carthage, Illi- nois. In his political views he was a very stanch democrat, believing firmly in the principles of his party and giving to it an unfaltering sup- port. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Hancock county and after removing to Quiney, plaeed their mem- bership in a church of that denomination here. In his business affairs Mr. Rohrbough was very sneeessful, was enterprising and energetic, and whatever he undertook he carried forward to a successful completion, so that he was enabled to leave his widow in very comfortable circum- stances. Mrs. Rohrbough has now reached the very advanced age of eighty-three years. She enjoys a nice home at No. 1320 North Eighth street, where she lives with Mr. and Mrs. Miller.

JOSEPH N. MCGINLEY.

Joseph N. MeGinley, living two and a half miles southeast of Loraine, is the owner of a good tract of land of eighty aeres on section 28. Koene township, which he devotes to general farming and stock-raising. He is a native son of Adams county, his birth having occurred in Camp Point township. February 10. 1854, his parents being William and Margaret (Nevins) Metfinley. His parents were born in Ireland and in early life eame to the United States. The father was em- ployed in Pennsylvania for a number of years and then came to Adams county, establishing his home on a farm in Camp Point township.

Joseph N. MeGinley was educated in the pub- lie schools of his native township and was reared to farm life, following a plow almost as soon as old enough to reach the plow handles. He bought a farm of his own in 1881 and has since lived on

section 28, Koene township, where his land be- ing rich and arable. responds readily to his cul- tivation and to the care which he bestows npon the fields. He is practical and progressive in his methods and his work has been carried forward in an enterprising manner.

On the 27th of November, 1895, Mr. Metinley was married to Miss Enella Sweikert, who was born November 13, 1876, and is a danghter of George and Mary L. T. ( Booker) Sweikert, who were residents of Carthage, Illinois, but her father, who is still living, now makes his home in Mendon, Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McGin- ley have been born four children: Gracie F., born July 13, 1898; Joseph M., born March 5. 1900; Elizabeth E .. born May 24, 1903 ; and Wil- ber Chester, born November 30, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. MeGinley are well known in the locality where they reside and enjoy the favorable regard of a large circle of friends. In polities he is a democrat and served as deputy sheriff for eight years. Ile was also collector for one year and has been school trustee for several years, while at one time he aeted as jailer in Quincy. He was formerly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Loraine.

ABRAM BENTON.

Abram Benton, now deceased. was one of the prominent merchants and farmers of Adams county, yet remembered by many of the early settlers and also the later arrivals in this part of the state. He was of English lineage, his ances- tors coming to America from England and estab- lishing their home in Connectient during the colonial epoch in the history of this country. His father, Lot Benton, was a native of Guilford, Connecticut, and was married to Miss Hannah Chittenden, whose birth ocenrred in Guilford in 1777. a daughter of Jared Chittenden. She traced her ancestry back to William Chittenden, who came to the new world from England in 1639 and settled in Guilford, where some of his descendants remained through various generations.

Abram Benton was born in North Guilford. Connectient, November 9, 1814, and was reared upon the home farm, while his preliminary edu- cation, acquired in the common schools, was sup- plemented by an academic course. He put aside his text-books when eighteen years of age and, in company with his mother and his two brothers, Daniel and Joel, and their wives, he came west to Illinois. They reached Mendon, then known as Fairfield, in 1834, and Abram Benton, in con- nection with his brother, opened up the first store at this place. They also built a double log house. which was the second honse within the town

Auteur

Sarah J Benter

5×9

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

limits. Two years later Daniel Benton died, and Abram Benton then became sole proprietor of the little mercantile establishment. Through many years he continued active in the management of the store, increasing his stock as the country be- came settled and his patrons grew in number. In later years he gave over the management of his store to his son-in-law, Mr. S. S. Arnokl. His integrity in business affairs was proverbial. lle was always just, straightforward and honor- able and enjoyed in the fullest degree the trust and respect of those with whom he was associated through either business or social relations.

Mr. Benton was married in Guilford. Connecti- ent. in 1837. to Miss Sarah Dudley Chittenden, a daughter of David and Lucy Fowler) Chitten- den. returning to his native state for his bride. They became the parents of two children : Sarah J .. born July 17, 1838, who is now the widow of S. S. Arnold and yet resides in Mendon; and Ruth Frances, born February 16, 1841, the widow of A. J. Leggat and a resident of St. Louis.

Mr. Benton was long a devoted member of the Congregational ehurel, contributed generously to its support and did all in his power for its upbuilding. He was leader of the church choir for more than forty years and was also deeply interested in the educational progress of his com- munity. Ifis political allegiance was given to the abolition party in early life, he casting a vote for James G. Birney, the first abolition candidate. When the republican party was formed to pre- vent the further extension of slavery he joined its ranks and continued one of its stalwart advo- cates. He was a man of fine personal appearance. enjoying throughout the greater part of his life excellent health. His death occurred Jannary 5. 1896, when he had reached the age of eighty-two years and was probably hastened by a severe fall which he sustained ten days previous to his de- mise. Like the day, with its morning of hope and promise, its noon-tide of activity. its evening of successful accomplishment, ending in the grateful rest and quiet of the night, so was the life of this honored man.

GRANT IRWIN, M. D.

Dr. Grant Irwin, whose successful professional career is an indication of skill and ability without which prominence is never attained in the medical profession, has practiced continuously in Quincy since his twenty-first year, and by consecutive progress, resulting from close application and careful preparation he has demonstrated his right to be elassed among those who, following the la- test approved seientific methods, render the most effective aid to their fellowmen.

Dr. Irwin was born in Hancoek county, Illi-

nois, April 1, 1865, his parents being Samuel H. and Louise Jane ( Jackson ) Irwin, who are also natives of this state and now reside in Quincy. For many years the father followed farming in Hancock county, but is now living retired. Hay- ing traveled life's journey as man and wife for a half century, Mr. and Mrs. Irwin celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in May, 1904. Put little is known concerning the ancestry of the Erwin family, save that the mingled blood of the Scotch and Irish nations flowed in their veins. More definite information, however, is obtain- able concerning the maternal line. Mrs. Irwin, who was born in Hancock county, Ilinois, Janu- ary 3, 1835, was a daughter of Emsley and Mar- tha Ann Garrett) Jackson. The ancestors of the Jackson family, suffering persecution in England on account of their religious faith, sought freedom to worship according to the die- tates of their eonscience in the new world, and the family home was established at London

Grove, Chester county. Pennsylvania, in 1725, where they were highly respected and valued members of the Society of Friends. The branch of the family from which Mrs. Irwin descended emigrated to Maryland, where her grandfather was born. Both her paternal and maternal grand- parents, also her parents, were faithful and zeal- ons members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in that faith she was reared. Her father was a man of superior education and intelli- gence and her mother was a woman of lovely character. They were very careful in the train- ing of their children, ineuleating in their minds principles that go to the upbuilding of an hon- orable character. Their house was the place of entertainment for all of the ministers who vis- ited their locality, and indeed the religious serv- ices were often held in their home, most of the eminent pioneer traveling preachers. before churches were built in that part of the state, de- livering their gospel message to the people of the community in the Jackson home. Mrs. Irwin united with the Methodist Episcopal church in her sixteenth year and has lived a most consist- ent Christian life, her faith being shown in her good works.

Dr. Irwin, having mastered the elementary branches of learning in the public schools of Mo- berly. Missouri, entered the Quincy Medieal Col- lege and won the Doctor of Medicine degree on the 15th of March. 1886. He has always been a «lose and discriminating student of everything bearing upon the subject of medical science, and in 1902, in order to still further perfect himself in his chosen calling, he pursued a post-graduate course in the Chicago Polytechnic Institute. IIe entered upon the practice of his profession in Quincy on the day that he was twenty-one years of age-April 1. 1886-and has won success un-

590

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

til, by the concensus of public opinion, he veen- pies a position among the leading practitioners of the city. Tle served for six years, from 1897 until 1903, as physician in charge of St. Mary's Hospital, at Quiney : was physician in St. Mary's Institute : in Convent de Notre Dame and also in St. Vincent's Old Folks Home, but resigned these positions on account of the demands made upon him by his private practice, which has constantly grown until it leaves him little leisure time for outside interests. He is a student with a love of scientific research that keeps him continually in- formed concerning the latest theories and dis- coveries of the medical fraternity, and while he is quick to adopt all new methods whose ntility seems evident. he is nevertheless slow to reject the old and time tried principles, whose practical value has stood the test of years. He belongs to the Adams County Medical Society, the State Medical Society, the Tri-State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

On the Ist of January. 1887. Dr. Irwin was married to Miss Ollie Herrick, a daughter of Mrs. Susan Herrick, of Plainville, Adams county, Illi- nois. They have two daughters, Beulah and Mil- dred. Dr. Irwin belongs to the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities. Personally he is a man of fine physique, of firm, decisive charac- ter with a practical view of life that prompts him to the faithful and conseientions perform- ance of each day's duty and yet with ideals that enable him to strive for greater results and higher standards.

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.

Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 96

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