Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Illinois : containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 93

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 850

USA > Illinois > Henry County > Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Illinois : containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 93

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. Olson was married Nov. 18, 1869, to Miss Carrie Matteson, a daughter of Anson Matteson, and a lady of estimable worth, a native of Ugglebo, Gefle- borgs Lan, Sweden. She was born June 5, 1848, and is the mother of three children, viz. : Mary Au- rora, born Sept. 11, 1870, Maud V., born Nov. 10, 1876, and Mabel W., born Oct. 24, 1880.

Politically, he was a Republican until the slavery question, which called that party into existence, had become permanently settled by amendments to the Constitution and those amendments ratified by the Democratic party.

He claims that the Republican party was organ- ized for the sole purpose of opposing the extension of slavery and that men who differed on every other question became what was called Republicans sim- ply because they agreed on the slavery question ; that a tool made for a special purpose is unfitted for general use ; so a party organized for a special pur- pose has outlived its usefulness when that purpose has been accomplished, and that it is illogical and absurd to claim that those who laid aside difference of opinion on other questions because they agreed upon the slavery question should continue the un- natural union now as slaves to a party name after the question which caused them to unite and was represented by that name, had ceased to exist ; that the Republican party now is only held to- gether by the " cohesive power of public plunder " and controlled by Federal appointees who have grown rich in its service, and chartered corporations and monopolies which it has created ; and that it is totally unlike what it was when it came into power first, from the people, and that on living questions he believes in those ancient principles of the Democratic party,-" The greatest good to the greatest number, equal rights and exact justice to all and special privi- leges to none." He claims that the safety and per- petuity of a free government demands that the in- telligent voter shall adhere to a political party only when it represents his opinions on living questions.

Mr. Olson is in the fullest sense of the word es- sentially a self-made man. He is emphatically one of those men of whom it is said " the American peo- ple delight to honor." While he is a foreigner by birth, he is educated really as an American. He is and always has been thoroughly identified with the institutions of his adopted country. His sad afflic- tions and bereavements during his infancy were so much heavier and more severe than most are called upon to endure that they can hardly be fully realized

or appreciated by those more fortunate, while his de- veloping youth and increasing manhood were re- spectively types of moral courage and indomitable perseverance, which must culminate in their just re- ward. While his past life has been unusually clouded by adversity, it has been said that "behind the darkest cloud there is always a silver lining;" and the author ventures the prediction that a man with such a biography will be called higher, and that very materially increased honors are in store for him. We will close the sketch by saying that we consider Mr. Olson an honor both to the Scandina- vian race and the land of his adoption. We take pleasure in presenting the portrait of Mr. Olson in connection with this sketch.

ichard W. Batton, a farmer residing on section 18, Annawan Township, was born in Madison Co., Va., July 8, 1829. When six years old his parents moved to Preble Co., Ohio, where Richard W. remained until 1854, when he came to Illinois with his wife. Pre- vious to coming to this State Mr. Batton formed a matrimonial alliance, Jan. 1, 1852, with Miss Mary Jane Hiliman, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. Henry Serfis, of the United Brethren Church. Mrs. Batton was born Jan. 31, 1834, and bore her husband ten children, namely: Mary E, born in Ohio, Dec. 21, 1852 ; Eli D., Oct. 13, 1855 ; Lucy I., Sept. 27, 1857; an infant son, born March 1, 1862, who died one day after birth ; Lucy Ida, born Sept. 23, 1864 ; Ulysses Grant, Jan. 19, 1865 ; Edith May, Aug. 29, 1866 ; James E., Dec. 31, 1867 ; Elpha E., Nov. 19, 1870; and Lottie L., Aug. 27, 1877. Five of the above named children are deceased, namely : Lucy I. (first) April 14, 1862; Edith May, Oct. 31, 1879; Lottie L., Aug. 11, 1880; and Ulysses Grant, Feb. 11, 1881.

Mr. Batton is the proprietor of 300 acres of good farm land, all of which with the exception of ten acres, which is timber, is under an advanced state of cultivation. He has a good residence on his farm, 32 X 42 feet in dimensions, two stories, with a good cellar; also a barn 32 X 50 feet, with 14 feet posts. His outbuildings are good and substantial, and his stock is of the best quality, graded, the hogs being of the Poland China. His farm presents a fine appearance, and his residence is surrounded by a nice grove of trees, and the place is indicative of that energy and perseverance of which its proprietor is possessed. Religiously, he and his wife are mem- bers of the United Brethren Church, and in politics,

721

HENRY COUNTY.

Mr. Batton is identified with the Republican party. The father of Mr. Batton, Eli Batton, was a native of East Virginia, in which State he was born in 1801. It was in that State that he was united in marriage to Miss Hettie Willhite, Dec. 25, 1827, in Madison County, that State. She was born April 3, 1808, and bore her husband 13 children, namely : The first an infant, who is deceased ; then Richard, William A., Manda, Louisa, John H., Janie, James, Mary, Sarah E., Gilbert, Emeline and Webster. He and his wife are Old School Baptists, and he always casts his vote with the Republican party.

udge J. P. Hand, residing at Cambridge, this county, was born Nov. 10, 1850, in Hanna Township. His father, Henry Hand, was born June 20, 1817, in New York city. He removed to Ohio with his parents in 1840, and came to Henry County, settling in Hanna Township, on Rock River.

The second wife of Henry Hand, Mary H. Hanna, daughter of John F. Hanna, was born May 22, 1829, in White Co., this State, and died Jan. 9, 1881. She came here with her parents in the fall of 1835, and of her marriage to Mr. Hand two children were born-John P., the subject of this biographical notice, and Henry F. Hand.

Judge Hand received his primary education in this county, and supplemented the same by a course of study at the Rock River Seminary, at Mt. Morris, Ill. After this he attended the Iowa State Uni- versity, at Iowa City, graduating therefrom with honors in the class of 1875. In November of the same year he located in Cambridge, where he formed a partnership with Colonel A. R. Mock, which lasted until June 1, 1885, when Mr. Hand was elected Judge of the County Court, which office he at pres- ent fills. The Judge has always taken an active interest in pol tical matters, and is identified with the Republican party. In 1880 he was a member of the National Convention which nominated James A. Garfield for President of the United States. He was Chairman of the Henry County Republican Central Committee from 1878 to 1884. Socially, Judge Hand is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and the A. O. U. W., and is regarded as an upright and capable Judge, well posted in the jurisprudence of

the land, and an honored and respected citizen of Henry County.

Judge Hand was united in marriage in Ogle County, Oct. 26, 1871, to Miss Libbie Brayton, who was born Feb. 12, 1849, in Mt. Morris, this State. She is a daughter of Frederick B. and Charlotte W. (Wheeler) Brayton, natives of New York, and has borne her husband one child-Frederick H. Hand, who was born April 27, 1874.

ndrew Johnson, proprietor of 120 acres of land in Lynn Township, and residing upon section 4, where he is engaged in the vo- cation of an agriculturist, is a native of Swe- den, having been born in that country March 18, 1840. His parents both died in Sweden. Andrew Johnson lived at home until 15 years of age, when he set forth to earn his own living and fight the battles of life single-handed and alone. In 1868, he set sail for this, the land of possibilities, and on ar- riving at an Eastern seaport came almost immedi- ately to this county, where he worked at different occupations until 1872. During that year he pur- chased So acres of land and subsequently increased the same by an additional purchase of 40 acres more, the latter being small timber. On purchasing his land, in 1872, he located thereon with his family and ever since has followed the vocation of an agricultur- ist, meeting with success.

Feb. 10, 1874, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Christina Johnson, in Rock Island city. She was born in Sweden and came to the United States in 1873, and has borne her husband four chil- dren,-Minnie, Elmer, Eddie and Gilbert. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Swedish Lutheran Church at Orion, and in politics Mr. Johnson votes with the Republican party.

illiam B. Tee, engaged in the mill, eleva- tor and grain business at Cambridge, was born Feb 17, 1829, on the Isle of Wight, England, and is a son of John and Mary (Hayles) Tee, natives of England, the father of Hampshire and the mother of the Isle of Wight. The father emigrated to this country with his family and died here. '

722

HENRY COUNTY.

William B. Tee emigrated to this country in the fall of 1853, and settled in Rochester, N. Y., where he followed the occupation of a miller, having learned that trade in his native country. After two and a half years, in which he was engaged in the milling business at Rochester, he came to Galesburg, Knox Co., this State, and there followed the same occupa- tion for two years longer. At the expiration of this time he came to Geneseo, this county, and followed the same business until 1874, when he left that place and came to Cambridge. On arriving_at the latter place he erected a mill and has since continu- ed to operate the same in partnership with different parties. At present J. W. Stewart is his partner and in addition to their milling business they are engaged in the grain and elevator business, the latter being run with the same power with which the mill is run, and in the different departments of their occupation are meeting with financial success.

Mr. Tee was united in marriage on the Isle of Wight with Miss Caroline King, a native of that place. She is the mother of seven children, living, namely : Carrie, Jessie, William, Fannie, Albert, Frank and Fred. The deceased are Charlie and Hugh.

eter Knudde, engaged in the flour, feed and saloon business, at Annawan, this county, was born in Holland, April 5, 1842. His father, Carolus Knudde, was born in 1799, in the province of Zeeland, Holland. He mar- ried Miss Joanna S. Temmerman in 1833. She was a native of that country, and was born there in 1806. The parents had five children,-Charles J., Peter J., Cornelian, Carolina and Amelia. The father died in his native country when the subject of this notice was 24 years of age. Of the five children born to the parents, Peter, Cornelia and Amelia are living at Annawan.

Peter Knudde was united in marriage with Miss Emilie Verbeeke, who was born April 26, 1855, and has borne him two children,-Mary C., born July 18, 1877, and Florence, born May 26, 1879.

Mr. Knudde is at present engaged in the flour and feed business at Annawan, and in addition thereto is running a saloon. His place of business is located

on the corner of Main and State Streets, and the building is 34 x 56 feet in dimensions, two-story, and he is meeting with success in the different depart- ments of his vocation.

The mother of our subject is yet living in her na- tive country, and has attained the venerable age of 80 years. Mr. and Mrs. Knudde are members of the Catholic Church. Politically, Mr. Knudde votes with the Democratic party.

ohn E. Odeman, residing at the vil- lage of Annawan, where he is engaged in the blacksmith business, is a native of Sweden. He was born in the latter country, Oct. 6, 1854. His father, Emanuel Hanson, was born July 15, 1812, and died Oct. 13,

1884. He married Miss Lovisa Peterson, Nov. 17, 1843. She was born April 10, 1817, and died April 27, 1882. Of their union, eight children have been born, as follows: Ingo Lissa, who died Jan. 15, 1844; Emma L., born Dec. 6, 1844; John Aaron, born Oct. 23, 1847, and died April 28, 1848; John Aaron (second), born July 31, 1849, and died Oct. 19, 1854; Johanna L., born Oct. 22, 1851; died Oct. 8, 1854; Ida A., born Jan. 11, 1857, died Sept. 27, 1857 ; A. P., born March 8, 1859, died April 4, 1864.

John E. Odeman is the only surviving member of his father's family. He learned his trade in Gutten- burg, Germany, after serving an apprenticeship of five years. He emigrated to the United States, land- ing at New York city. From that place he went to Connecticut, where he remained some three months, and then came to Annawan, and engaged in working as a " jour " at his trade. In June, 1884, he bought the building owned by his employer and at present is running the business himself. He has his shop full of good machinery, a ten-horse-power engine, good wood planer, iron and wood lathes, and in the prosecution of his business, is meeting with that suc- cess which energy and perseverance are always sure to bring. He is one of the leading business men of the village, a good citizen, always willing to aid in any enterprise calculated to benefit the community in which he resides, and his constantly increasing trade, is attributable to his fair and honest dealings with his fellowinen.

7ž3

HENRY COUNTY.

In religious matters, he is a member of the Luther- an Church, and in politics a Republican. Socially, he is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Lodge No. 334, at Annawan, and at present is Tyler of that lodge. Mr. Odeman is also engaged in repairing all kinds of farm machinery, such as threshers, reapers, plows, harvesters, and in fact anything and every- thing pertaining to machinery.

ames P. Blakely, a successful and ener- getic farmer, residing upon section 32, Western Township, was born in Allegheny County, Pa., Dec. 15, 1819. His father was a bricklayer and plasterer by trade, and was born on the Emeral Isle. He was married in that country to Isabella Patterson, and after their mar- riage they immediately set sail for this the land of possibilities, arriving here safely and settling in Pittsburg, from which place they removed to Alle- gheny County, Pa. At the latter place, the father continued to reside engaged in working at his trade until his death, which event took place about 1864. The mother afterwards came to this State and resided with her son, the subject of this notice, until her de- mise, which took place about 1870.

James P. Blakely was the elder of the children of his parents' family, and continued to reside with them until his marriage, in the meantime attending the common schools and learning the trade of a cooper. He was first united in marriage July 14, 1848, to Miss Rebecca Crouse, in his native county and State. She was born and reared in Washington County, Pa., and there resided until her marriage. After their marriage, in the spring of 1857, they started for this State, and on arriving here, located in Western Township, Henry County, where Mr. Blakely rented a farm and for five years was engaged in farming in that way. The crops yielded well and he was compelled to haul his corn to Rock Island city, and at that time sold the same for the munifi- cent price of ten cents a bushel, and could only make one load a day, the entire load amounting to about $5. Even at this small price for his produce he saved money; and, although the butter was not spread upon his bread as thick as it is to-day, he re- alizes that by his economy at that time he succeeded

in procuring 80 acres of land which to-day consti- tutes the fine farm upon which he resides. His early experience in this county was similar to that of many other pioneer who had nothing, and whose support and future prosperity depended entirely up- on his own labor. He has since made this his home, and by the same economy, energy and perseverance which prompted him so manfully to stick to the country in the beginning, he has succeeded in add- ing to his original purchase 147 acres, making a grand total of 227 acres of land, all of which is uu- der an advanced state of cultivation.

Some years after moving into the county, Nov. 19, 1874, his wife died, leaving him the care of five chil- dren, one having preceded her to the land of the hereafter. The living are Samuel D., who is mar- ried and engaged in farming in Iowa ; Anna became the wife of John Bradham, and resides with her hus- band in Shelby County, Iowa ; Jane and James P. Jr., are also residents of Iowa, and Philip R. resides at home.

Mr. B. was the second time married in Dallas County, Iowa, Sept. 21, 1875, to Mrs. Margaret R. Farren, nee Ewing, who was born in Washington Co., Pa., Aug. 31, 1834, and was a daughter of James and Elizabeth Ewing, natives of Pennsylvania. Her father died when Mrs. Blakely was only six years of age, and she afterwards lived with her mother until she came to this State, and two years later was married to David M. Farren, who died May 27, 1869, in De Soto, Iowa, to which State they had moved after their marriage. By her first mar- riage Mrs. Blakely had six children, all'living and named Andrew B., William M., Mary, Artie M., Joseph E. and John G.

Mr. and Mrs. Blakely, religiously, are members of the Presbyterian Church.

In politics, Mr. Blakely is a believer in and a supporter of the principles of the Republican party.

ilton F. Edwards, general farmer, resid- ing on section 1, Andover Township, was born in Moline, Rock Island County, this State, March 3, 1858, his parents being George H. and Maria M. (Waterman) Edwards, natives of Vermont and New York respectively. The parents came to Moline previous to their mar-

724

HENRY COUNTY.

riage, and after that event settled in Western Town)- ship, this county, and resided there until 1875, when they came to Moline, where they are at present re- siding, retired from the active labors of life.

Milton F. Edwards continued to reside on the pa- rental homestead, attending the district schools and assisting his father in the maintenance of the family and developing into manhood. He learnt the trade of a tinner, and followed the same for five years, after which one of the most important events of his life took place, namely, his marriage. This took place at the residence of the bride's uncle, in West- ern Township, this county, Oct. 4, 1873, the bride being Miss Mary, the accomplished daughter of Al- bert and Mary E. (Glenn) Harper, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They came to this State be- fore their marriage, and after that event settled in Rock Island city. The mother afterward died in Coal Valley Township, Rock Island County, in 1868. Mrs. Edwards was 18 months old at the date of her mother's death, after which event she lived with her grandmother, Mrs. Julia Glenn, until she attained the age of ten years, at which time she became an inmate of her uncle's residence, William A. Stearns, and there lived until her marriage to Mr. Edwards. She has borne her husband one child-Milton F., born Aug. 1, 1884.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Edwards moved to Andover Township, this county, and purchased 80 acres of land on which they located and entered upon the labors of improving and cultivating the same, determined to make it a permanent home for themselves and their children, and where at present they are residing. The farm is well improved and handsomely arranged, and the land is under an ad- vanced state of cultivation.

Mr. Edwards is at present School Director of his township, and in politics is a stanch and active work- ing Republican.

ohn Larson, one of the large land-owners of Lynn Township, and a general farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 18 of the township named, was born in Central Sweden March 1, 1845. His father was a na- tive of the same country, and there married to Miss Anna Coleon, also a native of that country.

Mrs. Larson was second in order of birth of his parents' children, five in number, and was seven years old when his parents emigrated to the United States, they locating in Lynn Township, this county, on 80 acres of unimproved land, where the father. lived and labored until the time of his death, Feb. 12, 1884. His mother is yet living on the old home- stead in Lynn Township, aged 71 years. John Lar- son lived with his parents on the old homestead in Lynn Township, assisting in the labors on the farm, and attending the common school until his marriage. That event occurred in Moline, Rock Island County, March 11, 1874, to Miss Hannah Peterson. She was born in Sweden, and came to this country when a young lady of 23 years of age, and resided at Mo- line until her marriage. Her parents were Peter and Carrie (Johnson) Peterson, and came to America in 1884, and at present reside with their daughter, Mrs. Larson of this notice, aged 63 and 59 years, respect- ively.

Mr. and Mrs. Larson are the parents of five chil- dren : Mary A., Fred W., Dora A., Hilda S. and John. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Larson settled on a farm on section 17, Lynn Township, consisting of 132 acres, which Mr. Larson had purchased some years prior to his marriage. By the active prosecu- tion of his vocation, strict economy and energy, he has succeeded by adding to his original purchase un- til at present he is the proprietor of 390 acres of land on sections 18 and 17, Lynn Township, all of which is under an advanced state of cultivation. He has made a success of his vocation in life, and the same is attributable to his energy and persever- ance. In politics he votes with the Republican party.

amuel A. Lewis, farmer, residence on sec- tion 20, Cornwall Township, was born in this county in 1852. He is the son of John and Mary Lewis, natives of Ohio. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch re- sided with his parents, assisting on the farm and attending the common schools until he attained his majority. He then left home, and went forth to fight the battles of life, single-handed and alone, and has occupied his time until the present in the voca- tion of farming.

$11949

HENRY COUNTY.

725

Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with Miss Susan Rogers, a native of Virginia, Rev. Totman officiating, and they are the parents of one child-Cora Belle, who was born in 1878. Mr. Lewis is at present working 540 acres of land, which belongs to his father, and as an agriculturist is meeting with suc- cess. In his religious views he is liberal, and his politics coincide with the principles of the Green- back party.

ames Johnston, an energetic and successful farmer of Cambridge Township, residing and owning 160 acres on section 36, this township, was born Sept. 27, 1828, in Gallia Co., Ohio. His ancestors on his father's side were of Scotch descent, and on his mother's side of old New England stock. The grandfather of the subject of this notice, James Johnston, was born on the River Tweed, Edinburgh, Scotland. He was married in that country, and became the father of seven children born there. About 1820, he and his wife came to this country, and settled with their chil- dren in Gallia Co., Ohio, where the grand parents died. · Of their children, Andrew Johnston, the father of the subject of this notice, was 25 years of age when he landed upon the free soil of the United States. He was married in Ohio, to Olive Weed, a native of Chautauqua Co., N. Y. Both parents of our subject died in Gallia Co., Ohio. They reared eight children to the age of maturity, namely : Eliza- beth, James, William, Andrew, Olive, wife of J. W. Glassburn, of Tampico, Whiteside County, Jennette and Samuel.

James Johnston received such an education as was to be acquired of the schools of the day and locality in which he lived and spent his early life in his native county. He came to Illinois, in October, 1853, and settled in Knox County, where he was en- gaged in farming until 1876, when he moved into Cambridge Township, this county, and continued to remain here. He owns a good farm of 160 acres of land on section 26, and is actively and energeti- cally engaged in the task of its improvement, meet- ing with success in his chosen vocation.

Mr. Johnston was married in Ohio, Oct. 18, 1849, to Miss Abigail Powell. She was born April, 1828,

in Steuben Co., N. Y., and has borne her husband nine children-Almira E., Samuel T., both of whom died of scarlet fever shortly after they came to Knox County ; Charles L., who was killed at Altona, Knox County, by the railroad cars, aged 29 years ; Mary A. is the wife of Alex. Julien ; Andrew P. died when about 27 years old ; Daniel J .; Kellum E. died aged 4 years; William S. and Fred A. reside at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. While a resi- dent of Knox County, Mr. Johnson filled several important offices, among which were Supervisor for six years. He has also been Assessor of Cambridge Township two years. Since the demise of the old Whig party, and since Fremont ran for the Presi- dency, in 1856, Mr. Johnston has cast his vote with the Republican party. He has been one of the Directors of the Cambridge Library Association, and takes an active interest in any enterprise that is calculated to benefit the community in which he resides.

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.

Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Illinois : containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 93

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 850

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 850