Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 102

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 1130

USA > Illinois > Knox County > Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois > Part 102

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braska, and James F. is a student at the Business College at Galesburg, 111.

Mr. Lindsley has been a worthy official of the corporation he represents, is an honored citizen and a most genial gentleman. He has reared and edu- cated his family well and been a kind husband and father. In public life he was averse to office-hold- ing, but has nevertheless served the city as Alder- man for his ward two different times. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1855, and with his family attends the Baptist Church.

armon Way. We should not fail to men- tion among the more important, progress- ive and practical farmers identified with Knox County the name of the gentleman of whom this biography is written. His home is situated on section 22 of Chestnut Township, and he is by occupation an agriculturist, and in con- nection with this branch of business carries on the breeding and raising of stock.

Our subject was born in Portage County, Ohio, Feb. 19, 1815, and came to Illinois in the fall of 1841, lo- cating in Knox County, where he now lives. Mr. Way's father was born in the State of Connecticut and came to Ohio at an early day. He was by name David, and united in marriage with Rebecca Baldwin, and they both died in Ohio, at a date not exactly known.

Mr. Harmon Way of this notice entered the mat- rimonial estate with Miss Elizabeth Wilson, Jan. I, 1837, in the State of Ohio. She was born in Stark County, that State, March 15, 1821, and her parents were Charles W. and Betsy (Shelton) Wilson, the former of whom was born in England and the latter in Maryland. Both of these are now deceased, but left eight children.

Mr. and Mrs. Way have a family of nine children, eight of whom still survive, as follows: David, born Jan. 27, 1838; Baldwin, Jan. 14, 1840; Samuel, May 24. 1841; Andrew J., June 12, 1843; Jacob, Dec. 14, 1845 ; Lewis, June 22, 1849; Harmon, Jr., July 22, 1852 ; Hiram, Aug. 30, 1855; and Sonora, Jan. 22, 1859. Samuel, Jackson, Jacob and Bald- win were in the late Rebellion, fighting in the Union army and doing a good and noble service for their

country. Baldwin died in the full flush of his early manhood, in 1865, at Dalton, Ga., while in the serv- ice. The other three were protected from the per- ils of war and at the end of their military labors were discharged with honor from the army, living to meet their father and mother at home, after peace was declared. All of these children are married and prosperous. Mr. Way is one of the pioneers of this section, who has grown wealthy and influential in pursuing his own chosen path of duty. He is the possessor of 200 acres of fine land, and devotes' his time to that and the other above-named interests. When he first came into the State he spent part of his time in hunting, as he is naturally a sportsman, and game was plentiful in the early days. Deer, wolves, wild fowl and foxes fairly flocked about him, and he considers he should exaggerate in no way if he claimed to have killed 500 deer in this county. He has also slain many wolves. Gradually he has watched the growth of the county and may pardona- bly consider himself one of its oldest and strongest pillars. Both himself and wife are Universalists in theological belief, and Mr. Way is a stanch Repub- lican, the political sentiments of which party he up- holds and defends and with which he votes.

enry Emrich, editor-in-chief and one of the proprietors and publishers of the Gales- burg Plaindealer, was born near Bingen on the Rhine, Germany, Jan. 26, 1844, and was brought by his father to America in 1852. His first entry into Galesburg was in 1856, where he attended the public schools, acquiring thereat a pretty thorough education. He learned the printing business in the office of the Galesburg Free Demo- ocrat, and was there when he decided to enter the service of the United States, in January, 1862, at which time he enlisted as a private soldier in Co. H, 1 3th 111. Vol. Cav., and served for three years. The first year and a half of his service were spent in the saddle. He subsequently spent a year at the head- quarters of Gen. Samuel A. Rice, as Orderly, and his last six months in the same capacity under Maj. Gen. Fred Steele.

Leaving the service of the United States, he stopped awhile in Quincy; thence went to Galesburg, where he was up to 1872, when he returned to

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KNOX COUNTY.

Quincy, where he was connected with the Herald office for seven consecutive years. In December, [ 87 9, he entered into partnership with Mr. Iram Biggs, in the publication of the Plaindealer. The editorial columns of this paper are exclusively under his man- agement and direction, and they reflect credit upon his efforts. (See history of the Galesburg Plaindealer, this volume.)

At Galesburg, Jan. 6, 1867, Mr. Emrich was mar- ried to Miss Caroline Rulf, a native of Germany, and their children are named respectively Minnie C., Charles R., Lillie M., Earl H. and Roy P. Mr. and Mrs. E. are members of the Congregational Church, and Mr. Emrich is prominently identified with the A. O. U. W. and the G. A. R.

noch S. Scott. Living within the borders of Knox are many worthy representative citizens, and men noteworthy for industry and enterprise, as well as for the fact that they have struggled against obstacles, and, by patience and perseverance, come off conquer- ors in the end. Among these may be found the subject of this biographical notice, whose pleasant home has been built up by the work of his own hands, from the merest trifle of a beginning.

Mr. Scott was born in Knox Township July 25, 1841, and is the son of Gaddial and Susan (Sexton) Scott, his father being one of the most prominent of the earliest pioneers in the county. He grew to manhood on his father's farm in the old pioneer days, attending the district school, and gained a practical education by application and industry. He showed a liking for his studies and wasted none of the opportunities given him, and when school days ended he made his home with his parents until his marriage in 1863, with Mary R. Grant, who was born in Berwick Township, Warren Co., Ill.

Mr. Scott located on section 8, of Knox Town- ship, in 1864, and built a house. Then he culti- vated and improved his land and lived there, tilling the soil, until 1869, repaid by bounteous crops and other beneficent results of his labors. He next re- moved to the farm he now owns, on section 4, on which he has since erected a good set of frame

buildings, planted shade and fruit trees and orna- mental shrubbery, and now has one of the most de- sirable homesteads in the county. His wife died April 6, 1879, and his second marriage occurred April 9, 1880, at which time he was united with Angie L. Kearsey. She was born in Knox Town- ship, Oct. 16, 1840, and was the daughter of L. Kearsey, a pioneer of this county. Mr. Scott is a member of Pacific Lodge, No. 400, A. F. & A. M., and of Galesburg Commandery, No. 8, Knights Tem- plar, and in politics is a Democrat. In 1882 he rented his farm and removed to Galesburg, where he engaged in the livery business for three years, after which he went back to the homestead in Sep- tember, 1885, and devoted more than usual attention to the cultivation of his farm.

He now owns a large area of landed estate, his boundaries including 520 acres, nearly all finely im- proved. He owns much good pasture land, and is quite interested in the breeding of fine horses, cat- tle and sheep. Among them are Short-horn cattle, of which he makes a specialty, and he is in all re- spects successful and a leading citizen.

harles P. Smith is one of the farmers of Knox County who have succeeded in making themselves not only a reputation, but a comfortable competency for their de- clining years. His home is located on sec- tion 25 of Copley Township, and is a fine piece of property. Mr. Smith was born Jan. 9, 1823, in York County, Pa. His parents were Con- rad and Barbara (Naus) Smith, natives of Pennsyl- vania. They came to Illinois in the spring of 1837, and settled in Victor Township, where the father purchased 160 acres of land on section 30. Their family consisted of 13 children, 10 of whom still live as follows : John, Conrad, Jacob, Henry, Peter, Barbara, Rebecca, Mary A., Charles P. and Michael. The father and mother continued on the home place until the dates of their deaths, which was 1863 and 1 852 respectively.

The subject of this sketch remained at home until his mother's death. He received a limited educa- tion and has made farming his business, purchasing in 1849 160 acres where he now lives. He was mar- ried in 1854 to Miss Barbara Dennis, a native of

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KNOX COUNTY.

Ohio and a daughter of Martin and Rebecca Dennis, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia. They came to Illinois in 1853 and settled in Victoria Township, where they are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have a family of nine children, named as follows : Josephine, George, Laura. Allen D., Harvey E., Mattie, Charles C., Roy and Hallah. Josephine, now Mrs. Melvin Moak, has three children-Alon- zo, Florence and Charles ; George R. married Miss Mary E. Dossett and has three children-Robert, Fred and Bertie ; Laura (Mrs. Nathaniel C. Heaton) has one child-Edna.

Mr. Smith is a popular, active man in the neigh- borhood, and holds many of the minor offices of his township. He is at present School Director, labor- ing for the interest of the schools. He holds the position of Pathmaster, and figures prominently among popular men. He is a member of the Ma- | by profession a lawyer. His mother, who before sonic fraternity and one of its most useful members, and in politics is Democratic.

D. Waste, was born in Cameron, Warren Co., Ill., June 6, 1856. He is a son of Orson and Eliza A. (Miller) Waste, the former a native of the Green Mountain State, who settled at Cameron with his father at an early day ; the latter was a native of Virginia, and removed to Illinois, settling in La Salle County at an early period in the history of that county, and in which place she was married to Mr. Waste.

The family of Waste were for many years favor ably known in the mercantile interests of Cameron, and when the family of Orson Waste had grown up, he retired from business at that place, locating at Galesburg, in 1864, with a view to giving to his fam- ily the benefits and advantages offered by the excel- lent educational advantages of Galesburg. The subject of our sketch, after completing a good aca- demical course of training, engaged in mercantile pur- suits, with which he has since been identified in this city until recently. During his experience, which has been almost exclusively in the line of office work, he became interested in the manufacture of several inventions adapted to general office use, and has (1886) severed his long connection with the well- known firm of O. T. Johnson & Co., to devote his entire attention to this business.

Mr. Waste was happily married to Miss Emma, daughter of Frank G. and Adelaide (Morse) Snapp, pioneers of Warren County. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Waste has been blest by the birth of a daugh- ter, Marguerite. Mr. Waste, although a young man, has taken a prominent part in the development of the social and industrial life of his community.

eorge W. Foote, M. D., Mayor of the city of Galesburg, and a practicing physician and surgeon of repute, is a native of Ham- ilton, Madison Co., N. Y., where he was born July 4, 1829. His father, John Foote, native of Connecticut, and of English descent, was marriage was Mary B. Johnson, was born in York State. They reared four sons and five daughters ; two of the sons, of whom the subject of this sketch is the younger, are physicians. The senior Foote died at Hamilton, N. Y., in August, 1884, at the ad- vanced age of 99 years. His wife died at the same place in 1832.

George W. Foote received his primary education at the common schools of his native place, which was supplemented by two years in Clinton (N. Y.) College. He began the study of medicine at Gales- burg, where he had arrived in October of the year preceding, 1849; his preceptor being the late dis- tinguished Dr. Henry C. Foote. In 1854, soon after having graduated from the Cleveland Homeopathic Medical College, he began the practice of medicine at Galesburg, where he has since been recognized as one of the leading members of his profession. The Doctor has since his residence here been a reliable Republican, but in 1884 the local organization of his party fell intothe hands of a majority faction, which in regular convention assembled foisted upon the peo- ple a candidate for the highest office of the city a man so entirely objectionable to a known majority that a bolt was warrantable, inasmuch as it was evi- dent that the best interest of the community could only be subserved thereby. Hence Dr. Foote's can- didacy for the mayoralty, and hence his election. This was by no means the Doctor's first appearance in public affairs. He was Health Officer of the city 12 years, and School Director, of which Board he is,

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at this writing, the presiding officer, which position he has had for nine years.

Dr. George W. Foote organized the Public Library Association ; donated his entire private library there- to, which influenced the city to donate to it $2,500. He has been prominently from the beginning identi- fied with this most prosperous of Galesburg's public institutions. The Doctor is a member of the I. O. O. F., and A. F. & A. M., and K. of P. While the subject of our sketch has through most of his life depended upon his own industry for a livelihood, and while the returns have been ample, a recent oc- currence, which is worthy of mention, threw into his hands a competency, amounting in fact to a fortune. His father, never noted as a miserly man, but on the contrary considered rather liberal for one of his means, died at his home, as before stated, in York State, in 1884. While in attendance upon his funeral, the Doctor, with other members of his family, pro- ceeded to make some preliminary examination into the affairs of the old gentleman's estate, with a view to settlement and distribution thereof. The visible property, including a farm, was estimated to be worth something over $2,000; but in overhauling private papers, etc., deposited by the old gentleman in the bank, they were surprised by running over a package of United States bonds and other valuables amount- ing in the aggregate to $: 30,000.

Dr. Foote was married at Galesburg, to Miss Viola Ward. They have one son living, Frederick Albert, and have buried one daughter, who died in infancy.

linton H. Meadows, proprietor of the liv- ery, feed and sale stables, Abingdon, Ill., was born in Warren County, III., May 11, 1859. He is the son of Martin and Cathe- rine (Reynolds) Meadows, and came with his parents to Abingdon in 1871. He married Miss Mary Lamb, Nov. 27, 1884, at South Bend, Ind. Mrs. Meadows is a native of Chicago.

Mr. Meadows is one of the enterprising business men of Abingdon. He is full of energy and enter- prise, and in his business is bound to take no second place. He is, in addition to his business of livery and feed stables, engaged in breeding fine stock, and

has one of the finest stallions in the country, a mag- nificent thoroughbred animal, whose equal is hard to find. In this department he is meeting with that success that usually accompanies enterprise and perseverance. In the matter of stylish turnouts and first class horses for driving purposes, the livery es- tablishment of Mr. Meadows is not surpassed in the county.

oseph Fisher may be classed among the leading farmers of Ontario Township, and is a stanch and reliable man, His home is on section 28, and situated within the lim- its of Oneida. Mr. Fisher when a child came

U with his parents from Summit County, Ohio, to which place they had come when Joseph was three years of age. He was born at Lancaster, En- gland, May 27, 1831.

His father was a native of the same shire in which his son was born, and was by occupation a miner. He was the eldest of a family of three children, of whom he is the only surviving one. On the arrival of the family in America, they located for a time in Canada, at which place the father suffered an attack of cholera, then prevailing there. After a short period they removed to Ohio, and in 1838 to Illinois, settling in Mercer County. Later on they went to Clover Township, Henry Co., Ill., at which place the father died in January, 1844. His widow survived him till the year 1876, when she died at the home of her son, our subject, with whom she had spent the last years of her life.

Soon after his father's death, Mr. Fisher of this sketch launched out into the world determined to win his own way. This he did energetically and with a purpose. He began work on a farm, at which he continued until he accumulated a fund sufficient- ly large to purchase 80 acres, which he obtained at $1 per acre, receiving a tax-title therefor. After add- ing many improvements to his crude possession, he was confronted with the original title and compelled to pay $650 more in order to lift the burden of debt from his farm. Continuing those improvements which daily added to the value of his land, he culti- vated it to the highest degree, and in so doing gained what is now one of the finest farms in the vicinity.

His marriage, which occurred ir Sparta Township,

LIBRARY OF THE L ..¡ VERSITY OF ILLIM ;

Peter 6. Nelson

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Oct. 20, 1852, with Emily Fisher, of the same name, but related in no way, has proved a most pleasant and amiable union. Mrs. Fisher was a native of Kentucky and was born July 30, 1834. Her father, Woodford Fisher, was a Kentucky farmer, who re- moved to Marshall County, 111., when Mrs. Fisher was a little girl. The second removal of the family was to Sparta Township, Knox County, at which place they resided till the death of Mrs. Fisher. Joseph Fisher had a family of three children, all of whom are deceased. They have at the present time one adopted daughter, Nelly by name, born April 15, 1872, being 14 years of age.

Mr. Fisher is a popular and intelligent man, and has held many local offices. He has been Road Commissioner two terms, and in political belief is a stanch Republican.

ngeline Whipple, who devotes her time to farming and stock-raising on section 9, of Cedar Township, was born Feb. 8, 1843, and on her father's side is of Scotch ancestry. She is now living on the old home farm, where she was born. She is the daughter of Peter C. and Eliza H. (Boram) Nelson. The former was born in Greenbrier County, W. Va., in 1807. His demise took place on March 6, 1881. He was a Republican, and a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and was Class Leader over 50 years of his life. He died full in the faith and the hope of eternal bliss. He married Miss Boram, as we have already stated, June 27, 1831. They were the par. ents of eight children-four boys and four girls-the latter being now dead, with the exception of the sub- ject, whose name heads this sketch. One of the boys is also deceased. The names of the children are Mary J .. John I., Hester A., Louisa, Ange- line, William H. H. (deceased), Zachariah T. and Aaron F.

Peter G. Nelson was a most estimable friend, neighbor and citizen, ever kind-hearted and gen- erous, and was regarded by everyone in the con- munity as a benefactor. He was a tower of moral and religious strength, upon which many a weaker mortal leaned when shaken by the trials and tribu- lations of life. To a community such men-those who live in the higher light and strength accorded

them by their Master-are a great blessing. As a man whose portrait is prominently worthy a place in the galaxy of those of representative men of Knox County, given in this ALBUM, we cheerfully place that of Peter C. Nelson in connection with this sketch.

The father of Peter C. Nelson was John Nelson, a native of Pendleton County, Va. He married Mary E. Castle, also a native of Virginia. They both died at their home on section 9, Cedar Township, Knox County, having settled there in the fall of 1839. John Nelson died in 1852, his wife having preceded him seven years. The father of John Nelson served as a soldier during seven years of the War of the Revolution.

Mrs. Whipple married Joseph W. Whipple, Oct. 4, 1860, the ceremony being performed by Rev. A. Morey, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Whipple was a native of Wayne County, N. Y., where he was born in 1839. By this marriage there were three children born, two of whom are now liv- ing-W. H., born June 12, 1862, and died April 13, 1868; Harry N., born Oct 25, 1868; and L. A., Sept. 8, 1872.

Mrs. Whipple has 90 acres of land and is carrying on her farming operations with the assistance of her two sons. She owns a full-blooded Jersey cow and a number of finely bred Short-horn cattle, together with 50 head of sheep. This lady, who is remarka- ble for her good sense and geniality of disposition, received her education at the common schools. She is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and takes part in all good movements in her congregation.

ohn Collinson. The different residents of Knox County are distinguished for various acts of helpfulness and honor reflecting back upon themselves in the building up and advancement of the county. One of the im- portant factors in her internal machinery is the subject of this personal sketch, whose home is sit- uated on section 29, Lynn Township, and who has shown himself able and willing to forward all the interests of his community.

Mr. Collinson was born in Luzerne County, Pa., March 30, 1831. His father, whose given name

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was Thomas, was born and reared in Yorkshire, England. While residing in England he was united in marriage with Hannah Codlin, and afterward, with their two children, set sail for America, making set- tlement in Luzerne County, Pa., in 1829. Our sub- ject was the first-born of his parents' family after their arrival in the United States. Subsequent to their arrival here, their family was increased by the birth of three children, while they were residents of Luzerne County, Pa. The death of the mother occurred May 8, 1837. The father was subsequently married to Miss Louisa Mathias, after which event they, with their family, emigrated West. Upon their arrival in the Prairie State, in 1852, they immediately settled in Lynn Township, at which place the father's demise occurred Jan. 28, 1881. His widow still survives, and is living with her youngest daugh- ter, Louisa McClure, in Lynn Township. She has attained the venerable age of 75 years. The father of our subject had purchased a farm in Lynn Town- ship, which was finely improved, and upon which he erected a desirable dwelling and necessary out- buildings.

After John Collinson arrived in this county in com- pany with his parents, he immediately set about to earn his own hving. Dec. 25, 1855, in Stark County, he was married to Miss Christiana Reader. Miss Reader was a native of Germany, where she was born Feb. 27, 1823. Her mother died when she was but a child, and consequently we have no account of her maiden name or history. The father, John Reader, was a shoemaker, and brought his two children, both daughters, to the United States, in 1848. The parents at once settled in Toulon, Stark County, where they followed the honorable and independent calling of farming until the demise of the father, which occurred in 1851. The death of Mr. Reader was caused by being thrown from an unmanageable horse, which he was leading by the halter, the strap of which was fastened to his wrist. The animal, becoming frightened, viciously shied and threw Mr. Reader to the ground, dragging him to death. Finally the strap broke, the horse going home, leaving his victim in the road.

After the death of her father Mrs. Collinson was engaged in domestic work until her marriage with Mr. C., to whom she has borne nine children, of whom we give the following brief memoranda : Martha became the wife of Holman Williams, and

they are at present residing in West Jersey Town- ship, Stark County, and following farming; Mark O. is the husband of Charlotte Stephenson, and they reside on his father's homestead; Henry J. took to wife Emma Himer, and they make Lynn Township their home, where they are engaged in the peaceful calling of farming; Andrew H. resides in Iowa; Anna M. is the wife of Arthur Catton, a farmer, re- siding in Stark County; Lydia A. resides at home, as does also Viola D., Oscar C. and Ada L.

Since their marriage Mr. Collinson and wife are residing on their farm. He is now the possessor of 236 acres of most excellent and highly cultivated land, where he is meeting with success. In politics he is a stanch Democrat.

obert R. Steck, a successful farmer and highly respected citizen of Knox County, residing on section 24, Salem Township, is a native of Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Pa., where he was born Nov. 12, 1851. The father of Mr. Steck was a native of the same county, and was born in 1820. The grand- father of our subject was also born in Westmore- land County, Pa., and settled at Greensburg, Pa., at which place he also died. His wife was also a native of Greensburg.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 102

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company Number of Pages: 1130

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 1130