Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 105

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 105

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on. Henry Runkle, deceased, who was one of Knoxville's best known and most suc- cessful merchants, was born at Watervleit, Albany Co., N. Y., Nov. 14, 1807, and was the third son of John and Ellen (Van Woort) Run- kle. He was reared to the calling of an agri- culturist, and attended school in his native city, supplementing his education by attendance to the academy at Syracuse.

After leaving school Mr. Runkle taught for awhile at Syracuse. Later we find him employed in a flour and feed store. In 1833, he emigrated to Illinois, locating at Knoxville, where he engaged as surveyor. He purchased village property, and in 1834 erected a store. In the following year, in company with his brother, Cornelius, he opened a general store. In 1836 he sold out his interest in the store to his brother, and built a steam saw-mill in the village, this being the first establishment of the kind in the county. A few years later our subject added a flour- ing-mill to his possessions.

He was elected County Clerk in 1837, in which capacity he served creditably for ten years. After the expiration of his term of office, Mr. Runkle was en- gaged in the management of his mills until his death.

The maiden name of our subject's wife was Caro- line M. Fitch. After Mr. Runkle's demise, she re- married, and is now a resident of California. Mr. Runkle served as member of the 16th General As- sembly, elected in the fall of 1848.

O. G. Johnson. of the firm of Anderson & Johnson, of the City Mills, Galesburg, was born in Skane, City of Christianstadt, Sweden, Jan. 10, 1844. He came to Gales- burg in 1869. For three and a half years he followed farming; the succeeding two years he clerked in a grocery house, forming then a partner- ship with John Clarkson, which lasted seven years. In 1881 he engaged in mnilling, to which he has since devoted his time. (See biography of A. G. Ander- son, this volume.)

Mr. Johnson was married at Galesburg, Feb. 13, 1878, to Miss Sophia Anderson, who died Aug. 12, 1882, leaving one child, a daughter-Blenda Ame- lia; they have buried an infant. Mr. Johnson's, parents yet reside in Sweden. They reared four sons and five daughters, the subject of this sketch being the eldest and the only one in America. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics a Republican.

illiam McGowan, deceased, a pioneer of Knox County, of 1833, was born in Penn- sylvania, Oct. 12, 18r2. His father was a merchant and our subject clerked in his store, which was located in Milton County, Pa., until they had the misfortune to lose their entire property, including stock and building, by a flood. After this disaster he was variously employed up to 1833, the date of his removal to Illinois, locat- ing in Knoxville, where he clerked for John G. San- burn.

In 1837 William McGowan was married and re- moved to Stone River, and became the first perma- nent settler at Maquon. He purchased an interest in the village site, and aided in platting the village of Maquon, whither he removed with his wife, begin- ning housekeeping in a primitive log cabin. Soon

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after settling here our subject was elected Justice of the Peace, and when the Post-Office was established, he was appointed the first Postmaster of Maquon. After residing there for about ten years, he purchased a small, but desirable, farm in Knox Township, and followed the calling of agriculturist for a period of three years. He then disposed of this farm and bought a residence in the city of Knoxville, and con- tinued to reside there until his demise, which took place in 1870. Mr. McGowan held many offices. He was Justice of the Peace for many years ; for four years he was County Treasurer. Politically he was an old-line Whig until the formation of the Re- publican party, when he joined its ranks.

Mr. McGowan was united in marriage with Mar- gery McPherson. She was born in Champaign County, Ohio, March 4, 1819, and became the mother of eight children, of whom we give the following brief memoranda: William H. resides in Henry County, Ill .; Curtis ; Mary, wife of J. S. Simpson, residing at Knoxville; Carrie, who became the wife of James Thomas and lives in Kansas ; Frank, who makes Knoxville his home; Belle; Charles, living at Elmwood, Peoria County, and Harry, making Kan- sas his home.

ilbert Evans, of Knoxville, a pioneer of Knox County, who came to this section in 1856, is a native of Connecticut, and was born in Hartford County, Dec. 27, 1813. He is the son of Josiah and Mary (Sweetland) Evans, both natives of Connecticut. Our sub- ject was eight years of age when his parents moved to New York State and settled in Madison County. There he grew to manhood, and at the age of 18 com- menced to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner. At that vocation he continued working in the State of New York until 1836, when he came to Illinois and settled in the village of Knoxville. Laboring at this occupation in that city and its vicinity, he be- came a fixture, remaining about 20 years. At that time he invested in land, buying 30 acres in Knox Township, lying adjacent to the city. Erecting a dwelling, he moved his family there and engaged in farming pursuits until 1860, at which time he came to Knoxville, and rented the principal hotel there, by name the Knoxville House. Two or three years

later he bought the place and has kept a public house ever since.

He was united in marriage in the year 1838, to Sylvia A. Bentley, a native of the State of New York, and they are the parents of two children, as follows : Sarah J., wife of Henry Hoffmaster, living at Rock Island, and William, whose home is in Knox Town- ship

rank W. Latimer, a grocer of Abingdon, and one of the promising young men of this county, was born in Knox County, Feb. 21, 1868. He is the son of William M. and Mary E. (Humiston) Latimer, and the grandson of Jonathan and great-grandson of Elder Joseph Latimer; sketches of the lives of both of these men appear on other pages of this work. William M. Latimer was engaged the greater part of his life in mercantile pursuits, in Abingdon. He died in 1872, on the old homestead where his father settled in 1832.

Frank W. Latimer was educated at Hedding Col- lege, from which institution he graduated. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising in Cedar and Indian Point Townships. In March, 1886, he came to Abingdon and embarked in the grocery and provision trade, in which he still contin- ues. In 1879-8r, during the session of the Legisla- ture, he was appointed Bill Clerk, and subsequently Third Assistant and then Second Assistant Clerk. He is a young man of fine business talent, strictly tem- perate, and strongly Republican in his politics. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Treasurer of his congregation. He is also a mem- ber of Abingdon Lodge, No. 184, I. O. O. F., and is at present its presiding officer. On April 8, 1886, he was united in marriage with Miss Carrie L. Becker, daughter of John and Mary Becker, of Gales- burg, and old settlers of Knox County.

& harles T. Larson, of the firm of Lass, Lar- son & Lafferty, was born in Sweden, Sept. 28, 1860, and came to Galesburg with his parents in the spring of 1871, where he was brought up and educated in the public schools. At the age of 17 Mr. Larson be- gan clerking for the firm of Cook & Beach, and in

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1882 became a member of the firm, it then being known as J. P. Cook & Co. He retired from the same in January, 1884, and in February of the same year, with Messrs. Lass and Lafferty, established the present firm of Lass, Larson & Lafferty, who deal in wall paper, window shades, paints, glass, artists' materials, etc.

The gentleman of whom we write was married at Galesburg, Oct. 28, 1885, to Miss Arvilla S. John- son, daughter of Charles Johnson, Esq.

udge Alfred Knowles, a retired capitalist of Galesburg, was born in Hampden, Me., Dec. 10, 1809. His parents, Amasa and Mercy (Simpson) Knowles, were natives re- spectively of Maine and England. Alex. Knowles came to Connecticut in 1620, and from him sprang the family. He was Councilor to the Governor. Amasa K. was at sea until after he was over 50 years of age. He was married in the State of Maine, and became the father of four sons and four daughters. Our subject was the third son and went to sea with his father at the age of 12 or 1 3 years, following the life of a sailor until he was 21. He received an ordinary education, which was com- pleted by a short term at the academy. He then taught five winters in the State of Maine, and after- ward engaged in mercantile business at Newport and Hampden for five or six years.

Our subject emigrated to Illinois in 1836, and set- tled in Warren County, and in the spring of 1837 brought his family. He engaged in farming three years, and in 1840 made one trip on a flatboat to New Orleans. When the county was divided he was on the southwest corner of Henderson Township. In the spring of 1841 he was elected County Clerk and served for seven years. The first three, he held the place of Probate Judge and Recorder, and during the same term was appointed Commissioner in Bank- ruptcy. Subsequent to this he went into a ware- house, and afterward engaged in a steam saw-mill, besides working at the pork-packing business five or six years. In 1851 he became associate partner with Roy & Chapin, dry goods merchants, at Oquawka and Kirkwood. With them he remained for five years, and in 1856 removed to Kirkwood, taking charge of

their store at that place. Then, in 1858, he came to Galesburg, selling his interests at Oquawka and at Kirkwood in 1860, after which he became interested in the grocery trade. He also brought a half interest in the steam flouring-mills, and in 187 I sent the mill to Kansas, and he is yet its owner. In 1861 he served one term as Mayor of Galesburg; was on the Board of Supervisors one term afterward, and has been a Trustee of Lombard University since 1851, with the exception of two years. He was on the Executive Committee 25 years, and served as Clerk of that organization for 17 years. For seven or eight years he has served on the School Board, and has been Director of the Second National Bank since 1863. He was President of the Morris County State Bank of Kansas, serving five years, from 1878 to 1882.

Judge Knowles and Miss Whitney were united in marriage in the State of Maine. He was then but 23 years of age, and he lost the wife of his youth by death in 1845. She had borne her husband three children, one only, Edwin by name, surviving. He is a banker, and resides at Topeka, Kan .; Henry, the eldest, was a Union soldier, and after courageous service in the army was thrown, with countless others, into Andersonville prison, where he lingered so long that, on being sent home, he died from the effects of its cruelties.

Judge Knowles was a second time united in mar- riage, the last time at Monmouth, Ill., in 1846, with Miss Kate Smalley, of Virginia. Two sons were born of this marriage-Howard, who was Internal Reve- nue Collector at Peoria until July, 1885, and Frank, a resident of California. There are also two daugh- ters-Mary (Mrs. J. S. Alsbaugh) and Nellie (Mrs. George Chapman).

ohn Envall, merchant tailor, of Galesburg, was born in the Parish of West Enneby, Linkoping, Sweden, Nov. 4, 1833. He is a son of John P. Swanson and Ingried Pearson. Mr. Envall learned his trade of his father and followed the same in Sweden until 1868, when he came to America. He landed in New York City, June 4, 1868, and almost immediately upon his ar- rival on the American shore set out for the West, and after spending a few months at Andover, Ill.,

LIBRARY OF THE L' !!! VERSITY OF ILLING 3

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came to Galesburg, where he has succeeded in build- ing up a good business and a honie for his family.

Mr. John Envall was married in February, 1869, to Miss Caroline Peterson, a native of Sweden, by whom he has become the happy father of two little daughters-Emily Caroline, born Nov. 25, 1869, and Mary Sarephia, born July 9, 1872. The family at- tend services at the First Lutheran Church. Mr. Envall is a respected citizen and a clever gentleman. Although he works long hours in the day, he never- theless takes ample time for reading, and we find few of his countrymen better posted on general matters than he. He is a student and scholar, as well as an artist in his line of business.

G ol. E. F. Phelps, Secretary and General Manager of the Covenant Mutual Benefit Association, located at Galesburg, was born in Hartford County, Conn., June 18, 1840. His childhood and early youth were spent on a New England farm. What that means those who were reared among the hills and hollows of "Yankeedom " will readily understand. It was here that young Phelps imbibed those habits of industry he possesses, together with the spirit and energy which characterize in so marked a degree the people of that portion of our common country. It is such traits that enable the youth of that rock- ribbed region, who seek new homes and new fields of business enterprise in other and more favorably situated sections, to turn to quick advantage the op- portunities they meet and to achieve success.

Before coming to Illinois, which the family did in 1856, our subject attended the common school of his native place, where he acquired a fair knowledge of the primary studies. On arrival here the family settled on a farm near Elmwood, and for the follow- ing four years E. F. worked on the farm during the summer and attended the Elmwood Academy dur- ing the fall and winter seasons. In 1860 he entered the senior preparatory class of Oberlin College, at Oberlin, Ohio, but when about to enter the College proper, owing to failing health he was prevented. After a rest of a few months he endeavored to enter the service of his country to assist in suppressing the

rebellion, but was repeatedly refused, owing to his feeble health. He persisted, and was finally ac- cepted as a private in Co. D, 132d Ill. Vol. Inf., in which he served until the close of the war.

Upon returning to civil life, Col. Phelps entered the Law Department of Yale College, and in 1866 received the degree of LL. B. In March of the fol- lowing year he located at Neosho, Mo., where he successfully practiced his profession until 1872. In the meantime he took an active part in politics, and came within two votes of being nominated by the Republicans of his district for a seat in the State Senate, when a nomination was equivalent to an election, the Democrats having no candidate. The stormy elements of that period in Missouri, however, were not in harmony with his nature, and he returned to Illinois, locating at Galesburg. Here he purchased the Daily Register, which he conducted for about nine months. He then organized and started the Re- publican-Register, which he sold in November, 1874. For four years after abandoning the newspaper busi- ness, Col. Phelps was engaged in insurance and other business at various points, but in January, 1877, he re- turned to Galesburg and proceeded to perfect the or- ganization of the association over which he has since so successfully presided as Secretary and General Manager. To him is due the credit of organizing this commendable association, and by his arduous labor and close attention he has brought it to its pres- ent high standing. It is regarded as one of the sound- est, best and most successful assessment life insur- ance associations in the world. Its growth has been phenomenal, and it is regarded by Odd Fellows throughout Christendom as being the safest and most economical assessment insurance plan in the world. Col. Phelps may justly point with pleasure and pride to the success which it has achieved, and he has gathered around him as associates and Directors many leading members of his chosen Order.

Col. Phelps joined the Odd Fellows while at Neosho, and soon took rank as a bright and active worker. Since coming to Illinois, he has distinguished himself as a leader, and is a Past Grand Master of that Order in the State, having retired from the posi- tion in 1885. At the present time he is Commander of the Department of Illinois, Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F., with rank of Brigadier-General. In Masonry he is a Knight Templar, and Past Com-

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mander of the Galesburg Commandery. He is also a 32d degree Mason.

The military title of our subject was acquired by having been appointed, in July, 1879, on Gov. Cul- lom's staff, and he also served on Gov. Hamilton's staff during his administration. In politics he is a Republican, as might be inferred, and his influence has been potential in the ranks of his party in the county and this part of the State. He was married in Neosho, Mo., in September, 1869, to Miss Emma M. Rouse, and they have one daughter. In 1884-85 Col. Phelps was President of the National Conven- tion of Mutual-Assessment-Plan Associations of America, meeting in Boston. In the qualities that attach to manhood, Col. Phelps is naturally endowed. His sympathies and inclinations are those of a high- minded and whole-souled man, and no man in the State deserves more favor and success than he.

edward H. Stilson, M. D., a physician of Knoxville, was born in Waterville, Me., April 17, 1847, and is the son of Henry and Annis Stilson, natives of Maine. His father was a sailor, and master of a vessel in the mercantile marine service, and died in Hong Kong, in 1847, leaving a wife and one child. After the demise of her husband, Mrs. Stilson went to Waterville, Me., where she made her home with her father-in-law, Mr. Lemuel Stilson. In 1855 the widow of our subject emigrated to Illinois, and located at Clinton, De Witt County, where, in 1857, she became the wife of D. B. Van Druver, and soon afterward removed to Bloomington, where her de- mise occurred in 1859.

The subject of this sketch joined his mother in Clinton in 1857. After her decease he came to Knox County, and lived with an uncle, J. F. Stilson, residing at Galesburg. He attended the city schools, and later on entered Galesburg Academy. In Feb- ruary, 1863, he enlisted in Co. H, 14th Ill. Vol. Inf., and went South. He participated in the battles of Columbia, S. C., Goldsboro and Raleigh.

On his return from the war Dr. Stilson entered the Preparatory Class of Knox College. He recommenced the study of medicine with Drs. W. W. Porter and M. S. Carr, in 1867. Mr. Stilson matriculated at

Hahnemann College, Philadelphia, graduating there- fron in 187 1. Subsequent to completing his studies he came directly to Knoxville, and engaged in the practice of his profession.

Oct. 20, 1884, Dr. E. H. Stilson and Miss Kate, the accomplished daughter of John and Hannah Eads, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. Dr. Stilson is a member of Traflin Post, G. A. R., of which post he is also Surgeon, and of Pacific Lodge, No. 400, A. F. & A. M.

jonathan Knapp. One of the successful farmers of Knox County is found in the person of our subject, whose home is situ- ated on section 13, of Copley Township. Mr. Knapp was born in Gallia County, Ohio, Aug. II, 1821, and is the son of Abraham and Ra- chel (Cherrington) Knapp, natives of Virginia. They moved from Virginia to Ohio in 1804, settling in Gallia County, where they remained until their deaths in 1825 and 1841. They had a family consisting of ten children, four of whom are still living-Margaret, Moses, Lucinda and Jonathan.

The subject of our sketch remained at home about four years after the death of his parents and assisted in the farm work, attending school in the meantime. Longing to see the Far West, after leaving home, he visited Illinois, and in 1853 settled in Knox County, purchasing 180 acres of land on section 24. There he lived on the place, working it and cultivating it for four years. He now owns and occupies the home- stead on section 13, consisting of 160 acres, and has improved it and brought out its best qualities. He has fenced it, set out fruit and shade trees, and done everything possible to give it a cheery, homelike ap- pearance. He is interested in the raising of grain and cattle, in which he is very successful.

Mr. Knapp was married July 3, 1856, to Miss Mary Jane Olmstead. Mrs. Knapp is the daughter of Darius and Electa (Sornborger) Olmstead, natives of Connecticut and New York respectively. He came to Illinois in 1840 and lived here 19 years, dying in 1859. The mother died in New York in 1830. The family circle included eight children, Mrs. Knapp being the only one living.

Mr. and Mrs. Knapp of this sketch have a family

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of three children-Josephine, Frank and Daniel ; the latter died in 1869. Mr. Knapp belongs to the Na- tional party and has held offices of different kinds in his township. He is very pleasant and popular and is at the present time School Director and Pathmaster, and an honest man and a good citizen.

illiam Riser. Prominent among the early settlers and practical farmers of Knox County may be noted the subject of this biography, who is well known in business circles, and at the present time is engaged in the grocery trade in Knoxville. He was born in Virginia, Jan. 20, 1812. His father, Abraham Riser, was a native of Germany, where he was reared as a farmer. When young he emigated to America, locating in Ohio, and there married Mary Bohrer, also born in Germany. After marriage they removed to Virginia, where they lived for about two years, then returned to Ohio and settled in Clermont Coun- ty, where the husband and father died in 1812. He left a wife and two children to mourn his loss, and his widow, after a short time, remarried and spent her last days in Pickaway County, Ohio.

Our subject was but a few months old when his father died, and he made his home with his mother and stepfather until he attained the age of 13. He then started out to make his own way in the world. The first two and one-half years he lived with an uncle at New Holland, Pickaway County, assisting him in the store, and obtaining a rudimentary busi- ness drill. He was fond of mercantile pursuits, and though afterward he labored four years with Judge Tallman, a farmer and extensive stock-raiser, he never abandoned the idea of some day engaging in trade. The Judge was often absent from home, leaving the young man in charge of the farm.

Mr. Riser was united in marriage, in 1837, with Sarah Lawrence, of Ross County, Ohio, and soon afterward rented a farm in Pickaway County, where they lived until 1839. In October of that year they came to Knox County, making the entire journey overland with a pair of horses and several wagons. After a journey of 21 days they arrived at their des- tination, locating in Knoxville. In the spring of 1840, he rented a farm, without, however, abandon-

ing his former business, and in 1841, brickmaking having become a paying enterprise, he engaged in it until the fall of 1861, at which time he returned to Knoxville. In 1862 he was elected Collector of Knoxville and Knox Township, which position he held for 12 years, and when his official duties per- mitted employed his time as clerk at various places of business. In 1881, with his son as partner, he engaged in the grocery business until January, 1885, when he sold out and bought a store on the west side of the Square, which he stocked with a well- assorted line of groceries.

Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Riser have been born six children, as follows: Carrie, wife of W. C. Hollister, attorney at Edina, Mo .; Samuel D. ; Anna, wife of George Woodmansee, of Fayetteville, Ark. ; William H., resident of Holt County, Ohio; Emma, wife of Ed. Russell, living in Persifer Township, and Ada, widow of G. B. Swartz, living with her parents.

Mr. and Mrs. R. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which he joined in 1833. In poli- tics he is a strong Republican.

illiam R. Hoyle, Jr., now the head of the long-established firm of Hoyle & Son, manufacturers of mill picks and miners' tools, 317 East South street, Galesburg, was born at New Haven, Conn., Aug. 11, 1842, and was the younger of two sons of William R. and Elvira (Bristol) Hoyle, natives of England and Connecticut respectively.

William Hoyle, Sr., was born May 15, 18to, in Folkestone, county of Kent, England, and came to America in 1830; he was married in Connecticut, where his two sons and two daughters were born, and brought his family to Galesburg in 1857, and at once established the business now managed by the subject of this sketch, and from which he retired in 1877. He at this writing (January, 1886) resides in Chicago, and is upward of 76 years of age. In the manufacture of mill picks he attained the highest perfection. In fact the secret (now possessed by his son) of making a perfect mill pick from steel was discovered by him, and is known to-day to no othes man on the American continent. Various picks

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have been worked off by manufacturers upon millers throughout the United States, only to result in fail- ure, disappointment and consequent distrust. But now it is no longer questioned, especially with the thousands who have tried them, that a perfect pick can be and is manufactured by this firm, and at a price that renders their expense to a miller merely nominal. They send these goods to every State and Territory in the Union, and in no single instance have they failed to give the greatest satisfaction.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 105

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