Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 108

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

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we have any account at this writing was William, who was born in Connecticut, Jan. 22, 1741. He married in that colony, while yet a young nian, Miss Priscilla Crawford, and removed to Ballston Springs, N. Y., where the first child, Sarah, was born Sept. 12, 1770. From Ballston Springs he removed to a place afterward known as Greenfield, near Saratoga Springs, where he improved a farm, upon which he spent the remainder of his life. His children were Sarah, before mentioned ; William J., Jr., born April 5, 1772; Anna, Sept. 23, 1773; Daniel, Dec. 9, 1775; Zenas, Aug. 9, 1778; Azor, Aug. 16, 1779; Simeon, June 9, 1782; David, Feb. 28, 1784 ; Moses, March 8, 1786; Aaron, May 27, 1788, and John, Aug. 11, 1790. Aaron Belden died at his farm south of Gales- burg, July 27, 1860, aged 72 years, and his widow, who was born Oct. 11, 1792, died Oct. 26, 1870.

William Belden was the first settler at Greenfield, N. Y .; in fact, that town grew up around him. He was a soldier under Col. George Washington in the war which broke out between England and France in 1756, and was of the surveying party that marked the line of march through the wilderness against Fort Duquesne (now Pittsburg, Pa.) in 1758; was with the " Father of his Country " during the seven years' struggle for liberty. He lived to a ripe old age, al- ways refused a pension, saying " that he was enjoy- ing the fruits of his labors from day to day as he breathed the air of liberty, and saw around him the happy faces of the ' free.'"

Marcus Belden received a limited education at the district schools of Wyoming County, N. Y., where he spent his boyhood days. Though an active business man at this writing (June, 1886), his memory dates back to the times in the history of our country that to younger ears sounds like romance. He wit- nessed the construction of the first brick house ever erected at Saratoga Springs; he remembers Mary Jamison, the famous woman chief of the Gardow In- dians, and saw her married to Red Jacket at Seneca.

Mr. Belden was married at Neponset, Ill., April 21, 1846, to Miss Ann Norton, a native of England. She died April 7, 1856, leaving four children, namely : Sarah, born April 4. 1847, died Sept. 1, 1867 ; Har- riet, died in infancy; Frances Ann, April 13, 1853, died Sept. 7, 1869, and Priscilla, Sept. 1, 1851, died Dec. 21, 1883. July 26, 1857, Mr. Belden was again married, the lady being Miss Lovisa B. Rigby. The four children born to them are Chas. H., born

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July 7, 1858; Katie, Sept. 26, 1861; Martha, Dec. 23, 1863, and Marcus Henry, July 12, 1868.

The family removed from the farm to Galesburg in 1854, since which time Mr. B. has been in the grain business. He has been Alderman six or seven times, and one term Mayor. He has served as Su- pervisor, and took an active part in the court-house controversy. He is a member of no secret society, but belongs to the Congregational Church. In poli- tics he is a Republican.

S amuel W. May. Among the principal in- fluential citizens and wealthy farmers who are esteemed for their substantial worth and ability, may be found the subject of this personal sketch. He holds the office of Su- pervisor of Rio Township, of which he is a res- ident and has a desirable home situated on section 24. He was two years of age when he came with his parents, in 1839, from Genesee Co., N. Y., where he was born March 20, 1838.

The parents of Mr. May were Harvey H. and Delia D. (Ray) May. The father was born in Washington County, N. Y., in 1802, and the mother in 1806. The former is still living and a resident of Galesburg. The demise of the mother took place in 1869, in Galesburg. Mr. May is the oldest of a family of four children, namely: Delia C., Harvey L. and Mary O. They are all now residing in Galesburg. Delia C. is the wife of John Phinister and the mother of two children-Mary M. and Duane; Harvey L. married Mary Post and they have no children living; Mary O. became the wife of J. D. Holland and is the mother of two children, Hubert Ray and Harold. On the paternal side of the house Mr. May comes of Dutch and English stock, and on the maternal side of German and French.

Our subject made the paternal home circle his abiding place up to the time he attained the age of 2 1 years, when, not feeling satisfied with the educa- tion he had received in the common schools, he entered the academy connected with Knox College. Previous to this, however, he worked at teaming be- tween Galesburg and Peoria for three years. At the

academy he began his studies in good earnest, work- ing in a hard and manly way and realizing at the end of the time the results of his arduous work. He afterward entered Knox College, in which he re- mained for two years, but did not graduate. After leaving college he rented a farm in Henderson Township and turned his attention in that direction, in which he was prosperous. Remaining there for two years, he moved to Rio Township, where he purchased property, and here he has since lived and accumulated a large estate, including 540 acres. At the beginning of his work he engaged in raising broom-corn, and at one time had 500 acres of it. All his land but five acres, which is timber, is in a fine state of cultivation, being well tiled and con- sidered one of the best farms in the township. Be- sides giving his attention to farm work, he has exhibited no small amount of mechanical genius, inventing among other things a wind-mill. They are going to every State in the Union ; are considered the cheapest mill for the money, and are as durable and the working power as great as any in the field. It is known as the May Wind-Mill, and the first 100 were manufactured on the farm of our subject. He then engaged in partnership with Candee & Co., with whom he continued for two years, at the time being associated with Nelson & Co., of Bushnell, Ill. He next formed a partnership with his brother, H. L., and the firm is now known as May Bros., the business being conducted in Galesburg. Since they have been manufacturing these mills (up to the pres- ent time), the firm of May Bros. have put out over 5,000.

He entered into a matrimonial connection, in Fayette County, Pa., with a young lady named Eliz- abeth Hanan, who was born and raised in that county and who came to Illinois in April 1856, since which time she has lived in Knox County. Their nuptials were celebrated Nov. 27, 1870.

Mrs. May is the eldest of a family of ten children, of whom two are deceased. Her father was born in Fayette County, Pa., Nov. 14, 1805, and his death occurred at his old home in 1882. Her mother, Eleanor (Handlen) Hanan, was born in the same county July 22, 1827. Her demise occurred April 14, 1871, at her home in Pennsylvania. On the pa- ternal side of the family, Mrs. May is of Scotch origin, while on the maternal of Irish-Dutch ancestry. The great-grandfather of Mrs. May, Jacob Hunt,

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

PARTIAL VIE

DUKE OF KINOCKTRY (Nº2687 ) &HERD POLLED ANGUS. STANADRD HAMBELTONIAN TIFFANY (1574)

الجسم الجيايوب

CLEVELAND BAY LIBERAL ( DECD.)

WALNUT GROVE FARM . PROPERT

CATTLE BARNS.

SAMPSON Nº 4014. VOL.6. ENG.S.BOOK.

GREAT DUKE. Nº 66 . HEREFORD.

A. P. CHARLES, SEC.22 KNOX TOWNSHIP.

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

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KNOX COUNTY.

was an officer in the Revolutionary War. Her grandfather, John Hanan, died in the War of 1812. One of her brothers, Daniel Hanan, was a Captain in the Civil War, was taken prisoner and while at- tempting to escape was mortally wounded.

Mr. May has proved successful in public work, which he courteously accepts as part of his duty. He was elected Supervisor of Rio Township in 1880, and has held that position ever since. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a Democrat. He has shown a decided business faculty ever since boyhood and developed many ad- mirable traits indicating a financial power. At the age of 13 years he was manly and able in business, selling plows made by his father through this section of the country and conducting his affairs with dig- nity and credit to himself.

lof Hawkinson is a substantial farmer, re- siding on section 12, in Galesburg Town- ship. He is a native of Sweden, where he was born on the 7th of May, 1837. He emi- grated to America in 1856 and landed at Bos- ton, whence he came direct to Galesburg. Here he commenced to work for the sum of $8 per month, which employment he followed for seven years, when he purchased 40 acres of good land, and by degrees added to it until he now possesses 700 acres in and around Galesburg. He has also 2,000 acres in Nebraska, most of it prime land. He mar- ried a very amiable lady, Miss Louisa Ericson, on the 21st of March, 1866. She was a native of Sweden and born on the 22d of July, 1841. In 1858 she first came to America with her brother.

By Mr. Hawkinson's marriage with this lady a family of six children have been born-Emily, March 17, 1867 ; William, July 22, 1869; Minnie O., Oct. 28, 1872 ; Henry W., May 30, 1876 ; Fred A., July 28, 1878, and Elmer E., Oct. 27, 1880. All these children are now living. Mr. Hawkinson's paternal parent's name was Hawkin Anderson, while his mother was a Miss Hannah Hawkinson. By the marriage there were eight children born-Betsey, Anna A., Margaret, who died in infancy ; Olof, Mons, Nils and Andrew. All the girls of the family are now deceased. The sons are still living and are

successfully making their way through life. The mother is in her 76th year. Her husband's demise took place in Galesburg, in 1872.

Mr. Hawkinson has held the office of Supervisor. He is an enlightened member and prominent brother in the Knights of Pythias. The family are all lib- eral in theology, while in politics he is with the party which he believes calculated to serve his country best. His dwelling-house is a most comfortable structure, measuring 40x70 feet, to which he has at- tached very suitable barns, two of which measure 30x100 feet.

lbion P. Charles. The owner of the finest farm residence in the county, and one of the wealthiest and most influential farmers in Knoxville Township, is Albion P. Charles, the subject of this personal narration. He occu- pies the old Charles homestead, which he has beautified with all modern improvements, as shown by the accompanying double-page view of his resi- dence and farm buildings. He is engaged in the breeding of blooded stock, in which he takes an un- usual interest, and has among his stock Short-horn and Polled-Angus cattle and other fine breeds. In 1884 he purchased two imported stallions, one a Cleveland bay, which has since died ; but he im- mediately purchased a standard-bred Hambletonian in his place; the other is an English draft horse, registered 4114, volume 6, English Stud-book, Samp- son by name, which is six years old and weighs 2,200 pounds. Mr. C.'s out-buildings are considered among the finest and most convenient in the county. His main barn is 48 x 96 feet, and has a stone base- ment, and is fitted up and equipped with all modern conveniences.

The subject of this biography was born in Knox Township, Dec. 9, 1847, and is the second son of George A. and Dorlinsky (Post) Charles (see sketch). His early education was attained in the city schools of Knoxville, after which he studied for five terms in Knox College, and one winter in Abingdon College. On the 7th day of December, 1869, he united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Miss Sarah A. Lindsey, a native of Persifer Township, and a daughter of Howard and Mary (Caldwell) Lindsey. Following the celebration of their nuptials came the founding of a new home, and they settled on the old home-

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stead of the Charles family, which they have occu- pied up to the present time, and where success has attended their energetic efforts. Both Mr. Charles and wife are devoted members of the Presbyterian Church. Their family circle is a happy one, and in- cludes four children, namely : S. Adella, Rosalia, Cora A. and Edith.

Previous to his present extensive stock business, Mr. C. was engaged in general farming and extensive cattle-feeding for more than 11 years, but in 1883 he determined to embark in that highly interesting as well as profitable department of farming, the breed- ing of blooded stock, and to-day he ranks among the leading breeders of the county, and is doing much toward improving the grade of stock of this section. He first purchased thoroughbred and grade Short- horn cows, crossing on them imported Hereford and Polled-Angus bulls. Then a herd of Polled- Angus was added. He now proposes breeding pure Polled-Angus, and Polled-Angus and Short-horn crosses, and, for an experiment, is crossing a pure Polled-Angus bull on pure Hereford cows.

There are many experienced men in this county who are devoting the best efforts of their lives, as well as vast sums of money, to developing and raising fine stock. The influence of their efforts is not only felt in their immediate community, but extends through- out the borders of other counties, and even beyond the State lines. This is a highly commendable en- terprise, and will make Knox County the center of the Northwest for the highest type of many breeds of horses, cattle and swine. Prominent among these enterprising gentlemen will ever be Mr. Albion P. Charles. He is a wide-awake and earnest thinker, and in political matters is noted for his independent belief, as he always votes for principle rather than party. In politics he may be termed a Greenbacker.

ohn S. Holmes was born in Sweden, May 17, 1840, and came to America in 1854, when 14 years of age. He had received a very good education in his native land, and after arriving in this country he set himself diligently about acquiring a knowledge of En- glish. The old Galesburg Academy afforded him ample opportunity for this purpose, and he left that

institution pretty thoroughly equipped in branches most likely to be needed in ordinary life. His first employment was with G. D. Colton as stationary en- gineer, and at the end of one year he engaged with C. S. Colton & Sons as clerk in a general store, and was with them several years. Since that time on he has been occupied as a salesman, and has ranked among the best.

From Colton & Sons, our subject accepted employ- ment with E. F. Thomas, and subsequently with O. T. Johnson, where he remained 16 or 17 years. He was latterly employed with L. O. Williamson & Co., retiring therefron at the beginning of the present year (1886).

Mr. Holmes came to this country without money, and while struggling for an education worked for his board and clothes. But honesty, sobriety, industry and reasonable economy in this land of opportunities have never yet gone unrewarded. Surrounded by an interesting family, Mr. H. sits by his own cheerful fireside, reads books that entertain and instruct, par- ticipates in the wholesome amusements of his chil- dren, and philosophically takes the world as it comes.

Mr. Holmes was united in marriage at Galesburg Oct. 18, 1863, with Miss Anna J. Munson, a native of Sweden, and of the four children born to them those living are Minnie L., Jennie Odelia and Edna May. Their first-born, Charles E., died in infancy. The family are members of the Lutheran Church.

illiam H. Wiley, a farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 29, Orange Township, is the son of John and Mary Ann (Hall) Wiley, who were residents of Wayne County, Ind. On April 7, 1845, their son, William H., was born to them. John Wiley was a na- tive of Indiana, and followed the calling of a black- smith. His death occurred in his native State, Aug. 19, 1850. His widow is still living, making her home in Monmouth, Ill. She subsequently married M. Witt.

William H. was the second of a family of four chil- dren, three boys and one girl, as follows : Hosea T., Thomas E., Nancy, deceased, and William H. The latter was married Nov. 28, 1867, to Nancy J. Haynes, the daughter of Asa and Mary J. (Gaddis)

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Haynes. She was born April 6, 1845, in Orange Township, and has become the mother of two chil- dren-William A., who was born April 6, 1869; and Winnifred H., April 25, 1874. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church.

During the trying days of the late Rebellion, when call after call for brave and sturdy defenders of the flag was made by President Lincoln, and as promptly filled, William H. Wiley was among the 4,000 patriotic men who went from Knox County to the front. He enlisted Nov. 9, 1863, in Co. D, 7th Ill. Cav., under the brave Capt. W. H. Reynolds, the regiment being commanded by Col. Prince. He joined his company at La Grange, Tenn., and was soon busy in conflict with the enemy. He was at the battles of Moscow and Somerville, Tenn., and on the famous Smith raid from La Grange south, which lasted about 30 days, when fighting and skirmishing were the order of each day. They then returned to Memphis, from where the regiment came home on the veteran furlough. Our subject, being one of the later ones to enlist, could not at that time re-enlist with his comrades. During the fall of 1864, the reg- iment went on the long-remembered Hood raid, starting from near Memphis, Tenn. The first fight was at Campbellsville, where Mr. Wiley lost his horse while fighting dismounted. The next engagement was at Pulaski, Tenn. Then came the famous battle of Franklin, which resulted in a glorious victory for the Union troops. From there they went to Nashville, where they remained about a week, but were engaged in fighting and skirmishing in and around Nashville for several days and in the hard-fought battle of Nashville. They then followed Hood's army to the Tennessee River, where they laid in camp dur- ing most of the winter of 1864-65. While there the surrender of Lee, Johnson and the Rebel forces was made, which virtually ended the bloody conflict. From there they went to luka, then to Corinth, Miss., then south on the Mobile & Ohio Railroad to Egypt Station, and from there to Aberdeen, on the Tombigbee River. From there the regiment went to Huntsville, Ala., thence to Big Springs, and from there came back to Nashville to be mustered out. They then came to Springfield, where they were paid off, and on the 4th of November, 1865, finally dis- charged.

Our subject, who had served his country faithfully as long as there was any need of an upraised arm to

defend the integrity of the Union, on his return home again entered upon the peaceful pursuits of an agri- cultural life. He went to work husking corn, not los- ing a day for many weeks. He was soon able to secure some land for himself, and now owns 130 acres, So of which are on section 29, and 50 on sec- tion 30, of Orange Township. He is also a breeder of Short-horn cattle, and the proprietor of Box-Elder Grove Herd. He has a fine two-story frame dwell- ing, built after modern plans and style of architect- ure. The place is also provided with good barns and out-buildings, and all of the improvements are of the best kind and regarded among the most valuable in the township. Politically our subject is a Repub- lican,

hos. Anderson. One of the important and influential men of Knox County, and char- acterized as a worthy citizen and a prompt,, ·wide-awake business man, is Thomas Ander- son, the principal points in whose personal history are cited in the ensuing paragraphs. He is a resident on Section 6 in Rio Township, and has a most desirable and attractive home thereon.

Mr. Anderson came to this county in March, 1881, from Warren County, Ill. His farm consists of 95 acres. He was born in Sweden, March 10, 1848, in which country he lived until 20 years of age. At this time he went to De Kalb County, Ill. Here for several years he labored as a farm hand during the summer months, improving his time during the win- ter by attending the public school. During 1871-2, a year was spent in attendance at the High School in Sycamore, which was followed by a term in the Gem City Business College, Quincy, Ill. In 1873 he removed to Alexis, Warren County, where he en- gaged in teaching, which profession he followed until his removal to Knox County.

Mr. Anderson was united in marriage, in Alexis, Ill., Oct. 13, 1880, with Mary J. Talbot, who was born in Warren County, June 17, 1856, and their union has been blessed by the birth of two children, viz .: Eulalia and Irving. Mr. Anderson is intelligent and well-informed, and has won considerable social dis- tinction. His friends and neighbors have rendered a tribute to his fitness for public office, by electing him to the office of Justice of the Peace. He was

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elected in the spring of 1885, and is still an incun- bent of that office. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and uphold and forward any good and worthy enterprise. They are people of warm sympathies and charitable impulses, and both liked and respected by all with whom they come in contact. In politics Mr. A. sup- ports the Republican party, but is also a Prohibi- tionist.

saac E. Hurr. The character of any sec- tion of country depends largely on the men residing within it. Knox County has grown up, not only populous and pleasant to the view, but she contains rare intellectual and educa- tional advantages, and reflects credit upon those who have figured in her history. One of the representative citizens and wealthy and successful farmers of Copley Township is found living on sec- tion 3 in the person of Isaac E. Hurr, one of her best and most important factors.

The subject of this biography was born in Ohio, Dec. 27, 1830, and his parents were Elias and Rachel (Baldwin) Hurr. They were natives of Ohio and New Jersey respectively, and had a family of three children-Isaac E., Margaret A. and Edwin L. Elias Hurr came to Illinois in 1837 with his family, purchased 240 acres in Knox County, and settled here. He returned to Ohio after his goods, but died in St. Louis on his way back. so that the be- reaved family never saw his face again as it looked on them in parting. In 1838 Mrs. Hurr removed to section 3 and built a log house 18x20; there she lived for the subsequent nine years, and at the end of that time built a neat and substantial brick house in its place, and there remained until 1867. She then purchased a house and lot in Victoria, into which she moved, and on which she located, residing there for two years and two months. She then came to re- side with her son on section 3, and there died, June 24, 1875.

Isaac E. Hurr, of this writing, lived at home until he was 25 years of age, rendering assistance on the farm and attending school in the intervals; then, in 1854, he purchased the farm where he now lives. It consisted of 107 acres, 27 of which are timber. On this he built, improved, cultivated and modernized,

and what was once a rough tract of prairie land now blooms and bears with beauty and profit. Here he carries on mixed farming and values his land at $45 per acre.

Mr. Hurr was married March 19, 1867, to Miss Mary M. Eckley, a native of Ohio, and daughter of John and Abigail (Henderson) Eckley, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Illinois in 1849 and set- tled in Stark County, where they worked for two years. Then they came to Victoria Township and settled on section 6. There they lived for three years, and in 1855 moved to Oneida and bought a lot, on which they built the second house in that rising city. There they remained until 1870, when in the fall of the year they moved to Clay County, Iowa, purchasing 160 acres, on which they live, and where the death of the father occurred in 1882. The mother still survives and lives in Union County, lowa. They had a family of 12 children, 11 of whom are still living: Esther A. (now Mrs. Har- ness), Ephraim R., James H., Hannah E. (now Mrs. Chapman); Charity J., who wedded Mr. Hills; Eleanor A., Mrs. Shannon ; Mary M., the wife of our subject ; Adeline L., who married Mr. Parkins ; John L .; Cath- erine D., wife of Mr. Ide ; Martha S., Mrs. Dodd; and Caroline M., who died at the age of six years.

Mr. and Mrs. Hurr have six children living, and have suffered the loss of two-Elmonia and Harry being deceased. Arthur A., Jennie, Charles R., Ernest L., Lizzie and Eunice are still living. Mr. Hurr is a stanch Democrat and one of those men of whom a county may well be proud.

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dwin F. Green, a leading dairyman of Galesburg, came to this county with his parents in 1845, and when about two years of age. He was born June 24, 1843: he grew to manhood in Galesburg, and at the common schools acquired a fair English education. His father, John Green, was some years a farmer by oc- cupation ; removed to the place now owned and occupied by Edwin in 1850, and here (now No. 350 West South street) died in 1857, at the age of 50 years. His widow, Mary Ann (Boyer) Green, sur- vived him until 1873, when she died, aged 68 years. After the death of his father, Mr. Green had charge of the affairs of his mother, taking care of

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 108

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