Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 115

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 115

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the first plantation. This lady, however, finally re- moved to Smith County, Kan., and died at the home of her only surviving daughter, Mrs. Lovinia F. Markham, on Jan. 6, 1882, at the advanced age of 83. She was a strong woman, retaining her faculties until the last, excepting her eyesight. She had been blind for six years before her death. For 70 years of her life she was a devoted Christian.

Soon after the death of his father, the gentleman whose name begins this history set out on his own account, taking after his mother in constitution, and, possessing a will for any fate, he faced the world alone.

It ought to be here mentioned that his father took an active part in the War of 1812, while his father, or our subject's grandfather, had taken his share in the Revolutionary War.

In his young manhood Mr. L. D. rented a farm from his uncle. In his 24th year he was married in Chestnut Township, March 2, 1848, to Miss Cynthia R. Carpenter, a native of Tompkins County, York State. This lady was the daughter of Stephen and Jerusha (Rose) Carpenter, both of Long Island and New York State.

They were married in Tompkins County, and fol- lowed the occupation of farming. By the union there were ten children, Mrs. Ferris being the youngest.

In the year 1839 she came westward with her par- ents and settled in Chestnut Township, remaining there until their deaths.

After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ferris, they lived for several years in Chestnut Township. Six children were the result of this very happy union, three of whom are married. Henry S. became the husband of Rebecca V. Stuckey and they reside near Murray, Iowa, where they have a very delightful farm. Lizzie M. resides at home and is a very suc- cessful teacher. Katie L. is also with her parents. Eva L. and Emma L. (twins) are both happily mar- ried, the former to J. E. Day, now a resident at Roodhouse, Greene Co., Ill. The latter is the wife of Will E. Webb, and lives at Clarinda, lowa. Jennie M. resides at home. Mrs. Ferris and part of her family are members of the Congregational Church of Oneida, where they are held in high esteem.

Politically, Mr. Ferris is a solid and very reliable Republican.

Since the preceding part of this history was writ- ten, the death-angel has entered this home and taken

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from the family circle the loved wife and mother. This occurred on the morning of the 2d of April, 1886. Her age was 57 years and i month. She had been an invalid for over 20 years.

im gavid Harshman. Among the men who lead in farming interests, and are promi- nent for enterprise and success, may be found the gentleman whose name heads this historical sketch, and some of the principal points in whose career are herein noted. He is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Knox County, to which he came in 1856, engaging in the work that he has since followed uninterruptedly. On entering Knox County, Mr. Harshman settled first in Hen- derson Township, where he passed an interval of 18 months before moving into Rio Township, where he spent the remainder of his life up the present time. He is now the owner of 68 acres of land, most of which is capable of a high state of cultivation.

Our subject was born in Fayette County, Pa., Nov. 9. 1825. There he lived until he took his departure into Knox County, with which he was favorably impressed, and where he made a settlement for good. Having previously learned the cooper's trade, he worked at it in connection with his farm work. He has, also, for the past 30 years, run a thrashing ma- chine for the convenience of the people at large, from which he has realized considerable profit.

He was united in the bonds of matrimony in Rio Township, on the 29th of December, 1881, when he took as his wife Mary A. Medhurst, the widow of Godfrey Fortwangler. These two, after a happy married life of some years' standing, have had added to their family circle two children, viz .: Elizabeth and Annie B. Mrs. Harshman lost her first hus- band in Jacksonville, Ill., who left her in charge of their family of eight children, by name as follows : Susan, Mary E., Susan C., Charles G., Dollie J., Hulda M., Jessie and Ralph. Of these the two eld- est have been taken by death-Susan and Mary E. Susan C. was married to Mr. Jacob Fishell, Oct. 15, 1879, and since has become the mother of three chil- dren-Maggie, Norman and May. Dollie Jane was married to Mr. Henry Julian, and has two children- one boy and one girl, Perley A. and Willy H. Susan

C. lives in Page County, Iowa, and Dollie J. lives in Cameron, Warren Co., Ill.

Mr. Harshman has been Commissioner of High- ways and Road Commissioner, and he has also taken quite an interest in educational affairs, having been School Director for some length of time. He is one of the Masonic fraternity, and is governed in politics by the Democratic sentiment and belief. He and his wife were formerly members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Harshman's present marriage is his second matrimonial alliance, the first having been contracted in Fayette County, Pa., on the 27th of August, 1846, with Sallie White, widow of M. Eiker, who died in that county. The fruit of this union was one child, Mary, who is the wife of Thomas Crovens, and who resides in Henry County, Ill. She is the mother of six children, as follows : David H., Sarah, Alice, Margaret, Minnie and Annie M. The mother of Mrs. Crovens departed this life Dec. 24, 1880.

ouston P. Tait. farmer, was born in Knox County, June 29, 1841, and is the son of GDX William and Mary A. (McDowell) Tait. They are natives of Scotland, and came to America in 1839, settling on section 16, of Cop- ley Township, where he purchased a farm. There they lived until his death, which took place in 1842, and to them were born four children, all sons- John, William F., Peter G. and Houston P. All served as soldiers in the Civil War. John and Peter G. were killed in the army. John was mortally wounded at the battle of New Hope Church, May 27, 1864, and died from his injuries the 19th of June of the same year. Peter G. was killed the second day of the battle of Nashville, on the 16th day of Decem- ber, 1864. They were brought home and buried side by side in the cemetery on section 14, of Copley Township, and every year their graves are strewn with the flowers of loving remembrance. "Rest in peace, O gallant dead."

Mr. Tait, of this writing, grew up on a farm, work- ing and attending the district school and also a select school at Victoria, until he was 21 years of age. He then, Aug 6, 1862, enlisted and served until July 16, 1865. He fought at the battle of Stone River, was

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is the general field hospital at Murfreesboro for four months. He was then exchanged to Louisville and was retained in the Veteran Reserve Corps, re- ceiving an honorable discharge at the close of the war. After it closed he returned to Illinois, and in 1867 purchased a farm on section 10, of Copley Township. It included So acres, and here he lived until 1882, when he sold out and purchased his pres- ent home, consisting of 100 acres.

He was married in 1867 to Miss Mary E. Leval- ley, a native of Knox County, who was born Dec. 20, 1846. Her parents were Christopher H. and Harriet (Gaines) Levalley, natives of New York. Annie J. is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Tait. He is a Republican in politics and holds many offices in the neighborhood. With his wife, he belongs to the Presbyterian Church.

rthur W. Jones, senior member of the firm of Metcalf Bros. & Jones, dealers in lum- ber, hardware, agricultural implements, etc., was born in Utica, Oneida Co., N. Y., April 22, 1847. His parents settled in Oneida when he was 11 years of age (see sketch of T. E. Jones), and, giving him the benefit of educational ad- vantages, placed in the High School of that place, where he pursued his studies, living at home till the year 1875.

About this time occurred his marriage, Sept. 16, 1875, at Oneida, with Miss Nettie Muzzy, who was born in Pleasant Mount, Pa., Sept. 26, 1867. (See sketch of A. D. Metcalf for history of Mrs. Jones.) At the age of ten years she came to Oneida under the guardianship of her mother, who settled at that place, and with whom she continued through the years of her girlhood up to the date of her marriage. Three children have been born into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jones-Edward C., Aug. to, 1876; Albert M., Nov. 14, 1879 ; and Mabel E., Nov. 28, 188 [.

While at home Mr. Jones was engaged under the direction of his father for some length of time, in the stock business, and about the year 1870, in company with his older brother, C. L. Jones, he established an extensive trade in grain, to which three years later he added the lumber trade. This company ex- isted until 1875, when C. L. Jones withdrew and Albert D. Metcalf became a member of the firm.

One year later Mr. Jones sold out his interest in the business and joined his two brothers in the hardware business previously spoken of at Oneida. The firm continued under the name of Jones Bros. till 1879, when the two brothers withdrew and their places were filled by Metcalf Bros., the present partners. (See sketch.)

Mr. and Mrs. Jones by religious belief are mem- bers of the Congregational Church. Mr. Jones takes an interest in both local and public affairs, and in politics is a supporter of the Republican party.

eorge Runkle. Mr. Runkle is a farmer on section 8, Galesburg Township, and was born on the 2d of February, 1844, in Knox County, Ill. He is the son of Eldert Runkle, a prominent pioneer of this county. He was a native of New York State, where the latter was born in August, 1803, his decease taking place June 15, 1862, in Knox County.

Mr. Runkle's father came to Illinois in 1834, and first located in Knoxville. He was a millwright by calling, but commenced and followed farming after bis arrival in Illinois. In 1833 he married Miss Nancy Bowen, who was born in 1808 and still sur- vives her husband. To the marriage six children were born, viz .: Elizabeth, James, Mary H., Lucy G., George and Frank. Of these, the subject of this biography married Miss Mattie E. Ferris on the 15th of February, 1871. The ceremony was performed by Rev. L. Pratt. This lady was born on the 3d of May, 1848, in Knox County, Ill. Her parents were Nathan and Currance A. (Winegar) Ferris. Her father was born in 1790, in Herkimer County, N. Y. Her parents' marriage took place in 1827, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Mr. Culver. The mother was born in 1805 and was a native of Wash- ington County, N. Y. In 1850 the father died at Weaverville, Cal. His death was occasioned by a kick from a horse. They first came to Illinois in 1837 and had eight children-Sylvanus S., Chauncy G., Nathan O., Samuel, Horace F., Sallie A., James H. and Mattie E.

George Runkle by his marriage with Miss Ferris has three children-William J., born April 28, 1874; Currance A., born April 7, 1879; Emily L., born Oct. 23, 1881. Mr. Runkle's farm consists of 100 -

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acres of well-improved land, on which is a desirable dwelling-house 24x20 feet. He is interested in breed- ing Holstein and Short-horn cattle, and has a few sheep on his farm.

During the Civil War he enlisted in the 100-day service, joining Co. D, 139th Ill. Vol. Inf., which was mustered into the service in May and served until October of the same year. He was stationed at Cairo. Our subject is a good Republican and warmly espoused the cause of the Government in the Civil War. He is a highly respected member of his community, an industrious worker, and is a promi- nent member of the A. O. U. W. at Galesburg, fill- ing the position of Guide in his Lodge.

8 enedict Wainright. One of the influen- tial and successful farmers of Chestnut Township, residing on section 3, is the subject of whom the facts recorded in this personal history are written. Mr. W. was born in this township, Nov. 25, 1856, and was the son of Daniel and Eliza Jane (Cramer) Wainright, both natives of the State of Ohio. The father opened his eyes upon life May 4, 1829, and the mother was born Sept. 9, 1832. The matri- monial connection of Mr. and Mrs. Wainright, senior, resulted in the addition of six children to the family circle, as follows : Vincent, who married Frances Howk, in the eastern part of this State; McGuire, who took to wife Miss Susan Coe; Joseph, who united in marriage with Derinda F. Mowry, and Benedict, our subject ; Sarah Eliza is an inmate of the pa- rental household, and Clara L. died at the age of 18 months.

Benedict Wainright was reared on his father's farm. where he grew to the age of 22 years, at which time he commenced attendance at Knox College, where he continued for two terms. Soon after leaving school he espoused Miss Mimmie Hall, Nov. 29, 1883, who was the daughter of John and Salome (Freemold) Hall, the former a native of Germany, in which country he was born March 16, 1825, and the latter Aug, 18, 1834. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Mimmie Wainright number three, and are as follows: Harmon, who died May 13, 1882, leaving a wife, Alma (Hartsook) Hall; Carl, who died aged

four months, and Emma, wife of David Bearmore. Mrs. Wainright is the second child in order of birth and was born June 21, 1860.

Mr. Wainright is successful in his occupation as a farmer and has large herds of common-blooded cat- tle. He is an industrious, energetic member of so- ciety, an agreeable neighbor, and Democratic in po- litical belief. Into their pleasant little home one daughter has been born-Bessie V., the date of birth being Dec. 3, 1884.

sa A. Matteson, Vice-President of the First National Bank of Galesburg, Ill., Secretary and Treasurer of the College City Street Railway Co., and President of the Galesburg Public Library, is a native of Warren County, Ill., having been born near Berwick, Oct. 24, 1837. His father was Elon and his mother Ann (Ogden) Matteson. The parents of Mr. Matteson were married in Oneida County, N. Y., and in 1836 emigrated to Illinois. The senior Mr. Matteson was a farmer by occupation and died at his home in War- ren County, in 1845, aged 44 years; his widow lived to attain the age of 73, and died in Galesburg in 1883. The Mattesons came originally from Holland and the Ogdens from England, both families being among the pioneers of New England. Elon and Ann (Og- den) Matteson were natives, respectively, of Ver- mont and York State, and reared five sons and one daughter, the latter and three of the sons surviving at this writing.

Mr. Asa A. Matteson was educated at the Gales- burg schools, studied law with T. G. Frost, and was admitted to the bar in 1860. He remained in the office of his preceptor until in 1865, when he formed a partnership with Judge Tunnicliff, at Macomb, and there practiced law ten successive years. Aban- doning the legal profession, in 1875, he returned to Galesburg and became actively identified with the interests and management of the First National Bank. The stockholders of that institution elected him one of the Directors, and in 1877 he became Vice-President. During the time since he has con- tinuously held the position of Vice-President, and also, a portion of the time, of Bookkeeper and of Cashier. This banking house relied upon him as a

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kind of "general utility man." In the absence of any employe or officer, from Assistant Bookkeeper up to President, Mr. Matteson, as a sort of reserve force, has been called into requisition. In 1883, however, he decided to take a less active part in the bank, and, as an evidence of good faith, turned his attention to farming. As he continued his residence in the city, the presumption is fair that his agricultu- ral enterprise constitutes but an incident.

Mr. Matteson was one of the projectors and organizers of the College City Street Railway, and has since held the position of Secretary and Treasurer of the company. December 6, 1865, at Galesburg, Mr. Matteson was married to Miss Helen M. Gardner, whose family came from Herkimer County, N. Y , in 1837. Their children are named respectively Frank, Fred, Gracie and Ralph. Yet young in years, he has already achieved enviable suc- cess, his enterprising spirit proving not only a bene- fit to himself, but also to the community.

aylor Linn. Among the highly respected and estimable citizens of Knox County, and one of its leading farmers, may be reckoned the subject of this brief biography. He has been successful in the prosecution of agricultural pursuits, and is known throughout the entire section of country as a substantial man and a worthy member of the community.

Mr. Linn, of this writing, came to Knox County in 1875, from Mercer County. Ill., and settled in Rio Township, where he has since lived. He is the owner of 200 acres, only a part of which is tillable, but of which he makes the best possible use. He was born in Morrow County, Ohio, April 1, 1849, and when nearly seven years of age his father removed to Mercer County, where the little boy lived an in- mate of his father's home until he attained the years of discretion. He received a common-school edu- cation, and wisely, instead of following in the wake of so many misguided American youth, he heeded the injunction, " Don't leave the farm, boys," and has always pursued that vocation.

He was united in marriage in Knoxville, with Miss Elizabeth Henderson, who was a native of Knox County, and the fruit of their union has been the birth of one child-Almon, who was left motherless

Jan. 1, 1882, by the death of Mrs. Linn, in Rio Township, where she was buried.

Mr. Linn formed a second matrimonial alliance in Rio Township, Feb. 13, 1884, with Miss Lizzie H., daughter of Samuel Junk, of that township. She was born in Knox County, May 18, 1859, and is a devoted wife and mother, esteemed and respected.by all. Mr. Linn takes an active interest in outside affairs, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. In poli- tics he is a Republican, supporting and voting for that party.

ohn Mangion, one of the most esteemed citizens of Sparta Township, residing on section 34, was born June 20, 1808, in County Limerick, Ireland. He was the son of David and Bridget (Morsey) Mangion, and came to America in 1850. He landed in New York City and remained in the Empire State, working on a farm, for five years, then came to Galesburg, Ill., proceeding thence to Mercer County, where he en- gaged in farm work for two years and then rented a farm, near Shanghai, which he managed for three years. At the expiration of that time he came to this township and purchased the 40 acres where he now resides, and to which he subsequently added 1 30 acres.

Our subject was united in marriage in February, about the year 1845 or 1846, with Miss Mary Cala- han, and became the father of nine children, viz. : Bridget, Mary, John, David, Kate, Thomas, Michael, a second Mary, and Johanna ; of these two only are living-Thomas and Michael.

Mr. Mangion is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and politically a Democrat. He is an up- right, honest man and a good citizen, and possesses in a marked degree the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

lbert D. and Samuel J. Metcalf, members of the firm of Metcalf Bros. & Jones, dealers in hardware, cutlery, guns, lime, farm imple- ments and stone, are the subjects of this no- tice. In connection with the above business, they hold an interest in the lumber yards of Oneida, and their previous history is stated as fol-

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lows : They came to Oneida in 1861, under the care of their parents, Samuel and Hannah Elizabeth (Bruce) Metcalf, who were natives of New York and Vermont respectively. They were of American pa- rentage, the father of English and the mother of Scotch ancestry. The parents of these people came West and settled in Knox County early in life. They were united in marriage at Galesburg, and imme- diately after settled in Knoxville on a farm. This they worked, cultivating and improving it till the year 1856, when they came to Ontario Township and here purchased a farm of 160 acres, one and one-half miles from Oneida. In this section of the country the father continued to reside till his death, which took place in November, 1856, and which left bereaved a wife and two children-Albert D. and Samuel J. Later in her widowhood the mother united in marriage with A. N. Bancroft, who died at Galesburg in 1880, where the mother still lives, hav- ing reached the age of 56 years. The birthplace of Albert D. was in the vicinity of Knoxville, and the date of his birth Nov. 20, 1852, while Samuel is five years younger, being born in Knoxville, Jan. 1, 1857.

The two brothers, having many tastes in common, grew to boyhood and manhood in the home of their mother, attending, in their earlier years, the graded schools of Oneida, and later, during their more ad- vanced years, Knox College, Galesburg. From this institution Albert graduated in 1875. The same year he entered into partnership with Arthur W. Jones, and is at present a member of the firm as it now exists. Together they established a grain and lumber market at Oneida, and the company was known as Metcalf & Jones. Ten months later they dissolved partnership, and Mr. Jones, taking the grain department, yielded into the hands of Mr. Metcalf the lumber interest. In the year 1876, and during the month of May, his brother joined him in this business, and together they conducted the lum- ber trade under the style of Metcalf Bros. This firm continued till 1879, and during this interval Mr. Jones went out of the grain trade and established a hardware store. In 1879 Metcalf Bros. consoli- dated their lumber trade with Mr. Jones' business, and the firm name was changed to Metcalf Bros. & Jones, by which coalition an extensive business is carried on. At this time they estimate their annual trade at $50,000, and, though young merchants in

years, they are rapidly winning golden opinions from the people of the community by their enterprise and attention to business.

Albert D. Metcalf was married May 4, 1876, at the residence of the bride's sister, to Miss E. J. Muzzy, who was born at Mount Pleasant, Pa., June 20, 1855, and who came to Illinois with her mother, who was a widow, having lost her husband in the late war while she was yet a young woman. The little family settled in Oneida, where the mother now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Albert Metcalf. Samuel J. Metcalf was married in the city of Gales- burg Oct. 20, 1879, to Miss Carrie A. Brooks, who was born in Jacksonville, Ill., in 1859, and whose father is an agricultural-implement dealer, doing a good business in Galesburg. She attended school in that city, beginning about the year 1875, where she remained until her marriage. Of this union one son is the issue-Irving B., born May 30, 1884. Both brothers and their wives are active and useful members of the Congregational Church, at Oneida, the doctrines of which faith they vigorously support and exemplify in their daily lives. In politics both uphold the Republican party; the junior is Alder- man of this city, and is the youngest member of that body.

E 3

oseph Torley. One of the popular and successful merchants and substantial citi- zens of Wataga is personified in the sub- ject of this personal history. From his intro- ductory launch onto the wide sea of commerce, he has received the hearty patronage of the people of that vicinity, who are quick to recognize uprightness and native force of character. He came to Illinois from Iowa in the year 1860, and since that time has been occupied in mercantile transactions.

Mr. Torley was born in Germany, May 17, 1843, and was the son of Frederick and Caroline (Strach- wash) Torley, who came to the United States in Feb- ruary, 1848, and settled in Burlington, Iowa. They were farmers, and at the time of their coming pur- chased 90 acres of land, which they sold in 1863 and came to Warren County, Ill., where they lived until 1868, when they sold out again and moved to Oquawka, and there lived from 187 1 to 1884. Leav- ing that town, they removed to West Point, Iowa, where they now live a retired life.

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Their family consisted of eight children, of which the subject of this sketch is the sixth in order of birth. His younger days were spent on the farm and in school, and he removed from home when 20 years of age and apprenticed himself to learn the blacksmith's trade. At this he worked for several years, then in 1870 became engaged in selling agri- cultural implements at Oquawka. He continued in Henderson County until 1885, then sold out and removed to Wataga, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He carried a general stock of goods, and estimates his patronage at a high figure.

The subject of our sketch, in 1870, took a life companion to his heart and home, in the person of Miss Maggie Vatter, a native of Henderson County, Ill. Three children have come to gladden their home, who bear the names of Margaret, Ida and Joseph.

Mr. Torley is a man of worth and ability, respected by all who know him. He and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, by which organization they are held in high esteem. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., and is Democratic in political belief.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 115

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