Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 119

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 119

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lark Glenn, farmer, on section 31, Sparta Township, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, Jan. 10, 1810. His parents were Thomas and Jane (Bromfield) Glenn, na- tives of Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio i7 1807 and bought 135 acres of land, all of which was timbered, and lived there until their death, the former dying in 1842 and the latter in 1845. They had a family of ten children-John, Elizabeth, Jane, Polly, Nancy, James, Alexander, Mary A., William and Clark. The subject of this sketch re- mained at home until 1846, then went to Wyandot County, Ohio, and bought 160 acres of land and lived on the same eight years, and in 1854 sold out and came to Illinois. In 1864 he settled where he now lives and purchased So acres. Our subject was married in 1842 to Sarah Coe, a native of Ohio, and to them have been born six children ; four are living and two are dead. The living are Jane B., John, William and Rowlin. Benjamin died in the service of his country; Elizabeth E. died in 1881, aged 26 years.

Mrs. Glenn was killed by lightning in Knox Township, with an infant in her arms, while standing under a tree ; the child lived only a few hours.

The second marriage of our subject was in 1857, to Miss Clarissa Percival, a native of Ohio. Mr. Glenn is a Republican, and with his wife is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. He has held the office of Assessor in Knox Township for two years, and is one of the representative men of Sparta Township. His first vote was cast for Henry Clay in 1832, and he has voted at every one of the presi- dential elections except in 1872.

apt. George W. Reynolds, farmer, on sec- tion 18, Victoria Township, was born in the town of Milton, Mass., July 15, 1826. His parents, George F. and Abigail (Locke) Reynolds, natives of New Hampshire, had a family of four children-George W., Charles C., John W., Julia A. The parents came to Illinois in 1835 and settled in Tazewell County, but re- mained only a short time, coming to Knox County

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in 1837. They settled in Victoria Township and purchased 130 acres of land, and were the first set- tlers who put up a house in Victoria. Victoria vil- lage stands mostly on his land. He is at present leading a retired life, aged 87 years.

The subject of this sketch remained on the home farm until 1853. In the early days he traveled three miles to attend a district school, which was held in a log cabin 16x20. He says that in those days the schoolmaster was allowed to use the hickory rod, and he remembers, when about 14 years old, he, with some other boys, got to school early and locked the door, shutting the teacher out until he would treat them to apples or candy. But he would not suc- cumb to their wishes, but called for the Directors, and they threatened and even went so far as to get on the old log school-house and took straw and set it on fire ard threw it down the chimney to smoke the rebellious boys out ; but they held the fort, and, their enemy retreating, the boys returned home. The next day the school resumed its wonted aspect and all again was harmony. George W. did not think that a country school was quite satisfactory, and when about 18 years of age attended the Knox Academy for one year, and paid for his board with his services in doing chores nights, mornings and Saturdays. He then returned to the old homestead in the village of Victoria and remained until 1847, when he made a visit to the New England States and remained until the next spring. Returning to Illinois, he worked on his father's farm on shares until 1854. He then went to California, via the overland route, in search of gold, and was gone two years. Returning by way of Panama and New Orleans, he went on a farm of 100 acres that he had purchased subsequently to his California trip, where he now lives. Since then he has added 40 acres.

Capt. R. took took an active part in the campaign of 1860, and in 1862 enlisted in Co. K, 83d Ill. Vol. Inf., being chosen its Captain, and served about three years. He was engaged in the second battle of Fort Donelson, but most of his service was on provost duty. After returning home he settled down to farming and also engaged in raising stock and grain.

Our subject was married in 1849 to Miss Mary C. Hotchkiss, a native of New York. They have only one child living-Lewis M., born Oct. 26, 1849. He married Electa Bonar and they have two children-

Frank and Fred. Mrs. G. W. Reynolds died in 1858, and for his second wife he married, in 1859, Miss Elizabeth Swickard, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, and daughter of Jonathan and Sarah (Baughman) Swickard, natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Illinois in 1852, and made a short stay, where the father died the same year. They had a family of ten children, six of whom are still living-Noah, Mary, David, Lucy, Elizabeth and John W. Mr. and Mrs. R. have one daughter-Jennie L., born Nov. 1, 1868.

The Captain is a Republican, and also belongs to the Congregational Church, and is a Trustee' and Clerk of his congregation. He has been Town Clerk and Town Treasurer, School Director and twice on the Central Committee of the Republican party, and has always been ready to lend a helping hand to every good cause.

H. Goff, evangelist, veterinary surgeon and farmer, on section 23, Copley Town- ship, was born in Medina County, Ohio, Oct. 17, 1839. His parents were William and Sarah A. (Bates) Goff. They were natives of Pennsylvania and New York respectively, and married Nov. 20, 1821. They came to Illinois in 1844, and settled in Copley Township, on section 14, and remained there until their deaths. They had a family of 14 children, five of whom are still living -Rhuma N., Marvin H., Royal F., Mariette, War- ren T. The father of our subject was a farmer and veterinary surgeon, and followed the same until his death. He owned 210 acres in Copley Township, on section 14.

The subject of this sketch remained at home until 14 years old; then worked out on a farm by the month, and during winters attended school. He pur- chased his own books and paid his own tuition, and continued at school until 18 years of age. Was mar- ried Feb. 4, 1858, to Miss M. Smith, daughter of George and Rebecca (Messmore) Smith. Her par- ents were natives of Ohio, and came to Illinois in 1853 and settled in Victoria Township. They had a family of eight children, six still living-John M., Mary E., Sarah, Abigail, Hannah and Margaret. Mr. Goff of this notice has ten children living- Julia, John R., Mary L., Marvin H., Sarah R.,

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George W., Abbie M., Charles L., Lewis A , Maggie O. Julia is now Mrs. Grim; Mary L. became Mrs. Mitchell; and John R. was married to Miss L. Ross.

Mr. Goff, after his marriage, bought school and other books and taught himself at night after his days' work, learning Greek and Hebrew. He rented

a farm for seven years after marriage, and then bought So acres of brush land in Victoria Township, paying for the same $500. He made a payment of $50 on the place, and sold the same in three weeks at a profit of $300. In 1867 he purchased 40 acres of improved land in Copley Township, and lived on the same two years, then sold it and moved to Mis- souri and remained three years, renting land. While there he commenced to preach, and in 187 1 returned to Illinois, settling in Copley Township, where he now lives. He has 145 acres of good land and is engaged in mixed farming. Mr. Goff is a Repub- lican in politics, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace.

r. Elijah F. Purdum, a practicing physi- cian of Abingdon since 1876, was born in Montgomery County, Md., Oct. 14, 1839, and is a son of Nathan and Rebecca (Etchi- son) Purdum. His father was born in Maryland and was descended from the French. His mother was born in the same county as her son, and was descended from the English and Irish.

Our subject went to Guernsey County, Ohio, when eight years of age. He began the study of medicine in 1859, with Dr. Francis Rea, of Washington, Ohio; enlisted in July, 1861, in Co. F, 30th Ohio Vol. Inf., serving until Oct. 30, 1862, and was dis- charged for physical disability resulting from typhoid fever. He took a regular course at the Medical Col- lege of Ohio, at Cincinnati, graduating in the Class of 1863, July 6. He passed an examination before the Medical Board of Examiners of Ohio, within a few days after graduating, with so creditable a record that he was recommended as being qualified to serve as Regimental Surgeon. Not having had the neces- sary experience, he was disqualified for the position, but was commissioned Assistant Surgeon of the 89th Ohio Vol. Inf. The appointment was a compliment to the young Doctor, as it was unsought, the re-

ceipt of his commission and orders being the first in- timation he had of the matter. He re-entered the service under his commission, July 24, 1863, and was captured at the battle of Chickamauga, Sept. 20,1863. His whole regiment was either killed, wounded or captured, and not re-organized again until the fol- lowing December. After his capture Dr. Purdum was taken to Richmond and held a prisoner at Lib- by Prison, in that city, for two months and a few days. He was then exchanged, and in December rejoined his regiment. He served in the Army of the Cumberland, 14th Army Corps, under Gen. Sted- man. His army record is one his friends are proud of.

He was mustered out June 28, 1865. In October of that year he removed to Abingdon, Ill., and spent the winter of 1865-66 in that city, and the following spring took up his residence in the town of Hermon, Knox Co., where he was engaged in practice until 1876, when he returned to Abingdon and has since made that city his home, and has pursued his prac- tice successfully. Dr. Purdum was married in Washington, Guernsey Co., Ohio, July 4,1865, to Miss Callie Swan, daughter of Edward and Caroline Swan. Mrs. Purdum was born in Belmont County, Ohio. Her people were natives of Loudon County,

1 Va. Dr. and Mrs. Purdum have one child, a son, Charles W., born in Hermon.

evi Hager, a general farmer, residing on 180 acres of improved land on section 30, Lynn Township, was born in the township in which he is now living, on the farm where he now resides, Oct. 27, 1842. He was the youngest son and child of a family of four children-two daughters and two sons. His father, Peter, was formerly a tailor, and later a farmer. His early history is unknown to our subject, he having died when Levi was four years of age. His wife, Catherine Smith, born and reared in Pennsylvania, most likely came to Illinois before she was married. She died in Victoria Township in July, 1876.

Our subject resided with his mother most of the time until his marriage, which occurred in Victoria Township at the residence of the bride's parents, Feb.

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4, 1869, Miss Sarah A. Heaton being the other con- tracting party. Her parents were natives of Ken- tucky and Pennsylvania respectively, and moved to Fayette County, Ohio, before their marriage. After their marriage in that county and the birth of three children they moved to Boone County, Ind., settling near Thorntown, where Mrs. H. of this notice was born, Aug. 24, 1846. She is the youngest of a fami- ly of seven children. She was nine years old when her parents came to Illinois and located in Victora Township, where they lived until their death, the father dying in 1875 and the mother in April, 1873. They had improved a farm and made a home before their death, in Victoria Township. Mrs. H. is the

mother of two children-Allen A., born Nov. 1, 1869, and Levi, Feb. 21, 1874. Since marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hager have resided on their present farm. Mr. Hager has been Collector of this township, and in politics is a Greenbacker.

Aug. 9, 1863, Mr. Hager enlisted in the Rebell- ion, joining Co. G, 89th Ill. Vol. Inf. He remained with the company all through the campaign, partici- pating in the engagements at Stone River, Chick- manga and Mission Ridge, and later on he became teamster, which occupation he filled until he was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tenn, June 10, 1865. He suffered some from sickness, otherwise he escaped unhurt.

KNOX COUNTY.

INTRODUCTORY.

IME is ever moving on. The deeds and actions of to-day form the subject of history to-morrow. From the rec- ord of these deeds men form opinions, and their actions in the present and future are gov- erned thereby. Knox County fur- nishes the world a record that is of great interest, a record that tells 580 of heroic deeds of its pioneers, how that vast territory was se- cured from savage tribes and made the home of civilized man. In Rock Island County originated the troubles, and from this county nearly every movement was made, in the Black Hawk War, and here the chiefs gath- ered together in council, and treaties were made, re- sulting in lasting peace. Upon the lovely island and magnificent bluffs that overlook the river, the red men were wont to stray, and many beautiful and touching legends are told of their presence here. The white men came, and that country so lovely in nature has been greatly changed, but it can never be robbed of its great beauty. The island and the bluffs still exist, and the valleys are transformed into fields of waving grain. The trails of the hunters and the wily red man have given place to railroads, and broad thoroughfares, school-houses, churches, mills, post-offices, manufactories and elegant dwellings are now to be seen upon every hand. The rec-

ord of the marvelous change is history, and the miost important that can be written,

It is but little more than half a century since the white men came to this beautiful land for the pur- pose of securing homes, but in that time what great and startling events have transpired ! Monarchies since then have crumbled into dust and republics have been reared upon their ruins. Inventions that have revolutionized labor have been given to the world, and in much of what has been done the peo- ple of Knox County have borne a leading part.

The question is often asked, why men leave the comforts and pleasures of civilized lands and strike out into a new and almost unknown country, bearing the toils and privations which are unavoidable. Not more from choice than necessity did the old pioneers bid farewell to the playgrounds of their childhood and the graves of their fathers. One generation after another had worn themselves out in the service of avaricious landlords, or to eke out a miserable existence upon barren or worn-out land, which they called their own, From the first flashes of the morn- ing light until the last glimmer of the setting sun they had toiled unceasingly on from father to son, carry- ing home each day upon their aching shoulders the precious proceeds of their daily labor. Money, pride and power were handed down in the line of succession from the rich father to his son, while un- ceasing work, continuous poverty and everlasting obscurity were the heritage of the workingman and his children. For the sous and daughters of the

KNOX COUNTY.

poor man to remain there was to follow and never to lead-to be poor forever.

Without money, prestige or friends, the old pioneer drifted along, seeking the garden spot, the place where he might establish a home, where he might ed- ucate his sons and daughters, giving them privileges he never enjoyed himself. The broad prairies and beautiful groves of Knox County in that early day were indeed inviting to those seeking a home in a more favored land, and here they planted their stakes, many of whom the present generation have reason to rise up and call blessed. To secure and adorn the homes desired by the pioneers more than ordinary ambition was required, greater than ordi- nary endurance demanded. How well they have succeeded, let the broad, cultivated fields and fruit- bearing orchards, the flocks and the herds, the pa- latial residences, the places of business, the spacious halls, the clattering car-wheels and ponderous en- gines all testify.

There was a time when pioneers waded through deep snows, across bridgeless rivers and through bot- tomless sloughs, more than a score of miles, to mill or market, and when more time was required to reach and return from market than is now required to cross the continent or Atlantic Ocean. These were the times when their palaces were constructed of logs and covered with "shakes " riven from forest trees. These were the times when children were stowed away during the nights in the low, dark attics, among the horns of the elk and the deer, and where through the chinks in the " shakes " they could count the twinkling stars. These were the times when chairs and bedsteads were hewn from the for- est trees, and tables and bureaus constructed from the boxes in which goods were brought. These were the days when all were required to work six days in the week and all the hours in a day from sunrise to sunset. Now all is changed. In viewing the bless- ings which now surround us, we should reverence those who made them possible, and ever fondly cher- ish in memory the sturdy old pioneer and his log cabin.

Generation after generation comes and goes like the

leaves of autumn. Nations have been born, have had their rise and fall, and then passed away, leav- ing scarcely a riffle on the great ocean of time to show that they ever existed, so imperfect and changeable have been the means to perpetuate their achieve- ments. It was left to modern ages to establish an intelligent, undecaying, immutable method of per- petuating this history ; immutable in that it is almost unlimited in extent, and perpetual in its action ; and this is through the art of printing. Nations may be- come disintegrated and pass away, monuments and statues may crumble into dust, but books will live. This art has been rapidly advancing from its first in- ception until now it would seem that there were no longer any further grounds for improvement. This is pre-eminently an age of printing, an age of books.

To the present generation, however, are we indebt- ed for the introduction of the admirable system of local history and local biography. By this system every man, though he has not achieved what the world calls greatness, has the means to perpetuate his life, his history through the coming ages ; so alike has every community.

We come now to the work before us: To our pat- rons, we say, that the scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the physical man is left; the monument which his children or friends may erect to his mem- ory in the cemetery will crumble into dust and pass away ; but his life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished, which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated by this book through coming ages. Shakspeare has said :

The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones.

Our aim in this work has been only to preserve the good. We have sought to gather, from the best sources of information obtainable, the conditions and incidents of early pioneer life, and to present them together with the present development of the county. Many of the pioneers came into this beautiful coun- ty without a dollar in their pockets, but with the unflinching determination to carve out their fortunes and build up a community. With undaunted hearts and a courage equal to that of the great heroes of our country, they began life.

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HISTORICAL

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منهرم

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KNOX COUNTY.

Early Settlement.

E desire, previous to entering upon the discussion of the history of Knox County, to give a brief account of the settlement and organ- ization of the State of Illi محـ nois, which is essential to the proper understanding of the condition of the country in this part of the State prior to its seulement. The entire territory now embraced in this State at one time belonged to the aborigines. The time of their settlement here has never been defi- nitely fixed by history. They have never, however, been treated by historians in other than a nomadic sense; never having been recognized as citizens, or even occupants, of this continent. Therefore, we will make our bow to the illustrious precedents that have been established by historians, and pass on. We will say, then, that this territory was originally a part of Florida and belonged to the Spanish Government ; that the Spanish chev- alier, Fernando de Soto, with his band of followers, was the first to discover this beautiful land. This was as early as 1541. The Spanish, however, never took possession of it, and it was first occupied by the French, who, after having planted settlements along the St. Lawrence and in Canada, fitted out one of their Jesuit missionaries and sent him westward up

the St. Lawrence. Thence he was to take the Mis- sissippi and follow its course. This explorer was the famous Father Marquette. He reached the great " Father of Waters " in the spring of 1673, hoisted the sails on his little bark canoes, and, with his companions and two Indian guides, with joy un- speakable floated down the majestic river between the broad plains of Illinois and Iowa. While de- scending the Mississippi he discovered an Indian trail and immediately moored his boats and took the trail. After walking about six miles they came to an Indian village, when the inhabitants advanced to meet them, and, through their calumets, the pipe of peace was smoked. In saluting Father Marquette they addressed him in a language familiar to him. " We are Illinois," they said. "How beautiful is the sun, O Frenchman, when thou comest to see us. Our village awaits thee; thou shalt enter in peace all dwellings." He remained with these hospitable people a few days and then descended the Missis- sippi River until he was satisfied that it entered into the Gulf of Mexico, when he returned, and, reach- ing the 39th degree of north latitude, entered the Illinois River and followed it to its source. He was cordially invited by the Illinois Indians to occupy its banks and remain with them. Desiring, however, to continue his travels, he declined their generous offer and was conducted by one of the chiefs, accompa- nied by several of his warriors, to a point near Chi- cago, if not that point, where he remained to preach

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the Gospel to the Miamis, sending his companions back to Quebec to announce his discoveries. This may be said to be the inception of the settlement of Illinois by the Caucasian race.

Father Marquette's discoveries and his fame thrilled the hearts of many adventurers in France, and among these was Robert Cavalier de la Salle. La Salle came to this country, remained awhile, and then returned to France. He sought an interview at once with Louis XIV, whom he inspired with his own enthusiasm and from whom he received a com- mission to explore the Valley of the Mississippi. He returned with a number of mechanics, military stores, merchandise, etc., in the year 1678. After leaving the St. Lawrence and Niagara Rivers and crossing Lake Erie, he reached Green Bay, and next entered St. Joseph River. At these places he established trading-posts. He then descended the Illinois River as far as Lake Peoria, where he was met by a large party of Illinois Indians, who offered him the calu- met and with whom he formed an alliance. He was received with great joy, and when they learned that he was to establish a colony among them their happiness knew no bounds. Thus began the first white settlement in this fair territory.

A long war arose between England and France over the possession of this country. Peace was concluded between these two countries Feb. 10, 1763, by virtue of which France ceded to England the Canadas, Nova Scotia, Louisiana (east of the Mississippi) and her possessions on the Mississippi and Ohio, which included the territory of Illinois. At this time the white population numbered about 3,000 souls. These resided along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, the largest towns being Kaskaskia and Cahokia.

Although Illinois was ceded in 1763, it was not taken possession of by England until 1765, when Capt. Sterling, sent by Gen. Gage, then Commander- in-Chief of the British forces in America, assumed control in the name of Great Britain. Illinois re- mained in the possession of the British until 1778, when Col. George Rogers Clark was secretly fitted out by the Commonwealth of Virginia with seven compa- nies, money, arms, ammunition and military stores, and clothed with all the authority he could wish. After a brief resistance, he took possession in the name of Virginia. Reporting his signal triumph to the Governor of that State, the Legislature passed

an act in October, 1778, establishing " As the county of Illinois all that part of Virginia west of the Ohio" (which surpassed in dimensions the whole of Great Britain), and appointed Col. John Todd Civil Com- mander and Lieutenant-Colonel of that county. After establishing garrisons at Kaskaskia, Cahokia and the Falls of the Ohio (on the site of Louisville), Col. Clark exerted his great influence to bring about a good feeling between the Indians and the Amer- icans.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 119

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