Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 15

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 15

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2 April 7. 1837. His parents, William and Sarah (Mountjoy) Hobbs, were natives of England, where they were married, and came to the United t has given a mother's devotion and care to their in-

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struction and training in all that adorns, developes and strengthens true character.

After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs they settled on a farm of 80 acres, once a part of her father's homestead in Copley Township, and which the young and thrifty couple promptly improved and which they increased by purchase to 134 acres in this county and 56 acres near Los Angeles, Cal. This was all well improved before his death, and all is yet owned by Mrs. Hobbs, the administratrix of her husband's estate. Prior to his death Mr. Hobbs had held local offices in his township, enjoying to a marked degree that best of all evidence of worth, the unwavering confidence and respect of his neighbors to whom he was best known.

The loss of the affectionate husband and father was a severe blow to the family, and especially to her with whom he had walked side by side for more than a score of years, through the sunshine of youth and the struggles of their maturer days. Separation being if possible made more poignant than after suc- cessfully placing his family beyond any possible want. He was taken away in the prime of his man- hood, without being permitted to long enjoy the fruits of his successful toil. Such, however, is one of the frequent incidents of this earthly existence, and to the family thus early bereaved is left a worthy example to emulate and the memory of a dear friend to cherish.

...... edro W. Epperson, deceased. The sub- ject of this detailed biographical notice was recognized as one of the citizens of Knox County, eminent for their enterprising industry and success in agricultural pursuits. He was one of the pioneers of this section of country, having come to the county in 1836, from the State of Kentucky. He was prosperous in all his pursuits and to-day is remembered as one of the leading men of the county.

Mr. Epperson was born in Virginia April 13, 1800, and grew up in his native State to young man- hood, and was united in marriage in Kentucky, Jan. 4, 1823. At this time he took to wife Elizabeth Dalton, who was born in Virginia, May 6, 1803. To them were born 11 children, named as follows : Sarah A., Lydia J., William D., James W., John H.,

Christina, Charles I., Mary E., Thomas P., Francis M. and Henry F.

Mr. Epperson held many important offices in the township in which he lived, and assisted in laying out the wagon road to Rock Island. As previously stated, he came from Kentucky in 1836, with his wife and six children, and settled in Rio Township, in which part of the county he departed this life and was there buried. His death took place Sept. 20, 1881. He was a genial, warm-hearted man, of affable and kindly manners, so that his loss was widely felt. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and a consistent, worthy Christian, living the principles in his daily life in a noble charity, and a generous feeling for his fellow men. At his death he left to his widow 190 acres of land, 30 of which is in timber, besides other property in Rio Township, so that she is amply provided for in a worldly point of view. He was a member of the Masonic fratern- ity in good standing, being a member of Oxford Lodge, No. 337. He was connected with that lodge for over 30 years. His parentage may be traced back to English origin. Mrs. Epperson's lineage is traced back to the same country as her husband's.

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illiam P. Marks is a farmer residing on section 9, Cedar Township, Knox Co., Ill. He was born in this township June 19, 1841, on section 9, where he still resides with his family, and is the son of Benjamin and Mary (Bishop) Marks, both natives of Kentucky. They came here in 1835 and settled right here where William P. still lives, and both died here on this place. The date of Mr. Mark's father's birth is unknown, but his demise took place in 1845. His mother was born in 1811 and died in 1878 in this township. By the happy marriage there were seven children-Lavina, Benjamin, Mary A., Serilda, William P., Wayne B. and Penelope. The two lat- ter are dead. Five of these children are still living, each being happily married.

Mr. William P., the subject of this sketch, married Miss Mary E. McCoy in Knox County, she having been born July 14, 1847, in Highland County, Ohio, and is the daughter of Harlem and Jane (Wise) Mc- Coy, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. His

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birth took place Nov. 22, 1818, and he still lives in Orange Township, this county. She was born Jan. 14, 1825, and by this happy union there were six children -Salina E., Mary E., Kerzerta A., Eliza J., Christo- pher A. and James W.

The children of Mr. Marks, the gentleman whose name heads this biography, are eight in number and all living : Wilbert F., born Nov. 1, 1866; William A., Aug. 28, 1869; Mary J., June 30, 1872; Lavina A,, Jan. 20, 1875 ; Waldon A., Aug. 25, 1877 ; War- ren P., March 3, 1880; Wilber E., Dec. 1, 1882 ; and Wilson H., June 28, 1885. Mr. Mark's estate consists of 200 acres of fine land, all situated in this township. In 1884 he erected a very desirable barn, 48 x 58 feet. He possesses 30 head of cattle of the Polled Angus breed, and 50 head of graded and Short-horns. He is also breeding the Black Hawk and Messenger roadsters, the latter of which he has four head; besides these he is breeding some English Draft and Clydesdales. From the care and general watchfulness which this gentleman bestows upon his stock, he is likely in the near future to produce some splendid specimens of highly bred cattle and horses.

eorge Stevens is one of the prominent farmers of Knox County. He came to it in 1860 from Colorado, and purchased 470 acres in Persifer Township. On this land he settled in 1866, where he has since lived, and is now owner of 1257 acres in that town- ship, and as it will be seen, is one of the heaviest land owners in the county. His homestead is lo- cated on section 27, and besides being interested in agricultural pursuits, he is busily engaged in raising stock.

Mr. Stevens was born in Philadelphia, and when nine years of age went to North Carolina and thence to New Orleans. He belonged to the "49ers," going to California in that year and engaging in mining. He is an extensive traveler, having crossed the plains a number of times, and has engaged in freighting from Missouri to Colorado.

Our subject was married in Galesburg, Oct. 2nd, 1866, to Hannah P. Rafferty, who was born in Madi- son County, Ohio, July 1, 1848. They have been the parents of nine children, six of whom survive, as

follows : Lucinda, George W., Mary J., Eleanor, John and Milo; Roy, Loring and Lillie are deceased. In politics Mr. Stevens is a Democrat, and is an active wide-awake man, interested in all matters relative to the welfare of his country, a man of enlarged views, and has successfully applied his intelligence to his business affairs, the result of which is witnessed in his vast prosperity.

ames W. Kays. This gentleman is a farmer of prominent standing on section 17, Cedar Township, and was born in Put- nam County, Ind., Nov. 17, 1831. He is the son of William and Elizabeth (Bracken) Kays, both natives of Kentucky. Mr. Kays' father was born April 9, 1804, while the birth of his mother took place in 1810; her death occurring in 1871. They first emigrated to Illinois in the fall of 1834, locating in Cedar Township, and had 12 children born to them: William, James W., Henry, George W., Andrew J., Charles, Mary A., Nancy J., Arti- mitia, Abigail, Dealy Ann and Francis E. Jackson and Charles are deceased.

Our subject married Mrs. Sabina High, Aug. 14, 1864. She was a native of Parke County, Ind., where she was born May 30, 1832. Her parents were John and Catherine (Weight) Reed. Her father was born Oct. 4, 1784, in Virginia, and died Nov. 30, 1858, while residing in Knox County, Ill. Her mother was born in Scotland, within nine miles of Edinborough, May 24, 1789. They were married in the State of Kentucky. When she was only in her seventh year her parents emigrated to this country and landed at New York, in 1799. She died on the 18th of February, 1886, in her 97th year. Making no stay here, they at once proceeded to Virginia and settled on the Potomac River. Mr. James Weight died in 1801. In her father's family there were ten children. The nine children deceased are Ann J., born Aug. 7, 1809; Sarah, April 6, 1812; Mary, July 17, 1814; James A., Jan. 1, 1817; Rachael E., Feb. 12, 1820 ; Jemima, Jan. 23, 1822 ; Catherine, May 22, 1827 ; Louisa, Feb. 10, 1829; and Sabina, May 30, 1832.

The last named is the youngest daughter of the family and the wife of Mr. Kays. By her first hus-

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band, Lemuel High, she had four children. She married this gentleman May 18, 1850. The children were Charles H., born July 30, 1852 ; George, born Jan. 8, 1853; Gertrude S., Nov. 17, 1855 ; and So- phia S., March 15, 1858. Her marriage with Mr. James W. Kays, to which happy union has been borne two children, took place Aug. 14, 1864. The eldest, James R. Kays, was born March 6, 1868, and Fannie S., Dec. 2, 1871. The death of Mr. George High, son of Mrs. Kays' first union, was the result of hydrophobia, he only surviving seven weeks from the date of the attack.

During the late war Mr. Kays enlisted in his country's cause, Oct. 14, 1861, and was mustered in at Chicago in Co. K, 55th Ill. Vol. Inf., under Col. Stewart and Capt. Joseph Black. He was at once ordered to St. Louis, where he remained two weeks, and then proceeded to Paducah, Ky., where his reg- iment remained four weeks. He was engaged in the battle of Shiloh, which was the first the regiment engaged in, and next participated in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou, near Vicksburg, where the regi- ment was stationed six days. We next find him at Arkansas Post, and from thence he went to Cham- pion Hills, and was afterwards in the assault on Haines Bluff. After the surrender of Vicksburg, he took part in the seige of Jackson, Miss., then un- der Sherman to Kenesaw Mountains, where he re- ceived a dangerous wound in the left thigh and was conveyed to the field hospital, then to Altona, where he remained four weeks. This occurred June 27, 1864, but again we find him on duty Jan. 13, at Savanah, Ga. At the surrender of Gen. Lee he was in pursuit of Johnston, and when that joyful news was received he was glad to be mustered out, which was done at Little Rock, Ark., Aug. 14, 1865, and discharged at Camp Douglas, Chicago. He has the good fortune to be at present drawing a pen- sion from the Government.

Mr. Kays is the possessor of 141 acres of very fair land and an excellent two-story dwelling house. He is doing a mixed farming business and is considered very successful in his calling. Himself and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, all in good standing and in thorough sympathy with their communion. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Lodge 185, at Abingdon, he having been created a Mason in 1863. As a member of the G. A. R., Post, 58, at Abingdon, he has won to him-

self the esteem and good will of his fellow members. On entering the army he took position as "high private," but was made First Lieutenant March 24, 1865, at Goldsboro, N. C. He was subsequently mustered in as Captain, on May 21, 1865. This lat- ter promotion was given him at Louisville, Ky., and the commission was held by him until he was mus- tered out of the service. His regiment, as history will show, performed as much hard service as any one of the regular army. At Shiloh it lost 45 men, nine officers wounded, one officer killed, and 192 men wounded, besides those taken prisoners, who numbered 26, the whole number of casualties reached a grand total of 273 men. He has always been a Democrat.

r. Sylvester Foster is a leading citizen and prominent druggist of Oneida, and came to Knox County in June, 1851. He stopped on a farm in Maquon Township, where his father, Richard Foster, had settled about one year before, having come from High- land County, Ohio. The father was a native of Bed- ford County, Pa., where he was born in ISo1. He was reared there as a farmer, and married Nancy Shreves, the daughter of a neighbor. She was born in or about the year 1802, and like her husband, was of American parentage and descent, and a child of a farmer. Soon after their marriage they went to Highland County, Ohio, crossing the country in a small wagon, in which was conveyed all of their earthly possessions, and with brave and dauntless hearts entered into a veritable wilderness, in which to carve out their fortune. Here they reared a family and prospered. Twelve children were born to them, of whom the present Dr. F. was the eldest but one ; three of the children died when very young. Of the nine children living, all are now married except one daughter, who lives with and tenderly cares for the aged father, now 84 years old, living in retire- ment at Wallace, Knox County, calmly awaiting, as the Patriarch of old " To join the innumerable throng that moves to the mysterious realm." This now venerable man, secured and improved a good farm and acquired considerable wealth. The good pio- neer mother passed away about the year 1859.

Dr. Foster, when grown to manhood, had only a

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limited education, but like many others of native en- ergy and talents, and innate ability, has gained a a large knowledge and the practical cultivation of a self-made man. In 1846 when war was declared against Mexico, and his country called her sons to arms, our hero not then of age, enlisted in the Amer- ican Army under Col. George W. Morgan, (now a noted politician of Mt. Vernon, Ohio,) joined Co. C, 2nd Ohio Vol. Inf., commanded by Capt. Arick. He participated in some of the minor engagements be- tween the opposing forces, and was made Corporal pre- vious to his discharge at New Orleans, in July, 1847. Returning home he next went to Marion, Grant Co., Ind., and served an apprenticeship at the carpen- ters' trade, under one Mr. Dillon. His next move- ment was taking charge of a hotel at Wabashtown, Ind., which he conducted for some time, and which he abandoned when he came to his father's home in Knox County, in 1851. Here he followed his trade for some time, establishing a shop later, in 1854, at Round Top, Fulton County, 8 miles west of Farmington, where he worked as wagon mechanic for two years. From this place, in the winter of 1856-57, he removed to Fairview, where he clerked in a general store, and two years later returned to the paternal roof tree, where he remained about two years.

In 1859 our subject went to Avon, and there be- gan to study medicine under the tuition of Dr. Roe, one of the leading members of the medical profession there. He continued there until the winter of 185 1- 52, at which time he attended lectures at Rush Med- ical College, Chicago. Returning to Avon he opened a drug store, which he conducted until the spring of 1863, when he went to Galesburg, and engaged in the same business. In this he continued for some time, but eventually sold out and opened a grocery on Prairie Street, in that city, running it a year and a half. In the spring of 1866 he came to Oneida and established a drug store, which was burned out, after which he began in the drug and notion business at his present location. He owns four business houses, one of the finest residences in the city, and also runs two farms in Ford County, and one in Sedgwick County, Kans., all improved.

Dr. Foster was married March 5, 1867, in Fulton County, Ill., to Miss Mary DeWitt, a native of Belvi- dere, N. J. Her father died when she was but an nfant, and while yet a little child she came to

Illinois with her mother and grandparents, living in Fairview, Fulton County, for most of the time up to the date of her marriage. She is the mother of five children, namely : Carl, DeWitt, Don, Madge and May, deceased. Dr. Foster is a solid Democrat and an active local politician, but no office seeker. He has followed a wide-awake, enterprising and success- ful business career, crowned with the cheering pres- ence of wife, children and friends, and whether as soldier, mechanic, hotel-keeper, student, farmer, druggist or citizen, has always played his part in the drama of life, maintaining that rigid independence of character for which the old Pennsylvania stock from which he sprang are distinguished. Popular with all, his enterprise and public spirit are recognized and appreciated by his neighbors, whose good wishes and liberal patronage he enjoys.

havid Mooers. One of the most industri- ous and energetic citizens of Knox County, and prominent for his skill in the business he conducts, is David Mooers. He is among the most thorough and adroit of his trade and calling, which is that of a blacksmith and farmer. This latter branch he conducts on section 9, of Rio Township, where his pleasant home stands.

The gentleman in question was born in Franklin County, Ohio, May 8, 1820, from which part of the country he went, at the age of 15, to Genesee County, N. Y. Here he lived for five years, with his uncle and others of his own blood, and from this point came to Licking County Ohio. In this section of the country he served as an apprentice to the trade of blacksmithing, which he has followed in connection with his agricultural pursuits, nearly ever since. On coming from Genesee County he settled in Rio Township, on land purchased in 1843, which in- cluded 80 acres, and was located on section 9. He is now the owner of 80 acres, besides a small timber lot of 5 acres.

Mr. Mooers, on the 3d of October, 1844, united in matrimony with Harriet Bragg, who was born in Southern Virginia, April 25, 1820, and the result of this union was four children, all of whom are dead, viz. : Loammi, Mary A., Frances and Elias B. Elias departed this life May, 31, 1875, in the full flush

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and vigor of healthful manhood, having reached the age of 26 years. Besides his own family, he left to mourn his loss a wife, whose maiden name was Jose- phine Epperson, daughter of Samuel Epperson. Elias was the only one who lived to attain-manhood, the other children all dying in infancy.

Mrs. Mooers is the daughter of Elias and Polly (Bryant) Bragg. They were natives of Virginia, as likewise their fathers before them. The grandfather of Mrs. M., Mr. Bryant, was in the War of Inde- pendence, under the immediate command of Gen. Washington, and for a time acted as his Private Sec- retary. Her father, Elias Bragg, was an officer in the War of 1812. He was a cousin of Gen. Bragg, of the late Civil War.

The parents of Mr. Mooers were Loammi and Maria A. (Bartlett) Mooers. On the paternal side Mr. M. is of Scotch Irish origin, and on the maternal side of English ancestry. The father of Mr. Mooers, Loammi, was in the War of 1812, serving in the ca- pacity of fife major. His father, David Mooers, was Inspector of the Springfield gun factory during the War of 1812. Jacob Swain, the great-grandfather of Mr. Mooers, was of one the Minute Men, of Revolu- tionary times.

Mr: Mooers, of this sketch, is a man of sound practical judgment and logical common sense, and is well liked for his straitforward and trite dealings with his patrons and friends. He is upright in business transactions and respected for his integrity and hon - esty of character. He is a member of the Odd Fel- lows' Fraternity, and affiliates with the Democratic party, with which he is politically identified.

homas B. Mount, resides on section 17, Cedar Township, and is pursuing farming operations. He was born in Ohio, in War- ren County, Aug. 21, 1815, and until he at- tained to his majority, lived with his parents working on the farm, and at the same time at- tending the district school. He is the son of Ralph and Lucy (Barber) Mount. The date of his father's birth is unknown, but it is certain that he came to Illinois in 1845 and located in this (Cedar) Township. By the onion there were four children: T. B. Mount,

born in 1815, Nancy, Susan, and one dying in in- fancy, William being the last. Mr. Ralph Mount the father of the present gentleman was married for the second time to Hannah Templeton, who was a native of Maryland, and by this wife he had seven children : Richard, Caroline, Emily, Francis, Charlie and John, (twins) and Rebecca. Mr. Mount, who inspires this history, married Miss Elizabeth McCollough, Dec. 3, 1835. She was a native of Ohio, and born April 26, 1815, her decease taking place in Sept. 1873. By this deserving union there were seven children : Su- san J., born April 6, 1837 ; Sidney, Oct. 30, 1839; Jane, Aug. 7, 1841 ; William, March 27, 1843; Emory July 28, 1858; Lucy T., Jan. 2, 1854, and Perry, Sept. 22, 1850. Of these children only one now sur- vives, Sidney, M., now living near Cameron, Warren County, []]

He married Mary B. Carson, widow of Furman Car- son, to whom she was married Nov. 18, 1852. Her first husband being a native of Ohio, and born Jan. 15, 1827, in Warren County. Mr. Mount's present wife was united to him April 5, 1874, and was a na- tive of Erie County, Pa., where she was born Aug. 13, 1831. Her parents were Walter and Rachael (Lyon) Greenwood. They were natives of Pennsyl- vania and New York respectively. He was born in Carlisle, Pa., in 1798, while her birth took place in 1805, her death occurring in Erie County, Pa., Jan. 12, 1874. By the union there were eight children, viz .: Sarah E., Mary E., Elizabeth, who died in in- fancy, Thomas, Grace, I .. Greenwood, Arthur and Annett. Mr. Greenwood, the father of these chil- dren, is still living in Erie County Pa. Situated in this county there are 150 acres of improved land, at present the property of Mr. Mount, of this biography. He erected a very fine dwelling house one and one- half story high, in 1868. He has also a very suit- able barn, 24 X 48 feet.

Mr. M. is a member of the l'rotestant Meth- odist Episcopal Church, in which institution his in- erest has steadily grown. At present he is engaged in breeding some fine Short-horns, as well as 5 Polo Angus cattle. By her first husband, Mr. Furman M. Carson, Mrs. Mount had four children : Norton W., born July 11, 1854, and died July 24, 1855 ; Ida D., born Jan. 1, 1856, died Nov. 12, 1863 ; Albert, born Jan. 1, 1858, and Ella May 15, 1868.

Of these children Albert Carson married Miss Ella Humiston, and lives in Iroquois County, III., and by

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the union one child has been born. Mr. Mount is a very genial gentleman and solid friend with all those who have won his confidence.

William Mount became a soldier in the last war, having entered the 55th regiment, but was killed Aug. 4, 1864.

olney C. Steadman may be quoted as one of the most active and successful farmers of this county, and is now residing on section 8, Ontario Township, where he has made his home since the year 1855. At that time he en- tered the county and began a series of earnest efforts toward the founding of a homestead. He has been so far successful as to have accumulated a large and desirable property of 300 acres, a portion of which is situated on section 1, and at the time of its first occupation by the present owner, it was largely wild and unbroken.

Mr. Steadman was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., March 16, 1825. His father, Nathan Steadman, was a farmer, and came of New England ancestry and of English extraction. He lived the larger part of his life in Oswego County, N. Y., where he settled after his marriage to Lucy Chapin, a young lady from Oswego County, N. Y. They lived on a farm in that county till the death of the father, which occurred while Volney was yet a youth. The mother removed to Illinois in the year 1878, and entered the home of her son, where she remained till 1880, during which year she died, at the mature age of 80.

Nine children were the result of her marriage with Mr. Steadman, of whom the subject and Chalcy are the only two now surviving. The latter lives in York County, Neb., where he has proven extremely snc- cessful in agricultural pursuits. After the death of his father, Volney was supplied with employment by many of the neighbors, and for some time remained in that section. In the year 1855, he resolved to " Go West, " and in pursuance thereof he came to Illinois, and purchased 80 acres, which is now his home.

Mr. Steadman returned to his own county for the purpose of uniting with the lady of choice, Miss Amanda J. Prescott, to whom he was married Feb.

4, 1856. She was born in New Hartford, Oneida County, in 1832. There she passed her childhood years in the home of her parents, who were farmers and early settlers in that section. Her union with Mr. Steadman has resulted in the birth of four chil- dren, they having lost one: Ida, wife of B. F. Ely, has a pleasant home in Van Buren County, Iowa. Her husband is a farmer and successful in his voca- tion ; Clara remains at home with her parents; Les- ter P., also lives at home. Their youngest child, Ada, whom they lost by death, was five years of age.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 15

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