Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 16

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 16

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In addition to his landed possessions in the State of Illinois, Mr. Steadman has, by perseverance, econ- omy and thrift, secured land in the State of Iowa, as well as in Dakota Ter. He has held the office of Road Commissioner for ten years, and is an active and alert thinker on political topics. He is a Re- publican in belief, and both he and his wife are mem- bers, regularly enrolled on the records of the Baptist Church. He has held many of the offices in the Church and is now Trustee and Treasurer of that .congregation.

illiam A. Yates, an old and respected cit- izen of Ontario Township, is a bright and pleasing example of a successful farmer. His home is located on section 22. He is the son of John Yates, a farmer, and a native of the State of Virginia. He was of Irish descent and his marriage with Nancy Shields, who was of the same ancestry, took place in that State, and they began life in Berkly County, in which their son, Wil- liam A., was born March 12, 1814. He was about eight years of age when his parents came to Dela- ware, Ohio, where they passed the remaining years of life. Mr. Yates was the oldest son of a family of eight children He remained under the family roof up to the time of his marriage with Mary Finley, Nov. 9, 1848. She died at her home in Ontario Township, June 16, 1859. She was born on a farm in Delaware County, Ohio. Her parents were native Virginians. She was the mother of five children, as follows : Emily, deceased ; John, Elizabeth, Mary and Margaret. The latter is deceased.

Mr. Yates, on first coming to this State, remained but a few months and then returned to Ohio. Com-

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Elizabeth Sandy

F. M. Dawcy

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

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ing West the second time, he settled in Knox County, and went back to bring his wife to his new home. He purchased land in Ontario Township, consisting of 160 acres He afterward purchased 20 acres in Sparta Township, and 16 in Henderson Township In 1855, he purchased the farm which is his present home. He now has 160 acres of land in a high state of cultivation.

Mr. Yates married Miss Marcia Gaston for his second wife, in Delaware County, Ohio. She was born in Delaware County, Ohio, June 14, 1830, and in that section was reared and educated. Her par- ents lived on a farm and her father, James Gaston, was of Scotch origin, and her mother, Lois (Jones) Gaston, a native of the State of New Hampshire. They established a home in Delaware County, where they lived out their remaining years. The grandfather of Mrs. Yates, on her mother's side, was Solomon Jones, a noble old warrior and an officer in the Rev- olutionary War.

The union of Mr. and Mrs Yates, of this notice, has been blessed with two children : Nancy C., who lives with her parents; and Electa, a most success- ful and popular teacher. They are both Presbyter- ians in belief. Mr. Yates has held many of the minor offices, and is one of the most enterprising cit- izens of the township. He is a solid Republican and takes a lively interest in politics and affairs of State

efferson M. Dawdy. Resident within the borders of Knox County may be found many men whose good citizenship and practical ability entitles them to a high place on her records. Among the more prominent of these may be reckoned the subject of this personal narrative, a farmer residing on section 17, of Indian Point Township, and who is the possessor of 330 acres of land in a high state of cultivation. His predilection for agricultural pursuits has caused him to be especially successful in his chosen line of labor.

Mr. Dawdy was born in Hart County, Ky., in 1812, on the 24th of January, and at the age of 20, in the year 1832 he came to the State of Illinois. Here he continued four months, and at the expira- tion of that time returned to the State of his nativity.

In 1847 he removed here with his family, this being the third trip he made to Illinois.

The father of our subject, James by name, and his mother, Margaret (Morse) Dawdy, were both natives of the State of South Carolina, he being born in 1776, and she in 1775. They both died in the State of Illinois, the former in 1851 and the latter in 1855. They were devoted and worthy members of the Bap- tist Church, and lived the doctrines of its faith in their daily lives. In political belief Mr. Dawdy was a Democrat, and supported that party in sentiment and by vote.

The fruits of this union were nine children, as fol- lows: John, Jane, Phoebe, Isabelle, Mary, Elizabeth, wife of Isaac Atterbury, and lives in Missouri; How- ell, Jefferson, of this personal sketch, and Nancy, who died at twenty-five years of age. Jefferson was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Amos, their nuptials being celebrated May 7, 1834. Mrs. Dawdy was born October 15, 1815, in Kentucky, and was the daughter of Erasmus and Nancy (Smith) Amos, both natives of Kent.icky. Her father entered this life in 1;85, and passed to the life beyond Aug. 7, 1838. Her mother first saw the light of day in 1802, and departed this life in 1852, having lived half a century.

Howell Dawdy, the grandfather of the Dawdy family, was in the War of the Revolution. James Monroe, his brother-in-law, was in the War of 18[2.

Mr. and Mrs. Dawdy of this writing have a large family circle, which includes eleven children of whose lives the following brief summary is given : Cassan- dria was born May 5, 1835, and united in marriage with E Meadows, who died in 1858, and she remar- ried, this time to James Cooper, June 17, 1860; Mary J. was born April 13, 1837 ; and Feb. 16, 1858, at the age of twenty-one, married R. Bell, now of the Chicago & Alton Railroad; James was born Nov. 1, 1838, and wedded Adelia Hampton, Nov. 15, 1859; John W., was born March 25, 1840, and united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Jane Latimer, March 25, 1867; Samuel M. was born March 17, 1842, and united in marriage with Kittie Cooper, Nov. 15, 1863; Sarah E. was born Feb. 27, 1844, and united in wedlock with Frank M. Hamp- ton, Dec. 3, 1861 ; Harriet was born April 16, 1846, and married Matthew Allen, Sept. 10, 1865, and, los- ing her husband by death, again wedded, hier second

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matrimonial connection being formed with Mr. Frank Stubbs, March 8, 1876; Louisa was born May 28, 1851, and died at the early age of seven, April 25, 1858; Angeline, born April 3, 1853, died after at- taining five years, at the most interesting period of childhood ; Adelina F., born Aug. 8, 1855, died May 8, 1858, having barely passed infancy ; Althea R. Bell was born June 16, 1857, and united in marri- age with Horace Morsc, Nov. 26, 1875 ; Samuel M. died in 1865 in California, in the first flush of man- hood, having attained only to the age of twenty- three: They have twenty-nine grandchildren and three great- grandchildren.

Mr. Dawdy, as previously stated, has a large and finely cultivated farm, and to his vocation he has added the raising of Short-horn cattle, all of which are registered, and of which he has a herd of 65 head. Among these is a splendid bull called Young Mary.

Mr. and Mrs. Dawdy are helpful and kindly friends and neighbors, are hospitable in the extreme, and good cheer is always found within their well- ordered household. They are active members of the Christian Church, of Abingdon, Ill., and show forth the noble principles of love and faith as taught by the life of Jesus. Mr. Dawdy has had an opportun- ity of watching the fluctuations in politics, as he cast his first vote for Jackson in 1832. He is a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school. He bought land here where he now lives in 1847. He came out in 1832 to join the forces to put down the Black Hawk War. He and William Atterbury came from Kentucky, on horseback, a distance of 400 miles, but on their ar- rival here were too late. Black Hawk was captured and his forces driven over the river-the war was over. Young Dawdy had but $5 when he started, and had to go to work for John Strum, mowing grass at 50 cents per acre, and afterwards worked for a man by name of Dorsey ; then went to McClean County, where he had a brother, and shelled corn for him and then returned home. He has been here 46 years.

Mr. Dawdy is certainly deserving of great credit for the splendid results of his life-work. He came here in an early day possessing no other legacy than a warm heart, willing hands, good judgment and an excellent faithful helpmeet. By these, encouraged, and strengthened by an abiding faith in the future de- velopment and greatness of this section of the

country ; by an affectionate and dutiful family of children which sprang up around him, and wearing, above all and through all the trials and labors a love for the world's "Great Teacher " and "Burden Bearer" he felt strong. What a blessing to a com- munity such examples of Christian love, faith and fortitude are, as displayed in the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Dawdy, with all their influence for good ! Eter- nity can only tell.

We feel that in presenting the portraits in this vol- ume of these excellent people, their numerous friends will be gratified in thus possessing such mementos of two of the best and most highly respected husband and wife, father and mother, and friends in Knox County.

illiam A. Neill. One of the wealthiest mr and most influential farmers of Cedar Township, owning an extensive property on section 27, is William A. Neill, spoken of at the head of this notice. He is a breeder of fine stock, including Polled Angus cattle, and among them 29 thorough-breds and grades. He makes a specialty of fine blooded-stock, and paid $1,600 for two calves, the finest of their breed, with which to start this branch of business. He owns j 150 acres of land in a high state of cultivation, on which stands a handsome residence, convenient and attractive. Every improvement has been devised to make Pleasant View Farm, by which his place is known, a desirable home.

Mr. Neill was born in Morrow County, Ohio, March 13, 1847, and is the son of Josiah and Jus- tine A. (Ashton) Neill. The former parent was born in Washington County, Pa., in 1812, and his demise occurred Jan. 21, 1872, the birth of the lat- ter occurred in Columbia County, Ohio, July 23, 1818. The mother still lives, making her home in the State of Ohio. Her marriage with Mr. Neill oc- curred in 1840, in that State, the issue of which was seven children : Phebe E., Richard T., Omar D., William A., Barak, Jonathan W. and Mary W., all of whom are living at the present writing.

The union of Mr. William A. Neill, our subject, with Lucy T., daughter of Thomas Mount, ocurred March 26, 1874. She was born in 1854, and after entering her new home and enjoying for a short sea- son the pleasant associations that clustered around

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the fire side of the newly married pair, she departed this life June 12, 1876, leaving in the care of the be- reaved husband one child, a son, who was born May 2, 1875, and who passed away from earth the Sep- tember following his mother's death. Two years previously, to a day, occurred the death of Mrs. Neill's sister, of the same dread disease, consump- tion, which so early deprived her of life and home. When a little girl Mrs. Neill was converted to the Christian religion, and received as a member of the Church in good and regular standing, but during the interval between that age and womanhood she let slip some of the strong faith of her early profession. Possessed of a true and loving disposition, and noble, unselfish attributes, she endeared herself to friends and neighbors, and before passing from earth regained the unquestioning confidence and love of childish years, closing her eyes to things of earth without a fear, her last words being "Tell father to meet me in Heaven."

On the 4th of July 1877, Mr. Neill contracted a second matrimonial alliance. Miss Harriet M. Whit- taker, of Indian Point Township, Knox County, being the other party. She was born in Clinton County, Ohio, and died May. 14, 1878, 18 days af- ter the birth of her son, Emis Omar, born April 26, 1878. She was a devoted member of the Christian Church, at Abingdon, Ill., was in disposition ex- tremely affectionate and confiding, and the pet of the neighborhood as well as a devoted faithful wife. She was a daughter of Ephraim and Mary Whit- taker, into whose home Mr. Neill removed in the hour of his great bereavement. He closed his own house and placed his child under the guardianship of her parents, who by devoted care and attention brought the little boy to the years of healthful child- hocd. He remained with them 17 months.

Mr. Neill's union with Miss Cornelia J. Hurshaw, of McDonough County, occurred Aug. 22, 1880, and to him she has borne three children, namely : Cather- ine J., born May 23, 1881 ; Mary E., March 9, 1883 and Samuel J., April 21, 1885. She is the daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Bottenburg) Hurshaw, both natives of Ohio. The parents of the former re- moved to Indiana when he was a small boy, from which place they removed to McDonough County when he was 13 years of age. His wife was born in the State of Illinois; the union being productive of six children, namely : Jacob, A., Nancy J., Sarah E. T.,

Mary E., Henry L. and Neely, the present wife of Mr. Neill. Mr. Hurshaw lived near Prairie City 23 years ; then removed to Industry Township, McDon- ough County, where he now lives.

Mr. Neill experienced religion at the age of 24 years, and his wife accepting the Word of Life as found in Christ Jesus, identified herself with the Free Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she is a consistent member. Of educational advantages Mr. Neill has been deprived in no way; he attended school at Mt. Hesper, Ohio, and Central College for several years, and NNov. 19, 1870, came to Abingdon and began his labors as a pedagogue in District No. 6, Cedar Township, where he continued six months, removing next to an adjoining district in Warren County, where he labored nine months. At the end of this time his services were re-engaged, and he re- mained there five years, returning subsequently to District No. 6, where he again taught 16 months, closing his labors in school work, he turned his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits, at which he has since continued.

He is a clear-minded, thinking man, formerly a Re- publican, but at the present time a supporter of the Prohibition party. He claims his first religious im- pression was received while reading his morning les- son in the day school, but he was formerly educated in the Quaker religion. Later he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, but is at this time an active mem- ber and class-leader of the Free Methodist Episco- pal Church.

lbert B. Cochrun. Late Postmaster of Abingdon, also Notary Public and served as Police Magistrate from 1867 till 1871, is the gentleman, the outlines of whose per- sonal history are herein given. He is an act ive public worker, and politically, a wide-awake Republican. Mr. Cochrun was born in Putnam County, Ohio, June 9, 1838, and is the son of Josiah C. and Sarah A. (Capron) Cochrun. His father was born near Lexington, Ky., and his mother is a native of the State of Rhode Island. They claim, respect- ively, Scotch and English lineage. His mother was descended in a direct line from Banfield Capron, who emigrated from England to America prior to the Rev- olutionary struggle. When a child of three years,

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Mr. Cochrun of this sketch, moved to Southern In- diana, under the guardianship of his parents, and when grown to a boy of 12 years, a second removal on the part of his parents brought him to Abingdon.

Albert B. engaged at work upon a farm until he attained to the age of 18 years. He received his ear- lier education in the common schools, and subse- quently attended Hedding College, after which he taught one year. His next business movement was collecting and insurance work, which he followed un- til his appointment to the office of Postmaster, by the Postmaster-General, in 1869, under the Presi- dency of Grant ; he entered upon his duties in April, 1869. He has since been appointed by Presidents Grant, Hayes and Arthur, holding this position through subsequent years up to recent a date. He has discharged all duties resulting from his position in the most creditable manner, and by his affable and courteous treatment of the public has gained many friends. He sent in his resignation as Postmas- ter and is about to remove to Scott County, Kansas.

acob Ackerman. Among the more impor- tant business men and influential citizens of Knoxville, stands the gentleman whose name heads this biographical sketch and the principal points of whose personal history are herein detailed He is identified as an act- ive, working member of society, and is popular in consequence of his strictly upright dealing and his courteous and affable treatment of all with whom he comes in contact. He was born in Germany, Feb. I, 1829, and is the son of Lorenzo and Rachael Acker- man, both natives of Germany. In the year 1830, his father came with his wife and family to America, and settled in Columbiana County, Ohio. By trade, he was a tanner, and at his occupation he continued working in the State of Pennsylvania, the place where he pursued his vocation being but a short dis- tance from his home in Ohio. After a brief time spent at this work he went to Youngstown, Ohio, where he continued until he was called from earth to cross the River of Death. This occurred in 1839, when our subject, Jacob, was but ten years of age, and the mother was left with a large family on her

hands. To lighten the domestic burden, Jacob went into the home of a farmer in Columbiana County, re- ceiving for his boyish labor the mere pittance of $2.50 per month, through the summer months. In the winter he attended the district school and con- tinued at farming until he reached the age of 16, when he was apprenticed to a shoemaker at Poland, Ohio, whom he served faithfully for three and a half years. Working as journeyman until 1851, in May he came to Illinois, landing at Rock Island, and from there going to Davenport, Iowa, he followed his trade till October. 1851, when he came to Knoxville. In this town he worked as a shoemaker until the spring of 1852, when, attacked with the " gold fever, "-that mirage that proved the destruction and downfall of so many mistaken mortals-he started overland to Crlifornia with ox teams, landing in Sacramento, September 7, after a journey of five months.

After working at gardening in Sacramento for one month, he started for the mines in Calaveras County, in which he labored with but moderately fair suc- cess and finally grew extremely restricted in the matter of finances. Whenever this occured, he went back to the city, worked for a time, replenished his pocketbook and returned to the mines. In 1854 he came to Knoxville, via Panama and New York, and on the 25th of December of that year, united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Jane Tingle, who was born in Marion County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Henry and Harriet (Parker) Tingle. Following his marriage he engaged in journeyman work, which he continued up to December, 1855, at which time he opened a shop with C. L. Stewart as associate part- ner. These two continued in business together for 12 months, when an interest was bought in it by James Boyd, he purchasing half the stock. This firm lasted till 1861, when Mr. Ackerman sold out his in- terest and engaged with Stewart & Bassett, shoe manufacturers, remaining with them as their em- ployee for 12 months. At the end of this time he purchased the entire business from his employers and has continued in it ever since, showing himself to possess rare business tact and ability.

Mr. Ackerman and wife have been given as the fruits of their union, eight children, five of whom are living at the present time and who are by name, George W., John J., Fred L., Mabel H. and May J., and their family circle is a happy and pleasant one. Mr. Ackerman has ably demonstrated what unremit

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ting and persevering labor will accomplish, and has shown forth the good old fashioned plan, "That he may gain who will, and he must keep who can." Mrs. Ackerman is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. A. is a Republican.

ames Runkle is one of the most prosper- ous farmers in this county, and one of the leading citizens of Knox Township. His home, which he now occupies, is located on section 26, and includes a handsome set of substantial frame buildings with all modern conveniences. He gives his attention to the raising of the cereals, and also to the breeding of stock, more especially of horses. He has been markedly successful in his business, and his prudence and en- terprise have given him a rank among the financiers and able men of the community.

Mr. Runkle was born in the city of Knoxville, Jan. 22, 1836, and is the eldest son of E and Nancy (Bowen) Runkle. His father was one of the oldest settlers in Knoxville, and was born in Water- vleit Centre, N. Y., Aug. 19, 1802, and was the sec- ond son of his parents.

When a young man the father learned the trade of a millwright, at which he worked in Albany and Renssalaer Counties, until his removal to Knoxville. His first visit to this city was in 1834, but he re- turned from that trip, and in 1835, removed here, and in that year, accompanied by his brother Henry, he built a steam saw-mill, the first in Knox County. They soon after added a flouring-mill, and about this time his brother was elected County Clerk. Mr. Runkle managed the mill alone until 1845, when he sold out and turned his attention to farming. It was in this year that he settled on land which had pre- viously been entered for him by his brother, and was located on the east half of section 26. He at- tended to the improving of the land, had it broken and fenced, and a set of frame buildings erected ; all this being done before he went on the place.

In 1854 he sold this most desirable home to Thomas R. Glisson, and moved to a a farm inside the corporate limits of the city of Knoxville, which he had purchased several years before. This he made his home up to the time of his death, which took place . ert, John and Isaac, Rebecca, Betsey and Sarah, of

in 1865. He was widely mourned for his most esti- mable qualities and noble characteristics ; and he left to sorrow for him his children and a widow, now resi- dent in Knoxville. These children were six in num- ber, and are as follows: Elizabeth, whose home is with her mother; James, our subject, Mary H., wife of William Jones; Lucy, who wedded Capt. G. G. Stearns, whose home is on section 26, Knox Town- ship; George, who lives in Galesburg Township, and Frank, deceased.

The subject of this personal narrative was reared on a farm until after he was nine years of age, and allowed the educational privileges of the city schools. His marriage with Mahitable Caldwell took place Dec. 4, 1872. She was born in Knox County-Per- sifer Township-and was the daughter of Oliver and Desire (Manly) Caldwell, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter a native of York State. Three children were born to them, Daisy E., Lucy O. E. and Elroy.

At the time of his marriage he settled on the farm which he now owns and occupies on section 26, to which he has added all the improvements previously spoken of. He has been extremely prosperous in x his undertakings, proving beyond doubt the good results of industry and economy. He is wide-awake in political matters, and votes with the Democratic. party.

saac Hunter. One of the most prominent citizens of Cedar Township and a pioneer farmer, living on section 23, came to the State of Illinois in the year 1839 and stopped in Peoria. He moved to the tract of land which is his present finely improved farm in 1841. Mr. Hunter was born in Berkshire County, Mass., Feb. 25, 1812, and is the son of Isaac and Rebecca (Brown) Hunter, both of New England. Isaac Hunter, Sr., was born in Massachusetts, Feb. 26, 1766. He was by occupation a farmer and died in the year 1845, at the age of 79 years. Rebecca Hunter, his wife, native of the same State, was born in March, 1768, and died in 1856, having survived her husband [1 years, she attaining to the ripe age of 88 years. Their pleasant family circle included six children, three sons and three daughters: Rob-

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whom only three now survive, viz .: Rebecca, Betsey and Isaac.

Isaac Hunter, Jr., while in the early vigor of man- hood, wedded Miss Julia A. Jordan, Nov. 14, 1837, who was a native of Massachusetts, and the date of her birth 1811. She lived to attain middle age only, dying in the prime of life, at 42 years of age, in the year 1853. £ One child, an only son, Kirk J., was born to them July 9, 1838. He still survives and was married to Miss Elizabeth Andrews, March 28, 1861. By this marriage Kirk J. is the father of II children, namely : John, born Jan. 19, 1862; Ju- lia L., Jan. 12, 1846; Benjamin D., April 8, 1866; Mary J., April 12, 1868; Isaac T., July 28, 1870; Kirk, Aug. 22, 1872 ; Samantha J., Nov. 8, 1874; Henry F., July 3, 1877 ; Almina E., Dec. 30, 1879; Madison R., July 27, 1883 ; and Jessie E., Oct. 20, 1 885.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 16

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