Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 20

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 20

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Mrs. McMurtry departed this life in Henderson Township, Sept. 23, 1879 Mr. M. has held many of the local offices has been Justice of the Peace, Su- pervisor and Assessor, besides other smaller ones. In politics, he is a Democrat, and voted the Presi- dential ticket for Andrew Jackson in 1828. In 1832, Mr. McMurtry, accompanied by two men-F. Freeman and Thomas McKee-went to Rock Island for guns to protect the settlers from the Indains during the Black Hawk War, and was instrumental

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RESIDENCE OF WALTER BAILEY, SEC. 2G. ELBA TOWNSHIP

RESIDENCE OF THE LATE W. K. WARE, SEC, G. SALEM TOWNSHIP.

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in having 100 sent down the river by boat as far as Ruthsbury, and from there transported by teams to his house, where they were distributed to the settlers. Mr. M. served during the Black Hawk War under Maj. Butler.

dward J. Wyman. It may in truth be said that from 1850 to 1856 more settlers came into Knox County than during any other equal period of time since Daniel Robin- son erected his cabin in 1828. That was a great railroad building era, and the fertile land of Knox County was taken up rapidly, and claimed by early settlers. Our subject, who is to-day one of the leading farmers in Persifer Township, residing on section 17, came in with his parents, Arthur and Anna (Salts) Wyman. His father was a native of Steuben County, New York, and his mother of Ross County, Ohio. He was also engaged in agricultural pursuits during life. Both parents, continued to reside in Persifer Township until their death, the father dying about the year 1876, and the mother Jan. 1884. It was in 1853 when they left Vinton County, Ohio," for their journey westward, and finding what proved a desirable spot, located in Persifer Township, where young Edward continued a member of the household until 1858. During that year a new epoch in his life began with his marriage, and he settled down to follow the peaceful and independent calling that his father had previously honored. He selected what is his present location, and where during these 28 years he has continued to reside. He has erected upon his splendid 360-acre farm, a fine set of buildings, suitable for carrying on extensive agricultural enter- prises.

Edward J. Wyman was born in Vinton County, Ohio, Jan. 10, 1833, and was married on the 4th of February in the year 1858, in Stark County, Illinois to Susan E. Bradford, daughter of Harvey S. and Esther (Whitten) Bradford, they being early pioneers of Knox County, who settled in Persifer Township. They subsequently removed to Haw Creek, where they are prominent and highly re- spected residents. Mrs. Wyman was born in Persi- fer Township, Nov. 24, 1837, and has become the mother of eight children, to whom they gave the fol- lowing names, Mary A., Alice E., Willie P., Lincoln

H., Oscar S., Minerva J., Clark E. and Rufus C. Mary, Oscar and Lincoln are deceased. Before her demise Mary had become the wife of Nels Eiker, and resided in Persifer Township, where she died.

Mr. Wyman has taken a prominent position in the affairs of his township, as well as of the county, and has held the office of Supervisor for seven years, and also the offices of Constable, Assessor, Collector and Township Treasurer, up to the present time. The last he still holds. He labors and votes in support of the men and the principles of the Republican party. In his religious connection himself, wife and family are, excepting one son, members of the United Brethren Church.

ames L. Campbell,of Indian Point Township, is conspicuous among the farmers of Knox County, as not only being proficient in his art, but extremely successful in the pursuance of his vocation. His farm is situated on section 3, and as an agriculturist he has no superior in that section of the country. Mr. Campbell was born in Kentucky, near Paris, on April 11, 1829, and is the son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Wallace) Campbell, both born in Bourbon County, Ky., he Oct. 27, 1790, and she March 24, 1799. He died Aug. 9, 1849, in the State of his nativity, and she followed him May 17, 1885, in Knox County, Ill. They were united in marriage in May, 1818, when Mr. Campbell continued to pursue farming.

To them were born six children, viz .: William W., Elizabeth, Margaret E., born Oct. 5, 1823, and who died at the early age of three years ; John H., born Dec. 13, 1835, and who died Dec. 22, 1852; Margaret 2nd., born March 20, 1839, who died Nov. 22, 1852.

Mr. William W. Campbell, brother to the subject of our sketch, was born on the 6th day of April, 1819, in Bourbon County, Ky. The portrait of this gentle- man, which will be found on another page, represents a man whose estimable life reflects credit not alone upon himself, but inspired to hope and encourage- ment the lives of those with whom he was directly or indirectly associated. He was a man of sterling qualities of mind and heart, and those who knew . him best could appreciate him most. " Honor to whom honor is due "is a motto that cannot be mis-

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placed, if found encircling the name of this good man.

After the death of Mrs. Byram's husband, the widow finding herself the possessor of some consid- erable money, forwarded the same to her brother- the gentleman referred to-then in Kentucky, and they together invested it in some excellent pedi- greed cattle and high grades. Arriving in Illinois with these-16 head in all-he so managed the busi- ness for his sister that Mrs. Byram's cattle became known as the finest of their kind in Illinois. In this way he laid the foundation of those striking successes created and enjoyed by those who survive him. His death took place Dec. 18th, 1876. Though dying in the hope of a bright future, he left many saddened hearts to mourn him.

For quite a time in his township he filled the posts of Assessor, Collector and represented his town- ship for several years on the Board of Supervisors. As an enterprising, consistent and conscientious citi- zen, Mr. Wm. Campbell has left a splendid record within the memory of those who knew and loved him.

James Campbell, of whom we write, united in mar- riage with Mrs. Amanda Wood, nee Pitzer, December 4, 1872. She was born in Kentucky, Oct. 24, 1829, and came to Illinois with her parents when a small girl, seven years of age. They located near Carlins- ville. They were by name Clayborn and Sarah (Bradley) Pitzer. The father was born in Virginia, in 1802, and his death took place in February, 1865, in the State of Illinois. The mother was born Nov. 12, 1807, and still survives him. Their marriage was celebrated in 1825, and the union was blessed by 12 children, three of whom died in infancy. Those living are : Amanda A., Fletcher P., Henry L., Emory W., Samuel C., Newton C., George and one other, Mary A., who lived to become a most attractive and lovable young lady of 20 years, at which age she died.

Mr. Campbell, our subject, owns 80 acres of fine land one-half mile east of Abingdon, and engages in the breeding of pure-blooded stock, both horses and cattle. He includes Short-horns among his cattle and Han.bletonians among his horses. He is an ac- tive, energetic worker in his home affairs and shirks no duty, whether domestic or public. He has held the office of School Commissioner for three years and is Democratic in political sentiment. He is an honest and devoted member of the Christian Church,

and supports and helps that organization by his presence and prayers, no less than in a financial way.

The first husband of Mrs Campbell was Edward Wood, who was born in Illinois Oct. 13, 1824, and died Nov. 12, 1859. Two children were born to them : Emma E., Nov. 18, 185r, and died Dec. 15, 1855; and Franklin P., born Sept. 13, 1853. He married Miss Fannie Philbrick, and his home is in Brown County, Neb. They have two children, by name, Harry L. and Chester E. Mrs. Wood, now Mrs. Campbell, is a member of the Congregational Church at Abingdon, and is an admired and estima- ble lady. Mr. Campbell remained in Kentucky un- til the year 1869, when he came to. Knox County, where he has remained up to the present time.

ideon Pitman. This gentleman's farm is, located on section 3 of Henderson Town- ship. He came with his parents to Knox County in the spring of 1842, and, settling in Henderson Township, lived respected, and died !regretted by the community that had shared both in their successes and sorrows. His par-J ents were John and Susan (Oatman) Pitman, natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky. Mr. Pitman was the seventh child in a family of ten children, viz .: Joseph, John, Christina, George, Elizabeth, Harvey, Flora, Philip and Lucinda. George and Philip are deceased. The father died in 1849, and the mother in 1879.

The subject of this biography was born in Harri- son County, Ind., on Nov. 17, 1831, and received a good common-school education. Since the year 1842 he has been almost exclusively engaged in agricul- tural pursuits and is the owner of 160 acres, 20 of which are under pasture and timber. He was mar- ried in Henderson Township on the 29th of March, 1855, to Mary J. Champion, the daughter of Thomas and Artimitia (Miles) Champion ; her parents being natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Pitman was born in Hen- derson Township on the 6th of March, 1836. Mrs. Pitman was the eldest of a family of six children, viz .: Mrs. P., Ruth, Nancy A., Drusilla, John H. and James M. The mother died in 1845, the father is still living. By this happy union there have been

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

John Montgomery

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five children : James A., Fannie, Nancy A., Thomas C. and Edgar G. Thomas C., to the great sorrow of his parents, died in his toth year; James resides in Henderson Township. He married Alice Mathers, they are the parents of two children-Pearl and George; Fannie is the wife of Ezra McMurtry and resides in Warren County. She is the mother of two children-Ethel and Grace. The other children of Mr. Pitman's family at present reside at home.

Mr. Pitman has held the office of Road Commis- sioner, of which he has faithfully discharged the du- ties. Himself and family are members of the United Brethren Church and are held in the highest esteem by that body. He is a stanch Republican in politics and always ready and willing to support any measure of sound policy favoring Republican politics.

garvey Montgomery. One of the leading farmers of Knox Township, residing on sec- tion 30, and prominent in the ranks of sub stantial citizens, is the subject of this biographi- cal narration, and some of the principal points in whose life history are herein summed up. Mr. Montgomery was born in Knox Township on Jan. 14, 1834, and is the son of John Montgomery, of Nel- son County, Ky., who was born in 1801, and was the son of Robert and Rebecca (Brown) Montgomery, both of whom were originally from Mifflin County, Pa. The great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, John Montgomery, of Irish ancestry and birth, came to this country and settled in Pennsyl- vania, serving in the Indian War in Ohio, and receiv- ing his death- wound at the battle of Pickaway Plains in that State. While yet a young man, the grand- father of Mr. Montgomery of this narration, removed to Kentucky and was one of the earliest settlers in Nelson County. He consummated his life's happi- ness by a union in marriage in 18tt, after which he removed to the Territory of Indiana, where he loca- ted in Harrison County. In that section of country he located and there lived until 1821. He then re- moved to Spencer County, where he bought timber land and with the assistance of his son, removed some of the trees and marked out the boundary of his farm. Here he resided until his death.

The father of Mr. Montgomery resided at home in

Harrison County, under the parental roof, and went with them to Spencer County, where he continued one year or until he returned to Harrison County. In 1824 he married Margaret Vaughn, also a native of Kentucky, having been born in Green County in the year 1802. Instigated by the thrift and industry so common to him, the young man rented land in Har- rison County and began life. He had prospered fairly well and there remained until 1830, when with his wife and their two little ones, he emigrated to Ill- inois; coming in a flat boat to the mouth of the Ohio, then by steamer up the Mississippi River, to Bur- lington, Iowa. Leaving his wife and children at this point, that they might not suffer the hardships of the journey with him, he came to Knox County and there procured a conveyance, an ox team, from his mother- in-law and returned for his goods. His family in- sisted on returning with him, and rode with the goods directly to Mrs. Vaughn's home at Henderson Grove. After this he rented land at Henderson Grove, which he worked with success until the fall of 1831, 7 when he made a claim on the southeast quarter of section 30, of Knox Township. On this he erected a square log-cabin, 14 feet on each side, with clapboards for the roof and a puncheon floor. This rough struct- ure completed, the little family entered it and com- menced their labors on their Western home. As soon as the land came into market he entered it from the Government. McKee's Mill, in Schuyler County, 75 miles distant, was the nearest mill at that time, with the exception of hand-mills, which were resorted to. Several times he made trips to McKee's mill with his ox team, and to Peoria, which was the nearest depot of supplies. He improved and cultivated the land on which he settled and also a farm of 80 acres in Sparta Township; 160 in Galesburg Township; be- sides 120 situated on section 36 of the same town- ship, and from a comparative wilderness lived to see the county flourish and develop into a bright and stirring community. His death took place on Dec. 4, 1872, and his wife, surviving him 12 years, followed him Sept. 21, 1884.

The olive branches that sprang from the parent Montgomery family-tree, were seven in number, viz .: Robert, who died in infancy; Rebecca, who lived to attain girlhood, reaching the age of 20, but who then died; Jane, wife of Jacob Gum, who resides in Knox Township; Eliza, who died at the age of 21 ; Harvey, our subject; Sarah, wife of C. N. Butt, who lives in

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Knox Township; and John, who died in infancy.

Mr. Montgomery of this notice, was reared on the farm where he was born and which has been his home since that time. He was married Nov. 15, 1864, to Miss Louisa Maxwell. She was born at Henderson Grove, Feb. 28, 1842, and was the daugh- ter of Henry and Sarah (Hodges) Maxwell, who fig- ure prominently among the pioneer settlers of Knox County. Three children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery, who bear the names respectively, of Sarah J, John and Henry.

He owns and carries on the homestead farm, on which he has erected a neat frame house, which in- cludes 165 acres. He has also purchased other land, and now owns in all about Soo acres of land, highly improved and cultivated, and is considered one of the wealthiest land-owners in that section of the county. Mr. Montgomery makes stock-raising a specialty in farming, particularly that including thor- ough-bred horses. He now has 40 head of horses; his cattle are high-grade Short-horns; as well as an excellent grade of sheep and hogs. In fact, he ranks among the leading stock-raisers in the county. His success in life is the result of careful methodical ef- fort, and he takes a foremost position among the pub- lic-spirited and enterprising agriculturists of Knox County. Any enterprise having for its object the improvement and benefit of the county in which he resides, may claim in him an earnest supporter. He is an active public worker, and is noted for keen log- ical thought and the accuracy of his political opinion. He affiliates with the Democratic party. The por- trait of John Montgomery, the father of the present gentleman, is shown on another page.

orman Fay may be designated as one of the principal stock-raisers of Knox County. His farm is situated on section 20, Ontario Township. Mr. Fay came to this county in the year 1850, locating immediately after his ar- rival in the now thriving city of Galesburg. Feeling a deep interest in agricultural pursuits, he decided to turn his attention in that direction, and two years after he came to Ontario Township, he made his first purchase of 160 acres of land. He be- gan the cultivation of his farm in 1856, his material

being wholly raw prairie-land in a wild and unculti- vated condition. He at once set about adding im- provements with the view of eventually creating a home worth having. He has succeeded so pleasantly that his first acquisition of property has been his per- manent residence ever since. His house is large, handsome and convenient. His barns and surround- ing farm-buildings, commodious and substantial. His landed possessions have constantly been on the increase, dating from his first purchase. Soon after he began his farming pursuits he commenced raising and breeding blooded, Poland-China hogs, and has ever since made a specialty of this branch of his bus- iness. About 1880, he introduced breeds of Short- horn cattle. By constantly adding to and improv- ing his stock, and by giving this business thought and attention, he has now in his possession a herd of 60 head of extremely fine cattle. His breeder is Baron Bates, Jr, and is a regular registered bull.

Mr. Fay was born in Windham County, Vermont, Sept. 22, 1821. His father, John Fay, a native of Massachusetts and a genuine New England man, is by trade a blacksmith. The latter was married in Vermont, to which State he went when a young man from Massachusetts, where he had been engaged in learning blacksmithing. There he met and afterward married Phebe Lock, a young lady of English ances- try and American parentage. She was born in Rock- ingham, Windham Co., Vt. The result of their union was eight children, Mr. Fay of this writing, be- ing the youngest but one. Of four brothers and four sisters, three of the former and one of the latter only are survivors. Both parents departed this life in Rockingham, Vt., having attained to ripe years.

When but a young man, Norman learned the trade of a mill-wright under his older brother. At this he was engaged for 12 years, but eventually abandoned it and came West.

While still living in his native State, he met and married Sarah J. Bellows, who was born, lived and died in the State of Vermont After he came to Knox County, he again married, this time, Miss Susan O. Chapman of Ontario Township, becoming his wife, Dec. 25, 1853. She was the daughter of Ezra Chap- man, (see sketch.) Mrs. Fay was born in Whites- burg, Oneida Co., N. Y., Nov. 29, 1831. When she was but eight years of age her parents came West and located a home in which she remained up to the date of her marriage. Mrs. Fay is the mother of

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three children, but lost one by death, namely ; Nor- man, who died in infancy. The living children are as follows : Oscar L., who lives at home and works the farm in company with his father. He is connected also with him in stock-raising. The date of his birth is Oct. 25, 1855. Sarah J., second child, was born March 15, 1857, and lives at home.

While connected with no orthodox Church and holding no specified position in secular belief, Mr. and Mrs. Fay are tolerant in religious matters and liberal in their views. Mr. Fay takes a live interest in po- litical affairs and is a member of the Republican party.

ohn R. Plecker. One of the prominent business men of Indian Point Township is the subject of this biography, whose name finds a place on the records of Knox County, and of whose career a brief summary is herein given. He was formerly a hardware merchant and tinner, but at the present time devotes himself to farming, for which he has a liking and the duties of which he ably discharges.

Mr. Plecker was born in Shenandoah Valley, Va., April 27, 1814, and in 1856 moved to Lexington, McLean Co., Ill., where he remained for one year. At the expiration of that time he removed to Abing- don, where be worked at his trade for four years. He then established a hardware business, which he con- ducted until 1866, then sold out his stock, moved to Bushnell, McDonough County, and bought a half in- terest in the hardware store of E. P. King. He con- tinued as partner with him for one year, and then sold to Kingworthy & Hand. Pursuant to this he pur- chased a stock of dry-goods of James Cole, of Bush- nell, and this business he conducted until 1872, at which time he returned to Abingdon, Ill., and opened a new hardware store, and continued the same for three years.

In 1837, Mr. Plecker married Miss Sarah Gilkeson, who was born in Virginia in 1808, and died in Janu- ary, 1874, in Abingdon. She became the mother of four children : The first of whom died in infancy; the second, William A., was born in August, 1839, and was killed accidentally by shooting hinself while out gunning. This happened in Virginia, in 1856; the third in order of birth was James H., April 13, 1842,

who married Miss Ellen Washburn, of Prairie City, Ill. His present home is 183 West Madison St., Chicago. He made a study of medicine, graduating for the profession at Rush Medical College; Mary E. T. is the wife Mr. Manning Hunt, of Bushnell, Ill. and was married in 1845.

In October, 1874, Mr. Plecker married Miss Eliz- abeth L. Reeves, his second matrimonial alliance. She was a native of Ohio, born July 13, 1835. Her parents came to Illinois in 1850, and were Samuel and Susan (Martin) Reeves. They were natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. He died in IS66, and she in 1869. Their family numbered six children : Eliza, Martha, Olive, Elmer, Lydia and Elizabeth.

The Plecker's real estate consists 120 acres of finely cultured land and a house and lot in the city of Abingdon. They carry on mixed husbandry. They are active members of the society in which they move and are worthy citizens, genial, courteous and honorable. They are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Abingdon, and for- ward the interests of that body in word and deed. Mr. P. is, politically, a Republican.

H. Vaughn. Among the well-to-do and prosperous farmers of Sparta Township, who have succeeded in acquiring a compe- tency, and winning universal respect, is the subject of this notice, residing on section 19, where he is actively engaged in the prosecution of his chosen vocation.

Mr. Vaughn was born in Knoxville, Nov. 22, IS34. The parents of our subject were John and Viny (Osborne) Vaughn, natives of Kentucky and Indiana respectively, and of German-Irish ancestry. John Vaughn and famlly came to this State and set- tled in this county in 1828. His was the second family to locate in Knox County, where he located on a farm of 160 acres. It must be remembered by the readers of these biographical notices that Mr. Vaughn's being the second family to settle in Knox County, that he must have come otherwise than in a Pullman Palace car, and that on his arrival he had many obstacles to overcome in making his settle- ment here. The land was in its original condi-

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tion, no portion of it ever having brightened the share of a plow, and the only neighbors were the Indians, who were not friendly at all times with the early pioneers. John Vaughn was nevertheless fav- orably impressed with the lay of the land, and hav- ing great faith in the future development of the country, went to work on his farm with a determina- nation of making it his future abiding place, and was thus occupied on his original claim for three or four years. He then moved to Henderson Township, where he again engaged in agricultural pursuits and there lived and labored, overcoming all obstacles, which naturally fell in the pathway of the early pio- neer, until 1859. During this year he moved to Kansas, where he has an 80-acre farm, and where he is still living with his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Howe.

His wife, who came to this county with himin 1828, and who shared his reverses and successes all along during the years of their married life, died in August, 1870, in Marshall County, Kas. It is hardly neces- sary in this short biographical notice for us to enum- erate the many trials and difficulties through which John Vaughn and his good wife passed, from the time they made their early settlement here until her death, for they were similar to those of many others, and we more fully treat of this subject in another part of this work. They became the parents of seven children, named Sarah, Charles H., James T., Cor- nelius, Harvey M., Mary A. and Franklin P. Cor- nelius died in August, 1872. In addition to being an agriculturist John Vaughn was a skilled mechanic, and was employed as engineer in different mills in the county.

Charles H. Vaughn was an inmate of the parental household until he attained the age of 18 years, re- ceiving his education in the primitive log school-house of that day, and assisted in the labors of the farm. When a boy residing at home there were no houses on the prairie from Henderson Grove to Knoxville, and he was often engaged in hunting wild horses on the uncultivated prairies which are now fenced and under an advanced state of cultivation. The early settlers in those days were under the impression that the broad prairies were worthless, so far as cultiva- tion was concerned, but Mr. Vaughn has lived to see those same prairies develop and made to " Bloom and blossom as the rose," and advance in value until they are at the present time worth $75 per acre. After leaving home Mr Vaughn worked for four

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 20

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