Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 29

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 1130

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LIBRARY OF THE L' !! IVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Rambo

Abraham

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KNOX COUNTY.

1856, and settling in Henderson Township, have re- sided there since. The estimable lady, who is now the wife of Mr. Sears, was born in Fayette County, Pa., on the 12th of July, 1840. By the marriage there were three children, but only one now survives, Thomas W.

Mr. Francis W. Sears has held the offices of School Director and Trustee. In politics, is a very active Republican, whose judgment on any measure affect- ing his party's good is generally taken as sound. He is a cool-headed, straght-forward and at the same time very genial gentleman, who has gathered around him a large circle of stanch friends, who are capable of knowing and appreciating a good friend when they find him.

on. William McMurtry, deceased. As an example of worthy and industrious nian- hood, we may cite the subject of this bio- graphical narration as one whose "deeds so shine " that the lives of others perforce reflect them. As well as being one of the most re- markable, he was also one of the most prominent men in the earliest days of Henderson Township and vicinity.

Mr. McMurtry was born in Mercer County, Ky., Feb. 20, 1801, and for the space of four years held the rank of Lieutenant-Governor of Illinois. He re- moved to Crawford County, Ind., where he lived until 1829, and then came with his family to Knox County, where he settled in Henderson Township. He was keenly awake to public needs, and had an eye to the interests of the people. Thus his name was brought before them as a candidate for the office of Lieutenant-Governor, with Gov. French, in 1848. He was a member of the Legislature during the years 1836-37-38 and 39, and a member of the Senate during the years up to the time he was elected Lieutenant-Governor. He was in this position for four years, and in 1862 he was commissioned colonel of the 102d Ill. Vol. Inf., and served until the fol- lowing February, when he resigned on account of ill health, and returned again to Henderson Township. His death, which occurred April 10, 1875, was widely lamented and sincerely mourned.

He was married in Crawford County, Ind., to Miss Ruth Champion, a native of Kentucky, and the

result of their union was the birth of five children, named as follows: Mary E., James C., Nancy, Fran- cis M. and Cynthia, deceased. Mrs. McMurtry pre- ceded her husband to her long home Feb. 10, 1864. She died in Henderson Township, and being a de- voted wife and mother, and a kind-hearted and affectionate friend and neighbor, she was sorely missed, truly mourned, and will doubtless be long remembered.

braham Rambo, whose portrait is present- ed on the opposite page, is one of the in- fluential and wealthy farmers of this sec- tion. He came to Knox County in the fall of 1842, from Gallia County, Ohio, with his father, and passed the first winter in Orange Township. They next settled on section 31, Persifer Township, which is the location of his present de- sirable and pleasant home.

The subject of our sketch was the first in order of birth in a family of ten children. He was born in Gallia County, Ohio, Nov. 6, 1820, and was 22 years of age when he came to Knox County. His educa- tion was received in the common schools of his birthplace, but was practical, and, by observation and attention to his studies, he has become well-in- formed and intelligent. His father was a blacksmith by trade, but Abraham early showed a predilection for agricultural pursuits, seeing “ sermons in stones, books in running brooks, and good in everything." He came to Persifer Township with his father and mother and made his home with them until the death of both parents. The date of his mother's death was February, 1849, and that of his father June 30, 1854.

Mr. Rambo was first united in marriage in Persi- fer Township, Jan. 15, 1844, to Arvilla P. Lindsey, and they were the parents of 13 children, viz. : Phebe S., Charles Q., David G., Sophronia, Thomas H., Ahnira, Robert E., Wilford M., Lorena, Minnie, Allen H., Clarke S., and one who died in infancy. Phebe S., Charles E., Robert and Clarke S. are also deceased. Sophronia is the wife of Allen R. Rode- cap, and resides in Dade, Missouri; Almira is the wife of C. Hudson, and makes her home in Story County, Iowa; Lorena is united in marriage with Fulton McFarland, and their home is in Washington County, Iowa; Minnie resides at home; David G.

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lives in Washington County, Iowa, and Thomas H. lives in Taylor County, that State; Wilford's home is in Washington Territory, and Allen H. lives in the State of Iowa. Mrs. Rambo died in Persifer Township April 11, 1877. She was a most estima- ble woman, a kindly friend and an excellent member of society.

Mr. Rambo was again married, in Altona, Ill., to Mrs. Martha (Maxey) Parkins, who was a native of Kentucky, March 9, 1880. She was the widow of L. A. Parkins, who died in Union County, Iowa, July 18, 1878. Her parents were James and Lu- cinda (Madison) Maxey, natives of Hart County, Ky. They came to Knox County in 1838, and set- tled in Persifer Township, where they died.

Mr. Rambo is a large land-owner possessing 212 acres in Persifer and Knox Townships. He has al- ways united stock-raising with farming, in which he has been successful. In 1877 he purchased the fine thorough-bred stallion Duc d'Orleans, of the Onarga (Ill.) Importing Company, at an expense of $1,800. This animal is one of the purest bred Nor- mans in the State, and he imparts his peculiar marks of color to his progeny. He is also the owner of the pure-blood imported stallion, Montaco, which he bought of Harding & Co., Bloomington, Ill., paying for him a handsome price.

Our subject is an active member of the social cir- cles in which he moves. He has filled many of the offices of his township, having been Constable, As- sessor, Collector, Highway Commissioner, etc. He is identified with the Republican party, but is always ready to vote for the man who will labor for the in- terests of the people, irrespective of party. Mrs. Rambo is a highly respected lady and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. A portrait of Mr. Rambo and a view of his elegant residence and fine stock are shown elsewhere in this work.

Konas Williamson. Few men reach the state of manhood without ambition and hopes common to human nature, and with- in the limits of Knox County may be found numerous members of the human family who pursue the peaceful occupation of farming, "shut into that solitude of which we never weary." Among those more successful in this one of the pro- fessions given to occupy the hearts and hands of

man may be named Jonas Williamson, the details of whose personal history are herein recorded. His home is situated on section 28 of Sparta Township and includes, with his large and finely cultivated farm, a handsome house containing all modern con- veniences, neat out-buildings and other substantial improvements.

Mr. Williamson was born Feb. 28, 1836, in Sweden, and is the son of William and Margaret (Oleson) Williamson, both of whom claim the country named as that of their nativity. They came to America in 1850 and, purchasing land amounting to 60 acres on section 26, located in Sparta Township. Here they built a log cabin, in which they lived until 1854. In this year the husband and father died, and the mother, who still survives him, went to Wataga, which is still her home.

Their family circle had been enlarged by the ad- vent of six children, by name William, Jonas, Peter, John, Maggie and Moses. John was one of those brave soldier boys who, at the time of the breaking out of the American Rebellion, enlisted in the cause of the stars and stripes, and fought for his country. He continued in the service of the Government one year, but, to his great disappointment, was taken ill, and securing a furlough went home with the faithful mother who had come after him. Notwithstanding her unwearied care and devoted attention, he died in six weeks after reaching home, of that subtle and de- ceptive destroyer, consumption.

Jonas, our subject, was the second child, in order of birth, in the family. He remained at home until 22 years of age, and in this interval he had received a good common-school education, working in the meantime on the farm. Associating as partner with his brother, he purchased 100 acres of land on sec- tion 21, and this they worked together, building a house and barns and adding all necessary improve- ments. Continuing at this for some time, he, after the lapse of a few years, relinquished his claim in behalf of his brother and purchased 80 acres on section 29. This new farm which he had bought he occupied for ten years, adding in the meantime 8 acres, situated on the contiguous section, sparing no effort, and, be- lieving that " a thing of beauty is a joy forever," he made his home a delight to the eye of the observer, and has at the present time just reason for an honest pride in it.

Deserting the ranks of single blessedness, Mr.

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Williamson took to wife and made the participator of his joys and sorrows Miss Christina Anderson. The fruit of the Williamson family tree is two children, by name Lottie and John. The latter married Thomas Rommel, and the result of this union is three children-Minnie, Lester and John. This lat- ter united in marriage with Christina Hanson and resides in Orient, lowa.

Mrs. Christina Williamson died in the year 1875, and the second matrimonial alliance of Mr. William- son was with Annie Hedburg, who was born April 30, 1857. Their marriage was celebrated May 29, 1879. Her parents were Mathey and Martha (Mat- son) Hedburg. Her father came to America in 1857 and settled in Galesburg, Ill. He was a skillful tailor by occupation and at this he worked for the space of ten years, when he moved to Wataga and at that place now lives. Both parents were natives of Sweden, and the father began at the early age of 12 years to learn his trade, which he has since fol- lowed.

Mr. Willamson is a man of much activity and en- terprise, and conducts his business with a zest and enjoyment quite enviable to observe. He is a dealer in and breeder of blooded cattle and has a wider un- derstanding of his business than have many others. He is in politics a Republican, but is liberal in all his views. He is by religious profession a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church in excellent stand- ing.

nthony Seward, a prominent farmer resid- ing on section 16, Truro Township, is the eldest son of Samuel S. and Sarah (Cald- well) Seward. His father, Samuel Seward, is a native of York State and was born in Brown County in 1826. Samuel Seward was a son of Orin and Mehitable (Livermore) Seward, pioneers of Knox County, where they settled at an early day.

Samuel S. Seward, father of our subject, was but a child when he accompanied his parents to Knox County, where he attended the pioneer schools and assisted his father in the duties of the farm. Mrs. Seward was a native of Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of John T. and Mary (Porter) Caldwell. After marriage Mr. S. located upon section 15, Truro Township, upon which he resided for a few years,

when he disposed of his farm and rented land for a short period and then bought a tract located on section 16, upon which he is at present residing. He enclosed and improved his land and erected thereon a desirable set of frame buildings. In 1882 he left his son in charge of the farm and removed to Cedar County, Mo., where he purchased a farm and is now residing. The senior Mr. and Mrs. Seward are the parents of six children-Anthony (our subject), John M., William H., Sarah (wife of J. Fulkerson, who resides in Cedar County, Mo.), Albert and Marion.

Anthony Seward was born in Truro Township, Oct. 12, 1848. In his younger days he attended the district schools and assisted in the farm work. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, March 27, 1867, at which time Miss Margaret Dan- iels became his wife. Miss Daniels was born in Richland County, Ohio.

After marriage our subject located on his father's farm and engaged in the honorable calling of an ag- riculturist ; since 1882 he has managed the farm alone. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. S .- Chloe, Ellen Viola, Lucius and Mary E. In politics, Mr. Seward adheres to the principles of the Greenback party.

rs. Matilda F. Dunlap, a widow lady, re- siding on section 19, Cedar Township, devotes her attention to farming. She was born in Fleming County, Ky., March 23, 1817, and is the daughter of Fielding and Margaret Belt. Her father was born in Vir- ginia, Jan. 12, 1782, while her mother was a native of Pittsburg, Pa., and born Jan. 27, 1791. This lat- ter lady was killed by lightning in October, 1825. Her father died in 1874, in the State of Kentucky. By this marriage there were the following children : Jane, John, Matilda, Margaret, Joseph and William. Matilda and John are the only children now living. John resides near Elizaville, Fleming Co., Ky.

The lady whose name introduces this history mar- ried Edmund P. Dunlap, Dec. 22, 1836. He was born in Fleming County, Ky., March 24, 1811, and brought up on his father's farm. His decease took place March 29, 1865, while residing in Knox County. He was a victim of typhoid fever, his illness lasting

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six months before he finally succumbed. He lies buried in the Humiston cemetery. Mr. Dunlap came to this county in the spring of 1837. He was considered one of the most industrious and praise- worthy men of his community, and at the date of his demise had accumulated a very fair competency. His father was born in South Carolina, and his mother in New Jersey. By the happy marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap, ten children were born to the parents-Mary J., Jan. 10, 1838; Margaret B., Oct. 13, 1839; George W., Feb. 22, 1842; Theodore, Aug. 1, 1844; Henry P., Jan. 25, 1847; William B., Aug. 27, 1849; Martha F., Dec. 9, 1851 ; Alice and Ellen, born Oct. 1, 1854, were twins; Cornelia A., December, 1857. Of these children four are mar- ried. Margaret is the wife of Mr. Byram, and four children are the result of the marriage. William Dunlap married Miss Ida Latimer; they are the parents of three children, and reside in Chestnut Township. George W. married Miss Leanna Hague, and they had one child. Ann married Mr. William A. Latimer, and lives in Abingdon, where her hus- band is cashier of the First National Bank; by this marriage there has also been one child.

Mrs. Dunlap is now farming 280 acres of good land, beside raising Short-horn cattle and thorough- breds. By political persuasion Mr. Dunlap was a Democrat of the stanchest order; his religious con- viction was with the Congregational Church. Here he won for himself the reputation of a sound politi- cian and a good church member.

10 m illiam Williamson. A large number of the honest, industrious and respectable people of Knox County were born in Sweden, the country of which our subject is a native. They came here without means, and under the most adverse circumstances began the fight for a competency. The struggle was a hard and difficult one, but they went to work with a heroism and determination, and to-day many of the most prominent and well-to-do citizens of the county are among their number. Mr. Williamson's excellent farm is located on section 21 of Sparta Township. He was born Oct. 10, 1833, and came to America with his parents in 1850. He remained

with them, however, only for a short period after their arrival. His younger days were passed upon a farm, and he had very limited educational advan- tages.

Mr. Williamson came to Sparta Township im- mediately after his arrival in this country, and en- gaged in coal-digging and farming. In 1853 he made his first purchase of land-a 60-acre tract and part of the same place where he now lives. He rented land, however, for the following two years, when he erected a house, 16 x 24 feet, and what they call a " Kansas stable," and moved to his own place. Since then he has made several purchases of land, until his present possessions here number 446 acres. He also has 160 acres in Iowa, a half interest in a brick block in Moline, Ill., and a half interest in a dry goods, grocery, flour and feed store, located in this block, and, in company with his son, he has a dry goods, millinery, fancy goods and carpet store in Galesburg, Ill. He is also a stockholder in the Galesburg National Bank and also in the Moline National Bank.

The extraordinary success which has crowned Mr. Williamson's efforts is undoubtedly attributable to his energy, economy, good, practical judgment and straightforward dealing. The greater part of his wealth has been, perhaps, gained from the farm. He has proven himself a practical farmer of rare ability. In 1878 his enterprise was displayed by his purchase of Short-horn cattle for his farm use. In 1882 he erected a fine residence, costing $3,000, and a barn at a cost of $2,500, besides two smaller build- ings. He has planted an orchard, set out trees to beautify and adorn his home place, and to-day has one of the most delightful residences in the county. He has upon his farm two coal mines, and besides the property enumerated above he owns a half inter- est in the flouring mill at Wataga, and the store building now occupied by Mr. Torley of that village.

Mr. Williamson was married Sept. 28, 1855, to Miss Catherine Oleson, also a native of Sweden. She was born April 7, 1836, and came to America in 1849. This union has been blessed by the birth of the following children : Mary J., Joseph H., Margaret A., Lars O., Amanda C., Martha A., Ed- win P., George L., Fredrick and Alvin A. Mary married Albert Donolson and became the mother of three children-Arthur L., Elmer W. and Andrew G. Mrs. Donolson died Feb. 5, 1885, at Clay Cen-

DUKE DE ORLEANS ( 154)

MONACO.( IMPORTED.)

RESIDENCE OF ABRAHAM RAMBO, SEC 31. PERSIFER TOWNSHIP.

RESIDENCE OF FRANKLIN PARSONS, SEC. 25. HENDERSON TOWNSHIP

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

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ter, Clay Co., Kan. Her remains were brought home for interment. Martha died Jan. 5, 1882 ; Margaret A. became the wife of A. F. Nelson, Sept. 3, 1885, and they live at Mediapolis, Iowa; Lars O. married Mary C. Swenson, Sept. 17, 1885; he is a merchant at Galesburg; Joseph was born April 16, 1858, and resides with his parents, assisting his father in buying, selling and feeding stock

In political affiliation, Mr, Williamson is a Repub- lican. He has held the office of Road Commissioner for nine years, and since 1873 has served as School Trustee. Himself and family belong to the Swedish Lutheran Church. He is regarded as one of the sub- stantial and solid men of Knox County, and deserves the highest commendation for the remarkable suc- cess he has made of life thus far.

ohn Hoxworth. Among the well-to-do and prosperous farmers of Knox County, residing on section 25, Maquon Township, is the subject of this biographical notice. Mr. Hoxworth came to Knox County in the fall of r849, from Vermilion County, Ill., with his - wife and three children, and located where he has since resided. He first bought 5335 acres on sec- tion 24, to which he has added by subsequent pur- chases until he now owns 230 acres. He was born in Bucks County, Pa., June 5, IS19, where he lived until about 18 years of age, assisting his father in the cultivation of the farm, when they went from there to Franklin County, Ohio, and he resided there until 1847, the date of his coming to this State. He has been engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life, and has met with far more than ordinary success in the prosecution of this, the most independent of all callings.

John Hoxworth was married in Franklin County, Ohio, Jan. 30, 1842, to Rachel Peters, daughter of Peter and Susan (Beaty) Peters, natives of Virginia. Her father died in Franklin County, Ohio, and her mother afterward removed to this county, and died in Maquon Township. Her parents' family con- sisted of three sons and one daughter. Mrs. II. was born in Franklin County, Ohio, Dec. 23, 1825, and has borne her husband nine children, whom they have named Sarah, Joseph, Lewis, Mary C., Emily, | in marriage with A. T. Boydston, also a native of

Alice, Milton, Stephen and Charlotte M. Sarah and Milton are deceased; Joseph married Lydia A. Kirkuff, and resides in Maquon Township, where he is engaged in farming, and of their union five chil- dren have been born-Nettie, Flora, George, Carl and Bartlett. Lewis Hoxworth has been twice mar- ried, first to Dora Leverton, who became the mother of three children-Florence, Emmett and Nellie. His second marriage was with Mary Barton, and they had one child-Harry. Mary C. Hoxworth be- came the wife of John D. French, with whom she is residing in Nebraska, and their family circle has been blessed by the birth of four children-Milton, Charlie, Clinton and Raymond G. Emily Hoxworth married John Leverton, and resides in this county; their children are William, Velma, Maude, Edwin, Charlie, Bruce, Stephen and Sylvia. Alice Hoxworth became the wife of Henry Street ; they are living in Nebraska and have become the parents of six children-Bertie, Arthur, Grace, Gertie, Carl and Georgie. Stephen Hoxworth married Emma Wilson; they have one, child, Lottie I. E., and reside in Nebraska. Char- lotte Hoxworth married Thomas Downin, a resident of Maquoń Township, and they have seven children« -Myrtle M., Guy, Claude, Mabel, Maude, Jay and? Alice.

Mr. John Hoxworth has held the position of Road. Commissioner and other minor offices within the gift of the people of his township. In politics, he is a Democrat and a worthy representative of the agri- cultural class.

mma Boydston. One of the women em- inent for nobility of purpose and shrewd common sense may be found in the sub- ject of this personal narrative, a few of the points in whose career are briefly enumerated herein. Her farm is located on section S, In- dian Point Township, and she is well known for her energetic activity and whole-souled purpose. Mrs. Boydston was born in Knox County, July 28, 1841, and is the daughter of John and Tabitha (Boydston) Dawdy. He came here in 1831, and was one of the first settlers in Knox County. Mrs. Dawdy was born in Barren Co., Ky., July 8, 1809. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dawdy. She was united

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Knox County, born Aug. 31, 1838. He died March 26, 1883, of cancer, after an illness of seven years. He was a great sufferer, but to the last maintained a noble patience and a Christian resignation. He was conscious of all his pain until near the last, when he passed away gently as one falls asleep. Happily for those who were left behind, assurance was given that he died in the full faith and hope of immortality, and that to him had been spoken the words, "Come up higher," which is a lasting monument to his memory for the sorrowing wife and four children who survive him. He was a member of, and took deep interest in, the success of the Christian Church at Meridian, Warren County, and the Sunday-school was a pet interest of his. He belonged to the A. F. & A. M., and to a Masons' Lodge located at Abing- don, and took a keen interest in public affairs, taking great pleasure in reading the journals of the day.

Mrs. Boydston united in marriage with A. T. Boydston at the time and place previously men- tioned, and the ceremony was performed by J. W. Butler, of the Christian Church. Their family con- sists of four children, as follows : Anna B., born July 5, 1864; John B., March 15, 1866; Thomas J., born Nov. 16, 1868, and Mary J., June 17, 1875.

Mrs. Boydston has in her possession 100 acres of finely improved and cultivated land. Anna Belle, her daughter, united in marriage with-Col. M. Young, and they are living at the present time in this county. Mr. Boydston took an interest in politics, and was Democratic in sentiment.

r. William Henry Heller. Among the more important and influential business men of Abingdon, and noted as being one of the pioneer physicians, is Dr. Heller, a brief sketch of whose life is herein given. He carre to this State in 1835. while the country was still new, and has watched the West develop and " blossom as the rose."

The subject of this personal narration made his debut upon the stage of life in Richland Co., Ohio. now Ashland, May 11, 1823, and is the son of John and Belinda (Van Auken) Heller. His father was born in Pennsylvania and was purely of German an- cestry and blood, and his mother in New Jersey and descended from the Holland Dutch. In the year -

1835 they came to Fulton County, when William Henry was only 13 years old. He entered the con- mon schools, applying himself assiduously to his studies, in which he showed an unusually deep in- terest. At the age of 17 he began the study of med- icine at Cuba, Fulton Co., Ill., under Dr. William N. Cline, a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Phil- adelphia. Not long after this, our young student began the practice of medicine at Cuba, not having as yet completed his medical course. Subsequently, however, he took a regular course at Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he graduated with a bright record in the class of 1855.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 29

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