Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 31

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 31

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

He was born March 29, 1853, and is the son of John and Abigail (Leigh) Shumaker. Both are natives of Ohio, and both are still living in this county. Their home, at first so small and humble, soon became crowded by additions to the family cir- cle, and the residence was soon enlarged to give cheerful welcometo the advent of others worthy to be included in its sacred precincts. They were the par- ents of 17 children, viz. : Robert, Fidelia, Harrison, Sally, Mary, William H., Charles E., Clarke, Ida,

Niles, James, Theodore, Carey, Della, Cora, Edna and one who died in infancy. William H. was mar- ried Sept. 2, 1880, to Miss Ella Cashman, who was born Sept. 28, 1858, in Knox County, and was the daughter of L. J and Matilda (Bond) Cashman, both natives of Ohio. They were the parents of two chil- dren-Ella, wife of our subject, and Oscar, single.

Mr. Shumaker, of this narrative, is the owner of 80 acres of highly-cultivated land, has an ordinarily good dwelling house, built five years since, and a most ex- cellent barn 40 x 80 feet, in good condition and con- taining all the conveniences desirable. One branch of his business consists of raising blooded stock. He owns seven head of Short horn cattle, whose pedigrees are in the American Herd-book ; his fine stock mostly averages two years of age. He has also the Clydesdale horses, which he keeps for sale to breeders, and also the Poland-China hogs, for the same purpose. The homestead, which is known as Locust Grove Farm, is situated three and three- fourths miles southeast of Abingdon, and three miles from Herman. Mr. Shumaker makes a specialty of buying and shipping to Chicago markets the last- named class of stock. He thus disposes of about three carloads each year.

Mr. and Mrs. Shumaker are the parents of one child, a daughter, by name Ada Ethel, who was born Sept. 1, 1881. They are useful members of society, and ready to forward any good and worthy enterprise, either religious or social. Politically Mr. S. takes a great deal of interest in outside affairs, and is al- ways on the watch for every cloud that darkens the sky of the nation. He is a Republican in voice and vote.

ilo A. McClelland, M. D. The subject of this notice is one of the most widely known practitioners in Knox County, and has a reputation for skill in his profession through- out the State of Illinois. He was born in

- Sharon, Beaver Co., Pa., Jan. 28, 1837. His father, Thomas McClelland, born in 1809, was a native of Mt. Jackson, that part of the county which at the present time is included within the county of Lawrence.

The first of the McClelland family to emigrate to the United States was Thomas McClelland, a native

IMP. NOBLEMAN.

RESIDENCE OF A. T. DUNLAP, SEC. 26,, HENDERSON TOWNSHIP

RESIDENCE OF JOSHUA BROWN , SEC. 31. HENDERSON TOWNSHIP.

RESIDENCE OF MRS. B.A. GREEN. MAIN ST. MAQUON .

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

339

KNOX COUNTY.

of the North of Ireland, and of Scotch ancestry. He arrived on the shores of our Republic about 1760, and made settlement in Chester County, Pa., remov- ing later to Cumberland County, in that State, where he acquired quite a property in real estate. Of his family of seven children four were sons and three were daughters. William, his third son, was born in 1780, and was the grandfather of the subject of this biographical notice. He settled in that part of Bea- ver County now included in Lawrence County, about 1806, where he was one of the early pioneers, and where he married Martha Sharp, in 1808, by whom he had six sons and three daughters. His vocation was that of a farmer, and in the prosecution of which he met with more than ordinary success. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and died April 4, 1848, the demise of his wife occurring some years later.

Thomas McClelland, the eldest son of William and Martha, became a benedict by uniting his des- tiny with that of Miss Esther Wilson, born in Beaver County, Pa., in 1808. He was a blacksmith by trade, and followed his calling in Beaver County until 1843 During that year he moved to Indiana, and made settlement on a tract of timber land near Evansville, which he improved and cultivated until 1855. Prior to this he had heard such glowing accounts of the rich and productive prairie lands of Illinois that he concluded to emigrate thither. He accordingly sold his interests in Indiana and emigrated to Illinois, set- tling in Livingston County. There he purchased a farm, on which he lived and labored until the date of his demise. Of their union ro children were born, eight of whom lived to attain the age of man and woman hood.

The subject of this notice was the third in order of birth of his parents' children. He assisted his father on the farm and in the shop, and attended the public schools until he developed into manhood. Our subject, when but a boy, was an indefatigable reader. He borrowed books from whomsoever he could, and when time or opportunity permitted he was always found reading, and, as he said, to prepare himself for the future. In 1857 he taught his first term of school at Long Point, Livingston Co., Ill. In 1858 he entered the preparatory department of Beloit College, and after following the entire preparatory course of that institution, with a part of the scientific course, he

returned to Illinois and taught school two terms at El Paso, Woodford County, this State.

At this period in the history of the life of our sub- ject, the late Civil War had commenced, and in June, 1862, Dr. McClelland enlisted in Company G, 69th 111. Vol. Inf., and was stationed at Camp Douglas for about four months. In October of the same year he was discharged on the expiration of his term of en- listment, when he returned home and taught school during the following winter in Livingston County. In the spring of 1863 he engaged in agricultural pur- suits. His crop being destroyed by frost, he gave up farming, and in the fall of that year went to Chicago, where he attended the Rush Medical College four months, following which he came to Knox County, locating at Hermon, where he succeeded Dr. Samuel Wilson in his practice, and was thus engaged until September, 1866. He then went to New York City, and while at Bellevue Hospital he attended medical lectures, and there graduated in 1867. Again return- ing to Illinois, he located in Canton, Fulton County, where he remained six months and then moved to Knoxville. Since 1868 the Doctor has been in act- ive' practice, and by prompt and diligent attention to his cases, and treating them with all the skill which years of study and practice enabled him to apply, he has met with signal success. He is a member of the State Medical Society, and has written several papers on medico-legal subjects for that Society, which have been published in its reports, and also upon other subjects, which have gained for him a rep- utation for the manner in which he treated them. A compilation on civil malpractice, published in 1877, is an adopted authority in both law and medicine. The Doctor was married in January, 1866, to Louisa J. Bowman. She was born in Venango County, Pa,, and was a daughter of John and Eliza (Steach) Bowman. She died in June, 1881. The Doctor was a second time married in July, 1882, to Mrs. Lydia J. Cleveland, nee Van Pelt. She was the widow of Oliver Cleveland, who at the time of his death was, and had been for several years previously, Superin- tendent of the Knox County Infirmary. She suc- ceeded him to that position, and has had its man- agement until the present time. Of her union with Mr. Cleveland four children were born-Lettie, Ida, James O. and Belle. Mrs. McClelland is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Dr. McClelland is a

340

KNOX COUNTY.

member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Blue Lodge No. 66, Knoxville; Raboni Chapter, No. 95, and to Commandery No. 8, of Galesburg.

John Oberholtzer. Prominent among the men whose names grace the records of Knox County may be found those whose perseverance and thrift have given them a noteworthy place for the spirit which always wins, that of will and the determination never to give up. It is only through this spirit that great achievements are made, and the subject of this biography may be remembered as one whose heart is always strong and his spirit undaunted in the battle of life. He is the son of Joseph and Ann (Tedrow) Oberholtzer; his home is situated in Elba Township, section 15, and his occupation is that of a general farmer and stock-raiser.

Both his parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and were descended from the German. They married and settled in Wayne County, Ohio, where they lived until 1848. They then came to Knox County, hop- ing to better their " fortunes of low degree," and set- tled in Truro Township, where they now reside. They had a family of five children-three girls and two boys, as follows: Louisa J., O. John, Elizabeth J., Homer W. and Mary E. Mary is now deceased.

The subject of our sketch, O. John, is at the pres- ent time engaged in mixed farming and stock-raising. He was born in Wayne County, Ohio, May 12, 1846, and was about two years of age when his parents came to Knox County. He received a common- school education during the early part of his boy - hood, and lived at home, assisting his parents on the farm until he was 18 years old. He then enlisted in Co. E of the rith Ill. Cav., Jan. 20, 1865, and served until the close of the war. When the war was over he returned to his parents' home, remain- ing until he was 22 years of age, when he commenced farming on his own account. He worked at this for one year, and then married and settled on 160 acres in Truro Township, section 34. On this place he re- mained for five years. He then sold out and pur- chased 320 acres on section 15, in Elba Township, and gave his attention almost wholly to the raising of cattle and horses. He is now the owner of 750 acres

in Elba Township, and is one of the largest stock- dealers in the county. He handles 100 head of cat- tle annually, 30 of horses, and fattens 75 head of hogs.

Mr. Oberholtzer was married at Knoxville, Feb. 21, 1869, to Amelia A Smith. She was the daugh- ter of William H. and Mary (Almey) Smith, who were natives of the State of New York. They came to Knox County, and settled in Elba Township in 1867, afterward removing to Wataga, where they at present reside. They have become the parents of five children, as follows: Mary L., Amelia A., Will- iam M., Florence R. and Emma E. Amelia A. was born in Monroe County, N. Y., April 5, 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Oberholtzer have six children-Clara E., Emma A., Nellie J., Ida E., Edward J. and Joseph W.

Mr. Oberholtzer has shown himself to be a man of public spirit, and one willing to benefit the people in every way. He is a man of genial, kindly spirit, and has held many of the common offices. He was elected Assessor in his township in the spring of 1880, and has filled that office to this time with much credit to himself and to the people who elected him. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1884, and has held other minor offices. He is a member of the Dan. McCook Post, G. A. R., No. 53, at Elm- wood, Ill., is President of the co-operative store at Yates City, and also a stockholder in the same or- ganization. In politics he is independent, and votes for measures irrespective of party whenever opportu- nity affords.

illiam H. Lott. Prominent among the self-made men and enterprising citizens identified with Knox County, and resi- dent within her borders, may be found the subject of this sketch. He is by occupa- tion a farmer, residing in Salem Township, on section 12. Our subject was born in Sterling, Hast- ings Co., Ontario, Canada, March 11, 1836. His father, William Lott, was born March 16, 1811, and his grandfather, whose name was Boltus Lott, was of German descent, but formerly lived near Syracuse, N. Y. During the Revolution he went to Canada, where he spent the last years of his life in the Province of Ontario, and died at the age of 94. His

341

KNOX COUNTY.

maternal grandmother was by name Simmons, and was also from New York.

The father of our subject learned the wagon-mak- er's trade, at which he worked for a number of years, discharging his duties with eminent satisfaction. He was a natural mechanic and a first-class workman, and after a very few years began business for him- self, at Dorchester, near New London. Turning- lathes were here put in and furniture was manufact- ured, but, removing from Dorchester, he went to Sterling, and there conducted his business until 1864, when he went to Elmwood, and was engaged in manufacturing washing machines, wooden pumps, and some additional small work, until his death, which occurred April 18, 1879.

W'm. Lott, Sr., was three times married. His first wife, the mother of his children, was by name Susan Morrison, daughter of William Morrison, who was born in St. Catherine's, Canada. She died in Ontario in 1852, leaving eight children. His second wife was Keziah Robinson, also of Canada ; and his last alliance was with Mary S. Brees, who now lives in Canton, Ill.

Our subject was the oldest of eight children, and when quite small was sent by his father to attend the tollgate on the gravel road between Ingersoll and London. He attended to these duties about six years, and then entered the shops and began work at the turning-lathe. Becoming proficient in the use of tools, he remained with his father until he reached the age of 21, beginning at that time for himself. His sole earthly possessions consisted of a suit of clothes with empty pockets, but he found employment in a fanning-mill factory near Sterling, and worked for Franklin Jones, the proprietor, for about two years. During this time he had saved $70 of his earnings, and had made 121/2 fanning- mills in the shops, on which he received a percent- age which amounted in all to $240. He next engaged with Mr. Jones to emigrate to Illinois and work for him at Elmwood, which he did, remaining in his employ for two years. He next commenced business for himself, near Shintown, where he man- ufactured 25 mills the first year. He then removed to Elmwood and continued his work, selling his mills throughout the country, for three years. At the ex- piration of that time he went to Chillicothe, and, as- sociating with him as partner James Hoag, con- tinued with him a year. At the end of this time he

bought his partner's interest, selling the same to L. F. Murphy. They remained 12 years together and then sold the business and engaged in the grain trade in the last-named place, continuing at this 12 years, and after that removed to Hoopeston, where they built an elevator. After two years spent in the grain trade at the latter place, Mr. Lott came back to Salem Township and bought the farm he now owns and occupies. He is the possessor of 428 acres of land in Salem and Elmwood Townships, the tracts adjoining and lying within two counties. His house is pleasantly located on a rise of ground over- looking Elmwood, Yates City and Brimfield.

Mr. Lott was united in marriage Aug. 13. 1861, with Catherine Van Sickle, who was born in New Jersey, April 4, 1841. She is the daughter of Ry- near and Jane (Gibson) Van Sickle, and is the mother of five children, as follows: Marshall T., Ellen A., Harvey V., Sadie M. and Trallia M.

In politics Mr. Lott is a Republican, which party he ably and strongly supports. He is an honorary member of Elmwood Lodge, No. 363, A. F. & A. M., and of Yates City Chapter, No. 98.

illiam Hughey. Foremost in the ranks of worthy citizens and enterprising bus- iness men of Abingdon is the subject of R this personal history herein spoken of. He is a jeweler and watchmaker, also dealer in silver-plated ware and all articles of this kind, of which he keeps a full line of first-class goods.

Mr. Hughey first saw the light of day in Highland County, Ohio, Aug. 25, 1825. His parents were Alexander and Hester (Tudor) Hughey, and his father was a native of the State of Ohio and the year of his birth was 1802. His mother was of English and Scotch ancestry and entered life in the State of Maryland. They came to Abingdon in the fall of 1849, while the village was in a state of infancy, and have lived in the town and its immediate vicin- ity ever since, with the exception of one summer which was spent in Iowa.

Mr. Hughey followed the occupation of farming for a short time previous to his coming West, and next entered a factory as an employe. After this he en-

342

KNOX COUNTY.

gaged in mercantile pursuits, in which he continued until he emigrated West. On his arrival in this part of the country he continued to work on the farm for a few years, subsequently going into the wood-work- ing department of a machine shop, where he re- mained till 1875, at which time he went into his present business.

His bridal with Miss Sarah Strain was celebrated in Highland County, Ohio, Aug. 31, 1848. Mrs. Hughey was the daughter of James and Martha Strain, and was born in the county in which she was married. Her parents were natives of Abiline, S. C. Mr. Hughey is a courteous and affable gentleman and wins friendly regard and liking from his numer- ous patrons. He is wide-awake to public interest and is a Republican in political sentiment, voting with that party whose doctrines he upholds.

ornelius Dempsey. One of the pioneer citizens of Orange Township, and an old and reliable resident of that section, was Cornelius Dempsey, deceased, the particulars of whose personal history are herein given. He was one of the most prominent in local affairs. He held the office of Justice of the Peace and was for a number of years Director in the School District where he resided. In addition to this, he figured among the leaders of a few people, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, who, uniting their efforts, erected a church building on his farm and called it the Dempsey Chapel.

Mr. D., of whom we write, was born in Cumber- land County, Pa., Oct. 31, 1804. His father, James Dempsey, also a native of Pennsylvania, was reared in his native county, and his grandfather, Cornelius Dempsey, Sr., also lived and died there. The father of Cornelius, Jr., married in his native county Miss Susie Piper, who came from Germany in the year 1810. He emigrated to the State of Ohio, and in Jackson County bought a tract of timber land and laid out a farm, which he worked until 1837, and then, coming to Illinois, settled in Orange Township on section 2. Here he resided until his death, which occurred Nov. 21, 1859, and his wife's death took place Sept. 20, 1865.

The fruits of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dempsey

are as follows: Jonathan, Cornelius, Catherine, Annie, James, Isaac, Susie and Polly, five of whom survive at the present time. Catherine, widow of Matteson Maxey, lives near Wataga; Annie has a home in Gilson ; James and Isaac reside in Oregon ; and Susie, widow of Booker Pickerel, lives in Gilson.

Cornelius, our subject, was six years of age when, under the guardianship of his parents, he came to Ohio. He grew up on the farm, which he assisted his father to work, and made his home with his par- ents until Dec. 24, 1835, which was the date of his marriage with Julia A. Brown. Miss Brown was born in Meigs County, Ohio, on the 28th of March, 1813, and was the daughter of John V. and Margaret (Lowther) Brown. The young husband had bought a farm in Jackson County, and on this they lived until 1837, when, deciding that they must have " fresh fields and pastures new " in which to labor, they emigrated to the then Far West. The journey was made overland with four horses and several wagons, and the party, which was a merry one, com- prised the father and family of Mr. Dempsey, and Isaac Lott and family. With them they brought live stock of various kinds, and this mode of travel gave them an unobscured view of the country to which they were going to seek their fortunes. Their trip lasted one month and they arrived in Knox County, where Mr. D. and father bought 160 acres of land on section 2, Orange Township, which he worked with his father and subsequently added to. There was a double log cabin on the place, with a sod chimney, and in this humble abode they took quarters and there remained for a few months, after which Mr. Dempsey built another log cabin near by, where he and his wife commenced housekeeping. The market for-the first few years, as well as the de- pot for supplies, was at Peoria, 45 miles distant. To his original property Mr. D. added land adjoining him till at one time he was in possession of over 500 acres. He erected a brick house and a frame barn and continued in his pleasant home up to Ang. 5, 1883, the date of his death.

To himself and wife were born ten children, but five only survive, as follows : Mary, wife of Kenner Brent, who lives in Warren County; Eliza, wife of Charles Parmenter, who lives in Knoxville; Julia, wife of John Wilson, whose home is in Orange Township on the old homestead; Lucinda and Al- bert C. Mrs. Dempsey, with her two youngest

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

J.l. Rner

345

KNOX COUNTY.

children, lives in Knoxville, to which town they re- moved in December, 1883, where her son Albert C. is engaged in merchandising and has the best store in Knoxville. Both herself and deceased husband were consistent and devoted members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church and ranked high in religious work. Mr. Dempsey was a class leader in the Church, and in politics of the Democratic stamp.

acob C. Riner. Prominent among the farmers of influence and progress who have identified themselves as residents of Knox County is the subject of this personal history, and whose home is in Salem Town- ship, on section 10. He owns largely in landed estate, his possessions being about equally divided into two farms, each furnished with convenient frame buildings, and 100 acres of which he rents, retaining the remainder himself.

Mr. Riner was born in Jackson Township, Preble Co., Ohio, Jan. 23, 1830. His father, Peter Riner, was born in Berkeley County, (now) W. Va., in 1801. The grandfather of our subject, Jacob Riner, was a native of Germany and died in Virginia. The father of our subject was reared in the State of Virginia, and, when a young man, went to Ohio, where he was united in marriage with Margaret Kelly, of Butler County, that State. They lived a short time after marriage in Preble County, and he purchased 40 acres of heavily timbered land in Dixon Township. Clearing this property, he lived there seven years, improving it all the time, and eventually sold out at an advanced price, removing to Jackson Township. There he bought 80 acres of timber land, and re- moving there commenced clearing a farm. Buying land adjoining, he continued cultivating and improv- ing it, living upon it until 1856. In that year he came to Illinois and located in Peoria County, buy- ing land two miles north of Elmwood and living there until 1877, the date of his death. His wife had died four years previously, in 1873. They were the parents of 12 children, two of whom died in in- fancy; ten lived to grow to man and womanhood, and eight of them survive at the present writing (1886).

Our subject was the second child in order of birth

of his parents' family, grew to manhood in his native township and was reared on the farm. He made his home with his parents until his marriage, which was celebrated Dec. 31, 1850. Mrs. Riner was previously Elizabeth Paddock, of Union County, Ind., where she was born Oct. 23, 1832. Her father bore the name of Ebenezer Paddock, and was born in Butler County, Ohio, Aug. r, 18or ; and her grand- father, Henry Paddock, was one of the early settlers of her native county and a hero in the War of 1812, under Gen. Harrison. Her mother's maiden name was Lorena Swain, daughter of John Swain, born in Vermont, and she died Dec. 20, 1838, aged 31 years. There were seven brothers and sisters of Mrs. Riner, five of whom are still living.

At the time of his marriage Jacob Riner rented a farm in Jackson Township for one year, subsequently locating on So acres of his own in Dixon Township, where he passed another year. At the end of that time he sold out, buying 160 acres in the same town- ship, which he worked for the same length of time, disposing of it on his removal to Illinois, which was in 1853. They came by railroad to Tiskilwa, then hired conveyance to Knox County. Mr. Riper had the fall previous visited the place and purchased 160 acres of land in Salem Township, on section 10. There was a frame house in process of building and 40 acres of the land were plowed. This constituted the entire improvements upon the place, and the prospect was somewhat discouraging, especially as the household goods shipped by rail failed to come. After an impatient interval of waiting, he started in search of them, and eventually found them in In- diana and returned with them. It had grown too late to put in a crop, but he set immediately about it and seeded 40 acres with corn, renting land on which he raised small grains. While these were maturing he worked on his house, finishing and in- proving it and placing his household effects in it. In 1856 he bought the southwest quarter of section 3, adjoining his first purchase, and in 1857 he re- moved to that place, where he lived until 1867. In that year he went to Yates City, built a residence and lived there until 1883, when. in February of that year, he went back to the place he now lives upon, which he had purchased the January previous. He is the possessor of 400 acres of land and is consid- ered a well-to-do and influential man.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 31

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