Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 33

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 33

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Smith Rhea remained under the parental roof until the household was broken up by the death of his parents, after which time he made his home with an elder brother and sister, working about upon various farms in the county until his marriage, in 1845. The lady of his choice was Miss Amanda J. Shook, daughter of Aaron and Elizabeth (Long) Shook. Our subject, after his marriage, engaged as a tiller of the soil upon rented land, and successfully contin- ved the same for five years, when, in 1849, he came to the Prairie State, locating in Peoria County, at which place he again rented land and pursued farm- ing for two years. We next find him in Marshall County, where he purchased a farm nine miles northwest of Lacon. In 1862 he sold his farm and removed to Yates City, and there embarked in the mercantile business in company with his brother, Elias B., with whom he continued for three years, when he engaged in carpenter work and continued the same until January, 1871. He then clerked in the drug store of Dr. Hensley, with whom he re- mained until the spring of 1885. In September of that year he received his commission as Postmaster.

Mr Rhea had the misfortue to lose his faithful companion in September, 1861. She had become the mother of four children : Robert C. lives in Seward County, Neb., and is engaged in farming ; Margaret A. is the wife of Abram Sherman, of Te- cumseh, Neb. ; Mary E. lives in Peoria ; and Jane Maria is the wife of George A. Starrett, and they re- side at Toulon, Ill.

Mr. Rhea was a second time married, to Mrs. Hannah M. (Plummer) Sweney, the ceremony being celebrated Feb. 16, 1864. She is a native of the Hoosier State, the date of her birth being July 20

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1835. Mrs. Rhea is the daughter of John Wesley and Matilda (Randall) Plummer. She is the relict of Benjamin Sweney, by whom she had one child- a son, B. Franklin, born in Peoria and now living in Humboldt, Neb.

In politics our subject adheres to the doctrines of the Democratic party, with which party he casts his vote whenever opportunity offers. He is a promi- nent member of Yates City Lodge, No. 448, A. F. & A. M. He represented his township in the capacity of Collector for a term of three years, and was Town- ship Clerk and Assessor one term. He has also been a member of the City Council. All these offices Mr. Rhea has filled in a manner reflecting credit upon himself and conferring benefit upon the com- munity at large.

braham M. Warfel. As a representative of the agricultural class in this county, and a CA gentleman who has accumulated what he has of this world's goods by individual effort, and not as the recipient of any legacy, we take pleasure in giving prominence in this notice to the name of Mr. Warfel. This gentleman came to this county in April, 1869, from Hamilton County, Ind., and on arrival here purchased a water mill on what is known as French Creek, in Elba Township. He operated that mill for some six years, when he tore it down and erected a steam mill at Summit, and carried on the milling business at that place for four and one-half years, when, in 1879, his mill was de- stroyed by fire.

After the loss of his property, Mr. Warfel moved to Maquon, and in the winter of 1879-80, erected the mill which he is at present running. It has a capac- ity of 50 barrels per day, and in the prosecution of his business Mr. Warfel is meeting with far more than ordinary success. In 1885, he put in a full roller process in his mill, and is doing a fine and constantly increasing business. In the fall of 1880, Mr. Warfel took in partnership his two sons, Amos and Aaron; the mill property is owned and the business is con- ducted by Warfel & Sons.

Abraham M. Warfel was born in Livingston County, Pa., Aug. 21, 1820. He was reared to manhood on the farm and acquired his education in the common school. He continued to reside in his native county

until he was 45 years of age. Early in life he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a liveli- hood for 30 years or more. In 1865, he returned to Hamilton County, Ind., and was there engaged in ag- ricultural pursuits for about four years and until he moved to this county.

Mr. Warfel was married in Lancaster County, Pa., March 25, 1841, to Miss Fannie Maynard, a native of Pennsylvania,. They have had three children- Ephraim, Lydia and Fannie. Ephraim is engaged in running the Acme Mills, at Galesburg; Lydia became the wife of John Leonard, and lives in Pennsylvania; Fannie married Frederick Leonard, and also resides in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Warfel died in Lancaster County, Pa., Nov. 9, 1848, and our subject was again married in the same county, Nov. 23, 1849, to Mag- delina Overdorf, a native of that State. Of the lat- ter union five children have been born-Amanda, Amos, Adeline, Aaron and Sarah. Amanda died in infancy; Amos married Emma D. Phillips and re- sides in Maquon; Adeline is the wife of Franklin Brocklehurst ; Aaron married Louisa Moorhouse and is residing in Ipava; Sarah lives at home.

Mr. Warfel was elected President of the village in the spring of 1885. While living in Pennsylvania, he was Township Clerk fourteen years, and also As- sessor and School Director. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which denomination Mr. Warfel has belonged for up- ward of 46 years. In politics he is a Republican. His parents were Jacob and Rebecca (Marks) War- fel, natives of Pennsylvania, and both died in Lan- caster County, in that State.

ndrew Bradbury, one of the early pioneers of Knox County, was born in Brown County, Ohio, June 6, 1819, and is the son of Moses and Agnes (Hunt) Bradbury. In 1829, with his parents, he came to Indian Point Township, where they located upon a farm and shared with their pioneer companions the vicissitudes incident to the settlement of a new country. Our subject remained with his parents until he had at- tained the age of 25 years, when he engaged in car- penter work, and also in merchandising at Abingdon. Oct. 17, 1844, Mr. Bradbury took to wife Sarah,

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the accomplished and amiable daughter of Dr. Lemuel and Cynthia Brunson. Miss Brunson was born in Portage County, Ohio, Oct. 12, 1825, and is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. B. in his political views is independent.

Lemuel Bradbury, father of our subject, was in the War of 1812. He entered the service as a drum- mer boy when but a lad, and received several pro- motions until he was made lieutenant. He served through the war, and was honorably discharged. He received a wound in the hip, for which he drew a pension the remainder of his life.

illiam Swigart, banker, resident in Haw Creek Township, came to Knox County in November, 1852, from Marion County, Ohio, residing at Maquon for a short time. In March, 1853, he moved to Haw Creek Township, which place he has since made his home. He was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Aug. 15, 1822, and was an infant of six months when his parents removed to Marion County, Ohio, and at which place he resided until he was 30 years of age. He may truly be considered a self-made man in every sense the word implies.

Mr. Swigart spent his early life until he was 25 years old in making rails and clearing land, after- ward being engaged in the independent calling of farming until his arrival in Knox County. His first purchase consisted of 160 acres, located on section 18, Maquon Township, which he soon afterward dis- posed of at a very great profit, having paid for the land originally $200, and with the improvements thereon was enabled to sell the same for $2,000. Our subject has been engaged in the real estate bus- iness continuously since his arrival here, and is at present the owner of ten farms in Maquon and Haw Creek Townships, aggregating upward of 1,500 acres. In 1878 he erected a fine brick residence upon his place in Haw Creek Township, the location being contiguous to the depot.

William Swigart was first married in Wyandot County, Ohio, Oct. 21, 1847. The name of his wife was Eliza J. McHenry, daughter of John and Har- riet (King) McHenry. Miss McHenry's parents were natives of Ohio, and came to Knox County in

1856, making a settlement in Haw Creek Township, where the father has since resided, the mother's de- mise occurring about 1884.

The issue of the union of Mr. and Mrs. S. has been as follows: John, Jane, Daniel and Alonzo ; the latter was about 18 years of age at the time of his death ; John resides in Haw Creek Township and is the hus- band of Miss Morse ; Jane became the wife of O. D. Cook, and they reside in Haw Creek Township ; Daniel took to wife Jane Stringham, and they make their home in Maquon village. He carries on the lumber business for his father. The wife and mother departed this life Jan. 23, 1861.

Our subject formed a second matrimonial alliance in Haw Creek Township, March, 1862, at which time Susanna Stewart became his wife. They have been blessed by a family of six children, of whom we give the following brief memoranda : Elizabeth, George, Lincoln, Sarah, Mary and Eliza. George and Eliza deceased; Elizabeth became the wife of Charles Hartsook, and they are residents of Scott County, Kan .; Lincoln resides in Kansas; Sarah is the wife of F. C. Bearmore, and they are at present residing at Maquon; Mary resides at home. Their home circle was saddened by the death of the mother, which occurred Feb. 18, 1875.

Mr. Swigart was the third time married in Haw Creek Township, May 17, 1876, to Elizabeth Bull, daughter of Walte: and Elizabeth Bull. In 1854 her parents came to Knox County and made settlement in Haw Creek Township, and resided there until their demise. Our subject has held the office of Super- visor and Justice of the Peace and has been honored with many other offices within the gift of the people.

He is a member in high standing of the Masonic fraternity, having taken the thirty-second degree. He belongs to the Peoria Consistory, S. P. R. S., 32, and is also identified with the I. O. O. F. He is a charter member of his Consistory, A. A. S. Rite.

He is a firm adherent of the principles of the Re- publican party.

The parents of our subject were by name David and Elizabeth (Conrad) Swigart, natives of Lancas- ter County, Pa., and Greenbrier County, Va., respect- ively. The grandparents of our subject, with their family, emigrated to Ohio, where the parents of Mr. Swigart were married and settled in Pickaway County. Subsequently they removed to Marion County, same State. In 1848 they came to De Witt

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County, Ill., where the father engaged in the peace- ful calling of a farmer, though not exclusively, until their demise in that county. They had been blessed with a family of 11 children, bearing the names of Matilda, Sarah, William, John, Jacob, George, Eliza- beth, Mary J., Benjamin, Jemima and Eliza. In the year 1878 our subject formed a partnership with J. B. Boynton, under the style of William Swigart & Co., for the purpose of carrying on the grocery business. Mr. S. is still connected with this firm, and in 1881 engaged in the banking business, and also in the lumber trade. Besides his extensive acreage of farm land, he is also the owner of valuable village property.

Mr. Swigart's portrait will be found among the il- lustrations in this volume.

H. Harrison. Among Knox County citi- zens of noteworthy repute and substantial worth of character stands the subject of this brief personal history, whom we take pleas- ure in citing as an example of worthy industry and honest labor. His home is situated on - section 24, of Copley Township. He has an exten- sive interest in landed estates and is engaged in rais- ing and breeding fine stock, at which he is unusually successful. His barns, out-buildings and other late improvements are as convenient and well-finished as any in the county. His residence is neat and hand- some, and his homestead includes 378 acres of land.

Mr. Harrison is the son of Alfred and Margaret (Cherington) Harrison, natives of Virginia and Ohio. Their family included seven children, as follows : Betsey, William, Wesley, Mary A., Jacob H., Delilah and Margaret. Mrs. Harrison died in Ohio, in Octo- ber, 1846, and the father came to Illinois in 1855, with his family, and settled in Copley Township Dec. 24 of that year, and there he remained until removed by death, Jan. 11, 1865.

Our subject remained at home while a young man and attained the age of 22 years before leaving the parental roof. He was of much help and comfort to his father, who missed sorely his strength and counsel when he was gone. In the interval between youth and early manhood, he had attended the district school, and with a heritage of intelligence and perse-

verance made the best possible use of his time until he became a well-informed young man.

In 1864, Mr. Harrison, feeling himself called upon to defend his country's honor with his strong right arm, and feeling that indeed "humanity with all its fears, with all the hopes of future years, was hanging breathless on her fate," enlisted in Co. A, 36th Ill. Vol. Inf., and went forth to fight for the flag. He figured actively in the battles at Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville,and was honorably discharged at the close of the service. When he came back to Illinois, he settled on the farm which he has since conducted to its improvement and the satisfaction of every one concerned. At the present time his affairs are in a flourishing condition, and he values the land at $45 per acre.

Mr. Harrison joined the army of benedicts the 18th of December, 1884, being admitted to their ranks by the fair hand of Wilmetta Levalley, the daughter of George C. and Eliza (Miles) Levalley, natives of New York and Indiana. They came to Illinois in 1852, settling in Henderson Township. There they re- mained for a short time and then came to Copley Township, where the father still lives on section 24. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have one child, a son, by name Paul J.

Mr. Harrison is a Republican in politics, and has held many of the local offices of his section; he has been Road Commissioner, and may be counted as one of the most reliable men of the entire section. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, which be- lief he supports financially and by profession.

eter Lacy. The subject of this biographical notice is a general farmer and stock-raiser, OYOY and an extensive land-owner. He ranks high among the influential men and substan- tial citizens of Knox County, no less for his financial ability and industry than for native worth and goodness. His home is located on sec- tion 6, of Haw Creek Township, and includes a neat frame dwelling-house two stories high, which was erected at a cost of $2,500. He has also two barns, double corncribs, and all needed out-buildings, com- modious and convenient. He may justly feel an

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honest pride in his homestead, which compares favor- ably with any in this section of the country.

Mr. Lacy was born in Clinton County, Ohio, Nov. 27, 1830, and has passed the first milestone half- way on a century's journey, but is yet hale and hearty, as the result of well-spent years of temper- ance and prudence. He is the son of Enos L. and Sarah (Wright) Lacy. Enos Lacy was a native of West Virginia, and a farmer. In company with his parents he removed from Virginia to Ohio, in 1810, when only four years of age, where he lived out the remainder of his days, dying in Clinton County, Ohio, in rSSI, at the advanced age of 74 years. His wife, the mother of our subject, was a native of Ohio, and died on the homestead, in that State, about the year 1865. The father, Peter Lacy, was a prominent man in his county, and had been honored with all the posi- tions of trust in his home section.

The subject of this notice emigrated to Knox County in the fall of 1855, with his wife and her par- ents. They came overland with teams, bringing provisions. Immediately before coming he united his fortunes with those of Lucinda Woodmansee, Sept. 24, 1855. She is the daughter of George and Eliza (Holcraft) Woodmansee. (See sketch of her father.)

The father of Mrs. Lacy was by birth a Pennsyl- vanian, and her mother was a native of Ohio, in which State Lucinda was born Dec. 27, 1835. The fruit of her union with Mr. Lacy has been six children, named as follows : Sarah L., born Aug. 4, 1856, is the wife of A. T. Steele, and lives in Persi- fer Township; George L., born Feb. 21, 1858, is married to Olive L. Russell, and they are living in Haw Creek Township; Laura B., born Dec. 21, 1861, is the wife of Edward H. McElwin, and resides in Orange Township; Jaretta J., born Oct. 9, 1862, is the wife of A. W. Young, and resides in Haw Creek Township; Charles A. was born June 22, 1866; Enos R., July 24, 1873 ; these reside at home.

The gentleman of whom we write was one of a family of three children, all boys; his brothers are Joshua and Elijah, who still survive. The three have 14 children, all living but one. They have 14 grandchildren, who are all living. Mr. Lacy has held the following offices in the county, and has been Justice of the Peace for four years; Township Su- pervisor twice, Township Clerk two terms and Road Commissioner one term. He owns 340 acres of

land, 120 of it located on section 6, and 160 on sec- tion 21. These first two tracts are in Haw Creek Township, and 40 acres lie in Persifer Township, while 21 are in Orange, all being in Knox County. His farm and its buildings have been improved and modernized in every way, and during his declining years he will have no need to look forward with anx- ious forebodings for the future.

It would be a good thing if every American youth, looking at this industrious and worthy life, could as- sure himself that youth is the seedtime and that " men are only boys grown tall;" and that, if they would rest from their labors after the heat and burden of the day, they must improve the shining hours of the present, knowing that "the night cometh when no man can labor." Both Mr. Lacy and wife are enrolled members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and embrace the doctrines of the Christian faith, laying them up in their hearts and reducing them to practice in their lives. Mr. L. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Pacific Lodge, No. 400, Knox- ville. In politics he is a Democrat in sentiment and vote.

R obert Kay is among the well-to-do and pop- ular agriculturists, who early in life en- gaged energetically in the labor incident to the cultivation of the farm, and whose efforts have been crowned with success, thus ena- bling him to pass the sunset of life in peace and quiet on his fine farm on section 8, Salem Township.

Mr. Kay was born in Lancashire, England, Sept. 5, 1847, and is the son of Richard and Ann (Tutlow) Kay, both natives of Lancashire. His father was a farmer and followed that vocation in his native land until 1849, at which time he came to America in search of a location for a home. He came imme- diately to Illinois, and located at Peoria, where he succeeded in finding employment. At that place he remained for a short time and then came to Knox County to purchase a home. He settled in Maquon Township, and sent for his family, whom he had left in England. He remained a resident of Knox County until his death, which occurred at Yates City in 1865. His widow resides with her daughter, Mrs. J. W. Wood, a resident of that place. The union of

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the senior Mr. Kay and wife was blessed by the birth of 11 children, of whom our subject was the ninth in order of birth.

The gentleman whose name we place at the head of this sketch was but nine years of age when he came with his parents to Knox County. He spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm, assisting in the duties thereon and attending the district schools. He remained with his parents until the fall of 1864, when he enlisted in the 77th Ill. Vol. Inf., and went South to New Orleans, where he served his country faithfully and well until the close of the war. Early in the year 1865, he was transferred to the 1.30th Regiment, and was with it until he received an hon- orable discharge in the fall of that year, when he returned home. After the close of the war he engaged in farming upon rented land on his own account, but in 1877 he purchased his present fine farm, consisting of 200 acres.

December 25, 1867, Mr. Kay was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Samantha West, daughter of John K. and Elizabeth (George) West. Mr. and Mrs. West were pioneers of Knox County, where their daughter, Mrs. Kay, was born Sept. 14, 1852. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Kay, seven children were born and named as follows : Savilla B., Elizabeth W., Luana A., Flora M., Lewis W., Emma Ruth and Nellie M. Savilla B. is the wife of William Thurman, and they are residents of Elba Township.

Mr. K. is a firm adherent of the principles advocat- ed by the Republican party, for which he casts his vote whenever opportunity offers.

zra W. Tucker, one of Knox County's most prominent and respected farmers, and a resident on section 26, Truro Town- ship, was born in Peoria County, Ill., Jan. 4, 1839. He is the son of John and Eleanor (Metcalf) Tucker, pioneers of Peoria. Our sub- ject was reared on a farm and educated in the pioneer school, receiving his first instruction in a log school- house furnished with slab benches. He remained at home with his parents until the date of his mar- riage with Miss Kate Mundy, Oct. 22, 1860. She was born in Elba Township.

After his marriage Mr. Tucker removed to Truro

Township, and purchased the place where he now lives. He is the owner of 110 acres of excellent and improved land, upon which he is engaged in the breeding of stock and raising of cereals. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker became the parents of six children- Nellie, Samuel B., Mamie, Lettie, Barbara and Thomas. Mrs. T. died in 1875.

The second marriage of our subject occurred Feb. 28, 1877, when he was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony with Elizabeth Dugan. She was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and is the daughter of James and Elizabeth (McMurry) Dugan Her father died in Scotland, and she came with her mother to the United States in 1855. The first marriage of MIrs. Tucker was with Uriah Underwood, a stanch Re- publican, who died in the service of the United States in 1865. By this union two children were born to them-William H. and Mary E. Mrs. T. is a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church.

eon A. Townsend, Supervisor of Chestnut Township, a prominent, successful mer- chant and worthy citizen, is the subject of · this brief biographical sketch. He was born in Fulton County, Oct. 13, 1854, and is the son of Robert and Rachel (Terry) Townsend, the former born in 1820. in the State of New York, and the latter in Chestnut Township. Knox County, Ill., Nov. 29, 1837. They united hand and heart for the work of life, May 4, 1853, and about their humble hearthstone, as time progressed, came seven childish faces with names as follows: Leon A., born Oct. 14, 1854; Hettie, Sept. 2, 1857; Harry F., March 8, 1859; Fanny, Jan. 30, 1861; Grace, Dec. 26, 1863 ; Grant, May 16, 1867 ; and Lillie, Feb. 19, 1870.

Mr. Leon Townsend was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Tina Woods, May 15, 1877. She is the daughter of D. C. Woods, a native of New York State, and Christina (McGowan) Woods, of Scotland, whom he married May 5, 1853. Soon after this event they took up their residence in Avon, Ful- ton Co., Ill., and as time progressed, the home circle was enlarged by the advent of three children-Tina, Lou and Ernest. Later, Tina became the wife of Mr. Leon Townsend, and Lou consented to grace the

RESIDENCE OF DAVID WOOLSEY . SEC.13, HAW CREEK TOWNSHIP

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RESIDENCE OF ROBT. THOMPSON, Nº 365 FREMONT ST. GALESBURG.

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RESIDENCE OF MRS. L.B. BROWN , SEC. 13, WALNUT GROVE TOWNSHIP.

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home of Mr. William Bliss, of Swan Creek, Warren Co., Ill.

In the Townsend home two olive branches grace the parent tree, by name Lora, born April 11, 1878; and Nellie, Nov. 21, 1881. Mr. Townsend, of this notice, was elected to his present office as Supervisor of Chestnut Township, on the Republican ticket, in 1881, by a large majority. He has discharged the duties incident to this office in a manner reflecting credit to himself and with profit to his electors. His last election occurred in April, 1886, About his place of business center many of the interests of the town in which he lives, and associated with him in the mercantile business is his father, R. W. Townsend, in Avon, Fulton County. Their stock of merchan- dise includes dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hats, caps, hardware, queensware and ready-made clothing, and their stock is estimated at about $6,000. In connection with this they carry on an additional branch of industry, buying and pressing hay for ship- ping purposes, and yearly turning it into the Eastern market, averaging 250 tons.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 33

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