Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 37

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 37

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time, and here he is living at the present writing. His farm consists of 320 acres, all of which, with the exception of 20 acres, is under an advanced state of cultivation.

Mr. Nicholson was first married in Allegany County, Nov. 24, 1834, to Sophia Franklin, born in Allegany County, N. Y., March 10, 1808. She bore our subject one child, which died the same day that its mother passed to the land of the hereafter, Nov. 12, 1835. The second marriage of our subject took place March 24, 1850, in Elba Township, and the lady was Miss Catherine King, born in Richland County, Ohio, Sept. 1, 1826. She was the daughter of John and Mary (Tucker) King; they were natives of Ireland. She has borne our subject one child- Mary S., who became the wife of Charles D. North, and to them were born five children-Adah C., Ralph N., Earl J., Carl C. and Harold E .; the latter is a farmer on section 25.

Mr. Nicholson is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, and holds membership with Yates City Lodge, No. 448, A F. & A. M. In the summer of 1883 he formed a partnership with W. P. Parker and L. F. Waterman, for the purpose of conducting a banking business at Yates City. He is also one of the stock- holders in the co-operative store at that place, and is connected with the Eureka Insurance Company, of Elba Township. In politics he votes with the Dem- ocratic party, and cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, in 1828. He has held the office of Super- visor for a number of years, was Treasurer 15 years, Justice of the Peace 5 years, Assessor 1 year, and held all four of those offices at the same time. He and his wife are members of the Universalist Church.

saac Morgan. Standing on section 8, of Chestnut Township, is the residence of an old veteran of the late war, the subject of this historical narrative, who enlisted with the 30th Reg. Ill. Vol. Inf., the date of his enlist- ment being 1863, and the commander Col. Rhodes, of Macoupin County, Ill. He belonged to the 2d Brigade, 2d Division of the 17th Corps of the Army of the Tennessee, and fought in the second battle of Nashville, Tenn., at Wyse's Fork, near Kingston, N. C., and also took part in several minor engagements. He was finally detailed to do guard

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duty, having received no serious wounds, but the hardships through which he passed, the long marches, hunger and exposure to inclement weather combined, made deep inroads upon his physical constitution, and to-day he suffers their effects.

Mr. Morgan was born in Franklin County, Ind., Nov. 6, 1826, and in 1853 came to the State of Illi- nois. He was united in wedlock in 1853, with Miss Ann Eliza Barber, also a native of Indiana, born April 29, 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan are the parents of eight children, as follows : Margaret J., Augustus, Weaver, Martha A., John W., Octava, Mehitabel, Eli F., Robert M .; two died in infancy.

Mr. Morgan is the possessor of 150 acres of excel- lent land, upon which is situated his comfortable residence. He is in delicate health, but draws a pension of $16 per month from the Government. He received an honorable discharge from the army June 18, 1865, and was mustered out of service at Camp Butler, Ill. He is a member of the G. A. R., Post No. 58, at Abingdon, and is a close adherent to the principles supported by the Republican party, always voting the straight ticket of that body.

ahlon McGirr. Everywhere throughout the boundaries of Knox County, look which way you will from the center, one can behold some of the finest farms to be found in any township in this State. But a few years ag, where now we see these beauti- ful farms and splendid improvements, there was but one broad, uncultivated tract of prairie land. The wonderful advancement which the county has made during the last 50 years is, therefore, mainly due to the agricultural class. As a representative of this class, and a large land-owner as well as respected and honored citizen and energetic follower of his chosen vocation, we take pleasure in mentioning the name of Mr. McGirr, who resides on section 12, Maquon Township.

Our subject came to Knox County in the spring of 1851, from Washington County, Ohio, making set- tlement in the village of Maquon, where he resided until the spring of 1858, when he located on his present fine farm, where he has since resided. He first purchased So acres of land, on which he made

his home, and he is now the proprietor of 427 acres of land, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation.

Mr. McGirr was born in Stark County, Ohio, the date thereof being June 20, 1828. He was about 13 years of age when his parents emigrated to Wash- ington County. He had learned the trade of a blacksmith in his earlier years, which occupation he followed during his residence in Ohio, but on his arrival in Illinois he took up the trade of a carpenter until his settlement on his present fine farm.

On May 12, 1853, at Maquon, Mr. McGirr was married to Sarah L. Barbero. She was born in the town of Allen, York State, April 30, 1835, and was nearly five years of age when she came with her par- ents to Knox County.

To Mr. and Mrs. McGirr have been born six chil- dren, as follows: Thomas L., Rosa L., Nathan Henry, William L., Freddie B. and Mary L. Freddie died when ten years of age; Thomas L. is a lawyer, residing in Maquon; Rosa became the wife of 1 Charles Nesbet, and they are at present residing at Chase County, Kan .; Nathan H. is a blacksmith and resident of Maquon (see sketch); William L. and Mary L. still reside upon the old home farm.

Mr. M. has held many of the minor offices of his township, and in politics he is a Republican. His parents were Thomas and Ann (Wildman) McGirr, natives of Maryland and Virginia respectively. They passed the greater portion of their married life in Ohio, where the father still survives, the mother dying in 1872. The parents of Mrs. M., Nathan and Calista (Loomis) Barbero, were natives of York State, and came to Knox County about the year 1841. Mr. Barbero died at Maquon on the ist day of January, 1885 ; his wife, still surviving him, resides at that place.

ilbert S. Snow. Foremost in the ranks of influential citizens and prominent farmers may be found Gilbert S. Snow, whose name stands at the head of this personal sketch, and the main points of whose career are herein recorded. He is an agreeable neighbor with much heart, and a kindly disposed man, while his skill at his profession, his go-ahead disposi-

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tion and energetic industry, have made him what he is to-day financially.

Mr. Snow came to this county in the spring of 1857, from Williams County, Ohio, and in the follow- ing autumn went to Neosho Valley, Kan., where he resided almost two years. He returned to Knox County in June, 1859, which he has since made his home. He settled in Rio Township, and in the spring of 1864 bought 40 acres, lying in section 18, upon which he erected the buildings that now con- stitute his home property. He is at present the owner of 130 acres, nearly all tillable land.

Mr. Snow was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., Ang. 10, 1833. His school privileges were limited, and he often felt the stress of untoward circum- stances. When he was almost two years old his par- ents removed to Crawford County, Pa., where Mr. Snow spent about 10 years of his life and then went to Williams County, Ohio. In this place he lived till he came to Knox County, which was in 1857. His parents were Sylvester and Polly (Reed) Snow, and natives of New York. On the paternal side Mr. Snow is of French and English origin, and on the maternal of German-English. He is the ninth in order of birth of a family of 10 children; eight boys and two girls, all of whom reached the age of man and womanhood.

Mr. Snow married in the city of Knoxville, Aug. 30, 1862, Martha M. Sperry, daughter of Moses and Sally (Chaffee) Sperry, natives of New York. Mrs. Snow was the sixth child in order of birth and the only daughter. She was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, Aug. 29, 1846.

The fruit of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Snow has been the birth of four children-Celia L., Sylvester C., William D. and Edna I. Sylvester died when only one and one-half years old, at just the sweet and winning stage of babyhood, when the childish hands have taken firm hold of the heart-strings of the family. He was deeply mourned by parents, broth- ers and sisters. All the children are at home under the parental roof, the family being among the most happy and united.

Mr. Snow is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is Secretary of Horeb Chapter, No. 4, now serv- ing his tenth term. He is also Worshipful Master of Rio Lodge, No. 685, A. F. & A. M. He takes an interest in educational matters, and is one of the best men the county possesses in that direction. He

has been School Director and Trustee, and also labors in many public ways. He has held the office of Com- missioner of Highways, and in politics is independ- ent. In religious belief both himself and wife are believers of the Universalist faith.

lmer H. West, attorney at law, at Yates City, was born in Elba Township, Knox County, Feb. 11, 1861. He is the eldest son of William G. and Elizabeth (Ouderkirk) West (see sketch) His early education was acquired in the district schools, which he com- menced to attend when he was ten years of age. In 1878 he entered the Yates City school, which he at- tended for eight months. Then, in the autumn of 1879, he entered Monmouth College, where he con- tinued for 12 months. Feb. 11, 1881, our subject entered Lombard University, at Galesburg, gradu- ating from that institution with the degree of A. B. in the class of 1882, and receiving the Master's de- gree in 1885. Subsequently he read law in the of- fice of Mckenzie & Calkins, at Galesburg, until fall, and in November of the same year entered the Law Department of Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, Mich. Jan. 29, 1883, he was admitted to the Bar in the Michigan Courts. Mr. West was examined and admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of that State Feb. 24, 1883.

In March, 1883, Mr. West was obliged to return home on account of illness, and, in June of the same year, was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Illinois. In January, 1884, he opened an office at Yates City, where he has successfully fol- lowed his profession since that time. In the spring of 1885 he engaged in the sale of agricultural imple- ments, and in September, of the same year, opened a hardware store, where he is doing a thriving business.

The gentleman whose name embellishes this brief personal sketch was married to Miss Anna M. Brew- ster. This event took place Feb. 24, 1885. Miss Brewster was born in Pike County, Ill., Oct. 24, 1863. She is the daughter of Charles T. and Mel- vina Brewster, the former of whom is a native of the Empire State, the latter of Indiana. They were early settlers in Pike County, Illinois.

Our subject is a prominent member of Yates City

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Gilbert- Swart

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Lodge, No. 448, A. F. & A. M., and also Yates City Lodge, No. 370, I. O. O. F., and of Knox Encamp- ment No. 163, I. O. O. F., of Elmwood.

Elmer H. West is one of Knox County's most promising young lawyers, and we have no hesitaney in bespeaking for him a future of unparalleled success and happiness.

ilbert Swart is a farmer of undisputed success and prosperity, resident on section TI, Knox Township, and is one of the county's most able men and representative citizens. He was born in Virginia, in Fred- erick County, on the 15th of September, 1812. His father, also named Gilbert Swart, was a native of that State, being born in Loudon County, on the farm afterward owned and occupied by President Monroe. He was a farmer by occupation, but for some years was the proprietor of a hotel in connec- tion with the farm.

In 1829 he removed to Ohio and settled in Mus- kingum County, where he died in March, 1830 His wife had died in 1818, and our subject was but six years of age at her death. He made his home with his father and brother-in-law in Virginia until 1829. After his father's death he started out to see the world and gain a livelihood by the sweat of his brow, and soon afterward found employment in Mus- kingum County, where he worked for a farmer at $7 per month. He was thrifty and prudent, and by economy accumulated sufficient funds to purchase So acres of land in Morgan County, Ohio. This, however, he sold in 1834; thinking to better himself, and went to La Grange County. Ind., where he en- tered land amounting to 80 acres. He then en- gaged as a farm hand for one year, after which he returned to Ohio and worked until 1836.

From there he went to Wayne County, Ind., where he was engaged in farming, remaining there for six years and giving the very best of satisfaction. He next went to Madison County, where he had pre- viously bought timber land, and cleared the farm, improving it until, in 1864, he sold it and removed to Knox County, buying 160 acres there. This was situated on sections rr, 13 and 14. He has since

bought other land, so that he now owns 240 acres, each of his farms being on section 11.

He was united in marriage Feb. 8, 1838, to Al- einda MeConaha. Nineteen months after their happy marriage the wife passed away from earth, having enjoyed so short a period of matrimonial felicity, and leaving a bereaved husband with an only son, Notley, who died also, his demise taking place May 1, 1880. His second marriage occurred Nov. 14, 1841, with Lydia A. Dunn. She was born in Wayne County, Ind., June 23, 1820. Nine chil- dren were the result of the latter union, five of whom are living. His second wife died Dec. 9, 1883. Mr. Swart is a member of the Christian Church, is an active religious worker, and in polities has been an old-line Whig and is now a live Democrat.

It is a satisfaction to the publishers to be able to present the portrait of this worthy citizen in connec- tion with this sketch.

eorge W. Kennedy, Of those who have resided in this county for more than 35 years and who have, during the time they have resided here, been closely identified with its agricultural development, is the subject of this brief notice. Mr. Kennedy came to this county with his parents, in June, 1848, and located with them in Salem Township, where the father died Feb. 3, 1884. His mother died while he was yet young. They were natives of Tennessee and came to Indiana soon after they were married, and there the family remained until they came to this county.

The subject of this notice was born in Rush County, Ind., Jan. 29, 1833, and was there a resi- dent until he was 14 years of age, at which time he came to this State with his father, and his par- ents stopped in Peoria County for one year. His early education was received in the common schools, and he lived with his parents in Salem Township, this county, until 1858. In September of the latter year our subject moved to Elba Township, where he rented land for several years, and has since that time been a resident of the same and actively en- gaged in agricultural pursuits. He is now the owner of 480 acres of good farm land, the major portion of it being under an advanced state of cultivation. He

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has erected on his place a good residence and sub- stantial outbuildings, and his farm presents an appearance characteristic of the energy and perse- verance of its proprietor.

Mr. Kennedy was married in Salem Township, Nov. 1, 1857, to Miss Eliza Darnell, a native of this county. Their union has been blest by the birth of eight children-Dorothy C., Daniel W., William A. S., Mary E., Rosa M., Charles, Clara R. and Martha E. Of the children named, Daniel W., William A. and Mary E. are deceased ; Dorothy is the wife of Andrew Reddin, a farmer, of Elba Township, and they have one child-Bessie M.

Mr. Kennedy has held the offices of School Di- rector and Overseer of Highways. In politics he is a supporter of and a believer in the principles ad- vocated by the Democratic party, and seldom fails to cast his vote for the same when opportunity affords.

We take pleasure in presenting on another page a view of the comfortable homestead of Mr. Kennedy and his family.

ouis F. Fredricks is a farmer on section 34 of Henderson Township. He came from Sweden with his parents, Charles J. and Lottie Fredricks, in July of the year 1857, and settled in Knox County, Galesburg being his chosen home for the time. For about three years he resided here, and then came to settle in Henderson Township, where he has lived up to the present date, with the exception of a four years' stay in Sparta. He has always been engaged in farming and stock-raising, and shows a practical judgment in his occupation not often equaled. His farm consists of 249 well-improved acres.

He was born in his native Sweden on July 10, 1843, and resided there until he was 14 years old before emigrating to America. His marriage in Al- tona with Mary Nelson was celebrated on April 17, 1871. She was the daughter of Samuel and Mar- garet Nelson, and was a native of Sweden, born on Nov. 20, 1838. By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fredricks there are two children-Minnie E. and Emma J., who have been the delight and chief in- terest of their parents' lives. Mr. F. has held the

offices of School Director and District Overseer of Highways, places of trust in which he has shown care and ability. This gentleman and his wife are very prominent members of the Swedish Lutheran Church.

As a Republican in politics he takes a very earnest interest in all measures affecting the good of his party. When Mr. Fredricks began life he had but little of this world's goods, but by industry and economy he has acquired a competency. A view of his pleasant home is given in connection with this sketch.

achel L. Tucker is one of Knox County's progressive and practical farmers, resident on section 35, Truro Township, and one of the oldest settlers in this section of country. His success in his chosen line of industry, no less than his personal attributes, have won him a high place in the opinions of friends and neighbors.

Mr. Tucker was born in Richland County, Ohio, Aug. 17, 1824. His father, John Tucker, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1799. His grand- father, also John Tucker by name, was born in Scot- land, and came to America when a young man. He first located in Virginia, and removing from there settled in Pennsylvania, from which State he removed to Ohio, spending the last years of his life in Rich- land County, that State.

The father of our subject was but 18 years of age when his parents moved to Ohio, in 1817, and be- came pioneers. He was there united in marriage with Eleanor Metcalf, a native of Richland County and a daughter of Vachel and Lucinda (Green) Metcalf. Mr. Tucker's father had given him 80 acres of land in Richland County, and he located there at the time of his marriage, remaining until 1834, when, accompanied by his wife and six chil- dren, he started for the then "Far West." The journey was made across the country with five horses and three wagons, Illinois being the point of destina- tion. Adopting the mode of other emigrants, they cooked and camped by the way, and arrived in Pe- oria County Oct. 12 of that year. Mr. Tucker bought a claim in township 10, east 3 north, and with his family moved into a small log structure which stood on the claim. That tract of land is now in-

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cluded in Brimfield Township, Peoria County, and with all the energy and hope which almost univers- ally inspired the early settlers in their struggles and privations, Mr. Tucker began the improvement and cultivation of his land. When the Government had decided that it was ready to dispose of it, he entered his land at the Quincy land sale, and upon it soon erected a neat and handsome brick residence. There are also other convenient buildings, including a frame barn, with all the surrounding comforts that taste suggests and an ingenious hand supplies in the founding of that noblest of all human possessions-a home. John Tucker was removed to a better land in the prime and vigor of life, in June, 1850, being but 5 1 years of age. His wife survived him 20 years, dying in 1870.

Our subject is the third child in order of birth of his parents' children, and was ten years of age when he came to Peoria County with them, and there grew to manhood, reared on the farm. He lived un- der the parental roof until the time of his marriage, which event was celebrated May 3, 1849, with Miss Jane Tucker, also a native of Richland County, Ohio, born Sept. 10, 1830. She was not only a kind and agreeable companion, but a brave and true-hearted woman., who cheered and strengthened her husband in the undertaking of any difficult enterprise. About two months after their bridal he located on the place he now owns, and although it was wild prairie land without improvements, the pair were in no way dis- mayed. Their united energy and purpose gave them courage to attempt, the will to execute, and the hap- piness succeeding. Mr. Tucker is now one of the most prosperous men in the county. His land is fruitful, well-cultivated and carefully improved. A set of convenient frame buildings tends to make it one of the neatest and most attractive homesteads in this vicinity. He has planted fruit and shade trees, and has added to his landed possessions until he has 440 acres devoted to agriculture, and 120 acres of timber.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Tucker has been brightened by the birth of seven children-John A., Sydney E., Martha E., Henry C., Dora B., Etta M. and Burt A. John A. married Lilly Love, and they have three children-Seth Clay, Leto J., Myrtle Al- bertie; Sydney E. married Columbus Black ; Henry C. married Nettie Earl, they have four children- Allen W., Laura Belle, Clarence, William Otis ;

Martha E., wife of Den Eagan, lives in Elba Town- ship; Dora married William Stewart, and lives in Ne- braska, and Ella, wife of Fred C. Cole, resides in Kansas. The sons are all residents of Truro Town- ship.

In politics Mr. Tucker is a strong Republican, and his first vote was cast for Henry Clay for President.

bner Vickery. In this biographical sketch are cited the details of the personal history of Abner Vickery, a retired contractor and builder, of Abingdon, and a worthy man of un- tarnished reputation. He is contemplated by his neighbors as a skillful workman in his par- ticular line of labor. He was born in Fountain County, Ind., Oct. 12, 1827, and is the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (McClure) Vickery. The father was born in New York State, and the mother in Ohio. His mother died when Abner was but five years of age, and his father died in 1842. His marriage took place Feb. 13, 185 1, and his nuptials were celebrated in the State of Indiana. Miss Nancy E., daughter of William Epperson, became his wife at that time and place, and together the young folks set forth unitedły to fight the battle of life. Mrs. Vickery was born in Fountain County, Ind., Feb. 19, 1833, and has added to the home circle eight children, three of whom survive, the others died in infancy. The names of the former are as follows : Della, widow of George Heaton, who was killed in Texas in 1878. She lives with her father, and has one child, Fay Heaton. Luella and Adah. On the Ist day of March, 1884, Mrs. Vickery passed from this life to the great hereafter, leaving her husband and three surviving children to mourn her loss.

He was left an orphan at an early age, and had to make his way alone and unaided. He had worked and learned to handle tools with his father, who was a carpenter by trade, and after the latter's death he continued to work at the carpentering business, and followed it up until the last few years. His education was limited to a few months in the winter at the pio- neer school.

In the spring of 1852 the subject of this notice moved from Indiana to the State of Illinois ; located in Chestnut Township, where he bought land and - Y

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raised three crops, after which time he removed to Abingdon, where he engaged at his trade, that of a carpenter, which he learned in Indiana. At this he worked continuously for .35 years, and is known by all to be a first-class workman. He is a man quite popular in his neighborhood ; has been Alder- man five times, and has held the office of Mayor three terms. He takes an interest in educational matters, working for the good of the community, and is at the present time School Treasurer of Indian Point Township. His attention to religious matters is marked. He is a member of the Christian Church and lives a conscientious and consistent life. Politically he is a Democrat, and had something of a reputation as a veteran in the Mexican War. He was in the 5th Ind. regiment, Co. C, under Capt. Robert Evans, Col. James Lane, enlisting in the fall of 1847, where he served until August, 1848, showing a noble and patriotic heroism, and a courageous deter- mination to battle for " the land of the free and the home of the brave." The command was under Gen. Scott, and they marched through to the capital, where they remained for five months.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 37

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