Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 38

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 38

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ohn Kriegh, a farmer, residing on section 34, of Knox Township, is the subject of this biographical sketch, the points in whose personal history are herein given. The subject is a native of Maryland, and was born three miles from Clear Spring, in Washington County, Jan. 5, 1822. His father, Philip by name, came of a line of old German ancestors, and claims the same county as his birthplace. The mother, whose name was Mary Kline, also of Washington County, was born in a house that stood on the State line, one-half of it being in each State. Her pa- rentage was also German.

The subject of our sketch had reached the age of two years at the death of his father, who passed from life leaving the mother with a family of nine chil- dren. The widow continued to live on the farm which her father had owned, and, nine years after the death of her husband, remarried. The elder brother took charge of the farm, and John remained with him until he reached manhood. In the fall of 1849 he rented a farm one mile from the old homestead,

bought the stock and commenced his career on his own responsibility. On April 15, 1850, he united in marriage with Margaret Hays, of Franklin County, Pa., who was born Nov. 5, 1824, and is the daughter of Robert and Mary (McCune) Hays, the former a native of Cumberland County, and the latter of Dauphin County, Pa. They were farmers and con- tinued to reside in Franklin County, Pa., until their death. The young couple located on the farin he had rented, where they resided until the spring of 1854, then came to Illinois and settled in Knox County, arriving here May 15th; they made the trip overland in wagons; their company composed 21 persons-four teams and a carriage-neighbors and relatives. The first summer of their stay in this State, Mr. Kriegh rented land, and the same year bought the place which he now owns and occupies. On the farm stood a small frame house and the land was fenced, and these constituted the entire improve- ments. He has since that time planted hedge almost entirely around the whole property ; has subdivided the land with fences and erected a substantial resi- dence and convenient barn and out-buildings. His home, in which he justly takes pride, is a most at- tractive and desirable one.

Mr. and Mrs. Kriegh have had born to them seven children, by name as follows : Mary, William, John, Margaret, Ida, David and Alice. William married Martha Woodmansee, and they have two children, a son and daughter; they live in Orange Township, and are engaged in farming. John mar- ried Eva Allen; they have three sons and one daughter, and reside in Jefferson County, Iowa, where he is also a farmer. Those unmarried reside at home. Margaret, the fourth child in order of birth, entered the world Dec. 23, 1857, and died May 8, 1885, in the prime of her early womanhood, being but 27 years of age. She had been married a little over a year to Henry Hill, of Orange Township. She left one daughter, who died at the age of nine months. Mrs. Kriegh is a member of the Presby- terian Church of Knoxville. The family are highly respected in the section where they live, as they possess qualities calculated to win the respect and esteem of all who know them.

Mr. Kriegh's first presidential vote was cast for Henry Clay, and he joined the Republican party at its organization. Until 1872, he was a stanch Re- publican in principle, but voted for Greeley at that

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time, and has since voiced the sentiments of and voted with the Democratic party.

In his farming operations he is devoted to what may be termed mixed husbandry-raising both stock and grain. He has been reasonably successful, and has always been a good liver. He has raised his family with care and has given his children the benefit of a good education. A view of Mr. Kriegh's residence is shown in this ALBUM.

ruman H. Roe of Indian Point Township, was born in New York, May 19, 1839. He is the son of Silas and Mary (Barber) Roe, both natives of New York State, who emigrat- ed to Illinois early in 1840, and is one of a family of nine brothers and sisters, as follows : Daniel, Mary A., Jerusha, Pluma, Elizabeth, Martin E., Laura and Martha.

Mr. Roe, the subject of this sketch, was married Sept. 22, 1864, while in the full vigor of his early manhood, to Miss Lucinda, daughter of Richard and Nancy (Mount) Stephens. Her father was born in the State of New Jersey, Aug. 4, 1791, and May 5, .1834, married Miss Mount, who was born in the year 1819, and who still survives him. Productive of this last union was the birth of eight children-Samuel, Harrison, Louisa, Mary S., Robert, Lucinda, Martha and Ephraim.

Mr. Roe, soon after the breaking out of the late Civil War, enlisted in the ist Illinois Cavalry, under the command of Capt. J. B. Smith and Col. Mar- shall, June 21, 1861, and was mustered into active service on the 9th day of the ensuing month. The only general engagement in which he took part was at Lexington, Mo. His regiment being in pursuit of Gen. Price, they followed him through Missouri, then from Sedalia, the point reached in that State, to Lexington, Mo., where their capture by Price took place. Not long after this a discharge was granted him, also to the whole regiment, and all returning home remained three months. Following this, he re- turned to the army. During his experience as a sol- dier, he narrowly escaped being wounded a number of times, once having the spur shot from his boot- heel. He served his country faithfully and with pa- triotic zeal, receiving an honorable discharge, July

26, 1862. Owing to the lack of proper wording in the parole granted by Gen. Price, which should have been, "Not to take up arms against the Confederate States until regularly exchanged"was not in the parole proper, consequently, when they returned to re-enter their services, about three months later, this dis- crepancy was discovered, and Gen. Curtis ordered the ist Cavalry back to St. Louis, where it was discharged at the date mentioned.

Mr. Roe is at the present time in possession of 110 acres of finely cultivated land, on which stands an attractive dwelling, which was erected in 1883, at a cost of $2,000. Their family circle contains five chil- dren-Oliver L., born Sept. 24, 1865; Charles W., March 1, 1867; Perry E., Aug. 10, 1869; Eva [., Oct. 11, 1871; and Flora E., June 24, 1884. His finances are in a flourishing and satisfactory state, and he is actively engaged in the raising of cereals, at which branch of his vocation he has been markedly successful. Both himself and wife are earnest and devoted members of the Christian Church, connected 1 with the congregation at St. Augustine, Ill. He has been School Director in his home district for the past 13 years, which he has filled acceptably to the com- munity at large. Politically, he entertains Republi- can views.

illiam A. Smith. As a representative cit- izen of the agricultural class, and a gen- tleman of sterling worth and integrity, we take pleasure in giving the following brief mention of the facts regarding the life of William A. Smith. He is at present residing on his fine farm on section 14, where he is following the vocation of farming.

He came to Knox County with his parents in the spring of 1851, emigrating from Hancock Co., Ind. They made settlement in Salem Township, subse- quently removing to Fulton County, where they re- sided until the death of the father. The mother still survives and lives in Farmington County.

William A. Smith of this sketch was born in Indi- ana County, Pa., Nov. 10, 1839, and had attained the age of 11 years when he accompanied his parents to Salem Township, in the year 1851, as before stated. He received a common-school education, and at the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted in the 103d Ill.

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Vol. Inf., and served his country faithfully and well for three years. He enlisted as a private and was promoted to the position of Sergeant. At the siege of Atlanta he was struck with a piece of shell on the hip, but was only slightly wounded. On receiving his discharge he returned to Fulton County, at which place he remained until the spring of 1872, when he bought 130 acres of land on section 14, Maquon Township, upon which he settled and where he at present resides. Upon his place he has erected a fine set of farm buildings, and is now the owner of an extensive tract of land consisting of 483 acres, the greater portion of which is tillable.

Mr. William A. Smith, the subject of this brief mention, was united in marriage in Fulton County, Ill., Sept. 28, 1866, to Sarah Pinegar, the daughter of Andrew and Matilda (Merchant) Pinegar, natives of Tennessee and Ohio respectively. The father of Mrs. Smith died in Fulton County, where her par- ents had made early settlement. Her mother is still surviving. Mrs. Smith was born in Fulton Co., Ill., Sept. 15, 1848, and by her union with Mr. Smith has become the happy mother of eight children. The record is as follows: Harry A., Charles W., Ora A., Carl, Florence M., Ellen M., Roy W. and Lester W. Florence died when about one and one-half years old.

Mr. Smith, in politics, is a firm adherent of the principles of the Democratic party. His parents were Elijah and Susan M. (Brown) Smith, natives of the States of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

karry H. Schroeder is a merchant, residing within Henderson Township. He is the son of Henry F. and Mary (Stohl) Schrœ- der, who were both natives of Germany. They first came to Knox County from New York State, and for a short period lived in Galesburg before removing to Henderson, where they engaged in the cabinet and undertaking business, which they followed up to 1873, when the father became inter- ested in mercantile pursuits. In this business he con- tinued until April, 1884, when he sold out and retired. Mr. Schræder, Sr., died on the 16th of October, 1885. His wife, the mother of our subject, still sur- vives her husband.

Harry H. was born in Henderson, on the 11th of

September, 1857. He attended the common schools until he was 15 years old, but subsequently, in 1880, became a student at the business college at Daven- port, where he graduated. Then, learning telegraphy, he entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, as operator and agent, for two years. Proceeding to Quincy, Ill., he contin- ued in the service of the same company as Assistant Ticket Agent, for 18 months. He then went to St. Louis, and took a clerkship in a freight office, where he remained until August, 1885, when he returned to Henderson. In September (of the same year) he opened the store of dry goods and groceries, which he now operates, and is doing a very satisfactory bus- iness. He is among the representative and prosperous merchants of his township. In politics he is a Republican, and one in whom that party may place the highest confidence.

The father of our subject was Postmaster of Hen- derson, from 1873 to 1884, the duties of which office he most creditably discharged.

olomon Wood Rogers is an old settler of Knox County, and farmer on section 16, Salem Township. He was born March 5, 1819, in Muskingum County, Ohio. His father, Edward Rogers, was a native of Virginia and an early settler in the county in which our subject was born, locating there about 1811. An un- cle of the mother of our subject, John Robinson, to- gether with his wife, was taken prisoner by the Indians, and by them was taken to Ohio. After a few months' captivity, he made his escape, and, re- turning to Virginia, raised a company, went back to Ohio and secured his wife. The father of our sub- ject, Edward Rogers, was a member of this party, and it was while on this raid that the different mem- bers determined to settle in Ohio.

Edward Rogers secured a tract of timber land in Ohio, upon which he remained until 1821. Dispos- ing of this property, he returned to Harrison County, Va., remaining there until the spring of 1838, the date of his removal with his wife and six children to the Prairie State. They came via the West Fork of the Monongahela River to Pittsburg, on a flatboat built for the occasion. At the latter place they were trans-

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ferred to a steamer, and came via the Ohio, Missis- sippi and Illinois Rivers to Peoria, thence to Canton. At the latter place he rented a tract of land, upon which he remained until 1845. Removing with his family to Knox County, he again rented for a period of six years. His son, the subject of this notice, meanwhile entered a claim on the northwest quarter of section 16, now in Salem Township, and while liv- ing upon the rented property both the father and son were improving the farm on section 16, to which they moved in 1848. The death of Edward Rogers occurred Dec. 22, 1866. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Elizabeth Wood, a native of Virginia. Her death occurred in 1849. The chil- dren born to the senior Mr. Rogers and wife were ten in number, only two of whom are living-S. W., our subject, and a sister, Elizabeth, relict of Robert Dennis, who lives with her son at Maquon.

The subject of this sketch was an infant of two years when his parents removed to Virginia, and was 19 years old when they emigrated to Illinois. He had always remained at home, with the exception of a few months at a time, until the death of his father. After coming to Illinois, he was engaged at various employments, and in 1842-43 was occupied in chop- ping wood and teaming near the Illinois River. He had saved a sufficiency of his earnings to enable him, in 1845, to enter the tract of land which he now owns and occupies. He did not, however, settle upon this until three years later. In the meantime he had erected a log cabin. together with a few other im- provements, and in 1848 installed his parents and one sister in the cabin. Since that time he has made great improvements upon his farm, having erected a substantial set of frame buildings, enclosed his entire acreage and placed the same under a fine state of cultivation. He has earned the reputation of being one of Knox County's most industrious farmers, and this, together with his good judgment, has inade him successful. Mr. Rogers has added from time to time to his acreage, until he is at this writing the possessor of 520 acres of fine land, all of which is lo- cated in Salem Township.

S. W. Rogers formed a matrimonial alliance, April 15, 1850, with Jerusha, daughter of Silas and Eliza- beth (Terry) Hand. She was born in Highland County, Ohio, Sept. 28, 1828. Her parents were ua- tives of New Jersey and Virginia respectively.

Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are the parents of five chil-

dren-Sophia E., William H, Millard F., Solomon W. and Franklin G. Mr. R. was formerly a Whig, but upon the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks and has cast his vote for that party since that time. In matters of religion he is liberal, and believes in doing to others as he would have them do unto him.

illiam G. West. Noteworthy among the practical and progressive farmers of Knox County, as a man of substantial worth and ability, is the subject of this personal history. He is a resident of Salem Township, and his home is situated on section 3. His pleasant residence, which he began to build in 1883, is a commodious frame structure of modern style, and may be considered one of the most attractive in the county. He is an extensive land-owner, possessing 542 acres of land in this county. The family is of English ancestry on both paternal and maternal sides.

Our subject was born in Clinton County, Ohio, Oct. 16, 1833, and his father, John West, was also a native of the same town and county, being born May 3, 1809. His first American ancestor was Owen West, brother to the father of Benjamin West, the celebrated artist. He was born in London, England, in 1729, and came to America in 1761, settling in Georgia. He was extremely opposed to slavery and labored in behalf of the downtrodden and oppressed. He once assisted a slave to escape, and, well know- ing the sentiment prevailing in those days, removed to Virginia for personal safety. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and died in Virginia in 1803. His son Owen, grandfather of our subject, was born four miles from London, in 1756, and was five years of age when he came with his parents to America, where he grew to manhood. He married in Georgia and removed from that State to Virginia, and thence to Ohio, where he was an early settler, locating on the farm which he cultivated and improved until his death.

The father of our subject grew to manhood in his native county, and there married Elizabeth, daughter of William and Tabitha George, who was born June 26, 1811, in Highland County, Ohio. Coming into

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possession of part of the old homestead in Park Township, he accepted it and made it his home until 1845. At that date he concluded to try life in the West, in common with many others believing he could better his condition. Caution being one of his personal attributes, he did not at first dispose of his farm, but rented it, believing it possible he might be glad to return to it. Accompanied by his wife and six children, and supplied with provisions for their journey, he proceeded to the Ohio River and took passage on a steamer, traveling to the State of Illi- nois via the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Copperas Creek Landing. The water was low and the journey almost interminable, four weeks having passed before they arrived at their destination. Their provisions ran low, and they suffered all the inconveniences of a compulsory extension of the time they had allotted for their trip. Hiring a conveyance, they went overland to Knox County. Renting a log cabin at Taylor's Grove, they spent the winter, and in the spring rented a farm on section 4 of Salem Township, staying one year. They next bought 40 acres of land in Elba Township, and removed thither in the spring of 1847. During the winter of 1847-48, his own house constituting the school building, he taught the children of the neighborhood. In the spring he went across the country to Ohio, and, selling his home, returned with the proceeds, all in silver, amounting to $2,500, which he placed in a beegum and brought to his home. His first pur- chase after his arrival was 80 acres of land situated on the same section of which he was partial owner, and, adding to this another piece of property, he found himself the possessor of about 1,000 acres of land. He next erected a brick house and frame barn on his first-purchased land, and continued to improve his property up to the date of his death, which took -place March 31, 1884. His widow still lives on the old homestead.

Mr. West and wife were the parents of a family of Il children, six of whom grew to man and woman's estate : Joel died at the age of 22 from blood-poison- ing, having been bitten by a snake; Isaac N. is de- ceased (see sketch) ; William G., the subject of this notice ; Rhoda, wife of William S. Kleckner, resides in Elba Township; Henry G. lives at Jacksonville, Ill., and Samantha is the wife of Robert Kay, whose home is in Salem Township.

William G. West celebrated his 12th birthday dur-

ing the time included in his trip to Knox County. He attained to years of understanding in Elba Town- ship; was educated in the common schools estab- lished by the pioneers, and remained at home until the date of his marriage. He united in the bonds of wedlock April 5, 1860, with Elizabeth Ouderkirk, of Michigan, who was born April 14, 1837, and is the daughter of Richard and Amanda (Perkins) Ou- derkirk, natives of Oswego County, N. Y. Her par- ents came to Illinois in 1845 and settled in Maquon, where the mother died Jan. 31, 1851, and the father in Ringgold County, Iowa Jan. 15, 1874. Three children were born of the union of William G. West and his wife, to wit: Elmer H., Feb. 11, 1861, the husband of Anna M. Brewster, of Pike County, Ill., is at present engaged in hardware business at Yates City, and is an enterprising business man, with a fair patronage and a wide circle of friends ; Flora M. and Luella I. are the two remaining children.

Our subject at the time of marriage located on sec- tion 34, Elba Township, where he lived until 1865. He next removed to section 33, remaining until 1883, when he came to the place he now calls home. In that year he commenced improvements as previously stated, and has now become the owner of one of the handsomest homes in the county, is a wealthy and influential man and a substantial citizen. He was a member of the Board of Supervisors for eight or nine terms, is Republican in politics and liberal in religious matters. A view of his fine homestead is given in this ALBUM.

enry C. Tucker, one of Knox County's prominent farmers, resides on section 35, Truro Township, and was born in the same township in which he is at present residing, Nov. 9, 1855. His parents were Vachel and Jane Tucker (see sketch). He, like most farm- ers' sons, was reared upon the home farm, and re- ceived his education in the public schools, remaining at home until his marriage with Miss Nettie Earl, which occurred Sept. 25, 1879. Miss Earl was born in Douglas County, Ill., Nov. 29, 1861, and is the daughter of Henry and Lizzie (Bailey) Earl, both natives of Illinois.

The happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Tucker has

RESIDENCE OF T. W. COLLINSON, SEC. 25. WALNUT GROVE TOWNSHIP.

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been productive of four children-Walker, Laura B., Clarence and Otis. At the time of their marriage Mr. Tucker and wife settled upon their pleasant farm, which has been made comfortable by the erection of a desirable house and numerous other improvements. Mr. Tucker is one of the energetic young men of his township, and we bespeak for him a successful future.

ames M. Corey, one of the progressive and practical farmers of Knox County, and a resident on section 3, of Salem Township, is the subject of this historical sketch. He is a man who has a strong interest in matters relative to the public good, has held the office of Township Clerk, and represented the people of his township on the Board of Supervisors.

Mr. C. was born in Jaffrey, Cheshire Co., N. H., Aug. 22, 1828, and his father, David Corey, of Maine, was born Feb. 28, 1790. His father, Stephen Corey, grandfather of our subject, emigrated from that State in 1797, to Cheshire County, N. H, and was one of the early settlers there. The father of our subject united in marriage Dec. 29, 1817, with Betsey Winship, and purchased a farm in Jaffrey soon after, where they resided until 1864, when he came to Knox County and made his home with his son, James M., until his death, which took place in May, 18; 1. His wife, who survived him, died in April, 1876. To them were born six children, three of whom survive, as follows : John C., who lives in Florida; David, of Salem Township, and our subject, the youngest child.

Mr. James Corey spent his younger days in the district schools and worked on the farm, continuing to improve himself as a scholar. He was afterward allowed to attend the Millville Academy about six terms. He made his home with his parents until he reached the age of 22, when he started out to seek his fortune. Proceeding to the State of Delaware, he engaged in teaching for four months at St. George, then associated himself in partnership with his brother David, and the two began business as butch- ers. They thus continued one year, then bought a farm in Kent County, Md., and, taking up agricultural pursuits, followed the same until 1857. Disposing of this property at private sale and their stock at public auction, they removed to Knox County, lo-

cating in Salem Township, where they rented land for three years. They then went to Yates City and opened a grocery store, which was patronized well for about one year. They then bought the only hotel there, in 1859, remaining in it three years, when our subject bought the farm which has since been his home. The brothers dissolved partnership in 1882. The farm of Mr. Corey is well improved, with a good set of neat and convenient buildings, among them a large frame barn. There are also shade and ornamental trees, and the home bears evi- dence of its owner's thrift, prudence and energy. In addition to his farming pursuits he raises the cereals and breeds and sells blooded stock.

Mr. Corey was united in marriage Jan. 20, 1855, with Martha English, of Chester County, Pa., who was born Nov. 11, 1834. Two children are the re- sult of this union-Ximena, wife of Robert J. Mc- Keighan, of Salem Township, and Ella E. Mr. and Mrs. Corey are members in good and regular stand- - ing in the Presbyterian Church, while Mr. C. be- longs to the Yates City Lodge, No. 448, A. F. & A. M In politics he is Republican, supporting strongly the principles of that party. He is a man of solid integrity and sterling worth, and is reckoned one of the best men within the limits of Knox County.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 38

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