Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 45

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 45

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Mr. Chandler, of this sketch, continued to follow the occupation of a farmer in MeDonough County, until 1846, when he removed to LaHarpe Township, Hancock County, and was there engaged in stock- raising, feeding and farming, and also largely inter- ested in stock shipping and dealing. Since living in the State he has bought, improved and sold several farms, and at one time was the proprietor of Soo acres of land.

In 1852, Mr. Chandler removed to Henderson County, this State, where he continued in the same vocation which he had followed all his life, until 1869. During this year he came to Abingdon, hav- ing sold his farm, and for seven years retired from the active labors of life. During the years of retire- ment he traveled in California, Washington Territory, New Mexico and Colorado, in fact all over the West. In 1876 he engaged in mercantile business at Abing- don with his son, which he prosecuted with signal success until 1881.

Mr. Chandler lost his first wife Nov. 22, 1860, in Henderson County, Ill., and in 1873, at Abingdon, he chose for his second companion in life Mrs. Lucinda Evans. They lived together as man and wife until April 20, 1885, the date of her demise. Mr. Chand- ler is a member of the Protestant Methodist Church, to which denomination his two companions in life

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belonged. Politically he wasa Democrat until 1848, when he gave up politics for eight years, but on the birth of the Republican party, in 1856, he joined its ranks, voted for Fremont, and has since continued to vote and work for the success of that party.

acob Booth. The social status of any sec- tion of the country depends largely upon those men resident within it. Knox County has grown not only populous and pleasant to view, but she contains rare intellectual and educational advantages, and reflects credit upon those who have figured in her history. One of the representative citizens and wealthy and success- ful farmers of Maquon Township is found living on section 15, in the person of Jacob Booth, as one of her best and most important factors.

Mr. Booth came to Knox County in the spring of 1844, from Sangamon County, Ill., and soon after leaving that county made a settlement at Uniontown, Salem Township, where he carried on the joint bus- iness of blacksmith and wagon-maker for a period of

15 years. During this time he was in Springfield two years in the same business with his brother. His next move was made to Iowa County, Iowa, at which place he purchased a farm and remained upon it for seven years, at the end of which time he disposed of the same, and in 1855 returned to Knox County, and in Maquon Township made a purchase of 90 acres of land located on section 15, upon which he is living at the present time. Previous to this he spent two years engaged in mercantile business in the vil- lage of Maquon, in partnership with Nelson Downey. He has improved his farm by the erection of a desir- able residence and suitable out-buildings and barns, and by additional purchase has become the owner of 200 acres of highly improved and cultivated land. Jacob Booth was born in Maine June 1, 1821. When he had attained the age of 15 years, he emigrated with his parents to Licking County, Ohio, remaining there until his removal to Sangamon County, Ill., in 1839. In the latter county he followed the trade of wagon-maker and blacksmith. In Haw Creek Town- ship, Oct. 29, 1844, our subject was married to Miss Melinda, the daughter of George P. and Betsie Housh. Miss Housh was born in Washington Coun-

ty, Ind., and on June 9, 1859, she died in Maquon Township.

Oct. 29, 1869, our subject was again united in mar- riage, this time with Edith Martin, daughter of Mar- tin and Lucinda (Childress) Martin, natives of Virginia. The father of Mrs. Booth died at St. Joseph, Mo., Sept. 16, 1844. His widow still sur- vives him, and is residing with her daughter, Mrs. B. of this notice, at the advanced age of 82 years ; she was born in 1804. Mrs Booth was born in Green County, Ky., Feb. 20, 1837, and is the seventh in order of birth of a family of ten children. Our subject and wife have adopted a child who bears the name of Frank. Mr. B. is the incumbent of the office of School Director, and politically advocates the prin- ciples of the Republican party.

The parents of our subject are Isaac and Mary (Grinnell) Booth, natives of Penobscot, Me., at which place the mother died April 12, 1836. The father afterward came to Ohio, and subsequently to Sangamon County, Ill., where his death occurred April 30, 1852. The result of their union was the birth of 12 children, of whom Mr. Booth was the fifth in the order of birth.

A view of the comfortable home of Mr. Booth is given in this volume.

illiam E. Morse. Among the early set- tlers and distinguished citizens of Sparta Township is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Washington County, Ohio, Feb. 16, 1833. His parents were Eusebius and Matilda (White) Morse, who were natives of Vermont and Ohio respectively, and came to Illi- nois in 1837, with a family of four children, settling in Warren County, seven miles northwest of Gales- burg, where the father purchased 160 acres of prairie and 40 acres of timber land, remaining on the same until 1855, then moved to Henderson County and purchased 210 acres, there remaining on the same until 1865. He then moved to Oneida and pur- chased a house and lot, where he is now living. His wife died in 1847.

Mr. Morse, of whom this biography is written, re- mained at home until 18 years of age, receiving an academical education and assisting his father on the

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farm. Leaving home, he worked out by the month for two years, and in 1853 went to Oregon, working on a farm and in a mill for 18 months. In 1855 he went to Northern California, where he engaged in farming and mining, and remained until 1859, when he returned to the States, coming to Henderson County, Ill., and engaging in farming. He purchased 40 acres of land, on which he remained for three years, when he sold out and purchased 80 acres where he now resides. This land was unimproved, except partly broken and fenced, but since he came on the place he has built a good house and fine barn, and has a beautiful grove, thus adorning one the best farms in the county.

Having settled down to regular business, and feel- ing the importance of some one to enjoy with him the competency which he had already secured, in 1860 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Fink, daughter of Elijah and Catherine (Townsend) Fink, who were natives of New York and came to Illinois in 1840, settling in Maquon. Mr. and Mrs. Morse have a family of seven children, namely : Laura D., Rose M., Ralph E., Kate A., Perse A., Martha E. and Phillip W.

In addition to having secured a comfortable home, Mr. Morse has also won the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens in more than an ordinary de- gree, and is in all respects one of the representative men of this county. Politically Mr. Morse is a Re- publican, and in whatever relation duty calls a good citizen to act Mr. Morse is always to be found.

H. Best & O. D. Harris. This firm was organized March 5,1885, as manufacturers of and dealers in harness, saddles and horse-furnishing goods. Five men are em- ployed in their establishment as mechanics, and they handle everything in their line. They carry an average stock of $1,000, and have a large custom. The business was started in 1861, by Mr. William Best, who conducted it successfully till March, 1885, when he sold out to the present firm.

M. H. Best, of this firm, was born in Knox County, and has been a resident of Abingdon since 1861. He was married June 23, 1885, in Detroit, Mich., to Miss

Orpha Florentine, daughter of James Florentine. She was born in Grand Haven, Mich.

Mr. O. D. Harris was born in Hancock County, and came to this county in 1863., having made a permanent residence here since that time. Their es- tablishment is the only one of the kind in the city, and is conducted with such fairness and enterprise as gives general satisfaction to many customers. The proprietors are among the most public-spirited citi- zens of the town, and deserve credit no less than patronage for conducting a business which not only assists others to employment, but is a benefit to the entire community.

TOTO TOYOTY

eter S. Nelson is a prominent farmer and the Assessor of Henderson Township, lo- cated on section 20, and possessing a well- cultivated farm. He first came to Knox County in June, 1854, having previously re- 1 sided in Chicago for one year after his arrival from Sweden. In the old country he had occupied himself with farm work and had become skillful in his calling. After his arrival in Galesburg in 1854, he for a short time made that place his home, when he proceeded to Cameron, in Warren County, and worked at basket-making. Here he remained one year and then took up his location in Knoxville, where he worked for one season at his trade, and from thence proceeded to Bishop Hill, in Henry County, where he remained two months.

We next find Mr. Nelson in Henderson Grove, Knox County, where he was occupied for two years cutting timber and was also engaged in the lumber business. Having saved about $300, he went to Minnesota and bought a claim of 160 acres. Here he remained for about one year, but not succeeding in obtaining employment, and his means falling short, he was able to pay for but 80 acres of the land pur- chased. He now decided upon returning to Illinois, and working so as to obtain more money. He soon returned to Minnesota and managed to hold his land for fifteen years, when he sold it without much profit through the operation. Returning to Knox County about the year 1860, he again engaged in farming, at which he became successful. Continuing at this occupation for five years, he went to Altona in 1865, and engaged in the grain and milling business, and

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in about two years lost all his money, amounting to $7,500. We next find him in Bureau County, Ill., where he commenced ditching, in the employment of the county, and in one season recovered $3,500 from his contracts. Returning then to Henderson Grove, he settled there, and is now the owner of 154 acres in Knox County and 125 in Warren County. The most of this is tillable land, and on the farm which he occupies he has erected a suitable dwelling- house and farm buildings.

Mr. Nelson is one of those hardworking, whole- souled, generous men, who, by their self-reliance and industry, have shaped their own fortunes and helped to build up the country of which they are citizens. He has twice visited his native Sweden, once in 1867, and again in 1877. On sailing to Europe the second time he was in the same vessel with Gen. Grant, and had many interesting talks with the "Old Com- mander." He remained in Sweden with his family several months.

Our subject was born on the 15th of July, 1835, and received a good common-school education in his native country, and was pursuing his studies the winter before coming to Ainerica. He was married in Chicago, March 14, 1863, to Nellie Gibson, also a native of Sweden, born March 14, 1842. By this union there were eight children-Charles A., Frank E., George B., Hattie A., Noble M., Lillie E., George B. and Hattie. The first George B. and Hattie A. are deceased; Charles A. is married to Kate Peter- son, and is a resident of Galesburg. While living in Altona, Mr. Nelson held the office of Justice of the Peace, the duties of which he performed with exem- plary efficiency. During the spring of 1885, he was elected Assessor of Henderson Township. His pol- itics are Republican, and he is an uncompromising and firm advocate of that party's interests.

This notice ought not to close without recording the fact that Mrs. Nelson's parents came to America in 1853, and at present reside in New Windsor, Mer- cer Co., Ill. Our subject has constructed a very fine artificial pond on his farm, which is well stocked with German carp. He is a wide-awake, progressive farmer, and possesses a fine library. His motto is, " duty first and other good things will follow." He is one of the best informed and most highly respected citizens of this township.

The parents of Mr. Nelson came to this country in 1854, and settled in this county. They departed

from this world-the mother in 1865, the father in 1866. They are both buried at Knoxville.

We take pleasure in presenting a view of the resi- dence of Mr. Nelson, in this volume.

acob Lehman, a resident of Yates City and a native of Ohio, was born in Ashland County Dec. 26, 1836, and is the son of John and Sarah (Oberholtzer) Lehman. His father was a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Ohio. The father, who died in 1848, owned a farm in Ashland County, and upon this homestead the widow still lives.

Our subject was but 12 years of age when his father died, leaving to the bereaved mother the care of a family of eight children, Jacob being the third in order of birth. With that characteristic nobility of purpose seen in so many mothers, who, bereft of their natural protectors, face the world and fearlessly keep their little band together, Jacob's mother drew close about her the ties of affection in her family and worked for and with them. Together the children grew to man and womanhood, and one by one went out into the world, as they reached maturity, to care for themselves.

Our subject made his home with his mother until the age of 18, when, impatient to work for himself, and make a name, a home and a future, he took the advice of Horace Greeley which has been literally obeyed by so many young men, and came West to grow up with the country. Locating in Knox County, Ill., he worked on a farm, receiving but $16 per month. Many young men, but more especially those of the present day, would consider their pros- pects very poor indeed on such a pittance, but with the energy, hope and perseverance that character- ized the youth of that day, our young friend, in 1855, commenced for himself, working by the month in Elba and Truro Townships, and after one year and a half engaged in farming on rented land, in which he met with moderate success, proving the truth that "God helps those who help themselves." In the spring of 1860 he bought a breaking team, and dur- ing the season for such labor he engaged almost ex- clusively in that occupation. Every autumn he

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followed thrashing, assisting the farmers throughout his neighborhood.

In September, 1861, came the country's call to the heart of every brave man and worthy citizen, and obeying the voice that said " go forth," Mr. Lehman enlisted under the banner of his country, ready to devote every energy " for God and home and native land." He entered Co. G, 8th Reg. Mo. Vol. Inf., and faithfully served until August, 1863, when he was honorably discharged with the reputation of courage and fidelity. He was in many active and important engagements, figuring in the struggles at Forts Henry and Donelson, Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing, the siege of Corinth, and the first battle of Vicksburg and Arkansas Post. In the latter battle he received a serious wound in the right forearm, which incapacitated him for service, and he was dis- charged at Lawson Hospital, St. Louis, in August, 1863. In consequence of the wound his arm is dis- abled for life. On his return home he was able to do nothing whatever until the following spring, when he accepted an agency for the Fire and Tornado In- surance Company, of Freeport, Ill. He was con- nected with this company throughout the summer, and in the spring of 1865 bought a team and went back to his old occupation, that of breaking wild land and thrashing. In the spring of 1867 he located on a farm situated on section 9, Elba Township, which he had previously purchased, and took up agricultural pursuits, at which he continued until 1869. Then he sold out and removed to seetion 2 of the same township, where he remained until 1881, after which he bought the place he now occupies. His home farm is within the corporation of Yates City. He is also the owner of 80 acres of farm land elsewhere.

Mr. Lehman entered the bonds of wedlock Feb. 4, 1869, with Jennie Ralston, who was born in West- moreland County, Pa., Sept. 22, 1843, and is the daughter of Samuel and Jane (Buchanan) Ralston. To them have been born two children-William Gil- bert and Bertha S. Mrs. L. is a woman of kind, moral and religious bearing and character, and is united with the Presbyterian Church as a member of that organization. Pursuing the path of duty, she shows forth the example of a true and pure life to her husband and children as found in the life of our Lord and Savior.

Mr. Lehman is in politics a Republican, strong

and decided. He cast his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas, in 1860, but in 1864 he voted for Abraham Lincoln. He is a member of the Dan McCook Post, G. A. R., located at Elmwood, Ill.

lexander Gehring. Foremost in the ranks of wealthy and substantial men and lead- ing citizens of Knox County stands the sub- ject of our biography. He is a farmer whose desirable and attractive home is located on section 33, of Sparta Township. He may be called in a great measure a self-made man, as he worked his way industriously and ambitiously, from the age of 13 up to the present prosperous and en- joyable position in life which he now fills.

Mr. Gehring was born Dec. 1, 1844, in Baden, Germany, and is the son of Anthony and Mary (Moser) Gehring. They were natives of Germany. Anthony Gehring was born March 12, 1824, and Mary (Moser) Gehring was born June 24, 1824. In 1857 they emigrated to America, and, coming to Illi- nois, then known as the "Far West," settled in Knox County, on section 14. At this place they purchased 40 acres of land, which they occupied and cultivated until 1873, at which time they added 100 acres to the original homestead. He moved into Oneida vil- lage, prosperity having crowned his effort toward success, and purchased a house and two lots, where he is now living a retired life. Two of their pleasant little family of three children now survive-our sub- ject and Martin.

The subject of this sketch began active labor at the age of 13, as previously stated. He worked by the month until he reached the age of 20, having in this interval received an ordinary common-school educa- tian. lle rented a farm on section 13, Sparta Town- ship, which he worked until one year later, when he rented one on section 28. Here he remained one year, and they rented the farm on which he now lives, including 90 acres. His wife will inherit this homestead at her mother's death.

Mr. Gehring was united in marriage in 1867, with Miss Jerusha, daughter of Ira and Caroline (Stewart) Squires. Mrs. Gehring was a native of Trumbull County. Ohio, and was born Aug. 1, 1847. Her father was born June 21, 1822, and died May 6, 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Gehring have a family of four

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children, by name as follows : Mary A., who was born Oct. 29, 1871 ; Sarah L., born Oct. 9, 1874; Carrie L., born April 7, 1877, and Ira A., born Dec. 15, 1879. Mr. Gehring is a live man in public affairs, and holds the office of School Director. He is a Republican in politics, watching with vivid interest the affairs of the nation. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is Steward and Trustee, and has a word of cordial sympathy and courteous kindness for one and all. Both himself and wife are popular and pleasant peo- ple. She is a member of the same church to which her husband belongs.

ev. Joseph Smith Cumming, D. D., the President of Hedding College, who holds a high rank in the Methodist denomination, and who was elected to his present office June 7, 1882, is the gentleman of whom this brief biographical notice is written. Dr. Cumming was born in Abingdon, Va., April 28, 1832, and his parents were William C. and Maria (Patton) Cumming, both natives of Virginia. His father claims Scotch blood, and his mother a direct line of Scotch and French progenitors. In the year 1835 they re- moved to the city of Peoria, then a small village. The profession of the father, that of a minister, called him to reside in various towns in Central Illinois. He still lives in that city, having reached, after a life of large usefulness in the vineyard of the Lord, the ripe age of 87, but has been superannuated for a number of years. His wife has reached 78 years.

The subject of whom we write was educated at Rock River Seminary, Mt. Morris, Ill., and was or- dained for the Christian ministry in September, 1853, entering the Methodist Episcopal denomination, in which he has since labored as a pastor 21 years in the Central Illinois Conference. He was eight years Presiding Elder, and in 1880 came to Abingdon as pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which position he continued for two years. He has served as President of Hedding College for four years, and has faithfully labored for the moral and spiritual good of the community in which he lives.

July 15, 1852, he took to his heart and home as a life companion Margaret Reed, daughter of John and

Elizabeth Maris, who has proven a lovely and congen- ial friend and counselor. Mrs. Cumming was born near Baltimore, Md., and is the mother of six chil- dren, one son and five daughters, viz .: Frank H., married Elizabeth Mann, and is pastor of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church of Bushnell, Ill., and his happy home circle includes two buds on the parent stock. The daughters of the house of Cumming are as follows : Belle, wife of Frank P. Gilbert, of Mon- mouth ; Eva, Augusta J., Minette and Fannie L.

Politically, Dr. Cumming has always voted the Re- publican ticket until the election of 1884, at which time he voted with the Prohibitionists.

Dr. Cumming is a man of superior ability and high scholarly attainments, and has proven a most popular minister as well as successful and efficient President of the college. Under his able manage- ment it has grown strong and prosperous, and the cloud that darkened its financial sky has been almost swept away. He has traveled expressly in the inter- est of this institution, and has worked untiringly to 1 secure funds wherewith to clear it from indebtedness. The citizens of Abingdon, and indeed all in the ad- jacent country who are interested in the college, unite in commending Dr. Cumming for his arduous labors in its behalf.

A ndrew J. Swadley, a well-to-do and suc- cessful farmer, residing upon his fine farm, on located upon section 22, Maquon Town- ship, came to Knox County in the winter of 1857, from Fulton County, Ill., remaining at home with his parents until 1869, when he was married and made settlement in Maquon Town- ship, where he has since lived. He is the proprietor of 80 acres of most excellent land, the major portion of which is tillable.

Our subject was born in Warwick County, Ind., Feb. 4, 1842. He emigrated with his parents to Fulton County, about the year 1850, at which place they remained until their removal to Knox County, seven years later, as before stated. Mr. S. was mar- ried in Knoxville, Jan. 7, 1869, to Barbara, daughter of James M. and Louisa (Roads) Foster. (See sketch of James M. Foster.) Mrs. S. was born in Knox County, Ill., June 23, 1849, and has become the mother of one child -- a daughter, Ettie L.

LIBRARY OF THE L' !! VERSITY OF ILLINA'S

Moses Wheeler

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Mr. Swadley has held the position of School Di- rector and in politics affiliates with the Democratic party. His parents were James and Catherine (Fos- ter) Swadley, natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Knox County in the winter of 1857, settling in Maquon Township, where they passed the remainder of their lives.

oses Wheeler. This gentleman, whose biography and portrait assist to embellish the history of Knox County, follows the vocation of an agriculturist on section 6, Elba Township, and is meeting with well-mer- ited success. He came to this county in March, 1858, from Peoria County, this State, and purchased 97 acres of land on the section where he is at present residing. He is one of the prosperous, successful and intelligent farmers of this county.

The first years of the life of Mr. Wheeler in Elba Township were attended with numerous trials and hardships, but he did not yield, however, to dis- couragements that would have dismayed many a man, but, assisted by his loving wife, he became suc- cessful in his undertakings, and to-day enjoys the fruits of his labor, although the partner of his early years has been called to the better land.

Moses Wheeler was born in Bradford County, Pa., Sept. 27, 1810. He lived in his native county until 1820, then moved with his parents to Tioga County, and lived there until 1845. Prior to his removal here he had been a resident of Bradford County for 12 years. He is a self-made man in every sense of the word, and as his school privileges were of neces- sity somewhat limited, his education was more of a practical nature, mostly acquired on the farm.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 45

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