Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 46

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 46

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In the early spring of 1857, Mr. Wheeler came to this State, remaining for the most part in Peoria County, until the following spring, although in the meantime he traveled quite extensively in different States, looking for a location. From Peoria County he came to Knox, and, after viewing the rich and productive prairie lands, concluded to make this his home. Acting upon this conclusion, he selected the charming tract of land in Elba Township upon which he is at present located. There were a few acres broken and a small log house on the

premises. Mr. Wheeler immediately began the laborious task of its improvement and cultivation, and it is supplied with all the conveniences and appliances for modern and systematic farming. Upon it he has erected a fine residence, together with neces- sary out-buildings, and his farm of 267 acres is now second to none in the county for productiveness and beauty.

Mr. Wheeler was married in Tioga County, May 1, 1826, to Cynthia A. Walker. Her parents were natives of New Hampshire, but removed from that State to Tioga County, Pa., where they died. Miss Walker was born in New Hampshire, May 2, 1812, and has borne her husband six children-Julia E., Lydia M., Charlotte M., Jane W., Norris S. and Laura A .; of these Jane and Norris are deceased. Julia is the wife of Henry Potts, a farmer of Elba Township; Lydia married W. T. Kinyon, a resident of Kansas; Charlotte became the happy wife of L. A. Lawrence, and they live in Yates City, this State ; Jane married Jerome Curtis, and at the time of her" demise, which occurred March 26, 1878, she lived in Creston, Iowa ; Norris was a farmer of Truro Town- ship, and there died of heart disease; while riding with a companion he fell backward in the buggy and instantly expired, his death occurring Nov. 8, 1880 ; Laura married Jacob M. Oberholtzer, and lives on the farm of our subject. The wife and mother died in Elba Township, May 4, 1880. Mr. Wheeler has held some of the minor offices in the township, and is a member of the Christian Church, as likewise was his wife. In politics, he votes with the Republican party, and by his voice and his vote encourages every enterprise which tends to the benefit and advance- ment of his community.

MI illiam Caldwell. Among the more promi- nent citizens of Knox County, whose names are identified with its growth, may be found that of our subject, who was a pioneer of Salem Township, coming originally from Penn- sylvania, where he was born in Mercer County. He is a man well known and highly re- spected, and figured prominently in the early history of this section of the country.

The brother of our subject, Dr. Samuel Caldwell, deceased, was a pioneer physician and early settler

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of that part of Illinois now known as Farmington. His works of mercy and attention to the health inter- ests of the older residents were confined principally to that part of Fulton County. William came origin- ally from the State of Pennsylvania to settle the estate of his brother, Dr. Samuel Caldwell, who died previous to 1840, and while here was so pleased with the appearance of the country that he decided upon it as a permanent home. On his return to the East he sold out, and in 1842 moved to Knox County, locating in township 9, now known as Salem. There he purchased the northeast quarter of section 27, and improved and cultivated it until he was in possession of one of the best farms in that section. In 1854 he sold it and went to Farmington, engaging in mercantile business, at which he continued for five or six years. In 1860, in common with many others, he went to seek his fortune at Pike's Peak, being absent about a year, after which he returned, and in 1862, under the administration of Abraham Lincoln, he was appointed Postmaster at Farming- ton. This office he held to the satisfaction of all concerned until September, 1865.

William Caldwell married Miss Sarah Lindsay, who was born in 'Mercer County, Pa., and they be- came the parents of six children, as follows : Samuel, the eldest son, a graduate of Yale College, enlisted in the Union service on the day after the firing on Fort Sumter; this was an act of unswerving loyalty on his part, no call as yet having been issued by the Government for troops. He was a private in the 8th Ill. Vol. Inf., when mustered into service, but his bravery soon afterward caused his promotion to the rank of Captain. He served in the Western Divis- ion of the army and took part in all the more impor- tant battles of the Mississippi River, being also with Banks in his Red River expedition. He continued in the service with undaunted courage, serving a portion of the time on Gen. Oglesby's staff, until the close of the war, and was mustered out of the service with honors. At the battle of Arkansas Post his bravery was made the subject of a special order by Gen. Banks. After his return from the war he lo -. cated in Peoria, and formed a law partnership with his brother-in-law, Leslie Robinson, and was elected to the Legislature. During its session he was at- tacked with hemorrhage of the lungs and died. Mrs. Caldwell still lives at Peoria. Lindsay, the second son, enlisted in 1862 in the 8th Ill. Vol. Inf., and no

less than his brother was distinguished for bravery and courage. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Champion Hills, the siege and capture of Vicksburg and other important struggles; he died while in the service at Vicksburg, in 1863. Joseph lives at Stuart, Guthrie County, Iowa; Lewis R., whose activity, attention to and ability for business win for him a high place in mercantile circles, was proprie- tor of the first hardware store in Yates City, and af- terward entered as associate partner with George Stetson, founding the bank in Farmington ; he died in Rushville, Ill., in 1880. Elizabeth united in mar- riage with Levi Scales, and died at Leadville, Colo. Amanda became the wife of C. A. Stetson (see sketch).

Mrs. Caldwell died in Salem Township, and Mr. C., who formed a second matrimonial alliance, is by the last marriage father of two children-Annie and Mary.

rs. Martha Reed. The lady whose name stands at the head of this notice, and a summary of whose life is herein given, owns a home on section 16, in Sparta Township, and is one of the best known and most energetic women of Knox County. She is the widow of James D. Reed, deceased, who was born June 27, 1825, at Frankfort, Ky. He came to Illinois with his parents when a child, and they settled at Henderson Grove, Knox County, where they pursued the occupation of farming.

On attaining the age of 22 years, Mr. Reed left his home, in which he had continued up to this date, and was united in marriage with Miss Martha, daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Shumate) Duval. She was a native of Kentucky, and their marriage was celebrated Aug. 22, 1847. Eight children were the result of this marriage, named Nancy E., Helen M., Sarah E., Francis A., Rosella A., Polly E., Al- bert I. and Dora E. Mr. Reed departed this life Dec. 8, 1883.

Soon after his marriage with Miss Duval, Mr. Reed rented a farm at Henderson Grove, which he purchased in 1850, containing 40 acres. To this he added 16 acres and afterward 40. Since that, Mrs. Reed has had 80 acres given her as a present by her father. This lies in Sparta Township, on section 10.

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Since the death of her husband the widow continues to carry on her home farm.

Mrs. Reed is a member of the Christian Church in good and regular standing, and has characterized her life with keen foresight, good financial ability and native force and energy. Mr. Reed was a member of the Baptist Church, worshiping under the doc- trines of faith as represented by that organization. He was a liberal-minded man in regard to questions of religion or in public matters. He was extremely fond of home, domestic in tastes and a kind husband and father. Politically he was a Democrat, but be- lieved strongly in placing "the right man in the right place."

Mrs. Reed was born April 27, 1831, and her daughters married as follows: Nancy E. was united with Dr. Clas. Babcock, and to them one daughter has been born, by name Grace ; Helen M. is the wife of Henry Andress, and the mother of five children- Mamie, Warren, Fannie, Edith and James ; Sarah E. married Robert Langloss, and they are the parents of two children, named Fred. and Martha.

ames W. Davis is one of the respected and honored citizens of this county, and a well- to-do farnier of Maquon Township, resid- ing on section 16. He came here in June, 1837, and consequently is one of the pioneer settlers. Living here since that date continu- ously, and having been engaged in agricultural pur- suits for that long period of time, he must certainly be acknowledged as one who has contributed his full allotment to the agricultural development of the county. He came here with his parents, Joshua and Martha (Walter) Davis, from Highland County, Ohio, when eight years of age. They settled in Ma- quon Township, where our subject has since lived, and where the mother died, Oct. 12, 1881. They were the parents of two children-James W. and Martha E. The latter died in 1865.

James W. Davis was born in Highland County, Ohio, Nov. 10, 1828. He received his education in the common schools, and has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. He and his father are the owners of 830 acres of land, and in this independent calling Mr. D. is meeting with that success which energy and perseverance are sure to bring.

Mr. Davis was married in Haw Creek Township, Sept. 13, 1855, to Caroline Pickrel, daughter of Jesse and Rosanna (Johnson) Pickrel. Her parents were among the pioneers of the county. They came here in 1839, and settled in Haw Creek Township, where her father died Dec. 27, 1881. Her mother is still living. Of their union nine children were born, named as follows : Sarah, Caroline, Anna, Melissa, Jackson, Jesse, Milton, Rosetta and Douglas. Caro- line was born in Athens County, Ohio, Dec. 23, 1838, and continued to reside with her parents until her marriage with the subject of this notice. Mr. Davis has held the office of Road Commissioner and School Trustee, and in politics votes with the Republican party.

ames Cook, a retired farmer, living on sec- tion 16, in Copley Township, was born in Roxburyshire, Scotland, Oct. 22, 1816, and is one of Knox County's highly esteemed and respected citizens. He is the son of Robert and Jenette (Locky) Cook, who were natives of Scotland. The parents had a family of three sons and six daughters, as follows: Jane, Agnes, Mar- garet, William, Jenette, Mary, James, Elizabeth and Robert. They were farmers, and died in their na- tive land.

Our subject was the seventh child in order of birth, and remained at home until 19 years of age. He assisted on the farm and attended school until 1839, when he came to America. Landing at New York, he went to Buffalo, and when he reached that city he had only two dollars i. money, and was a stranger in a strange land. He then crossed over into Canada and worked there at different places, until he had earned $30. He then went into Ohio and settled in Ross County, near Chillicothe, and remained in the employ of a gentleman residing there for six years. From there he went over the Allegheny Mountains with a number of droves of cattle to New York and Philadelphia, and came to Illinois July 6, 1845. He made his first purchase of land near Rochester, Knox County, which consisted of 120 acres, and which he kept two years and then sold, afterward making a purchase of So acres, upon which he now lives. He has since added to the same until his possessions in- clude 765 acres, and he has made very fine improve-

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ments on his farm, cultivating the land, setting out trees, building house, barns and fences, and to-day he has one of the most attractive homes in the town- ship.

Mr. Cook was married March 3, 1853, to Miss Agnes Stine, of Edinburgh, Scotland, who came to America in 185 1, and who is the daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Carr) Stine, also natives of Scotland. They had a family of eight children, including Will- iam, Mary, Isabelle, Jenette, Margaret, Agnes, John and Andrew. The parents died in their native home.

Mr. Cook had a family of six children, all living- Isabelle, William, Jenette, Margaret, Mary A. and Agnes. Isabelle united in marriage with Nathan Millroy, and is the mother of two children-Mary and an infant unnamed; Mary A. married Houston Tate.

Mr. Cook is a Republican and now holds the office of Trustee in the schools, that of Road Com- missioner and other minor offices, and is one of the best and most solid men of the community. His wife and himself both belong to the Presbyterian Church. He is strictly a self-made man, and is now enjoying the fruits of his labors.

harlton Miles Lawrence, extensive dealer and shipper of live stock, residingin Yates City, was born at Monkton, Addison County, Vt., April 17, 1848. He was the third son in order of birth of the children of Milton and Sylvia (Atwood) Lawrence (see sketch). Our subject was but a lad of 12 years, when, in com- pany with his parents, he came to Knox County, set- tling in Elba Township. There he attended the district schools and made his home with his parents until his marriage, which occurred July 9, 1873. The lady of his choice was Emma Beeson, born in Elm- wood, Peoria County, and is the daughter of Israel and Rebecca Beeson. Immediately after his mar- riage Mr. L. began farming in company with his brother. This partnership was dissolved in 1877, when our subject purchased Mr. Beeson's interest in the property, which was located on section 28, Elba Township. He continued to reside on the farm, en- gaged in the breeding of graded stock, until 1883, at which time he removed to Peoria. At the latter place

Mr. L. embarked in the commission business, which he continued for one year, when he removed to Yates City, and there became interested in buying and shipping stock, which he successfully pursued up to the date of this writing (1886). The union of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence has been blessed by the birth of one child, a son, upon whom they bestowed the name of Lester. The entire family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

A bram Wolf, a farmer residing on section 17, Truro Township, was born in Bradford County, Pa., Feb. 1, 1826. His father, William Wolf, was a native of the same State, and his father, Michael Wolf, grandfather of our subject, was a native of Germany, who came to America and settled in Bradford County, where he spent the remainder of his life.

William Wolf was reared as a farmer in his native county, and was there married to Miss Sarah Dan, a native of Connecticut. In 1837, in company with his wife and nine children, he started overland with wagons. They stopped in Athens County Ohio, where Mr. Wolf, the following summer, engaged in farming, and in the fall of the same year pursued the journey to Illinois, and located in Tazewell County, spending the winter there. In the spring of 1838, he emigrated to the then Territory of Iowa, and located about seven miles from Iowa City, and there entered a claim, built a log house with puncheon floor and shake roof, the shakes being held on with poles. A dirt-and-stick chimney completed the edifice. In the fall of that year he sold his property for the sum of $400 and came to Peoria County and rented a farm near French Grove, occupying it for three years. He next removed to Truro Township and purchased the south- east quarter of section 27, at that time an unbroken tract of prairie land, but which, through the industry and energy of its proprietor, has been transformed into one of the pleasantest farms in the county. Mr. W. erected the first frame house in this section of coun- try. After disposing of his farm, he removed to Ben- ton County, Iowa, and there purchased a farm, passing the remainder of his life at that place. His widow, who survives him, is passing the sunset of life with her beloved son, James Wolf, near Vinton, Iowa. The family consisted of 12 children, eight of

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whom still survive, our subject being the fifth child in order of birth. At the age of 11 years he accompa- nied his parents to Illinois, where he assisted his father on the farm and attended the common schools.

Mr. Wolf was married Sept. 29, 1844, to Miss Louisa Seward. She was born in Broome County, N. Y., June 30, 1829, and is the daughter of Orin and Mahetable (Livermore) Seward, pioneers of Knox County. Her father was a native of New York State, and the mother was from the Bay State.

Soon after marriage our subject rented land for a short time, and then purchased 40 acres on section 16, Truro Township. Upon this land he erected a log cabin, planted an orchard, and later bought a frame house, which he moved onto his place. In 1866 he disposed of his farm and purchased the place he now owns and occupies. He has improved his farm by the erection of substantial necessary farm buildings, and by setting out fruit, shade and orna- mental trees. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wolf are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics our subject casts his vote for the Republican party. The following are the names of their children : Eliz- abeth, Alvin. Permelia, Hepsey, Nelson L., Millie, and Cornelia, who died at the age of two years.

ames Allen, one of the leading citizens and most successful farmers of Chestnut Township, owning a large and finely-culti- vated farm of 200 acres, situated on section 4, is the subject of this personal history. He is engaged not only in farming, but in the raising of Short-horn cattle and Poland-China hogs, and owns a blooded bull five years old, weighing 2,000 lb., by name "Judge Willetts."

Mr. Allen entered life in Jefferson County, Ind., April 19, 1825. He is the son of Josiah and Jane W. (McDowell) Allen, natives of Kentucky, in which State they were wedded, removing to Indiana in 1810. From that State they emigrated to Illinois in 1838, at which time the subject of this sketch was a boy of 13 years. The mother departed this life in the year 1852, and his father in 1863. Of this matri- monial alliance there were born nine children, six girls and three boys, namely: Rosana, who married John Moore, and lives in the State of Indiana; Mar-

garet, wife of Alkana Moore, resident of Knoxville, Ill .; Sarah married Jonathan Minor, both deceased ; William took to wife America A. Maxey, and lives in Orange Township; Nancy married John Carico, a resident of Bureau County, Ill., and is deceased ; Matilda married Alfred Carico, and lives in the State of Iowa; James esponsed Miss Sarah M. Bragg, and lives in Chestnut Township; John married Miss Lydia Eperson, and lives in Bureau County, Ill .; Mary N. died at the early age of 16 years.

Mr. Allen the elder settled in Orange Township in 1838. James remained at home on his father's place until after his marriage, when he purchased land in 1862 on section 4. in Chestnut Township, and where he has since remained.

Mr. Allen of this notice, early in manhood, took to wife Miss Sarah M. Bragg, March 16, 1848. She was born Nov. 30, 1828; she is the daughter of Elias and Mary (Bryant) Bragg, natives of Virginia, who came to Illinois in 1836. They settled in Orange Township, and two years later moved to Chestnut Township. Her father was born in September, 1784, and departed this life Jan. 20, 1861, in the State of Illinois. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. The date of her mother's birth was 1789, and she closed her eyes to this existence Sept. 14, 1865. Both she and her hus- band were of English and Scottish lineage, and upon them were bestowed 15 children, viz. : Jane, wife of Benjamin McCort; James, who wedded Nancy M. Carter; Elizabeth, who wedded a Mr. Moore; Mary, wife of E. Hall; Abner, who formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Julia Carpenter; Frances, who married Mr. John Hendricks ; John, husband of Miss Sarah Hurley; Harriet, wife of D. Mooers ; Matthew died at the early age of 18 years; Mark, at the time of the California gold fever, went to that State and no word has been received from him for a number of years; Joseph married Miss Nancy Heppenstall ; Sarah, wife of James Allen, of this sketch; Eliza died at the early age of five years; Andrew, in in- fancy, was removed from earth, and there was an in- fant unnamed.

About the parental hearth of Mr. and Mrs. Allen have grown up three children, although seven were born to them-Francis, born Aug. 24, 1847 ; Harry, Sept. 30, 1851 ; Darius, Sept. 7, 1855 ; Julius, born Aug. 20, 1864; James, Sept. 7, 1867 ; Frank, Sept. 1872. Four children of the family were deceased in infancy, viz. : Harry, Darius and two unnamed.

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Although the possessor of a handsome property, Mr. Allen has suffered loss through the agency of fire, being once burned out, at which time all the family records were destroyed, and also the records of his farin ; the entire detriment to his possessions he estimated at $2,000. He began work in this section of the county in 1861, since which time he has been remarkably successful in his particular line of labor. He is in character moral and upright, and his wife is a member of the United Brethren Church. His parents were, politically, of the old-line Whigs, but Mr. Allen is Democratic in sentiment and belief.

ber Goddard. The subject of this notice is a retired farmer, spending the sunset of his life in the enjoyment of a handsome com- petency acquired through years of honest toil, in the thriving little village of Wataga. He was born in Lancaster, Worcester Co., Mass., July 8, 1813, his parents being Eber and Lucy (Johnson) Goddard, natives of that State. His father was a tailor by trade and a soldier in the War of the Revolution. Both parents died in Massa- chusetts, the father May 3, 1835, and the mother in 1852.

The subject of this notice was an inmate of the parental household until the demise of his parents. During his younger days he worked on his father's farm and attended the common schools, and was also occupied in a saw-mill. We next hear of him in Lawrence, Kan., where he remained two months, whence he removed to Center Ridge, Mercer County, this State. There he was engaged in buying and selling land, but after three months' residence there came to this county and made settlement in Rio Township, on a farm of 160 acres. which he pur- chased and where he lived for nine years, actively engaged in its cultivation and improvement. He then sold his farm and moved to Sparta Township, where he purchased 100 acres located on sections 4 and 5, and was a resident thereon until 1881, with the exception of three years which he passed in Oneida. In 1881 he came to Wataga, and here purchased a residence and lot, which has consti- tuted his home ever since.

Mr. Goddard was married on the 2d of March,

1841, to Miss Mary L. Burditt, the intelligent and accomplished daughter of James and Lucinda (Trowbridge) Burditt, natives of Massachusetts. Mrs. Goddard was born Oct. 20, 1817, in Massachu- setts, and was the second in order of birth of a family of ten children; three besides Mrs. G. are living : Abidan K. lives in Kansas; James R. lives in Mas- sachusetts; Alfred L. resides in the same State. The parents of Mrs. G. are both deceased, the father living to the advanced age of 93 years, passing into the other world while living in Massachusetts. He was born, and lived and died on the old homestead in the town of Leominster, his demise taking place June 1, 1884. The mother died April 23, 1818. The father of Mrs. G. was married three times, the second wife being Mary T. Reed, born Jan. 20, 1793, married May 27, 1819, died Dec. 15, 1826. The third, Mrs. Polly Woods, nee Smith, was born April 11, 1796, married June 28, 1827, died April 1, 1871. She bore her husband three children, two of whom are living: Artemus W., born March 30, 1842, is at this time living in Lima, Peru, South America. He took to wife Miss Rosaura Rubio, a native of Peru, born in November, 1851. They have five children- Charles Florence, born Nov. 7, 1878; Maria Louise, Nov. 23, 1880; Arthur Rudolph, April 14, 1882; Eugene A., June 2, 1884 ; M. Rosa, Sept. 15, 1885 ; Maria L. and Eugene A. are deceased. Lucy M. God- dard became the wife of A. S. Fitch. She was born July 26, 1843. Of their union there is no issue, but they have an adopted daughter-Addie S .- who was born Oct. 2, 1871. Mr. Fitch died March 23, 1882. He was the only son of Luther and Ann (Harvey) Fitch, who were among the oldest settlers in Knox County, coming from New York Mills, Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1840; they settled in Rio Township. He enlisted in the 83d Ill. Vol. Inf., in 1862, and was at the second battle of Fort Donelson. He received an honorable discharge in 1865. He was born July 19, 1836. Charles A. Goddard was born May 6, 1850, and died Dec. 21, 1882. He was married Oct. 6, 1874, to May L. Hyde, and they have two children-May, born June 7, 1875; and Jessie M., born Ang. 4, 1877.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 46

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