Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 49

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 49

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there educated, taking a scientific course, graduating from that institution in 1866. Subsequently the hon- orary degree of B. A. was conferred upon him, and, having completed his studies in this college, he be- gan the study of law, gaining admission to the bar in 1873. Entering upon the practice of his profession at Abingdon, he has since continued, meeting with unquestioned success.

He entered the nuptial state June 15, 1868, his companion in the venture being Miss Mary A. Adams, of Leavenworth, Kan. She is the daughter of John C. and Mary Adams, and was born in Franklin, Pa., in 1850. This union has been blessed by the birth of three children-Addie M., Lottie M. and Alice L., which completes their pleasant home circle. Mr. Clark is strongly interested in local politics as well as public affairs, and supports the Anti-Monopolist doctrines, as upheld by that party.

3 rs. Elizabeth Byram. Two miles south and one mile west of the little city of Abingdon, and on section 7, Indian Point Township, is situated the beautiful and well- known Hickory Grove Farm. This valuable farm consists of 429 acres and is surrounded on all sides, except the north, by beautiful groves of hickory timber. This is where Edward and Eliz- abeth (Campbell) Byram settled in 1850, and com- menced to prepare a suitable location for their future home. They went to work with a will, and by strict attention to their duties and earnest and ener- getic efforts they had soon accumulated a fair com- petency. Soon, however, a misfortune befell them in the falling health of Mr. Byram. After the first year he was not only unable to attend to the duties of the farm, but even to look after the business in a general way. His wife, however, cheerfully assisted him in their enterprises, and soon developed rare ability as a manager. On Oct. 7, 1858, Mr. Byram died, leav- ing six children and a devoted wife to mourn their loss. For the brief period he had lived in the com- munity, he had won the respect and esteem of all of those who knew him. He was born in Highland County, Ohio, on March 11, 1819. He was the son of Edward and Rachel (Gibson) Byram. The fam- ily were old settlers in Virginia, and removed from

there to Kentucky, where they were pioneers, and from there removed to Ohio, where they were also early settlers. They belonged to the pioneer race of people.

When Mr. Byram came West, in 1850, he pur- chased 300 acres of land on section 7, of Indian Point Township, where he made his home, and where his widow has continued to live until the present. The present improvements were made in 1857.

After the death of Mr. Byram the entire duties of the management of the homestead and carrying on the business thus inaugurated by her husband fell upon Mrs. Byram. She proved amply able to cope with every undertaking, and has displayed excep- tionally rare ability as a lady of business. She has embarked in enterprises, and successfully carried them out, that would tax the business capacity of many of the shrewdest of far-seeing men. The re- sults of her labors since are the best evidence of her ability as well as the highest commendation of her as a lady and a mother. In 1863, Mrs. Byram pur- chased a small herd of Short-horn cattle in Kentucky. These were driven to her Hickory Grove Farm by her brother, who remained with her until his death, some years afterward. For years she devoted con- siderable attention to stock-raising, meeting with un- usual success. Her name has become familiar among the circles of the leading stock-raisers of the country.

Getting tired of the hard labor incident to carrying on such an extensive business as she had, and feel- ing that at last she had put in store a competency for her declining years, Mrs. Byram concluded to dispose of her thorough-bred stock. She therefore made sales in 1865, the last occurring in October. She at present has retired and rented her farm, and proposes to take the world easy the remainder of her days.

Mrs. Elizabeth Byram was born in Bourbon Coun- ty, Ky., on what is called Old Cane Ridge, Sept. 27, 1821. Her marriage with Mr. Byram occurred Feb. 22, 1843. Her parents were Lewis and Elizabeth (Wallace) Campbell. The former was born Oct. 27, 1790, and died in Kentucky of cholera, in 1849. Elizabeth Wallace, his wife, was born in 1799, and died May 17, 1885. They were married in 1818, in Bourbon County, Ky. The Wallace family were originally from Virginia, and of Scotch ancestry. To them were born six children, one of whom died in in- fancy. William W. Campbell, a brother of Mrs.

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Byram, died in Knox County, Ill., in 1876. Eliza- beth was the next in order of birth in the family, then came James, and John H., who died aged 16 years. Margaret died at the age of 14, and one died in infancy.

There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Byram six chil- dren, of whom the following is a record : William W., born Jan. 27, 1844, married Miss Margaret Dunlap of this county, and lives in Indian Point Township. Joseph H., born July 3. 1846, married Miss Mollie Wood, of Cambridge, Henry County, Ill., and lives in Nebraska, engaged in farming; Eve was born Oct. 7. 1848, became the wife of Chenault Todd and re- sides in Howard Co., Mo .; Addie was born April 15, 1851, and married John W. Moore, of Adams County, Ill .; Carrie A. was born Aug. 26, 1853; Edward, Nov. 13, 1857, married Miss Dora Lincoln, and lives in Warren County, Ill. Mrs. Byram is a member of the Christian Church of Abingdon, of which church Mr. Byram was also a member. Politically he was a Republican from the organization of that party until his death. He was a gentleman who possessed firm and decided opinions, both in religious and political matters.

FFFFF J. Cox is one of the most extensive farm- ers and stock-raisers of Knox County. He lives on section 16, Ontario Township, of which place he is a native, having been born on section 21, Jan. 1, 1849. His father, James R. Cox, was a former resident of Somerton, Somersetshire, England, at which place he lived for a number of years and was there married to Em- ma Pittard. She was likewise a native of the same shire and both were of direct English parentage. Six children were the result of this union ; two died while the parents lived in England, and one in this country. Their first permanent location was in On- tario Township, where they lived a number of years. They afterward decided to change, and removed to Oneida; there the mother died Sept. 24, 1884, at the age of 67 years. The father, who still survives, lives at Oneida and is 69 years old. He devotes his time largely to improving his farm of 200 acres.

Mr. Cox was the first child born to his parents in this country. When he reached the age of seven

years, his father purchased an 80-acre farm on sec- tion 28, in this township, upon which he lived for 14 years. He afterward purchased and lived on 160 acres in Sparta Township, which the father now owns. When he was 19 years of age, up to which time he had remained at home, Mr. Cox received an acci- dental shot in the hand, which disabled him for some months, during which time he was at Hartford, Conn. Returning one year later, he established him- self in business-having learned the trade of butcher while at Hartford. He continued in this branch of trade for some length of time, then abandoned it and invested in 40 acres of land and began to farm. This was on section 16, at which place he still lives, owning 160 acres of well-cultivated land, on section 15, adjoining the home place. All of his landed property is in a fine condition, the result of unflag- ging energy, industry and strict attention to bus- iness.

The marriage of Mr. Cox with Elizabeth J. West took place in Galesburg, Sept. 3, 1873. His wife was born in Morgan County, Ohio, June 17, 1849. She came to Illinois in 187 1 under the protection of her brother, lived in Woodhull and Galesburg for some time, serving in the capacity of nurse, for which position she was admirably adapted. She is the mother of three children-Arthur B., Stewart J. and one deceased. Mrs. Cox is enrolled as a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is a useful and active worker in all enterprises of usefulness. Mr. Cox is wide-awake to the public interest and holds the posi- tion of Poundmaster for the township, which office he has retained for 12 years. In politics he is a libe- ral Republican. Aug. 14, 1882, Mr. Cox met with a severe loss by fire, having two barns, a granary, corncrib, wagon-shed, tools and 65 tons of hay de- stroyed, entailing a loss of $2,000.

r. A. S. Slater. The busy community in which is located the thriving village of Wataga has its quota of business and pro- fessional men as well as agriculturists. Among the former class none bear a more prominent position in their profession than the subject of this notice. He was born in Springfield, 111., March 23, 1840. His parents were Samuel D., also a physi- cian, and Amanda M. (Stafford) Slater. They were

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natives of Connecticut and New York respectively. The father came to this State in 1818, and the mother in 1837, and their marriage occurred in Springfield, in 1838. The father studied medicine at Louisville, Ky., where, after graduating, he engaged in practice, and from whence he removed to Sanga- mon and Knox Counties, and continued the prac- tice in the latter county until his death, which was caused by an accident on the cars at Galesburg, in 1870, he having attained the venerable age of 70 years. The mother still survives and resides at Galesburg. Of the parents' union seven children were born, and the subject of this notice is the third in order of birth.

Dr. Slater of this notice remained with his parents until close upon his majority, in the meantime hav- ing graduated from Lombard University, at Gales- burg, when 20 years of age. He commenced the study of materia medica in 1855, with his father, and was also under the instruction of Dr. M. K. Taylor, and developed in the study rapidly. He was with the Doctor two years, and finally graduated at Keo- kuk, Iowa. Soon after receiving his diploma, during the late Civil War, Dr. Slater commenced the prac- tice of his profession in the army, acting in the ca- pacity of surgeon in the Union Army. He first enlisted as a Hospital Steward, in 1861, and acted in that capacity until 1864, when he joined the reg- ular army and was promoted to Assistant Surgeon. In the latter capacity Dr. Slater continued to act, performing many difficult operations and receiving many encomiums for his skill as a surgeon, until De- cember, 1866, when he was mustered out of service. While the Doctor was in the service he passed through a great many engagements. The principal ones were Shiloh, Corinth, Island No. 10, the siege of Vicksburg, Champion Hills, Lookout Mountain and all the battles from Chattanooga to Atlanta. At the battle of Champion Hills he received a wound in the foot, and at Corinth was shot through the arm.

Returning from the field of strife and carnage, he settled at Galesburg, and in company with his father engaged in practice. For two years this partnership continued, when by mutual consent it was dissolved, and Dr. Slater of this notice moved to Wataga. There he at once entered actively and energetically upon the practice of his profession, which he has continued since his first coming there in 1868. By carefully diagnosing his cases and treating them

with all the skill that years of study and practice have brought him, the Doctor is meeting with far more than ordinary success. In addition to his prac- tice he was engaged in the drug business, and con- tinued the same until 1885, when he sold his stock and store. The Doctor for ten years acted in the capacity of Coroner, giving entire satisfaction to all concerned.

In June, 1868, on the eve of moving to Wataga, Dr. Slater concluded to join the army of the bene- dicts, and was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Lee. She is the daughter of Joel Lee, a native of this county, and has borne her husband three chil- dren, whom they have named Richard L., Harry A. and Mary B.

Politically, Dr. Slater votes with the Republican party. In his social life he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and is also a member of the I. O. O. F. He and his wife are members of the Universalist Church, at Galesburg. The Doctor has acted in the capacity of Mayor of Wataga, for four terms, and has also been Alderman for 12 years. This is sufficient of itself to demonstrate the truthfulness of the asser- tion made above in regard to his prominence as a citizen.

eorge O. Broadfield, furniture dealer at Yates City, is a native of England, and was born at Stourport, Worcestershire, June 22, 1849. He is the son of Edward H. and Mary A. (Rowley) Broadfield, both na- tives of the same shire. The father of our subject was a merchant in high standing in Stourport, but spent the sunset of his life in retirement at Man- chester, where his demise occurred in 1882, at the advanced age of 82 years. The mother followed her husband to the better land the succeeding year. Of this congenial union there were eight children, three of whom, including the subject, came to America ; Edward and John Broadfield both residing in Elba Township.

The subject of this notice remained at home with his parents until 14 years old, his time being spent in attending the common schools, after which he went to Manchester, and lived with a brother one year. He then apprenticed himself to learn house-painting, for five years. This completed, he did job-work for eight months, after which he set sail from Liverpool

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to seek his fortune in the New World. After a voy- age of 18 days he landed at New York, from whence he came directly to Yates City and engaged with his brother in the furniture business, remaining with him for one year. He then resumed his trade as house- painter, and followed this for three years. Next we find him at Creston, Iowa, where he opened a shop, with a view to carrying on his trade. After eight months of more than ordinary success he returned to Yates City, and, in company with J. Coykendall, bought a stock of furniture of J. W. Fox. This part- nership lasted for one year, when Mr. Broadfield con- cluded to try his forune in the West. He accord- ingly sold out and went to Pueblo, Colorado. Failing to find employment there, he next went to Denver, from thence to Colorado Springs, where he worked at his trade for nine months, and at the expiration of this time returned to Yates City.

In 1882, overcome with a desire to visit his boy- hood home, Mr. Broadfield, in company with some friends, crossed the Atlantic. While there they vis- ited many places of interest, traveling somo 900 miles through the picturesque portions of that country on tricycles. After a stay of eight months he took passage on the ocean Steamer Servia, for the United States, and landed in New York after a journey of 17 days. Upon his arrival in his adopted country he at once proceeded to Yates City. In 1885, he again embarked in the furniture business, which he is to- day carrying on with success. Mr. Broadfield is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics a firm Democrat and always ready to pro- mote any enterprise calculated to forward and benefit his party.

illiam A. Lee, Jr., is a farmer residing on section 6, Sparta Township, where he was born March 5, 1858. His parents are William A. and Betsey (Knowles) Lee, na- tives of New York, and came to this State in 1846, settling at Galesburg. The subject of this notice lived with the old folks until 19 years of age, and received a good collegiate education as well as a thorough business training. In 1874 he settled on the place where he now is, having received 80 acres of land from his father. In 1882 he purchased an additional 80 adjoining his legacy, and in 1884

purchased 160 acres in Mercer County. The latter tract he rents, and is engaged in the cultivation and improvement of the 160 in Sparta Township.

Mr. Lee formed a matrimonial alliance Sept. 9, 1880, with Miss Jannie Patterson, the intelligent and accomplished daughter of William S. and Matilda (Miller) Patterson, natives of Ohio and Michigan re- spectively. Her parents came to this State previous to their marriage, that event occurring Sept. 30, 1834. Their family comprised four children-Ed- win W., Clara E., Jannie M. and Frederick A. Mr. and Mrs. Lee have two children-Freddie P. and Bessie.

Mr. Lee is a Republican in his political belief and never fails to cast his vote with that party when op- portunity affords. He and his wife attend the Con- gregational Church. She is an accomplished lady, having received her education at St. Mary's School, Knoxville. Mr. Lee is one of the young men of Sparta Township who in his chosen vocation as an agricult- urist is the peer of any in his community.

rancis Murdoch. Mayor of the city of Oneida, and junior member of the bank- ing firm of Anderson & Murdoch, not only holds a position of trust, but fills a post where- in financial ability and commercial tact are in- dispensable. This gentleman is the son of Thomas D. and Jenette (Struthers) Murdoch, both of whom are natives of Ayrshire, Scotland. De- scended from a long line of Scottish ancestry the mother's maiden name, Struthers, has a history of its own. Her father was a farmer in Scotland down to the year 1852, at which date the family, including two sons and three daughters, arrived in this country. Francis was the eldest son.

The parents having settled on a farm in Trumbull County, Ohio, occupied a respectable position among their neighbors in that section of the country. Subse- quently they removed to Knox County, Ill., and in June, 1857, bought a farm in Sparta Township, where Mr. Murdoch's parents resided until a very few years ago, when the family removed to Oneida, where they have since lived in peaceful retirement.

The father of our subject, now in his 76th year, is still an active adherent of the Presbyterian Church, and a man whose personal worth and character have

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won the open esteem of friends and the secret re- spect of foes. The mother, a noble woman among her kind, died at her home in this vicinity on Jan. 17, 1883, full of years, and lovingly enshrined in the hearts of friends and children. She was born Jan. 28, 1812, and was a Presbyterian by religious profes- sion. Not long after her death, which was crowned by a life of generous deeds, her beloved son James followed her into a better land, on the 23d of May, 1884, leaving one child, Thomas D. Murdoch, Jr. The remaining children of these parents in the order of their ages are Mary, a teacher in the public schools, which position she has held with credit for many years; Jenette, the wife of D. R. Howey, at present a farmer in Decatur County, Kan., and Ag- nes, wife of J. C. Hurst, of Oneida.

When his father first came to Knox County, Mr. Francis Murdoch was in his 15th year. At the age of 26 he made his first purchase of land, and assidu- ously engaged in farming, to which his time was given exclusively up to the date of his marriage, Feb. I, 187 1, when Miss Alta Wheeler, a native of Knox- ville, became his wife. She was the daughter of Alva and Jerusha Wheeler, the family name of her mother being Stevens, who with her husband num- bered among the earliest settlers of the county. In the year 1837 they settled at Knoxville, and in the building of the Court House in 1838, the family took a leading interest, the structure itself being the first of any consequence erected in the county. Mr. Wheeler was considered one of the most successful mechanics of his time. His death took place during the winter of 1874. Mrs. Wheeler still survives, and lives with a daughter in Texas. The first wife of Mr. Murdoch died at her home in Oneida, on the 20th of April, 1875. This lady was identified in many particulars, both socially and religiously, with this place. For many years she was a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church, and universally beloved for her many graces of character and up- right life.

Mr. Murdoch was for a second time married in Oneida, June 20th, 1877, to Miss Mary Ellis, a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Jacobus) Ellis, who were early settlers on the land adjoining Farm- ington. The father was an old Mississippi River boatman, who after his marriage settled in Farming- ton, but in the winter of 1870-71 took up his resi- dence in Oneida, where he died in or about the year

1873, while still in possession of the old homestead. The present Mrs. Murdoch was born near Farming- ton, and educated partly in this place, but largely at Galesburg, Ill., until the date of her marriage. She is now the mother of three interesting children- Myrtle, Alta and Maude.

Mr. Murdoch continued to farm until the fall of 1873, when he decided to come to town and engage in private banking. He operated in this manner up to the date of his consolidation of interests with Mr. Anderson, which took place in June, 1877, since which date the partnership has continued with mu- tual profit to both gentlemen.

Mr. Murdoch's first election to the Board of Alder- men of that city took place in 1880, which position he held for four years, when he was elected Mayor, a position which he still retains. He is the owner of a farm of 60 acres, well improved and lying within Sparta Township, and in proximity to the Ontario Township line, within which line Mrs. Murdoch is, in her own right, owner of 80 acres of well-improved land. The city property of Mr. M., besides that al- ready named, consists of a good residence.

Mr. and Mrs. M. are both attendants of the Pres- byterian Church. He is now, and likely long to re- main, an earnest advocate of Republicanism. He is a man of strong character, and ever ready to do and dare whatever duty devolves upon him. In business he is successful and possesses the confidence of those with whom he deals.

Mr. Murdoch is a member of Oneida Lodge, No. 337, A. F. & A. M .; Oneida Chapter, R. A. M., No. 173; Galesburg Commandery K. T., No. 8, and Ori- ental Consistory, Chicago, Ill. He is also a member of Oneida Lodge, No. 228, I. O. O. F.

oseph B. Armstrong. In the person of the above-named gentleman may be found one of the leading and most successful farmers of Knox County. He ranks high in his own county, and his home farm is situated on section 20, Ontario Township. On coming to this county, which he did in the spring of 1849, he settled in Sparta Township, under the guardianship of his parents, both English by birth, who left their home, emigrating to the United States in 1847. Joseph B. was born in Cumberland County, England

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Sept. 7, 1831, and his father was born in the same county in the year 1808, and there grew to manhood, and was of English ancestry. He wedded Mary B. Bewese, in the year 1829; she was born in Cumber- land County, England, in December, 1810.

Nine children were the fruit of this family tree, of which Joseph was the eldest, and his brothers and sisters respectively as follows : Frances, wife of Ly- man W. Lamphere, a farmer, is living in Missouri ; John C. first married Mary Heath, now deceased; his second marriage was with Jennie Davis; their home is in Jackson County, Kan., and he is also a farmer; Mary is deceased ; Jennie, wife of Mandi- ville Neely, is living in Sparta Township on a farm ; Roger died in Kansas in the year 1860; Thomas is deceased; William is a merchant, resident of Terre Haute, Ind., a man of fine business ability and repute; and lastly, Kate, wife of Charles Jelliff, of Oneida. With the exception of two born in this country, the above-mentioned all claim sunny En- gland as their birthplace. Joseph was 15 years of age at the time his parents came to the United States. He sought the Prairie State and settled on a farm in Sparta Township, which his father worked, and to which he added improvements, first 40 acres, and latterly to a second purchase of 80 acres. This property remains in the family. Its original owner, Joseph's sire, passed from this life at his home Oct. 19, 1874, just before attaining his 67th birthday. His widow, still surviving and aged 76, is a member of the Jelliff household, the home of her daughter Kate.

The subject of this sketch remained at home work- ing the farm until his marriage with Elizabeth Brown. at her home, Feb. 23, 1854. Mrs. Armstrong was born in Henderson Township, Oct. 7, 1834. She was the daughter of Wilson and Julia (Smith) Brown, the former of Kentucky, who made the acquaintance of Julia Smith, which terminated eventually in mar- riage. Mr. Brown and his bride took up their abode in Knox County, settling at a point known as Hen- derson Grove. Here they purchased land consisting of timber and prairie, almost wholly uncultivated and unimproved. By their hearty and united efforts they succeeded, beyond their most sanguine hopes, in founding a home. The farm soon exhibited the effect of their labor, and " blossomed as the rose," proving both comfortable and beautiful, as the result of their unremitting toil, and bounteously enriching their stores. Among other valuable additions to his

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 49

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