Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 58

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 58

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Mr. Newell is the father of six children, by name Sarah A., John W., Julia M., Harriet E. and Kate E.

He was united in marriage with Miss Salina Meek, April 4, 1880, who was born April 12, 1854, in Knox County. Her father and mother were Daniel and Salina (Dolph) Meek. He was born in Kentucky, in 1803, and she in New York State in 1826. He was one of the first settlers in this county. He died in 1872, and she in 1854, in Knox County.

To them were born five children, viz. : Elizabeth, who married Marion Reynolds, and now lives in Ab- ingdon ; Harriet, who married Mr. George Mosher and lives in Galesburg; Sanford, who married Miss Sally Shumaker, and lives in Plano, lowa, and Thena, who is the wife of Mr. Oliver Fitch and lives in Mad- ison, Wis.

Mr. Newell, Jr., has but one child, a daughter, who is a beautiful and affectionate little girl, and the pet and pride of her parents. He has been very suc- cessful in his chosen vocation and owns a number of fine Galloway cattle. He also owns one bull, Peter Davie, No. 1007, born May 26, 1884. Mr. N. now has a herd of five head. He is besides engaged in the raising of Poland-China hogs.

In the year 1875, he went into the drug and med- icine business, which he followed for two years. He then sold out to Mr. Brown, buying a stock of ready- made clothing from T. L. Terry, and continuing in this for five years, in which time he received hearty patronage from his friends and neighbors. At the end of that time he sold out and went to farming, and now owns 80 acres of fine land under a high state of cultivation, on which stands an attractive and convenient dwelling-house, two stories in height, which was erected at a cost of $4,200, and is consid- ered one of the handsomest in the neighborhood. He is an active public worker, wide-awake to the polit- ical situation, and votes the Republican ticket.

ilton Lawrence. As a representative cit- izen of the agricultural class of Knox County and a gentleman of sterling worth and integrity, we take pleasure in giving the few following facts regarding the life of Milton Lawrence. He is at this time residing on his fine farm on section 21, Elba Township, where he is industriously engaged in his chosen vocation.

Mr. Lawrence came to this county in February, 1861, from Monkton, Addison Co., Vt., and settled

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in Elba Township, where previous to that time he had purchased a tract of land containing 290 acres. On that identical tract he has continued to reside until this writing, and by economy and energy, com- bined with the active co-operation of his wife and children, has increased the same to 320 acres, 160 of which are under an advanced state of cultivation.

Mr. Lawrence was born in Monkton, Addison Co., Vt., on the 13th of February, 1816. He is the son of Diah and Lucretia (Peck) Lawrence. From the time he was ten years of age until he was 40, he was engaged, at least the major portion of the time, in running a saw-mill and farming. In 1848 he began shipping stock and produce to Boston, and was thus occupied for 12 years. He was also engaged in the charcoal business for about seven years, from 1846 to 1853.

Milton Lawrence was married in Monkton, Vt., Feb. 14, 1838, to Sylvia Atwood, a native of that place and daughter of Almond and Amanda Atwood, natives of Vermont, where they lived and died. She bore him nine children-Lucius A., Lucretia A., Eliza C., A. Judson, Carlton M., Samantha, Phinney M., Alma O. and Almond A .; Lucretia, Alma, Eliza and Judson are deceased. Lucius resides in Yates City; Lucretia was the wife of Thomas Rowland and departed this life in December, 1882, in Kansas ; Eliza married Holland B. Frye and died at Oherlin, Ohio, June 14, 1875; Adoniram Judson died in Elba Township; Carlton resides in Yates City; Samantha is the wife of T. C. Mathews, a resident of Kansas; Phinney is also living in that State and a resident of Clay County ; Alma died in Elba Township when about eight years of age; Almond A. is living on the home farm in Elba Township.

The good mother and dutiful wife died in Ver- mont, March 25, 1857, and Mr. Lawrence was again married at Monkton, that State, Nov. 15, 1858, to Ellen, daughter of Martin and Maria (Brown) Phin- ney, also a native of the Green Mountain State. Of the latter union five children have been born, and named George B., Dwight F., Harris P., Burley B. and Otis J.

Mr. Lawrence is a Baptist in religious belief, and in his politics has voted with the Republican party since its organization. Since coming to this county he has devoted his time exclusively to agricultural pursuits, in which he has met with far more than ordinary success, and in this, the sunset of his life,

he is surrounded by a happy family in a pleasant home.

The Lawrence family in this country are descended from three brothers who came from England to the Colonies in about 1666 and settled in Massachusetts. One brother went to Connecticut, and from him the present family has sprung. The family is an old one and prominent in the early history of New En- gland. The present Lawrence family still occupy the old homestead in Lexington, Mass., where their ancestors settled over 200 years ago.

ilson Adams, proprietor of the Commer- cial Hotel, Yates City, was born in Frank- lin County, Ohio, Dec. 8, 1843. His father, William Luther Adams, is a native of Delaware ; the grandfather of our subject was also born there. The senior Mr. Adams was about ten years of age when his parents moved 1 to Ohio and located in Franklin County, where they were among its earliest settlers. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Nancy J. Timmons, a native of Ohio. The parents located in Franklin County, in the winter of 1847, whence they removed to Illinois and settled in Fulton County, and at which place they resided for three years. At the expiration of that time, in 1850, they emigrated to Knox County, making Maquon Township their home for the succeeding 12 years. In 1862 we find them in Yates City, which place is still their home.

Mr. Adams was a lad of four years when he ac- companied his parents to Illinois, and seven when they removed to Knox County, which he has since made his home, with the exception of two years spent in Nebraska.

In May, 1862, our subject enlisted in Co. F, 67th Ill. Vol. Inf., and served 3 months and 27 days, when he received an honorable discharge. Upon his return home he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a harness-maker, in Yates City. This completed, he entered into business for himself, which he oper- ated successfully until 1871, when he emigrated to Johnson County, Neb. Returning in the fall of 1872, he again established himself in business, but in April, 1885, abandoning his trade, he opened an hotel, which he very successfully carried on.

Dec. 2, 1866, Wilson Adams selected for a wife

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Rebecca J. Kerns, daughter of Alexander and Ma- tilda (Moore) Kerns, pioneers of Knox County. Miss Kerns was born in Knox County Oct. 23, 1846. The issue of this union has been the birth of one child, a son, Frank L.

In politics our subject is a genuine Republican, for which party he never fails to cast his vote. He is a member in high standing of the Masonic fra- ternity, belonging to Yates City Lodge, No. 448, Eureka Chapter, and Council No. 48.

ewis Larson. Among the permanent set- thers of Knox County and the substantial citizens of worth and ability may be found the subject of this personal sketch, whose home is situated on section 12, in Copley Township. He settled in this part of the country at an early day, and with pioneer bravery adapted himself to all the inconveniences incident to that period, and succeeding events have shown him to be worthy of the success he has attained.

Mr. Larson was born in Sweden, July 29, 1826. His parents were Lewis and Christine (Swanson) Larson. They were natives of Sweden and came with their family to America in 1846. Landing in New York, they started for Henry County, Ill., where they. remained until 1858, and then, coming to Knox County, lived here until 1869, when his death occurred. The mother died in 1850, in Henry County, and left a family of eight children, as fol- lows: Julia, Catherine, Peter, Christine, Ann, Swan, Martha and Lewis, of whom we write. Up to the time of coming to America he worked at farming. but in 1850 he started with a company of his own country men to California, and there engaged in min- ing. At this he continued two years, meeting with fair success. After returning to Illinois he settled with his brother Swan on section 2, Copley Town- ship, and purchased 160 acres. This farm they worked together for two years and then divided, Lewis purchasing his brother's interest, and on the homestead thus obtained he faithfully labored for ten years.

Mr. Larson has largely improved his farm by erecting a fine house and all necessary and conven- ient buildings besides. His land is all fenced,

broken and cultivated. In 1865 he sold his original purchase and bought 160 acres on sections [ and 12, and has since added 160 acres adjacent to that. He has built thereon the house standing on section 12, and has added all modern improvements that the mind of a man whose heart is in his work can sug- gest or the hand execute. He is a self-made man, whose efforts in the battle of life have been unaided by any legacy, and to-day he is wealthy and ranks high in the community. He values his land at $60 per acre. His occupation is mixed farming.

Mr. Larson was married Feb. 2, 1855, to Miss Christine Oleson, a native of Sweden, who was born July 12, 1834, and is the daughter of Olaf and Martha (Johnson) Oleson, who came to America in 1846 and settled in Henry County. They afterward removed to Copley Township, in Knox County, pur- chasing 20 acres of land on section 22. He died at the residence of his son-in-law in 1878; the mother had died in 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Larson have a family of five children-Henry G., Justus A., John W, Victor T. and Ida M. Henry G. married Miss Emma Burg, and they reside in Kansas, where he is engaged in farming.

Mr. Larson is a useful and active member of the society in which he moves. He is a Greenbacker in politics. He is Pathmaster and one of the lead- ing men of his township and county. With his wife he is a consistent member of the Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church, the faith of which body he sup- ports and lives under.

ucius A. Lawrence, the subject of this biography, is a prominent merchant of Yates City, and a lumber dealer, and stands high among the people of Knox County as a man of sterling character and good business ability. He was born in Hinesburg, Chittenden Co., Vt., June 26, 1840, and was the eldest child of Milton and Sylvia (Atwood) Lawrence (see sketch).

Our subject was but a child when his parents moved to Addison County and located at Monkton, where he grew to manhood. He was reared on the farm and received his early education in the dis- trict schools and subsequently in Hinesburg Academy, where he attended two terms. In 1860 he came to

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Knox County with his people, they locating in Elba Township, and in the winter of 1860-61 he taught school in Salem Township.

Mr. Lawrence, at the time of his country's call for men, immediately responded, and Aug. 7, 1862, enlisted in Co. H, rozd Ill. Vol. Inf., and served until June 15, 1865. The 102d was brigaded with the 105th and 129th Illinois, 70th Indiana and 79th Ohio, Brig. Gen. W. T. Ward commanding, Ist Brig. 3d Div. 20th Army Corps. It was a part of the Army of the Cumberland, and did garrison duty at Frankfort and Bowling Green, Ky., Gallatin and Lavergne, Tenn., and participated in the Atlanta campaign, and in all the important battles from Chattanooga to Atlanta, as well as the siege of that city. After the fall of Atlanta he became danger- ously ill, and was taken into the hospital, and in the following January (1865), having fully recovered, was sent to New York, thence to Beaufort Islands, S. C., and from there to Blair's Landing. He then re- mained in camp until tidings were brought from the army under Gen. Sherman, and then marched across the country, joining the command at Goldsboro, N. C. With this command he continued until the close of the war, and marched with his regiment via Rich- mond to Washington, where he participated in the grand review. The regiment was mustered out with all the honors of war, June 6th, at Washington, and Mr. Lawrence was discharged at Chicago June 15, 1865.

On his return home Mr. L. taught school for three successive winters, farming the remainder of the time, and after that gave his entire attention to agricult- ural pursuits. In 1877 he rented the farm which he had purchased in Elba Township in 1868, and removed to Yates City. In September, 1882, he pur- chased the entire interest of W. T. Wells in the lum- ber business, in which he has been actively engaged since that time.

He has proved himself a worthy member of so- ciety and has taken his place in several local offices. He was elected President of the City Council in 1878- 79, and was Justice of the Peace in 1880, 'Si and '82.

On the 21st day of March, 1869, Mr. Law- rence was united in marriage to Mrs. Charlotte M. Baird, nee Wheeler. Her husband, I). H. Baird, was a soldier in the late war and a member of Co. H. 102d Regt. Ills. Vol. Inf., and fell at the battle of Resaca. Mrs. Lawrence is the daughter of

Moses and Cynthia Wheeler, old settlers of Knox County. By her former marriage she had one daugh- ter, named Ida E., wife of Hugh A. Sloan. By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence there have been five children, three of whom are living. The names of the latter are Alma E., Edwin P. and Arthur J. The two deceased were twins, named Cynthia May and Sylva June. Both died in 1878, at the age of five months. The parents and two of the children are active members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. L. is a solid Republican and stands stanch and true to his principles. At the last mu- nicipal election Mr. Lawrence was elected President of the City Council of Yates City. He is a member of Dan. McCook Post, No. 53, G. A. R., Elmwood, Illinois.

rs. Agnes McKie. In selecting a site for a home which shall include both conven- ience and fertility of soil, none could be better chosen than most of the farms in Knox County, and among these the lady of

- whom this personal history is written claims one of the best. It lies on section 4, in Copley Township, and was left her as a legacy by her de- ceased husband, Thomas McKie.

The late Mr. McKie was born in Scotland, Jan. 31, 1818, and died at his home April 18, 1883. His parents were William and Jenette (Murray) MeKie, natives of Scotland, who died in their native land. Mr. Thomas MeKie came to America in 1839, and settled in Knox County, in Copley Township, on sec- tion 11, where he purchased 160 acres and there lived until 1872. On section 4 he purchased 160 acres, where he passed the time up to his death. He was a member in good and regular standing of the Presbyterian Church, and departed this life in the full assurance of a better home, in that " house not made with hands." In politics he was a Republican, and was a deep, earnest thinker and a welcome aqui- sition to the party to which he was allied in sentiment and vote. He held the office of School Director for some time, and also other township offices, and was always helpful to Sunday-schools and churches, so- cieties for charity of different kinds, and in fact to. any worthy and good enterprise.

Ile was united in marriage in Scotland, March 9,

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1852, to Miss Agnes Ferguson, who was the daugh- ter of John and Mary (Davidson) Ferguson. They were natives of Scotland, and had a family of two children, by name Jenette and Agnes. The parents died in their native home.

Mrs. Agnes McKie was born Nov. ro, 1825, and had but one son-William V. He was born April 23, 1863, on section 16, in Copley Township. He has always remained at home and has received a liberal education, so that he is a highly cultivated and intel- ligent young man. He at present has charge of the farm and is also engaged in stock and grain raising. He is a keen, quick thinker, and a ready speaker for a young man, and is Republican in belief; and al- though years have not yet added the touch of expe- rience to him nor whitened his locks, though his firm, strong form stands erect the image of his Maker, he is one of the representative young men of the county and will live to be the support and stay of his moth- er's declining years, knowing that there is no nobler mission than to fulfill the command, " Honor thy father and thy mother." Mrs. McKie still resides on the home farm, and both she and her son are members of the Presbyterian Church, bound together not only by devoted motherly and filial love, but by that bond of Christian sympathy and tender affec- tion " which in honor preferreth one another."

rancis Coleman, one of Knox County's energetic and successful farmers, residing on section 12, Victoria Township, was born in Mercer County, Pa., March 12, 1844. He is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Albin) Coleman, natives of the Keystone State. The parents, upon their arrival in Illinois, in 1855, made their first purchase of 160 acres on section 30, Victoria Town- ship, to which they subsequently added by purchas- ing 320 acres. The father of our subject for 20 years was local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was elected Supervisor of the township, but did not qualify. Mr. Samuel Coleman resided on his purchase until his demise, in 1875. Their family consisted of 14 children, 10 of whom are still living, our subject being the youngest but one.

Francis Coleman, of this brief notice, assisted his father in the farm duties until 27 years of age, when, in 1883, he purchased for himself 80 acres. He was

also the recipient of a like acreage given him by his father in 1870. Our subject has been extensively engaged in the raising of grain and stock, and since 1884 he has made a specialty of the breeding of Short-horn cattle.

Mr. Coleman's marriage to Miss Susan Johnson took place March 9, 1871. She was a native of Knox County and the daughter of Ransler and Eme- line (Wilkinson) Johnson, natives of Virginia and Ohio. The parents of Mrs. Coleman were married in 1849, in Knox County, at which place they re- sided until their death, in 1883 and 1876 respect- ively. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are now five in number-Harriet, Susan, Jason, James and Edith. Mr. Johnson was the first Justice of the Peace in Truro Township, performing the duties of that office for 25 years. He was also School Di- rector, and ranks among the substantial and highly respected citizens of Truro.

Fredrick C. and Edith I. are the names of the children born to our subject and wife. In political affinity and belief Mr. C. is a Republican, and has held the office of Pathmaster for three terms, and is recognized as one of the leading men of this part of Knox County.

arfield B. Todd, a goodly land-holder, suc- cessful farmer and respected citizen of this county, residing on section 25, Lynn Township, was born in Frederick County, Md., Feb. 23, 1837. He came to this county with his parents in 1851, and later he went to California, where he died in June, 1880. His wife died at Galva, Ill , Sept. 26, 1871.

Mr. Todd is the oldest living child of his parents, Vachel B. and Susan (Brown) Todd, who were par- ents of five children. He lived at home until his marriage, which event took place in February, 1862, in Lynn Township, Miss Euphenia Lafferty becoming his wife. Miss Lafferty was born in Lynn Town- ship, Oct. 28, 1838, and is the daughter of John and Sallie (Slocum) Lafferty, natives of Pennsylvania and New York respectively. Her father was a farmer by vocation, and came from Ohio eight years after his marriage. After John Lafferty's arrival in this county he at once made settlement in Lynn Town- ship on a tract of uncultivated land, and was occu-

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pied in its cultivation until the date of his demise, in July, 1867. The mother survives and is yet a resident of the old homestead.

Mr. and Mrs. Todd have nine children: John married Miss Emma Reed, and resides in California ; Susan became the wife of F. L. Hilliard, who is liv- ing on Mis. Todd's farm in Lynn Township; Anna married John Dryden, a farmer in Stark County ; Nellie, Jennie, Emma, Charlie, Benjoe and Upton live at home. Since his marriage Mr. Todd has lived in this county in Victoria and Lynn Town- ships. He was Supervisor five years and also held the office of Collector. In politics he is an active, working Democrat. He and his wife are owners of 320 acres of good land, and their home farm is under an advanced state of cultivation, having all the nec- essary improvements upon it, and where they live enjoying life, surrounded by their happy family.

Mr. Todd is a member of Stark Lodge, No. 501, A. F. & A. M., and Kewanee Chapter, No. 47,R. A. M ,at Kewanee, Henry County. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Co. B, 37th Ill. Vol. Inf., for three years. He was Orderly Sergeant for seven months, when he was discharged for partial paralysis of the right side. He came home and enlisted again in the 69th Ill. Vol. Inf , and upon the organization of the company was elected First Lieutenant ; served for four months and did garrison duty at Camp Douglas, Chicago. In 1864 he was drafted and assigned to Co. A, 36th Ill. Vol. Inf. He served nine months, and was in battle at Spring Hill and the two days' fight at Franklin, and was discharged in June, 1865.

rs Annie McClang is the relict of Will- iam McClang, who was born March 24. 1842, and died Feb. 2, 1884. He was a native of Sweden, and emigrated to America in 1865. He settled in Copley Township, on sec- tion 15, and laid the foundations of a home. He lived on the same until 1878, and then purchased 80 acres on section 16, and on this remained until his death.

William McClang was married to Miss Annie Hanson March 22, 1866. She is the daughter of Hans and Christina Hanson. They are natives of Sweden and came to America in 1849, settling on

section 15, in Copley Township. They purchased 80 acres of land, where they lived until called by death to the land beyond the stars. They had but one child, a daughter-Annie, now Mrs. McClang.

In politics the deceased was a Republican, and was a good, solid man of native force and ability, of a courteous and affable manner, and his loss was deeply deplored in the community. He was a mem- ber of the Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also his wife. Mrs. McClang has shown herself to be possessed of a good degree of firmness and force, and still manages the farm left her at her husband's death.

ohn W. Dawdy. Among the more useful citizens in a local way, and prominent among the enterprising and able farmers of Knox County, may be found the subject of this biography, whose farm is situated on section 17, in Indian Point Township, and who is worthy of some degree of notice for his active energy in his particular line of labor, which has met with flatter- ing success. A few of the details of his career are enumerated in the ensuing paragraphs.

Mr. Dawdy, besides being engaged in general farming, is interested in the breeding of blooded stock and Short-horn and thorough-bred cattle, Nor- man horses and Poland-China hogs. He commenced breeding fine stock in the year 1875, first buying of J. S. Latimer two cows of thorough-bred pedigree.

After he had continued in this occupation of stock- growing and shipping for some time, he learned that their former owner had kept the business for 20 years, generally shipping to the Chicago markets, and also to breeders in the West, to Texas, Colorado, Wyo- ming, Nebraska and Kansas, and other points, his sales aggregating 1,000 head. Meadow Farm, sit- nated three miles south of Abingdon, has a herd of 75 head-19 bulls and 56 cows. Baron Airdrie, at the head of the herd, in Vol. 29 of the Herd-book, represents these families : Young Mary's, Young Phyllis and Miss Wiley, Louan, White Rose, Brace- let and Daisy. Baron Airdrie is three years old, dark-red in color and weighs 2,000 pounds. Mr. Dawdy has at all times in hand young cattle for sale of both sexes of thorough-breds. Meadow Farm in- cludes 320 acres of land devoted to raising grain and

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stock. It possesses a spring of living water, and in- cludes a fine barn, 24 x 66 feet, and a good, comfort- able dwelling-house.

Mr. Dawdy was united in the bonds of matrimony with Sarah J. Latimer, the nuptials being celebrated in 1868. Mr. Dawdy is a native of Kentucky, born in 1840, on the 25th of March, and his wife was born May 7, 1847, in Knox County. She was the daughter of A. Latimer, a native of Tennessee, who was born Sept. 9, 1807, and who married Julia Hart, born in Illinois in 1817, and died in 1850. To Mr. and Mrs. Latimer were born four children, two girls and two boys-Washington K., Pleasant H., Sarah J., the wife of Mr. Dawdy, and Cora A. Mr. and Mrs. Dawdy became the parents of six children; three are living and three deceased, viz. : Drennen L., born March 19, 1869; Norval M., Sept. 25, 187 2 ; twins who died in infancy, and Daisy, born Jan 4, 1875.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 58

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