Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 59

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 59

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Mr. Dawdy has held the office of Constable for some years, is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Abingdon, to which he has belonged for 25 years. He is also a member of one year's standing of the A. O. U. W. Mrs. Dawdy is a consistent member of the Congregational Church at Abingdon, whose tenets she upholds and reduces to practice in her life. Mr. D. is a worthy citizen, a strong man polit- ically, and a Douglas Democrat.

illiam S. Kleckner. Among the leading agriculturists of Elba Township is the sub- ject of this sketch, residing on his fine farm on section 35. He came to Knox County in 1856, from Hancock County, Ohio, and worked out almost nine years in Sa- lem Township. Our subject enlisted in September, 1861, in the 8th Missouri Regiment, and served one year and four days, when he received an honorable discharge. Upon his return to Knox County he re- sumed the business of an agriculturist, and was thus occupied for two years, at the end of which time he returned to Elba Township, where he worked for three years and then removed to Salem Township, where he sojourned until the spring of 1885. He then purchased the farm in Elba Township upon which he is at present residing. Mr. Kleckner is the

owner of 295 acres of excellent land under an ad- vanced state of cultivation.

Our subject was born in Carroll County, Ohio, Dec. 31, 1835, where he lived until 20 years of age, and from there he came to Wayne County, Ill. In the latter county he remained for one year, after which time he came to Knox County. He was married March 1, 1865, in Elba Township, to Rhoda West. (See sketch of John West.) Mrs. Kleckner was born in Clinton County, Ohio, May 1, 1840, and was six years of age when her parents removed to Knox County.

Mr. and Mrs. K. are the parents of five children -Arthalia A., Lena I., Lora C., Earl L. and Pearl L. Our subject has held the office of Road Com- missioner for six years in Salem Township. He is a prominent member of the I. (). O. F., and belongs to Dan McCook Post, No. 53, G. A. R., of Elm- wood, Ill. In politics he is a firm adherent of the principles of the Republican party.

nson Sornberger is one of the representa- tive citizens and progressive farmers of Knox County. His home is located on section 11, Copley Township. He was born April 24, 1817, in Delaware County, N. Y., and his parents were George and Katie (Wol- cott) Sornberger, natives of New York. They were farmers by occupation and had a family of 13 chil- dren, of whom the subject of our sketch was the youngest. His father was a teamster in the Revo- lutionary War, who came from his home to Illinois in 1838 and settled at Victoria with his family.

Anson Sornberger took up 63 acres of land on section 11, in Copley Township, which he improved by fencing, building a log house, setting out trees, etc., and in this pleasant little home, cozy notwith- standing its inconveniences, they lived until 1850. At that time he sold out and purchased the place where he now lives, including 160 acres and 40 acres of timber land. On the 160 acres he has made all the improvements possible and values his land at $65 per acre. His parents made their home with him up to the time of their deaths, which occurred in 1841 and 1846 respectively. He has been more than successful in his chosen field of labor, and has

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a branch interest in the raising and shipping of stock.

Mr. Sornberger was united in marriage in 1840 with Miss Catherine Wilbur, who was born in Coo- perstown, N. Y., in 1814, and is the daughter of John and Dorothy (Frymyer) Wilbur. Her parents were natives of New York and lived in that State up to the time of their death. Mr. and Mrs. Sornberger are the parents of ten children, four of whom are de- ceased : George M., Charles D., Ford W., Alexan- der, Cass and Loue E. Those deceased are Willie, Clare. Henry and Jordan.

George M. is the husband of Frances Sydam and they have seven children-Clarence, George A., Lolette, Mary, Claude, Floyd and Grace. Charles married Marion Clarke, and they are the parents of two children-Clifford and Clyde; Mrs. Sornberger died in 1879, and her husband remarried. His sec- ond matrimonial alliance was with Irene Brown. Henry was the husband of Emily Files, but died in 1870. Jordan united in marriage with Hannah Woolsey and they were the parents of two children -Minerva C. and Harold J. ; Jordan died in May, 1878. Ford W. married Viola Abernathy; she is deceased and he was again married, to Viola Childs, who has borne him two children-Bertha and Ella A. Alexander married Frances Clarke and they have two children-Lillias A. and Susie M. Cass mar- ried Isabelle Cummings; they have one child.

Mr. Sornberger is a Greenbacker in politics and has been Commissioner of Highways and Overseer of the Poor for some time. With his wife and daugh- ter he is an earnest member of the Congregational Church, of Victoria, and is one of the best and most helpful men that the county contains.

homas Junk. Resident on a farm situated on section 2, Henderson Township, we find the subject of this narrative, and give in the ensuing biography some of the more im- portant points in his personal and family record. He is cited as being one of the most enterprising and successful citizens of Knox County, and as a useful man and prominent in industrial pursuits.

The gentleman of whom we write came to Knox

County, in April, 1856, from Fayette County, Pa., where he was born March 27, 1833, and where he lived until 23 years of age. He was an intelligent youth, possessed of industry and perseverance, had made the most of his school advantages and had ac- quired a tolerable education. He was always ob- serving of that which was going on around him, and exhibited much mechanical genius. Hence, after coming to Knox County, he adopted the carpenter's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years, During these months of tuition he labored faithfully to perfect himself as an architect. He afterward assumed fine contracting and made his acquire- ments profitable. He erected a fine set of buildings for himself on his property of 2701/2 acres in Knox County, saving, by his knowledge of architecture, a large outlay. The greater part of his land is pro- ductive and tillable, and he has possessions in Ne- braska besides. To his agricultural pursuits he has added the business of stock-raising, and gives the breeding of blooded horses especial attention, keeping an average of about 29 head of horses, 40 head of cattle and 100 head of hogs constantly on hand.

Mr. Junk was united in marriage with Miss Maria, daughter of David and Rachel (Parks) Kilgore, na- tives of Pennsylvania, in Henderson Township, Nov. 10, 1859. Her parents had passed most of their lives in the State of Pennsylvania, and there her mother died. The father then went to Virginia, where he survived his wife a number of years, finally removing to Missouri, where he died.

Mrs. Junk, wife of our subject, was the third child in a family of seven children, and was born in Frank- lin County, Pa., April 12, 1839. She is the mother of seven children, viz .: Jessie E., Frances M., James E., William S., Minnie E., David K. and Sarah E. Jessie is the wife of John Nisley, and resides in Clay County, Neb .; she is the mother of two children- Nellie E. and Burt R. The other children are all at home.

Mr. Junk is active in local business affairs, and keenly interested in educational matters. He has been School Director and Trustee of the district school for a number of years. Mrs. Junk is a con- sistent and lowly Christian, living a gentle, unas- suming life and united in membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her husband makes no religious professions, but maintains a respectful belief in all morals and genuine goodness, and is

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possessed of large sympathy and kindly charity. Politically, he is independent in belief, but is inclined toward the doctrines of the Democratic party. The publishers take pleasure in presenting a view of the home of this estimable family.

imon H. Stuckey is one among the leading farmers of Walnut Grove Township, and is located on sections 1 and 2, his residence being on the latter. This gentleman, in his community, is a thoroughly representative man, and the owner of 300 acres of highly im- proved land. He has a very delightful house and spacious farm buildings. He first purchased his farm in January, 1857, at which date it was unbroken prai- rie. By his industry and pluck he has made it as valuable as it is to-day.

He is a native of Bedford County, Pa., where he was born Nov. 17, 1835. His father, Charles A., was a Pennsylvania farmer, of German extraction, also born in Bedford County, where he lived and died. In that county he married Rebecca Silvers, she being also a native of Bedford, but died at Altona, where she had lived with her daughters, Ann and Guthrie, up to Sept. 20, 1878. The father died on the 16th of July, 1872. Our subject was the oldest but two of his family, there being four sons and four daughters. All these are yet living and married, with the excep- tion of one. Two of them are living in this county. Mr. Stuckey was educated at the public schools of his native county. When in his 19th year, he came westward on his first trip, in 1854, but, after remain- ing a few months, returned home. In 1856 he ar- rived in Illinois, and after some deliberation located what he considered a good farm. His father being wealthy in Pennsylvania, his idea was to locate a good farm and build a desirable residence in this State. He had, however, to employ his best energies before success crowned his efforts. The present farm is well watered and amply supplied with fine cat- tle of the Durham breed, and Poland-China swine, the latter being very pure. A view of Mr. Stuckey's residence will be found on another page of this AL- BUM.

Mr. S. was married on the 18th of February, 1864, at his bride's uncle's, in Walnut Grove Township,

the lady being Miss Amelia Warner, daughter of Syl- vester and Charlotte E. (Ransom) Warner, natives of Onondaga County, N. Y., where Mrs. S. was born, in Cicero, Oct. 5, 1846. Her parents were farmers and came to Lake County, Ind., where they successfully operated in their calling, and where the father died, near Hebron, Porter County, Jan. 21, 1856. Subse- quently her mother's demise took place at Syracuse, N. Y., March 5, 1854. The present lady received her education in Altona, and by her union with Mr. Stuckey is the happy and devoted mother of five children. Four of these are living and one deceased, viz .: William, who was born Oct. 19, 1867, and died in 1877 ; Charles H., born Sept. 29, 1866, re- sides at home ; Jessie A., born March 26, 1869; May Belle, born Nov. 15, 1870; and Harry W., born Aug. 17,1874.

In politics Mr. Simon H. Stuckey is a reliable and very solid Republican. His chief interest, however, lies in the advancement of education, and on this ac- count he has been elected School Director and filled that post with efficiency for many years.

Before closing this biography it is only just to note that Mrs. Stuckey had two brothers, H. S. and Charles D., who were in the late Rebellion, and died from wounds received. They both enlisted from Syr- acuse, N. Y. Charles was in the New York Heavy Artillery, and H. S. in the infantry. One was killed in the battle of the Wilderness.

alter Redd. Orange Township has its quota of successful and well-to-do-farm- ers, men who have attained success through individual effort, energy and perse- verance, and who are in the sunset of life enjoying a well-earned competency. Promi- nent among the class mentioned as a citizen and suc- cessful agriculturist, residing on section 11, Orange Township, where he is engaged in his chosen voca- tion, is the subject of this brief sketch. Born in Shenandoah County, Va., March 27, 1820, of parents by name John and Elizabeth (Barber) Redd, he seems to have inherited his love for farming, as his father was a farmer before him, and a soldier in the War of 1812. He and his good wife, the mother of

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our subject, died on the old homestead in Ohio, about the year 1827, when Walter was quite young.

Orphaned at an early age, the subject of our sketch worked by the month at whatever he could find to do, and was variously occupied until February, 1842. At that date he came to this county, and on arrival here, being without money, he engaged at labor by the month, and thus continued for 18 months, when went to Knoxville, and was there employed in a flour- mill for eight years, thus thoroughly acquiring the miller's trade. At the end of that time he purchased 160 acres of land in Orange Township, the same being the identical tract on which he is residing at this time, and where he has lived continuously en- gaged in agricultural pursuits.

After arriving at mature manhood Mr. Redd be- came dissatisfied with the life of " single blessedness," and Sept. 12, 1844, joined the army of benedicts, Miss Frances Allen becoming his wife. She is the daughter of William and Nancy (Wilkins) Allen, and was born in Jefferson County, Ind., April 5. 1826, her mother being a native of Pennsylvania and her father of Kentucky, and both of them deceased ; their demise occurring in this county. The Allen family came to Knox County about 1836, and took up a claim in Persifer Township, where the father re- mained until his death.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Redd has been blest by the birth of twelve children, of which the follow- ing is a record: Benjamin F., born July 20, 1846, died in infancy ; Robert H. was born Sept. 12, 1847 ; John W., Oct. 22, 1849; Julia and Julius (twins), Dec. 22, 1851 ; the latter is deceased, his demise oc- curring Jan. 23, 1852; Lorena was born Jan. 12, 1854; Blanche, Sept. 1, 1855; Frank, Sept. 21, 1857; Ida M., Feb. 15, 1860 ; Grace, Nov. 22, 1861 ; Etta, May 22, 1863; Harvey, April 5, 1868, yet at home. Robert H. married Miss Melissa McDowell and is a farmer in Decatur County, Iowa; they have four children, whose names are Margaret F., William, Lora and Fred Redd. John W. married Miss Clara Barnett, and is a farmer in Nebraska; they have the following-named children : Flora, Lucy, Harvey, Delia, Clyde, Albert and Luther. Julia is the wife of John F. Fink, and resides in Johnson County, Neb .; they have six children, whose names are Frances, John, Harvey, Cora, Lula, Archie and a son not named. Lorena is the wife of Peter Hawley, and resides in Orange Township ; they have one child

living, named Dora Hawley. Blanche is the wife of Julius J. Maxey, and lives in Orange Township ; they have four children, named Maud P., Ray, Frank and Lula. Ida M. married Park Garwood; they live in Dundee County, Neb., and have one child, named Pauline. Grace married James Mowry, and lives in Osceola, Iowa; they have no children. Etta married Frank Motter; they live on a farm in Persifer Township, and have one son, Arlass Motter.

Mr. Redd has a fine farm in Orange Township, consisting of 300 acres of well-improved land. On his place he has a good, substantial dwelling, together with a barn, shed and other necessary out-buildings, and in the prosecution of his calling is meeting with that success which perseverance and energy coupled with economy seldom fail to bring. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and socially Mr. Redd belongs to Knoxville Lodge, No. 66, A. F. & A. M. In politics he is a supporter of the princi- ples advocated by the Republican party.

john C. Johnson. The little kingdom of Sweden has certainly contributed her quota of energetic, active citizens to Knox County. Many of those who came came from that country to this State and county, and have here made their home, possessed little of this world's goods or money. Succeeding, as they have, due credit should be given them for their pros- penty, as well as for the honorable record they have made in aiding to develop the county. Among the class referred to is John C. Johnson, born Aug. 4, 1833, in Sweden. He was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools of his native land.

His father, Christian Johnson, was a native of Sweden, where he followed the occupation of a farm- er. In 1848, the father, hoping to better his financial condition in the free republic, emigrated to America. He found his way into the colony at Bishop Hill, Henry County, where he remained for only a month, his ideas not coinciding with those who were in authority, especially the leader of the col- ony, who was known as the Prophet Johnson, and with whom our subject differed on religious matters, so that he left the colony and went to Galesburg. There he found employment at various jobs, and in 1850 he returned to his native land, disposed of his real

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estate there, and, in company with his wife and chil- dren, came back to Galesburg. He was the first man from the southern part of Sweden to locate in Knox County, and he was the prime mover in bring- ing many others who made settlement here, and who to-day have fine farms and beautiful homes. He only lived two short weeks after his arrival here, leav- ing a wife and eight children. In 1854 five of the children were taken with the cholera and passed away. At this writing but two of the eight children are living-Christian, a resident of Bourbon County, Kan., and the subject of our sketch. His wife again married, her husband departing this life in 1878. Christian Johnson was a man of more than ordinary ability, and had he lived would most undoubtedly have occupied a high position in the community.

John C. Johnson was the eldest child of his par- euts, and was 19 years of age when the father died, after which sad event the care of the family devolved on him. He purchased 80 acres of land on section 32, Knox Township, and there erected a set of frame buildings and began the improvement of his land. On that place he lived until after the death of his sisters and brothers, in 1854, when he started forth to do for himself. At this period he was in debt to the amount of $300, which he subsequently paid. He commenced by renting land in Galesburg Town- ship, which he farmed for one year, when he pur- chased 80 acres on section 1, of Krox Township, there built a frame house and at once engaged act- ively and energetically to clear and improve the land. After three years of hard labor, he found him- self $800 in debt, with little prospect of ever paying it. This he concluded would never do, and conse- quently he and his wife hired out to work for a gentleman by the name of Henry Arms, and were in his employ for two years, and by thus laboring they realized, over and above necessary expenses, enough to simply pay the interest on their debt, which they always kept paid up.

In 1862 our subject bought a team, one-half on credit, and after assuring his creditors that if he lived they should be paid every dollar which he owed them, he started overland for the land of gold, ar- riving at Elk City, Washington Ter., Aug. 12 of that year. He remained there during that fall, when he he went to Oregon, and was there engaged in chop- ping. In the spring of 1863 he went to the Blue Mountains, in the eastern part of Oregon, and for a

time engaged in mining, when he began freighting from Walla Walla County, Washington Ter., to the mountains. In the spring of 1863 he started on foot for Idaho City, distant 400 miles, and arrived there " dead broke." There he found employment at $6 per day mining, and in the fall of that year re- mitted to his home in this county a sufficient amount to liquidate every dollar of his old debt. He con- tinued to remain there a while longer and until he had made a " stake," when he turned his face home- ward, arriving here in November, 1865, and again located on his farm, where he has since lived and labored at his chosen vocation and has met with suc- cess. He erected a commodious frame residence on his place, which was destroyed by fire in 1883, to- together with a goodly portion of its contents. But Mr. Johnson is not a man who is easily discouraged, and he immediately erected another building, in which he is living at this writing, which is far better than the first. His home place now comprises 320 acres, well-stocked, besides which he owns a half-section in Bourbon County, Kan.

The maiden name of the wife of our subject was Parnile Peters, a native of Sweden, and she has borne him seven children, three of whom are living- Emanuel, married, a resident of Kansas ; Grant and Ellen C. The family are members of the Lutheran Church, and they were among the first members of that organization at Knoxville. In politics Mr. Johnson is a Republican.

A view of the homestead of Mr. Johnson is given on another page.

H. Peterson. Among the respected citi- zens as well as successful farmers of this county is to be found the subject of this notice. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section 8, Orange Township, where he owns a fine and productive farm of 190 acres. Mr. Peterson of this notice was born in Green County, Ohio, Feb. 14, 1845. His father was Felix and his mother Mary (Weaver) Peterson. The former was a native of Virginia, as was likewise his wife. He died in Green County, Ohio, after having lived a life of honorable industry, and his good wife survives him and is yet a resident of the old home- stead in Ohio. Nine olive branches sprang from

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the parent tree-Martha E., J. L., Catherine, James S., John W., Ezra, Isaac, William and the subject of this notice. Isaac and William are deceased.

The gentleman whose name heads this notice was united in marriage with Miss Emma J. Reynolds, Nov. 22, 1877. She was the daughter of Capt. W. H. and Martha (Bunday) Reynolds, and was born July 7, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have had born to them two children-Mattie L., Feb. 9, 1878, and one who died in infancy.

Mrs. Peterson is a member of the Christian Church, and in politics our subject votes for the Re- publican party. He began life a poor boy, and what he has he has made himself by honest, industrious labor, and not through the recipiency of any legacy.

illiam Gould. The subject of this per- sonal notice is one of the most prominent and influential farmers of Knox County, and is highly esteemed for his perseverance and industry. His home is on section 14, in Salem Township, is pleasantly located, and furnished with all modern conveniences. He has erected large frame barns and sheds for the shelter of stock, and to his agricultural pursuits adds the rearing of stock.

The subject of this writing was born in Windham County, Vt., May 10, 1833. His father, Sylvester Sage Gould, was a native of the same county and was born in 1794. The grandfather of William Gould, by name John, was a soldier of Revolutionary fame, and was also the owner of a farm in Windham County, at which place he died. The father of Will- iam Gould was reared on the farm in his native county, and was there married to Hannah Twitchell, who was also born in that county. After his mar- riage he bought a farm in Windham County and en- gaged in its culture. He kept many sheep and from them manufactured wool and cloth. In 1843 he sold one of his farms and disposed of his stock, and accompanied by his wife and five children started, in the month of June, overland to the State of Illi- nois. They traveled after the fashion of emigrants, cooking and camping by the way, and subsequently located at Brimfield, Peoria County, where he rented a farm. He had brought with him a quantity of

cloth, which was manufactured from his own wool, and during the first year he traded the cloth for the southeast quarter of section 14, in what is now Salem Township. This was wild land at the time and his purchase amounted to $1,000, paid for in cloth at $2.50 and $3.00 per yard. In 1844 he erected a good frame house on the place and began breaking the land, and in the spring of 1845, with his family, removed there and lived until 186t. In that year he sold out and with his family removed to a farm lying on section 13 of the same township, and they there continued to reside for a few years, when they again sold out and removed to Elmwood, taking up their abode in that place and remaining until 1870. Returning to the old homestead, then operated by his son, he continued in the home endeared to him by so many associations until his death, which took place Sept. 1, 1871. His wife, who survived him six years, died at the home of a son, in Galva, in 1877.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gould gathered about them a family circle including ten children, six of whom still survive, as follows: Margaret married E. B. Kent, whose home is in San Benito County, Cal .; Luther lives at Wakefield, Neb. ; Lucy Ann, wife of William Cummings, resides at Hollister, Cal .; Syl- vester has his home in San Benito County, Cal .; William, the subject of our sketch ; and Horace, who lives in San Benito County, Cal. Those deceased are David C., who was born in Vermont, remained in his native State, enlisted in the late war and fell in the service of his country; Hannah, the eldest child, married Nelson Drury and died in Woodford County, Ill., about 1852.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 59

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