Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 61

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 61

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Mr. and Mrs. Emery have seven children : Will- 1

iam E. is a teacher ; Frederick W. lives in Hamilton County, Kan .; George F .; Edwin A .; Burtis C .; and Rollin G .; Charles, the third son, died at the age of one year and nine months. After marriage they lived two years in West Jersey Township, Stark County, one year in Henry County, two years in Elba Township, this county, in which latter township he owned a partly improved 160-acre tract of land. He sold this and came to his present home in Lynn Township, in the spring of 1868. He has a well-im- proved and highly cultivated farm of 160 acres. On it is situated a good assortment of buildings and out- houses and wells, and it is stocked with a good grade of cattle. The farm can hardly be recognized to-day as the once unbroken tract of unfenced land of which he first obtained possession.

Mr. Emery is one of the best and most substantial citizens in this section of country. His wife and oldest son are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been Road Commissioner for a num- ber of years, holding offices in different parts of the ? township, and is at the present time Justice of the Peace. Politically he is a Republican, stanch and zealous in sentiment, and has a well-balanced theory as to the affairs of state and nation.

ames R. Randall. Knox County is dotted over with some of as fine farms as can be found anywhere within the State. Many of these splendid farms and beautiful homes are owned by a class of men who started in the world with nothing but an unlimited amount of enterprise and perseverance, and who through years of toil and economy, combined with wise judg- ment and the active co-operation of their good help- meets, have succeeded. They are men who have been the recipients of no legacy, and, havingattained success through many difficulties, it is but just that due credit should be given them. Of the class re- ferred to, and a gentleman respected for his sterling worth and integrity and his straightforward and manly dealings with his fellow-man, is the subject of this notice.

Mr. Randall was born in Rush County, Ind., Feb. 19, 1838, his father being Jedediah W. and his mother Lucirda (Perkins) Randall. The parents

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came to this State in 1848, and the first year of their residence was at Henderson. They afterward re- moved to Orange Township, where, on June 9, 1864, James R. formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Mary A. Anstine, the accomplished daughter of George and Mary A. (Stickley) Anstine. Their union has been blest with seven children-George E., born March 13, 1865 ; Nellie B., March 29, 1867, and died March 3, 1869; Cora M., March 23, 1870; Van- doran, Feb. 23, 1873; James D., Feb. 17, 1876; Eugene M., June 20, 1878, and Harry E., Oct. 10, 1883.

Our subject has followed agricultural pursuits for the major portion of his life. In 1878 he moved to Maquon and engaged in the mercantile business and was thus occupied for about one year. He then dis- posed of his stock of merchandise and returned to his first love, farming, having purchased the farm on which he is living at the present time. The place consists of 280 acres, all of it located in Orange Township, 160 acres being on section 27, 80 acres on section 34 and 40 acres on section 24. Mr. Randall has a good frame residence on his farmi, costing $2,000, and also an excellent cellar. The residence is well- finished, and two new barns add to the beauty of his place. He has scales for the weighing of stock, grain, etc., and has just erected a new ice-house; in fact, everything necessary for the conducting of a large and productive farm is to be found there, and in his farming operations he is meeting with that suc- cess which energy and perseverance seldom fail to bring.

Soon after the news had flashed across the wires that rebel shot and shell had been thundered against the walls of Sumter, and our martyred President had called for brave hearts and strong arms to fight for the perpetuity of the Union, Mr. Randall en- listed, joining Co. D), 102d 111. Vol. Inf. , Aug. 15, 1862, under Col. William McMurtry and Capt. H. H. Wilsey. The regiment was organized at Knox- ville and proceeded from there to Peoria, after which it moved to Louisville, Ky., and there joined Gen. Granger's command. He remained with his regiment until his final discharge, which took place Nov. 21, 1863, on account of disability contracted while in service. While in the army, John P. Randall, a brother, in the 77th Reg. Ill. Vol. Inf., was taken prisoner, and for 13 months was confined in rebel prisons. After Mr. R. had been transformed from

a soldier to a citizen he went to work on the farm, and has since devoted his time exclusively to the raising of stock and to agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of Lord Arthur, one of the finest Clydes- dale stallions in this part of the county. He also owns Johnny Coope, the best homebred stallion to be found in this community, and has 40 head of horses and colts in which he takes just pride, for they are truly among the best to be found in Knox County. He is making this departnient of his vocation a spe- cialty, and is classified among the foremost breeders in the State. In politics Mr. Randall votes with the Republican party.

onathan C. Garwood is a farmer on sec- tion 21, of Galesburg Township. He is a native of Warren County, Ohio, being born in that State in 1826, in the town of Lebanon, and is the son of William and Mary (Thatcher) Garwood, natives respectively of Pennsylvania

and Kentucky. The father died in 1866, the mother's death taking place in 1872. By this union four children were born, viz .: Sarah, Precilla, J. C. and Amos. Mr. Jonathan C. Garwood of this sketch married Miss Mary C. Weeks, a native of New York State, where she was born in 1831. They were mar- ried in 1852, in Galesburg, Ill., and have one child, a daughter, living. The name of this latter is Mamie, born in 1862.

Mr. Garwood is the owner of 240 acres of prime land, all in a state of thorough cultivation. He re- sides in a very comfortable house, but is now erect- ing a fine family residence on his southeast farm on section 20, about a quarter of a mile west of his present residence. When he first came to Gales- burg, in 1838, he was but 12 years old, so that he may be ranked among the earliest pioneers of this and adjoining townships. His parents first moved from Ohio to the State of Michigan, and, settling near Niles, remained located there for some 40 years. From there they removed to Galesburg, where they both died. The subject of this notice has been ex- tensively engaged in cattle-breeding. Twice he has visited California, once accompanied by his family. The first time, in 1852, he made the trip overland with a drove of cattle, upon which he realized a snug

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sum of money. In life Mr. Garwood had to fight his own battles unaided, but, notwithstanding, has accu- mulated a good competency. He thoroughly appre- ciates the enjoyments of life and has a disposition to make those around him contented with their lot. He is a man of well-balanced judgment.

The religious views of Mr. Garwood are liberal, he being a stanch believer in the doctrine that every man's conscience should be his own guide. Politi- cally he is a stanch Republican, and in all likelihood will continue to present the consistency both in his life and works of the best principles and views of that party.

enry England. Prominent among those belonging to the agricultural class of this county, and who have attained success Ix through energetic efforts and perseverance, and not as the recipients of a legacy, is Henry En- gland, following his chosen vocation on section 8, of Persifer Township, in which occupation he is meeting with more than ordinary success. Mr. England came to this county in 1854, from Vinton County, Ohio, and settled in Persifer Township, where he has since lived, a period of upward of 32 years. On first coming here he purchased 160 acres of land, which he increased by a subsequent pur- chase until at the present time his landed interest in the township comprises 255 acres, of which 150 are in good, tillable condition.

The subject of this notice was born in Bedford County, Pa., April 30, 1830, and was quite young when his parents moved to Vinton County, Ohio. In the latter county he continued to reside with the old folks until coming here. He formed a matrimonial alliance in Persifer Township, Aug. 7, 1856, with Miss Orpha Pratt. She is a daughter of Ephraim B. and Electa (Lane) Pratt, natives of the Keystone State. Her parents came to this county in 1855, settling in Persifer Township, where they lived and labored until their demise, her father being a farmer by calling.

Mrs. England was born in Vinton County, Ohio, Jan. 25, 1832. Of her union with Mr. England five children have been born, and named Alice E., born Jan. 10, 1858 ; George W., Dec. 30, 1859 ; Elihu J., Aug. 2, 1862 ; Albert P'., Dec. 24, 1865 ; Harvey E.,

Nov. 3, 1869 ; Ida May, Dec. 7, 1872, died Dec. 29, 1872. George W. married Emma Cherrington and also lives in that township, and their union has been blessed by the birth of one child-Clarence H. Mr. and Mrs. England are members of the United Brethren Church. Politically he votes with the Re- publican party. Agriculture has been the business of his life, and the energy with which he has devoted himself to his calling has brought him success.

eter Collins, dealer in stock, residing at Knoxville, is a native of Ohio, having been born in Pickaway County June 6, 1844. For a brief notice of his parents, see sketch of M. H. Collins, in this work. Peter Collins was but four years of age when, in company with his parents, he came to Knox County. His younger days were passed on his father's farm and in attendance at the common schools, the latter be- ing supplemented by a course at Lombard Univer- sity, Galesburg. Mr. Collins was married Aug. 30, 1870, to Miss Drusilla J. Wilson, daughter of Francis and Elizabeth Wilson. She died Oct. 15, 1879, aged 27 years rr months and 23 days, leaving four chil- dren to the care of her husband-John W., Ralph E., Bessie and Francis B. Mr. Collins has been en- gaged in buying and selling stock for the past 18 years, and has proven himself to be one of the most successful shippers of Knox County.

ohn J. Mathews, an enterprising farmer, residing in Salem Township, was born Feb. 13, 1847, on the place he now owns. His father, John Mathews, was a pioneer of 1838- 30 39, in Salem Township, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1812, of Scotch parents. While he was young his father died. At the age of 17 years the father of our subject started out a poor boy, without friends, to begin life. He resolved to come to America, that famous land of freedom, where every man is his own monarch, and, procur- ing cheap passage to Canada, did so. He was em- ployed at farming and in the fisheries for two years. He then went to New York, and after spending a

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short time there went to Philadelphia, where he was apprenticed as tanner and learned the trade. He became acquainted with and subsequently married Miss Clarinda Robertson, from Philadelphia, a daughter of James and Jane (Ogden) Robertson, the former of Scotch and the latter of English lineage. During the year 1837 ensued what was known as " the panic," when throughout the country hard times prevailed. Banks were closed and thousands of peo- ple were out of employment, our subject among others. In this crisis he concluded to make an at- tempt to found a home in the West, and, leaving his wife with friends, started March 20, 1838, for Illi- nois. He came via canal and railroad to Pittsburg, thence by Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Cooper's Landing, and energetically proceeded to finish his journey on foot, his destination being Farm- ington, Fulton County. He there engaged for a time with the railroad company, but the road they started to build was never finished-the workmen only re- ceiving 40 cents on the dollar of their wages, which were to be Szo per month. His wife joined him dur- ing the summer of that year, traveling the same route that our subject had taken, and landing in Peoria. Soon after he came to Knox County and took up a claim of 80 acres of land on section 4. now Salen Township. He went to the Land-Office at Quincy and entered his land, and on his return contracted with a neighbor to erect a log house for the sum of $60, and in the spring of 1839 he settled in this place and commenced farming, his stock consisting of one horse, a cow, two pigs and a few chickens. He first built a sod fence to protect his crops, but later fenced the entire tract with rails. He then built a good brick house on the place and made his home there, adding to and improving his property as far as pos- sible until his death, which occurred Nov. 12, 1859. His widow still lives on the old homestead with her son.

Eight children of this union grew to man and woman's estate-William, living in Salem Township; Jane, who died at the age of 23 years; Sarah, wife of William Simpson, residing in Crawford County, Kan .; Thomas C., now a resident of Hamlin, Brown County, Kan., as merchant and grain-dealer at that place; Clarinda, wife of Andrew Montgomery, living in Salem Township; John J .; Robert G., of Elba Township, and Eliza M., wife of Robert Maxey, of Peoria. Our subject has always resided on the old homestead,

which he has managed since he attained his majority. He was married Dec. 23, 1873 to Barbara Clesson, a native of Shelby County, Ill. She is the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Humphrey) Clesson. They have three children-Walter C., Mary L. and Clar- ence H. Both Mr. M. and wife are active members of the Presbyterian Church, following in the footsteps of his parents, his father being one of the organizers of that church at Farmington, of which they were members at the time of his death, after which his mother was one of the seven members who organ- ized the church in Yates City. Both were noble Christians of the old days.

aniel Robertson. The subject of this bi- ography is a farmer on section 11, Hen- derson Township, and came to Knox County in February, 1828. Arriving from Morgan County, Ill., he settled in Henderson Township, and in company with his brother one year later purchased a quarter-section of land on section 2. Since the date above given he has been a representative resident in this vicinity, and has been continuously engaged in agriculture. He was the first actual settler of Knox County and came with those who first settled in Henderson Township. The very first banking business done in Henderson village had its incipiency in the efforts of this gentle- man. He is the owner of about 200 acres of good land within the township. He was born in Scotland June 12, 1804, and when only an infant of four months came with his parents to this country, the family settling in York State. They finally, how- ever, came to Morgan County, Ill., where the father subsequently died. His mother's decease took place in Greene County, Ill.

Mr. Robertson was about 17 years old when he left New York and came to Illinois. His parents were then engaged in farming and our subject remained at home, assisting his father from time to time, up to the age of 21 years. He was first married at Henderson Grove to Miss Pollie Maxwell, Sept. 30, 1830. This lady was a native of Sangamon County, Ill. Five interesting children were born to this union-Elizabeth, Alexander, Thomas, Melissa and Mary ; Melissa is now deceased. Mrs. Robertson died in Henderson Township, in May, 1840. Mr.

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLIN''3

John Hall

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R. was again married, in Knoxville, on the 21st of April, 1841, to Miss Jane Riddle, a native of Ken- tucky, born Feb. 25, 1812. By this happy union there were six children -- John, James G., Amanda A., Emily H., Harlan E. and Harbin C. Emily died in infancy.

Mrs. Robertson is a lady of much amiability of character and a leading member of the United Brethren Church. In her community she is held in the highest favor. She is an excellent mother and a faithful wife. In politics our subject is a Jacksonian Democrat, and has always entertained the belief and consistently lived up to the idea that a government instituted on the Jackson plan would more than any other be beneficial to the country at large.

Of his children who are grown up, Elizabeth is the wife of James Smelter, and resides in Rio Town- ship; Alexander and Thomas reside in Henry County; Mary is the wife of Robert Adcock and re- sides in Warren County ; John resides in Henderson Township; James G. lives in California; Amanda A. is the wife of A. C. Briggs and resides in Kansas ; Harlan and Harbin reside in the same township with their parents.

2 ieut. John Hall. This gentleman, whose portrait we give on the opposite page, is a leading farmer of the county, as well as a stone mason and bridge builder. His splendid residence is located on section 11, of Chestnat Township. He is a worthy citizen of Knox County, whose name deserves special mention in its history, he having gained distinction by deeds of bravery during the Civil War. He is one of the county's most reliable and honorable citizens, and de- serving of great respect.

Mr. Hall was born in Hesse, March 22, 1825, from which place he emigrated to America in the year 1852, stopping at St. Louis for some months. He next went to Burlington, Iowa, where he worked on culverts and bridges on the Quincy Branch of the C., B. & Q. R. R., which was in 1856, and in 1861 he purchased 80 acres of land in Chestnut Township and began farming. July 17, of that year, he was united in marriage with Miss Salome Freemole, a na- tive of Pennsylvania, who was born in Crawford County, that State, Aug. 18, 1832. The union of Mr.

and Mrs. Hall has been blest by the birth of the fol- lowing children, namely : Mamie, born June 21, 1859, is now Mrs. B. Wainwright, and lives in this township, being the mother of one child-Bessie; Herman, born Aug. 14, 1857, died May 14, 1883 ; Carl, born May 9, 1861, died July 29, 1862 ; Emma, born Sept. 26, 1862, is the wife of David Bearmor, who lives in this county, and is the mother of one child-Edna B., born Oct. 8, 1881.

Mr. Hall is the possessor of 145 acres of finely cultivated land, of which he may be justly proud. Upon it stands a handsome residence, which was erected in 1882, the old one having been burned the year previous. It is commodious, convenient and modern, and is a home in the true sense of the word, not only to the inhabitants, but " to the stranger within the gates." Our subject has had marked suc- cess in the growing of the best blooded Short-horn cattle, and Clydesdale horses from the imported Cruiser.

Mr. Hall is a member of the G. A. R. As pre- viously stated, he was a soldier in the Union Army. He enlisted in July, 1862, in Co. F, 86th Ill. Vol. Inf., under Col. Irons, who died at Nashville, Tenn. The first battle in which he participated was that of Perryville, Ky., and following that Nashville, after which he was detached and assigned to a pioneer brigade, and was at the battle of Stone River. He was with Gen. Sherman in his march to the sea, but of the many engagements in which he figured, that which stands out most vividly in his recollection as a stern, hard warfare was the struggle of Kenesaw Mountain. After this battle he was appointed com- mander of Co. F, 86th Reg., where he continued until the close of the war i. the capacity of Lieutenant of that company. It is remarkable, but true, that Mr. Hall received no wound of any kind during this bloody conflict, though foremost in some of the most severe battles of the war. In full, as a brilliant rec- ord, it is just to give in this connection the names of the battles in which his regiment participated. The regiment, after organization, moved for Louisville. Marched from camp Oct. I, and on the 8th was en- gaged in the battle of Perryville ; engaged in the bat- tle of Chickamauga, Sept. 19, 20 and 21. Moved into Lookout Valley Oct. 29. In the night of Nov. 23, crossed the river on a pontoon and camped at the foot of Missionary Ridge. Pursued the enemy on the 26th to Ringgold, and was then ordered to Knoxville,

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Tenn. Marched as far as Little Tennessee River, and returned to Chattanooga Dec. 18, after a most severe march. Was engaged at Buzzard's Roost, May 9, 10 and 11 ; Resaca, May 14, 15 ; Rome, 17th -6 killed, Ir wounded; Dallas, from May 27 to June 5 ; Kenesaw Mountain, from June 11 to 27- losing 1 10 killed and wounded. It again engaged the enemy on the banks of the Chattahoochee on the 18th of July ; at Peach Tree Creek on the 19th ; and near Atlanta, 20th and 22d. Engaged in the siege of At- lanta. Commenced the " march to the sea " Nov. 16. Arrived at Savannah Dec. 21. After the sur- render of Johnston, marched via Richmond to Wash- ington, at which place was mustered out of service, June 6, 1865. Died, killed and wounded, 346. Marched 3.500 miles; by rail, 2,000. He was mus- tered out at Washington with all the honors of war, June 6, 1865. He also served five years in the reg- ular army in Germany before coming to America, but he now clings to the welfare of the country of his adoption, and feels an interest deep and keen in the affairs of the nation. He has always voted the Re- publican ticket.

acob England. As a representative of the agricultural class of Knox County, and a gentleman who has succeded in life through individual effort, we take pleasure in mention- ing the name of Jacob England, residing on section 5, Persifer Township. He came to this county in 1856, from Vinton County, Ohio, and made settlement in Persifer Township, where at first he purchased 80 acres of land on section 5. He is at present the owner of 240 acres, 180 of which are under an advanced state of cultivation.

Mr. England was born in Bedford County, Pa., in 1820, and is the fourth in order of birth of a family of eight children, all of whom arrived at the age of man and womanhood. The father died in 1856, the mother in 1835. Jacob England was 15 years of age when his parents removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and lived in Vinton County, that State, until they came here. Agriculture has been the vocation of his life, and he has followed it with such en- ergy and perseverance that he has acquired a com- petency, and is now enjoying the afternoon of life on his fine farm on section 5, Persifer Township.

Mr. England was married in 1852, in Kentucky,

to Susannah Brown, a native of Washington County, Pa. Mrs. England is the daughter of Emanuel and Elizabeth (Hinkims) Brown. She was born Dec. 29, 1830, in Washington County, Pa., and was the seventh in a family of eight children. She now has one sister, Minerva Teagarden, and two brothers, Abraham and A. P. The sister lives in Adams Coun- ty, lowa; Abraham lives in Missouri, and A. P. resides in Marshall County, Illinois.

Hle and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics Mr. England votes with the Republican party.

alvin A. Cole is one among the old settlers of Knox County, who arrived in this State in 1838, first settling in Peoria County, Ill. He has since that time resided in this county. His present home was purchased in 1855 and consists of 157 acres on section 7, of Walnut Grove Township. At the date of his purchase, this now well-cultivated farm was wild, unbroken prairie. It may be truthfully said that Mr. Cole's property is among the best stocked with horses and cattle in this vicinity.

He was born in Wyoming County, N. Y., on the 9th of October, 1823. His father was a native of the same State and a farmer by calling. This gentleman was of English descent and American parentage by adoption. His mother was Lucy Ashley, of Irish ancestry; these latter lived and died in New York, Mrs. Ashley being born in Massachusetts. The par- ents were people of good standing in their community and remarkable for their industry and frugality. The mother died before her son, Calvin, had attained his seventh year, and his father passed away hefore the boy was 12 years old. Subsequent to his father's death he lived with his mother's relatives from three to four years, when he set out to make his own liveli- hood. He was then in his 18th year, when, joining his uncle, Calvin Ashley, they arrived in Illinois on his 19th birthday, and the young man at once re- solved on building himself a home in this new coun- try. He remained a few years in this State, then returned to his native county, and on March 6, 1844. was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Baker. She was a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., and was born Dec. 8, 1823. Her parents were Isaac and Deb-

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orah (Clarkson) Baker, both natives of New Jersey and New York respectively, and he was a farmer by occupation. They were of Dutch and English ances- try. She was brought up at home, and in 1849, with her parents, came to Knox County, settling near Galesburg. Her father died here in 1853. The mother's decease took place in Altona, in December, 1866. They both died at advanced ages, being over So years of age. The present Mrs. Cole is the mother of five children, two deceased. Lucy is the wife of Amos Reynolds, and resides in Red Willow County, Neb., where they farm successfully. Mary is the wife of Lewis Friend, and resides at her fath- er's in Altona ; this gentleman is deceased. Henry and Ida died at the ages of 19 and 20 respectively.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 61

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