Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 63

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 63

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The family subsequently came to this country in 1846, with the Johnson Colony, which took up its abode at Bishop Hill, Henry Co., Ill. Early in the winter of 1846, the parents and children who had come over surrendered their faith in Johnson, and left the colony, coming soon afterward to Knox County. Here his parents died. On the landing of his people in the United States, Mr. Challman had attained to his majority and worked for a while on a farm until in 1855, when he made his first pur- chase of land in Walnut Grove Township. The new, unbroken land which he purchased consisted of 80 acres, which he rapidly changed into prime soil, hav- ing lived on the same 20 years. From time to time

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he has purchased other land and is now the possess- or of a beautiful home. He has been among the most successful farmers in the county.

On April 21, 1854, Mr. Challman was married at Knoxville, Ill., to Miss Anna Linn. This lady is a native of Sweden, and came to this country with her parents in connection with the Johnson party. After the arrival of the colony in New York, Mrs. Linn, the mother of Mrs. Challman, died, and the father returned to Sweden, renouncing his faith in the Prophet Johnson; this gentleman is still living. Mrs. C. is the mother of four children, one of whom died at the age of 13 years. Those living are: Rosea A., wife of G. W. Robbins, who resides on a farm in Copley Township; next are Nancy Elizabeth and Hester M., both educated ladies, and now residing at home. Mrs. C. is a member of the Swedish Meth- odist Episcopal Church, which institution all the family attend. Mr. C. fills the post of Road Com- missioner, an office which he has held for some time. In politics he is a prominent Republican, a fact generally recognized in his community.

else L. Anderson, a farmer and dealer in hardware and general merchandise at Al- tona, established himself in business Nov. 9, 1885, succeeding R. H. Arnold. He was born in Sweden, Oct. 26, 1849, coming to America in 1856, stopping first in Warren County the same year, and afterward making his first purchase of land-160 acres-in Ontario Town- ship, in this county, residing on and farming this successfully ; later he bought So acres in Clover Township, Henry County, and another quarter-sec- tion in Ontario Township. He alterward sold his Henry County land, still owning the half-section in Ontario Township, all well improved. His success as a farmer is rarely excelled, and his business has always been on the increase. His new venture in the mercantile line starts out with every promise of meeting his expectations, and his fine business train- ing, industry, worth and reliability, and usefulness as a citizen and business man to the community, are sure to meet just reward in the generous custom and patronage of a liberal people. His establishment is the most extensive of its kind in the village, and has

attached to it for public convenience a good tinshop, largely increasing the value of the property and bus- iness.

Mr. Anderson was married in the autumn of 1867, to Miss Lindell, a native of Galesburg, where she was born, and was reared in Knox County, her father being a farmer. She is now the mother of six happy children, whose excellent training under wise dis- cipline and in the fine public school there make them a credit to the household and to the community. There names are Emma I., Arthur A., William L., Hannah O., Edna T. and Eva F. The parents of Mrs. A. are members of the Swedish Church, whose doctrines they adorn in their daily lives and honestly practice with their neighbors, by whom they are uni- versally esteemed, for they follow and practice that best of all laws, the Golden Rule.

In politics, Mr. Anderson is an intelligent Repub- lican, but, knowing and appreciating the value of liberty, asserts and maintains for all the right to per- fect freedom of opinion and personal political action. Since coming to Illinois from a distant land, ac- quainted only with a language foreign to the country, his success and prosperity have been remarkable, an evidence of that stubborn pluck, steady industry and unyielding perseverance for which the people of Sweden are so famous. Yet young in years, he still has a bright future before him, and still greater suc- cesses await him, in which to exemplify to younger men what the best qualities and best habits can ac- complish. All his many friends will watch his ad- vancement with pleasure and bid him God-speed in the honorable career he has chosen.

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saac Cramer. This county has a large class of citizens represented in the agricultural interests of the county, who started in life with nothing, but who through laborious toil, together with fair and honorable dealing, have made a success in life, and to-day have fine farms as the result of their labor and energy. Among the number referred to, and a gentleman respected and honored for his sterling worth and integrity, is the subject of this biographical notice, who is industriously engaged in the prosecution of his vocation on section 27, Orange Township.

Mr. Cramer was born in Clermont Co., Ohio, Sept.

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13, 1837, and is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Binkley) Cramer. He first came to this State in 1857, and staid one summer, when he returned to the Buckeye State, and was there variously occupied until 1862. During that year he disposed of his in- terest in that State, when he removed to this county and here rented land and followed farming until 1870. He then purchased the farm on which he is at present residing, the same consisting of 1 30 acres, 78 acres being located on section 27, and 60 acres on section 34, Orange Township. On this land he located with his family, and has there been actively engaged in its improvement and cultivation until the present time, meeting with success, which was brought about by his own perseverance and the active co-operation of his good helpmeet.

Miss Martha Mather became the wife of our sub- ject Sept. 20, 1865. She is the daughter of Isaac and Mary A. (Fortner) Mather (see sketch), born Sept. 7, 1845. The household has been blest by the birth of three children-Edwin, born Dec. 13, 1 867 ; Torence, Sept. 18, 1869; and Frank, March 29, 1879.

Mr. Cramer, of this notice, was a soldier in the late war, having enlisted for three months in the 2d Ohio Vol. Inf., April 23, 1861. He received an honorable discharge August 19, of that year. The most of the time during his service he was engaged in guarding railroad bridges. After his discharge he again en- listed in the same fall in the 23d Ohio Vol. Inf., but was not permitted to fight for the flag he loved, on ac- count of physical disability, the Examining Surgeon rejecting him as having weak lungs. Our subject has a good, comfortable frame dwelling on his farm and one of the best barns in this township, together with all necessary out-buildings for the prosecution of his calling on his fine and productive farm. In politics he votes for the Republican party, and is a worthy representative of the agricultural class in his town- ship.

S amuel D. Johnson, one of Knox County's prominent and successful agriculturists, re- sides upon his finely cultivated farm of 175 acres, located on section 27, Maquon Town- ship. In political faith he adheres to the principles of the Republican party, with which body he also casts his vote. The gentleman whose

nau e heads this biographical notice came to Knox County in 1855, from Clinton County, Ohio. He passed his early life until the age of nine years in the village of Cuba, Ohio, and after emigrating to Knox County lived on a farm in Chestnut Township for a period of 16 years, since which time he has lived in Maquon Township. His first purchase in Knox County consisted of 80 acres in the township last named, which he afterward disposed of. In the winter of 1879 he located on section 27, his present home, purchasing 150 acres of land. He is now the proprietor of 175 acres, the greater part of which is not tillable.

Mr. Johnson was born in Warren County, Ohio, April 20, 1846. His parents were by name S. D. and Annie E. Johnson. They both lived and died in Ohio. Mr. Johnson of this sketch was married at Knoxville, March 4, 1871, the lady of his choice being Mary L., the intelligent daughter of William G. and Elizabeth (Rea) Taylor, who were natives of New Jersey. The parents of Mrs. Johnson came to Knox County in 1853, and settled in Maquon Town- ship, afterward removing to Farmington, Fulton Co., Ill., in the spring of 1885. Mrs. J. was born in New Jersey, May 8, 1846, and since her marriage to Mr. Johnson has become the mother of eight interesting children, by name as follows : Benjamin F., Annie E., Flora B., Katie C., Abby, Julia E., Fannie and Earl T. Mr. Johnson is one of the solid and sub- stantial men in Knox County.

euben Baily, M. D. It is a fact very widely acknowledged, that apart from the professional confidence placed in this gen- tleman while practiciing as a physician, he has attracted about him during many years of social intercourse a community of solid friends that few gentlemen can boast of. Professionally he was deemed one of the most expert doctors of his day, as can be testified to by many who have encountered him in years past.

Dr. Baily was born at Uniontown, Pa., Sept. 14, 1816, and was the son of Silas and Mary (Harlen) Baily, both natives of Maryland. The father was a teacher by profession and a prominent member of the Society of Friends. The gentleman whose name

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heads this sketch was but three years old at the death of his father, the mother being left with nine children. With true motherly devotion she suc- ceeded in keeping the family together for several years, when, each one reaching man and womanhood, they went their several ways to face fortune in her varying forms. The subject of our sketch for some time attended Madison College in Uniontown, after quitting which he engaged in agricultural pursuits for one year. Discovering the fact that his talents were not destined for this department of life, he abandoned farming in 1841, and removed to Sidney, Ohio, where he engaged at once in mercantile trade, in which he was not wholly successful.

At this period, encountering several friends, and induced by their persuasion to commence reading for the medical profession, he first joined Dr. H. C. Conklin, of Sidney, and studied there two years, at- tending later a course of lectures at the Cincinnati Medical College. Returning to Sidney, he finished his course of study and commenced the practice of medicine at that place, remaining there until 1847, when he came to Knox County and located at Knox- ville.

In 1852 he attended medical lectures at St. Louis and finally graduated from the Missouri Medical College, and resumed practice at Knoxville. Here he has continued since that date.

In the year 1839 he married Elizabeth More- land, a lady of great kindness of heart and many at- tainments. She was born in Uniontown, Pa., on the Ist of August, 1817, and to this marriage there were three children born-Henry C., who resides in Win- field, Cooley Co., Kan., and is a dentist by profes- sion ; George, who lives at home ; and Ellen, wife of Cyrus N. Carson, residing in Knoxville.

In politics Dr. Baily was of the old Whig school, but in recent years has become a Republican in prin- ciple and practice. Though not figuring in the field of politics ostentatiously, he possesses a quiet and deep-seated influence with his party. Only a few years have elapsed since his retirement from the medical profession, and he now lives in comparative ease, enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life. In the year 1875 he engaged in a trip to California, and pur- chased about that date a stock-ranch in Texas, in which he still holds a large interest.

The Doctor is remarkable for his wide range of reading and keeps well posted in all important topics

occupying the attention of the political world. As a conversationalist he is remarable for his suavity of manner, and is always careful to select such subjects as are not only enlightening but pleasing in their nature.

reeman Gross. Prominent among those who have achieved success in agricultural pursuits, and which success has been attained through their own individual effort, energy and perseverance, coupled with econ- omy and the active co-operation of their good helpmeets and children, is he whose brief biograph- ical sketch we write. Freeman Gross is one of the highly respected and well-to-do farmers of this county. Coming here in 1856, he has made Lynn Township his home ever since, and has there been continuously engaged in the prosecution of his chosen vocation, agriculture, and there may be found at this writing, on his fine farm on section 17.

Mr. Gross was born in Cortland County, N. Y., Feb. 13, 1817. . His father, Freeman Gross, Sr., was likewise a farmer and a son of Jabez Gross, who sailed from England with Gen. Wolfe for the United States, and who afterward fought under that General at the Heights of Abraham in the French and English War of 1765. Jabez was all through that campaign and escaped both injury and imprison- ment. It was from Jabez and his brother Thomas that the Gross family throughout the United States are descended. The latter, Thomas, in the genealogy of the family was lost sight of, and it is not known what became of him; both Jabez and Thomas were born in Holland, and went to England just prior to coming to the United States. Jabez was married after he came to this country, to Dorothea Ellis, a lady of French parentage. For several years after his marriage Jabez followed the sea as a whaler, and later settled at Cape Cod, whence he went with his family to Otsego County, N. Y., where he en- gaged in farming and there lived until his death. Of his union with Miss Ellis 12 children were born, of whom the father of our subject was the youngest and was reared to the callings of both farmer and cooper and married in Otsego County. After his marriage he moved to Cortland County, N. Y., and followed the cooper's trade a portion of his life. He

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and his wife both died in Cortland County, after hav- ing passed an honorable, active and successful life within its borders.

Freeman Gross is the fifth child and third son of a family of 12 children, eight sons and four dangh- ters, two of the former and all of the latter being deceased : Rev. Alba Gross is living in Springfield, Ill., having retired from a life of active ministerial labor. Minerva Gross married a Mr. Cook, who is living in Cortland County, N. Y .; she died in Jan- uary, 1886. John C. Gross is a resident of Chicago, a married man and living in retirement ; Orrin M. Gross is married and resides in Kansas; Perry D. is a farmer in Broome County, N. Y., and is the head of a family; Van Buren Gross lives in Tompkins County, N. Y., and is a manufacturer of cooperware. The deceased children of the parents of our subject are Laura, Maranda, Susie A., Henry D., Sallie A. and Minerva. Maranda and Susie A. were both wives of John Tarble, a farmer of prominence of Cortland County, N. Y.

Freeman Gross was educated in his native county in the common schools, and assisted in the labors of the farm and was there resident until 1840. During that year he went to Lebanon County, Pa., where he was occupied in teaching for 16 years. While a resident of that county he was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Wagner, the date of their nup- tials being Aug. 25, 1842. She was the oldest child and an accomplished daughter of Samnel and Lydia (Desh) Wagner, and was born in Lebanon County, Pa., July 13, 1825. Her parents were born, reared, lived and died in that county. They were both of pure German descent. The father had secured a large property prior to his demise, which event took place in 1868 ; the mother yet survives and has attained the venerable age of 80 years, and is a resident of Lebanon County, Pa. They were earnest Christians and lived profitable and honored lives. Mrs. Gross was the elder of two children born to her parents, the younger being Sallie, widow of William Gelbach, who was a merchant and resident of Lebanon County, Pa. Mrs. Gross was educated in the common schools and lived with her parents until her mar- riage. She is a lady of superior attainments, is an extensive reader and talks fluently on all matters of general and current news, as well as on politics and religion. She is the mother of three children, one of whom is deceased-Clinton, who departed this

life at the age of 15 years ; Lavinia, the wife of Sam- uel Barlow, a practical and successful farmer of Lynn Township, and the mother of eight children, four living and four deceased; Mamie married Manuel Erickson, and they reside in Galva, where Mr. E. is employed as assistant cashier in L. M. Yocum & Co.'s Bank.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gross continued to reside in Lebanon County until 1856. During that year they came to this State and for one year re- sided in Galva. In 1857 they moved to this county and made settlement in Lynn Township on section 17. At this writing Mr. Gross is the proprietor of a fine farm for 200 acres of good and productive land, on which are located substantial improvements. He also owns 32 acres of land, which he holds as a be- quest for his daughter. In Galva he has an improved lot, and it is his intention to soon remove there and retire from the active labors of the farm. He is a believer in the Unitarian doctrine and his wife in the Baptist. All the children in the family are like- wise members of the latter church, and, in politics, Mr. Gross is independent. He has represented his township in the Board of Supervisors and has been active in political circles.

nthony W. Caldwell is a successful farmer and a representative citizen of Knox Coun- ty, whose homestead lies on section 30, and who is the son of John and Mary (Baird) Caldwell, both natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Knox County from Pennsylvania in 1839, and settled in Persifer Township among other pioneers, and from its infancy have watched the growth of the county as it assumed larger and larger proportions and its boundaries extended far- ther, until she stands to-day one of the populous and prosperous counties of Illinois.

Mr. Caldwell is the third child in order of birth of a family of nine, and was born in Lycoming County, Pa , Aug. 30, 1824. He was 15 years of age when he came to Knox County with his parents, and, at- tending the common schools, gained a moderately good education. He remained at home until he attained the age of 24 years, when he made up his inind to take a trip to California, and in 1850 started across the plains. He was absent from home almost

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two years, and, returning to Knox County, remained only a short time and again went back to the land of gold. In the fall of 1856 his heart again sought the familiar scenes of his youth, and he set his face east- ward, this time remaining contentedly at home until 1862, when he again went to the Golden State, and tarried for the period of 15 months. After this inter- val had elapsed, he came back to Persifer Township, where he has since been engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was a miner while in Califor- nia, and met with moderate success. He is now the owner of 159 acres in Persifer Township, in which section of the country he was married Dec. 10, 1857, to Sarah M. Manley, daughter of George W. and Lucretia (Weed) Manley, natives of Massachusetts and New York respectively. They came to Knox County in 1838 from Chautauqua County, N. Y., and settled in Persifer Township, where they passed the remainder of their days and were there buried. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Mrs. C. was the youngest. She was born in Chautauqua County, Aug. 16, 1831, and is the mother of five children, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are John W, William, residing in Knox County, where he is engaged in farming, and Charles A., still under the paternal roof.

Mr. Caldwell takes some interest in public matters and casts his vote with the Democratic party.

orris Griffith,one of the enterprising farm- ers of this county, resides on section 35, Galesburg Township, and is the son of Abel and Hannah (Gore) Griffith, natives of Pennsylvania. Abel was born in 1803 and died in October, 1875, in this State. The mother of our subject was born in October, 1813, and they had three girls and five boys in their fan- ily. as follows : Morris, born Feb. 20. 1836 ; John X., Ann E., Mary E., William, Rebecca, George, Howard and Belle F. The mother is still living at the old home in Cedar Township.

Mr. Morris Griffith was married to Miss Elizabeth Harmony, Dec. 27, 1859, by Rev. T. S. Vail, of the Presbyterian Church, of Knoxville. She was born Feb. 3, 1834, in Franklin County, Pa., and is the daughter of John and Eve (Zumbro) Harmony. Her parents are still living ; they were natives of

Pennsylvania, the father being born in 1801 and the mother in February, 1802. They were married in May, 1825, and have seven children, as follows : John, Ellinor, Elizabeth, William, Annie, Mahala and Franklin. This aged couple came to Illinois in 1853 and located at Knoxville, where they still reside and are members of the Presbyterian Church. The old gentleman is a Democrat in politics.

Mr. Griffith, the subject of this sketch, has six children living and one deceased, as follows : Her- bert R., born Jan. 8, 1861 ; Etta O, May 22, 1862; William E., Jan. 18, 1864; Arthur A., Jan. 22, 1866; Frank M., Aug. 24, 1868; Jessie A., June 21, 1877, and Mary E., April 21, 1871, dying Sept. 21, 1873.

Mr. Griffith, through industry and frugality, has become the owner of 280 acres of choice land, 120 of which are in this township and the balance in Ce- dar Township. Like most of the enterprising farm- ers of the State, he takes pride in improving his property and has a fine dwelling with an excellent barn on his premises, and has 800 rods of tile drain-

1 age on the farm. The stock which roam over his fertile fields are of the best quality-fine thorough- breds.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Griffith are members of the Presbyterian Church, at Knoxville. Mr. Griffith has held the office of Commissioner of Highways, and is a Republican in politics. Yet in the prime of life, he has secured a competency, and by honesty and strict attention to the duties devolving upon him, he holds a high place in the respect of his fellow-citi- zens. He is a native of Fayette County, Pa., where he was born in 1836, coming to Illinois in October, 1852, where he has since remained. Three of Mr. G.'s brothers, by name John X., William and George, were in the War of the Rebellion, and all passed through without a scratch.

ohn W. Woolsey. Among those who have passed the major portion of life engaged in agricultural pursuits, and who by their per- severing labor and economy, and assisted by the active co-operation of their good helpmeets n and children, have met with success, is the subject of this notice. He is pleasantly located upon his fine farm on section 17, Orange Township, and is

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there passing the sunset of life in the enjoyment of a sufficiency, and surrounded by a happy family in his pleasant home. Ohio is the State of his' nativity, and the date of his birth April 23, 1821, his father being Thomas, and his mother Parthenia (Umsted) Wool- sey. Thomas Woolsey was born in New York State in r809, and moved from there to Ohio in 1819. From the time he was 20 years of age until within a few years prior to his death, he was an earnest advo- cate of the cause of Christ, and an eloquent preacher of the Gospel. While yet a young man he was an ex- horter, and afterward an ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He emigrated to this State from Ohio, in 1839, and made settlement at Sycamore, De Kalb County, where he continued to reside until his demise, which occurred in 1865. His wife died at the same place in 1879, and they lie buried side by side in the cemetery at Sycamore.

Mr. Woolsey, of this notice, married Miss Mary - Warren in 1849, and they became the parents of nine children : Celia, born Jan. 1, 1850, is now de- ceased ; Thena was born Dec. 20, 1853, and is also deceased ; Elvira, born May 6, 1855 ; Florence, born Nov. 8, 1858, is deceased ; Carrie, born Feb. 29, 1860 ; Delia, April 22, 1862 ; Jennie, April 12, 1864 ; May, May 14, 1866; and Maud, May 29, 1870. The good wife and kind mother departed this life July 14, 1873. Mr. Woolsey formed a second matrimonal alliance Jan. 8, 1877, his wife being the widow of Wright Woolsey. Her maiden name was Rebecca Yeager, and of her union with Wright Woolsey, their marriage having occurred Jan. 27, 1842, the follow- ing children were born: Prudence, Dec. 12, 18.42; Hannah S., April 7, 1844; Mary E., Oct. 13, 1845, deceased ; George W., April 17, 1847; William H., June 15, 1848; Eliza A., July 27, 1849; Almira C., Nov. 21, 1851, deceased; Cardinal B., June 10, 1853, deceased ; Susan A , July 14, 1857 ; Chauncey, April 4, 1860; John G., Oct. 3, 1863 ; and Luther C., July 15, 1869.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 63

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