Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 69

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 69

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3 athew Fooks is a farmer of prominence, and a representative citizen, living on sec- tion 16, Galesburg Township. He was born in Somersetshire, England, June 15, 1821, where he remained with his parents up to his 21st year, attending the common schools and working on his father's farm. He emigrated to America in 1846, landed at New York and came on to Galesburg. Here he permanently located about one mile from the Public Square of that city. His residence is on the Monmouth road and he has 145 acres of first-class land under a high state of culti- vation. His dwelling-house is beautifully gotten up and well furnished, and he lives the life of a bach- elor. He is retiring and of a studious turn.

His parents were Thomas and Phebe (Wheeler) Fooks, both natives of England, where they lived and · died. His mother was born in 1784 and died on the 20th of July, 1864. His father's birth took place in 1782 and hedied in 1862. They were both members of the Congregational Church, and Mr. Fooks, Sr.,

was a Whig politician of the old English school. Their family consisted of four boys and four girls, viz .: Mathew, Mark, Thomas, William, Mary A., Elizabeth, Phebe and Eliza; the last of these but one is living in Wataga, Ill. Mathew, the sub- ject of our sketch, adopted a niece, Etta Fooks, seven years ago. She is a bright and interesting girl 14 years of age, and is now receiving a careful training and education. Her uncle is an attendant of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a consistent and practical adherent. He is a Republican in politics and a stanch supporter of any measure likely to strengthen the hold of that party on American institutions.

ohn Harpman. Knox County's boundaries include the handsome homes of many prosperons and wealthy farmers, successful merchants and worthy and able citizens, and noteworthy among the first and last classes is found the subject of this sketch, whose farm lies on section 36, in Copley Township, and whose prosperity and triumph in his chosen field of labor are only equaled by his noble record as a soldier fighting in the defence of a well-loved country.

Mr. Harpman was born in Sweden, March 29, 1836, his parents, Jonas and Eliza (Skinner) Harp- man, being natives of Sweden also. They came to America in 1850, and settled in Knox County, where the mother died in 1850. The father went to Wash- ington County, Minn., and died in 1851. They had a family of eight children, four of whom are still liv- ing: Martha, now Mrs. Rosengrand ; John, Andrew and William. Our subject remained at home with his parents until their death, but not long after this be- reavement, longing to find a new field and a broader sphere, he removed to Peoria, where he hired out for $3 per month for one year. On this mere pittance, however, he managed to subsist, and after one year he came to Knox County, where he worked out by the month for two years; thence he went to Copley Township, and from there to Abing- don, attending school in Hedding College, and work- ing out. He continued at this for five years, then, considering himself fitted so to do, he went to Wash- ington County, Minn., where he taught school and

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handled an interest in a saw-mill, in which section of the country he remained until 1861.

It was about this time that Mr. Harpman enlisted in the army. His heart beat high with patriotism, and the earnest, manly desire to lend the strength of his own right arın to sustain the cause of his country. Fighting bravely " for God, and home and native land," he took his place in the regiment, enlisting in Co. I, 6th Iowa Vol. Inf., and was there three years. He took part in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, siege of Vicksburg, and other important engage- ments. At the battle of Shiloh he was dangerously wounded and taken to the St. Louis hospital. From there he was removed to Keokuk, and rejoined his regiment in Tennessee. He was in the campaign against Vicksburg and came back to Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge, besides Lookout Mountain. He then went to Knoxville, Tenn., and after that figured in Sherman's "march to the sea." He was honorably discharged after three years of service. He was commissary clerk, which position he held after his service in the army proper. He returned to Illi- nois first on leaving his regiment, and again adopted the life of a farmer, and teaching in the winter.

In 1867 he purchased 160 acres in Persifer Town- ship, to which he afterward added 40 acres, all wild land. This he commenced on, and it did indeed ap- pear a hopeless field, but grubbing, breaking and fencing made a vast difference, and when he had erected a neat little log cabin, 16x18, it did not have so cheerless an appearance. With indomitable will and patience that never tired, he kept up his chosen work, and, when he had replaced his log cabin with a nice house valued at $1,000, the metamorphosis was complete. This was in 1868, and he remained on his homestead until 1875, at which time he purchased 160 acres more where he now is.

In 1865 he was united in marriage with Miss Mar- garet, who was a daughter of Herman and Christine Rosenleaf. These were natives of Sweden, and came to America in 1850. Accompanied by his most excellent helpmeet, Mr. Harpman's work was crowned with success, and she proved in the fullest sense how excellent is the help of a good wife. Her parents, on arriving in America, came to Illinois and settled in La Fayette, Stark Co. There the father followed blacksmithing for five years, and in 1855 he moved to Copley Township, Knox County, where he purchased 120 acres of land on section 26. In 1862

he enlisted and went away with others from his happy home in behalf of his country. He was killed at the battle of Chickamauga. The mother still lives, making her home at Victoria. Their family consisted of nine children, six still living, as follows : Margaret C, who married and is now Mrs. John Harpman; Annie C., now Mrs. Andrew Harpman ; Adelaide E., now Mrs. Christover; Rebecca, wife of Mr. Bassett; Sarah, married to Mr. Stringer, and Thomas.

Mr. and Mrs. Harpman, of this writing, have a pleasant and attractive home, and a congenial and delightful family circle. They are the parents of eight children-Alpha E , Albert J., Hilmer V., Sarah A., Charles A., Alice M., Junie A. and Arthur O. Good cheer is always found about their hearthstone, and their home may, indeed, be said to be "one of sweet content and an abiding place for the stranger within the gates."

savid P. Harper. Prominent among those men who have been identified with Knox County for an interval of over 30 years, and who have during that time been deeply interested in its agricultural progress, stands the subject of this personal history. In his partic- ular field of life work he has been extremely success- ful, and may be cited to-day as one of the most solid and substantial men in Chestnut Township. His home is situated on section 2, and to his farming pursuits he adds the breeding of fine blooded stock, among which he possesses a number of magnificent animals in which he feels a pardonable pride.

Mr. Harper is the son of David and Sarah (Parks) Harper, natives of Ohio, and was born July 26, 1854. His father was born Aug. 2, 1814, and is still living, while his mother, born Jan. 23, 1817, died Dec. 31, 1884, and was buried at Herman, Ill.

Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Harper, Sr., there were born 13 children, four of whom are now living, and are named respectively Lydia A .; Mary M., wife of Julius Bragg, of this county; Jennie, wife of Knox Marks, also residing in this county, and David, who united in the bonds of holy matrimony with Mary A. Hamrick. Mrs. Harper was born July 4, 1850, and is the daughter of J. G. and Sarah A.

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(Ferris) Hamrick. Her father was born in Ohio Feb. 2, 1825, and her mother in Kentucky Feb. 5, 1828, now living in Seward County, Neb. Their home is in the latter county, and they are the par- ents of four children : Josephine, wife of Mr. Hen- derson, of Nebraska; Calista, who married J. A. Walker, and lives in Thomas County, Kan .; Charlie, who married Miss Sarepta Beeson, and lives in Nebraska, and Mary A.

Mr. and Mrs. David Harper are the parents of three children, bearing the names of Kittie, born May 27, 1874; Lucy, May 12, 1876, and Roberta, Aug. 26, 1878. Their family circle is a happy and congenial one, and their home is among the most pleasant in the county. On his homestead of 180 acres of highly cultivated land Mr. Harper has erected a handsome house of modern appearance and conveniences, and further embellished and bet- tered his property by the addition of commodious barns and out-buildings, and both he and his wife feel a pardonable pride in their home.

Mr. Harper's barns were erected largely with the idea of forwarding his business as a stock raiser and breeder. He has a fine bull, by name Gallant Duke, whose number, 51665, is recorded in the Short-horn Herd-book. He is a large, handsome animal, bought of W. H. Heller, of Abingdon, Ill., and is of deep- red color, weighing 1,730 lb .; was calved Nov. 12, 1882, and is of the Rose of Sharon strain. Another, Victoria Ann, of the Rosemary breed, may be named as one of the finest in the county; is seven years of age, and was calved July 21, 1879. Rose IV stands next on the list, a handsome roan, calved June 15, 1878, and whose history is found in Vol. 23, Amer- ican Herd-Book. Rose V, calved April 14, 1879, is a handsome red in color, and quoted in Vol. 23. Rose Belle, calved June 16, 1878, is also red, and is quoted in the same Herd-book. Lady Ann, a mag- nificent roan animal, calved June 6, 1877, is of the Rosemary blood, and Daisy, calved Nov. 14, 1879, of the Miss Mott line of stock, and of a handsome red color. Mr. Harper feels an interest and strong pride in these wonderfully handsome and finely blooded animals, which may be stated as among the best in the county. He is a feeder and shipper of stock to the Chicago markets, and is successful in his enterprise. In politics he is a Democrat and upholds the principles of that party, voting with and for it, and is, in short, not only an active, energetic business

man, but is wide-awake to the interests of the public at large, and well informed in public and private political work.

A A. Snyder. Among the principal men of Knox County, and the noteworthy citizens remembered for substantial worth, is named the subject of this biography, a summary of whose life history is given below. His home is located on section 1, Lynn Township, and included in his landed estate are 196 acres.

Our subject was born Nov. 29, 1849. (For sketch of parental history see biography of John Snyder, in this work.) He lived under the parental roof until he became of age. His marriage took place in Lynn Township Jan. 13, 1872, with Miss Martha Mahaffey. The parents of his wife, Nain and Deb- orah (Wright) Mahaffey, were natives of Ohio and New York respectively. Her father was a stone mason by occupation. They came west to Peoria County early in the settlement of that county, and it was there that Mrs. Snyder of this notice was born, Oct. 22, 1849. She is the oldest living child in a family of four children. Her parents are now living in Lynn Township. Miss Mahaffey lived at home until the date of her marriage, and is the mother of two children-Minnie M. and Perry O. After mar- riage Mr. Snyder lived east of La Fayette, Stark Co., Ill., for some six years. He then purchased and settled in this township on the farm on which he is at present residing, on section 1. They have been prosperous and successful in their united efforts to procure a competency. In politics Mr. Snyder is a Republican, supporting the party with zeal and ardor. Farming has been his occupation through life.

B enjamin Hudson. Merit deserves men- tion, and it is therefore with pleasure that we have procured facts which enable us to state that he whose short biogra- phy we write is not only an honored and respected citizen of Knox County, but one of her successful agriculturists, who has made what he has of this world's goods through his own individual effort. Benjamin Hudson was born in Oneida, N.

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Y., Oct. 8, 1837, and is a son of William and Anna Hudson. In his younger days he lived at home, assisting his father on the farm and attending the common school, developing into manhood

The marriage of Benjamin Hudson to Miss Mary Ann Hudson took place Nov. 26, 1874. She is the daughter of Isaiah and Fannie Hudson, and has borne her husband four children, the record be- ing as follows : Kittie F., born Feb. 5, 1876; Clif- ford B., Jan. 7, 1879; Cora E., March 21, 1881; Nina C., July 3, 1885. Mrs. Hudson was born in this county Sept. 7, 1847. The father and mother of our subject were born in Lincolnshire, England, and the father is yet living in McHenry County, Ill., while the mother passed to the Iand beyond. The parents of Mrs. Isaiah Hudson were also natives of Lincolnshire, England, and the demise of her father occurred in this county, where his widow is yet liv- ing, her residence being at Knoxville.

The farm of Mr. Hudson comprises 160 acres of A No. I land, the major portion of it being under an advanced state of cultivation. On the place is a comfortable house, together with a good barn and necessary out-buildings, and our subject is meeting with far more than ordinary success in his vocation. In politics he votes with that old party of which Jef- ferson was the founder and exponent.

avid Woolsey, a farmer and stock-raiser, whose homestead lies on section 13, of Haw Creek Township, is one of the prom- inent citizens and able men of that vicinty. He is one of the most prosperous residents of that section of country, and quite an extensive land-owner, being in possession of about 484 acres of land, 124 in Haw Creek Township and a half-sec- tion in EIba Township. He also owns 80 acres in Truro Township, and, in connection with his farm- ing pursuits, is interested in stock-raising.

Mr. Woolsey was born in Ulster Co., N. Y., Jan. 3, 1828, and is the son of Hezekiah and Hannah (Cut- ler) Woolsey. He came to Illinois in 1849, and aft- erward worked at job work, building fences, making rails, or at any branch of labor that fell into his hands. At these odd jobs he continued about five years, when he went to farming in Maquon Town-

ship, and in 1855 moved to where he now lives, and has been exceedingly successful in his subsequent pursuits.

On the 25th of August, 1850, he took to his heart and home a helpmeet in the person of Elizabeth Fry, who was born May 25, 1828, in the State of Ohio. The family moved to Marion County, Ohio, and there Mr. Fry died in 1852. There were Will- iam, David, Jane, Deborah, Elizabeth, Walter, Isaac, Martha, Mary, Darius, Emily and Silas ; six of them survive the parents. The mother, after the death of her husband, came West and died here in the year 1860, at Elmwood. Mr. and Mrs. W. were blessed with three children-Lefee A., born June 7, 1851, who departed this life Feb. 11, 1854, having only at- tained to the winning and happy age of three years, and at this most joyous period of childhood, which wins all hearts, was gathered home by the reaper Death. Hezekiah died in infancy; William Cyrus, born April 26, 1853, is also deceased.

Our subject's second matrimonial alliance was with Mildred Logan, May 4, 1856. She was born April 28, 1837, in Amherst County, Va., and they are the parents of ri children, viz .: L. V. R., born Sept. 27 , 1857 : Alonzo, Nov. 28, 1858, now deceased ; Louisa, born Feb. 26, 1859, also deceased; William, born Aug. 11, 1861 ; Arzella, Feb. 13, 1863 ; Deborah A., Feb. 6, 1865 ; Lenora M., Jan. 14, 1867 ; Julia A., April 20, 1869; Charles, March 4, 1871 ; Delbert, Feb. 28, 1873, deceased; and Clyde, Aug. 15, 1877.

Mrs. Woolsey is the daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Wright) Logan, natives of Virginia, and now deceased. L. V. R. married Miss Flora Hall, and is a farmer in T'ruro Township; they have two children, named Myrtle and Mabel. William mar- ried Miss Nora Taylor and is a resident of Caldwell County, Mo .; they have one child. Arzella is the wife of F. E. Nelson; they are residents of Elba Township and have one child, named Floyd E.

Mr. Woolsey received his education in the common schools, which training, united with his keen obser- vation and worldly experience, has resulted in his be- coming a well-informed man. He has been pros- perous in the extreme, and stands high in the social and financial world. He is a man of large sympa- thies, and with his wife is a member of the United Brethren Church. Several members of his family are also connected with this organization. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party, the sentiments of

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which party he actively upholds with voice and vote. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., of Maquon Lodge, No. 256, and of the I. O. O. F., of Maquon Lodge.

Wallace Hopkins is senior member of the firm of Hopkins Bros., liverymen, of Altona, Ill., in which business he is associated with his brother, C. A. Hopkins. Mr. Hopkins was born in Oswego, Kendall Co., Ill., May 17. 1842. (For paternal history see sketch of C. A. Hopkins, of Altona.) His early life was spent at home under parental charge and discipline. A share of this time was spent in gaining an education, he being allowed the winter season for attending the pub- lic school. This remained his privilege till the death of his mother, which occurred in Iowa. The father, who yet survives the mother, lives with his children. J. Wallace's parents left Kendall County, thinking to better their worldly condition, and went West to the State of Iowa, while he was a small boy.

After the death of his mother, J. Wallace was en- gaged in various situations, and roamed about in dif- ferent parts of the State, till the news was brought that the first gun had been fired on Fort Sumter, when he immediately responded to the President's call for soldiers and enlisted under the stars and stripes. He enlisted in Co. A, 59th Reg. Ill. Vol. Inf., under command of Capt. Clayton Hall, of Knoxville, but, unfortunately, immediately after entering the army he was taken seriously ill, suffering at times violently from temporary loss of sight as well as from other bodily ailments. Without actively filling the place he was so well qualified for, he received an honora- ble discharge at the St. Louis Arsenal, and, although bitterly disappointed, he found his services were wholly dispensed with ; but so keen an interest did he feel in the struggle for the rights and honor of his country, that he soon re-entered the service of the Government as carpenter, at which he continued for 18 months. After his return from the army, via New York, he remained in that city for some time with hospitable relatives, one of whom became so interested in him that he made the generous offer to assume all personal expense for him if he would enter and at- tend the public schools. This golden opportunity,

which Mr. Hopkins lost by refusing to comply with his wishes, he has never ceased regretting. Some time later he came to Altona, where, as previously stated, he made a venture in the direction of a liv- ery stable, since which time he has been gratified with a flourishing business. In the conducting of the trade Mr. Hopkins and his partner, his brother,- C. A., have both eminently proved their skill and ability in this direction, and every adjunct of their business is first-class, while both are well known for honesty and fair dealing with their fellow-man.

Mr. Hopkins was married in Rockford, Ill., Oct. 9, 1871, to Miss Mattie Pittney, a lady born, reared and educated in Rockford ; but after experiencing a short season of matrimonial happiness, she departed this life at Elmwood, Peoria Co., Ill. The second marriage was celebrated at Altona, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Emma N. Rood, nee Cadwell, born in Knox County. By her former marriage Mrs.(Rood) Hopkins is the mother of one child -- Lottie, whom she lost by death at the early age of seven years. The issue of the present union is three children-Nettie M., Minnie and Carl J. E. Mr. Hopkins takes an active part in all public affairs, is keenly interested in political matters and is Democratic in politics.

harles B. Johnson is a representative man in and around his vicinity, and follows the calling of brickmaker in Galesburg Township. He is a native of the southern part of Sweden, from which he emigrated in the year 1852, arriving on the 4th of August in the city of New York. Coming West immediately, for a time he located at Rock Island, where he re- mained four years, meanwhile working at Mr. Atkin- son's brickyard for the remuneration of $9 per month. Thence he proceeded to Galesburg, where for seven years he worked steadily in the brickyard of Slater & Stafford. In the year 1864 he located west of the Public Square, on the Monmouth road, where he purchased 11 acres of land and started his own brickyard. Through the summer time he usually employs 22 hands, and as a rule turns out 1,500,000 brick per year.

Mr. Johnson's birth occurred on the 12th of Feb- ruary, 1829. He is the son of Carl Johnson, born in 1799 and subsequently married to Miss Mary

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Samuelson in 1826. This good lady was born in ISO2; her decease took place in 1878. Her hus- band's demise occurred on the 25th of February, 1854. They were both natives of Sweden and the parents of five children, viz. : Samuel, Charles, John, Alexander and Louisa.

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch married Miss Hattie Matilda Nelson on the 21st of March, 1864. She was born in Sweden in 1837, but her parents are both deceased. Our subject and his amiable wife are the parents of four children, viz. : Sarah A., born May 6, 1865 : Albert, March 15, 1867 ; Cora. April 25, 1869 ; and Eddie, Feb. 4, 1872. These are all students at the English schools and form a bright, intelligent family.

In his business Mr. Johnson is a master mechanic, and has furnished more brick for public and private buildings in Galesburg than any other manufacturer in that vicinity. He has the best trade of the place, and is a substantial man among his fellows. He has built for himself a fine dwelling-house and barn, his out-buildings being ample and commodious. He and his wife are leading members of the First Lutheran Church at Galesburg, where he has filled the position of Trustee for over nine years. He is a reliable Republican and watches all public and social measures likely to be of interest to and in sup- port of his party.

illiam F. Barlow. Among the young and energetic farmers of Knox County, who have made a successful start in life through the energy and perseverance with which they are possessed, is Wilham F. Bar- low. He is the son of Gideon A. Barlow (see sketch), and is following the vocation of farming on section 9. Lynn Township.

Mr. Barlow was born in the township in which he is at present residing, Dec. 24, 1858. His early education was acquired in the common school, and supplemented by an attendance at the High School at Galva. He resided at home with his parents, as- sisting on the farm, and developed into manhood. He was married at the residence of his bride's par- ents in Peoria County, Feb. 21, 1884, to Miss Clara Fisher, daughter of James and Saralı (Clark) Fisher,

natives of Massachusetts and New York respectively. Her parents came to this State and made settlement in Peoria County prior to their marriage. Her father is a wheelwright, and both of her parents are yet livi. g and reside in that county. Mrs. Barlow was born in Brimfield, that county, Feb. 3, 1863. She lived with her parents and grandparents until her marriage with Mr. Barlow, having in the meantime received a good education in the common school. Her parents' family of children were nine in number, eight of whom are living, four sons and four daugh- ters. Since the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Barlow they have continued to reside on the farm on which they are at present living, and in their united efforts in life are meeting with success. The issue of their union has been one child, and their household was saddened by its death, Dec. 5, 1884, when little Jessie P. passed to the land beyond. Mrs. Barlow is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and our subject is a stanch supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party.

onathan F. Hubbell. Very few gentle- men whose names figure in the prominent historical data of Knox County can show a more decided record than the subject of this biography. He is, in fact, one of the county's representative men, and at present a well-to-do retired farmer, and Justice of the Peace as well as Notary Public. His home, a spacious residence, is situated in Altona. Mr. Manessa Hubbell was the father of this gentleman, and a farmer and native of Seneca County, N. Y. He was in turn the son of Ephraim and a descendant of Richard Hubbell, who arrived from Wales and made his home in the United States about 200 years ago.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 69

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