Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 71

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 1130

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On the night of Feb. 6, 1880 (he had his private sleeping-room in the bank building), after he had retired and gone to sleep, he was awakened by three men in his room. They blindfolded and gagged him, after which they took him to the safe and ordered him to unlock it. Not having the com- bination, he could not do so, and says he "would

not have done so even if he had known the combina- tion." In order to compel hitn to acquiesce in their demands they hung him up by the neck, then let him down ; he still refused. Then they laid him in bed, drew his feet over the footboard and held the lamp underneath them, burning him and torturing him in a most fearful manner. They left about three o'clock in the morning, but before going they tied Mr. Runkle securely, as they thought, in bed, but he succeeded after a couple of hours in releasing himself, and when he went to breakfast he gave the alarm. The thieves, however, secured $3,500, which they found in a small, old-fashioned safe, the key of which was in Mr. Runkle's pocket. It was about two months before he fully recovered from the shock to his system and the effects of the burning. The thieves were never caught.

Living at present in comparative retirement, Mr. Runkle has drawn around him many substantial and trusty friends, who share his genialty and good will and to whom his living presence is a source of ; great comfort and enjoyment.

amuel G. Marsh. One of the active bus- iness men of Knoxville, and an energetic disciple of his trade, is the subject of this historical sketch, who is a resident of some years' standing and a carpenter and joiner of no restricted ability. Mr. Marsh opened his eyes to the light of day in Lycoming County, Pa., seven miles below Williamsport, on the Susquehan- na River, on July 18, 1825. His father, George Marsh, was a native of Pennsylvania and of German origin and blood. The great-grandfather of our sub- ject was born in Northampton County ; two of his brothers were soldiers in that never-to-be-forgotten struggle for American liberty, the Revolutionary War. One of these brothers, fighting in behalf of his country, was taken by the British as prisoner, and while in their hands died, gaining the larger liberty for which he was struggling in the great hereafter. The grandfather of Samuel was an early settler in Lycoming County, in Wild Deer Valley, where he closed his existence, spending his last days there from choice. His son, the father of our subject, was

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reared on a farm, and in 1809 married Margaret Fribley, who was born in Lancaster County, Pa., and was of German ancestry. The young man rented a farm in Lycoming County immediately after securing his " right-hand supporter," and together the two be- gan life. Working unitedly, they continued in this place until about 1837, when they removed to Ohio, and settled in what is now called Summit County. A year previous he had visited the State with a view to locating there, and he purchased a farm in Green Township, on which they took up their abode the next spring, there remaining until 1853. At this time he removed to the village of Manchester, where he lived a retired life until 1864, at which time the reaper, Death, gathered him into the ranks of those gone before, at the ripe age of 83 years, thus closing a life of usefulness and goodness. The faithful wife and mother died March 31, 1875. aged 82 years 1 1 months and 19 days.

The marriage of George Marsh with Margaret Fribley resulted in the birth of 14 children, named Mary, George, Elizabeth, Adam, John, Catherine, Abraham, Peter, Christine, Samuel, Margaret. Jacob, Christopher and Sarah ; all lived to maturity, but six are dead now.

When the subject of this notice had reached the age of 21, having remained with his parents up to this time, working on the farm, he engaged with a carpenter and joiner in Manchester, with whom he labored, receiving the meager sum of $3 per month for eight months. Following this, he worked as journeyman carpenter until 1848, when he went into the State of Indiana and taught school through the winter. In the spring he set his face Illinoisward, and, reaching Joliet, spent three months working at his trade. Two months of enforced idleness followed, and at the end of his unwelcome vacation he returned to Indiana, and, obeying the industrious promptings that bade him take what he could get, worked in the harvest field for a few weeks. At the end of this time he went to Ohio, where he worked at his trade until 1855. Again heading for Illinois, he spent three months in Kewanee. He next came to Knox- ville, July 8, 1855, where he secured work at his trade, and has since remained a resident of that city.

In spirit and disposition Mr. Marsh is a man of correct theories and generous impulses. His eyes are wide open to the condition of the affairs of the nation, and he is liberal in politics. In religious be-

lief and sentiment he is broad-minded and unbiased by any special denominational creed. He has a good recollection of former times, in that his first presi- dential vote was cast for Gen. Scott.

arl Lucan. The subject of this historical notice is one of the most important and in- fluential men resident within the county, from a business point of view no less than from his personal characteristics, which enable him to succeed largely in every venture to which he turns his attention. He is a farmer by oc- cupation, but adds to this branch of local industry that of stock buying and shipping, besides being a tanner. His home is located on section 34, of Chest- nut Township, and he may be reckoned one of our best men.

Mr. Lucan was born in Prussia, June 17, 1836, and came to America in 1854, in company with two other young men, landing in New York. They went to Philadelphia, where he remained six weeks, and from there removed to Lancaster County, Pa., where he engaged in an iron-ore mine. Leaving that, he took up farming, at which he continued for two years, then emigrated to Illinois, entering Fulton County near Canton, where he remained until 1873. His next move was to Knox County, where he engaged in buy- ing, selling and shipping stock, and in which branch of business he was unusually successful.

September 13, 1861, Mr. Lucan was united in marriage with Philecia Lloyd, who was born in Knox County, Ill., Dec. 7, 1843. Mrs. Lucan is the daugh- ter of Malachi and Ruey Ann (Mitchell) Lloyd, the former of whom was born in Ohio, and the latter in Pennsylvania. The husband died in 1840, in Ful- ton County, but his widow still survives him, living in the vicinity of Canton, Ill. She was the mother of six children by her first marriage, and in the year 1841 was again married to Mr. John Coleman, of Fulton County, to whom she has borne four children. The children of the Lloyd family are as follows : Francis, Lewis, James, Albert, Philecia and Mala- chi. The names of the Coleman children are Har- riet, R. Anna, Benjamin F. and James A.

Mr. Lucan, of this sketch, is the son of Henry and Anna M. (Oesterheld) Lucan, both natives of Ger- many. His father was born in 1809, and departed

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this life in 1882, at the ripe age of 73 years, while his wife, who was born in 1812, died in 1879. They were the parents of five children, namely : William H., Sophia, Carl, Elizabeth and Mary. Carl was the third in order of birth, and was the only member of his father's family that emigrated to America. He is the father of five children, all living: William H., born May 5, 1862, married Miss Ida M. Pettingill Nov. 8, 1883 ; she was born in Knox County, May 27, 1864. Mary E , born Oct 7, 1863, married H. M. Hall, of Fulton County, Jan. 26, 1882, and they have one child; Mr. Hall was born in Fulton County, Oct. 23, 1854. Philecia E., born April 24, 1865, is the wife of Alexander E. Ogle, the date of their marriage being Dec. 27, 1883, and they have one child; Mr. Ogle was born in Adams County, Ill., May 17, 1861. Annie S., born July 25, 1867 ; and Gracy Carl, born Dec. 25, 1881.

Mr. Lucan in religious belief inclines to the doc- trines of the Christian Church. He is a Republican in politics, is stirring and active and has a deep in- terest in educational matters, having held the office of School Director for two years.

ames W. McCown. Among the leading business men of Abingdon, and those note- worthy for good citizenship and practical worth and ability, may be found James W. McCown, merchant tailor and dealer in gentle- men's furnishing goods. This business was established in 1879, and the firm at that time con- sisted of Curtis A. Lee and Mr. McCown. The partnership continued until the spring of 1882, when Mr. V. W. Kennish purchased Mr. Lee's interest. Jan. 1, 1885, Mr. McCown sold out to A. D. Harvey, and in the ensuing August bought out both gentle- men, since which time he has conducted the business alone. He estimates his stock at $6,000 or $7,000, does custom work and receives a very flattering patronage.

Mr. McCown was born in Rockbridge County, Va., Dec. 24, 1836, and is the son of James G. and Mary (Sproul) McCown. Both parents were born in the State of Virginia, of Scotch-Irish parents. Our subject was reared in his native State and began bus- iness at Midway, Va., as a merchant's clerk. When

he came to Knox County, in 1868, he was for a time engaged in farming, and in 1879 came to Abingdon and began his present business.

He was united in marriage with Miss Christiana, daughter of Stuart and Martha E. (Hickman) Tay- lor. Mrs. McCown was also born in Rockbridge County, and was a schoolmate of her husband. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which faith they worship. The husband is a man of busy life, but something of a politician, and votes the Republican ticket, of which party he is an earnest supporter.

amuel Milroy. Among the leading and progressive citizens of Knox County and her more solid and substantial men may be quoted the name of Mr. Milroy, who is a farmer in that section of the country, devoted enthusiastically to his business, and whose fine - farm of 160 acres lies on section 21, of Copley Town- ship.

Mr. Milroy was born in Scotland in 1825, and his parents were Samuel and Agnes (Forsythe) Milroy, both natives of Scotland. They had a family of seven children, as follows: Margaret, John, Will- iam, Martin, Agnes, Samuel and Alexander. The parents died in their native land in 1860 and 1829 respectively.

Mr. Milroy remained at home until 30 years of age, working on the farm of 1,500 acres, whereon were large numbers of sheep, cattle, and every accompa- niment necessary to the success of this branch of industry. After leaving home he rented a house at Newton, and after living there ten months came to America in 1851, and remained in New York State four months. In October of that year he came to Illinois and settled in Copley Township, Knox Coun- ty, where he purchased 160 acres and made all needed improvemer.ts. Here he built up a home, erecting a residence which cost him about $2,000, and setting out fruit and shade trees, and carried on mixed farming.

Samuel Milroy was married in 1849 to Miss Mar- garet McNish, the daughter of Nathaniel and Jane (McGoch) McNish. They were natives of Scotland and had a family of eight children, as follows : Mar- garet, William, Alexander, Isabelle, Nathaniel,

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James, David and John. The parents died in the land of their birth in 1847 and 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Milroy have three children : John E., who married Rachel Waffle and is father of four children- Alice, Alfred, James and Bessie; Nathaniel married Isabella Cooke and has two children-Mary A. and William Maurice; Isabelle united in marriage with Hugh McCormack and is the mother of two children -Guy H. and Adda Mabel.

Mr. Milroy is a Republican, and has held the of- fice of School Director for several terms and also that of Commissioner of Highways. With his wife he belongs to the Presbyterian Church, which he up- holds and helps by his presence and financially.

eorge Mather. Among the prosperous farm- ers of Orange Township who have attained success by energy and industry in their chosen vocation is the subject of this notice. He is a self-made man in every sense the word implies, and is engaged in his calling on section 27, Orange Township. Mr. Mather was born in the township in which he resides, Oct. 21, 1843. His father was Laac and his mother Mary A. (Fot- ner) Mather, the former being a native of New York, born Jan. 19, 1791. The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation and followed his calling until his demise in this county, Feb. 28, 187 1. He came to Illinois in 1833, and settled on the place where George now lives. The first year he and his family lived in blockhouses in order to be protected against the Indians. His wife, mother of our subject, was born in Virginia, Dec. 5, 1800, and died in this county July 25, 1870.

The subject of this notice joined the army of bene- dicts April 8, 1866, by uniting with Jane Cramer, the intelligent and accomplished daughter of James hnd Anseline (Jones) Cramer. She was born in Cler- mont Co., Ohio, March 17, 1848. Her parents were born in Maryland, the father April 15, 1816, and her mother Feb. 4, 1821. The father died in Ohio in 1877, and the mother in this county July 6, 1865: Our subject secured his education in the common schools of his native county and was here brought up to the calling in which he is at present engaged. He is the owner of 182 acres of good land, located on

section 27, Orange Township, where he is actively and energetically engaged in the prosecution of his calling. On his place he has a frame residence one and one-half stories in height, of the most modern architecture, and likewise a good barn and necessary out-buildings. and his farm is second to none in Or- ange Township.

Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mather the follow- ing children were born: Emory E., born Nov. 3, 1867, died Feb. 28, of the same year ; Raymond, born June 10, 1868, died July 14, 1881 ; Amanda E., born June 17, 1881, died July 16, of the same year; Arthur, born in August, 1873, died July 4, 1881 ; Martha, born Sept. 30, 1875 ; Frank, Dec. 13, 1876, died Jan. 25, 1877 .

Politically Mr. Mather is a believer in and a sup- porter of the principles advocated by the Republican party. As a representative of the agricultural class of Orange Township he may certainly be classified as the peer of any. He is not a member of any church organization, but is a believer in the Golden Rule, and liberal in his views.

homas Andrews. This gentleman has a delightful farm on section 6, Walnut Grove Township, and in his occupation is consid- ered good authority. He is the son of Hugh Andrews, mentioned elsewhere in this work. The subject of this history was born in Ayr- shire, Scotland, April 18, 1847. He was only in his eighth year when his parents came to this country and settled in the township named. Remaining at home and working with his father during the sum- mer, he in the winter months attended the district schools. His marriage took place Jan. 15, 1880, to Miss Emma McClatchy, daughter of William and Margaret (Foster) McClatchy, both natives of Penn- sylvania, but descended from Scotch ancestry. Her father was a farmer living in Armstrong County, Pa., when Mrs. Andrews of this notice was born. Her birthday was Oct. 18, 1858.

She was the youngest of eight children-three sons and five daughters. The family arrived in Illi- nois in 1865, and settled in Walnut Grove Town- ship, where Mrs. A. was educated partially, and aft- erward at Altona. Her parents now reside in Knox-

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLING:3

MYLAKE VIEW

HOME PLACE.

RESIDENCE OF HON. GEO. W. BI

CITY RES. COR. KELLOGG & TOMPKINS STS.

V , ONE MILE EAST OF GALESBURG.

LIBRARY OF THE LINVERSITY OF ILLING13

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ville. By her union with Mr. Andrews there have been three children born-Maggie G., Lydia A. and Mary. Soon after this marriage the family settled on his father's old homestead before referred to. Here he has 300 acres of well-improved land, which is amply supplied with valuable stock. His residence and farm buildings compare favorably with the best in the county, and altogether the subject of this his- tory is deemed one of the most successful farmers in Knox County.

As members of the Presbyterian Church this fam- ily are in excellent standing and thought highly of by their community.

For some time Mr. Andrews has held the office of Township Trustee. In politics he is a representa- tive Republican, who holds dear the principles of that party, and is always found ready to utter his convictions, no matter where or when.

rank D. Huggins. Standing prominent among the more influential and popular citizens and worthy men of Knox County is found the subject of this biography, who is proprietor of a book and stationery store in Knoxville. He is well known as one of the most notable and reliable residents of that city, his keen foresight, energetic purpose and active execu- tion making this estimate of him a correct one.

Mr. Huggins was born in Knoxville, Sept. 2, 1852, and although yet a young man has shown marked business ability. His father, David B. Huggins, a resident of Knoxville, is a native of the Green Mountain State, where he was born Aug. 31, 1834, in Orleans County, his father being Deacon David Huggins, a pioneer of Knox County (see sketch of Edson Huggins). David B. Huggins, the father of our subject, was Ir years of age when he came to Knox County, and he grew to manhood, assisting his father in improving the farm and attending the dis- trict school. He often went to Galena, Burlington and Peoria, the then nearest market points.

David Huggins was united in marriage Dec. 26, 1847, with Miss Harmony Doty, who was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. At the time of his mar- riage he located on the old homestead and there re- mained until 1855, when he started with his wife and

child for California. They went by the stage road to Bloomington, by railroad to Cairo, thence by steamer to New Orleans, taking the Nicaraugua route to San Francisco, and thence to San Jose. At this place he took charge of a hospital eight months. He then traveled in different parts of the State, and one year worked a farm. In 1857 he returned by the Panama and New York route, and resumed his ag- ricultural pursuits, on the farm he now owns and occupies. He located in the vicinity of Knoxville, and now owns 200 acres of land in Knox County and 300 In Taylor County, Iowa, divided into three farms. The subject is his only child. Mr. and Mrs. Huggins are active members of the Presbyterian Church, at Knoxville, and, though somewhat ad- vanced in years, Mr. H. is interested in politics, in which he supports the Republican party.

Frank Huggins, of whom this biography is written, was reared to agricultural pursuits, receiving his early education in the Knoxville schools, After leaving these he spent six months at the Gem City Business College, Quincy, Ill., at which place he received the silver medal offered for the greatest improvement in penmanship made during that period of time by any pupil. The class numbered upward of 100, and he was considered to have attained a high honor. He graduated from that institution in 1873, and after re- turning home engaged in farming until 1875, at which time he became clerk in a bookstore for J. C. Cover, and was Deputy Postmaster. He was engaged in clerking 18 months, at which he showed excellent tact and business capability, but, leaving it, he went back to the farm and there continued till 1882. In September of that year, he entered as associate part- wer with J. C. Sheeley, and the firm bought out J. C. Cover & Son, book and stationery dealers. These two partners continued together one year, at the end of which time he bought Mr. Sheeley's interest and has since conducted the business alone.

He was united in marriage Oct. 25, 1877, his chosen life-companion being Ella, daughter of James W. and Elizabeth Sheeley. This young lady was an active member of society and a most popular and admired friend and companion ; and in consequence of a sympathy of tastes the union has proved a con- genial and pleasant one. To them has been born one child, a daughter, named Blanche. Mr. Hug- gins takes an interest in outside affairs and is a member of Knoxville Lodge, No. 66, A. F. & A. M.,

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and is also a member of the Knoxville Lodge, No. 126, A. O. U. W. Mr. Huggins at the city election April 20, 1886, was elected as Alderman to represent his ward in the city of his residence.

S. Chalmers, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Altona, and at the present time Justice of the Peace and Township Clerk, is the gentleman named in this personal narrative. He has held the offices before mentioned, the first since April, 1885, and the latter for the past two years. He is a member in high standing in the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W., in both of which orders he has held the highest official positions.

Dr. Chalmers was born in Aberdeenshire, Scot- land, March 26, 1845. His father, John Chalmers, who was likewise born in this shire, was by occupa- tion a boot and shoe manufacturer and salesman and a very successful business man. In conducting this branch of trade in his native country, he met with hearty support and patronage from the people with whom he spent a life of usefulness, which closed in 1870. His wife, the mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Mary Robinson, was also a native of this section of the old country and still survives him.

George was the eldest son in a pleasant family circle including seven children, of whom three died in infancy and one at birth. During the years of his boyhood he received substantial educational advan- tages, which he conscientiously improved and by which he obtained a first-class education. He was possessed naturally of intelligence and rare mental abilities, and while yet young, his father being in delicate health, he bent every energy toward ac- quiring that which would eventually win his way in the world. He learned the trade of a tailor, serving his apprenticeship and pursuing his studies at the same time. Concluding that the world was wide, and desiring that large independence so widely talked of as existing in the United States, where every man is his own sovereign, he, in April, 1872, left his native country and came to America. Long before this his mind was made up and his heart set upon becoming a physician, but restricted in finances he found it impossible to enter a medical school at

that time, so, purchasing a few books of the proper class, he began his studies alone. On reaching this country he first located in Odell, Livingston Co., Ill., from which place he removed later to Pontiac. At that place he began his studies under a prominent physician, and afterward attended lectures at Cin- cinnati, Ohio, and before completing his medical ed- ucation built up a neat little practice, both at Gales- burg and Knoxville, where he followed his profession nearly five years. In 1880 he came to Altona, which he has since made his permanent residence, laboring faithfully for the good of the community, gaining success and popularity rapidly.

Dr. Chalmers entered the ranks of benedicts, at Knoxville, Sept. 30, 1876, Miss Adelia J. Copley be- ing his chosen bride. She was the daughter of Isaac Copley (after whom the township was named), and was born in Victoria, but reared principally in this township. To this happy home have been added six children, three of whom the parents have lost by death. Those living are as follows: Bessie A., Paul G. and John G.

In addition to his interest in the health of the community, Dr. Chalmers is wide-awake in public matters and questions relative to the good of the State and country. He has held the offices before mentioned and successfully discharged the duties . incident to them with credit to himself and satisfac- tion to the community, and he strongly advocates the principles of the Republican party.

lijah Cramer. Among those who have at- tained success in following a profession which is recognized as one of the most in- dependent of all callings is he whose brief historical sketch we here give. Mr. Cramer is, and has been since he came to the county, en- ergetically and industriously engaged in agricultural pursuits on section 32, Orange Township. He is a native of Ohio, having been born in Clermont County June 29, 1833.

The father of our subject was a native of Ohio, his parents, William and Sarah A. (Shute) Cramer, having emigrated to this State in 1852, making the journey overland and camping by the wayside to prepare their frugal meals. The father, on his ar-

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rival here, made his first purchase of land, consist- ing of 90 acres, in Chestnut Township. The land was somewhat improved when he bought it, and he located upon it with his family and continued its improvement and cultivation, and added to the same until he had 400 acres of land, a large portion of which was under a fine state of cultivation at the time of his demise, which occurred in 1875. His wife died on the same farm in 1871, and they lie buried side by side in the Harper Cemetery in Chest- nut Township.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 71

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