Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 73

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 73

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with good judgment, assisted him toward success. His death occurred Dec. 22, 1883, at which time he was the owner of 400 acres of land, all improved and considered very valuable. Besides this he had erected a brick house and a large frame barn, and set out shade trees and adorned his yards with all the comforts of a modern home.

Mr. West was twice married, his first wife being Charlotte Hull, and his second Eliza A. Mason, of Ohio. The latter was born in Stark County, Ohio, and is the daughter of Jeremiah and Eliza (Sayler) Mason, and her marriage with Mr. West took place April 21, 1864. Nine children were born of this union -- Josephine, Charles, Owen, Nora, Marion, Eddie C., Edith and three who died in infancy. There was but one child by the first marriage, named Lottie, who is the wife of Frank Chamber- lain, a resident of Salem Township; they have two children.

tephen Wyman, one of the principal citi- zens and valued men of Knox County, whose home is situated on section 20, Per- sifer Township, and who is identified some- what with its growth, as he became an inmate in 1853, came to this county from Vinton County, Ohio, when he was in his 19th year, and is the subject of this biography. He lived at home with his parents until he was 21 years old, when he purchased the farm whereon he has since resided. He is now the owner of 372 acres of land, and has built himself a good set of buildings, commodious and convenient, desirable in the extreme.

He was married first in Jefferson County, Ind., to Catherine Miner, in 1856. She has borne him eight children, as follows : Richard V., Francis M., Electa A., Thomas J., Annis, George A., Sanford and Viola. Mrs. Wyman died June 8, 1868, in Persifer Town- ship; Viola is also deceased. Mr. Wyman was remar- ried in Knoxville, to Emma F. Rambo, April 1, 1869. She is the daughter of George and Mary (Flott) Rambo. The father was of French and the mother of German origin. Mrs W. was the youngest of a family of 12 children. The father died in 1883, and the mother in 1864. Two of the brothers of Mrs. Wyman were in the War of the Rebellion. Their names were George and John. George was killed at the battle of Lookout Mountain ; John served during

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the war and was honorably discharged. Mr. Rambo was one of the first to cross the plains in the year 1849, in search of gold. By this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wyman have five children, to wit : Jasper N., Walter S., Ira, Hattie L. and Lewis S. Richard re- sides in Persifer Township; Electa is the wife of Cornelius Ward, and her home is in Knox County ; Thomas is in Persifer Township; Annis is the wife of Chester Morey, and has a home in Washington Territory, and Sanford is in Iowa.

Two of the brothers of Mr. Wyman, Levi and Arthur, were in the Civil War. Levi was in a Mis- souri regiment; Arthur enlisted in a Knoxville com- pany. Both the brothers, after passing through many battles, died from sickness contracted from hardships endured in the service. Arthur was taken prisoner, was paroled and went into the service the second time.

Mr. W. is quite prominent in local affairs, has been School Director for some time, and is a Republican politically. His parents were Arthur and Anna (Soltz) Wyman. They came to Knox County in 1853, and settled in Persifer Township, where they died-the father May 18, 1875, and the mother in January, 1884. Mr. Wyman is a useful man in the community, and is an example of native worth, strength of character and gennine ability.

ames S. Latimer. The subject of this sketch is a prominent farmer, Short-horn breeder and stock shipper of this coun- ty, having his location in Cedar Township, on section 21. He was born in the township in which he now lives, Nov. 27, 1836, and is the son of Alexander and Eunice (Guthrie) Latimer (see sketch and portrait of Alexander Latimer). He was reared upon the farm and received his education in the district schools of his neighborhood. His oppor- tunities were limited to three months' attendance in the winter season. This, however, was further sup- plemented by one year's attendance at the Academy at Cherry Grove. He remained at home until 1854, when he married and then rented land for one year, after which he determined to go to the Northwest. He accordingly loaded up his household effects in a wagon, and with an ox team started for Faribault

County, Minn., where he preempted 160 acres of land, built a cabin and remained for ten years. When he first settled there his nearest neighbors were five miles away. He was in the midst of the Indians, who afterward became hostile and committed depre- dations of the most atrocious kind. The Spirit Lake and New Ulm massacres will long be remembered by the settlers of the Northwest. During the Indian troubles Mr. Latimer volunteered and assisted in subduing the hostiles.

In 1867 Mr. Latimer returned to Knox County, and purchased the farm where he now resides. He is the owner of 250 acres where he lives, and 500 in Mercer County, Ill. About ten years ago he em- barked in the breeding of Short-horn cattle, and in this department is recognized as being among the leading breeders in the State. Since engaging in the business he has shipped over 8,000 head to the Southwestern and Northwestern States and Terri- tories. His cattle are more extensively known than those of any other breeder in the West. He also has been an extensive shipper of fat stock to Chicago and other markets.

In 1854, Mr. Latimer was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Beard, the ceremony being performed by Rev. J. P. Roach. Mrs. Latimer was born in Sum- ner County, Tenn., June 17, 1834, and is the daugh- ter of Joseph and Larena (Neal) Beard, natives of Tennessee. Mr. Beard was born Nov. 16, 1802, and died Sept. 5, 1864; his wife, the mother of Mrs. Latimer, was born Nov. 17, 1804. Her marriage took place Nov. 17, 1825. She died Oct. 2, 1838, leaving seven children, viz. : William, David, James W., Samuel H., Sarah A, John S. and E. J. Beard. After the death of his wife Mr. Beard contracted a second marriage with Miss Hannah Sloan, the date of which was Feb. 22, 1842. By the latter union there were three children, viz. : Nancy L., Margaret and Hezekiah G. By the union of James S. and Sarah A. Latimer, there are six children-Ida E., born Sept. 2, 1855, and the wife of W. B. Dunlap, an extensive farmer of Chestnut Township; Ellura, born April 28, 1857, died Feb. 18, 1862 ; Walter, born April 24, 1859, married Miss Jessie Brook and resides at Garnett, Kan .; William A., born July 23, 1861, married Miss Annie Dunlap; he is at present Cashier in the First National Bank of Abingdon ; Orion, born Nov. 23, 1863, and Washington D., born Feb. 22, 1866, are yet under the parental roof.

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Mrs. Latimer is a member of the Congregational Church and takes an active part in every good work emanating from or pertaining to that organiza- tion. Politieally Mr. Latimer is a Republican. His first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln, in 1860, and from that time to the present he has not swerved from the principles or slackened in sup- port of that organization. He has held various offices of trust and responsibility, and has proved himself thoroughly competent and trustworthy in all of them. He was for a number of years Township Treasurer, and for the past ten years has represented Cedar Township in the Board of Supervisors. In these various offices he has shown good judgment and exercised a careful watchfulness over the inter- ests of the people whom he represented. These fre- quent elections speak louder for his character as a man of honor and probity and his worth as a citizen than any words of ours. While a resident of Fari- banlt County, Minn., he was appointed by Gov. Sib- ley one of the commissioners to district and lay out the county in townships. He held the position of enrolling officer through the war for the north half of Faribault County, Minn., and was also Assessor at different times. Mr. Latimer is a genuine product of the great West, descended from a race of pioneers

-men who had the advance of civilization at heart above all else. He early developed that independent spirit so characteristic of those people. Starting in life with nothing but strong arms, good health and the determination to succeed, Mr. Latimer and his excellent wife made their way unaided, and have succeeded in carving out for themselves a comfort- able competency, and at the same time making and maintaining for themselves a name for integrity, probity and a due regard for the rights of all-a priceless heritage to leave to his posterity.

Few men in the country are so widely and favor- ably known as James S. Latimer, of Cedar Township.

harles P. Sansbury, a well-to-do farmer, residing on section 8, Victoria Township, was born in the village of Cranbury, N. J., Nov. 10, 1822. He is the son of Horatio and Margaret (Daniels) Sansbury, natives of New York City. The father of our subject was a graduate of Princeton College, New Jersey, and was

a physician by profession. His father, grandfather of our subject, was a native of the Isle of Man. He set- tled at Princeton, N. J., and at one time was an ex- tensive land-owner at that place, keeping on his plan- tation 100 slaves. Horatio Sansbury moved to Phil- adelphia and practiced his profession in connection with Dr. McClellan, who was then a famous physi- cian and one of the Professors of Surgery in Jefferson Medical College, and father of Gen. Geo. B. McClel- lan, and also at Princeton, N. J., at which latter place his demise took place. The parental family consisted of five children, only two of whom are liv- ing-Mary E., now Mrs. Scuder, who lives in New Jersey, and Charles P , our subject.

The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this notice remained under the parental roof until his father's death. He then resided with his grand- mother, Mary Daniels, on a farm, remaining there one year, when he went to Philadelphia, and was en- gaged in copying letters in the office of a foundry, at the same time doing the banking business of Parks & Tierce, who were uncles on his mother's side, and with whom he remained one year. At the expiration of this time he went on board a ship as a sailor, and followed the same for seven years. At one time he was Second Mate of an East Indiaman out of Liver- pool. In 1844 he came to New York on the Colum- bus, a 74-gun vessel, and was paid off and came to this State. He settled in Stark County, where he re- mained for two years, and then he purchased 320 acres, on section 9, Victoria Township. His land was all unbroken prairie, but he cultivated and fenced 100 acres the same year of his purchase, and erected there a small, but commodious house. Mr. Sansbury gave $1,000 for the 320-acre tract, and was given five years to pay for it at six per cent interest.

Our subject has always resided upon his farm, with the exception of seven years spent at Galva. He is the owner of 160 acres of fine land in Chase County, Kan. Mr. Sansbury has always been engaged in grain-raising, and has devoted a goodly portion of his time to the breeding of fine stock, being the first to introduce the Chester White hog into Knox County, and sold a litter of pigs for $150.

Miss Catherine Lyons was the maiden name of Mrs. Sansbury. The date of her birth was May 3, 1831, and that of her marriage to our subject July 28, 1847. She is the daughter of David and Jane (Sornborger) Lyons, natives of New York. Her par-

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ents came to the Prairie State in 1843, and located in Stark County, removing soon afterward to Victoria village, Knox County. The father died in 1846, and the mother in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Lyons were the happy parents of eight children, five of whom are living: Catherine, now Mrs. Sansbury ; Almina, who became Mrs. Wilber; David, Edward and Charles.

The family of our subject and wife consisted of six members, two of whom are living at this writing: Charles married Jennie Milroy, and they have a daughter-Mabel ; Ellen (Sansbury) Green ; Hora- tio Sansbury, a son, was in the employ of the Ore- gon Railway & Steamship Navigation Company, and was drowned when about 28 years of age. Mr. Sans- bury is a Greenbacker and has held the office of Su- pervisor and Road Commissioner. He is considered one of Knox County's substantial men.

oseph E. Trovillo. Prominent among the worthy citizens of Knox County and her enterprising and successful farmers may be found the subject of this recital, whose per- sonal history is herein given. His farm is sit- uated on section 3, Indian Point Township. In addition to his marked success as a tiller of the soil, which under his able management is bountifully productive, he has given his attention to the breed- ing of fine cattle and swine. Among the former may be named Polled-Angus and Short-horn. His blooded swine are grown for shipping.

Mr. Trovillo first saw the light of day in Warren County, Ohio, Feb. 10, 1834. He moved to the State of Illinois in March, 1869, and located four and a half miles southeast of Abingdon, on section 22, and lived there ten years, when he bought the adjoining farm. He lived in Abingdon two years and then moved on the place where he now lives. He is the son of Thomas and Maria (Vandervoort) Trovillo. The father was born in Pennsylvana, near the city of Pittsburg, Aug. 19, 1807, and his wife in Ohio, Aug. 16, 1807. He departed this life in 1884, in Clinton County, Ohio, on the 16th of February, and she died April 3, 1880, in the same State. Mr. Trovillo moved to Ohio in 1811, and the father of Mrs. Trovillo about 1806. To Mr. and Mrs. Trovillo have been born nine children, as follows: Paul J., who mar-

ried Miss Hannah Fisher, died in January, 1864, at Camp Denison, Ohio; Joseph E., our subject, who married Rebecca E. Vanhorn, Sept 30, 1855, Rev. Clarkson Butterworth officiating; Martha E., the wife of J. Parkhill, whose home is Warren County, Ohio; James M., who wedded Miss Emily Johnson ; Sarah M., wife of Samuel Hinman; William V., whose wife was Mary J. Cox, and who died shortly after their marriage ; subsequently he married a Mrs. Babbitt ; Ephraim K., who took to wife Mary E. Carnehan ; Samuel H., husband of Miss Ella Van- dervoort ; and Mary E., who married Mr. Emmep- son Hickson.

Our subject, as stated, united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Vanhorn, who was born March 24, 1837, in Ohio. She is the daughter of Matthew and Nancy (Hindman) Vanhorn, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, Jan. 13, 1793, and died Feb. 10, 1868, in the State of Ohio. His wife was born in 1799, and died at the age of 76, in 1875, in Ohio.

Mrs. Trovillo's parents numbered in their family circle nine children, viz. : Joseph, who married Miss Maria Cox; Martha Jane, who married Mr. Ezra Morrison, and whose home was in Colorado; she de- parted this life some years hence, in the State of Kansas, the date of her death being in 1875 ; Mar- garet, the wife of Mr. J. Howe, is now deceased, as well as her husband; William married Miss Jane Schenck, and died in 1877: James was the husband of Margaret E. Minor, and their home is in Ohio; Andrew and Mary E. both died in infancy ; Clara H. is the wife of Mr. C. Spence, and their home is in Ohio; and Rebecca E. united in matrimony with Joseph E. Trovillo. as previously stated.

Mr. and Mrs. Trovillo have two children, a son and a daughter. Frank was born Aug. 1, 1856, united in marriage with Miss Rachel Lacey A. Pence, and is now living in Knox County; they have one son, named Leroy ; Anna, born Sept. 21, 1860, is the wife of Mr. Arthur C. Harvey, and her home is also in Knox County

Mr. Trovillo has 159 acres of land in this town- ship, in a fine state of cultivation and productive. His timber land lies in Fulton County. Among his fine blooded stock he possesses a male of the Polled- Angus breed. Mr. Trovillo is an active, industrious man, and his energetic enterprise has won him pros- perity and many friends. He is a Republican in pol- itics, stanch and true, and both himself and wife are

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the first to forward any enterprise for the good of the community. They are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Abingdon. He is an exemplary citizen, public-spirited and ready to assist any enterprise that has for its object the ulti- mate prosperity of the community.

ilbert G. Weeks. Conspicuous among the influential citizens of Knoxville and prom- inent as a successful business man, we have the gentleman spoken of in this historical sketch. He is one of the partners of the firm of G. G. Weeks & Son, grain-dealers, and is known to be a prompt, energetic and enterprising trader.

Mr. Weeks was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., March 23, 1809. His father, George Weeks, hailed from the same county, and was born in 1779. His father, the grandfather of our subject, first saw the light of day on Long Island, N. Y., and was at the time of the Revolutionary struggle a resident of Or- ange County, N. Y. In this war he served, holding the rank of captain in the army, and figured in the siege of Fort Montgomery. About this date he set- tled in Dutchess County, purchasing a tract of land, fixing its boundaries and beginning the cultivation and improvement of what was afterward a most de- sirable farm, and upon which he passed the remainder of his days. The father of Mr. Weeks of this his- tory, grew up under the care of his parents on the home place, continuing with them until he reached his majority. In his native county he met and sub- sequently married Jemima Van Amburg, who came from Holland ancestry, and whose forefathers were prominent among the early settlers on the Hudson River. The newly married pair settled on the old homestead, where they remained until 1828, then, disposing of the property, removed to Orange Coun- ty, where they purchased a farm and there spent the remainder of their days. At this place the hus- band died, about 1835, and his wife, surviving some time, also departed this life about 1845. To them had been given ten children, of whom our subject, Gilbert G. Weeks, was the fifth in order of birth.

In his native township Mr. Weeks grew to man- hood, receiving a part of his early education in the subscription school, and later entering Fishkill Acad-

emy, where he received as good advantages as were afforded in that day. At the age of 19 years, he went to Orange County with his parents, with whom he lived, and worked until 1833, and in that year took to himself a wife in the person of Cornelia Maria Miller. Their nuptials were celebrated December 24, and the bride was born in Orange County, N. Y., in August, 1808. She was the daughter of George and Julia (Young) Miller, both of whoin came from Orange County. At the time of his marriage Mr. Weeks purchased a farm adjoining the old home- stead, which he occupied and worked until 1843, an interval of ten years. At this date he sold out, re- moving to Long Island, where he took charge of the estate of Gardner G. Howland, where he continued for five years, at the end of which time the proprietor died and the estate was sold for the benefit of the heirs. Leaving the situation he had so faithfully and so satisfactorily filled, Mr. Weeks next went to Flush- ing, L. I., where he engaged in the hardware business, and as a manufacturer of tin, sheet-iron and copper ware. At the end of three years he sold this bus- iness and turned his face toward the West, then known as the Eden of laboring men. Purchasing a farm in Knox Township, on section 35, he engaged in the calling of an agriculturist, which he followed for a period of nine years and which he left to come to Knoxville. Entering his present branch of com- merce, the grain and lumber trade, he remained therein ten years, when he sold the lumber depart- ment and has since remained a grain buyer and shipper.

His son, Charles M., is associated with him as his business partner, and the firm, which has been very successful, has enlarged the business by the addition of two large warehouses and two elevators, the stor- age capacity of which is 40,000 bushels.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Weeks has been blest by the advent of four children, named Sarah, wife of Albert L. Burdett, who lives in Butler County, Kan. ; Cornelia, who wedded J. H. Ewing, and is also a res- ident of Butler County ; Charles M., whose home, as previously stated, is Knoxville, and George M., of Lincoln County, Kan.

Mr. and Mrs. Weeks are both members of the Presbyterian Church, to which religious denomina- tion they attached themselves in 1832. Following their entrance into this body, he was a short time after elected Elder, in which capacity he has served

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a number of years. There was no Presbyterian Church at Flushing, and while a resident of that place he engaged in the work of organizing a Con- gregational Church, where he acted as Deacon. Both he and his wife are courteous, affable people, and are considered agreeable additions to the society of which they are members.

arvey Ouderkirk. There are many suc- cessful and well-to-do farmers in Knox County, and Maquon Township certainly has its quota. Prominent among those who have obtained success in life through their own energy and perseverance is the subject of this narrative, residing on section 6, Maquon Township, where he is pursuing his chosen vocation, agricult- ure. His parents were Jacob and Nancy (Waffe) Ouderkirk, who were natives of New York, in which State they were married, and subsequently moved to Ohio. In the year 1835 they came to Knox County and located in what is now known as the thriving and picturesque little village of Maquon. They aft- erwaid removed just across the line into Haw Creek Township, in which place they lived uutil the death of the father, which event took place May 29, 1882. The mother is still living and resides in Maquon Township. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Ouderkirk became the happy parents of nine children, seven girls and two boys, Harvey being the third child in order of birth.

Our subject first saw the light of day at Maquon, Dec 15, 1838. He remained under the parental rooftree until he had attained the age of 24 years, at which time he rented a farm in Maquon Township and afterward bought a farm in Chestnut Township, where he lived from 1867 to 1880, when he traded for land in Maquon Township. In the year 188 he removed upon the tract he purchased in the latter township, where he has since lived. He is at this writing the owner of 340 acres of well-improved and highly-cultivated land.

Harvey Ouderkirk's marriage took place Dec. 13. 1862, at which time Sarah E., daughter of John and Hettie (Holloway) Cook, united her fortune with his. Miss Cook's father was a native of Ohio, her mother being born in Maryland. They came to Knox County

in 1848 and settled in Orange Township, where the mother died July 21, 1868, the father's death occur- ring in Kansas, Aug. 10, 1882. They were the par- ents of five boys and four girls, Mrs. O. being the fifth child in order of birth. She was born in Picka- way County, Ohio, Feb. 16, 1839.

Mr. and Mrs. O. of this notice have been blessed with the birth of five children, one of whom died in infancy. Those living are Henry J., Clara E., Os- car B. and Elnora E. Mr. O. has been honored by the people of his township by the positions of Over- seer of Highways and School Director. In politics he identifies himself with the Republican party.

eorge M. Sornborger, a gentleman of push and energy among the numerous citizens of his community, resides on section 9, Victo- ria Township. He was born in Knox County, April 1, 1841, and is the son of Anson and ? Catherine (Wilbur) Sornborger. His parents were natives of New York and came to this State in 1838, locating on section 7, Victoria Township, where they purchased 60 acres of land. They are at pres- ent living in Copley Township, on section It. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Anson Somborger numbered ten children. Those living are six in number and bear the names of George M., Charles D., Ford W., Alexander, Cass and Loue E.

Mr. George Sornborger worked upon his father's farm until 21 years of his life had passed, and also in the interim attended the district school. After leav- ing home he enlisted in Co. C, 83d Ill. Vol. Inf., for three years, and participated in the battle of Fort Donelson and numerous skirmishes. He was taken ill and confined in the hospital at Fort Donelson for two months, receiving an honorable discharge July 17, 1863. Upon returning home he, in 1865, engaged in farming on section 12, Copley Township, where for two years he rented land, when he removed to section 17, Victoria Township, which place he also rented for a period of three years. From that place, in 1868, he removed to his present fine farm on sec- tion 9, which contains 160 acres, and the same year he secured So acres on section 17, Victoria Township. Mr. Sornborger is extensively engaged in grain and stock raising, and also buys and sells cattle and hogs. In 1865, Mr. Sornborger was married to the lady of

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 73

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