Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 75

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 75

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Our subject and wife have been blessed by a family of seven children, as follows: Sarah N. mar- ried Alfred Williams, and they have a son, Earnest B., and are at present residing on section 4; Peter A. Sornborger, third in order of birth; Mary L. be- came Mrs. Edgar Conner; Clarence is the name of their only child. The remaining four children are Cora A., Lucy M., John B. and Jessie B.

Politically Mr. S. affiliates with the Greenback party, and has served his district in the capacity of School Director. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and together with his wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

on. George V. Dieterich, general dealer in coal-oil, at Galesburg, was born in Wash- FOR ington County, Md., Feb. 14, 1812. His parents, Frederick and Eva (Gilbert) Dieterich, were married in Washington County, where the old gentleman spent many years of his life and where he finally died. He was born in Germany, and in 1798 came to America. His wife was a na- tive of Washington County, Md. They removed to Pennsylvania early in life and lived at Waynesboro for nine years. Returning to Maryland, Mr. D. died in 1864, being upward of 91 years of age, and his widow followed him two years later, aged 84

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years. They reared five sons and three daughters, George V. being the eldest of the sons and the sec- ond child. The Pennsylvania schools furnished him a liberal education, and at the age of 18 he was em- ployed as clerk by a Leitersburg (Md.) merchant, receiving for his first year's services $60, for his sec- ond $75 and for his third $100. In 1834 he decided to go West, and having so informed his employer, that gentleman surprised him by increasing the stipend of his three years' labor to $100, $200 and $300 respectively. With this sum of money our young man, more than a half century ago, landed at Canton, Ohio, where he lost no time for the succeed- ing five years. This was the experience he had sought, and, feeling that he knew something of West- ern traffic, he returned East and sought employment in Philadelphia. John H. Brown & Co., of that city, were then the great jobbers, and being anxious to improve any and every opportunity for extending their trade, closed a contract with Mr. D. at a salary of $1,200 per year. The second year they advanced his pay to $2,500, the third year to $3,000, and the fourth year to $3,500. These figures tend very largely to contradict the recollections of the anti- quarians who remind us daily of what " used to be."

From Brown & Co. Mr. D. transferred to the great firm of McFarland, Evans & Co., who paid him $3,500 a year for ten consecutive years. He was their confidential man and looked particularly after their Western business; and in those days, when the principal mode of travel was on horseback, the ex- periences of the pioneer commercial traveler would fill a volume. One incident here will be pardoned, as it reflects the ingenuity of necessity and proves that ready native wit is not confined to the product of the Emerald Isle : In the vicinity of Delaware, Ohio, young Dieterich had collected on his trip about $8,000 ; the night was well set in and the density of the virgin forests added much to the gloom of his lonely road. The money was stowed away in a pair of old saddle-bags, upon which he sat as the trusty old nag paced slowly ahead in the direction of the town, yet several miles in the distance. " Halt!" and a strong hand seized the bridle and brought the horse to a sudden stand. A bright little star cast a single ray through an opening in the foliage and reflected itself in a gleam along the polished steel, and showed the traveler that he was fully cov- ered by a very dangerous-looking weapon. " Your

money or your life!" demanded the highwayman. Dropping the reins and throwing up his hands, the commercial traveler burst forth in a guffaw of laugh- ter that echoed through the forest and frightened into screaming hysterics all the night-hawks and scieech-owls for miles away. "What in the d ---- 1 are you laughing at ?" and as soon as he could suf- ficiently suppress his risibilities, he said, " To think that a country doctor, who peddles his pills both night and day among a people so poor that they can- not buy bread, much less pay for physic, should be held up for money, was irresistibly funny." He then offered to give the "road agent " pills enough to " regulate " him for a whole year, and that worthy gentleman shoved the horse's head away from him in disgust, and muttering all sorts of imprecations upon his own ill luck, politely told the " doctor " to " go to -," and strode back into the shadows of the hazel and the thorn. Mr. D. removed to Canton, Ohio, in 1857, and was there engaged in mercantile business up to his coming to Galesburg, in 1862. Here he embarked in the grocery business, which he only quitted in 1880.

An old-line Whig up to 1854, he in that year helped to nominate William B. Thomas, Republican candidate for Mayor of Philadelphia. In that, proba- bly the pioneer contest of the new party, 72,000 votes were cast, of which number Mr. Thomas re- ceived 111. Though a strong temperance advocate, Mr. D. has always opposed a third party, and while his efforts in private life have been expended in be- half of temperance, he has steadily urged its entire divorcement from politics. He has never been an office-seeker, though the fact of his having repre- sented the Republican party as their delegate from this district to every Senatorial convention since he came to the State is conclusive that he could have had almost anything that he would accept. It is a part of history that in 1872 he caused the defeat of Schuyler Colfax for the nomination with Gen. Grant for the second term; and as a result Henry Wilson became Vice-President of the United States. Mr. D. was in possession of the fact that Mr. Colfax had repeatedly declared that he would not be a candi- date for renomination ; he had so written Mr. Die- terich in response to that gentleman's inquiry, and when the friends of Colfax announced that he had withdrawn his protests and placed himself in their hands, Mr. D. took occasion to "speak his piece "

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to the Illinois delegation, bringing before them the truth in the premises. This brought the facts to discussion and defeated the gentleman from Indiana.

In 1868 Mr. Dieterich was elected Supervisor and held the office 15 years, which is about the only public trust he has ever discharged. While a citi- zen of Leitersburg, Md., he led in the organization of amateur debating upon current questions, and there developed a faculty for public speaking. He is truly a self-made man ; began life as a poor boy, learned early much of the hardships of a battle that the poor must wage for success, but he rounds up a ripe old age with a handsome competency and in the enjay- ment of the knowledge of having wronged no man.

Mr. D. was married in Stark County, Ohio, July 26, 1846, to Eliza R. Goodwill, and his three chil- dren are as follows : Helen F. (deceased), Corwin G. and lon G. Corwin G. owns a ranch in Kansas, and lon G. is cashier of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank of Galesburg.

R obert Smead, M. D., a prominent physician, residing at Victoria, was born near San- dusky City, Ohio, Dec. 13, 1839. He is the son of Dr. Alonzo and Elizabeth M. (Crane) Smead. The parents were natives of Seneca County, N. Y. The father of Dr. Alonzo, John Smead, settled in New York about the year 1800, and was by occupation a farmer. It is believed that they were descended from the Welsh. The father of our subject, when a boy, conceived the idea that it would suit his taste to become a canal teamster, in which pursuit he engaged, but only for a short period, afterward attending school. We find him at the age of 25 County Superintendent of Schools. In 1838 he removed to Ohio, there became Principal of a high school and also had charge of the schools of the county. In 1840 he commenced the study of medicine and was admitted to practice in 1851, having received his diploma. He accepted the doctrines of Universalism, and becanie one of its pioneer preachers. In Ohio his circuit extended from Columbus to Sandusky. Dr. Alonzo Smead was a prominent debater and held many discussions with the prominent divines of America. He abandoned his ministerial labors, and continued the practice of medicine in the States of Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin

and Michigan, in which latter State he died in 1867.

Our subject was the eldest child of a family of five, three of whom are living. The remaining two are Mary C., now Mrs. David Knowland, who resides at Havelock, Pocahontas Co., lowa, and Dr. Cassius C. Smead, who also resides in lowa, and with whom his mother, Mrs. Dr. Alonzo Smead, makes her home. Dr. Robert of this sketch at the age of 17 years ac- cepted a position as Deputy in the Auditor's office. He had received an excellent education in the city schools and academies. He remained in the Audit- or's office for three years. and the greater portion of the time had the entire management of the office. During the three years spent in that position his spare moments were utilized in reading medicine under the instruction of his father and Drs. Mc- Cann and Harrison. The date of his removal to Illinois was 1860, and at Marion, Williamson County, he pursued the study of medicine, and also attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, and the Keokuk College of lowa. Receiving his diploma, ? he commenced the practice of his profession in 1861, and one year later located at La Fayette, Stark Co. I Ill. Our subject has been in the service in the United States Army as physician and surgeon at Fort Hall, Idaho Ter. He was also engaged in practice for five years in Madison County, Texas.

Dr. Robert B. Smead married Miss Lucy Harri- son, in April, 1859 She is the daughter of Talman L. and Ellen Harrison, natives of Virginia and Mary - land. The Doctor affiliates with the Democratic party, and is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. He is also connected with the Military Tract and State Medical Associations of Illinois, and is one of the prominent physicians of Knox County. Mrs. Smead is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

imon S. Stuckey. The gentleman here named is one of the most widely known, respected, well-to-do citizens of Walnut Grove Township. He is located on sections 1 and 3, and is successfully engaged in farm- ing operations. He originally came from Bed- ford County, Pa., where he was born Dec. 8, 1823. His father, Samuel, was a farmer and native of the same county and State. This latter gentleman was the son of Simon Stuckey, born in Shenandoah Val-

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ley, Va., and of direct German ancestry. He was married to Margaret Snyder, a native of Virginia, of Dutch parentage; both these good people died in Bedford, Pa. The grandfather in early life was a tanner, and the father of our subject a farmer of some prominence.

The Stuckey family was founded in the United States by three brothers who came from Germany. Mr. Stuckey's father married Ann Silver, of Bedford County, Pa., of English descent. Both these good people were noted for their active and useful lives, Mr. Stuckey always taking a warm interest in local politics. The quick suppression of the rebellion was a point on which he felt warmly and acted decisively toward bringing about the result attained. His de- cease took place in 1864, he having been one of the old Whig politicians, but a noted Republican at the date of his death.

Mr. Stuckey, of this notice, was the oldest but one of his parents' family. Of these there were six sons and five daughters, one of whom died young. Our subject is the only member of the family now living in Illinois. He struggled for an education in those early days when public schools were unknown, and worked at home on his father's farm for some years, learning as best he could the elements of English, mathematics, etc. He was married in Bedford County, Pa., Dec. 25, 1849, to Miss Caroline Border, also a native of Bedford County, born May 3, 1828. This lady was the daughter of David and Catherine (Kegg) Border, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. They were prominent people in their community and of German descent on the mother's side, but English on that of the father. After their marriage they lived for a number of years in Bedford County, the father finally dying in Maryland. The mother's decease took place June 29, 1832. After the decease of her mother Mrs. Stuckey resided at her paternal home up to the date of her marriage. About this date her father also married.

About five years subsequent to Mr. and Mrs. Stuckey's marriage they came to the State of Illinois and located where he at present lives. He was one of the first settlers of the township, and the unbroken prairie he had procured had for the first time to be turned. He purchased 240 acres, which he has ever since retained. It is now in a high state of cultiva- tion, on which are a fine residence and other necessary farm buildings. The issue of this family consists of

five sons and four daughters : Albert married Fran- ces Hustin and resides on section 2, Walnut Grove Township, and is a farmer; Elwood resides in Clin- ton County, Mo .; Lathrop follows the occupation of stock-breeder; Ellen B. is the wife of D. S. Brill- hart ; they also reside in Clinton County, Mo. Mr. Brillhart for some time followed the profession of teacher in the public schools, but is at present en- gaged as a hardware merchant; Avis married Mr. C. W. Main, a resident of this township; Maggie is the wife of W. D. Cook, residing in this township; Samuel L. resides in Lathrop, Clinton Co., Mo .; A. A. resides in Custer Co., Neb., and is a stock-dealer ; Ida M. is a music teacher of much talent and re- sides at home, and William C. is also living with his father.

Mr. and Mrs. C. are prominent members of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. S. having held the office of Trustee for more than 15 years. He has also ac- quitted himself with much credit in the offices of his township, and has held that of Road Commissioner for several years.

As a solid and reliable Republican in politics there are few gentlemen in his township who can say they have interested themselves more intently for the good of the cause than he.

Charles H. Mathews, deceased, was born at Schenectady, N. Y., Feb. 1, 1823, and died at Galesburg, March 12, 1883. His par- ents, John and Letitia (Humphreys) Mathews, were born, reared and married in County Tyrone, Ireland, where their first child was born and whence they came to America. The senior Mr. M. was many years a merchant at Schenectady, where he died in 187 1, aged about 70 years. Though very successful in business, he died almost pen- niless by reason of failures that came upon him at such times as he was unable to rally by reason of ad- vanced old age. His son therefore inherited no fortune, but made what of this world's goods he pos- sessed by his own industry, and was rated one of the wealthiest men of Galesburg at the time of his death. Charles Mathews received something of a common- school education ; began clerking at Schenectady in a store when he was but 13 years of age; going from

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there to New York City in business for himself some years; returning to his native place and carrying on a large dry goods establishment up to 1856. In this year he came to Galesburg and here followed the mercantile business until 1864; and in 1865 became identified with the First National Bank. In the autumn of this year he removed to Schenectady, probably with a view to final retirement from bus- iness. In 1874, his Galesburg interests having as- sumed such shape as imperatively required his personal attention, he returned to Galesburg and re- engaged in the dry goods business. He finally re- tired from business in January, 1881. Mr. M. was a man devoid of ostentation or display ; belonged to no secret order, took no leading part in politics, though always an ardent Republican.

Mr. Mathews was married at Amsterdam, N. Y., Oct. 18, 1855, to Miss Eliza Sheldon, daughter of the late Alexander Sheldon, for many years a dis- tinguished member of the Albany (N. Y.) bar. He died at Amsterdam, that State, in 1860, at the age of 90 years. His wife, nee Miss Jackson, died in Florida in 1845. Mr. Sheldon left a large estate, of which his son-in-law, Mr. Mathews, became executor. The Sheldons came originally from England, and in America many of them have attained distinction in business and professions. Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon had born to them five children, as follows: Alice Sheldon, deceased ; Letitia, Charles H., deceased ; Mary and Annie W.

ames M. Scott. Within the limits of Knox County may be found many reliable and worthy citizens known for their enterprise and business ability, and foremost in their ranks may be quoted the gentleman a few points of whose career are recorded herein. He owns a highly cultivated farm, situated on section 8, Knox Township, comprising 680 acres.

James M. Scott was born on the farm he now owns and occupies May 5, 1843. His father, Gad- dial Scott, was one of the pioneers of Knox County and noteworthy as one of those early settlers who have watched its gradual growth. In 1827, at which time he was a resident of Sangamon County, accom- panied by Andy Osborn, John Slatten and Andrew

Scott, he came to Knox County on a little pleasure trip and seeking for wild honey. They found two well-filled trees and soon became possessors of their delicious contents. It was "hale fellow well met " with this jolly crew, and they camped for one week on the dividing line of Knox and Warren Counties. During that entire time they saw no living person. The only white people these explorers met from the time of leaving Sangamon County until their return were Mr. Atwood and son, who lived south of the Galena road. Mr. Scott returned home and gave glowing accounts of the country, foreseeing its great- ness.

In 1834, with his family, he removed from San- gamon County and staked a claim on section 8, in Knox Township. His home circle consisted at that time of a wife and one child. Erecting a log house near a wonderfully cool and clear spring that bub- bled up from the earth about 200 yards southeast of the present homestead, he made a puncheon floor and used shakes to cover the roof. In Quiney he entered the land at the Government Land-Office, and this quaint little structure that he had built, for many years the family residence, was their home in 1852. At that time he replaced it with a frame house, drawing all his lumber overland from Rock Island. With the native energy common to those pioneers he could not fail to succeed, and by his upright character and his honest dealings with his fellow-man he showed forth the truth-" Before man made us citizens, great Nature made us men." At the time of his death, he was the owner of a large tract of land and was prospered beyond his expecta- tions. He was a native of Tennessee, and was born Aug. 9, 1809.

The grandfather of our subject, Rev. Andrew Scott, was a minister of the Gospel of the Christian denomination, and was a native of North Carolina. The date of his birth was Nov. 21, 1786, and he was a veritable pioneer, having been an early settler in Jackson County, Tenn. From there he removed, about 1800, to Kentucky, later to Indiana, and from there to Sangamon County, Ill., of which he was one of the earliest settlers. There he took up a tract of land, which he improved and cultivated into a first-class farm. There he lived in contentment and peace until the date of his death.

Gaddial Scott made the several removals with his parents, and so his younger days were spent on the

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frontier. He married, July 25, 1833, Miss Susan Sexton, who was born in Knox County, Ky., May 25, 1810, and who died Jan. 22, 1875. By this mar- riage there were seven children, the names and dates of whose birth are as follows : William M., born July 21, 1834, and who died in early manhood, July 18, 1863; John W., born March 26, 1836, and who died Oct. 6, 1862. He enlisted in Co. E, 83d Ill. Vol. Inf., and gave his life for his country at Padu- cah, Ky .; Elizabeth S., born April 27, 1839, died Feb. 22, 1864; Enoch S. (see sketch) ; James M., the subject ; Jacob, born Oct. 14, 1846, died May 3, 1865; and Olive, born April 21, 1852, died at the early age of 15 years, Aug. 24, 1867. His second matrimonial alliance was formed in 1876, with Sarah M. Hobbs, who departed this life June 8, 1880, and Mr. Scott, who had lived a good and true life, fol- lowed her June 18, 1880, only ten days later. He was a member of the Christian Church and a con- sistent and devoted follower of the beautiful truths that were shown forth in the life of Jesus. Up to the time of his death his faculties remained unim- paired, and he was possessed of a most remarkable memory, often delighting the young people with stories of pioneer life.

James M. Scott, the subject of this history, was reared on a farm and educated in the district school. He made his home with his parents, and on the 10th of May, 1864, set out for California, making the journey overland, and arrived at Chico, near the Sacramento River, having performed the journey in four months and ten days. In that State he passed a year, remaining until May, 1865, when he started on his way back, going via Panama and New York ; he arrived home about the Ist of July. He has since lived on the old homestead, which he still owns. His possessions include 680 acres of land, all in Knox Township, and well cultivated and improved. He takes an active interest in the raising of cereals and blooded stock.

On the 23d of February, 1870, he was united in marriage with Della Lotts, a native of Haw Creek Township, and the daughter of Milton and Elizabeth (Ward) Lotts. She was born June 21, 1848. Their family circle has been enlarged by the advent of three new members -- Forrest R., Olive Pearl and Ella Eileen. Mr Scott is a useful man in the neighborhood, and is a member of Pacific Lodge, No. 400, A., F. & A. M., and of Rabboni Chapter,

No. 95. He possesses an inquiring mind and takes a keen interest in national affairs. He is Democratic in politics, and aids and supports by voice and vote the doctrines of that party.

eter Dechant, by occupation a brick and stone mason, is also a farmer on section 23, of Cedar Township. He was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, on Nov. 17, 1820, and is the son of John P. and Louisa (Holtz- housen) Dechant; both parents were born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany. The father was born in 1778 and died in 1823. His death was caused by the falling of a tree while engaged in chopping in the woods, and he survived but two hours after the acci- dent. This gentleman was educated for the minis- try of the German Reformed Church, but never oc- cupied the pulpit until he came to this country in 1814. Being well posted in general merchandising, he engaged in this for a short while. John P. had five children, one son and four daughters -Peter, Hen- rietta, Wilhelmina, Louisa and Rebecca. Peter, the subject of this sketch, was the fourth child of the family, and married Miss Nancy J. Hall, on the 12th of October, 1843. His wife was born in Clermont County, Ohio, on Feb. 2, 1827, and was the daughter of William and Maria (South) Hall, natives of Ohio. Mr. Hall was born Dec. 7, 1800, and died in 1839. His wife was born March 11, 1806, her demise tak- ing place July 20, 1885. By the marriage there were seven children-Nancy, Jeremiah, Frances M., Silas S., William, Isaac P. and Maria.

Mr. and Mrs. Dechant, of this biography, are the parents of 11 children: Jeremiah, born Oct. 17, 1844; Permelia, Aug. 8, 1846; Maria L., June 16, 1848; Frances, Feb. 11, 1850; Peter H., Dec. 8, 1851; Wilhelmina, May 22, 1854; Chase, Feb. 3, 1856; Nancy J., Jan. 25, 1859; William P., June 27, 1862; John S., Feb. 24, 1864; Grant, Feb. 3, 1866. Of these children there are now 'married Permelia, April 9, 1863, to Mr. Peter R. Akey, and is the mother of six children; Frances W., to Wm. G. Jarvis, March 6, 1867; Jeremiah, to Miss S. J. For- ray, April 18, 1867; Maria L., to Purley Murdoch, Dec. 18, 1867; Nancy J., to Robert Ritchie, March

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7, 1877 ; Chase, to Miss Jerusha C. Neil, Jan. 1, 1878; Wm. P., to Mary Peterson, Nov. 23, 1882.

Mr. Dechant owns 168 acres of prime land, and in the year 1877 erected a fine two-story brick dwelling, 29 x 31 feet, with a basement under the en- tire house. He is a leading member of the I. O. O. F., of Abingdon Lodge, No. 184, of which he is the oldest member. As a politician, he is prominent in the Republican party, and has encircled around him numerous and substantial friends.

He believes that in the present labor troubles the laborer will get his reward according to individual merit, as he should, and not according to the dic- tates of the labor unions.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 75

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