Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 76

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 76

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ohn C. Eiker. Among the well-to-do and successful farmers of Knox County, who have accumulated what they possess of this world's goods through their own persever- ance and energy, and not as the recipients of any legacy, may be mentioned the name of the subject of this notice. He is a farmer and stock- raiser by vocation, and is engaged in the prosecution of the same on his fine farm on section 17, Orange Township.

Mr. Eiker was born in Adams County, Pa , Jan. 24, 1833, and is the son of John and Charlotte (Myers) Eiker, natives of Frederick County, Md. John Eiker was a miller by trade and also followed the noble calling of a farmer. He was born Feb. I, 1795, and emigrated to this State in 1852, making the trip overland with teams. The first two years he followed farming, after which, in company with his son, David M., he purchased a flouring-mill of Charles & Small, of Knoxville, and they operated the same until 1864. Previous to that date, how- ever, in 1853, he entered a tract of land in lowa, and in 1864, after disposing of his interest in the mill, he, in company with his wife, three daughters and one son, together with a granddaughter, moved there and labored until his death, which occurred there in 1875. The demise of his wife took place during the same year.

John C. Eiker formed a matrimonial alliance with Sarah A. Armstrong, March 4, 1858. She is the daughter of Isaac and Mary (Campbell) Armstrong,

and was born in Adams County, Pa., March 20, 1825. Her parents were both natives of that State and were reared in Adams County. Her father, in his younger days, was a miller by trade, but subse- quently followed farming. Both heads of the family are deceased, the father dying in June, 1877, and the mother in May, 1878, both in the vicinity of Knoxville, this county.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Eiker has been blest by the birth of six children, who were named as fol- lows : Calvin A., born Dec. 23, 1858, is a farmer and married Sallie Stafford and is living in Hamilton County, lowa ; Edith M. was born Dec. 5, 1860; Blanche, Feb. 4, 1862, and is the wife of A. R. Green, a resident of Galesburg; Elmer Grant was born Dec. 24, 1864; Lottie, June 14, 1868 ; Roy L., Nov. 3, 1875.

Mr. Eiker, although a gentleman never seeking office, has been Supervisor of his township for three terms and held several other minor offices. He has been President of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company of this county since 1875. His fine farm comprises 180 acres of land on sections 17 and 18, Orange Township, all of which is under an advanced state of cultivation. On the place is a comfortable two-story frame dwelling, together with a good barn and substantial out-buildings, and in his chosen vo- cation he is meeting with that success which perse- verance, energy and good judgment are sure to bring. He and his wife are members of the Presby- terian Church, and in politics Mr. Eiker votes for the Republican party.

rwin Addis. Among the prominent and energetic farmers who came to Illinois in 1853, is Irwin Addis, who is at present re- siding on his fine farm on section 12, Victoria Township. He was born in New Jersey, Dec. 28, 1849, and is the son of Simon and Anna (Little) Addis. The parents were natives of New Jersey, and came to Illinois in 1853, locating in West Jersey Township, Stark County. At this place the father made a purchase of 500 acres of fine land, and is at present residing upon this tract. Mr. Addis is one of a family of nine children, six of whom still survive-John L., Daniel O., James, our subject,

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Mary E. (now Mrs. Anderson) ; Sarah E. became the wife of Mr. Smith. The father of our subject traces his ancestry back to the English.

The subject of this sketch remained at home until 24 years of age, and on attaining his majority rented land of his father. He had received a common- school education, and after leaving home he came to Knox County, locating in Victoria Township, where his first purchase consisted of 160 acres, to which he afterward added 117 more. He is extensively en- gaged in the breeding of blooded stock and also in the raising of the cereals.

Mr. Addis was married in 1874 to Miss Catharine Ayers, a native of Knox County, who was born March 21, 1857. She is the daughter of Archibald and Catharine (Becker) Ayers, natives of New Jersey and New York respectively. The parents of Miss Ayers came to Illinois at an early day, and settled in Stark County, but remained there only a few years, when they removed to this county and settled on section 12, Victoria Township, where the father had previously purchased and where they resided until the latter's death, which occurred in 1881. The pa- rental family consisted of three children, viz. : Rob- ert, Fannie M. (Mrs. Ingals), and Catharine, wife of our subject.

Mr. and Mrs. Addis are the happy parents of three children-Archie A., Gracie and Robert C. In political faith Mr. A. firmly adheres to the principles advocated by the Republican party. Our subject is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while his wife is an attendant in high stand- ing at the Congregational.

lof Hanson. Many of the early settlers in this county were from foreign climes and many of those who subsequently settled here were born beyond the ocean. Sweden has furnished her quota of active, energetic men who have contributed their part toward the agricultural development of this county.

Prominent among those who came here more than 30 years ago, and who have been identified with the agricultural interests of the county since that time, is the subject of this brief sketch, following the voca- tion of a farmer on section 8, Lynn Township.

Mr. Hanson was born in Sweden, Angust 6, 1835.

His father, Hans Ericson, was a native of the same country and lived there, engaged in the calling of a farmer, until his demise, which took place in the spring of 1856. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Anna Anderson, died when Olof was but eight years of age. She suffered for seven long years with sickness. Olof Hanson was the youngest of four sons and four daughters. In com- pany with three older sisters, he started for the United States, Aug. 6, 1855, landing at an Eastern seaport, and from which he came directly to this county, arriving here October 20 of the same year. At that time the county was sparsely settled, and but very few farmhouses were to be seen upon the broad, uncultivated prairie, He combined his farm work with that of coal-digging and brick-making, and also worked at the carpenter's trade, which he had par- tially learned in his native country. As will be seen from the foregoing statement, Olof was orphaned when but about eight years of age, and having re- ceived no legacy whatsoever, he can certainly be classified among those who are denominated self- made men.

Mr. Hanson purchased his first land in Sparta Township, this county, in 1862. The tract was small, containing only about 15 acres. He built a house on it, which was the first home he ever owned. This was one year after his marriage, that event hav- ing occurred at Knoxville, March 18. 1861, when Elizabeth Anderson became his wife. She was born in the same part of Sweden as our subject, Oct. 4, 1834. Her father, Andrew Olson, was a farmer and died in his native country in 1852. Mrs. Hanson's mother, together with her only son, who died in the army near Little Rock, Ark., in 1863, and two daugh- ters, came to the United States in 1857, and settled in Sparta Township, this county. The mother has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Hanson, since 1861. She is 83 years of age.

Mr. and Mrs. Hanson of this notice are the par- ents of six children, one of whom, Anna Christina, inarried John E. Williamson, a farmer residing near Wataga ; Emma, Joseph, Abner, Andrew and Mary A. reside at home. Aug. 6, 1862, just eight years after he had left his native Sweden for the United States, Mr. Hanson enlisted in the Union Army and went forth to fight for his adopted country. He joined the 102d Ill. Vol. Inf., Co. I, organized by Col. Smith, of Galesburg. The company was in the

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Army of the Cumberland, ist Brigade, 3d Div. of the 20th Army Corps, and our subject participated in the battles of Resaca, New Hope Church and Kenesaw Mountain, in which latter engagement our subject was taken with a severe case of illness, from which he suffered for some time. He had also been in several skirmishes, but after his recovery was un- able to take an active place in the ranks of his com- pany, and was honorably discharged on account of disability. During his service he received no serious wound, although twice hit by bullets from the enemy. While in the army he contracted erysipelas and has suffered from the same up to the present time. Re- turning from the war, Mr. Hanson followed his trade, that of carpenter, and was also engaged in farming up to the time that he made his second purchase of land, which was in the fall of 1867. This purchase consisted of So acres on section 8, where he now lives. He now owns 160 acres, supplied with first- class improvements and well stocked, all of which improvements have been made by Mr. Hanson since that time. In addition to his acreage in this county, he owns 240 acres of wild land in Minnesota.

Mr. and Mrs. Hanson, with one of their daughters, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, He is a Road Commissioner and in politics a stanch Republican.

rank A. Johnson. This gentleman, now deceased, was a prominent farmer, living on section 11, Walnut Grove Township. He was born in Sweden, Aug. 16, 1835, and died at his home in the above-named town- ship, May 20, 1884. After the death of his father in his native land, he came to the United States alone, in 1867. His mother afterward emi- grated to this country. She is now living with her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Johnson, and is in her Sist year. When she married the elder Mr. Johnson he was the owner of 100 acres of good land, on which the widow of Mr. Frank A. Johnson still resides. This farm was beautifully improved before the death of her son, Frank A.

Our subject was a successful farmer and a very esti- mable man. He married Miss Caroline Anderson, in Galesburg, April 18, 1872. She was a native of Sweden, born March 10, 1845, and came to the

United States in 1871. By her happy union with Mr. Johnson there were born four children-Ida, Charles, David and Augustus. By a former marriage Mr. Johnson had one child, Hilda.

Mr. Frank Johnson and wife were devoted Lu- therans, and in their community were held in the highest esteem. In politics Mr. Johnson was a Re- publican of the stanchest order, and a citizen whose demise was universally regreted.

B urgess Elliott. Among the respected cit - izens and well-to-do farmers of Knox County, who have made what they have of this world's goods by their own unaided efforts, is he whose name heads this bio- graphical notice. He is at present following the vocation of a farmer on his fine farm on section 35, Victoria Township. He was born in Knox County, Aug. 7, 1837, and is the son of Thomas and Hannah (Reece) Elliott. The parents were natives of Ohio and South Carolina respectively, their mar- riage taking place in the former State in 1835. Two years after their marriage the parents came to Illi- nois and Knox County, locating in Persifer Town- ship. and in 1858 removed to Victoria Township, where the father had previously purchased 160 acres of land on section 25. On this section they re- mained until 1868, when they disposed of their land and went to Missouri. The father's death occurred in 1882. His widow still survives and is living on the old homestead. Their family circle consisted of 14 children, seven of whom still survive and who are named Burgess, George W., Samantha, Sarah, Eliz- abeth, Hannah and Thomas.

The subject of our sketch remained under the pa- rental roof until 27 years old, and in the meantime assisted his father on the farm and attended the district schools. After leaving home he purchased 40 acres of land on section 25, Victoria Township, remaining on this for eight years, when, having im- proved the same by the erection of good farm build- ings, he sold it. The next purchase consisted of 80 acres on section 26, in the same township, and 40 on section 34, to which he afterward added 80 acres and lived on it until 1882. He then bought 50 acres

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where he now resides, and is engaged in the raising of cereals and stock.

Mr. Elliott was married June 14, 1865, to Miss Achsah Rugh, a native of Indiana. She is the daugh- ter of Michael and Mary (Fudger) Rugh, the parents being natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and their demise occurring in 1846 and 1855 respectively. The family consisted of three children-Lucy, Han- nah and Achsah, the latter being the wife of our sub- ject. Mrs. Elliott came to Illinois with a half sister in the year 1863. Our subject and his wife are the parents of two children-William B. and Charles W. Mr. Elliott is a stanch Greenbacker and has held the offices of School Director and Pathmaster, and is one of the representative men of Victoria Township.

keWitt C. Winne, a respected citizen of this county, and a successful and well-to-do farmer, residing on section 1, Lynn Town- ship, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., Feb. 4, 1847. His father, Francis Winne, was like- wise a native of that county and there reared to manhood and married Margaret Vanderworker in Schoharie County, that State. She was of German descent, and they continued to reside in New York State until 1869, since which time they have lived with their children in this and Henry Counties.

When 17 years of age DeWitt C. Winne turned his face toward the setting sun, with the hope of bettering his financial condition. Leaving his na- tive home, he went to Lenawee County, Mich., and there engaged in various occupations until his re- moval to Henry County, this State. Here he en- gaged in manual labor for some three years, in the meantime economizing to the end that he might be enabled to purchase a home of his own. At the ex- piration of this time he had accumulated sufficient means to carry on farming on rented land, and oc- cupied his time thus in Galva Township until 1879, when he was enabled to purchase a farm of his own, the place on which he is at present residing. His farm consists of 80 acres of good and productive land, on which are located substantial improvements, and there he is meeting with success in the prosecu- tion of his chosen vocation.

Mr, Winne was married at the residence of his

bride's parents, in Weathersfield Township, Henry County, Feb. 2, 1874, to Miss Adelia Dunbar, who was born in the township in which they were married Nov. 24, 1854, and was a daughter of Washington and Anner (Lee) Dunbar. Her parents are yet liv- ing and reside in Weathersfield Township, where her father is meeting with success as a sturdy tiller of the soil. Mrs. Winne resided with her parents, at- tending the common schools and assisting her mother in the household duties, until her marriage. She is one of a pair of twins, and in her parents' family there were three older than herself and four younger children.

The household of Mr. and Mrs. Winne has been gladdened by the birth of two children-Claude A., born April 12, 1875, and Arthur C., May 21, 1878. In politics Mr. Winne is a stanch supporter of the principles advocated by the Democratic party. He is a self-made man, and his accumulations are the result of his own industry as applied to his farm la- bors and his good judgment in the disbursement of the means thus acquired.

enry G. Collinson is a retired farmer, resid- ing on section 5, in Walnut Grove Town- ship. He is a native of Lynn Township, Knox County, and was born Jan. 4, 1840. We have referred more at length to the family his- tory of this gentleman in the biographical sketch of S. L. Collinson. The subject of this history re- mained at home until he had grown up, when he employed himself for the first time in breaking a quantity of the new prairie land in Lynn and Walnut Grove Townships.

On the 7th of March, 1867, he was married at Victoria to Miss Jenette McKie, a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, who came to this country with her parents Aug. 26, 1844. On their arrival in America they oc- cupied themselves with farming. In 1848 they lo- cated in Copley Township, where her father, John McKie, died in February. 1880. Her mother still resides with two daughters in Galva. Mrs. C. of this notice remained a resident at her father's house up to the date of her marriage. She has been the mother of three children, now deceased. This lady is a

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member of the Presbyterian Church, and her hus- band is a prominent Democrat.

The fact must not be omitted that Mr. Collinson enlisted during the War for the Union, Aug. 9, 1862. He joined Co. G, 89th Ill Vol. Inf., under Capt. T. Whiting, and his regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. Mr. C. participated in the bat- tles of Stone River, Tallahassee, Rocky Ledge, Chat- tanooga and others, and was finally taken prisoner at Mills' Springs, near Atlanta, Ga., May 27, 1864. He was immediately thrown into Andersonville prison, where he was held four months, when he was con- veyed to Savannah and later still to Florence, where he was detained some months. He was altogether imprisoned nine months before being paroled, after which he received his discharge. It was during this time that his health was almost wrecked, and it took him two years to recover his strength. His discharge took place at Springfield in July, 1865. Even now he has not wholly recovered from the effects of his war life.

Mr. Collinson is a genial gentleman and thought highly of in his community. He is entertaining and full of war anecdotes, and has always a kind word for those seeking his assistance. He is a Democrat in politics.

Lavid M. Eiker. When nearing the end of a busy life, it is the desire of most men to seek retirement and cultivate those finer feelings which, in the general rush of life at high pressure, cannot be gratified. The above gentleman is one of those whose ac- tivity and industry have received their reward, and he is now enabled to retire from active labor and at his handsome home in Knoxville reflect upon the labors of the past while still having reasonable thought for the future.

He was born in Hagerstown, Washington Co., Md., on the 11th of February, 1826. His father, John Eiker, was a native of Adams County, Pa., where the grandfather of David M. resided. The latter was named after his grandfather, who was of German ex- traction. The great-grandfather was Abraham Eiker, a native of Germany, the name of the family in that country being spelled Echert. This latter gentle- man through varying fortunes fought his way upward,

and ultimately won for himself an ample competence. As owner of a grist-mill in Middle Creek, Adams Co., Pa., his untiring industry and strict economy, coupled with promptness in all his business trans- actions, paved the way to the success he finally achieved. He was devoted to his milling occupa- tion until within a very few years of his death. The father of the present gentleman, in his youth, was apprenticed to the miller's trade, but proceeded to Maryland when a young man, in which State he wooed and married Charlotte Myers, the daughter of Michael Myers. Mrs. Eiker was born and brought up in Frederick County, Md.

At the date of his marriage, Mr. Eiker decided on locating in Hagerstown, and accordingly rented a flour-mill in that vicinity. Removing in 1832 to his old quarters in Frederick, he took up his abode there for one year, when he moved into Adams County, Pa., and purchased a farm, where he continued up to 1852. Selling this farm, he journeyed to Knox County the same year, and engaged in farming for a brief time. Soon afterward he decided to purchase a residence in Knoxville, where he lived until 1864, when he removed to lowa, and settled in Decatur County, where he purchased both improved and un- improved land. Here he resided until his death in 1 87 2 ; his beloved wife died but a few months later, leaving nine children to mourn her loss; of these six are living : David M. is the oldest; Melissa is the wife of D. H. McCleary, now living in Ringgold County, Iowa; John C. resides in Orange Township; Harriet is the wife of C. O. Oberholtzer, who resides in Decatur County, Iowa ; Miranda, wife of Edwin Kirkinda!l, is living in Decatur County also, and James M. resides in the last named county and State.

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch grew into manhood in Adams County, Pa., and while on his father's farin was educated in the public schools. At the age of 19 he determined to make his start in life, and forthwith set out for Franklin County, where he engaged himself to a miller, and learned the trade which ultimately led to his success in business. In this position he held his own, and worked untiringly until the year 1852, when he en- tered upon purely agricultural pursuits in Franklin County, up to 1854, when he first came to Knox County, and settled in Knoxville, where in the course of the first year he purchased the Knoxville City

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Mills. For more than 27 years he operated these mills with decided success, and finally sold out in 188r.

Feeling that he was in a position to retire, he re- solved on his present mode of life, investing, how- ever, in lands situated in Decatur and Hamilton Counties, Iowa. Much of his time is given to im- provement of his Iowa lands, while his home and private interests occupy much of his attention.

On Oct. 1, 1850, he married Helen Jacobs, this lady being a daughter of George and Susan (Bell) Jacobs. His wife, a lady of excellent qualities, was born in Washington County, Md., Nov. 17, 1826. Of this marriage there were five children, of whom one, Nellie, survives. He gave his daughter the ben- efit of a good education. Mr. and Mrs. Eiker are among the foremost members of the Presbyterian Church, where their presence and influence are reg- ularly felt.

In the old school of politics Mr. Eiker was of the Whig persuasion, the principles of which he has warmly advocated in times gone, as he is steadfast in his Republican ideas to-day. The party find in their support a man worthy of their trust, and always ready to lend a helping hand in directing Republican politics. For many years he has been a member of the City Council, and on the Board of Supervisors, and is representative of both strength in action and efficiency in the accomplishment of measures.

ustin Smith. Among the prosperous farm- ers of this county is the subject of this notice, residing on section 26, Lynn Town- ship. There on his fine farm he is passing the afternoon of life surrounded by a happy family and meeting with success in the prosecution of his chosen vocation. Mr. Smith was born in Cort- land County, N. Y., Oct. 16, 1823.

The father of our subject, William Smith, was a native of Schoharie County, N. Y., a farmer by occu- pation, and resided in Cortland County. He was one of the elder children of Robert Smith, who was born, reared and married near Leeds, England. Shortly after marriage the grandfather and his bride set out for the United States, landing in York State, and settling near Albany about the time of the com- mencement of the Revolutionary War. He enlisted

on the side of the colonists, and was engaged in fighting for their rights for seven years, or until the close of the war. He escaped from the contest un- hurt, and received an honorable discharge. By vir- tue of his services he was entitled to a quarter-section of government land, which he located in Freetown Township, Cortland Co., N. Y. On this tract of land the grandfather settled with his family, and was occupied in its improvement and cultivation for awhile, when he removed into an adjoining township, and there followed his vocation until his demise, being at that time a little more than 80 years of age. His wife, Grace Braithwait, died at the same place some few years later, and at the time of her demise was about the same age as her husband.

William Smith, the father of our subject, was one of eight children, five sons and three daughters, born to his parents, and was a native of Schoharie County, N. Y. He removed with his parents to Cortland County, that State, and was there reared to the hon- orable calling of a farmer, and there married Miss Lorinda Badger, a native of that State, and who was the oldest of her father's family. William Smith after marriage continued in his vocation in Cortland County, and there to himself and wife were born ten children, seven sons and three daughters. In 1844 the parents, together with their eight children, two having died in Cortland County, came to this State and county, and located on an unimproved tract of land on section 27, Lynn Township. Here the father entered upon the labor of improving a wild tract of land, and here lived until his demise in Feb- ruary, 1880, aged 92 years. He was an active mem- ber of the Baptist Church. His good wife, mother of our subject, is yet living, and resides with her youngest son, H. P. Smith, in Lynn Township, and is aged 96 years, and probably the oldest lady in the county. She was born Dec. 15, 1790, and is as act- ive as many 25 years her junior.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 76

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