Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 78

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 78

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

He was trained to follow the calling of his father, and Sept. 16, 1880, he engaged, as assistant, Miss

Lillie Nicholson, daughter of Solomon and Rachel (Wood) Nicholson. They were united in marriage in Lincoln, Neb., and immediately began the erec- tion of a pleasant little home. Having "hung the crane," they were initiated into the mysteries of house and home keeping, and, bending their united energies toward achieving prosperity, they can hardly fail to gain the goal for which they toil. Mrs. Ken- nedy was born in Fall River, Wis., Dec. 2, 1861, and is the mother of two children-Herman E. and Leroy E. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, and is also an Odd Fellow. In politics he is identified with the Republican party. Both he and his wife are popular with the young people of their section, who always find a cordial welcome awaiting them within the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy.

L. Hedstrom. Every community is de- pendent upon the go-ahead and enterpris- ing men, who are chiefly instrumental in building up and finally securing its prosperity. Distinguished among this class of citizens is Mr. Hedstrom, residing on section 18, Victoria Township. He was born in Victoria village, Aug. 23, 1853. His parents, Jonas and Diantha (Sorn- borger) Hedstrom, were natives respectively of Sweden and New York State. The elder Hedstrom was born in 1812, married Aug. 17, 1839, and died in May, 1859, being at the date of his demise 47 years of age. The mother was also born in 1812, and died July 6, 1874. The parental family consisted of five chil- dren, three of whom are living-Almina, who mar- ried C. S. Clark; Jane, now Mrs. F. Becker; and George L.

Jonas J. Hedstrom, father of our subject, emigrated to the New World when a young man. He was a minister of the Gospel and established the First Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church in Galesburg, in the year 1852, and also one in Victoria two years previously. The parents came to Illinois in 1835, and for four years were residents of Farming- ton, Fulton County, where the father engaged in blacksmithing. In 1843 the family removed to Knox County, where they secured 60 acres of land on sec- tion 18, and with the aid of others laid out the vil- lage of Victoria in 1849, one-third of this being on his estate. He also followed blacksmithing for a

697

KNOX COUNTY.

number of years in Victoria, and was ordained minis- ter about 1840. He was a prominent man and was loved by all who knew him.

G. L. Hedstrom, of this notice, has always re- mained at home, receiving a good common-school education and following the pursuit of agriculture. His farm comprises 62 acres, lying beside the village plat. He is also engaged quite extensively in the breeding of stock. He was married to Miss Emma Tripp Oct. 14, 1875. She is the daughter of David and Elizabeth (Sydanı) Tripp, natives of New York. Her parents' family numbered five children, two of whom are living-Emma L., wife of our subject, and Luella, now Mrs. Van Buren. The father of Mrs. Hedstrom died in 1881. Her mother is still living in Victoria village.

Horace J. and Ava are the names of the children born to our subject and wife. Politically Mr. H. is a Democrat, and he has held the office of School Di- rector. Since removing to his farm he has improved it by the erection of numerous and substantial farm- buildings, and is one of the substantial and thrifty farmers of Victoria Township.

lex. Henderson. Conspicuous among the leading farmers and the more influential residents of Knox County may be named the subject of this historical narration, one of the most enterprising business men and able financiers in that section of country.

Mr. Henderson came to Knox County in the spring of 1883 from Henry County, and settled in Rio Township, buying 160 acres, where he now resides. He was born in Fayette County, Pa., July 2, 1846, and removed to Henry County at the age of 30, ar- riving there in the fall of 18;6. In that county he has lived ever since, with the exception of eight months which he spent in Mercer County, until the date of his coming to Knox County.

Mr. Henderson was united in marriage Dec. 7, 1876, to Sarah A. White, daughter of Thomas and Almira (Hamilton) White. Her father was a native of England, but Mrs. H. was born in Henry County, Jan.' 15, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson are the parents of two children-Mary E. and Flora E. In the spring of 1885 Mr. Henderson was elected

Assessor of Rio Township. Mrs. Henderson is a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church, and a most estimable Christian lady, whose gentleness and large sympathies win her many friends. Mr. H. is a young man of good judgment, is wide-awake to the political interests of the country, and is in voice and vote a Republican.

eonard B. Brown. This gentleman was one of the most highly respected citizens of Walnut Grove Township. He was for_ merly a resident on section 13, in Walnut Grove Township, where his widow now lives. Mr. Brown was born in Cheshire County, N. H., Dec. 6, 1825. His father, Squire Brown, was a farm- er and a native of the same State, and of New En- gland ancestry. Here he lived and died. Leonard B. Brown was the only child of his parents. His mother's maiden name was Irene Blanchard ; she ? was a Vermont lady, of New England parentage, who lived and married in her native State. Subse- quently she went to New Hampshire, but returned to Vermont, where she died in June, 1875.

Mr. Brown's early education was obtained in the State of his nativity, where he lived up to the date of his arrival in Illinois, in 1855. He had prior to this time lived in Boston, and in 1849 went from there to California. He was 205 days making the trip via Cape Horn, and remained there two years, when he returned to Boston. He located in this township, purchasing his first land in January, 1858, which embraced 160 acres on section 13, and is now the home of his wife. This was worked into a high state of cultivation from the rough, unbroken prairie. The residence and buildings on the farm are well erected and desirably situated. He married at the home of his bride's uncle, A. W. Buckley, on June 1. 1856, in Copley Township. His bride was Miss Isabel Williams, born Feb 11, 1858, at Rahway, N. J. She was the daughter of Elijah and Sarah M. (Couenhoven) Williams, natives of New York City, where they were brought up and educated. The father was of English and the mother of Dutch pa- rentage. Soon after their marriage they proceeded to New Jersey, and after the birth of their daughter. the present Mrs. Brown, they returned again to New York City, where they remained until this lady

698

KNOX COUNTY.

reached her 16th year, when, in 1854, the whole fam- ily, with the exception of two sons, came to Illinois and took up their abode in Copley Township. They subsequently went to Altona, where the mother died Sept. 7, 1862. The father afterward lived with the daughter, Mrs. Brown, up to his death, Jan. 16, 1870. After Mr. Brown's marriage he at once set- tled in the home where his widow now resides. This good gentleman's demise took place April 24, 1880.

Mr. Brown was held in the highest esteem by those in his township who had the good fortune to be thoroughly acquainted with his nobility of nature. He was an excellent and loving husband, whose death caused a severe blank in one of the happiest of homes. Mrs. Brown is the mother of 11 interest- ing children, four of whom are dead. The list is as follows : Irena A. is the wife of Charles D. Sorn- borger, now residing on her husband's farm in Vic- toria Township; Sarah M., who died at the age of three years ; Mary F., residing at home ; George L., who now resides in Nebraska, and follows the occupation of farmer ; Hattie B., residing at home; Elbridge Ingalls, deceased; Sumner B, Horatio Seymour, Ira L., Nellie O., deceased, and Squire W. All these children were educated at the public schools and show the thorough training of the careful mother and father.

Mr. B., in politics, was a Democrat in good stand- ing and a strong supporter of the principles held most dear by that party. He was a member of Altona Lodge, A. F. & A. M .. of Altona, Ill.

The publishers of this ALBUM take pleasure in presenting a view of the comfortable homestead founded by the excellent man and citizen whose name stands at the head of this brief history.

G. Lafferty, of the firm of Lass, Larson & Lafferty, wall- paper merchants, hang- ers and decorators, of Galesburg, Ill., was born at Ottawa, Ill., Nov. 25, 1850. His par- ents, James and Mary (Bassnette) Lafferty, natives respectively of Ireland and England, reared two sons and five daughters, J. G. being the eldest of the sons. He was taught at the public schools of his native place, where he also learned the trade of a paper- hanger and painter, at each of

which he early became recognized as quite skillful, if not an expert.

He came to Galesburg in 1876, and in 1884 be- came a member of the present firm. He was mar- ried at Lewistown, Fulton Co., Ill., in May, 1883, to Miss Mary Shugart, a native of Ohio.

amuel G. Jarvis is of more than ordinary reputation as a farmer, and is a resident on section 8, Victoria Township. He was born Dec. 5, 1828, in Suffolk County, Long Island, and is the son of Jonas and Mary A. (Gould) Jarvis, also natives of Long Island, where the the father died when our subject was a lad of six years. The mother still survives and came to Illi- nois in 1865, and one year later to Knox County. At Victoria village, in 1869, the mother of our subject was again married, this time to Moses Robinson.

Samuel G. is the only surviving member of his parents' family of four children. He remained at home until 16 years of age, when he went to live with an uncle, remaining with him for two years. Subse- quently he learned the carpenter's trade in New York City, followed the same in New York State until 1855, the date of his removal to Illinois and to Knox County. Here he followed the same business until his enlistment in October, 1862, in the 9th Ill. Cav., and was in the service until October of the fol- lowing year. He was on detached service most of the time, but being confined in the hospital at Keo- kuk, Iowa, for six months, from August, 1862, until July, 1863, he was then sent to his regiment and re- ceived an honorable discharge Oct. 12, 1863. Re- turning to Illinois, he re-engaged at his trade, which he followed until 1870. At Galva he embarked in the retail grocery business, which he carried on for seven years, at which time he lost his entire stock by fire. Subsequent to that disaster he was chosen Marshal of the city of Galva for one year. He then settled in Victoria Township, where he purchased the place where he at present resides and which con- tains 160 acres. Mr. Jarvis has a finely improved farm and is chiefly interested in raising grain. He values his land at $50 per acre.

Miss Mary E. Dean was the maiden name of the wife of our subject, to whom he was married in 1857.

699

KNOX COUNTY.

She is a daughter of David D. and Mary A (Smith) Dean, natives of the Empire State. Her father died the year of their removal to Ohio (1837). Her mother was again married to a gentleman by the name of Na- thaniel Marshall. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. M. removed to Winnebago County, Ill., and thence, in 1853, to Knox County. They resided in Victoria until their deaths, in 1868 and 1867 respectively.

Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis are the parents of three chil- dren-Fannie, Jennie and Hattie. Our subject is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, which he joined in 1865, at Altona. and afterward affiliated with the lodge at Galva, in 1869, and in which he was Worshipful Master for four years, then dimitted and in March, 1871, connected himself with the Al- tona Lodge. In January, 1883, he was elected Wor- shipful Master of Altona Lodge, and in July, 1874, took capitular degrees in Kewanee Chapter. In 1883 he was created Knight Templar in Galesburg Commandery, No. 8. He is also a member of the G. A. R. Mr. J. votes for the Republican ticket, and together with his wife and daughter, Fannie, attends worship at the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject has served his community in the capacity of School Director.

liver Norval. Noteworthy a:nong the sub- stantial citizens and men of industry of Fulton County, and who is identified with it as one active in all enterprises calculated to advance and benefit the county, is the subject of this notice. He is engaged in the occupa- tion of a farmer, and largely interested in the grow- ing and breeding of stock, Short-horn cattle being among the better grades. His present homestead is on section 1, in Young Hickory Township, and its attractive and pleasant appearance indicates that good fortune has smiled upon his efforts.

Oliver Norval was born in North Carolina, Feb. 26, 1807, and came to Illinois April 26, 1836, locat- ing in Knox County. There he remained for one year, then moved across the line to Fulton County, his present home. His marriage, which was cele- brated with Miss Pollie Dunn, a native of North Carolina, Feb. 15, 1829, was blest with seven chil- dren, as follows : Charity, Betsy A., James H., John

H., Cornelius, Drusilla, and Oliver, who died in in- fancy. Mrs. Norval was born in 1809, and died May 29, 1842, in early womanhood, departing this life at the early age of 33.

His second matrimonial connection was with Mary J. Sampson, a native of Maryland, and was cele- brated Feb. 29, 1844. She came with her parents to Illinois in 1835, at the age of ri, the date of her birth being Nov. 14, 1824. She was the oldest child of her father's family, consisting of 11, one of whom died in infancy. The children of Mrs. Norval bear the following names : Samuel, born June 14, 1845 ; Theophilus, Aug. 26, 1847; Richard S., Oct. 18, 1849; William O., Sept. 15, 1851; Mary J. and Joseph (twins). April 15, 1853; Enoch, April 23, 1855; Benjamin F., Dec. 2, 1857; Jesse C., July 21. 1859; Rebecca, April 10, 1861 ; Haney, May 2. 1862; Julia A., May 2, 1864; and Margaret E., Sept. 5, 1866. Those deceased are Samuel, Re- becca, Joseph, Haney and Julia A.

Mrs. Norval is of English ancestry, and her hus- band is of Scotch lineage. He has been prospered in his worldly undertakings and is at the present time in possession of 385 acres of land, all of which is in a high state of cultivation, well improved and valuable. He owns a herd of 40 head of Short-horn cattle, his favorite breed of stock. He has given un- divided attention to their improvement and has con- tinued in that branch of industry for a period of 25 years. He bought his first m.ale of Peter Godfrey, of Knox County, which is a handsome and valuable animal.

Mr. Norval and family are active workers in every good cause and are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, adopting veritably the " good old re- ligion." They are warm admirers of the doctrines of faith as held up to the people by the old pioneer minister of that time, Richard Haney, of Monmouth, Mr. Norval being baptized by him, together with five of his children. He is a man who figures actively in church work, has been Class Leader for about 40 years and also Steward in the church to which he belongs. He always speaks when moved by that emotion which bids him honor the Master to whom he has rendered loving allegiance an entire lifetime, and his efforts are always for good In politics he is a stanch Republican, and is true to his principles as strongly in the minor duties of life as in the greater ones. He is the grandfather of 27 children and has

700

KNOX COUNTY.

three great-grandchildren. William, one of the sons, is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal denomina- tion, his labors being in the State of Nebraska; Theophilus, another son, is District Judge in the same State. Richard is counselor at law, and Ben- jamin F. follows the same profession. They gradu- ated at Ann Arbor, Mich., and have shown themselves worthy of both the father and mother they honor by those attributes which constitute nobility of soul and true manhood. They have proven that " a dutiful son is a crown to his father." The father of Oliver Norval, by name Theophilus, and his grandfather, Solomon Norval, were born in Scotland.

ohn McMaster is one of the well-known McMaster brothers and member of a fam- ily of influential standing in Walnut Grove and Copley Townships. His farm consists of 350 acres, and Mr. McMaster is himself deemed one of the most successful farmers in the country around. The value of his land has gradually increased, and to his own labor is due the valuable improvements existing upon it. He is lo- cated on section 27, Walnut Grove Township. The subject of this brief history is the son of John Mc- Master, Sr., a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, who was born in May, 1796, and brought up in his native shire. All his descendants were of pure Scottish blood. His good mother, Anna (Struthers) Mc- Master, was a native of the same shire. Through this marriage there were five sons and one daughter.

The subject of this biography was the elder son, born in May, 1830. He was educated in the public schools of Scotland before the family emigrated to this country, in August, 1852. They first came to Peoria and not long afterward took up their resi- dence in this county, settling in Copley Township, when the country around presented a surface mostly of unbroken land. The portion upon which our sub- ject's family settled (in all 80 acres) had never been broken or in the least improved-in fact, the sod was first turned by the gentleman of whom we now write, and subsequently became part of Walnut Grove Township.

The father of Mr. McMaster is still living. The death of his mother took place Dec. 4, 1883, at the

venerable age of 81 years. Our subject lived at home on his father's farm until the date of his mar- riage, which took place Aug. 22, 1861, the lady be- ing Lorinda Multer. She was born in Oswego County, N. Y., May 10, 1838, and was the daughter of a New York farmer, by name Joseph Multer; she was educated and lived upon her father's estate up to 1860, when she came to Illinois. She is the mother of five children, making in all a most inter- esting family, of which Mr. McMaster is very proud. The children in order are Chauncy J., David M., Anna S., John E. and Mary E.

After his marriage Mr. McMaster and wife settled and still lives in the township referred to. Of him it may be truly said that he has carved out his own fortunes, and by his successful efforts as a farmer has shown how beautiful a country home can be made. By his uprightness and adherence to princi- ple he has attracted around him friends of whom any man might be proud. His wife, Mrs. McMaster, is a regular and stanch member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. McM. has always been identified with and is likely to remain a strong sup- porter of the Republican party. Those who represent the party in his community have always looked to him as the promoter of measures calculated to secure its success.

H. Gordon, a farmer, residing on section 12 of Copley Township, Knox County, was born in that township Oct. 18, 1851. His parents, Peter and Mary A. (McDowell) Gor- don, were natives of Scotland and came to America in 1840. They settled in Copley Township, locating on section 10. Here they lived and reared a family of six children, four of whom are still living-James, Mary E., Alexander H. and Albinus M.

The subject of this biographical notice remained at home until he was 22 years of age, assisting on the farm and receiving a limited education ; he then took up a part of the homestead for two years. At the end of that time, in 1876, he moved onto 160 acres of land, where he has since resided, raising stock and grain. He was married Oct. 19, 1873, to Miss Mary C. Olmsted, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Wilder) Olmsted. Her parents were na-

701

KNOX COUNTY.

tives of New York, and she was born Sept. 17, 1855, her birthplace being Delaware County, N. Y.

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon have four children, by name Arthur O., Eva L., John H. and James P. Arthur O. was born Aug. 8, 1874; Eva L. was born Jan. 5, 1877 ; John H., Dec. 31, 1878, and James P., May 24, 1882.

Mr. Gordon is in politics a stanch Republican, zealously supporting and voting for that party. He is School Director and has a keen interest in educa- tional matters. Both himself and wife are earnest members of the Presbyterian Church, worshiping under its doctrines of faith and showing forth the noble principles of a Christian religion in their daily lives. Mr. Gordon is one of the representative mien of Knox County, and for solid and substantial traits of character and nobility of purpose has no superior in this section of country.

B. Faulkner. Prominent among the well- to-do agriculturists of Sparta Township who have been deservedly successful in their chosen vocation is the gentleman whose biographical sketch is here indited. He is at present residing on section 29, where his ac- cumulations enable him to pass the sunset of life re- tired from active labor. He was born in Orange County, N. Y., Jan. 17, 1819, his father being Will- iam J. and his mother Isabelle (Bushfield) Faulkner, both natives of New York.

The parents of our subject went to Michigan in 1829, and were residents of that State for ten years, his father being engaged in the occupation of farmi- ing near Pontiac, Oakland County. In 1839 they sold their interest in Michigan and came to this State, settling in Warren County, where they resided for seven years. In 1848 the parents made a third remove, this time coming to Knox County, and lo- cating on section 19, Sparta Township, where the father of our subject purchased r60 acres of land, and on which the two old folks lived until their death, that of the father occurring May 15, 1875. and the mother Feb. 17, 1863. Their children were eight in number-William J., Catherine Ann .. Thomas B., Gardner S., Esther Eliza, George W, Mary J. and our subject.

The subject of this biographical notice remained

an inmate of the parental household and shared the joys which clustered around the family hearthstone as long as his good parents lived. His younger days were spent in attending the common schools and as- sisting in farming, which vocation he has followed all his life. He is to-day the proprietor of 170 acres of good, tillable land, where he resides, having met with that success which energy and persever- ance are sure to bring. He now devotes the major portion of his time to the raising of stock. The place on which he resides, and on which he first made settlement, was a tract of wild, unbroken prairie land, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. He has a fine residence upon his place, together with a good barn, and an orchard equal to any in the county.

Mr. Faulkner was united in marriage June 21, 1855, with Miss Sarah F. Goff, a native of Kentucky, and their home has been brightened, as well as their hearts gladdened, by the birth of five children, whom they named Laura O., James L., Charles L., Saddie A. and Henry F. Saddie married Miles A. Buffum, March 5, 1884; she died in California, Jan. 8, 1885, and is buried in this county. J. L. Faulkner mar- ried Sarah, the accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kane, of Iowa, Dec. 31, 1885. The mother of these five children died June r, 1864, and Mr. Faulkner formed a second matrimonial alliance, with Mrs. Paulina (Anderson) Shannon. She was the widow of Harrison Shannon, a native of Kentucky, and was the daughter of Edwin and Beersheba (Payne) Anderson.

Mr. Faulkner is an ardent and active supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party. He has held the offices of Road Commissioner and Constable, and is a gentleman whose word is consid- ered as good as his bond.

B enjamin Carey. In the vicinity of Gales- burg few men stand more highly respected than the subject of this biography. He is a farmer, residing on section 28, in that township, and was born in the town of Cas- tile, Wyoming Co., N. Y., on the 13th of August, 1828. He remained at his parents' home until his 21st year, meanwhile working on the farm

702

KNOX COUNTY.

and attending the district schools. By this means he obtained the only education he ever received out- side that resulting from his own personal efforts in after life.

He first came to Illinois in 1855 and took up his location at Galesburg, where he remained several years. Here he kept a large warehouse at Saluda, five miles south of Galesburg. In this occupation he continued for nine years, and bought large quan- tities of grain from Mr. Belding, of Galesburg. From this point in one year he has been known to ship 70,000 bushels of grain.

He married Miss Mary A. Marks on the 17th of September, 1863, the ceremony being performed by Rev. C. P. West, of Galesburg. This lady was born in Cedar Township, near Saluda, on the 17th of July, 1827. Her parents were Benjamin and Mary M. (Bishop) Marks, both of whom were natives of Ken- tucky, where her father was born in 1800, and her mother about the year 1808. His death took place in Knox County, Ill., in 1844. These parents had seven children-Lavina E., Benjamin C., Mary A., Sarilda E., William P., Wayne D. and Penelope A. Two of these children are now deceased. The par- ents of Mr. Carey of this history were George and Adaline (Burlingham) Carey. They were both na- tives and prominent citizens of New York State. The father's birthplace was in Washington County, and the date 1804. In 1844 he died in his uative place. His wife was born in Saratoga County in 1802, and died in her native State in 1865. By this happy marriage there were two children-John and Benjamin, our subject. Mr. Carey's brother John still resides on the home farm in New York. He has a family of three girls, viz .: Adeline, Ida and Alice. The former two are now married ; the latter is still single and lives at home. To our subject's desirable union were born a daughter, Addie, Aug. 17, 1864, and William Norman, April 24, 1867. The latter's decease took place on the 22d of February, 1882, his ailment being sciatic rheumatism, with which he lay ill for four months. This death was a great sorrow to the parents, as he was a most prom- ising youth. Mr. Carey took possession of his pres- ent beautiful farm of 120 acres in the year 1866, and upon it he has made such substantial improvements in fencing and other important particulars that it is now a valuable property. His out-buildings measure 26x36 feet. Mr. Carey has 800 rods of tile on his

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 78

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