Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 79

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 79

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farm, which is distributed in such manner as to put the place in a good, tillable condition,

In a political sense Mr. Carey is a thorough-going Republican, and is always anxious to learn and know the best means and most practical way of supporting the party to which he belongs. He is a highly re- spected member of his township, and one of its rep- resentative men.

R B. Hodgeman, hardware merchant in Vic- toria village, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., Jan. 19, 1832. He is the son of Will- iam and Mary (Blood) Hodgeman, natives of the Green Mountain State. The father of our subject was a farmer, who emigrated to Medina County, Ohio, where he resided until 1857. His first purchase was a 25-acre farm, which he dis- posed of and went to Pepin County, Wis., purchas- ing at that place 40 acres of land. On leaving Wis- consin, in 1875, he came to the Prairie State, locat- ing in Victoria village, where he spent the remainder of his days with his children, his demise occurring in March, 1880. The mother died in Ohio in 1845. The family of the senior Mr. Hodgeman and wife consisted of eight children, five of whom are living- Eunice (now Mrs. Jennings), Caroline (Mrs. Britton), William, Leonard and Ransom B.

The father of our subject lived to attain the ven- erable age of 98 years. His younger days were spent in the lumber regions of the Green Mountains, but during the latter period of his life he was engaged in agriculture. In 1812 he was called into the field, together with many others, who were given the name of minute men.' Their duty was to stop the smug- gling of goods, and for his share William Hodgeman received a cow and steer. Being a Yankee, he took his stock home the same night, while his comrades enclosed their stock in a yard and the next morning found to their sorrow that the cattle had been stolen. He was strictly a temperate man, not even indulging in the use of tobacco in any form. He was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He cast his vote with the Democratic party in 1848, but since that time has been Republican.

R. B. Hodgeman of this sketch left home at the age of 14 years. Up to this time he attended the

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district schools. His first removal was to Buffalo, where he learned the copper, tin and sheet-iron bus- iness, remaining there for six years. He then worked as a " jour" for 18 months, when in 1854 he came to Illinois and carried on a tinshop for seven years at Victoria village. We next find him at Wataga, whither he had removed with his stock of goods, re- maining there five years, and, selling out, went to Taylor County, Iowa, where he purchased 50 acres of land and engaged in farming for nearly three years. He then returned to Victoria, and engaged in the tin and hardware business, his establishment being the only one of the kind in the village.

The maiden name of Mrs. Hodgeman was Alsina D. Ray, to whom he was married in 1856. She was a native of Medina County, Ohio, and daughter of Ephraim and Abigail (Low) Ray, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. The parents of Miss Ray settled at Victoria Township in 1845, where they purchased a farm of 50 acres on section 16, and upon which they are at present residing. Their fam- ily numbered three children, two of whom survive- Alsina, wife of our subject, and Cassius.

Our subject and wife are the parents of five chil- dren : Isabella (now Mrs. Hammond) became the mother of two children-Julia A. and Mabel ; Alvin R. Hodgeman married Miss Ida M. Heaton, and they are the parents of a son-Earl B .; Alvin is en- gaged with his father in the hardware business ; the remaining children are Ira E., Carl W. and Ray- mond. In political faith our subject is Republican and has served his township in the office of School Director for 12 years. He is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity and is a strong temperance man.

ohn M. A. Miller. The elegant home and highly cultivated farm of this gentleman show very plainly that he has not spent a life of idleness. His 240 acres of improved land on section 1, Walnut Grove Township, Knox Co., Ill., are only equaled by the best farms in the county. He first came from Peoria to this county March 12, 1856, first settling there in 1836. He originally came from Cortland County, N. Y., on the 1st of October, 1836. His father, Ben- jamin, was a farmer of prominence from Otsego

County, N. Y., his ancestry being of English and French extraction. He married, in the last-named State and county, Miss Julia O. Garrett, a native of Connecticut and of New England ancestry. Her people were old settlers of the East, members of the family tracing back their parentage for more than 200 years. Many of their men took prominent parts in the Revolutionary and Indian Wars. The grand- father on the Miller side, whose name was Benjamin, was prominent in the Revolution and the War of 1812. His decease took place in Otsego County, N. Y., when he had attained the age of 100 years, less four months. During one of the Indian wars the Garrett family were burned out, at Cherry Valley, Conn. The grandfather, Mr. Mills Garrett, who was a prominent merchant of his time, was taken prisoner and his body quartered after the burning of the town. After his head had been severed, the four quarters of his body were placed on the corners of the principal streets, while his head was exhibited - on a pole in the center. Around this the Indians assembled, dancing and singing their characteristic songs.

The parents of our subject came to Illinois in October, 1836, and settled in Rosefield Township, near Peoria, Ill., where the father owned nearly 900 acres of prime land and on which they lived up to the date of his death, in March, 1875. Ilis demise took place at the age of 77. The mother died in January, 1868, beloved by a large circle of friends. The father was a prominent Democrat and held many of the local offices, which he discharged with credit. Among these were Justice of the Peace and Postmaster. The parents were members of the Christian Church, a community in which they won the good will of the humblest as well as the highest.

Our subject, Mr. Miller, was educated at Knox College, Galesburg, which he left in 1849. The same year he, with his brother, Dr. Hiram, and 150 others, formed a company in Peoria and proceeded to California via the Santa Fe route, arriving in San Diego about the 20th of December, 1849. Thence they proceeded to San Francisco and on to Marys- ville, and thence to the Yuba and Feather Rivers, in Nevada County. Here they devoted their attention entirely to gold-mining. At the close of one year, in December, 1850, they set out by vessel via the Panama route and Mississippi River for home. The privations and sufferings incident to such a trip were

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neither few nor light. They, however, secured a fair competency in return for their efforts. Subse- quently our subject was married, on the 17th of March, 1852, in Trivoli, Peoria Co., Ill., to Miss Harriet Robinson, who was born in Otsego County, N. Y., April 15, 1830. She was the daughter of George and Maria (Gaylord) Robinson, natives of New York and Connecticut respectively, but at the date of their marriage residents of Otsego County. On June 2, 1836, they arrived in Trivoli, Peoria Co., Ill., and there lived and died. The father died Nov. 7, 1873, and the mother March 4, 1881, in her 77th year. They were active members of society and had won the good will and general respect of all with whom they came in contact. Mrs. Miller was the fifth child of a family of 12. She was well edu- cated, and engaged in school-teaching shortly before her marriage. She has been the mother of 13 chil- dren, three now deceased: Fannie R. M. is the wife of J. T. Newland, a farmer, residing near Galva, Ida Co., Iowa; Benjamin M. married Margaret No- lan, and is farming in the same town and county in Iowa; Joseph A. married Agnes Quinn, and resides in Galva, Ill., where he is a newsdealer and book- seller ; Leroy A. resides at Galva, Iowa, and is a teacher by profession ; Mary A. resides at Galva, Iowa; Julia A. is teaching and residing at home ; Almanda E. resides at home; Emma J. lives at home, also William W .; Charles T. died in his tenth year; George D., at two and a half years ; Marion, when five months old; Herman J., the youngest of the children, aged 12 years, is also residing at home. For four years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miller had their residence in Peoria County, where they engaged in farming. On the 12th of March, 1856, they came to this county and purchased their present home on section 1, Walnut Grove Township, and have since owned and operated their delightful farm of 240 acres. Our subject's children are now being educated in the High Schools of Galva. The parents are prominent members of the Baptist Church, in which connection Mr. Miller has held the joint office of Deacon and Trustee for 20 years. Politically he is a thorough-going Democrat and warm supporter of any measure likely to promote the Democratic cause. He enjoys keeping himself well posted in the movements of not only local politics, but those of the nation. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 408, Galva, Ill., and Galva

Grange, No. 1591, and is the Master and has been for the past seven years. He has been the Repre- sentative to the Grand Lodge of I. O. O. F. since 1872, except for four years, and is at present.

A view of the beautiful home of Mr. Miller is given on another page.

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enjamin M. Harvey. One of the bright-

est examples of industry and enterprise may be found in the person of Benjamin M. Harvey, a partial account of whose per- sonal history is herein recorded. He is one of the leading citizens of Knox County, and was, during the administration of President Buchan- an, appointed Postmaster of Rio, which office he held for six years, discharging the numerous duties devolving upon him with a promptness and hearty interest that won the approbation of the people among whom he labored.

The subject of this writing came to Knox County in 1845, from Utica, N. Y., and settled on section 21, Rio Township, where he lived almost four years, and then returned to New York, where he passed an in- terval of two or three years. At the expiration of that time he returned to Knox County, and has since been a resident here. His first purchase was 80 acres of land on section 21, to which he has added 45 acres. All his land is tillable, and the humble beginning of many years ago has resulted in his present residence and home so desirable and conven- ient.

Mr. Harvey claims as his birthplace Norwich, England, and the date of his birth is Feb. 11, 1822. At the age of six years he was brought by his parents to America, and here the little family took up their abode, residing at or near Utica, where they contin- ued, he remaining under the parental roof until he came to Knox County. He received all the educa- tional advantages that a common school could sup- ply, and, while still quite a young man, learned the trade of shoemaker, but although good at this special line of work, his life has been spent at agricultural pursuits.

He entered into the matrimonial state at New York Mills, N. Y., on the 19th of July, 1851, and the lady who became his wife was Alice Smith, daughter of William and Ellen (Thorpe) Smith, both

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natives of England. His wife was but 13 years of age when her parents came to America, and with them she resided up to the date of her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Harvey have been given three chil- dren, as follows: William H., John A. and Agnes M. William H. and John A. are deceased, leaving but one child of this happy little family. William died Sept. 19, 1880, when 28 years of age, a young man in the full bloom and vigor of early life, cut down by the reaper, Death. John A. was also just entering young manhood, being 23 years of age, and the possessor of high hopes and ambitious aims which death ended, and the bereaved parents were com- pelled to bow to the dispensations of Providence and try to believe in full Christian faith that " He doeth all things well." Agnes wedded Charles Weir and resides in Rio Township. Her nuptials were cele- brated April 28, 1885. Mr. Harvey, as previously stated, has occupied many local offices, and takes an interest in educational affairs. He has been Direct- or of his home school district.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Harvey are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are useful and desirable workers in society, supporting all good and worthy institutions. In politics he is a Repub- lican.

illiam Craig, deceased, a farmer, who re- sided on section 15, Victoria Township, and one of Knox County's prominent and progressive citizens, is the subject of this historical sketch. He was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, Feb. 11, 1823, and his parents, James and Agnes (Crawford) Craig, were natives of that country.

Mr. Craig, Sr., was by occupation a stone-dresser, and also mined and followed farming as a vocation. He died in 1854, in Scotland, aged 67 years and 3 months. His family consisted of 12 children, seven of whom survive, as follows : John, Robert, Archibald, James, Margaret, Mary and Agnes.

Mrs. Craig came to America in 1855, and settled in Allegheny County, Pa., where she lived until 1862. She then came to Illinois, locating in Victoria Township, where she purchased 40 acres of land and there resided for three years. Leaving this, she again removed to the vicinity of Knoxville, remain-

ing three years, and then moved to Galva, where she continued until her demise, in 1872.

Our subject remained at home until he attained the age of 19, receiving, in the intervening years, a common-school education. He then entered the ironstone mines, and, owing to his superior ability, was at 20 appointed foreman over 49 men working in the shaft. Remaining one year, he resigned his position and contracted to work the ironstone mines for the Glen Gardner Company. following the same until he came to America, in 1847. Locating in Pennsylvania, he engaged in Schuylkill County in mining, contracting, sinking shafts, furnishing sup- plies, and lastly in running a tunnel under the Sweet Arrow Creek above the Fall known by the same name. This tunnel was 400 feet in length, and 5 x 7 feet in dimensions. On its completion he went to Allegheny County, where he re-engaged in mining, opening the Maryland Coal Mine, remaining eight years. He first came to Illinois in 1858, and staid only one year, which he spent in the coal mines at Abingdon. He then returned to Pennsylvania, and after staying seven months came back to Illinois and spent one month at Abingdon, from which city he moved to Oneida. Working in the shop for one year, he bought out Robert McCormack's interest in the coal mine in Copley Township, and there worked one year. At the end of that time he moved into Victoria Township, buying three coal banks and 214 acres of land, upon which he remained for 20 years. By this time prosperity had smiled upon him, and selling his land he purchased the home where his widow now lives, including 320 acres on sections 14 and 15, in Victoria Township, where, in addition to his agricult- ural pursuits, he was engaged in the raising of stock.

Mr. Craig was united in marriage with Miss Isa- belle, daughter of John and Margaret (Garner) Martin, in 1845. Her parents were born in Scot- land, and her father was by trade a weaver of l'ais- ley shawls, which business he followed in his own country. They were the parents of six children, three surviving, to wit: Isabelle, now Mrs. Craig; William and Mathew. The parents of these children died in Scotland, both in the same year, 1873.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. ('raig has been pro- ductive of a family of 12 children, nine still living : Agnes, Mrs. James Daniels, is the mother of seven children-William, John, James, Belle, Bird, David and Nellie ; Belle, Mrs. Obed Beadle, is the mother of

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four children-Leon, Bruce, Amanda and Crawford; Margaret, now Mrs. David Webster, is the mother of three children-Robert, Frank and Maud; Mary, Mrs. James Webster, has borne her husband three children-Homer, Mary and Keith; James married Amanda Adkin, and they are the parents of one child -William; the remaining children are William D., Mattie, Joseph and Jeanie. Mr. Craig also adopted a boy with whom he came in contact in Pennsylva- nia, and who was eventually given into his protection. He bore the name of Samuel Skimmes Craig, and went into the Union army in 1863, at the age of 17. When the war closed, possessing a keen desire to see the country, he went to Arizona, and nothing has been heard of him since.

Politically Mr. Craig was a Republican, supporting that party firmly and honorably. In theological be- lief he accepted the religion of the Christian Church, of which he was a member from his 16th year. His wife belongs to the same church, and they were united in purpose, inspired by the noble precepts of Christianity, as they were one in heart and name. Mr. C. figured actively as a man of large usefulness in his own community, his fitness for the local offices frequently giving him place. He had been Supervisor and School Director, and he may be reckoned as having been one of the most substantial men in this section of the country. There being no church of his denomination in this vicinity, both he and his wife were at the time of his death associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a Free and Accepted Mason, and held membership with Altona Lodge, and was buried by that lodge with due and appropriate Masonic ceremony.

3 aj. Highland H. Clay is a prominent citi- zen and farmer, residing on section 29, Galesburg Township. He was born in Windsor County, in the town of Chester, Vt., in 1838. His parents moved to Illinois in 1840 and located in this section. Here he re- mained with his parents, working on the farm and at the same time attending the district school, until he was 14 years old, when for two years from that time he attended the Lombard College, Galesburg.

His father's name was John L. and his mother's

Louisa M. (Balch) Clay, both natives of Vermont, the former being born on the 3d of October, 1802, and the latter on April 13, 1804. They were mar- ried in March, 1827, and 13 years subsequently came westward. They had a family of five children-A. C. Clay, William L., a daughter who died in infancy, Warren W. and Highland H.

The subject of this history and the youngest of his parents' children married Miss Jennie E. Clay, on the 14th of October, 1878. The service was per- formed by Rev. William Copland, of the Univer- salist Church at Gaysville, Vt. They have four in- teresting children-Don Scott, born July 21, 1879; Emma, born June 22, 1880; John L., born June 1, 1882; and Walter T., April 26, 1884. Mrs. Clay is the daughter of James M. and Charlotte (Orcutt) Clay, both natives of Vermont. Her father was born Aug. 22, 1825, in Windsor County, and her mother in Bridgeport, on the 19th of April, 1827.

These excellent people were married on the 24th of March, 1847, and still reside in Windsor County, Vt., where they keep a hotel, and have a family of four children-Emma A. (Mrs. Highland H. Clay), born Oct. 17, 1848; Cassius M., Sept. 14, 1850 ; Jen- nie E., Jan. 12, 1854; and Effie L., May 13, 1861. The paternal parent of Mrs. Clay is a Republican in principle, and he always voted that ticket in its thor- ough and unadulterated form. Cassius M. Clay, their son, is now residing in Nebraska. The father of our subject died on the 7th of November, 1877, but his mother still survives, and is living in the city of Galesburg, in her 83d year.

Mr. Highland H. Clay enlisted in the 102d Reg. [1]. Vol. Inf., and was created First Lieuienant of Co. D, of said regiment, previous to his leaving Gales- burg. He held the office for five months and was promoted to Captain of the same company, which po- sition he held for two years. At the end of that time he was promoted to Major of the same regiment, which position he held until the close of the war. He was in the Army of the Cumberland with Sherman and took part in the Atlanta campaign. He also participated in the battles of Resaca, Ga .; New Hope Church, Cassville, Kenesaw Mountain, Mari- etta, Peach Tree Creek and the siege of Atlanta, be- sides many smaller battles and skirmishes.

From that date he took command of the regiment and marched with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea. On the 6th of June, 1865, at the close of the war, he was

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mustered out at the city of Washington. During his whole career as a soldier he escaped from receiving the slightest wound. Being thoroughly patriotic, he made an excellent soldier and fine officer. He was held in high esteem by his comrades in arms, and by his genial disposition, natural strength of char- acter and general upright bearing, won to himself an extended respect with his regiment and from all out- side who knew him.

Mr. Clay is now the owner of 320 acres of im- proved land, thoroughly cultivated. His beautiful dwelling-house is surrounded by a grove of fine for- est trees, and his out-buildings are of the substantial kind. In theology his views are liberal. He is a mem- ber of the G. A. R., No. 45, at Galesburg. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and a firm supporter of that school of thought. The grandparents of Mrs. Clay were Leonard Orcutt, born July 1, 1791, and Miss Sal- lie Breed, Aug. 8, 1791 ; they were natives of Vermont and had a family of six children-Tirzah, born July 28, 1816; Clarissa, Nov. 29, 1813 ; Willard, June 14, 1820; George, Feb. 5, 1834; Melinda and Char- lotte. The present Mr. Clay's grandfather was Timothy Clay, a native of Taunton, Mass., where he was born in 1760 and died in 1832. He married Miss Rhoda Lawsun, a lady of very amiable character and high mental attainments.

ohn Rees, a general farmer, residing on section 19, Walnut Grove Township, is the owner of 76 acres, mostly improved land. He came to the county in 1866, from Arm- strong County, Pa., of which place he was a native, being born where Parker City now stands, on March 3, 1825. His father, Jenkins J., was a farmer and miner and lived and died in Penn- sylvania.

This latter gentleman was born in South Wales, but came to the United States soon after his mar- riage. His wife, Catherine Jenkins, was also a native of South Wales, They were both of Welsh parentage. Her decease took place in Armstrong County, Pa.

The subject of this history was the youngest but two of seven children. He lived with his parents until he came to Illinois, in 1866, and was married in

Oneida, January 1 of the following year, to Miss Elizabeth Finch, born in Ontario County, N. Y., April 8, 1838. In her 16th year she came to Illinois with her parents. They were prominent farmers, who had lived in Altona most of their lives, since 1855, and they lie buried there now. Her father, Benja- min, died in 1858, and the mother in September, 1884. This lady's maiden name was Matilda Ben- nett, and she descended of old American parentage. The present Mrs. R. has eight interesting children now living-Charles E., Walter F., John, Arthur, Ida, Edith, Carrie and Jenkins B.

Mr. Rees' was formerly identified with the Repub- lican party, but in recent years he has become a Democrat and a consistent supporter of Democratic measures.

amuel G. Stephenson. As we have pre- viously explained, in Knox County remark- able changes have been made since Daniel Robertson located here. Many men have felt an interest in this, not wholly selfish. They are of reliability and substantial worth of character, and among these may be reckoned the subject of our sketch, whose perseverance in a good cause and his foresight in making his home just when and where he did, as well as his uprightness and integrity of character, have all tended to retain for him the high position which he now occupies.

Mr. Stephenson's home is situated on section 8, Lynn Township, and he was born in Eastern Swe- den, May 20, 1834. He was the third child in a family of six, and the son of a Swedish farmer who lived and died in his native country, and whose name was Stephenson Johnson. The mother, Sarah (Orin- son) Johnson, also died in the country of her nativity.

Our subject lived at home until he was reared to manhood, and was married at that time, in April, 1853; his wife, Anna Larson, was born Aug. 10, 1828. She was born in Eastern Sweden, and her parents were farmers who lived and died in their na- tive country. After marriage our subject lived and worked at general labor in his native Sweden, and in June, 1868, he and his wife and five children came to the West. They came directly to Henry County, where they lived for rine years. They left that place, and, removing to Knox County, have since

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resided here, in Lynn Township. Their farm they have beautified and improved, having held it since 1882. He owns 160 acres in his present homestead, and they have raised a family of ten children, five of whom are deceased. The following are their names : Matilda, wife of John Farmander, who resides in Phelps County, Neb., and is a farmer; Charles G. is married to Carrie Yden, and lives in Polk County, Neb., and is also a farmer ; Alfred J., now residing in Polk County, Neb .; Louis and Annie L. both reside at home.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 79

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