Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 84

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 84

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dwin Schwartz, M. D. One of the prin- cipal citizens and more important physi- cians of Knoxville, Dr. Schwartz, is made the subject of this historical notice, the princi- pal points in his life being herein recorded. He is a member of the Military Tract Medical Society, and is Medical Examiner of Knox Lodge, No. 126, A. O. U. W. He was appointed Physi- cian to the Knox County Almshouse, in April, 1886. He is considered proficient in his knowledge of medicine and receives the confidence and patron- age of the people of his town.

Dr. Schwartz first saw the light of day in Knox County, March 31, 1854. He is the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Williamson) Schwartz (see sketch), and was educated in the district school during his boyish years. Showing actual talent, keen intelli- gence and a strong inclination to devote himself arduously to his studies, larger advantages were be- stowed upon him. He entered Knox College, and in 1878 began the study of medicine with Dr. Madi- son Reese, of Abingdon. Here he continued working untiringly for a period of two years, when he went into Rush Medical College, Chicago, the better to perfect himself in the pursuit of his profession. From this institution he graduated Feb. 22, 1881, and in the ensuing May began his practice, receiv-

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ing, as previously stated, a substantial patronage and flattering confidence from his old friends and neighbors.

On the 7th of December, 1882, he took to wife Miss Alice Raridon, who was born in Haw Creek Township, and who was the daughter of John and Mary (Richmond) Raridon. Resulting from this union has been the birth of one child-Louise Feni- more. The Doctor and his wife are considered de- sirable neighbors, and are heartily esteemed and liked in the community of which they are members. The Doctor takes an interest in politics and is a Democrat in sentiment and belief. He is a useful man in local and public affairs and belongs to Knox- ville Lodge, No. 66, A. F. & A. M. He fills a wide field of usefulness, and may be considered one of the most solid and substantial men in that section of country.

ol. Leander H. Potter, deceased, was born at Midland, N. Y., March 15, 1829, and died at Galesburg July 11, 1879. Thus briefly we chronicle the beginning and end- ing of a noble life. A life devoted more to the interest of humanity than to self is always noble. Such a life, in the latter part of the 19th century, has become so rare that he who lives it is isolated from the rest of mankind to an extent that involves sacrifices, often of the most serious and try- ing character.

If the wealthiest man in the United States were to plant himself squarely upon the Golden Rule, he could not live up to it a decade without impoverish- ing his family. And yet there are unselfish men ; there are men who sacrifice golden opportunities for worldly advancement in devotion to a principle, the basis whereof is a desire to benefit mankind. Once in awhile you find a man who is ambitious and feels that the world is better for his having lived in it.

Col. Potter left little in this world's goods, but he scattered his bread upon the waters in the faith that it would return at a future day. At his home in Rockford, Ill., whither his parents had removed, he fitted himself for college, and in 1854 graduated from Yale. Leaving Yale College, he taught school awhile in Maryland ; later on he had charge of the High School in Chicago, and in 1859 he went to

Bloomington, Ill., as Professor of Languages at the State Normal University. He was at Bloomington when the Rebellion broke out, and on Sept. 4, 1861, he enrolled at Camp Batler, Ill., as a private soldier, and upon the organization of the 33d Ill. Vol. Inf. (" Normal ") he became Captain of Co. A. Sept. 15, 1862, he was promoted to Major of the 33d, and May 29, 1863, to Lieutenant-Colonel; the order of promotion showing that it was conferred as a reward of valor. Sept. 12, 1864, he left the army, by resignation, at Cotton Plant, Ark. He was several times wounded while in the service, which led to the disability that caused his death.

Soon after leaving the army he was called to Be- loit, Wis., as Principal of a high school, and from there he went to Fulton, Ill., as President of a State military institution. From Fulton, in 1876, he came to Galesburg, where he held a professorship in Knox College two years, making for himself a name and reputation for sociability, intellectuality and merit as an educator that should cause him to be remembered in the hearts of the people who appreciate true worth under all circumstances.

Prof. Potter was first married at New Haven, Conn., July 26, 1858, to Miss Mary A. Josephine Bartlett, who died at Lowden, Iowa, Oct. 15, 1869. She buried one child and left four living: Charles A., a teacher in Colorado; Alice Sherman, a teacher in Galesburg; Theodore Bartlett, a druggist at Chi- cago; and Harry B. Gray, a student. The deceased, Ella Gertrude, was three years and eight months old when she died, Jan. 25, 1863. May 22, 1871, Col. Potter was again married, his second wife being named Martha Irwin, at Clinton, Iowa. The chil- dren born to her and her husband are Leander Ir- win and Herman Hubbel. Col. Potter was a member of the G. A. R., and for many years identi- fied with the Congregational Church, as is also his wife.

alter N. Jones. Lynnwood Farm, located on sections 10, 11 and 14, Lynn Town- ship, and comprising 320 acres, is the property of the gentleman whose short bio- graphical sketch we here give. Walter N. Jones was born in Portage County, Ohio, May 7, 1838, of English parentage. His father, Charles H. Jones, was born in 1790, in Herefordshire, En-

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gland, and was an active business man and exten- sively engaged in the malting business.

The father of our subject was quite a noted horse- man, his forte being in the saddle. He continued to reside in his native land, developing into man- hood, and about 1820 was united in marriage with Caroline A. Pickering, the youngest daughter of Sir William Pickering, of Gloucester City. She was a very highly educated lady, and a devout and loving Christian mother and faithful wife until her death, which occurred Feb. 19, 1872, at Rootstown, Ohio. After six children had been born to them, and after sustaining heavy financial losses, the parents deter- mined to emigrate to the United States. They con- sequently set sail in 1835, and arriving in this country located in Portage County, Ohio, where they followed the occupation of farming. When the father first settled there the country was new, and the laborious toil which is one of the requisites of a successful farmer, especially in a new country, was telling on him, as he had performed no manual la- bor of any consequence prior to that time. Living there for awhile, the father with his family moved from his original purchase to near Rootstown, Port- age County, where he bought a farm and continued actively in his calling until his death, in 1856. They were both buried in the old cemetery at Rootstown. After the parents' arrival in this country four more children were born to them, the subject of this sketch being next to the youngest.

Walter N. Jones resided on the old farm with his parents, until 16 years of age. His life, even prior to that date, was a busy one, the major portion of it being passed on the farm, plowing, clearing out stumps and piling up the stones, as well as chop- ping and clearing the land. He nevertheless found time to attend the schools during the winter season, being compelled to walk two and a half miles night and morning for that purpose. In 1853 Mr. Jones went to Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, to learn daguer- reotypy, with his brother-in-law, J. W. Wykes, and afterward learned ambrotypy and photography. Buying out Mr. Wykes, our subject continued to fol- low the business until 1863, meeting with success, and in the meanwhile producing some of the first life-sized photographs made in that section of Ohio, also oil paintings.

Jan. 17, 1860, Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Miss Addie E. James, eldest daughter of J. C.

James, of Wooster, Ohio. Her parents were En- glish and among the early settlers of Wooster. In 1 866 they removed to Aurora, Ill., where her father was engaged in mercantile pursuits and followed the same until within a few years of his death, which oc- curred June 13, 1879.

Mr. and Mrs. Jones' first child, Carrie A., was born Nov. 10, 1860, and died May 7, 1861, and is buried in the cemetery at Wooster; Mary Edith was born June 15, 1862; Charles H., Aug. 8, 1864; James W., Oct. 27, 1866 ; Lottie A., Jan. 29, 1869; George W., Aug. 17, 1873; Emma Hortense, Oct. 16, 1874 ; and William P., Aug. 19, 1883. Nettie J., Jessie M. and Howard S. died when young, and are buried in the family cemetery on Lynnwood Farm.

In 1863 Mr. Jones sold all of his property in Wooster, Ohio, and made settlement in Lynn Town- ship, on his present fine farm of 240 acres, which he purchased from John Hester. He has since added to his original purchase 80 acres, and the place at this writing comprises 320 acres of good land, under an advanced state of cultivation, and is one of the very best stock and grain farms in Knox County. It is three and a half miles southeast of the pleasant little city of Galva, on sections 10, 11 and 14, in Lynn Township. It has a commanding view of the surrounding country, and, standing upon the highest eminence of his land, one can see six towns scattered throughout the county. On this place our subject is living, engaged in the raising of the cereals, together with breeding and raising fine stock. His specialty in stock is Short-horn cattle, fine sheep and Poland- China swine, together with road and trotting horses. In the different branches of his vocation he is meet- ing with far more than ordinary success.

ric Newburg, a retired farmer, is the sub- ject of this historical sketch; whose home lies on section 28 of Copley Township. He may be cited as one of the most progressive and prosperous men in Knox County and one of her representative citizens. He is a vigor- ous factor in public affairs, and is considered one of the wealthiest men of that section.

Mr. Newburg was born in Sweden, Dec. 24, 1814. His parents, Jonas and Anna (Erickerson) Ericker-

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

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son, were both natives of Sweden, in which country they departed this life. A family of four children grew up about them, of whom our subject was the eldest. He remained at home until he reached the age of 17, and up to that time assisted on the farm, attending school a good share of the time, By his prompt attention to his studies, coupled with native intelligence, he became well informed and fairly edu- cated. When he left home he worked out on a farm until 1846, at which time he purchased a small place and commenced in the furniture business. His be- ginning was humble, and the outgrowth of his plans has been a success far exceeding his expectations. He came to America in r850, and entered Henry County, working at Bishop Hill. Here he would not remain any length of time, owing to his indignation at a story imposed on his too credulous wife. He had married, in Sweden, in 1846, a Miss Lena Lar- son, and by persuasions and threats of the dire con- sequences that would come upon her if she left the place, they succeeded in detaining her, so far as Mr. Newburg knows, for he left Bishop Hill and came to Copley Township. He labored in Knox County until he obtained funds to purchase a team. He then be- gan to work on a railroad, and, burning lime, sold the same and took land to clear of wood and stumps. He labored at this until 1860, and then purchased 160 acres where he now lives. He has built on his homestead a good residence and other necessary buildings, barns, sheds, fences, etc., and broken and improved the land to the highest degree. Here he has carried on mixed farming and paid some atten- tion to the raising of grain and stock.

He received a divorce from the wife, who re- mained at Bishop Hill, refusing to go with him out of fear of the Prophet, and after this, in 1859, he took to himself a second wife, Martha Lawson by name, a native of Sweden likewise. Five children are the result of this union, four of whom are still living-Matilda, George, Johanna and Christina. Frank died in 1882, aged 16. Mrs. Newburg died in 1875, and his third wife, whom he married in 1884, was Johanna Johnson, also a Swedish lady. She came to America in 1880, having lost her father in her native country, in 1841. Her mother remarried, her second husband being Peter Peterson; they came to America and settled in Copley Township, where they still live. Mrs. Newburg by her former hus- band, Andrew Johnson, had five children, by name

Johanna F., Andrew, Albertina, Hanson and Ida. His third wife left him in March, 1886, and is now living in Copley Township with her son.

Mr. Newburg is an upright Christian gentleman, and is unsurpassed in solid worth and the attributes that constitute nobility of soul. His wife is also an estimable meniber of the society to which she be- longs, and they are united by profession of faith to the Methodist Episcopal Swedish Church. In poli- itcs our subject is independent.

eorge Ekins, one of the most highly es- teemed citizens of Knox County, enjoys the distinction of having, by the voice of the people, retained the office of Assessor of the city of Galesburg for 24 consecutive years. He was born the town of Deal, County of Kent, England, Aug. 6, 1829. His father, George Ekins, was a native of Scotland, and his mother, whose name was Sarah Brown before her marriage, though of Scotch parentage, traced her ancestry to Spain.

The senior Mr. Ekins was a merchant tailor at Deal, where he died in 1851. Our subject, when but tt years of age, was put at the tailor's trade under his father, and when 16 years old was foreman of the shop, in which were employed six workmen and four apprentices. It was about that time that the senior Mr. Ekins failed in business, and despite his every effort the debtors' prison stared him in the face. The principal creditor was known to young George, and the lad went and asked that the business be for a time turned over to him, that he be allowed to man- age and direct it, that he might pay his father's in- debtedness and so save him from the fate that so surely awaited him. The creditor happened to be a man not only with some heart, but of judgment, and he saw in the youth before him a determination, an honesty and sincerity of purpose that warranted him in granting the request.

At the age of 21 years, when ready to leave the paternal roof and to go forth into the world and fight the battles that should confront him, young George Ekins, after five years of the most arduous labor, having never slept over four or five hours of any 24 that transpired, turned over to his father the mer- chant tailoring establishment, free from debt, stocked

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with the choicest line of goods, and yielding an in- come amounting to a competency. He was 211/2 years of age, in the spring of 1848, and possessed of 112 pounds sterling when he came to America. He was accompanied by his wife and four other persons from Deal. In New York city they met Mr. Olm- stead Ferris, from Galesburg, and were by him per- suaded to come West. Arriving here, Mr. Ekins en-

gaged at once in the tailoring business, which he fol- lowed till 1861. In the spring of that year he was elected City Marshal, and held the office for two years, when he was elected to the position he has since continued to hold, and in which he has made a reputation unparalleled in the history of cities.

For some years during the war, our subject was employed as United States Deputy Marshal under A. Martin, of Knoxville. Jan. 1, 1875, to April, 1885, he was in the United States Revenue Service as Ganger, of the Fifth District of Illinois. He has al- ways been a Republican in his political convictions, and was a Radical in England, while his father was a Tory. He came to this country fully imbued with the old-line Abolition spirit.

Mr. Ekins was married in his native town, Feb. 28, 1849, to Miss Mary Ann Foster, who has borne to him three children-Adeha, now Mrs. Charles Has- brook; Frederick, who died at the age of seven years, and Ethelbert, who is a student at Swarth- more College, near Philadelphia. Mr. Ekins is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He has been an extensive real estate dealer, and is now in the in- surance business with Ed Clark, the firm being Ekins & Clark, and is in every respect regarded as one of Galesburg's most enterprising and valued citizens.

Perhaps no man in the county is more widely or favorably known than Mr. Ekins, and as one of its truly representative men, the publishers are pleased to include his portrait in the galaxy of those of lead- ing men of the county given in this ALBUM.

ohn T. Barnett resides on section 18, in Galesburg Township, and is a prominent farmer in his vicinity. He was born in Sullivan County, Tenn., on the 20th of Octo- ber, 1809, and remained at his parents' home up to his 21st year. His father, James H., was born on the Oconee River, in the State of Geor-

gia, on the 27th of September, 1788. He moved, however, at a later date, to East Tennessee, and there entered into mercantile pursuits. He subse- quently taught school for some years, and died on the 22d of September, 1822. His wife was Miss Mary A. Tipton, whom he married about the year 1808. She was born on the 3d of March, 1793, in Shenan- doah County, Va. She died on her birthday, March 3, 1869, in Sangamon County, Ill. By the marriage four children were born-John T., William, Joseph H. and Nancy. John T. and Joseph are the only survivors of the family. The former, the subject of this notice, married Miss Melinda Robinson on the 22d of November, 1831, in Sangamon County, Ill. This good lady was born on the 11th of November, 1806, in Oneida County, N. Y. By the union there were born as follows: James R., Sept. 22, 1832; Charles M., Dec. 24, 1833; Elkan, Feb. 2, 1834; William, Jan. 8, 1836; Mary E., April 1, 1838; Emily J., Aug. 7, 1840; Martha J., Aug. 7, 1842, and Joseph A., June 29, 1846.

The father of Mrs. Barnett was Charles Robinson, born in New York on the 5th of June, 1785. He married Miss Jerusha Kellogg, who was born Nov. 15, 1785, the ceremony taking place on June 22, 1804. Her demise occurred on the 23d of August, 1836. Charles, her husband, died on the 4th of Oc- tober, 1840. They were both from Oneida County, N. Y., and had the following children : Chauncy, born Match 27, 1805 ; Melinda, Nov. 11, 1806; John K., Oct. 2, 1808; James, Sept. 11, 1810; Lucinda, July 20, 1814; Louis, Oct. 28, 1816; Maria, Jan. Io, 1819; Eliza R., June 4, 1820; Julia A., Feb. 14, 1822 ; Charles, Feb. 15, 1824, and Seth K., Dec. 7, 1827. Of the above family Seth and Charles were born in Illinois, and Chauncy and Melinda in New York. The parents first arrived in Illinois in 1822. The subject of this biography, accompanied by his mother and stepfather, Mr. Richard Dunlap, came in 1829. He is now the possessor of 143 acres of prime land, on which is erected a comfortable residence and suitable out-buildings. On the 22d of November, 1881, Mr. Barnett had the great pleasure of celebrating his golden wedding. This was a great event in his and his wife's life, and drew around the family a large circle of warm sympathizers and old acquaintances. He has been elected Justice of the Peace, and for 20 years has served in that office with special distinction, In the office of County

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Commissioner for several years he has acted with untiring energy and credit to himself. This latter post he has held in Hancock County. He has also filled the position of Assessor in Galesburg Town- ship for five years, as well as filling the office of Town Clerk for four years. Politically he has al- ways been a Democrat, and voted for Andrew Jack- son for President, in 1832, and has voted for Presi- dent at each presidential election since then. Now, at the age of 77, we find him hale and hearty. He has always been regarded as public-spirited and en- terprising. He is a fair type of the pioneer settlers of the State who are fast passing away.

homas M. Barton is a farmer, a resident on section 16, in Knox Township, and is one of the most solid and substantial men in that vicinity. He is well known and popu- lar in his county and township, and has been very prosperous in his chosen vocation. He was born in Chestnut Township, Nov. 3, 1840, and is the son of Ozias and Rachel (Massie) Barton. He assisted his father on the farm during boyhood and was educated in the district schools.

He made his home under the parental roof until his marriage, March 6, 1862. This was celebrated with Amelia Humphrey as the other contracting party. She was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Feb. 17, 1845, and is the daughter of Elder Cyrus and Henrietta (Baughman) Humphrey. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Barton located in Chestnut Town- ship, where he rented land two years; was then in Knox Township two years, and subsequently bought the farm he now occupies. Seven children were born of their union-George H., Rachel L., John Q., Mary Henrietta, Cyrus A., Almond E. and Phebe Arizona.

Mr. Barton is a member of Pacific Lodge, No. 400, A. F. & A. M., and Wataga Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Knoxville Lodge, K. of L. George H. Barton is also a member of Pacific Lodge, No. 400.

Mr. B. has always been a Republican in politics, and takes considerable interest in the affairs of the na- tion, and has so long been an actor in political affairs that he knows much of the growth and prog-

ress of the Republican party. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln.

In the main Mr. Barton has been successful in life, but was the recipient of a heavy blow in the loss of his home in 1875. His house was a two-story frame building, and at six o'clock in the evening, on the 5th of August, in that year, the family being all at home, they were rendered almost entirely helpless with terror by a cyclone striking the house. It came upon them with tremendous force, tearing the house to atoms, yet, by some miracle, or other intervention of God's providence, no lives were lost, although all the family were more or less hurt, Mr. Barton hav- ing six ribs broken. Parts of the house were carried in every direction and for long distances. It was an hour of the greatest fear and trouble, yet so thankful were they to a protecting God for His goodness in saving their lives, that the loss of their home, though heavy, seemed to them as of minor consequence. The husband and wife were laid up for several months, and cared for with the utmost kindness and brotherly sympathy by the Masonic fraternity of Knoxville. All through his illness they paid the bills and made good his loss by rebuilding the house, which now stands where the old one was torn down, a monument of that charity which teaches us to do unto others as we would be done by.

Bro. E. T. Eads was Worshipful Master of Pacific Lodge, No. 400, at the time of the cylone. He and his wife were as a father and mother to the stricken family. They left nothing undone that they could do. Their kindness the family will never forget.

ershom Martin is editor and proprietor of the Press and People, a weekly Demo- cratic paper published at Galesburg every Friday morning. (See history of the Gales- burg press.) Mr. Martin was born in Picka- way County, Ohio, Sept. 18, 1826, and is the eldest of three sons. His father, Cornelius Martin, was a farmer and a pioneer of Clark County, in this State, where he died in 1845. "Gersh," as he will long be remembered, left home when he was about 12 years of age, and from that time, it is written, he " hustled for himself." From Clark County to Joliet, over 200 miles, he footed it, finding, in many in- I stances, the houses 20 miles apart. He, however,

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safely reached his destination, and, like Gen. Gar- field, began his career as a mule-driver on the canal. From the towpath he became errand-boy to the Sheriff of Will County, at Joliet, and from that situa- tion he entered a printing-office to learn the trade to which he afterward clung.

Through all the various experiences of " devil," printer, reporter, etc., incident to a country news- paper, he passed in succession until 1852, when he bought an interest in the Du Page County Observer, at Naperville, Ill., which he edited for about three years. From Naperville he returned to Joliet, and managed a paper there about one year. We next find him at Elgin for a few months, and then at Peoria as `night editor of the Transcript. He was with this latter paper about three years, when, in co- partnership with E. F. Baldwin, now of the Peoria Journal, he purchased the El Paso Journal and published it for about four years. Mr. B. remained with the paper only a few months. Under Mr. Martin's management this paper became one of the strongest papers in Central Illinois, a reputation it has continued to maintain. The Journal made its editor and proprietor money, and when he sold out he purchased the Illinois Sentinel, at Jacksonville, which he managed from 1872 to 1876. In the lat- ter year he returned to Peoria where, between that time and 1883, the Peoria Democrat about depleted his exchequer. About February, 1883, Mr. Martin succeeded W. B. Barnes in the management of the Press and People. Thus we close a hasty view of Gersh. Martin's newspaper career. A fair resume of his life would fill a volume.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 84

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