Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 85

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 85

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As in our mind's eye we see him, a barefooted boy of 12 years of age, start forth from the roof that should have protected him yet many years, covered with a tow shirt and homespun trousers, the pos- sessor of not a penny in money, silently and often tearfully treading along strange roads, making his bed upon the unsheltered grasses and eating the scanty crusts given him by good-hearted pioneers, scattered at distant intervals along his route-as we think of these things in our sanctum, hundreds of miles away from the subject of this sketch, our imagination draws pictures of a life fraught with ma- terial worthy the pen of the writer of romance.

Mr. Martin was an Assistant Doorkeeper of the Illinois Legislature in 1855, 1861 and 1865, and was Enrolling Clerk of the Senate in 1871-72. He was

brought up a Democrat, and, barring the pro-slavery ideas that for a time characterized a great portion of that party, he has stood by its principles.

An article written by him and published in the El Paso Journal while he was editing that paper is deemed worthy of reproduction here, particularly at this time, as both showing his sentiments and the force and logic of his articles: " All value, all wealth is the product of labor-of somebody's labor. Once the soil whereon Carthage stood could not be bought for the gold plates a quarter of an inch thick that would cover each square foot; now it is a sandy, desert waste. Once its site was covered with temples, palaces and costly edifices, for the comfort, the convenience and luxury of its citizens; now its site cannot be found. If land of itself possessed any intrinsic value, then an acre on top of the Rocky Mountains or in the heart of the Sahara desert would be worth as much as an acre in the heart of Chicago. But it is not. The hand of man, his talent, his genius, his brain, his enterprise, his labor, have made that acre in the heart of Chicago worth millions. Remove the hand and presence of man, his talent, enterprise and labor, and that acre in the heart of Chicago would relapse into its aboriginal worthless- ness as a bottomless swamp. Front street in El Paso might be built up from Gibson's residence to lves' mill with solid marble blocks ; but if there were no people here, no business, no enterprise and no in- dustry, they would be as worthless as the rocks that overhang the canons of the Colorado."

Mr. Martin is an able and conscientious writer, and under his management and direction the Press and People has steadily risen to a position not hitherto occupied by any other Democratic paper in Knox County.

eeley C. Wood, the subject of this sketch, was born in Delaware County, N. Y., April 25, 1822, and is the son of Caleb and Abi- gail (Buckout) Wood. The father was a native of Litchfield Co., Conn., and was born July 29, 1784, and died at Sidney, Delaware County, N. Y., Nov. 22, 1855. He was married to Miss Abi- gail Buckout, in June, 1806, and she died Nov. 6, 1867. The date of her birth was June 8, 1782. They had seven children, named as follows : Jessie -

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KNOX COUNTY.

L., Polina A., Mary St. John, Joseph R., Belinda A., Sarah K. and our subject.

Joseph Wood, the grandfather of our subject, was born on Long Island, Jan. 25, 1755 ; he served as a privateer during the Revolutionary War and died Aug. 4, 1836, in Delaware County, N. Y. In March, 1780, he married Miss Mary St. John, who was born in January, 1761, in Connecticut, and died in New York, in November, 1832. They had seven children who grew to man and womanhood, as follows : Jo- seph, Caleb, Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah, Lovina and Benjamin, all of whom have passed over the River and joined the great majority.

Seeley C. Wood married Miss Susan Clark, Feb. 5, 1846, who was a native of Delaware County, N. Y., having been born March 30, 1824. They have five children, all of whom were born in the State of New York, as follows : John, born March 18, 1849; Wat- son, Aug. 2, 1852 ; Agnes, Oct. 22, 1855 ; Alice, Oct. 1, 1859, and Arthur, Jan. 3, 1869. Mr. Wood came to Illinois in 1872 and located on section S, Galesburg Township, where he has 240 acres of good land, all of which is in a most advanced state of cul- tivation. He has a fine dwelling, built of brick, the dimensions of the house being 36x38 feet, two stories high, with a cellar under the whole building. In ad- dition to other improvements, this farm has what are probably the best arranged feeding-lots for swine in the county, where hogs to the number of 200 can be supplied with water and feed without the owner leaving his corncribs, and all under cover or shelter.

Nathan Clark, the father of Mrs. Seeley C. Wood, was a native of Delaware County, N. Y., where he was born Sept. 11, 1785. He married Miss Betsie Allen, a native of the same county. Mr. Clark died May 12, 1825, and his widow April 20, 1851. They had five children, as follows: William, Mary Ann, Milo, Maria and Susan. William died Dec. 30, 1851, and three of the children are now living in the State of New York.

Mr. and Mrs. Wood are members of the Congre- gational Church at Galesburg, and he has been affili- ated with the Republican party for the last 25 years. Mr. Wood is an intelligent, enterprising citizen, a good neighbor and a Christian gentleman, and, al- though coming to Illinois after her development from the primitive prairie into splendid farms and her hamlets into populous towns and cities, Mr. Wood has not failed with his industrious habits to contrib-

ute his generous efforts to the continued growth and prosperity of his adopted State. He arrived in this county in April, 1872. A view of Mr. Wood's home is shown on another page.

eter Anderson is a retired farmer, and re- sides on section 25, Victoria Township. Mr. Anderson was born in Sweden, May 13, 1811. His parents, Andrew and Saralı (Peterson) Anderson, were also natives of Sweden and farmers by occupation. Their family consisted of six children, two of whom still survive-Peter, our subject, and a daughter, Grace. The old people lived and died in their native land.

The gentleman of whom this brief personal sketch is given remained at home until 14 years of age, and then worked on a farm by the year for the pittance of $4 for his year's labor and some clothing. Thus 1 he continued to work for three years; for the last year, however, he received $25.

In 1839, Mr. Anderson was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Miss Sarah Anderson, a daughter of Andrew and Sarah Anderson. The pa- rental family of Mrs. Anderson consisted of three chil- dren, two of whom are still living, viz .: Louisa, now Mrs. Newberg, and Sarah, wife of our subject. After marriage, Mr. Anderson engaged in farming and fol- lowed that calling for six years. At the expiration of that time, in 1846, he left his native land to seek a home in the New World for his wife and two chil- dren. Upon arriving in the United States, they im- mediately settled at Bishop Hill, Henry County, where they remained for a brief period, when they removed to La Fayette, Stark County. At that place he worked out for about four years, and we next find him in Copley Township, Knox County, at which place he rented a farm for some four years, and dur- ing that time successfully operated the same. Sub- sequent to this, in 1856, he purchased the place which constitutes his present home. The farm con- sists of 160 acres, the greater portion of which is till- able and exceedingly fertile. Upon the place he has erected a very desirable residence, valued at $1,200, and a commodious barn, costing $500. The premises are surrounded by substantial fences, and the property has been highly embellished by the set-

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KNOX COUNTY.

ting out of trees and shrubbery of various kinds. Our subject values his home land at $45 per acre. He has been an extensive raiser of stock and grain.

Mr. Anderson is the happy father of six children, of whom we give the following brief memoranda : Andrew married Rebecca Wainwright and they have five children-Albert, Effie, Emery, Alma and Earl ; John married Christine Chelgrain, and they are the parents of five children, named Udora, John Ole, Celia, Leo and Dawn; Charles married Miss Mary Monk, and they have two children-Pearl and an in- fant as yet unnamed ; Joseph took to wife Miss Emma Parcel, and they have one child-Vera; Hannah became the wife of Nels Yelm, and is the mother of three children-Charles, Dellie and Henry; the daughter, Louisa, is still at home with her parents. Mr. Anderson adheres to the doctrines of the Repub- hcan party in politics. In religious belief both Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Anderson is gen- erally acknowledged as one of Knox County's most enterprising men, and one whose life makes a de- sirable example for the youth of to-day, as he has gained all of his possessions (and a goodly portion of this world's goods are his) through his own efforts, by years of diligent toil and the closest economy, and we hope that he may be permitted to spend the re- mainder of his days in peace upon the old home so honestly won.

ohn F. Fry, a farmer, residing on section 23, Galesburg Township, was born in Wit- tenburg, Germany, Feb. 28, 1827. He came to America in 1853, and, landing at New York, went to Philadelphia, remaining in that city for about eight months, when he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked at the butcher- ing business. His enterprising spirit still urging him further to the West, after residing in-Ohio 15 months he moved to Burlington, Iowa, remaining there another 15 months. In 1856 Mr. Fry came to Galesburg and located on section 23, where he has 165 acres of good land; this cost him $100 per acre. On it he has a fine dwelling-house and a good barn. Mr. Fry is the son of Jacob F. and Elizabeth (Kem- ple) Fry, who were married in 1810, the father dying

in 1834 in Germany, the mother dying in 1870. They had eight children, as follows : Phillip F., Mary Ann., Dora, Johanna R., Margaret, John, Christ. and Johanna E.

Mr. Fry was married to Miss Mary Smith in 1859, she having been born in March, 1827, in France. They are now the parents of six children, as follows : Mary W., born Oct. 15, 1860; William F., Nov. 29, 1862; Clara, June 24, 1866; Charles F. and Lottie F., twins, Jan. 23, 1870, and Emma, Dec. 25, 1872.

Mr. Fry abandoned the butchering business in 1881, and turned his attention to farming and ship- ping cattle.

Mr. Fry is a Protestant, while his wife is a member of the Catholic Church. They are highly esteemed in the community as kind neighbors and industrious and valuable members of the community. By strict attention to business Mr. Fry has acquired a valua- ble competency. In politics he belongs to the Dem- ocratic party.

lijah Thomas Eads. When an office of trust is open for bestowal, it behooves those in whose gift it lies to make the most appropriate selection of the individual destined to fill it. If this principle were more frequently observed, fewer persons unsuited to occupy im- portant posts would be encountered in life, and less trouble to the community at large would be the re- sult. It would appear, from all we know, that, in the person of the subject whose name heads this sketch, the right man has been found to fill the office of Postmaster for Knoxville.

On the 2d day of March, 1835, Mr. Eads was born in the city of Knoxville, his father, John Eads, be- ing a native of Lexington, Ky., where he was born in October, 1809. The grandfather of Mr. Eads was a native of Maryland. This last-named member of the family removed with his wife and children to Ken- tucky, and was one of the earliest settlers in Lexing- ton, where he lived until 1826, when he emigrated to Illinois, and settled in Jacksonville, Morgan County. Here he opened and successfully operated a blacksmith shop, at which trade he made a fair competency, and gave general satisfaction. Accu- mulating some means, he later on bought a farm in

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KNOX COUNTY.

Morgan County, where in his later years he resided at Waverly.

Our subject's father was but 17 years old when he arrived with his parents in Illinois. He learned the blacksmith's trade from his father, whose mechanical ability often embraced more delicate work than his particular occupation called for. In the year 1833 he started on horseback for Chicago, but his course ly- ing through Knoxville, and being enamored with the place, he concluded to stay here. At this period his only worldly possessions were a horse, saddle, bri-

dle and §5 in money, which he resolved to use un- der the trying circumstances to the best possible advantage. To increase his funds he resolved on selling his horse and trappings. For these he ob- tained $60. and with this amount opened the first shop in Knoxville, his quarters being located on the west side of the Square. In the winter following, however, he returned to Jacksonville, where, in 1834, he married Margaret Anderson. This lady was a native of Orange County, N. C., where she was born in 1801. He now thought it full time to pro- vide a home for himself and wife, and at a neighboring Sheriff's sale purchased a horse for $15, and, equip- ping himself and wife for the journey, set out for Knoxville. Here he resumed work at his trade, ex- ecuting orders in general blacksmithing. plowshare- making, and for what in those days were in large de- mand, shovels, tongs, etc. Horseshoeing in those early times had become so great a requisite that the energies of one man in any community were sorely taxed to meet the demand. Occupying every mo- ment of his time for two years, he worked steadily on until, forming a partnership with John Carns, he en- gaged in the mercantile business. In this calling he remained until 1850, when, making the journey over- land, he proceeded to California, where he engaged in mining. but only for a few months.

To those who have given any thought to the matter those early days of mining in California were always replete with struggle, while success or non-success largely became the freak of fortune. Many there are who can now recall the colossal outputs of gold, which the readily-yielding earth bestowed upon those who were fortunate enough to select choice claims, while on the other hand vast numbers whose failure in life is marked by an unprovided-for old age can recall the time when their entire savings, or it may be borrowed money, were spent among the hills of Cali-

fornia, in the vain hope of realizing a hundred thou- sand-fold the sums invested. Days of hardship, coupled with toil and always accompanied by a spirit of daring, were the rule of this region when Mr Eads entered the lists with his fellow .soldiers in the battle with fortune. Desirous of perhaps slower but more substantial returns from his labor, he engaged in trade at Cold Spring, Cal., but in 1851 resolved on returning via Panama, and, landing at Nicaraugua, spent four days at that place. The ship on which he sailed was the first vessel known to have landed at that place. Quitting Panama and traveling via Ja- maica and New York, he soon found himself again at Knoxville, and, being readily recognized by old friends to whom his worth was well known, he was elected Sheriff of Knox County, in 1852. The year following, in company with R. C. Price, he opened a general store in Knoxville, which he continued to successfully operate up to the date of his death, Sept. 17. 1878. The death of his wife took place in December, 18.45. Six children have been left of this family. Of these the subject of this biography is the eldest; Merthe A., who married J. M. Ewing, of Jacksonville, deceased ; Eleanor is the wife of Dr. A. H. Mann, living at Toronto, Kan .; Erastus died in infancy ; Albert, Cashier of the Union National Bank, Macomb); Theodore resides in Corning, Iowa, and is a farmer. Mr. Eads was a second time mar- ried, this time to Hannah I'roctor, widow of C. K. Harvey, who has two children-John and Kate, the former being dead, while Kate is the wife of Dr. E. H. Stilson, Knoxville.

Mr. E. T. Eads was 15 years old when he accom- panied his father in his journey across the plains to California, starting from Knoxville on the 12th of March, 1850, and reaching California in the follow- ing August. l. his father's service he passed much of his time herding cattle among the mountains, and on his return attended the city schools until 1853, when, at the opening of Abingdon College, he entered his name at that institution, and with much assidyity applied himself until the spring, when he entered his · father's store and devoted his attention to business up to the date of his marriage, which took place on the 27th of May, 1857. His bride was Miss Mary A Foreman, a native of Jacksonville, and daughter of Anderson and Mary Foreman, born in April, 1836. Within a few months after his marriage he removed to Jacksonville, and commencing in trade

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continued to operate successfully until 1 865, when he returned and purchased an interest in the store of Eads & Price, which he retained until 1878, when he accepted the position of traveling salesman for the firm of Miller Bros., Peoria, representing that house successfully up to 1885, when he resigned, with a view to accepting the position he now occupies.

Mr. Elijah Thomas Eads has always been a firm and uncompromising Democrat. His faith in De- mocracy was early stimulated by reading and obser- vation of events, and, though from time to time approached by those who thought they knew better than he, never could be induced to alter his political faith or subscribe to any principle that might in the least detract from the faithful furtherance of what he deemed duty and patriotism. He voted for Bu- chanan as early as 1856.

He has been blest with nine children-Harry W., Hettie K., married to William S. Pierce, a merchant, of Wichita, Kan .; Martha L., Lena K., John F., Mary P., Lilly G., Mabel and Paul W.

Considering what has been noted here, and coup- ling with this the estimation in which our subject is at present held by all classes, it is certain that between the present time and the close of his life, this gentle- man, who has so successfully influenced his political party and impressed his friends so favorably, will continue in the esteem of all.

homas Shehan is a general farmer and well-known stock-grower, owning 200 acres of well-improved land on sections 11 and 12, in Walnut Grove Township. This gentle- man was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., March 22, 1852. It will be noticed that we have given the parental history of this gentleman in the biography of Patrick Shehan. These parents were born in County Clare, Ireland, where they also married. Our subject was the third son and fourth child of a family of eight-four sons and four daugh- ters. He was 15 years old when he first came to Illinois with his parents, who settled on the very spot where Mr. Shehan now resides. He has re- sided at home all his life, and at the date of this writing his aged mother still lives with him.

He received his education at the public schools,

and at his father's death was willed 80 acres of land. He subsequently purchased 180 more, his whole farm at present consisting of 260 acres in a good state of cultivation and well-stocked. He is an active young farmer, and was married Sept. 27, 1881, at Wataga, Knox County, to Miss Frances E. Hiller- by, who was born in Weller Township, Henry Coun- ty, March 31, 1860. Her father, William, died in Altona, Knox County, Jan. 13, 1885. He had charge of the railroad pump-works there for 15 years. He was a prominent farmer and came to this coun- try after his marriage in Yorkshire, England, to her mother, Mary Speed, who is now residing with her married daughter. She is in her 62d year and a very venerable old lady. Mrs. Shehan of this notice was educated in Altona and commenced the profes- sion of teaching when she was 17 years old. This she followed up to the date of her marriage. She is the mother of two children-Henrietta, born July 31, 1882, and Charles Thomas, born Dec. 27, 1884. Mr. Shehan is an active and consistent member of. the Roman Catholic Church. He has held the minor offices attaching to his township, and is a Democrat who is looked up to for his soundness of principle and readiness to acquiesce in any measure likely to further the Democratic cause.

ev. Charles G. Nelson, pastor in charge of the Swedish Methodist Church, Galesburg, was born at Gemla, i. e., Kronbergs, Lan., Sweden, May 20, 1848, and came to America with his parents, Magnus and Ingril Lena (Peterson) Nelson, in 1854. They settled in Burnett County, Wis., where the senior Mr. Nelson has served his people as County Judge.

The subject of this sketch is the only son. He was brought up on his father's farm, attended the public schools and taught for some time in Wiscon- sin. His literary training was finished at Taylor's Falls, Minn. He came to Galesburg from Chicago, where he had spent two or three years, in October, 1884. While a citizen of Wisconsin he held the office of Clerk of Burnett County two years, and there began to study for the ministry. He preached his first regular sermon at Grantsburg, Wis., to which place he was assigned by the Minnesota Methodist Episcopal Conference held at Owatonna, Oct. 7, 1870

LIBRARY OF THE L'""VERSITY OF ILLINA'S

RESIDENCE COR. NORTH & HEBARD STS.

H:J. CHARLES & CO.

FARM BUILDINGS-, SEC. IG. ELBA TOWNSHIP

STORE BUILDING, S.E COR. MAIN ST. & SQUARE.

PROPERTY OF H. J. CHARLES , KNOXVILLE.

749

KNOX COUNTY.

He was at Grantsburg one year, when he was as- signed to Stillwater, Minn. His next move was to St. Paul, Minn., where for three years he had charge of a Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church, going from there to Minneapolis in charge of the First Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church. His last charge he held two years, removing then to Chicago, where he was pastor of the Second Swedish Meth- odist Episcopal Church for three years. From 1874 to 1881, Rev. Mr. Nelson was the Presiding Elder for the Minneapolis District, being probably the youngest man in that position in the State of Min- nesota.

His coming to Galesburg is already mentioned. He here presides over a membership of about 300, with the number regularly increasing. Though an an accomplished English scholar, his sermons are preached in the Swedish language. He was married at Grantsburg, Wis., April 9, 1871, to Miss I. Mary Jones, and their children are Edwin M., Charles J., Albert D., Clarence G., Victor E. and Mary Grace Christine.

arley J. Charles, long one of the leading merchants of Knoxville, has won in his bus- iness a large patronage, and also enjoys a well-deserved standing in the public estimation. His province in his mercantile life is to supply ready-made clothing and gent's furnishing goods of the best quality. His establishment ranks first in Knoxville, and is one of the leading houses of the kind in the county.

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born in Knoxville, on the 19th of October, 1854, and was the youngest son of Geo. A. and Dorlinsky (Post) Charles (see sketch). His early education was received in the city schools. He subsequently at- tended Lombard University, Galesburg, as well as Gem City Business College, Quincy, Ill. He en- gaged in farming in Elba Township on his own ac- count soon after leaving school, and continued in the pursuit of agriculture until 1880, when he became senior member of the firm of Charles & Arms, and followed a successful career in its particular line ; that partnership continued six years, when, in March, 1886, he bought Mr. Arms' interest. The firm name is now H. J. Charles & Co. He is also senior mem-

ber of the firm of Charles, Arms & Potts, of Elm- wood, who do a prosperous and extensive business.

Mr. Charles and Miss Alice Johnson were united in marriage Nov. 14, 1883. Mrs. Charles was the daughter of Nelson Johnson. Mr. Johnson and wife came from New York State in an early day, and Alice was born in Sparta Township. Our subject is a member of Pacific Lodge, No. 400, A. F. & A. M .; Rabboni Chapter, No. 95; Illinois Council, No. 1; and Galesburg Commandery, No. 8, Knights Tem- plar. Politically he is a Democrat. He served sev- eral terms as Alderman in the City Council of Knox- ville, and as a member of the Library Board, and also as treasurer of several organizations.

By his good judgment, devotion to business and geniality of temperament, he has deserved and won more than ordinary notice and recognition from his townsmen. Starting here, as he did, with but a lim- ited knowledge of the business, he has, by properly studying the wants of his patrons, built up a large and flourishing trade. This has been accomplished largely through the medium of honest business prin- ciples, which won for him thorough confidence among business men in this community. Besides the in- terests mentioned, Mr. Charles also owns the fine block opposite the Public Square, corner of Main street, where he does business. It is the finest business block in the city, in the second story of which is the hall of the A. O. U. W. Lodge. His handsome residence, a view of which is given in the ALBUM, is located near the depot, where he entertains his friends with a generous hospitality; he also has a good stock farm of 440 acres in Elba Township, which he carries on, conducting general farming and stock-raising.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 85

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