Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 87

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 87

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Our subject had received a good common-school education, and at the age of 16 years accepted em- ployment with the corporation he at present repre- sents. By means of steady, persistent industry, he has succeded in completing his profession. In 1872 he left his native town and was occupied at different places on the C., B. & Q. R. R. line in Illinois. In 1876 he was transferred to the Iowa side of the Mis-

sissippi, where, after four years spent in active con- nection with the corporation, he came here to accept his present position, which he worthily maintains. He is a valued official, a respected citizen and a genial gentleman. He takes no active part in poli- tics or religion, but is conscientiously liberal to all creeds.

He married at Afton, Iowa, Miss Lizzie R. Stout, a lady of fine accomplishments and a fitting helpmate to him in his life work. Mr. Allen is an active mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, and has been exalted to the Royal Arch degree. He is both public-spirited and enterprising and contributes liberally to all meas- ures tending to the development of the social and industrial life of his adopted city.

harles Brechwald, deceased, was born at Klein, Winterheim, near Mentz, Germany, Dec. 31, 1829, and came to America in 1853, departing this life at Galesburg, III., Jan. 13, 1884. The parents of Mr. B. were residents of the old country, in which they spent almost all their lives. They were Michael and Margaret (Fleck) Brechwald, and the father was a wine-grower. He brought up his son to farming pursuits. Charles Brechwald was allowed the best educational privileges and received an exceptionally good education in his mother tongue. Although he made no special effort in this country to speak the English language, he soon absorbed sufficient knowl- edge of it to enable him to transact any business accurately. In after years his mind became a store- house of learning and information which proved a great benefit to him. His first year in this country he spent on a farm in Cook County, and his second year as a railroad contractor. He came to Gales- burg in 1856, and from that time up to 1863 was employed by the C., B. & Q. R. R. Co., under a con- tract with the fuel department. By this time he had accumulated considerable capital, and engaged in the wholesale liquor business, at which he rapidly built up a fortune. He was one of the most public- spirited men in the city, and as such was recognized by all as a man of more than ordinary ability. He was the principal mover in the construction of the Galesburg Opera House, and at his death was the principal owner of that gigantic building. From

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Eads' Illustrated History of Galesburg we clip the following as apropos in this connection, as it reflects somewhat the business capability of the late Mr. Brechwald, now conducted by his sons :

" As a representative house in their line in this city, and at the same time one of the oldest, the firm of C. Brechwald & Co. is entitled to more than a brief mention in our publication. Founded in 1851, or over a third of a century ago, by the late Mr. C. Brechwald, who began business upon a small capi- tal, the fortunes of the house have been as inti- mately connected with the development of Gales- burg as any concern in the community. During Mr. Brechwald's life the business had his personal attention, and during that time he had not only es- tablished a reputation for honor and responsibility that ranked him high among the pioneer business men of that city, but laid the foundation of a great monetary success. Since the death of Mr. C. Brech- wald, in January, 1884, the business has been carried on by his sons, Messrs. Nick and Fred Brechwald, who were given a business training by their father. This firm have commodious quarters in the Opera House Block, where they carry a complete line of every variety of goods usually found in a first- class establishment of the kind."

Mr. Brechwald was virtually in active business up to the time of his death, although he had been an invalid for several years. From a local publication of the day succeeding his death we quote the fellow- ing tribute :

" His benevolence was proverbial. No charitable object was ever presented to him to which he did not contribute, and no poor person ever applied to him for aid who did not receive it. As a man, his word could always be relied upon. As a friend, he was ever kind and true.

" He was a member of the Knights Templar, of which he was Treasurer for many years. He was also a member of Amor Lodge, No. 594, I. O. O. F.

" The disease which caused his death was sclerosis. His illness was a long and painful one, extending through nearly five years, and of a character such as would have made most men peevish and unbearable. A good part of this time he spent with his family, But he bore this infliction himself and inflicted none of it on others. He showed fortitude, resignation and patience, where there was cause for deep gloom. There were no bursts of impatience, but even his

illness made home more homelike, because sunned by such a disposition. It was here that he knit his family most closely to his own life. He sang with them, he talked with them, he read for them, he brought forth all the intellectual treasures his mind had accumulated. This affection his family recip- rocated.

"The last scene was a very touching one. He seemed to be feeling brighter and better, and so was moved from the bed to his reclining-chair, to be pushed into his favorite place where the sunlight was streaming in through the windows. Before the chair had reached its accustomed place he sank rapidly. In a moment or two, with his family around him, leaving a cheerful and tranquil look upon his face, his spirit winged its flight."

In the death of Mr. Brechwald, Galesburg lost one of her best citizens. He left surviving him a wife, whose maiden name was Barbara Walz, to whom he was married in Chicago, April 2, 1854, and they had six children, as follows : Nicholas, Mary, Helen M., Frederick C., Amelia B. and an infant unnamed. Frank, their second-born, died at the age of two years, and their youngest died in infancy. The sons who succed Mr. Brechwald are Nicholas and Freder- ick, who unitedly carry on the business. They are educated gentlemen, under whose supervision the business has grown to mammoth proportions, and are popular in the community from whom they receive hearty patronage. The education and refined and cultured manners of the younger members of the family attest that their father had high appreciation of the graces of life as well as its more substantial features.

Sap'

kon. Dennis Clark, Judge of the Knox County Court, was born near Washington, Daviess County, Ind., Aug. 14, 1817, and was the second eldest son of Walter and Mary (Young) Clark, natives respectively of Virginia and New Jersey. Our subject was in early life - surrounded with but few advantages. His parents were poor people ; his mother died when he was only four years of age, and from that time until able to look out for himself he led the life of an orphan, which, without embellishment, tells its own story to the thoughtful and observing.

Our subject was very industrious in the acquire-

LIBRARY OF THE L.NIVERSITY OF ILLINO';

Gro ACharles

Dorlinsky Charles

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLING'S

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ment of an education, and while yet a youth we find him teaching school during the winters and working on a farm during the rest of the year, and assidu :- ously pondering on Blackstone, Coke upon Littleton, Chitty et al., determined upon applying himself to the law. He came to Illinois in the year 1823, and to Knox County in 1833, and has lived here ever since. Up to 1860 he devoted most of his time to farming. During that year he began the practice of law before the Justices of Indian Point and adjoining townships, and in 1866 he was admitted to the bar before the Supreme Court, at Ottawa. Before this he had filled various prominent offices, and in 1865 was elected County Judge. With what success he administered this important office is attested by the fact that from the day of his first installation Knox County has known no other County Judge.

At this writing (January, 1886), Judge Clark is serving his 21st year, with one year before him, which, when completed, will make 21 years' service. During the late war, 1861-65, Mr. Clark, then known as Capt. Clark from having held that rank in the mili- tia away back in the "30's," was employed by the Government as Enrolling Officer. He was one of the original Republicans; was a member in 1860 of the convention that selected the delegates to the Na- tional Convention that introduced Abraham Lincoln to the world.

Judge Clark's grandfather, Dennis Clark, came from Ireland to America away back in the 18th cent- ury, joined the Colonial Army and with it fought the British from the battle of Lexington to the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. He subsequently mar- ried, and his oldest son, Walter Clark, the immediate ancestor of the gentleman whose name heads this article, joined the United States Army at the out- break of the War of 1812 and fought the ancient enemy to the close of that struggle.

Judge Clark's wife, named Martha Meadows, to whom he was married at Knoxville, this county, April 10, 1845, was a native of Kentucky and a daughter of the late Henry Meadows, a pioneer of Warren County, this State. Of the ten children born to them, five in number, four sons and one daughter, died in infancy. The others are Walter H., editor of the Abingdon Argus; William Benton, a farmer, in Kansas; Buford, farmer, resident at Ab- ingdon; Horace, also a farmer, and Loren is a printer. Judge Clark's residence has been for many

years at Abingdon. He is noted for his generosity and his unselfishness. Durin ghis unusually long serv- ice on the bench he has rendered valuable service to thousands by fatherly and legal advice. He is ever ready to settle difficulties by arbitration, thus saving attorney and court fees as well as much personal bitterness. In these and many other ways his long service has been of great worth to the people of Knox County. Fidelity, honesty and unselfishness-those rare graces for an official-have shown forth with un- dimmed brilliancy during his long judicial career. Not an act of his has ever clouded his record, nor the reproach of his political enemies ever robbed him of the highest esteem and confidence of the general public.

apt. George A. Charles. While modest worth and steadiness of principle continued to attract the general applause of men, the name of this gentleman, now deceased, could not have failed to impress itself on the minds of those who were either directly brought into contact with him in every day life, or indirectly in- duced to seek his favor. His boyhood was not at all a bed of roses, and, like most men whose youths were contemporary with his own, he had to face the customary difficulties of the hour.

Mr. Charles was a farmer of Knox County, and one of the most successful operators of his time. He was born in Erie County, N. Y., Dec. 25, 1810. His father, John Charles, was a native of Pennsylvania, and originally of German parentage. He was born on the 17th of October, 1782. The mother of the sub- ject was Eunice Gates, a native of York State, and born June 16, 1788, her parents being originally from Connecticut. While still a young man John Charles quitted Pennsylvania, and proceeded to York State, and for a brief time drove a stage, but later became commander of a vessel which sailed the lakes. In this capacity he was known and for years afterward was called by the cognomen, Capt. Charles. To those who knew him as a sailor he had a special charm of character and manner. Always frank, generous, never suspicious and ever ready to help his fellows, he created a host of admirers, who did not and could not soon forget him.

A few years passing, and tiring of his ship, Capt. Charles resolved upon agricultural pursuits, and set-

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tled upon a farm near Buffalo, N. Y. This he occu- pied up to the year 1830, when, selling out and accompanied by his wife and children, he came west- ward in quest of a home. Journeying toward the Ohio River, where he procured what is known as a flatboat, he pursued his course southward. The river at the time being exceedingly low, he experienced great difficulty in his forward course. Finally, see- ing fit to abandon the boat, the family engaged pas- sage on a steamer going to St. Louis, and thence to Edwardsville, Madison County, a locality where they wintered until their arrival in Knox County ; the fol- lowing spring they located upon section 28, of what is now Knox Township. Beside a few acres being broken, a small log house was found in the vicinity, and without further question the family took up their abode in it. During the summer of 1831 the family started on foot for a more remote and secluded spot, that would insure them protection against the inroads of the Indians. Returning shortly, however, they built a hewed-log house, adjoining the cabin they had so recently quitted. These buildings they occupied for some years previous to the erection of a frame house, which shortly before his death became his residence; his death occurred March 23, 1843. His wife, an admirable and highly esteemed lady, sur- vived him for many years, her death occurring on the 30th day of May, 1876.

Mr. George A. Charles, the gentleman whose name this biography is intended to perpetuate, was the oldest of a family of seven children-Alvah G , Susan A., Samuel M., John N., May A., Harvey P. Mr. Charles was in his 20th year, when, with his parents, he arrived in Illinois, where the family made their home, he residing with them until his marriage with Pomelia Gardiner. He then purchased a claim, and entered from the Government land on section 22, of Knox Township. Becoming settled here, he, with his wife, commenced housekeeping in a log cabin, where they resided until her death. After his marriage with his second wife he also continued to reside in it for a short time, until they erected a frame house. After the death of his first wife he again married, this time Dorlinsky Post. She is a native of New York State and a daughter of Ezra and Patty (Pratt) Post. The celebration of this marriage took place Dec. 5, 1843. Up to the year 1870 he con- tinued to live on the farm, when he removed to Knoxville and purchased a residence on East Main

street, which remained his home until his death, which occurred on the 5th of November, 1878. By the first marriage there was one child, Rosalia. She became the wife of James F. Earl, and lives in Ma- son City, Mason Co., Ill. By the second marriage there were four children born-Alvira, who married Robert Buckley, and died Dec. 10, 1884 (by which marriage there was one child, named Roland); Alanson G., Albion P. and Harley J. are the sons, all highly respected and influential citizens of Knox County, and represented in this volume by personal sketches.

Politically Mr. Charles was a Democrat, and con- sequently a member of the party in the minority in Knox County; yet he, even under these circum- stances, attained a great deal of influence, not only in the county, but was also a strong factor in the Dem- ocratic party of this portion of the State, and his counsel was often sought and his opinion relied upon as to the methods of conducting campaigns. Per- sonally Mr. Charles had but little political aspira- tions, yet the fact that in a strong Republican town- ship he was several times elected Supervisor will attest the appreciation in which he was held by his fellow-citizens. He was also called to serve as County Surveyor. For the second time Mr. Charles was elected County Surveyor, and apart from this held various offices of trust in the township. As Supervisor for many years, his judgment was always looked upon as deserving of first consideration. In the Knoxville Lodge of A. F. & A. M., for a number of years, he held prominent offices, and by his sym- pathy with the cause of Masonry and active partici- pation in every measure likely to promote the good of the institution attracted to himself the good will and esteem of the brethren.

When he came here to this county his means did not amount to $300, and by dint of industry and perseverance and good judgment he succeeded in achieving success. He was always regarded by his friends as a man of the soundest judgment and with keen foresight ; his methods of business were those which are actuated by thorough integrity and straight- forward honesty of purpose. These sterling prin- ciples won him hosts of friends, and by strict attention to business he succeeded in acquiring and leaving to his wife and children a handsome fortune.

As a man of simple and honest character, coupled with a noiseless, though active life, he is now re-

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membered by many warm friends who knew and appreciated to some extent his many virtues. As a means of perpetuating the memory of such an excel- lent citizen, we record in an imperishable manner this brief outline of his life, and to retain the likeness of his features to his friends and posterity we also give his portrait. As a companion picture we also give the portrait of the lady who so long and faith- fully walked by his side.

els Hedstrom. This gentleman is a prom- inent farmer, residing on section 36, in Walnut Grove Township, and is the pos- sessor of 560 acres of fine land. Among his fellow-townsmen he is looked upon as a man of clear judgment and excellent executive abil- ity. He was born in Helsingland, Sweden, Dec. 21, 1821. His father was Andrew Hedstrom, also a native of the same province.

There he married Catherine Snal, a native of the same vicinity, and of the union four children were the result. These were all born in Sweden. One other, however, died in that country. Subsequently · the father emigrated to the United States. This movement took place in the winter of 1847. The family on their arrival here with a colony located at Bishop Hill, where Johnson, the prophet, took up his headquarters. Here the parents lived and died The father was a zealous believer in and an earnest advocate of the faith set forth by Johnson, remain- ing a minister all his life, and being a very righteous and good man and a citizen who won for himself the good wishes of many and the blame of none. This gentleman died in the prime of life.

Our subject, while quite a boy, learned the tailor- ing trade, which was originally that of his father. When in his 24th year he came with his parents to this country. He did not long remain unmarried, for, settling on his farm for a short period, he was married on the 8th of May, 1848, in Victoria, to Miss Christina Modine. This lady, discovering for herself and believing in the faith of her husband, left her family and hearth to follow him and the re- ligion which was now dear to her. Her death took place in the city of Galesburg, this county, in Oc- tober, 1856. For some time previously she had not

lived at home. By the marriage there were three children, two now deceased. Caroline E., born Aug. 14, I$49, is the wife of Charles Linderholm, now re- siding in Dayton, Iowa.

Mr. H. was again married, Feb. 14, 1857, in Knoxville, Ill., to Miss Christine Fagar, who was a native of Helsingland, born May 18, 1828. Her par- ents died in Sweden. While yet a young woman Mrs. Hedstrom came to the United States, in 1856, and settled in the State of Illinois. By her marriage there were seven children born to the family, one of whom is dead : Andrew A., William W., Emma D., Josephine, Charles O., Mary A .; Sophia M. died Oct 29, 1872. Mr. Hedstrom was the owner of 55 acres of highly improved land in Knox Township, where he resided until 1868, and then removed to Walnut Grove Township. He has since that date improved the beautiful farm on which he now lives. Mr. Hedstrom's specialty is swine and stock raising, the breeds being of good quality

The ancestry of this gentleman were of the Swed- ish Methodist Episcopal Church, who, as we have already shown, had to endure much on their arrival in this country. Landing here almost without means, they were compelled to fight their way upward and onward, so that whatever possessions they can call their own to-day were only gotten after the severest trials had been encountered and almost insurmount- able obstacles cleared away. In politics Mr. Hed- strom is a good Republican.

H. Calkins, Secretary of the Galesburg Pressed Brick and Tile Company, is a na- tive of Castile, N. Y., where he was born Match 1, 1828, and acquired an academical education. His parents were Elisha D. and Abigail (Lockwood) Calkins, were natives of Connecticut, and trace their ancestry back to Wales and Holland respectively.

In the year IS54 James H. left his native place and removed to Ohio, whence he came to Illinois, locat- ing in Bureau County in the fall of 1856. In 1862 he came to Galesburg, in which city he tarried for four or five years, employed as clerk in a hardware establishment. He next engaged in business for himself as a leather merchant. This business he sold

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KNOX COUNTY. -

out at the end of two years, and at once purchased the hardware trade of his old employer. In this he continued about seven years, retired, and was, in 1878, elected Justice of the Peace, an office he held by election and re-election until the spring of 1885. In 1875 he served the city one term as Mayor, and in 1879, counting his connection with various orders and corporations, he was filling twenty-one official positions.

In April, 1883, the Galesburg Pressed Brick and Tile Company was organized with a capital of $50,- 000, with A. C. Calkins as President and the subject of this sketch as Secretary. (See full history of the company in this volume.) In July, 1884, the capital stock was increased to $roo,ooo. The plant is locat- ed two miles east of the Galesburg Public Square, where there is an inexhaustible supply of clay. This, in quality and quantity, is unsurpassed ir. the world. The coal used in these works is mined from beneath the clay. Their principal product, so far, is paving and fine pressed brick, and experience indicates that for street purposes there is no material superior. The capacity of the works, which will be run in full in 1886, is from ten to twelve millions per annum. This company may be rightly considered one of the stand- ard institutions of Galesburg.

ucius A. Brown is a farmer and blacksmith, residing on section 9, in Galesburg Town- ship. He is the owner of a ten-acre lot, No. 477 West Main street. This gentleman was born in Tioga County, N. Y., in 1831, and came to Illinois in 1863, locating in Galesburg. He learned his trade as blacksmith in New York State, where he successfully worked for some time before emigrating westward. He is now engaged ex- tensively in horseshoeing and general repairing.

In March, 1859, he married Miss Sarah Peck, who was born near Horseneck, Conn., the famous spot where Gen. Israel Putnam rode down the precipice on horseback. This lady was born in 1827. Accom- panied by her parents, she arrived in New York State and settled in Cayuga County in 1845. Here the subject of this sketch first became acquainted with his wife. Her parents are now deceased, but mem- bers of the family still reside in Connecticut, where

they occupy a good social standing. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Brown there has been no issue. A brother of our subject, Leveret B. Brown, lives at Little Rock, Ark., and fills the position of postal clerk between St. Louis and Little Rock.

The subject of this sketch and his wife are mem- bers of the First Congregational Church of Galesburg, where they are both held in high esteem by the con- gregation. Mr. C. is a good Republican.

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ames E. Ground. A brief summary of the more important points in the life career of the subject of this historical narrative is made in this writing as evidence of his title to the high place which he occupies among the enterprising men and successful citizens of Knox County. His farm is situated on section 6, Indian Point Township, and has everything in the way of modern conveniences calculated to make it pleasant and desirable.

Mr. Ground was born in Knox County, Nov. 26, 1858, and is the son of Henry and Eliza (Boydston) Ground, both natives of Kentucky. He was born May 20, 1804, and died March 30, 1881. On Sept. 12, 1832, he married Nancy Smith, who was born Aug. 31, 1802, and died Sept. 27, 1834. To them one child, Mary E., was born, Ang. 24, 1833. She married James W. Butler and now lives in Kansas. The marriage of Mr. Ground and Miss Eliza Boydston took place April 24, 1840. This lady was born July 3, 1817, and is still living. To them were born ten children, namely : Robert B., born April 17, 1841, wedded Dorthula Allen and lives in Nebraska ; Rhoda M., born Sept. 6, 1843, married M. W. Allen ; Sarah M., born Aug. 24, 1845, died Nov. 22, 1856; Malinda A., wife of J. N. Harshbarger, was born Sept. 3, 1847 ; William H., who married Catherine Lewis, was born Sept. 11, 1849, and now lives in Nebraska ; Drusilla J. was born Feb. 17, 1852, married John Jones and lives in Knox County ; John H. and Mar- tha L. (twins) were born Aug. 2, 1854; the former married Hannah Nelson and resides in Nebraska ; the latter married Mr. W. S. Allen and resides in Warren County; an infant child died in February, 1857 ; James E. married Miss Minnie A. Cowper

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 87

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