Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 93

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 93

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His father, William Simpson, was born in Indiana County, Pa., on the 17th day of November, 1807. His grandfather, Andrew Simpson, was a native of the same State. The father of the gentleman here to be spoken of was brought up on the elder parent's farm in his native place. In 1832, on the 29th of November, he married Miss Susan Gallagher, who was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., on the 28th of September, 1812. At the date of his marriage he became a resident on his father's farm, and had given into his care the fulling and saw mills then at work on the premises. Here he lived but a few years, when he resolved on moving to Westmoreland County, where he purchased a farm in Derry Town- ship; there he remained, engaging in agricultural pursuits up to the year 1856, when he sold that farm and took up his abode in Blairsville, Indiana County, for one year. His desire to travel at this period resulted in his visiting Minnesota, Iowa, Wis- consin and Illinois. The outcome of this tour caused him to determine in the spring of 1857 on settling with his family in Elmwood, Peoria County, Ill. Here he purchased a grist-mill, which he successfully operat- ed until 1861, and in 1862 removed to Peoria, where he lived until 1867. Then moving to Knoxville, in company with his son he purchased a flour-mill one mile south of the town and in the same year removed

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the old building, only, however, to rebuild and en- large it, continuing to operate the mill, in company with his son, until his decease, on the 3d day of September, 1873. The widow of this gentleman re- sided with her son, the subject of this biography, until her death, which occurred March 5, 1886.

The boy was 14 years of age when he first came to Illinois with his parents. He was educated in the pub- lic school and spent one term in Blairsville Academy, and two years at a higher school in Elmwood. While not devoting himself to educational pursuits, he was found ever ready to assist his father at the mill, and devoted much time to the former's business. In this way he acquired a thorough knowledge of the trade. Removing later to Knoxville with his parents, he, for the first time, and in partnership with his father, opened a flouring-mill, and became for the time sole manager of the business.

Our subject was married to Mary McGowan on the 24th of October, 1872. She was a native of Knox Township, and daughter of William and Margary (McPherrin) McGowan, residents of that township. To this marriage were born three children-William I., Edith M. and Harry O. Mr. Simpson and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church. There is no good or useful work instituted with a view to promote general morality. and enhance the value of good will among their fellows, but this lady and gentleman are found associated with it.

Mr. Simpson has been Mayor of the city and member of the School Board, the decisions of the latter being often guided by his wise counsel. For a second time he has been chosen Supervisor. He has already in life accomplished great good and is closely identified with the history of Knox County.

400 ugene James Sullivan, conductor on the C., B. & Q. R. R., is a native of the State of New York. He was born at Troy, March 17, 1857, and is the son of Orin and Mary (Minaham) Sullivan, both natives of Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland. In 1858, the family came West and settled at Galesburg, where their five sons and two daughters grew to man and womanhood.

Mr. Sullivan of this sketch was the third child

and second son of his parents' family, spending his boyhood at Galesburg. At the age of 11 years he began work in the shops of the C., B. & Q. R. R. He worked alternately in the shops and in a store for a few years, and at the age of 20 began as brakeman on a train. In this occupation he developed rapid- ly and in a few years was given charge of a train as conductor, a position he has fully and eminently filled. He is a young man of clever attainments, is broad and liberal in his views, public-spirited and progressive, and we predict for him a successful career in life. He has a fine physique and a rugged constitution, qualities which eminently fit him for his chosen vocation.

W. Miller, general farmer and shoemaker, residing on section 13, in Walnut Grove Township, was born on Long Island, Sept. 12, 1830. His father, Vincent Miller, is now living in Guthrie County, Iowa, and has at- tained to his Both year. He was united in marriage with Alma Smith, who was also a native of Long Island and died there while her son, our sub- ject, was yet a small boy. His early education had scarcely time to develop his mind, when he set out for himself in the battle of life. After arriving in the West, where his father came in 1836, he proceeded to Henderson, his father settling in Cambridge, Henry County. Mr. Miller was apprenticed to and learned the boot and shoe trade, his employer being Henry Dean, of Henderson. He worked for Mr. Dean for many years, and while yet at his trade, Jan. 16, 185t, was married to Miss Rebecca Edwards, a native of Wayne County, New York State, who was born Feb. 8, 1835. She was only six years old when her parents came to Illinois and when they settled in Henderson. Her people were among the oldest set- tlers, and by their honesty and industry won for themselves the admiration and esteem of the com- munity. Mrs. M. is the oldest of a family of 13 chil- dren, eight of whom are yet living-three sons and five daughters. This good lady is the mother of four children, of whom one is deceased : Marcus E. is married to Jennie Petitt and now resides in Topeka, Kan., where he represents a large wholesale grocery house ; they have one child, Theresa; Fannie is the wife of Augustus Richards and lives in St. Paul, Neb .;

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he is a large and successful land-owner ; Hannah M. resides at home; and Martin, deceased.

After his marriage, in 1856, Mr. Miller arrived in Walnut Grove Township and lived in Altona for some years, where he followed his trade and sold boots and shoes. In the spring of 1867 he first pur- chased 80 acres of land, on which he now lives and which has been improved to a large extent. This gentleman has held many minor offices of his town- ship, in each of which he has acquitted himself cred- itably. He is a solid Republican in politics.

ohn W. Andrews is a prominent and suc- cessful farmer and stock-dealer, residing on section 16, Walnut Grove Township, which he is now representing for the fifth term as its Supervisor. He came with his parents to the United States in 1855, his birthplace being Ayrshire, Scotland, and the date Oct. 3. 1845. His father, Hugh Andrews, was a farmer and of direct Scottish ancestry, as was his mother, whose name was Margaret Wilson. On arriving in America, the parents and family, including two sons and two daugliters, located for two years in Copley Township, the father afterward purchasing 500 acres of land, 320 of which adjoined 180 in Ontario Township. It was all improved and became their permanent home, and there the father died in August, 1878; the mother still survives and is residing in Altona. Mary, deceased, was born soon after they came to this country, and the four remaining children all live in this county.

John W. lived at home with his parents till his marriage in Altona, Dec. 25, 1877, to Miss Elizabeth Scott, a native of Copley Township, who was reared and educated in Knox County, being of Scotch de- scent. Her father was a native of Scotland, and her mother of the United States, and they are now farming in Polk County, Neb. They are Alexander and Mary (McCormick) Scott. After his marriage, John W. and his brother Thomas bought the home- stead, each taking one half or 250 acres, in addition to which John W. owns 73 acres, partially within the village limits, where he has a beautiful home and successfully conducts his business. He engaged in stock buying and selling, in Altona, about 1871 or

1872, and although yet a young man is one of the best business men of the county.

Although diligently attentive to his calling, he does not lose sight of his obligations and duties as a citi- zen, and takes an earnest interest in political and public affairs, being strongly attached to the institu- tions and devoted to the welfare of his adopted country. The obligations of religion find in him a consistent supporter, he and his good wife being active members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a Trustee. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the present Treasurer of his lodge, and has held most of its offices. In political affiliation and senti- ment he is a stanch Republican, maintaining all his views with that sobriety and toleration which become the citizens of a free republic. With an untar- nished reputation for integrity, walking the narrow path of rectitude, enterprising, kind and obliging, blessed ·in every way and trusted by all, he may justly be regarded as a citizen worthy to fill any position to which he may be called.

amuel W. Grubb, Secretary and Treasurer of the Galesburg Printing and Publishing Company, Galesburg, Ill., was born in Washington, D. C., Aug. 19, 1832, where his father was for many years in the employment of the Government The schools of the cap- ital city afforded him ample opportunity for learning, and in response to his natural inclination he at an early day entered a printing office in Washington, and there learned the trade which has since, more or less, influenced his career. From Washington he went to Atlanta, Ga., and was there engaged in the printing business about 15 years, covering the period of the entire Rebellion, from participating in which he was exempt by reason of his occupation.

From Georgia Mr. Grubb came to Galesburg, in 1872, having purchased from Mr. Clark E. Carr the Galesburg Republican, which he edited and published for something over a year (see Republican- Register, this volume). Mr. Grubb has occupied his present position since the organization of the Galesburg Printing and Publishing Company. He is one of the Directors of the Homestead and Loan Associa- tion of Galesburg, and a Director and a member of

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· the Board of Managers of the Covenant Mutual Benefit Association (see account of the C. M. B. A. in this volume). He is a member of the Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F., in which order he held the position of Grand Scribe for the State of Georgia for several years. His identity with the Grand Lodge of Illinois is co-existent with his residence here, and for several years of the time he has been Chairman of the Printing Committee of that body.

During his residence in Atlanta, in 1867, Mr. Grubb was married to Miss Jane A. Wright, a native of Alabama. Their only living son, James W., is at this writing (January, 1886,) a student of Knox Col- lege. The family belong to the Episcopal Church, and Mr. Grubb's politics are in harmony with those of the Republican party.

ohn S. Collinson. He whose short bio- graphical sketch we here place before the reader chose in early manhood farming as his vocation, which he has followed with ener- gy and perseverance. He is at this writing engaged in farming and stock-raising on sec- tion 29, Lynn Township, and doing well in that pur- suit. Mr. Collinson was born in Luzerne County, Pa., Jan. 28, 1850. He came with his parents to this State when about four years of age. Here he lived with his parents, assisting his father on the farm and attending the common schools and developing into manhood.

Mr. Collinson was married in Lynn Township, at the residence of his bride's parents, Jan. 1, 1873, to Miss Mary, daughter of Thomas Craver, who at this writing resides at Altona, retired from the active labors of farm life. Miss Craver was the eldest of her father's family of 11 children, four sons and seven daughters, two of whom are deceased. She was born in Carbondale, Luzerne Co., Pa., Oct. 13, 1852, and was also four years of age when she came to this State with her parents, and settled with them in Lynn Township. There she lived until her mar- riage with Mr. Collinson, in the meanwhile assisting her mother in the household labors.

Mrs. Collinson has borne her husband five children, who are named Nora A., Dennis A., Katie R., Willie A. and Judge T., who is deceased. Mr. Collinson is

at present the proprietor of 210 acres of good land, the major portion of which is under an advanced state of cultivation. He is a promising young farm- er, with a bright future before him, and has a suffi- cient amount of energy to accomplish his aim. He is devoting considerable of his attention, while rais- ing the cereals, to stock, and in this branch is meet- ing with no small success. Mr. Collinson is one of the present Road Commissioners of his township, and in politics is a National Greenbacker.

W. Sheldon, M. D. Knoxville boasts many excellent men as residents, and prominent among them stands the subject of this bio- graphical notice, who has arduously and un- tiringly prosecuted the practice of his profes- sion in this city since 1881. He has been eminently successful and has gained a wide patron- age and hosts of friends by his unremitting attention to business and his genuine knowledge of his pro- fession.

Dr. Sheldon was born in the State of Mississippi, Jan. 1, 1826, and is the son of Samuel and Tryphena (Hatch) Sheldon, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Vermont. His parents were mar- ried in the State of Ohio, and immediately removed to Mississippi. By profession the father was a min- ister of the Gospel, and after a life devoted to the winning of souls to Christ, he departed this life in Mississippi, in 1831, leaving a wife and son, the only child, to mourn his loss. After the father's death the widow removed to Ohio, taking with her L. W., but she was not long spared to him, for in two weeks he was motherless. She died at the home of her parents, who tenderly cared for and trained the orphan grandchild, who, during his boyhood, assisted his grandfather on the farm.

He attended school every winter, and, beirg naturally industrious and intelligent, soon acquired a good education, so good that at the age of 17 he began the life of a pedagogue. He developed the worthy ambition to do and to be something, and de- voted every spare moment to the study of medicine, spending the remainder of the time-that is, the win- ter -- in teaching. This supplied him with the means to prosecute his studies with Dr. E. Wheaton, of

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Homer, afterward entering the office of J. L. Yeo- man, M. D., of Hartford, Licking Co., Ohio.

In 1849 he attended medical lectures at Starling College, Columbus, from which institution he gradu- ated in the spring of 1850, and commenced practice, with that success which has been previously cited. Here he continued only a short time and then re- moved to Newcomerstown, Tuscarawas County. From here he went to Champaign, Ohio, and thence, in 1852, returned to Licking County and settled in Appleton. Here he continued until 1864, when he came to Knox County, Ill., and located in Persifer Township, buying 100 acres of splendid land, highly improved and cultivated. With the assistance of such help as he was able to obtain, he managed his farm until 1881, when he rented it and moved to Knoxville, here continuing his practice.

On the 28th of March, 1848, he entered into a connubial alliance with Nancy Corbin, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, April 23, 1830, and was the daughter of Richard and Barbara (Beaver) Corbin, natives of Virginia. The union of Dr. and Mrs. Sheldon has been blessed by the birth of five chil- dren, of whom but one survives-Alzina M., wife of John L. Overturf, who resides in Nemaha Co., Neb. The Doctor's home is among the most pleasant and congenial ones anywhere in the county, being a di- rect example of what refinement of taste and culti- vation of intellect can achieve, and is a resort for those who can understand and appreciate the qual- ities incident to these characteristics. The Doctor has an eye to politics, both local and public, and is a Democrat in voice and vote.

rank S. Bartlett, Division Storekeeper of the C., B. & Q. R. R. Co., at Galesburg, was born in Rio Township, Knox County, Ill., Dec. 4, 1855. His parents were Erasmus Almon and Helen Jane (Sears) Bartlett, na- tives of the Empire State, and pioneers of Knox County. The father was born in Genesee, and the mother in Cortland County, that State. John D. Bartlett, grandfather of our subject, settled in Knox County with his family as early as 1844.

Frank S. Bartlett, of this sketch, is the eldest of a family of four sons and two daughters. He obtained

a good education in the public schools of his neigh- borhood, and attended Knox College in a commercial course of study. At the age of 18 years he accepted a position with the C., B. & Q. R. R. Co., as ship- ping clerk, in connection with the office which he now holds. After a service of five years he received honorable promotion to chief clerkship. This posi- tion he filled acceptably until Jan. 1, 1881, when he was appointed to the honorable position with the company which he at present so ably fills. He was happily married to Sarah A., daughter of William L. Fleherty, deceased. Their union was blest with two sons and one daughter, named Alice, John D. and William A. The family attend worship at the Universalist Church. Mr. Bartlett is a worthy mem- ber of the College City Lodge, No. 214, A. O. U. W., of which organization he is the Financier.

apt. G. G. Stearns. Eminently worthy a degree of notice as a prominent farmer, and a resident of Knox Township, is the subject of this historical narration, whose ca- reer has plainly shown that he possesses "a heart to resolve, a head to construct and a hand to execute." He has been extremely prosper- ous in his particular line of labor, and has made himself well known by his energetic and untiring perseverance.

The gentleman of whom we write was born in Conway, Mass., Feb. 9, 1836. His father, George Stearns, was also a native of Conway, and his grand- father, also named George Stearns, was a native of the same town, so that he claims far back a long line of New England ancestry. The great-grandfather of Capt. Stearns is recorded in the early history of Conway, as being one of the first settlers of the town, and conspicuous as one of the important factors in its growth and enterprise. The father of our sub- ject still lives in his native town, where he has al- ways pursued the occupation of farming. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Fannie Arms, was the daughter of Henry and Expe- rience (Gates) Arms. She died Dec. 15, 1884. To them there were nine children born, seven of whom grew to man and womanhood, and six of whom are still living.

Gardner G. was the eldest son, and grew to man

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hood in the town of his nativity. He was reared on a farm, upon which he worked, receiving his educa- tion in the common schools, and where he continued with his parents until the spring of 1857, when, on the 5th day of March of that year, he set his face toward the setting sun with the intention of founding a home in the Great West. He landed in Iroquois County, Ill., where he spent one year. There he bought land, on which he made some improvements, and at the end of the year went to Knox County and rented a farm. On this he continued until 1861, and on the 23d day of April of that year, inspired with the spirit of the time which called men to active duty for the protection of the country, he enlisted in Co. D, Ist Ill. Cav., and was mustered in as First Sergeant. He served in that regiment until March, 1862, when he was discharged on account of a wound received in the battle of Lexington. He re-enlisted Aug. 1, 1862, in Co. A, 77th Ill. Vol. Inf., being mus- tered in as First Lieutenant, and in April was pro- moted to Captain. He figured in a number of impor- tant battles, leading his men with undaunted and manly courage, and prominent among them were Chickasaw Bluff, Dec. 2, 1862; Arkansas Post, Mag- nolia Hills, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge and Vicksburg, May 18 and 22, 1863. In the siege of Vicksburg and Jackson, Miss., he was one of the actors and was captured at Mansfield, La., April 8, 1864, with his entire company. They were confined at Tyler, Tex., until Oct. 10, 1864, when he was exchanged and joined the regiment at New Orleans, and was in the battles of the siege and capture of Spanish Fort, Ala., and Fort Blakely and Whistler Station, of that State. He was mustered out of active service with his regiment at Mobile, July 10, 1865, and returned to Knoxville, where he resumed farming. In 1868 he bought the farm upon which he now resides.

On his present homestead he has erected a good set of frame buildings. His farm comprises 240 acres, all cultivated and improved. He has also engaged in the breeding of blooded stock, among which he includes. Leicestershire and Cotswold sheep and Short-horn cattle. He has been very successful in this branch of business, and prosperity has crowned his efforts.

He was united in marriage Oct. 2, 1865, to Lucy Runkle, daughter of Eldert and Nancy (Bowen).

Runkle, natives of New York and pioneers of Knox- ville. The result of this union was five children, by name George E., Arthur D., Fred R., Fannie G. and Mary E. He is active in all public af- fairs, and takes considerable interest in educational matters; has been School Director for many years, and is a member of Knoxville Lodge, No. 66, A. F. & A. M., and Rabboni Chapter, No. 35. He is also a member of Grafton Post, No. 139, G. A. R., and is in politics one of the most fiery Republicans the county boasts. He has been Supervisor, and is al- ways ready and willing to uphold and support any good work, whether religious, political or otherwise.

B illings Moulton, Alderman of the Sixth Ward of Galesburg, stands prominent among that class of men who in the early times of this city took a stand, deter- mined to use their best efforts in the building up of its social, industrial and intellectual greatness, and they have received their reward. Mr. Moulton was born in the town of Stafford, Conn., Nov. 19, 1824. His parents were William and Fla- via (Van Hone) Moulton, the former being of an old and worthy line of ancestry of that State and the latter of the Bay State.

The subject of our sketch digressed from the usual line of business of his ancestors (who were merchants and farmers) and learned a trade. His parents hav- ing removed to Springfield, Mass., he completed his apprenticeship there at the carpenter's bench, and worked at it in that city for some time. Here he met and married Miss Harriet C. Smith, a lady of most estimable attainments, and who in later years proved a most fitting helpmeet for him in his life in the West. In 1854 the young couple came West and located at Galesburg, where Mr. Moulton accepted a position with the C., B. & Q. R. R. Co. Here he has since been very reputably identified, serving worthily as foreman of the pattern shops of the C., B. & Q. R. R. Co. for the past 25 years.

Mr. and Mrs. Moulton have reared four sons, all of whom have grown to manhood and are holding worthy positions in their different vocations. Ar- thur is a representative real estate and insurance man of Galesburg; Frank I., manager of the Mer- cantile and Protective Agency, of Chicago ; Eugene

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W. is engaged in farming and stock-raising in York, Neb. ; Earnest S. is ticket agent of the C., B. & Q. R. R. Co., at Galesburg. Both himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church, in which he has served as an active official. They are worthy mem- bers of society, and have the pleasure of seeing their fondest hopes of the "long ago" fully realized. Times which in their early experiences here were ominous of ill-fortune have changed to all they an- ticipated, and their family is well reared and edu- cated.

E. Fowler, traveling agent of the Gales burg Division C., B. & Q. R. R., residing at" Galesburg, is a native of Massachusetts and conies of a long line of ancestry in that State. He was born in Salem, Oct. 3, 1834, and is the son of George and Sarah (Moore) Fowler. His father was a contractor of slate-roofing in Salem, owned large quarries in Vermont, and at the time of his demise was succeeded in his business by his son, George P., who still conducts it. On both sides of his parentage Mr. Fowler finds that they were believers in and supporters of the cause of the Colonies in the Revolution.

Mr. Fowler is the fourth child and third son of a family of four sons and two daughters, all of whom sur- vive, except Samuel ; he gave up his life in that foul- est of foul rebel prisons, Andersonville, during the late war. Phillip H. is General Superintendent of the Gingham Manufacturing Works of Philadelphia, but resides at New Jersey, where the works are lo- cated. Sarah A. is the wife of Prof. L. D. S. Corea, a gentleman of Fayal, Azore Islands. Helen M. is the wife of H. T. Chalk, a manufacturer, of Salem, Mass. The subject of this notice spent his boyhood in Salem. At the age of 14 he became apprenticed to the printer's trade in the office of the Salem Observer, and afterward at the Harvard University Press, where he completed his apprenticeship at the age of 2 1 years. He then came to Chicago and worked on the Democratic Press. In 1857, he located at Macomb, and, in partnership with the late Hon. B. R. Hamp- ton, published the Macomb Enterprise, now the Ma- comb Journal, and strongly advocated the measures adopted by the Republican party. In January, 1862, he shouldered a musket as a private in Co. B, 16th

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 93

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