Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 36

Author: Chapman brothers, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 1222

USA > Illinois > McLean County > Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 36

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an extensive business, and has been largely identi- fied with the growth and prosperity of the city.

The marriage of Judge MeClun and Miss Han- nah Harkness took place on the 31st of January, 1839. The wife of our subject is a native of Ohio, and the daughter of Samuel and Esther (Evans) Harkness, of Rhode Island. Of this marriage there were born eleven children, six of whom died in in- fancy ; the others are Elisha H., a real-estate agent of Englewood, Ill .; Isaac B., who died at the age of thirty-one years; Edward is connected with the Board of Public Works of Chicago; Robert, who is a miller, and lives in Chicago; Esther E., Mrs. Martin, who lives in Bloomington. The Judge and his amiable and excellent lady are prominent mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he having `been connected with this denomination for sixty years. They occupy a handsome residence at No. 405 West Jefferson strect, and enjoy the society and friendship of the most cultivated people in the city.

Judge McClun has been one of the moving spir- its in developing the resources of this section, and to him the city of Bloomington is greatly indebted for her standing and position among other promi- nent cities of the Prairie State. The wife of our subject is noted for her refinement and kindness of heart, and the entire family are widely and favora- bły known for their high character and personal worth. In politics Judge McCluu is a Prohibition- ist, and is praying for the extermination of the liq- uor traffic.

R. WILLIAM McKNIGIIT, one of the honored pioneers of Illinois, has been a practicing physician of the State for many ycars and a resident of Normal since March, 1883. He has been a close student, an ex- tensive reader, and has enjoyed a large and lucra- tive practive in other portions of the State. Herc, the longer he is known the more he is respected as a skilled and reliable practitioner, and as a citizen is one of the most valued members of the commu- nity. Dr. McKnight was born in Allegheny County, Pa., May 20, 1823, his parents being Jacob and Isa- bella (McNeil) Mcknight, also natives of the Key-

stone State. In about 1826 the family removed to Guernsey County, Ohio, where they settled upon a farm and where the father died at the age of sixty-eight years; the mother survived until she was seventy-six years old, and then passed peace- fully from earth, dying upon the homestead which they had established in Ohio. The parental family embraced six children, one of whom died in child- hood and one son at the age of sixteen. A daughter, Julia Ann, became the wife of James Atchison, of Muskingum County, Ohio, and died in her prime, leaving a family of little children. The three liv- ing are: Neil, a farmer residing on the homestead in Guernsey County, Ohio; Margaret, who lives with him, and the subject of our sketch, the latter being the eldest of the family.

When the parents of Dr. McKnight removed to Ohio he was but a child three years of age. His youth and boyhood were passed upon the farm and in attendance at the district and a select school. At the age of twenty years he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Stephen B. Clark, of Cambridge, Ohio, who continued his preceptor for three years following. He then took a course of lectures at Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, and engaged in the practice of his chosen profession in Muskingum County, Ohio. In the fall of 1848 he came westward to Illinois, and located in Gran- ville, Putnam County, where he practiced until 1861. Ile then entered upon a course of study at Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he graduated the following year and resumed his prac- tice in Granville. In 1868 he removed to Clay- ton, Adams County, returned to Granville three years later, where he built up an extensive and lu- crative practice, and later came to Normal for the better education of his children.

Dr. Mcknight was first married in 1847, to Miss Elizabeth IIenderson, of Muskingum County, Ohio, who became the mother of five children, viz., Ilerman L., now a banker in Battle River, D. T .; Hannah, a resident of Normal; Jennie, the wife of George M. Adams, of Bloomington, and Emma and George, residing at home. Mrs. Elizabeth Mc- Knight departed this life at Clayton, Ill., in 1870. The second marriage of Dr. Mcknight occurred Dec. 20, 1871, his present wife having been Miss

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Amanda Moore, who was born iu Putnam County, this State, and is the daughter of Sheperd and Mar- garet Moore. Of this union there were born two sons-William and Joseph. Their residence is pleasantly located and they count among their friends and associates the cultured people of the little city of Normal. Politically Dr. McKnight inclines to the principles of the Republicau party, but confesses that his practice engages too much of his attention to enable him to give any portion of his time in assisting the politicians.

OHN P. MCLEAN, junior partner of the firm of Steere & McLean, is assisting to conduct a prosperous boot and shoe trade, and ranks among the enterprising and representative business men of Bloomington. The house 'is lo- cated at No. 117 North Main street, and they en- joy the patronage of the best citizens of Blooming- ton and vicinity. Mr. McLean is the oldest retail boot and shoe dealer in the city. He was born in Wellsville, Columbiana Co., Ohio, in 1845, and is the son of John and Rachel (Wiley) McLean, na- tives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio, The father of our subject removed to the Buckeye State when a young man. While yet a boy he commenced running on the Mississippi River, cn- gaged in flat-boating and trading in the Southern States, and followed the rivers for fifteen years. At different times he was Captain of five steam- boats-the " Germantown," "New Lisbon," "North Queen," " Hibernian " and the " Kentucky." Ile was on the Illinois River for a period of five years, and ran from Pittsburgh to New Orleans, and also from La Salle to St. Louis. He finally aban- doned the river in 1855, and coming to Illinois, set- tled in Normal Township, this county, and en- gaged in farming and stock-raising. He is still living, as also are the five children of the parental household; the latter are all residents of Blooming- ton. Rebecca A., Mrs. Rugg, is the mother of five children-Anna, Josephine B., Grace, Orra and John; Cynthia T., Mrs. Temple, has one child, a son-Dwight; Josephine, Mrs. Moore, is the mother

of two children-Annie and William; the two youngest were John P. and Emma B. The father of our subjeet was Supervisor and Road Cominis- sioner of Normal Township, is Republican in poli- tics, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. Botlı parents are connected with the Presbyterian Church.

The subject of this history remained at home until 1865, and while in Ohio pursued his studies at the Wellsville Union School. After coming to Illinois with his parents he attended the Normal University and the Commercial and Western Col- leges. His first experience in the boot and shoe line commenced as clerk with O. Rugg, with whom he remained for a period of eighteen years, being head man and book-keeper during the last two years. He then engaged with W. J. Brownell & Co., and remained with that firm over five years. On the 22d of February, 1862, Mr. McLean, in ' company with Mr. Steere, established the present business, which they have continued to this time (1887) with marked success. They employ from four to six men and carry the heaviest stock of any firm of the kind in the city.

Our subject was married, in 1869, to Miss Clara D., the daughter of E. B. and Frances (Dean) Steere, natives of New York, and of this union there was born one son-Arthur D., now a clerk in his father's store. The family residence is located at No. 306 East Locust street, and the home of our subject is in all respects indicative of culture, taste and ample means. He has become considerably interested in the purchase and sale of city property, and in all respects ranks among the enterprising business men of McLean County. He is Repub- lican in politics, and a member in good standing of the A. F. & A. M., Blue Lodge Chapter and De- Molay Commandery No. 24, K. T.

E DWIN W. BAKEWELL, a highly respected resident of Normal, where he is engaged in the pursuit of agriculture, was born in Wellsburg, Va., on the 20th of July, 1812. Ifis parents, Samuel R. and Ann Maria (Bean) Bake- · well, were natives of England, and were united in

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marriage previous to their emigration to the United States. The father was an inventor and manufact- urer, and educated to mereantile pursuits. Among other useful and desirable inventions which he has produced was that of a press for making briek out of dry elay. After a busy and prosperous life he died in his native England, while from home on a busi- ness trip, at about the age of sixty-six years; the mother survived him a number of years, and died at the age of seventy-seven years. The parental family ineluded six children, all of whom attained their majority, and three are yet living : Salina, the wife of Rev. Alexander Campbell, of the Camp- bellite Church, and now a resident of Alabama; Edwin W., our subjeet, and Theron H., of Mounds- ville, W. Va.

Mr. Bakewell of this sketeh received a common- school education, and served an apprenticeship at the printer's trade. He afterward followed farm- ing and hotel-keeping in his native State. In 1845 he emigrated to Illinois and settled in Normal, where he purchased 360 aeres of land and engaged in farming. When the State Normal University was located at that place he donated forty acres of land to be used for the purpose of teaching agricultural chemistry, but as the land was never used for the purpose, it was in consequence forfeited.

Mr. Bakewell followed farming for a number of years sueeessfully, and then retired upon a eompe- teney. He ranks among the early pioneers of the Prairie State, and has watelied its development and growth with interest and satisfaction. Although' his life has been a quiet and unostentatious one, he has performed the obligations of a law-abiding eiti- zen, and has exerted a a good influenee upon those with whom he has come in contaet. In early life, politieally, he was a Whig, but is now independent, voting for the best man irrespective of party. He has never been an aspirant for office, and has oeeu- pied his time principally in attending to his busi- ness affairs. Religiously he has been connected with the Christian Church since seventeen years of age.

Mr. Bakewell was married on the 17th of March, 1833, to Miss Julia Ann Parshall, who was born in the State of New York. Of this union there were born six children, as follows: Campbell N.

resides in Farmington, Ill .; Irvin II. is at home; Melvin was killed by a railroad train, at the age of thirty-eight years; Salina II. is the wife of Will S. Erett, and resides at Ash Grove, Mo., her husband being President of the college at that place; Lutie M., the wife of James M. Dawson, resides at Lex- ington, Ill., and one daughter died when two years of age.

HOMAS H. EWINS, Supervisor of Hudson Township, is a native of this eounty, and was born in Danvers Township, Oet. 2, 1837. His father, James P. Ewins, was born in the Old Granite State, where he grew to manhood and learned the trade of a shoemaker. He was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Stiekney, also of New Hamp- shire, and they soon afterward started for the West, loeating first in Cook County, Ill., whence they afterward removed to this county, settling in Danvers Township in 1836, and engaging in agri- eultural pursuits. There the father died in 1849, and the mother a few months later, in the same year. Of their nine children, eight grew to mature years, and five are still living. John A. is a resi- dent of Danvers Township; Mary P., the widow of James A. Allison, of Eureka, Ill .; Eliza, the wife of Samuel Ramsay; Aliee, Mrs. William Harbord, lives in California, and Thomas H.

The subject of this history was reared in Dan- vers Township, and educated in the distriet schools. After the death of his parents he lived with his brother John on the old homestead, where he worked at farming a part of the time and after- ward became elerk in a store. At the breaking out of the late war he enlisted as a Union soldier in Co. C, 20th Ill. Vol. Inf., and with his eomrades first met the enemy at the battle of Frederieks- town, Mo. He was next at Ft. Henry, and after- ward at Donelson, where he received a gunshot wound in the left wrist, which disabled him for further service, and he was consequently honorably discharged, in July, 1862.

After returning from the army, Mr. Ewins pur- sued his studies for one term in Wesleyan Univer- sity, and then engaged in elerking at Danvers. 'In 1866 he purchased eighty aeres of land in IHudson

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'Township, whieli he occupied until 1881, and fol- lowed agricultural pursuits. He then sold out, and removing to tlie village of Hudson, engaged in general merchandising until 1886. He is Repub- liean in polities, Ile served two terms as Collector in Danvers Township, and is now serving his see- ond term as Supervisor in Hudson. The only so- ciety with which he has ever connected himself is the G. A. R.

Mr. Ewins was married in Danvers Township, Nov. 1, 1866, to Miss Emeline Wallace, who was a native of Mereer Conuty, Pa., and in early child- hood came to Illinois with her parents. They were Hugh and Catharine (Lotzenhauzer) Wallace. Of this union there have been born three children, of whom one died in infaney, and two, Edwin S. and Katie A., are at home.

L. MOORE, one of the enterprising busi- ness men of Bloomington, is extensively engaged in the manufacture of harness and saddles, of which he keeps constantly on hand a full line, with collars, robes, whips, nets, trunks, ete. Mr. Moore is a native of Menard Connty, Ill., and was born Feb. 6, 1829. He is the son of John N. and Phoebe (Scott) Moore, na- tives of Virginia and Keutueky, respectively, who, after their marriage, located in Menard County, Ill., in 1821. This was a part of Sangamon County at that time, and John Moore entered land and also purchased a farm, becoming finally the possessor of 440 aeres. He and his wife shared in common with the other pioneers the hardships and difficulties in- eident to a new settlement. Their family included ten children. The mothers of that day spun and wove thie eloth which they made into garments for their families, Mrs. Moore doing the same, and be- ing one of the most busy as well as one of the most excellent of housewives and mothers. Both par- ents were members of the Presbyterian Church, of which John Moore was an Elder, and to the sup- port of which he contributed liberally and cheer- fully of his means. He was Justiee of the Peaee in his township for many years, and joined in wed- loek seores of couples who came many miles to

have him say the few words that would complete their happiness. Ile was universally loved and re- speeted by all, and after the record of a worthy and useful life folded his hands for his final rest in 1848. The mother survived until 1870, departing this life at her home in Menard County, Ill., where they first settled, at the age of seventy.

The subject of this sketch was the fifth ehild of the family and remained under the parental roof ,until eighteen years old, receiving a common- school education. He then left home and went to Jacksonville, Ill., and apprentieed himself to learn harness-making. In 1857 he hired a horse and rode to Bloomington, a distance of sixty miles, where he rented a shop on the southwest side of the square and proceeded to engage in business for himself. He operated alone for the following two years, and then took in Mr. P. Whitmer as partner. After two years Mr. Moore purchased the interest of Mr. W., they having in the meantime moved to the corner where the People's Bank now stands.

Here Mr. Moore remained until 1858, being prospered in his business and giving employment to from four to six men. He then removed to North Main street, and four years later, during the progress of the late war, sold out and enlisted as a Union soldier in Co. K, 94th Ill. Vol. Iuf. He was appointed Regimental Quartermaster, which posi- tion he held until the elose of the war. He partiei- pated in the battle at Prairie Grove, Ark., and the siege of Vicksburg, when his regiment was sent to the Rio Grande to take charge of the forts along the river. With his comrades he was then sent to Ft. Morgan, of which they took possession, and afterward to Spanish Fort. At the close of the war Mr. Moore returned to Bloomington and pur- chased baek his old business from the man to whom he had sold, and has continued it sueeessfully sinee that time. In 1870 he removed to his present lo- cation, and his business has increased so that he now employs from six to ten men, his transactions being the largest of any house of its kind in the city. Ile is a straightforward business man and forms one of the important factors in the indus- trial elements of the city.

Mr. Moore was married, in 1852, to Miss .Joanna Beaty, a native of Champaign. County, Ohio, and

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the daughter of John Beaty. Of this union there have been born seven children, four of whom are still living-Laura, James, John and Ruth. The family residence is located on West Washington street at No. 508, and its inmates are surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. Mr. and Mrs. M. are members of the Presby- terian Church, of which our subjeet is an Elder. Socially Mr. Moore belongs to the G. A. R., and uniformly casts his vote with the Republican party.

P W. BENTLEY, gunsmith and dealer in sporting goods at No. 206 West Front street, Bloomington, is a native of Kcn- tueky, born in 1831. Young Bentley, dur- ing his earlier years, worked on the farm in sum- mer and attended schools through the winters until nineteen years of age. He then learned the carpen- ter trade, which he followed from 1849 to 1854, in the meantime also being engaged as a contractor and builder. He came to MeLcan County in 1855, set- tling first in the village of Heyworth, and thence, in 1864, removed to Bloomington, soon afterward engaging in his present business. He subsequently purchased a lot, 'put up a substantial brick build- ing, and employs two men.

Mr. Bentley was married in 1853 to Miss Mary J. Hooton, a native of Clark County, Ky., and the daughter of Nicholas Hooton, who now makes his home with our subject. The residence of .Mr. Bentley aud his family is pleasantly situated at No. 519 West Jackson street, and they enjoy the confi- denee and respeet of the community in a marked degree. Mr. B. is independent in politics, and so- cially belongs to the Masonic fraternity and Knights of Pythias.

AMES T. GILDERSLEEVE, one of the peaceable and unostentatious citizens of IIudson Township, occupies a comfortable homestead on seetion 26, owned by his father, where he is carrying on agricultural opera- tions with fair success. Our subjcet is the son of

Charles T. and Mary A. Gildersleeve, and was born in Hudson Township on the 10th of March, 1861. He was partially educated in the common schools, pursued his studies at the Illinois State Normal University five terms, and completed his school days by an attendance of two years at the Univer- sity of Wooster, Ohio. After his return to Hud- son Township our subject was married, on the 8th of December, 1883, to Miss Nettie A., the daughter of J. J. and Elsie M. Ham. Mrs. G. was also a native of IIudson Township, born on the 26th of March, 1865, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of one daughter, Elsie, born Oct. 15, 1885.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. G. settled upon the farm where they now reside and whieli belongs to the father of our subject, the latter hav- ing full charge. It comprises 320 acres of finely cultivated land and yields a handsome income for the tilling of the soil. Mr. Gilderslecve is 'in all respects a praiseworthy citizen, and although young in years bids fair to become a prominent man in his community. In politics he is strongly Demo- cratic, and in religion a firm adherent to the Baptist faith.

C HARLES E. COX, of the firm. of Hasen- winkle & Cox, of Hudson, owns and oper- ates the Hudson Elevators, which are a great convenience to the citizens of this locality, and yield their proprietors a handsome income. The subject of this history is the eldest son of James H. and Mary A. (Chadbourne) Cox, and was born in Waterford, Mc., Sept. 25, 1848. The family came to Illinois in the fall of 1851, settling at Hudson in this county. Here Charles E. grew to manhood and completed his education in Shurtleff College, at Upper Alton, where he took a three years' course. Ilis tastes were inclined to mereantile pur- suits, and he had previously clerked in the store of his father, beginning, in fact, as soon as he was large enough to reach the top of the counter. His school days ended in the spring of 1866, and he then established a drug business in Hudson, which he operated for one year and then became associ- ated with his father, the firm namne being J. H.

RESIDENCE OF TIMOTHY KRAFT, SEC, 3, TOWANDA TOWNSHIP .

RESIDENCE AND FARM PROPERTY OF JOHN A. HEFNER, SEC5.15 & 22, MONEY CREEK TP

RESIDENCE OF WM LEMKE , SEC. 34, BLUE MOUND TOWNSHIP,

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Cox & Son, and afterward Cox & Aldrich. Then Charles E. Cox and J. W. Aldrieh formed a part- nership under the firm name of Cox & Aldrieh, in the drug business, while at the same time they op- erated in live-stoek, lumber and grain. On the 11th day of November, 1884, our subjeet having withdrawn from the aforesaid business, became a partner of William Hasenwinkle, with whom he has continued since that time.

The marriage of Charles E. Cox and Miss Effie Dart was celebrated in September, 1871, at Hudson. Mrs. Cox is the daughter of William Dart, and was born in this State in 1854. By her union with our subjeet she became the mother of six ehildren, one of whom died in infaney, and the five living are Merton D., Lena Mabel, Claude Herbert, James H. and Charles W.

Mr. Cox is Republiean in politics and has been Sehool Treasurer of the township for several years, although he prefers to give his attention to his own private eoneerns. Religiously he is eonneeted with the First Baptist Church, and as a man and a eitizen he is held in the highest esteem by the people of his loeality.

G EORGE H. MILLER, architeet, and a highly respected resident of Bloomington, first opened his eyes within the limits of this city on the 7th of May, 1856. His parents were George and Louisa (Sheurer) Miller, who were of German birth and parentage and natives of the Provinee of Wurtemberg. They emigrated to Ameriea in 1855, after their marriage, and after a brief season spent in the State of New York, came to Illinois and settled in Bloomington, where the father of our subjeet engaged in business and eon- tinued successfully for a number of years. He is still living, but now retired from aetive labor, and resides at No. 318 South Madison street. The pa- rental family consisted of eight ehildren, seven uow living, viz., John M., George H., Harry H., William B., Andrew, Charles and Ida. Sophia died in 1868, at the age of ten years. Before com- ing to this country George Miller, Sr., served in the German Cavalry for a period of five years. He

was a good business man and gave each of his children a practical education.

George H. Miller at the age of fifteen engaged to learn the business of an arehiteet with R. Richter, of this eity, with whom he remained four years, and then went into the employ of J. T. Harris, of Columbus, Ohio, as draughtsman. Thenee he jour- neyed northwest to Chicago, and was there em- ployed by the firm of F. & E. Baumann in the same eapaeity for six months. He then came to Bloon- ington and engaged with H. A. Miner, with whom he remained ten years, and in 1882 commenced business for himself. He employs two inen, and being one of the leading arehiteets of the city en- joys a fine patronage. His business offiee is lo- eated at the corner of Main and Front streets.

Mr. Miller occupies a good position among the eitizens who have known him from his earliest youth, and has been intrusted by them with various important offices. He was elected City Treasurer in 1883, and is now serving as Alderman of the Third Ward. In polities our subjeet is a conseien -- tious Democrat, and in all respeets is fulfilling his obligations as a good citizen. A great many of the finest buildings of Bloomington and surrounding country have been designed by Mr. Miller, among which may be mentioned the McLean County Jail, German Catholic Church, German Lutheran, Ger- man Methodist Episcopal Church, Turner's Hall, Odd Fellow's Hall. George Brand Building, B. S. Green, H. J. Higgins & Co., E. B. Gridley. L. II. Kerriek, and numerous other buildings, and has a great amount of work throughout this entire State.

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Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 36

Author: Chapman brothers, Chicago, pub Publication date: 1887 Publisher: Chicago : Chapman brothers Number of Pages: 1222

Author: Chapman brothers, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 1222