USA > Illinois > Henry County > The biographical record of Henry County, Illinois > Part 47
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72
gaged in general farming and stock rais- ing. and is now owner of the north half of section 9, Galva township, which he has con- verted into a well improved farm. He is also a stockholder and director of the First National Bank of Galva : a stockhokler of the Farmers Elevator at that place: and one of the directors of the Farmers Mu- tual Insurance Company of Kewanee, which is one of the strongest insurance companies in this section of the state, as it represents over one milFon dollars worth of property in six townships. As a business man Mr. Calhoun is prompt, energetic and notably re- liable, and generally carries forward to suc- cessful completion whatever he undertakes. takes.
He is an active worker for the Republic- an party and its principles, and has been a delegate to county conventions. He has served as road commissioner seven years, township school trustee one term; and school director for twelve years. Religious- ly, he is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. and socially is connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 408, of Galva, in which he has passed through all the chairs, and which he has represented in the grand lodge. where he served on a committee. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp No. 241, and has served as venerable consul. In social affairs he is quite popular, and is justly regarded as one of the leading and prominent citizens of Galva township.
The subject of this review grew to man- hood on the home farm in Galva township. JOHN SELMAN. and assisted in its operation until about Sweden has furnished to the new world no more worthy citizen than John Sehan, a prominent and influential farmer residing twenty-one years of age, when he rented land of his father and commenced farming on his own account. He has successfully en- ou section 12. Galva township. He was
460
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1. cu ft Smokmd, on the 13th of September, 1850, Ilis parents both died in Sweden. but i've of the family, four sons and one daughter, came to the United States, and three of the number are still living, these being John, our subject: Charles G., a miner of Montana: and J. A., a farmer of Bureau county, Illinois,
John Selman acquired a good practical education in the schools of his native land, but his knowledge of the English language has been obtained through his own unaided efforts since coming to this country. It was in 1872 that he crossed the Atlantic and landed in New York, whence he went to Pennsylvania, where he worked for a rail- road company and also in a sawmill for a time. On coming to Illinois, he first lo- cated in Jersey county, and later came to Knox county, where he worked as a farm hand for about one-half year, and then en- gaged in farming on rented land, making his home in Henry county since 1879. In 1803 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 12, Galva township, and has since added to it many improvements, so that it is now one of the most desirable farms of its size in the locality. It is supplied with good and substantial buildings, the land is well tiled and under a high state of cultivation and everything about the place indicates the thrift and progressive spirit of the owner, who is accounted one of the most thorough former- and stock raisers in the community.
In 1878 Mr. Selman was united in mar- roge with Miss Sehna A. Brandin, also & name of Sweden, who came to America wulffer parents at the age of nine years. Pow are still living in Jamestown, New Lo One sister. Nannie, wife of C. M. Valerio is a resident of Knox county.
Illinois. Mr. and Mrs, Selman have seven children, namely : Capt Julius, an employe of the Western Tube Company, of Kewa- nee : Bertha Alfreda. Minnie, Nannie, Will- iam, Raymond and Vera, all at home. The children have attended the schools at Galva. In politics Mr. Selman has always affiliated with the Republican party. For one term he efficiently served as school director in district No. 5. He started out in life for himself in limited circumstances, but through his own well-directed efforts has prospered, and has not only won a comfortable com- petence but has also gained the warm re- gard of a large circle of friends and ac- quaintances.
HON. WILLIAM LORENZO WILEY.
Henry county has been the home and scene of labor of many men who have not only led lives that should serve as an exam- ple to those who come after them but have also been of important service to their city and county through various avenues of use- fulness. Among them must be numbered William L. Wiley, who passed away August 2, 1900, after a life of industry, and rich in those rare possessions which only a high character can give.
He was born in Rockingham, Vermont, November 10, 1820, a son of William Campbell and Mary ( Perry ) Wiley. The father was born near New Boston, New Hampshire, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, coming from the clan of Campbells. The mother was of English extraction, and on the maternal side belonged to the Fletcher family, which was an old and prominent one in New Eng- land. Both parents died in Vermont. By occupation the father was a farmer and stock
W. L. WILEY.
463
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
raiser. All of his three sons held interests in the west. G. R. came to Henry county, Illinois, soon after his brother William L .. located here and died in Galva, July 30, 1868. Henry C. died at Saxton's River, Vermont, March 28, 1898.
The primary education of William L. Wiley was acquired in the common schools of the Green Mountain state, and later he attended the academies of the east, becoming a well-educated man. He grew to man- hood upon a farm and later engaged in puit nership with his uncle, Gates Perry. for a time. Selling his interest in the business he went to Waterville, Maine, where he was interested in the wool trade.
On first coming to Illinois, in 1851, Mr. Wiley located in Brimfield, Peoria county, where he purchased property, and two years later took possession of the same, making some improvements thereon. In the fail of 1853 he bought the land where Galva is now located, and in partnership with his cousin, laid out the town before the railroad way built. He purchased many farms in this county, which he improved and then sold at a profit, and as a business man had a very successful career. He became connected with the banking interests of Galva, and was the first president of the National Bank of that place. Later his cousin, D. L. Wiley, purchased an interest in the business, which they carried on together until their charter expired, when it was merged into the bank belonging to the firm of L. M. Yocum & Company, who still conduct it. Our subject served as cashier for a time after this change. but on account of ill health was obliged to resign that position and retire from active business cares. At the time of his death he owned a farm in Galva township, but most
of his landed interests were in Iowa and still belong to the estate.
In April, 1842, Mr. Wiley was united in marriage with Miss Louise Bailey, also a native of Windham county, Vermont, by whom he had one son, Walter Lorenzo, who was born at Saxton's River, that state, Jan- uary 6, 1844, and died in Galva, Illinois, May 22, 1862. His wife died on the 11th of July, the same year, at which time Mr. Wiley was very ill with typhoid fever, and knew nothing of his loss. He was again married, February 11, 1864. his second union being with Miss Eunice B. Williams, of Galva, who was also born in Oneida county, New York, and daughter of Edson and Cor- inthia ( Spencer ) Williams and who came to this country at an early day. They became parents of two children, Jessie L., now the wife of Alfred Hare, of Galva; and Walter S., who died April 2, 1879. at the age of seven years. The wife and mother died April 25. 1883. On the 25th of July, 1895. Mr. Wiley was united in marriage with Miss Kate Garey, who was born in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, in September, 1851, a daugh- ter of Daniel and Elizabeth ( Marsden ) Garey. Her father died in that state in 1853.
Public-spirited and progressive Mr. Wiley always took an active interest in ad- vancing the welfare of his town, and gave of his time and money to promote various enterprises. He was a stockholder of the Hayes Pump & Planter Company, and also a large stockholder of the Galva State Bank. of which he was a director for a number of years. He cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay, the Whig candidate and on the organization of the Republican party joined its ranks, always taking an active in- terest in political affairs. He was a delegate
464
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to the national convention in Chicago of his party that nominated Grant in 1868, and for four years was a member of the board of equalization. He secured the right of way for the Rock Island & Peoria railroad through Galva, and was one of the directors and vice-president of the company for a mimber of years. The last public office which he held was that of president of the board of equalization. For sixty-four years he was an earnest and consistent member of the Baptist Church, always held some of- fice. serving as trustee and treasurer, as well a: leader of the choir for a number of years. He took a very active and influential part in church work, and in his younger years served as superintendent of the Sunday school. He was of a poetic turn of mind and wrote many beautiful poems. In daily life and action he was ever genial and af- fable, and his friendship was highly prized.
J. D. DICKINSON. M. D.
For half a century Dr. Dickinson has been :. resident of Henry county, and has been one of the leading practitioners of Galva Since September, 1877. He was bern my Oberlin, Ohio, January 13. 1846. Fan of Richard and ledna ( Needham ) Telekinson. His ancestors were originally item Magiand. but the family was founded it Ver England many generations ago. In till We the Doctor's father followed the di movie's trade, but took up farming about IS48, sauf devoted his remaining years to Het jus-1. He brought his family to Derre ont. Illinois, in 1850. He was Twor un Bar doipl. Ofno, in 1818, and died w Wethey-wer t vilship in 1897. vi le
his wife was born in Massachusetts in 1814. and died in 1868. They had three sons: J. D., our subject : Oliver W., a carpenter of Williamstown, Vermont: and George A., agent for the Prudential Insurance Com- pany at Galva,
Dr. Dickinson attended the public schools. of Wethersfield and the academy at Kewa- nee, and also pursued a classical course at Wheaton, Illinois, which course, however, he was unable to complete on account of sickness. For a time he engaged in teach- ing school in this state, and then en- tered the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, as land ex- aminer from St. Paul to Breckenridge. Min- nesota, which position he filled for six months. He studied medicine for a time. with Dr. Parsons, of Kewanee, and then at . tended lectures at Hahnemann Medical Col- lege, Chicago, Illinois, where he was grad- uated March 19, 1874, and then engaged in practice with his former preceptor at Kewa- nee for a short time. He followed his chosen profession at Wataga, Knox county, from the spring of 1875 until the fall of 1877. and then came to Galva, where he has since had his office. With the growth of the town his patronage steadily increased, and he now enjoys a good practice, which extends many miles into the surrounding country. Hle has met with well merited success, and owns a pleasant home in Galva.
On the 13th of October, 1875. in Weth- ersfield. Dr. Dickinson was united in mar- riage with Miss Eva Ray, who was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1854. ard came to Henry county when fourisen years of age. As her mother had died when she was but five years old she made her loome with her aunt, Mrs. Cornelia Oliver, who is now living in Kewanee at the age of sey-
405
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
enty years. Mrs. Dickinson's father was a t. manhood, and in its schools he received lawyer and school teacher by profession. He resided in New York state until two years after his marriage when he removed to Michigan, where he died. While residing in the latter state he devoted his time to law, serving at one time as county judge. He was very successful in the practice of law.
In political sentiment the Doctor is a Republican. He was mayor of Galva in 1809 : has served on the school board. during which time the new school house was erected in 1894. He takes quite an active part in religious affairs as a member of the Congre- gational Church, and is now serving as deacon of the same. He is a member and examining physician of the Modern Wood- men Camp. No. 241 ; the Fraternal Tribunal Camp. No. 10: and the Bankers' Life Insur- ance Company of Des Moines, Iowa. As a physician he stands deservedly high among his professional brethren, and as a citizen merits and receives the respect of all who know him.
HON. CHARLES C. WILSON.
One of the most distinguished members of the legal profession in Henry county. and one who is known not alone within its borders, but throughout the state and na- tion, is the Hon. Charles C. Wilson, of ke- wanee. He is a native of Massachusetts, born September 18, 1829, and is a son of Enoch and Abigail ( Richardson ) Wilson, the former a native of Wrentham, Massachu- -etts, and the latter of Portland, Maine. They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom the judge was eighth in order of birth.
In his native state Judge Wilson grew
his early education. In his boyhood and youth the great west was a popular theme of discussion, and Ilinois was considered a part of that country, and to this state he determined to come at the earliest oppor- tunity. Accordingly, about the time he attained his majority, he came to Illinois. and for a time made his home in Stark county, where he purchased a tract of land and began farming. In 1854. however, he gave up the farm and began the study of low, and pursued the same with diligence and energy until 1859, at which time he was admitted to the bar. He at once began the practice of his profession in Bureau coun. ty, but in a few months after he removed t. Kewanee, then a small village, and here lie has since continued to reside.
It was not long after his settlement in Kewanee before his ability as an attorney be- cune known and acknowledged, and in 1864 he was nominated and elected district attorney for the fifth judicial district, and served with honor and credit for four years. He was then appointed by President J 'in son, chief justice of the supreme court of Utah, a position he filled with marked credit until he resigned in the latter part of 1870 ard returned to Kewanee.
In 1850. just prior to his removal to Illinois, Judge Wilson was united in mar- riage with Miss Maria N. Benham, a native of Vermont, and daughter of Judge Ben- ham, of Chittenden county. that state. They were, however. married in Massachit- setts. By this union seven children were born, all of whom are yet living-Jennie M. Abbie, Laura M., Charles E. Cora. George and Edward.
In politics, Judge Wilson is an ardent Republican, a party with which he has been
466
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
donated ever since its organization. He has never sought political preferment, al- though he consented to serve one term as mayor of Kewanee. He has repeatedly refused nominations to office, including that of a member of congress, a position that he would have filled with credit and to the satisfaction of all. He has ever been will- ing to give of his time to the interests of his party and the welfare of his friends, responding to any and all calls when his health would permit. The city of Kewanee has always found in him a steadfast friend, one willing to make any sacrifice consistent with good business judgment to advance at- interests. He has taken an active inter- est in fostering local manufacturing in- dustries, and has been a large stockholder in such enterprises.
Modest and unassuming, but with abili- ties that would have made him a name and fame in larger cities, Judge Wilson has pursued the even tenor of his way, content to be numbered with those of his fellow citizens who cared not for high honors, but who will be remembered by future gen- crations for the general impress of their . haracter on those with whom they were surrounded. He is certainly a high type of the American citizen, and his friends are numerous througout county and state. and those who know him have for him the greatest esteem.
V. L. ANDERSON.
One of the busiest, most energetic and post enterprising business men of Annawan, Ilmois, is V. L. Anderson, an extensive
grain and lumber dealer, He was born near Bergen, Norway, on the 2nd of February. 1855. and is a son of Lars and Julia ( Hol- stensen ) Anderson, both natives of that im- mediate locality. His paternal grandfather was Andrew Anderson, a millwright by trade, who ran a sawmill and also engaged in farming. He spent his entire life in Norway and died at about the age of eighty years. In 1866 the parents of our subject came to America in a sailing vessel, landing in Quebec, Canada, after six weeks spent upon the water. They proceeded at once to Norway, La Salle county, Illinois, where the father made his home until called to his final rest August 27. 1871, at the age of forty-nine years. In his native land he had followed the stone mason's trade and im- mediately after locating here he resumed that occupation, to which he devoted his en- ergies throughout the remainder of his life. His widow still survives him at the age of eighty-one years, and now makes her home in Sheridan, La Salle county. Their fam- ily consisted of nine children, as follows: Gertrude, deceased wife of David Cothren. of Norway, Illinois Andrew, who spent a short time in this country and then returned to his native land, where he died in the winter of 1900: Julia, wife of O. Clement- son, of Oklahoma, Illinois: Johannes, a sailor, who lost his life in the North Sea; Halsten, a resident of Norway: V. L., our subject: John, a farmer of Sandwich. Illi mois: and Barney and Gunner, both farm- ers of Sheridan, Illinois.
V. L. Anderson acquired his primary education in the schools of Norway, and after coming with his parents to this coun- try attended the public schools of La Salle county, Illinois, for a time. At the age of
457
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
meteen he comunienced farming on his own account at Sheridan, that county, and was thus employed for three years, at the end of which time he accepted a position with the firm of Courtright & Company, grain deal- ers of Millington, Illinois, in whose employ he remained until 1888, when he leased their elevator at that place and embarked in the grain business on his own account. He continued business at that place until 1897. and in February, 1898, removed to Lee, Lee county, Illinois, where he was engaged in the same line of trade until coming to Annawan, in May, 1899. Here he pur- chased the west elevator of Marcellus Brothers, and has since enlarged and re- modeled it extensively until its capacity has been tripled. It is now a modern up-to- (late elevator. Mr. Anderson now handles about two hundred thousand bushels of grain per year, while his business is steadily increasing, and he also owns and operates a lumber yard, where he does quite an 'exten- sive business. He is a man of keen percep- tion, sound judgment and unbounded en- terprise and to these characteristics may be attributed his wonderful success in business affairs.
On the 21st of October, 1886, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Anderson and Miss Cora Watters, of Millington, Illinois, a daughter of I. B. S. Watters, and by this union have been born two children, Vera and La Verne. In his political views Mr. Ander- son is decidedly a Prohibitionist, and in his social relations he is connected with the Ma- sonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are people of the highest respectability.
WILLIAM ROBERTS.
The subject of this sketch is one of the prominent citizens of Burns township. und is successfully engaged in general farm ing and stock raising in Burns township. He was born in Oswego, New York, on the 5th of November, 1831, and is a son of Michael and Minerva ( Atchison) Roberts, natives of Maine and New York, respect- ively. Coming west in 1833, the father first located in Peoria and soon after moved to Fulton county, Illinois, but in 1853 came to Henry county, where he spent the re- inainder of his life. By occupation he, too, was a farmer and stock raiser. He hauled the first stone used in the construction of the Peoria court house, and was promi- nently identified with public affairs in early days. He died December 25. 1881, and his wife departed this life April 27, 1874, the remains of both being interred in Cosners cemetery. In their family were thirteen children but only four are now living. Their names and dates of birth are as follows : Diantha, September 15, 1823; Ann, Au- gust 23, 1824; John, April 2, 1826; Alme- da, February 5, 1828; Edwin, December 12, 1829; William, November 5, 1831 ; Ja- cob, November 5, 1833; Stephen, October I, 1835; Henry, January 1, 1838; Fances, June 10, 1839; Martha, February 10, 1844. Of these Stephen served three years as a member of the One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war, and took part in several important battles. Henry was also numbered among the boys in blue of that regiment. While re- turning from a foraging expedition through Tennessee he and others entered the con- misary's store at Lebanon, Kentucky, and
408
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
one of the number carelessly discharged an did carbine, which was believed to be un- loaded. The discharge ignited the powder uol he with four others were burned to leath, dying after twelve hours of the most mitense suffering.
William Roberts accompanied the family on their removal to Illinois. On the 30th of December, 1852, he was united in mar- page with Miss Esther Green, who was den born in New York, December 25, 1837. wolaughter of William and Esther ( Atchin- chinson, was a soklier of the Revolutionary war. and in recognition of his services re- ceived a pension in the way of a grant of land. He died in this county and was buried 11. Cosners cemetery. Mrs. Roberts is the second in order of birth in a family of four children, the others being as follows : Horace enlisted in the fall of 1861, in the Forty- second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and after serving one year contracted measles. He re- turned home and died from the effects of the disease, his remains being interred in Cos- ners cemetery. Lyman, now a resident of Atkinson, this county, was in the one-html- dred day service as a member of the Forty- second Regiment. Walter now makes his home in Nebraska.
Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are the parents of sis children, namely : Ida, born March 4, X554, died September 10, 1855. Emma, To 111 October 9, 1856, is the wife of Will many Mahony, a native of Wisconsin, where Wo & now engaged in farming, and they Taxe three sons, William, Clarence and El- Open. Frank E .. born November 24, 1859. Wed September 24, 1860. Elmer E., born weber 23, 1801, married Addie Long, and cheaged in farming in Burns township. Tiby live four children, Clyde, Esther. 0-009 anl Belva. Laura V., born June 16.
1865. is the wife of Sammel Pugh. of Ke- wanee, and they have one child. Morton. Roscoe E., born January 23, 1871. married Millicent Gerkin and is engaged in farming in Burns township.
Throughout his active business lite Mr. Roberts has engaged in farming and stock raising, making a specialty of short horn cattle. He is also interested in the dairy business, and manufactures butter quite ex- tensively. He owns and successfully oper- ates a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and improved with good buildings. He was educated in the public schools. He first bought eighty acres of his present farm, which he improved and added to from time to time until he now owns two hundred and forty acres. He keeps up to the front. In 1882 he built a fine home that is still one of the best in the township. He was one of the charter mem- bers of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. The Republican party finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles, and he takes considerable interest in political affairs, though he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. Both he and his wife are earnest and consistent men- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are hekl in high regard by a large circle of friends and acquaintances who esteem them highly for their sterling worth.
DONALD CAMPBELL MURCHISON.
Donald C. Murchison, deceased, was for many years prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Henry county, owning and operating a good farm of one
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.