Knox County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 24 of 56)

It was some years after the marriage of Clark ^]. Carr that he removed to the middle west, arriving in the spring of 1850 in Henry county. Illinois, where he lived for nearly two years, after which he established his home in Galesburg in the autumn of 1851. Clark M. Carr engaged in various lines of business but during his residence in Galesburg was largely occupied with the j^romotion and building of the Chicago. Burlington & Quincy Railroad. He died in this city in 1876 at the age of seventy-two years. His first wife. Mrs. Delia (Torrey)

Carr. the mother of Colonel Carr, died in Erie county. New York, in 1839, when our subject was only three years of age, and in 1845 he married again, his second union being with Miss Fannie L. Yaw. There were four children by the first marriage : General Eugene A. Carr, now deceased ; Colonel Byron O. Carr, living in Seattle, Washington ; Rev. Dr. Horace M. Carr, of Parsons, Kansas ; and Colonel Clark E. Carr, of this review. The children by the second marriage were : George P., now deceased ; and Grace, the wife of J. C. Fahnnestock, of Galesburg. The second wife died in 1888.

Colonel Clark E. Carr was but thirteen years of age when the family removed westward to Illinois and was a lad of fifteen years when they left Henry county for Galesburg, where he has since made his home, having now resided in this city for six decades. He pursued his education in Knox Academy and Knox College, after which he returned to the east in preparation for a professional career and was graduated from the Albany, New York, Law School with the LL. B. degree. He has since been given the degree of doctor of laws and for many years following his admission to the bar in 1857 he remained in practice in Galesburg. In fact he was an active representative of the bar here for nearly forty-five years but for the past ten years has lived retired. His work in the courts became a matter of record and indicated his comprehensive knowledge of the law and his ability to clearly, forcefully and cogently present the points of his case and the principles and precedents applicable thereto.

As previously indicated Colonel Carr has been prominently known in many public connections and at all times his life has been one of great serviceableness in the fields in which he has labored. He won his military title by service during the Civil war on the staff of Illinois' distinguished war governor, Richard Yates. He was also postmaster of Galesburg for twenty-four years, being first appointed to the office in i86i by Abraham Lincoln, of whom he was a personal friend. In fact there are few men living in Illinois today who have had a wider acquaintance among the men of Illinois who have gained distinction and national honors and prominence. Colonel Carr has been a member of many commissions, becoming one of the original members of the Soldiers National Cemetery Association at Gettysburg, which established the cemetery there. He was present on the occasion when Abraham Lincoln inaugurated the cemetery and, seated near him on the stage, heard the president's matchless address, a full account of which Colonel Carr has given in his volume entitled "Lincoln at Gettysburg." Presidential appointment under Benjamin Harrison made him minister plenipotentiary and envoy extraordinary to Denmark from 1889 until 1893. In politics he has always been a zealous republican and of the great issues which divide the two parties, with their roots extending down to the very bedrock of the foundations of the republic, he has a true statesman's grasp. Well grounded in the political maxims of the schools, he has also studied the lessons of actual life, arriving at his conclusions as a result of what may be called his postgraduate studies in the school of affairs. (^^ |

On the 3ist day of December, 1873, Colonel Carr was united in marriage to Miss Grace Mills, a daughter of Hon. Henry A. and Julia (Crosby) Mills, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Mr. Mills, the father of Mrs. Carr, was a son of Abiram and Grace (deBerard) Mills, the latter of French descent while the former was a native of New York, well known as a minister of the Presbyterian church. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Carr was Stephen Crosby, who was born in Herkimer county. New York, and was a farmer and stock man. To Colonel and Mrs. Carr there were bom two children: Clark Mills, who died in 1879 and for whom the Clark Mills Carr prize in Knox College is named; and Julia, who became the wife of Captain W. P. Jackson, of the Third Infantry of the United States Army, who is now on duty at Zamboango, in the Philippine islands. Captain and Mrs. Jackson have one child, Margaret.

Colonel Carr is the honored president of the Illinois State Historical Society and also of the Knox County Historical Association and few men are so thoroughly informed concerning the leading events which have shaped the history of the state. His comprehensive knowledge of all such has been made the basis of his authorship of several most interesting volumes, including: The mini,- A Story of the Prairies ; My Day and Generation ; Lincoln at Gettysburg ; The Postal Railway Service; and The Life of Stephen A. Douglas. When an individual has advanced far on life's journey it is frequently said of him : "He is now living quietly at his home, etc." It is doubtful if this could ever be said of Colonel Carr. His has always been an active life and he still keeps in close connection with events that mark the trend of the times and is thoroughly informed on the questions of significant and vital interest to city, state and nation. He is continuously giving out of the rich store of his wisdom and experience for the benefit of others and thus his life remains a serviceable factor in the world's work. -/- ': - ', ': "-".-^'-'. - :r

The people of Knox county, and especially the people of Galesburg, will be, interested in knowing how much they are indebted to Colonel Clark E. Carr for having in their midst the great transcontinental Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway line, which is shown by the following letters from Mr. William B. . Strong, the president of that great system when the road was built to Chicago. -

MY DEAR COLONEL CARR : Yours of November 3d came while I was in ' Boston visiting my daughter, otherwise, it would have had earlier attention. I was glad to hear from you and pleased to know of Mrs. Gaythes. We were sorry . to have her sell her pretty home here and leave us. Wherever she may reside, . she will have our best wishes.

Touching the Santa Fe, Chicago line - ^your letter has brought it all up to me so clearly. It was as you say, my aim to have the shortest line between Chicago and Kansas City. The shortest line runs some miles south of Gales-. ' burg - Mr. Robinson, the chief engineer, urged the adoption of this line very ,. - strongly. Personally, I was anxious to have the road run through Galesburg, '-,' My former connection with the C. B. & Q. made me familiar with the place and its attractions for a railroad. The desire for the short line and Mr. Robin-' .; son's pressure for the line would have won the day if you had not come forward .; ^ at the right moment and plead the cause of Galesburg. It was purely out of , respect for you, that I sent Mr. Robinson to Galesburg to consider a line . , , through Galesburg. At that very time, Mr. Robinson had orders to adopt the ; shorter line. The way you received Mr. Robinson and the arguments used by ;.

you and others, which were communicated to me in Boston, caused the company to make the proposition to build via Galesburg - ^provided the right of way through the city was given. This proposition was limited to a few days - I may say a few working hours - it was accomplished. Your faith, hope and courage carried it through.

My knowledge of you made me lean on you in these Galesburg matters and I want to say to you now - as the president of the Atchison Company, at that time - that if it had not been for your efforts, the Santa Fe line would have gone through from Fort Madison to Streator and left Galesburg to one side. I believe - all things considered, that the best route was adopted. I wish to thank you for speaking so favorably of the line from Kansas City to Chicago and what you say about the whole system being disintegrated without it - I fully believe it. The Chicago terminals and the Galveston line - are the three great things about which I was roundly abused - and woefully misrepresented. Today they are considered of great conception - the rock of strength - and parties claim supreme credit for all these sayings, who actually knew nothing of their inception. Such is life. As I hear and read, I sometimes wonder if I ever had anything to do with the Atchison system. In my doubt, and I find when I went to that line in D. C. 1877, there were, all told, seven hundred and eighty-seven miles. When I left it in 1889, seven thousand miles and the average mortgage debt - was only fifteen thousand dollars per mile and stock less than twelve thousand dollars per mile. Pardon length. :. , - i ..

DEAR COLONEL CARR: Yours of the second inst. came safely. I thank you for it. Your letter I prize. I simply want to say I was amazed to know that anyone believed the Atchison line would have come to Galesburg anyway - regardless of local aid. I want to say to you in the most positive and unequivocal language that the location of the line rested with Mr. Robinson and myself. We agreed perfectly in the proposition made to Galesburg and in the limit of time for its acceptance or rejection. It was accepted the right day.

I was in Boston and I wired Robinson positive instructions if the proposition was not perfected by the proper responsible parties to adopt the southern or more direct route. The aid granted by Galesburg secured the Atchison line, and without that, the road would have been built several miles south of Galesburg. Personally, I preferred to adopt the Galesburg line and there were influences against it which yielded on condition the local aid was given. I am pleased to know of Galesburg's prosperity. I hope it will continue. I am pleased to know you saw Geo. R. Peck. He is a jewel. We fought and bled together; he is no coward. God bless him. --,V '--:-;:-" I: ;i:

My Dear Colonel I wish you and yours a most Happy New Year and may it come full of good health and genuine prosperity to you and each one dear to you. Yours sincerely,

One of Knoxville's early citizens who gave his cooperation not only to the promotions of all municipal enterprises but also to the development of educa- - tional institutions was the late Horatio N. Keightley. He was a native of the ; state of New York, having been born in Cortland county, on the 25th of May, 1825, and there he was reared and educated. During his boyhood he attended the district schools in the vicinity of his home, supplementing the knowledge therein obtained by a course in the schools of Auburn, New York. Having ' decided to become a lawyer, upon the completion of his preliminary education he entered the office of William H. Seward, where he prepared for admission to the bar. In 1850, at the age of twenty-five years, he came to Knoxville and established an office, continuing to be actively engaged in practice here for - over forty years. He was one of the well read and widely informed attorneys . . of the county, and was connected with many of the important litigations in . its early history, having successfully plead many a cause in the old courthouse. A. man of high standards and upright principles, he became known as . one who always conscientiously devoted himself to the protection of his clients* - interests. In connection with his professional work Mr. Keightley was also ; interested in the grain business and agricultural pursuits. He owned two fine . farms east of Knoxville that he cultivated for two years, making a specialty of raising hogs. '.;'-;'..''-;-./":".:"-. i.-x"-:">'':;-'-..-:/t^''-'; - . ' ' '- v ^-.^''^.-'. '?'.'H''-'^- -^ '^

Mr. Keightley married Miss Mary L. Ewing, who was born in Smithfield, Pennsylvania, on the 25th of January, 1831. They were married in this city, on the 25th of May, 1852, by the Rev. W. Y. Miller, and always made their - home here. Mrs. Keightley was a daughter of Alexander and Jane (Campbell) -. Ewing, the father a native of Uniontown and the mother of Somerset, Penn- : sylvania. The paternal grandfather, David Ewing, was a native of Ireland. , He came to Knoxville in 1836 and with his brother, George, established a general store. Here both he and his wife passed away and were laid to rest : in the cemetery in the vicinity of Knoxville. Grandmother Ewing's maiden name was Ruth Brown and she was a native of Maryland. The maternal grandfather was John Campbell, who emigrated from Scotland to the United -- States, first locating in Pennsylvania, but later becoming a resident of Ohio, where he engaged in farming until his death. Alexander Ewing, Mrs. Keightley's father, was one of the pioneer merchants of Knoxville, having opened a general store here in 1836, that he conducted for many years. He was one ~ of the many who made the long and perilous journey across the prairies to California in 1849 in search of gold. Both he and his wife passed away in Knoxville, her demise occurring on September 26, 1866, and his, on the 2d - of January, 1874. She was a member of the Episcopal church, in the faith of which denomination they reared their family. They were the parents of three children, Mrs. Keightley being the only one surviving. The others were as follows: Anna M., the wife of William M. Phillips of Galesburg; and John H., who in 1860 married Cornelia Weeks, and the widow is now living in Eldorado, Kansas. Among the distinguished members of the Ewing family is to . be named General Ewing, and Mrs. Keightley is also related to General -Sher- - man. To Mr. and Mrs. Keightley were born eight children, of whom five are now living. Ida, who was bom on February 4, 1857, married John G. Breece, a farmer near Caldwell, Kansas, and they have had six children : Henry, who is deceased; Agnes, the wife of Victor Larson; Bertha, who married Carl Stoner; and Charles, Horatio K. and Wilbur. Alice C. was born on the 2Oth of September, 1859, and died on the ist of December, 1907. Alexander Ewing, born on September 15, i86i, married Mary McAuly and has three sons: Thomas Ewing, Charles Nelson and Alexander Elwood. He is a resident of Danville, Washington. Mary Ewing, born on January 5, 1864, is a trained nurse in Chicago and the widow of William Bradford, by whom she had two daughters: Helen and Dorothy. Martin Gay. of Wellington, Kansas, born on the 3d of September, 1866, married Sarah E. Butts and has four sons: George Martin, who is in the United States navy ; Harry E. ; Louis H. ; and Albert Ray.

The family always attended the Episcopal church, in which Mr. Keightley held membership as does also his widow. Fraternally he was a Mason and politically a republican, and at all times he took an active interest in affairs of the municipality, having served as justice of the peace and for several terms as mayor. Mr. Keightley always gave his assistance in promoting the development of the community along lines he deemed qualified to best serve the interests of its citizens. He was the first to start the subscription that brought to Knoxville St. Mary's school, an Episcopalian institution, originally known as Ewing University, so called from Mrs. Keightley's family. He was held in the highest esteem not only in Knoxville, where he had resided for so many years, but in the entire county, and his death, on the 7th of April, 1896, caused deep regret in the community. For several years prior to his demise he had been living retired, his failing health having necessitated his withdrawal from active life. He is survived by his widow, who has been a resident of Knoxville for seventy-five years, forty-nine of which have been spent on the old family homestead, where she is still living. Mrs. Keightley had an extensive acquaintance among the early pioneers of this section, whose names now figure prominently in the state's history. She well remembers Lincoln's early days and struggles and was present at an address he made from the balcony of the old Hebbard House, in 1858, and many are the interesting reminiscences she relates of those early days.

John Van Ness Standish is a lineal descendant of Captain Miles Standish, of Pilgrim fame, and was born in Woodstock, Vermont, February 26, 1825. His father was John Winslow Standish, who was born in Pembroke, Massachusetts, July 19, 1785. He was a man of many^rtues. He was kind, affectionate, trustful, and had a heart full of love for evaryone.^IJe possessed good natural powers of mind, and lived to his ninetieth year an exemplary and honorable life.

His mother was Caroline Williams MyricK, who was born in Woodstock, Vermont, December 20, 1790. She was the daughter of Lieutenant Samuel Myrick, who served his country through the Revolutionary war. She was devoted to her family and friends, domestic in her home life, untiring in industry.

The ancestry of the Standish family reaches back to a very early period in English history. In the thirteenth century, there were two branches to the family; one called tfie "Standishes of Standish," and the other the "Standishes of Duxbury Hall." Their location was near the village of Chorley, Lancashire. The first of the name was Thurston de Standish, who was living in 1222. He had a son Ralph, who had a son Hugh. In 1306, on account of differences in religious views, the estate was divided ; Jordan Standish becoming the proprietor of Standish, and Hugh, of Duxbury Hall. In 1677, Sir Richard Standish occupied the possessions of Sir Frank Standish. Titled nobility came into the family in the following manner: Froissart relates in his chronicles that when Richard II and Wat Tyler met, the rebel was struck from his horse by William Walworth, and then John Standish, the king's squire, alighted, drew his sword, and thrust it through Wat Tyler's body. For this act he was knighted. The baronetcy, which was established in 1676, became extinct in 1812. '--:,-' *-'.-...'

The history of the Standish family in America begins with Miles Standish, the great Puritan captain, who was descended from the Standishes of Ehixbury Hall. He was bom about 1584 and died at Duxbury, Massachusetts, October 3, 1656. He inherited in a preeminent degree the military qualities of his ancestors. He was the Moses of his time and led the pilgrim band into the "Promised Land" of liberty. Without him. New England for a generation or two would have remained a wilderness and that little Plymouth colony would have become extinct.

Miles Standish's- first wife was Rose, a most beautiful woman. She died in about a month after landing at Plymouth. According to tradition, his second wife was Barbara, a sister to Rose. By this second marriage there were seven children. The eldest was Alexander, who built the cottage in 1666 now standing on the "Standish farm" at Duxbury. For his first wife, Alexander married Sarah, daughter of John Alden. His second wife was Desire (Sherman) Doty, by whom he had four children. Their eldest child was Thomas, who married Mary Carver. Thomas had six children, the third birth being a son whose name was Thomas, the great-grandfather of John Van Ness. This second Thomas married Marta Bisbee and had two sons, one of whom was named Hadley. Hadley married Abigail Gardner and became the father of eleven children. The third child was John Winslow, who married Caroline Williams Myrick, They had six children, the fourth birth being John Van Ness. v'.'?'

John Van Ness Standish belongs to the sixth generation from the Pilgrim captain. He was not bom in affluence, and consequently, has been obliged to depend upon his own exertions in the great contest of life. He received the rudiments of his education in the common schools of his native town. From these, he passed into private schools, in which he spent several terms. He next became a student for several years, in an academy at Lebanon, New Hampshire, which would vie in thoroughness and scholarship with many of the colleges of today. Having finished here the entire course of mathematics save the calculus, and being thoroughly prepared, he matriculated in Norwich University in 1844, and graduated as salutatorian of his class July 7, 1847. While in college, he was regarded as a most excellent scholar, and in mathematics, the leader of his class. To meet his expenses during these years of study, he taught school winters, commencing at the age of sixteen, and worked on the farm summers. He made study a business, squandered no time, and had but little leisure for recreation or games.

After leaving college, he taught a select school in Perkinsville, Vermont, and when this was closed, he became principal of a graded school in the same village. Not satisfied with the prospects in his native state, he resolved to seek his fortunes in the west. In the fall of 1850, he went to western New York and taught in the graded schools of Farmington, Bergen, Macedon, and Victor, until he was called to the professorship of mathematics and astronomy in Lombard University. Rev. P. R. Kendall, a classmate, was its president, and the letter of invitation sent by him to Dr. Standish contained the following: "You and I are to build a college. I want you to take charge while I collect money." And it may be said that Lombard University owes its existence to the labors of these two men.

On October 22, 1854, Dr. Standish arrived in Galesburg, and on the following day he entered upon his duties as acting president, and professor of mathematics and astronomy. He was acting president for three years, and the institution prospered greatly under his management. From 1854 to 1892, a period of thirtyeight years, he held his professorship. Nor was he confined to his own department. For seven or eight years, he taught the natural sciences, and if any new branch of study was introduced. Dr. Standish was elected as the teacher. A professor said to him, "You have taught the whole college curriculum." Dr. Standish replied, "Not quite." Counting geometry, calculus, logic, Cicero, Virgil, and Livy, as distinct studies, he has taught over seventy - ^more perhaps than any other two professors in Galesburg. . :' -'. . ; - .1 : '. ^ '

In 1892, he was elected president of Lombard University, resigning in June, 1895. For the first seven months, he canvassed for funds, and raised by subscription forty-one thousand, five hundred dollars - a larger amount than was ever raised in so short a time by any other man working in the interest of the university. The catalogues will show that during his administration, the patronage gradually increased.

Dr. Standish performed signal service for the college outside of his professorship. He planned the cabinet cases and, with the aid of Mrs. Standish, raised the money to pay for them. He raised the money and purchased the cabinet of corals. He obtained the Cowan collection. He secured the means to build the bookcases. He arranged and planned the shrubbery on the college campus. As another has said, "There is scarcely a place but that you see his hand." ' , . ' '' --;.'-- .' -_:-.-' ':.-:;--.",:'- '-- ^v'--:--- ' '-: \'-.^-':-'

As a teacher. Dr. Standish had but few equals. He was original in his illustrations and methods, and cared little for the opinions of men as written in books. He was a law unto himself, and his teaching was neither by book nor by rote. He was clear, incisive, and never allowed the dullest student to pass from him without a full comprehension of the subject. Many of his pupils used to say, "I can carry away more of his instruction than that of any other teacher." Dr. Anson L. Clark, a graduate of Lombard University in 1858, a professor and president of Bennett Medical College in Chicago for more than a quarter of a century, and a member of the state board of health for as long a period, pays him the following tribute: "As a teacher, Professor Standish had few equals, no superiors. With the subject so completely in hand himself, it was always a wonder, how for the benefit of some dull pupil he could go oyer a mathematical demonstration again, again, and again, without the slightest appearance of impatience. And to those observing this conflict between light and darkness, it was especially pleasing to note the kindly light of interest and satisfaction which would pass over his countenance when at last he saw that he had won, and that the problem was comprehended. He made such victories a life-work and acknowledged no defeat."

Rev. John R. Carpenter, whose pastorate is at Rockland, Ohio, and who graduated at the University in 1887, says: "Dr. Standish was an ideal instructor. He was a man of leading characteristics, original, positive in his convictions, clear-sighted, and always worked with a definite and good object before him. He was a growing teacher, always bringing forth some new view of the truth. Those who have been students of Dr. Standish are always grateful for the privilege of sitting at the feet of one of the best instructors that this counry ever produced. He would carry his pupils up to the heights, and give them a view of the promised land just beyond. But when once on the heights, no true student ever came down to his old position.

D. L. Braucher, a civil engineer and surveyor, and one of the best mathematicians ever connected with the university, gives his impressions in the following words: "Professor Standish was always thoughtful, dignified in his bearing, and anxious to make his pupils see the truth as viewed from foundation principles. He seemed more like a sympathetic companion than teacher, while we were delving for the hidden truths of higher mathematics. The more knotty the problem, the more persistent the labor, till victory perched on our banner, as she always did. Time has tinted those memories as delicately as the sunshine has painted the rainbow."

As a scholar. Dr. Standish stands preeminent. He is really an all-round man. Not only is he well versed in the lore of books and the teachings of the schools, but he has been a great student in the broad fields of the world. He is well posted in almost every department of science, literature and art. In criticism, he has but few equals. He excels in rhetoric and in grammatical construction in the use of words, and has been called by some scholars a dictionary man. At the ministers' institutes, held in Chicago and other places, he was selected above all others as the critic for the entire sessions.

In his labors and zeal for the advancement and improvement of the common schools, he has hardly been excelled by any one. He has held teachers' institutes, and lectured all over the state - from Jackson and Macoupin counties on the north. He was chairman of the first meeting to establish graded schools in Galesburg, and attended other meetings held in their interest. From 1854 to 1880, he was a constant attendant at the Knox County Institute of Teachers, and was a leading member of the State Teachers' Association. The latter body, in 1859, elected him president.

Dr. Standish has been a great traveler. In company with Mrs. Standish, he has visited the old world three times - in 1879, 1882-3, and in 1891-2. With the exception of Denmark and Portugal, he has visited every country of Europe. Egypt and the Holy Land, and Asia Minor, went to the North Cape within nine- teen degrees of the North Pole, saw the midnight sun seven nights, and took a trip of a hundred miles out on the Sahara Desert. Both Dr. and Mrs. Standish have gone abroad for study, as well as pleasure. In his own country, he has visited every state in the Union excepting the Carolinas.

Both Dr. and Mrs. Standish are lovers of art. They have visited every large picture gallery in the world, and many small ones. They are conversant with the museums of Europe and have studied cathedrals and parks, wherever they have traveled. Egypt and Assyria, Greece and Rome, have been laid under contribution, and their treasures have been spread out before them.

As a public-spirited man. Dr. Standish holds a conspicuous place among his fellow citizens. He has done much to improve the city, and has given more hours of labor without compensation than any other man in it. For more than thirty years, he has made his own grounds the most attractive in the city. Another said to him, "Your handiwork is seen all over Galesburg." He has an aesthetic nature, and is fond of mountain scenery, and beauty of landscape. He is a horticulturist, and for nearly ten years, was president of Knox County Agricultural Society. He was once elected a member of the board of education, and for many years, has been a director in the Second National Bank.

As a man. Dr. Standish is kind, benevolent, and charitable, and will make sacrifices for the public good. He is open-hearted, and believes in honesty of purpose and intention. He has no use for double-minded men. In religion he is a Universalist. In politics, he is a republican.

Dr. Standish was married, March 24, 1859, to Harriet Augusta Kendall, daughter of Francis and Rebecca (Stowe) Kendall. She was a teacher of painting, French and Italian in Lombard University for twelve years. ' ; ':* - ; ^^

H. Augusta (Kendall) Standish was bom in Phillipston, Massachusetts, March 19. 1823. She died in Galesburg, Illinois, September 17, 1911. Her parents were Francis and Rebecca (Stowe) Kendall, both of whom were natives of Phillipston. The Kendall family were a strong race, both mentally and physically. Their line of descent can be traced back to one of three brothers, who came from England to America about 1630, and settled near Boston. Intellectually speaking, the Stowe family were not, in any resp)ect, inferior to the Kendall family. They were a broad-minded and sensible people and never violated rules of propriety in action. Before acting, they studied conditions and weighed results, so as to accomplish the most without wasting energies or expense. Such were the ruling characteristics of this Stowe farriily and such were their merits as recorded in the generations in which they lived. In a word, then, both of these families were the stuflF out of which good republics are made. They hated anarchy and tyranny and loved freedom for freedom's sake. They believed in law for the lawless and in the largest liberty to those who were governed by the higher law. In truth, they knew no law but duty and right. It was these lofty ideals that made these families such worthy citizens.

Mrs. Standish was well bom. She lived a long and useful life, and died regretted by a large company of sincere friends. When she was but sixteen years old, she lost by death a loving mother. The management and care of the household of five persons fell upon her. For about five years she engaged herself in this domestic task, until failing health compelled a change.

In the district school, Mrs. Standish's school days were happy ones. She was a thorough scholar, thorough in everything she undertook. In her studies, ; though the youngest, she led her class. Her ideals in education were often expressed by her in two maxims: "It is a sin to be ignorant;" "It does not hurt one to know." In her domestic experience of five years, she did not wholly neglect her studies. She improved every leisure moment and became a proficient in several of the sciences.

But her educational acquirements in the district schools and the instruction she received from private teachers did not satisfy her ambition. She marked out her course and with an unwavering firmness pursued it. She left home

- and friends and entered as a student the seminary at Charlestown, now a part of Boston. It was here that she pursued the higher branches of learning and

. became a thorough scholar in French and Italian. It is here that her love for and ability in art were developed, and the many paintings in oil and water colors, which have for so many years adorned her home, were produced. In this seminary, she soon became a favorite. By reason of her earnestness in school work, her womanly character, and her hig^ moral tone, she won the affection and confidence of both teacher and pupil. -;

- Here she remained a year or two, still pursuing the higher branches of learn- . ing. At this time there were no colleges for women in all our country, nor

. were they even thought of. The academy and seminary were the only institu- ,. tions offered them to acquire a broader education. But it must be said that - New England academies and seminaries of these early times were fully equal to many of the smaller colleges of today. Then young men and young women - "went" to school instead of being "sent." Education then had its full meaning. At Shelburne Falls, Mrs. Standish bid farewell to seminaries and academies, as far as her schooling was concerned, and afterwards engaged in teaching - her life work. Her first experience as a teacher was in the district schools of her native state. Here she taught with great success. Her reputation as an ; instructor and disciplinarian was so spread abroad that her services were in constant demand, even at higher wages than other teachers were receiving. She next took a position in an academy in Townsend, Vermont, where she remained a year or more. Resigning her place in the academy, she accepted a similar position in a private school at Saratoga Springs, New York, where she remained until called to Lombard University, Galesburg, Illinois. She arrived .. ' in Galesburg, Tuesday, August 29, 1854, and took her position before her 'classes the following day. The institution then bore the name, "The Illinois Liberal Institute." Its charter gave it the power to confer degrees upon those ' students who had finished a certain prescribed course of study. Although the ^ institution bore the name "Institute," it was a college to all intents and purposes. What was the character of the institution at this time? Considering this early period, it was "large," two hundred and thirty-three being enrolled at the end of that school year. The classes were composed mainly of students advanced in age and advanced in learning. Advanced Latin, advanced Greek, and the higher matheniatics were pursued. There were classes in the differ- V ential and integral calculus, and students reading three languages, Latin, Greek ' and French, in the same term. The great body of the students were so anxious . ' to learn, that they sometimes petitioned the faculty not to omit but to continue -'.;; their recitations on certain holidays, which petitions were freely granted. To ; ; such an institution, to such a company of earnest students, Mrs, Standish was . introduced, and of the ability with which she acquitted herself, there are hundreds of living witnesses. :

Mrs. Standish was elected to the professorship of French and Italian, and teacher of drawing and painting. Nor was she confined exclusively to this department. She also taught classes in English literature, history, and some of '. the mathematics. She was principal of the ladies' department, and had a large task in correcting their essays. She held her professorship for twelve years, > resigning in June, 1866. During these early years, Lombard University was passing through her most critical period. She was carried through it by the sacrifices of faithful teachers and faithful students. It may be said truly that Mrs. Standish with others passed through fire and water to save the tottering college. Here was an institution of learning without a dollar in the treasury y and with no prospect of getting one, with her chapel building in ashes, and ' with unsuitable recitation rooms scattered all over the city, some of them half a mile apart; and to add to this state of things, each teacher was paid his back - - : salary at the end of the year in script of doubtful value. .,'

- Nor were conditions improved on entering the new building in the fall of 1856. Here stood the present college building on the open prairie, far removed from any human habitation. It was unfinished. The walls of many of the ;" rooms were naked, some had lath without plaster, and the outside walls of the rooms exposed to view the rough brick and mortar. There were no baseboards - to the rooms and blackboards were not even thought of or planned. But the *' greatest discomfort was found in the incapacity of two small furnaces to heat the building. No room was heated, and the larger number had no heat at all ;. j from morning till night. In recitation, both teacher and pupil, were obliged to .- wear coats and shawls to protect themselves against the cold. This was the ;.; state of things until near Christmas time, when a vacation was ordered with a ; . promise of new and better things. Nor was this the only trouble. During that winter this whole region of country was covered with ice, and then heavy rains came, forming rivers of water near the university, thereby cutting it oflf completely from the city. To meet the exigencies of the case, lady teachers and lady pupils were compelled to purchase and wear rubber boots in order to reach the university. Notwithstanding these trying times, it must be said that every teacher and every student did his duty. They shirked no task and omitted no lesson. They were at their posts until the day of vacation.

Through all these trials, Mrs. Standish passed. She murmured not, nor complained. She saw the obstacles in her pathway, but like a pilgrim, she took her staff and marched on. Her task was before her, and she could not be t turned aside. She knew and felt that success was born of self-sacrifice and ! self-determination, and success in whatever calling, though humble, gratified |

As a scholar, Mrs. Standish was more than ordinary. Indeed, she was ; ,. broadly educated. She was a student all her life. She had an ambition and a desire to learn. If any topic was introduced in conversation of which she was ignorant, she immediately set herself the task of learning it, and that task was finished only when her lesson was learned thoroughly. As a botanist, she was one of the best in the country, having made that branch her favorite study for more than seventy years. She was a superior student in astronomy. She could bound all the visible constellations and call the principal stars by name. Nightly, she waiched the planets in their course, and often exclaimed, "How wonderful '. , are the works of the Great Creator!" In the different branches of art, she was . almost supereminent. She was really the organizer of the first reading clubs in Galesburg. For twelve years, twice a week, she invited the ladies of the . city to her home and discoursed to them on the beauties of the masterpieces in . . painting and the wonderful creations of Phidias, Michael Angelo, and Canova. Nor was architecture omitted. The Grecian temples, the basilicas of Italy, and ' the English cathedrals were pictured before them. When Mrs. Laura Bassett ; visited Europe in 1905, she wrote to Mrs. Standish, "It is over twenty years since I had the privilege of meeting at your home with several other ladies and learning of treasures of art and beauties of architecture. With the maps in -- Baedecker and plats of the picture galleries, you made it so plain that I always used to say that I felt sure that I could go about here without any trouble at -. all, and would recognize these different buildings - and so it is." Nor is this all. Mrs. Standish was a scholar in English literature and her correctness of speech was remarkable. Often she would pause and in thought search for a fitting word. It seems that she was born with golden words on her tongue. .

As a teacher, Mrs. Standish had but few equals. Her great faculty was in the development of the minds of her pupils. She saw that it was not knowledge the pupils needed, but the power to get knowledge. In her teaching, she was always logical and never diffuse. She never left in the pupil's mind a - / subject hazily or poorly understood. It was always her endeavor to bring out true manhood and true womanhood in her pupils.

As a citizen, Mrs. Standish was well worthy of the title of public benefactor. She labored for others and not for herself. She believed in civic improvements ' '- and worked to make the city a better place to live in. All rubbish and unsightly . ' things distressed her, and no one knows how much time she spent in beautify- - I ing the city. Her example and her work she has left behind her, which will be a profit to many. She was ever charitable and kind and a help to all who knew ; :; her. She loved the good, the beautiful, and the true, and never descended from the high plane of true womanhood.

Mrs. Standish was united in marriage to John Van Ness Standish, a professor in Lombard University, March 24, 1859. The ceremony was performed in the college chapel by the Reverend Otis A. Skinner, D. D., who was then ' president of the university, a large number of students and friends being - present. The golden wedding was celebrated in Pasadena, California, March 24, 1909. There was only "one" present who attended the original wedding, - Mrs. A. M. H. Ellis, of Seattle, Washington, formerly of Chicago. -;.- - ..

at the end of that school year. The classes were composed mainly of students advanced in age and advanced in learning. Advanced Latin, advanced Greek, and the higher matheniatics were pursued. There were classes in the differential and integral calculus, and students reading three languages, Latin, Greek and French, in the same term. The great body of the students were so anxious to learn, that they sometimes petitioned the faculty not to omit but to continue their recitations on certain holidays, which petitions were freely granted. To such an institution, to such a company of earnest students, Mrs. Standish was introduced, and of the ability with which she acquitted herself, there are hundreds of living witnesses.

Mrs. Standish was elected to the professorship of French and Italian, and teacher of drawing and painting. Nor was she confined exclusively to this department. She also taught classes in English literature, history, and some of the mathematics. She was principal of the ladies' department, and had a large task in correcting their essays. She held her professorship for twelve years, resigning in June, 1866. During these early years, Lombard University was passing through her most critical period. She was carried through it by the sacrifices of faithful teachers and faithful students. It may be said truly that Mrs. Standish with others passed through fire and water to save the tottering college. Here was an institution of learning without a dollar in the treasury and with no prospect of getting one, with her chapel building in ashes, and with unsuitable recitation rooms scattered all over the city, some of them half a mile apart ; and to add to this state of things, each teacher was paid his back salary at the end of the year in script of doubtful value.

Nor were conditions improved on entering the new building in the fall of 1856. Here stood the present college building on the open prairie, far removed from any human habitation. It was unfinished. The walls of many of the rooms were naked, some had lath without plaster, and the outside walls of the rooms exposed to view the rough brick and mortar. There were no baseboards to the rooms and blackboards were not even thought of or planned. But the greatest discomfort was found in the incapacity of two small furnaces to heat the building. No room was heated, and the larger number had no heat at all from morning till night. In recitation, both teacher and pupil, were obliged to wear coats and shawls to protect themselves against the cold. This was the state of things until near Christmas time, when a vacation was ordered with a promise of new and better things. Nor was this the only trouble. During that winter this whole region of country was covered with ice, and then heavy rains came, forming rivers of water near the university, thereby cutting it off completely from the city. To meet the exigencies of the case, lady teachers and lady pupils were compelled to purchase and wear rubber boots in order to reach the university. Notwithstanding these trying times, it must be said that every teacher and every student did his duty. They shirked no task and omitted no lesson. They were at their posts until the day of vacation.

Through all these trials, Mrs. Standish passed. She murmured not, nor complained. She saw the obstacles in her pathway, but like a pilgrim, she took her staff and marched on. Her task was before her, and she could not be turned aside. She knew and felt that success was born of self-sacrifice and self-determination, and success in whatever calling, though humble, gratified

;>' As a scholar, Mrs. Standish was more than ordinary. Indeed, she was broadly educated. She was a student all her life. She had an ambition and a desire to learn. If any topic was introduced in conversation of which she was ignorant, she immediately set herself the task of learning it, and that task was finished only when her lesson was learned thoroughly. As a botanist, she was one of the best in the country, having made that branch her favorite study for more than seventy years. She was a superior student in astronomy. She could bound all the visible constellations and call the principal stars by name. Nightly, she watched the planets in their course, and often exclaimed, "How wonderful are the works of the Great Creator!" In the different branches of art, she was almost supereminent. She was really the organizer of the first reading clubs in Galesburg. For twelve years, twice a week, she invited the ladies of the city to her home and discoursed to them on the beauties of the masterpieces in painting and the wonderful creations of Phidias, Michael Angelo, and Canova. Nor was architecture omitted. The Grecian temples, the basilicas of Italy, and the Fnglish cathedrals were pictured before them. When Mrs. Laura Bassett visited Europe in 1905, she wrote to Mrs. Standish, "It is over twenty years since I had the privilege of meeting at your home with several other ladies and learning of treasures of art and beauties of architecture. With the maps in Baedecker and plats of the picture galleries, you made it so plain that I always used to say that I felt sure that I could go about here without any trouble at all, and would recognize these different buildings - and so it is." Nor is this all. Mrs. Standish was a scholar in English literature and her correctness of speech was remarkable. Often she would pause and in thought search for a fitting word. It seems that she was born with golden words on her tongue.

As a teacher, Mrs. Standish had but few equals. Her great faculty was in the development of the minds of her pupils. She saw that it was not knowledge the pupils needed, but the power to get knowledge. In her teaching, she was always logical and never diffuse. She never left in the pupil's mind a subject hazily or poorly understood. It was always her endeavor to bring out true manhood and true womanhood in her pupils. . ' ;.-''-.

As a citizen, Mrs. Standish was well worthy of the title of public benefactor. She labored for others and not for herself. She believed in civic improvements and worked to make the city a better place to live in. All rubbish and unsightly things distressed her, and no one knows how much time she spent in beautifying the city. Her example and her work she has left behind her, which will be a profit to many. She was ever charitable and kind and a help to all who knew her. She loved the good, the beautiful, and the true, and never descended from the high plane of true womanhood. ' ;C-::' ; -V -- -i^.'-- / "' ^'--':'^' '';;'--

Mrs. Standish was united in marriage to John Van Ness Standish, a professor in Lombard University, March 24, 1859. The ceremony was performed in the college chapel by the Reverend Otis A. Skinner, D. D., who was then president of the university, a large number of students and friends being present. . The golden wedding was celebrated in Pasadena, California, March 24, 1909. There was only "one" present who attended the original wedding, Mrs. A. M. H. Ellis, of Seattle, Washington, formerly of Chicago.

-Mn religion, -Mrs. Standish was a Universalist, though she was brought up in the Congregationalist faith. She was far from being narrowly sectarian. She thought that good works and an upright life counted for more than blind belief.

In politics, her sympathies were republican, and if she could have voted, her vote would have been cast on that side. In both religion and politics, she believed the higher law should prevail. .

Rev. Francis Baines, who is in charge of the parish of St. Patrick of Galesburg, was bom in Ehidley, Worcestershire, England, on the 3d of December, 1874.

The preliminary education of Father Baines was obtained at Rugby, after which he studied at Mount Wadhurst, Sussex and Monte Calvario, Italy. He subsequently went to Ratcliffe College, as an instructor in Latin, remaining there for two years. At the expiration of that period he engaged in mission work at Loughborough, Leicestershire, England, for a year, and in 1904 he came to this country as an assistant to Father Doubleday, of Galesburg. After serving in this capacity for four years he was appointed head of the parish, over which he has now presided for three years. He is the spiritual counselor of one hundred and thirty families and has under his supervision the following organizations : Sacred Heart Sodality, Children of Mary and the Altar Society. St. Patrick's is one of the popular parishes of the city. Father Baines is very popular not only in his parish but throughout the city, as he is a man of rare culture and scholarly instincts, whose well stored mind makes him a most delightful and entertaining conversationalist. He is progressive in his ideas and exercises a most powerful influence over all the members of his parish, who place a high valuation on his views on any subject, appreciating the fact that they are the result of careful and conscientious deliberation.

Honored and respected by all, there is no man who occupies a more enviable position in business and financial circles in Galesburg than does Lloyd F. Wertman, the president of the First National Bank. This is not due alone to the success he has achieved but also to the straightforward, honorable business methods he has ever followed, and his record indicates that success is not a matter of genius as held by some but is rather the outcome of clear judgment and unfaltering energy. He was born in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, November 7, 1845, and is one of the seven children of Elias and Mary (Kistler) Wertman. The former was a son of Daniel Wertman, a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent. He removed with his family to Lockport, New York, where he died when well advanced in years. To him and his wife were bom a number

In religion, .Mrs. Standish was a L'niversalist, though she was brought up in the Congregationalist faith. She was far from being narrowly sectarian. She thought that good works and an upright life counted for more than blind belief.

In politics, her sympathies were republican, and if she could have voted, her vote would have been cast on that side. In both religion and politics, she believed the higher law should prevail.

Rev. Fraxcis Baixes

Rev. Francis Baines, who is in charge of the parish of St. Patrick of Galesburg, was bom in Dudley, Worcestershire. England, on the 3d of December,

The preliminary education of Father Baines was obtained at Rugby, after which he studied at Mount Wadhurst. Sussex and Monte Calvario, Italy. He subsequently went to Ratcliffe College, as an instructor in Latin, remaining there for two years. At the expiration of tliat period he engaged in mission work at Loughborough, Leicestershire. England, for a year, and in 1904 he came to this country as an assistant to Father Doubleday, of Galesburg. After serving in this capacity for four years he was appointed head of the parish, over which he has now presiderl for three years. He is the spiritual counselor of one hundred and thirty families and has under his supervision the following organizations : Sacred Heart Sodality, Children of Mary and the Altar Society. St. Patrick's is one of the popular parishes of the city. Father Baines is very popular not only in his parish but throughout the city, as he is a man of rare culture and scholarly instincts, whose well stored mind makes him a most delightful and entertaining conversationalist. He is progressive in his ideas and exercises a most powerful influence over all the members of his parish, who place a high valuation on his views on any subject, aj^preciating the fact that they are the result of careful and conscientious deliberation.

Honored and respected bv all. there is no man who occupies a more enviable position in business and financial circles in Galesburg than does Lloyd F. Wertman, the president of the First National Bank. This is not due alone to the success he has achieved but also to the straightforward, honorable business methods he has ever followed, and his record indicates that success is not a matter of genius as held by some but is rather the outcome of clear judgment and unfaltering energ\'. He was born in Bloomsburg. Pennsylvania, November 7. 1843, and is one of the seven children of F.lias and Mary CKistler") Wertman. The former was a son of Daniel Wertman. a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent. He removed with his family to Lockport, New York, where he died when well advanced in vears. To him and his wife were born a number of children, including Elias, Noah, Daniel, Emanuel, John, Jonathan and a daughter, Elias Wertman was also a native of the Keystone state and was there reared. Eventually he followed merchandising in Bloomsburg and Rohrsburg, Pennsylvania, and in the year 1864 removed westward to Illinois, settling that spring in Knox county, where he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He followed farming in both Per Sifer and Elba townships, being for many years actively engaged in the work of tilling the soil. While in Pennsylvania he had wedded Mary Kistler, a native of that state, as was her father, who was of German lineage. He was a distiller and prominent farmer. The death of Elias Wertman occurred in Yates City when he was about seventyeight years of age and his wife passed away several years before. They held membership in the German Lutheran church and were worthy Christian people. Of their seven children five reached years of maturity, two having died in infancy. Those who attained adult age were : Daniel, now deceased ; Sarah, the widow of Sf>encer L. Finney, of Galesburg; Mary Ellen, the wife of Samuel Chester, of Creston, Iowa; Lloyd F. ; and Martha J., the widow of James A. Wilson, of Galesburg.

In his native town of Bloomsburg Lloyd F. Wertman spent his early youth and began his education, which was supplemented by further study in the public schools of Rohrsburg, Pennsylvania, and in the academy at Orangeville, that state. He was also for a year and a half a student in a missionary institute or college at Selinsgrove and when his education was completed he came to the middle west and turned his attention to farming, renting a tract of land adjoining his father's place. Subsequently he purchased his father's farm and remained thereon until 1878, when he removed to Yates City, Illinois, where he spent two years in a cooperative store. On the expiration of that period he formed a partnership with J. H. Nicholson and W, P. Parker for the establishment of a bank at Yates City. Their enterprise was known as the Farmers Bank and its doors were opened for business on the ist of August, 1880, with Mr. Wertman as cashier. He filled that position for nine years and the success of the bank is attributable in large measure to his efforts and ability. He then sold out to Mr, Nicholson and came to Galesburg, accepting the cashiership in the Farmers & Mechanics Bank of this city, with which he was connected for six years, when he was elected vice president of the First National and after two years was elected to the presidency, so that he is now the chief executive officer of the bank, his guiding policy being such as commends the institution to the confidence and support of the public. In the conduct of banking interests he has ever adhered to the principle, that the banking institution that most carefully safeguards its business in order to protect its depositors, is the bank which most merits the public confidence. > ^; ---:'"; -^: --'-v

On January ii, 1870, Mr. Wertman was married to Miss Isabella J. Oberholtzer, a native of Eugene, Knox county, Illinois, and a daughter of Henry and Martha (Tucker) Oberholtzer. The family is an old one here, having been established in pioneer times. Her father died from the effects of army experience, having been a soldier of the Civil war, and her mother passed away in Gilson when eighty-five years of age. To IMr. and Mrs. Wertman have been born five children: Elmer, who died in infancy: Mary, who is the wife of

Arthur D. Stearns, of Galesburg, and has four children, Philip, Helen, Frances and Virginia ; Martha Leorah and Maude, who are living at home ; and Norma B., who is the wife of Guy B. Hardy, an attorney of Galesburg, by whom she has one child, Jane. Mr. Wertman is serving as a trustee in the Presbyterian church, in which his wife holds membership. In politics he is a republican, giving unfaltering support to the party, and while residing in Elba township he served as township clerk for ten years, was collector for two or three terms and was also one of the county supervisors while living in Yates City. For twelve years he has been a member of the Galesburg school board and was chairman of its finance committee. No public trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree and in public office he has done eflfective work for progress and improvement. Wherever known he is held in high regard and most of all where best known. The close attention which he has given to his business affairs and the honorable and progressive methods which he has followed have constituted the secret of his success, which has won him to a prominent position in business circles among the men of affluence in this county.

Richard Austin Lawrence

Richard Austin Lawrence was one of the early residents of Galesburg, identified for a period with its mercantile interests although later he became closely associated with agricultural activities in Knox county. He was born in Littleton, Massachusetts. September 27. 1823, and is descended from New England ancestry long represented in this country. His great-grandfather was David Lawrence, also a native of Littleton, and in Massachusetts he married Hannah Sawtell. of Groton. that state. Their son, David Lawrence. Jr.. the grandfather of Richard A. Lawrence, was also born in Littleton and married Martha Adams, a native of Lincoln, Massachusetts. They were the parents of George Lawrence, likewise a native of Littleton, who on arriving at years of maturity wedded Rebecca Merriam. who was born in Concord, ^Massachusetts, and was a daughter of Joseph and Lucy (Wheeler) Merriam. Her father was likewise a native of Concord as was his father. Joseph Merriam, so that in both the paternal and maternal lines Richard A. Lawrence was descended from ancestry long connected with New England.

In the acquirement of his education Richard Austin Lawrence attended the public schools of his native town and continued his residence in Littleton until thirty-two years of age. Careful consideration of the business situation in the east as compared with the west led him to the belief that he would have better and broader opportunities in the Mississippi valley and in 1855, therefore, he left his home in Massachusetts and came to Knox county, Illinois. He had previously been married, on the i6th of May, 1853, to Miss Edna Miller, and it was two years later that they left New England for Galesburg. Here Mr. Lawrence established a store which he conducted for a time, but later turned his attention to farming which was more to his liking. In that business he won substantial success and as his financial resources increased he acquired consid- arable land west of the city, adding to his holdings from time to time and improving the greater part of his property. He earned for himself the name of being a thorough and successful agriculturist and did much to develop the county along that line. Moreover, in his business affairs he was progressive and determined and his success was the legitimate and merited reward of his own labors. '-'"-/' -''---:':-/- --':--- -- .--'- .''.'...-- '-^'-"->-

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence there were born seven children of whom four are yet living : George A., a resident of Galesburg ; Fannie E., who is the widow of John G. Vivion and resides in Galesburg; Mrs. Anna M. Linn, of Emerson, Iowa; and Bernard P., a resident of Seattle, Washington. '.'.'/.

In his political views Mr. Lawrence was a republican from the organization of the party and always supported its men and measures yet did not seek nor desire office for himself. He held membership in the First Baptist church and his life was passed in harmony with his professions. He passed away on the nth of August, 1905, in the eighty-second year of his age, and Knox county thus lost not only one of its forceful residents but also a citizen of worth who in every relation of life was found honorable and reliable. He did not seek to figure prominently in public affairs but was ever faithful to his duties and exemplified in his relations with his fellowmen his Christian belief. !--!-.

On the roster of county officials in Knox county appears the name of Frank L. Adams, who is now filling the office of county clerk, in which connection he - is making a creditable record by the prompt, capable and systematic manner in'.;'' which he is meeting the duties that devolve upon him. Illinois numbers him - among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Yates City, September 23, 1866. His grandfather, William L. Adams, was one of the pioneer settlers of , this county, to which he removed when he left his native state of Ohio and ' ;' sought a home in Illinois. To provide for his family he followed various pur- : suits. His wife died soon after the removal to Knox county but William L. '' Adams lived to an advanced age. In the family were three sons and two daugh- '; ters: Wilson; John W. ; Henry; Jennie, the wife of Edward Phillips; and Anna, living in Mulvane, Kansas. :?...;.:;-:..;'.'.;:- '-vr.; : . :.-^{X -if^ : :.;. -v

The first named, Wilson Adams, was born in Ohio and was but a young lad ^ when his parents moved westward to Knox county, where he has since resided. He was reared in Yates City and vicinity and there learned the harness maker's ' , trade, which he followed as long as he was able to work. He has since lived '': . retired in Yates City save for a period of five years spent in Galesburg. He was a soldier for a time during the progress of the Civil war and engaged in guard duty in Chicago. His political allegiance has always been given to the , republican party, with which he has voted since age conferred upon him the . . right of franchise. He wedded Jane Kerns, also a native of Ohio and a daugh- : ter of Alexander Kerns, who was born in that state and made one of the first '^ : settlements in Knox county, Illinois, building one of the earliest homes at Yates '- , City. He followed the blacksmith's trade. Both he and his wife lived to an ?i.

advanced age and passed away in this county. They had two daughters, Jane and Emma, the latter now the widow of Stephen J. Johnson. The former became the wife of Wilson Adams and the mother of two children, Frank L. and Cora, but the latter died at the age of two years.

Frank L. Adams was reared in Yates City and always resided there until 1890, when he came to Galesburg. He had attended the public schools there and after starting out in the business world had followed merchandising for a number of years. His capability for public office was appreciated by M. O. Williamson, who appointed him to the position of deputy county clerk, in which capacity he served until 1901, when Mr. Williamson resigned to enter the office of state treasurer. !Mr. Adams was then appointed to the vacant position by the board of supervisors and in 1901 assumed the position, to which he was regularly elected in the following April. For ten years he has now held this position, his reelections coming to him as the unequivocal expression of the high regard reposed in him and appreciation for the worth and fidelity that he has ever displayed in office. -' ; -> - .-^' ; vi^r I' -\'

Mr. Adams was married on the 7th of November, 1884, to Miss A^nie D. Houser, a daughter of William H. and Sarah (Merchant) Houser. Mrs. Adams was born in Yates City, her parents having become early settlers of Knox county. Both died at Yates City, her father on the 3d of September, 1903, and her mother in 1883. They had a family of five children: Mary and Martha, twins; Laura; and Annie and Nellie, twins. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Adams have been born a daughter, Emma Marie, who is a graduate of the Galesburg high school and is now attending the Conservatory of Music at Knox College. ]'----

Mr. Adams has always been a stanch advocate of the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and for several years was chairman of the Knox county republican central committee, in which connection he put forth earnest and effective effort to advance the growth and insure the success of the party. He belongs to Galesburg Lodge, No. 894, B. P. O. E., and also to the Galesburg Business Men's Club, being interested in the movement to promote the business activity and enhance the welfare of the city.

vania, near Chambersburg, November 26, 1840. He was one of the nine chil- -'=... dren of Joseph and Mary (Schwartz) Nisley, who were also natives of the Keystone state. The paternal grandfather was of German descent and both he and his wife spent their last days in Pennsylvania. Of their children two > ^ came to Illinois - Joseph and Herman, the latter settling in La Salle county, where he died. The maternal grandfather of John M. Nisley was Daniel coming pioneers of Knox county, Illinois. They settled in Knoxvflle, Mr. Schwartz purchasing a tract of land on section 31, Knox township, although they

' lived in the village. Both he and his wife were more than eighty years of age - when they were called to their final rest. In their family were seven children, Mary, Christian, Susanna, Daniel. Samuel, John and Catharine.

Joseph Nisley, father of John M. Nisley, was reared in Pennsylvania and, being left an orphan when but nine years of age was bound out to learn the

. cabinetmaker's trade, his apprenticeship covering almost the remaining period of his minority. He worked at the trade until the spring of 1843, when he sought a home in the middle west, making his way to Knox county, Illinois, and taking up his abode upon a farm on section 31, Knox township. With characteristic energy he began to till the soil and transform the wild prairie into productive fields. Year by year the work was carried on with success and he had wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of the farm when on the 2d of January, 1860, he passed away, at about the age of sixty years. His wife long sur-

. came a Lutheran, while his wife placed her membership in the Presbyterian church. They were the parents of nine children of whom seven reached years of maturity, namely: Daniel W. and Abraham, both now deceased; Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Thomas Turney ; Samuel, who has passed away ; John M. ; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of Orlando Case; and Ellen, the wife of Thomas J. Scott, of Galesburg.

John M. Nisley has been continuously a resident of Knox county since 1843, or for sixty-eight years. His youthful days were spent upon his father's farm and his education was acquired in the district schools and in the Knoxville public schools. When not busy with his text-books he worked in the fields and gained practical experience in the best methods of tilling the soil, so that he was well qualified to engage in fanning on his own account after he had attained his majority. For twelve or fifteen years thereafter he cultivated the old home farm as a renter and he later purchased it, but eventually disposed of the property and came to Knoxville, where he lived retired for a time. Indolence and idleness, however, are utterly foreign to his nature and. not content without some occupation or business interest, he turned his attention to banking in 1885, opening a private bank, which he has since conducted, having now a well appointed establishment on the south side of the square. Knowing that the

' bank prospers most which most carefully safeguards the interests of its depositors, he has conducted his business upon a conservative basis and has made the establishment one of the thoroughly reliable financial institutions of the county. On the iQth of December, 1889, Mr. Nisley married Miss Kate C. Runkle, of Peoria county, Illinois, where her birth occurred. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Runkle. were natives of the state of New York, but removed westward when Peoria county was largely a frontier district. They became identified with farming interests there and both passed away on the old homestead farm. Both Mr. and Mrs. Nisley are widely and favorably known not only in Knoxville but throughout the county, where they have a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance. Mr. Nisley was made a Mason in 1882 and has always been loyal to the teachings and tenets of the craft. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and for two or three terms he has been a member of the city council, in which connection he has exercised his official prerogatives in support of various progressive public measures. His cooperation can always be counted upon to further any project for the general good and as a man and citizen he stands high in the community. His success, indicates the wise use which he has made of his time and opportunities, for in the careful management of his farming interests and of his banking activities he has won substantial success and the most envious cannot grudge him his prosperity, so worthily has it been gained.

In the city of Galesburg, where many years of his life were passed, Cyrus Minor Avery was widely known and his many attractive social qualities and admirable characteristics gained for him the friendship and kindly regard of all with whom he came into contact. He was one of Galesburg's native sons, his birth having here occurred on the iQth of June, 1846, when the city was but a small town and outlying districts of the state were largely undeveloped and unimproved. His parents were George and Saraphena Princess Mary (Phelps) Avery, both natives of the state of New York. The father was born in New Lebanon and was a representative in the seventh generation of a family that traces its ancestry back to Christopher Avery, the Hne coming down through James, Thomas, Abraham, Nathan and William Thomas to George. As a young man the last named came to the west, arriving in Galesburg in 1837. Here he built the second house in what was then known as Log City. Later the place of his abode now on West Main street came to be called the Avery farm. There he followed general agricultural pursuits at a time when the most foresighted could not have dreamed that his place would one day be near the very heart of the enterprising city. The lady whom he afterward made his wife came to the west with her brother and rhother, settling in Knoxville, where they were married. For many years Mr. Avery continued to engage in general farming but at length retired and took up his abode within the limits of Galesburg, living on North Cherry street. There the fruits of his former toil supplied him with the necessities and comforts of life up to the time of his death, which occurred on the ist of January, 1884. His wife also died at the Cherry street home. They were members of the First Congregational church, in the work qf which they took active and helpful part, Mr. Avery serving as deacon for many years. His political indorsement was given to the republican party. In the family were six children: Robert H., who died September 13, 1892; Mary, the wife of W. R. Butcher, living at Roodhouse, Illinois ; John T., who died August ii, 1905, at Galesburg; Cyrus M. ; Phoebe T., who is living in Biloxi, Mississippi; and George, also of Biloxi.

Cyrus M. Avery was educated in the public schools of Galesburg and in Knox College, where he completed his course with the class of 1868. He worked with his father on the farm for a time and was early trained to habits of indus- and has always been loyal to the teachings and tenets of the craft. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and for two or three terms he has been a nic'iiiljcr of the city council, in which connection he has exercised his official prerogatives in su])port of various ])n)gressivc |)ublic measures. His cooperation can always be counted upon to further any project for the general good and as a man and citixen lie stands high in the coninutnity. llis success, indicates tlie wise use which he has made of his time and opportunities, for in the careful management of his farming interests and of his banking activities he has won substantial success and the most envious cannot grudge him his prosperity, so wortliily has it been gained.

In the city of Cialesbiirg. where many years of his life were passed, Cyrus Minor Avery was widely known and his many attractive social (|ualities and admirable characteristics gained for Iiim the friendship and kindly regard of all with wliom he came into contact. He was one of Ciales1)urg's native sons, his l)irth having here occurred on the iQth of lune. 1846, when the city was Init a small town and otttlying districts of the state were largely undeveloped and unimproved. llis j)arents were (ieorge and Saraphena Princess Mary (I'heli)s) Avery, both natives of the state of Xew ^'ork. Tlie father was born in Xeu' Lel)anon and was a representative in the >eveiitli generation of a family tliat traces its ancestry back to Christopher Avery, the line coming down tlirough James. Thomas, Abraham, Xathan and William Thomas to George. As a young man the last named came to the west, arriving in Galeslnirg in 1^37. Here he built the second hotise in what was then known as Log City. I^ter the place of his al)ode now on West Main street came to be called the Avery farm. There he followed general agricultural pursuits at a time wlien the most ff)resighted could not have dreamed that his \i\acc would one day be near the very heart of the enterprising city. The lady whom he afterward made his w'ife came to the west with her brother and mother, settling in Knoxville, where they were married. For many years Mr. Avery continued to engage in general fanning btit at length retired and took u]) Iiis abode within the limits of Galesbtirg, living on X'orth Cherry street. There the fruits of his former toil sup- ])lied him with the necessities and comforts of life up to tlie time of his death, which occurred on the ist of January, 1X84. llis wife also died at the Cherry >treet home. They were members of tlie First Congregational church, in the work of which they took active and helpful part, Mr. Avery serving as deacon for many years. His political in<lorsement was given to the republican party. In the family were six children: Koljcrt II., who died Sejjtember 13, 1892: Mary, the wife of W. R. lUitcher, living at Roodhouse, Illinois; John T., who <lied August ii, T<>O5, at Galesburg: C'yrus M. ; I'hoel)e T.. who is living in r.iloxi, Mississippi ; and George, also of Biloxi.

Cyrus M. Avery was educated in the i)iiblic schools of (j;ilesl)urg and in Knox College, where he com])leted his course with the class of 1868. He worked with his father on the farm for a time and was earlv trained to ha])its of indus- try and diligence. He afterward engaged in the manufacturing business and made for himself a creditable position in trade circles in his native city. E^rly in the '705 he joined his brother, Robert Hanneman Avery, in the establishment of a plant for the manufacture of agricultural implements in Galesburg. The brother had been a soldier in the Civil war, was captured and was held as a prisoner at Andersonville, where he spent many otherwise idle hours in drawing in the sand of the prison yard designs of agricultural implements which he began to make soon after his release, the first being a stalk cutter and a corn planter. When the plans of the brothers were perfected for the conduct of an agricultural implement manufactory, they began business under the style of R. H. & C. M. Avery, operating their plant at Galesburg until 1882, when they went to Peoria and made arrangements for removing their factory to the latter city. There the enterprise was developed into a very large corporation known as the Avery Company. In 1883, after the removal of the business to Peoria, the Avery Planter Company was organized with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars. Ten years later the authorized capital was increased to three hundred thousand dollars, and in 1900 the name was changed to the Avery Manufacturing Company, at which time the capital stock was increased to one million dollars. The business continued to grow and is now capitalized for two million, five hundred thousand dollars. The plant is one of the most extensive and prominent productive industries of Peoria, with business connections that reach out to all parts of the world. C. M. Avery continued active in the management and control of the interests at Peoria until 1902, when he returned to his native city and erected here a large, comfortable and attractive modern residence. The remainder of his life, was divided between the two cities of Galesburg and Peoria, although he regarded the former as his home.

It was here on the 4th of October, 1877, that Mr. Avery was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Evalena Bartholomew, who was born at Elmwood, Illinois, February 25, 1856, and is a daughter of Luzerne and Sarah Elvira (Payne) Bartholomew. They became the parents of five children : Elvira Princess, born September 25, 1878; George Luzerne, September 12, 1879; Grace Ophelia, October 8, 1883; Harriette, June 20, 1886; and Cyrus Minor, May 29, 1899. The first two were bom in Galesburg, the last three in Peoria. George Luzerne Avery is still connected with the Avery Company as its secretary. The enterprise is now a business of mammoth proportions and includes the manufacture of agricultural implements, farm wagons, engines, threshers, engine gang plows, gas tractors and city and farm trucks. While the factory and main office are at Peoria, branch houses are maintained at Omaha, Nebraska ; Des Moines, Iowa ; Minneapolis, Minnesota ; Fargo, North Dakota ; Billings, Montana ; Kansas City, Missouri ; Indianaf>olis, Indiana ; St. Louis, Missouri ; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Sioux Falls, South Laknta; and Aberdeen, South Dakota.

The family circle was broken by death, when on the I5th of September, 1905, in Galesburg, Cyrus M. Avery passed away. His life record has been a credit and honor to the city which had ever honored and respected him. His business career was notable by reason of its successful achievement and the extent of the concern which was develop'^d through the enterprise and under the able direction of himself and brother. He seemed to possess a facult)' for devising and executing the right thing at the right time and this was joined to every day common sense. He seemed easily to discriminate between the essential and the non-essential, to see the possibility for the coordination of forces and to use each opportunity to the best advantage. Method and system were ever features of the business, together with the employment of skilled and expert workmen. In matters of judgment Mr. Avery was seldom if ever at fault and what he accomplished represented the fit utilization of the innate powers and talents which were his. As prosperity came to him he continually reached out a helping hand to those less fortunate and his benevolence was manifest in generous support of many worthy public projects and charities. Something of his position in the city of his birth is indicated in the fact that at his demise the year book of Knox College for 1907 bore the following inscription:

This pictured forth the feeling entertained for him not only in Galesburg, and in Peoria, but wherever he was known and no higher testimonial of his character could be given than the fact that he was most honored where best known.

Frederick Reuben Jelliff

Frederick Reuben Jelliflf, editor of the Republican-Register, of Galesburg, is the son of Fletcher Gould and Mary (Wilcox) Jelliff and was born in Whitesboro. New York, September 25, 1854. His father was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Hezekiah JellifF and was born on Long Island, Connecticut, June i6, 1823. Coming to Knox county, he served as mayor of Oneida in 1869 and his last years were passed in Galesburg, where he died September i8, 1902. The mother of Frederick R. Jelliff bore the maiden name of Marv White Wilcox and was born in Whitesboro, New York, March 21, 1824, being descended from a distinguished New England family that came from England not long after the arrival of the Mayflower. She was married to Mr. JellifF, May 14, 1846, and unto them were born nine children : Laura, who died in childhood ; Helen E., the wife of J. Warren Spera, of Piper City, Illinois ; William T., of Galva, this state; Charles F., of Galesburg; Frederick R. ; Franklin G., living in Leavenworth, Kansas; Mary W., of Galesburg, who is the widow of Frank Stilson; Louisa C., the wife of W. J. Johnston, of Galesburg; and Lincoln H., of Spring Coulee, Alberta, Canada. The mother died November 26, 1903.

It was in 1858 that the family removed from Whitesboro, New York, to Oneida, Illinois, where Frederick R. Jelliff spent his boyhood and attended the city schools. In 1871 he entered the preparatory department of Knox College 'i and was graduated with honors in 1878. During three winter seasons, while V - a college student, he taught school in the Dunlap district, northeast of Gales- > burg, meanwhile keeping up with his classes as far as possible by private study. In the fall following his graduation he accepted a position in the Galesburg high school and for three years was teacher of the first year's work in that in- - stitution. He next became local editor of the Republican-Register, with which he has since been associated. At the time he began reporting, Zaccheus Beatty '- was the editor and Samuel W. Grubb was business manager. Mr. Beatty died in 1896, but for some time prior to his death, owing to his frequent attacks of illness, Mr. Jelliff did the editorial work on the paper in addition to having oversight of the news department. He served as acting editor from the time . . of Mr. Beatty's death until he acquired an interest in the paper four or five; years later and was then appointed editor, in which capacity he has since served, y He has seen the paper develop from a small sheet containing no telegraphic . news and having a daily circulation of but a few hundred, to one carrying the full telegraphic news of the day, covering the local field comprehensively and . the field within forty miles of Galesburg to a remarkable extent and having a ' . circulation of thousands. During all this time he has faithfully tried to do his . part to contribute to this growth. Since he became reporter both of the men . who then so ably conducted the affairs of the Republican-Register have passed away, Mr. Grubb dying several years ago. The present secretary-treasurer of ' ' the paper, O. N. Custer, began as a solicitor under the old management and - worked his way up to his present position, while George A. Perry, the efficient * business manager, joined the paper on the retirement of Mr. Grubb. :

In addition to his work on the Republican-Register Mr. Jelliff has been in- 5 terested in lines of work having for their object the moral progress of the city : and its material development. He was a member of the legislative council of - > the anti-saloon league, under whose direction the town went dry twice before the local option law was passed and in the two campaigns under that law, in ; 1908 and 1910, had a share in directing the battle for the "dries." In his editorial expressions he has been consistent in his support for a clean and wholesome city and for honesty and efficiency in the administration of public affairs. In the Galesburg Public Improvement Association and the Galesburg Historical Society he has served as chairman of the program committees for several years. He has also been a member of the Galesburg Hospital Board from the time of its foundation and during most of this period has been the chairman of the committee on accounts and at present is also a member of the administrative committee. While Richard Yates was governor of Illinois he appointed Mr. Jelliff a member of the Western Illinois State Normal School at Macomb and he has for ten years been a member of that board, serving some of the time as its secretary, Mr. Jelliff is a member of the Central Congregational church. For several terms he was president of the men's league of the church and he has been a member of the Young Men's Christian Association from the time he aided in its organization to the present. He was one of the organizers, with Dr. John H. Finley, now president of the Collie of the City of New York, of the Sunset Gub and during much of the time of its existence its secretary. A lover of nature, Mr. Jelliff has for years made a study of the geok>^ of the common sense. He seemed easily to discriminate between the essential and the non-essential, to see the possibility for the coordination of forces and to use each opportunity to the best advantage. Method and system were ever features of the business, together with the employment of skilled and expert workmen. In matters of judgement Mr. Avery was seldom if ever at fault and what he accomplished represented the fit utilization of the innate powers and talents which were his. As prosperity came to him he continually reached out a helping hand to those less fortunate and his benevolence was manifest in generous support of many worthy public projects and charities. Something of his position in the city of his birth is indicated in the fact that at his demise the year book of Knox College for 1907 bore the following inscription: ;---..---,.;

This pictured forth the feeling entertained for him not only in Galesburg, and in Peoria, but wherever he was known and no higher testimonial of his character could be given than the fact that he was most honored where best known.

- Frederick Reuben Jelliff, editor of the Republican-Register, of Galesburg, is the son of Fletcher Gould and Mary (Wilcox) Jelliff and was born in Whitesboro. New York, September 25, 1854. His father was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Hezekiah Jelliff and was born on Long Island, Connecticut, June i6, 1823. Coming to Knox county, he served as mayor of Oneida in 1869 and his last years were passed in Galesburg, where he died September i8, 1902. The mother of Frederick R. Jelliff bore the maiden name of Marv White Wilcox and was born in Whitesboro, New York, March 21, 1824, being descended from a distinguished New England family that came from England not long after the arrival of the Mayflower. She was married to Mr. Jelliff, May 14, 1846, and unto them were born nine children : Laura, who died in childhood ; Helen E., the wife of J. Warren Spera, of Piper City, Illinois ; William T., of Galva, this state; Charles F., of Galesburg; Frederick R. ; Franklin G., living in Leavenworth, Kansas; Mary W., of Galesburg, who is the widow of Frank Stilson; Louisa C., the wife of W. J. Johnston, of Galesburg; and Lincoln H., of Spring Coulee, Alberta, Canada. The mother died November 26, 1903.

It was in 1858 that the family removed from Whitesboro, New York, to Oneida, Illinois, where Frederick R. Jelliff spent his boyhood and attended the city schools. In 1871 he entered the preparatory department of Knox CoUcfe and was graduated with honors in 1878. During three winter seasons, while a college student, he taught school in the Dunlap district, northeast of Galeshurg, meanwhile keeping up with his classes as far as possible by private study. In the fall following his graduation he accepted a position in the Galesburg high school and for three years was teacher of the first year's work in that institution. He next became local editor of the Republican-Register, with which he has since been associated. At the time he began reporting, Zaccheus Beatty was the editor and Samuel W. Grubb was business manager. Mr. Beatty died in 1896, but for some time prior to his death, owing to his frequent attacks of illness, Mr. Jelliff did the editorial work on the paper in addition to having oversight of the news department. He served as acting editor from the time of Mr. Beatty's death until he acquired an interest in the paper four or five years later and was then appointed editor, in which capacity he has since served. He has seen the paper develop from a small sheet containing no telegraphic news and having a daily circulation of but a few hundred, to one carrying the full telegraphic news of the day, covering the local field comprehensively and the field within forty miles of Galesburg to a remarkable extent and having a circulation of thousands. During all this time he has faithfully tried to do his part to contribute to this growth. Since he became reporter both of the men who then so ably conducted the affairs of the Republican-Register have passed away, Mr. Grubb dying several years ago. The present secretary-treasurer of the paper, O. N. Custer, began as a solicitor under the old management and worked his way up to his present position, while George A. Perry, the efficient business manager, joined the paper on the retirement of Mr. Grubb.