Knox County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 26 of 56)

In 1853, with his wife and family, John Miller removed to Illinois, locating on a farm north of Abingdon in Cedar township. After residing there for a brief period he went to McDonough county, where he purchased a farm that he operated for a short time, when he again settled in Knox county. This time they located on a place six miles east of Abingdon, continuing to make that their home for many years. There the mother passed away, but the father was living in Ohio at the time of his death. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Miller numbered eight, six sons and two daughters, all of whom are deceased with the exception of the son Daniel. The five brothers and two sisters were Benjamin, John, Jacob, Joseph, Peter, Elizabeth and Rebecca. Of these, Jacob Miller lived in Texas and at his death left to his wife and one child an estate valued at about eighty thousand dollars. The sister Elizabeth became the wife of Henry Eggers, while Rebecca died in her fourteenth year.

The childhood and youth of Daniel C. Miller contained little of the brightness and joy that are always associated with young life. A large family and limited means precluded the possibility of schooling and the preparation for a full and well rounded mature life, such as every ambitious youth aspires to attain. He left home when still quite young and went to work as a farm hand, following this occupation continuously for many years. Despite an environment that was not conducive to intellectual pursuits and the exhausting physical toil that occupied his days, such spare moments as he had were spent in reading the best thoughts of the greatest minds. These he dwelt upon during the long hours of his daily toil, never permitting his mind to wander and hover over vag^e and indefinite things but concentrating it upon a specific line of thought. Naturally this training made of him not only a scholar but a thinker, and when at the age of forty-four years it was found possible for him to realize the ambition of his life and begin studying for the profession he was so well adapted to follow, he was fully qualified for the undertaking. He entered Wesleyan University at Bloomington, where he pursued his legal studies, being graduated with the class of 1889. Immediately following his admission to the bar, he established an office in Knoxville and has ever since been successfully engaged in practice. A man of practical ideas, sound judgment and fine reasoning powers, Mr. Miller was readily recognized as an able representative of his profession and as a result has been entrusted with some of the important litigation in his immediate district. Liberal in his ideas and broad in his views, he reads widely and thinks deeply on all the vital subjects of the day, his opinions always being regarded as worthy of consideration because they are the result of long and deep deliberation. He possesses a rare memory, retaining every detail of what he reads, and is unquestionably one of the best posted men in this section of the state. ; . - /' -'-^,>^'^^ -^ ' ' I . ' v'

Mr. Miller was married in 1864 to Miss Mary Humphrey, a native of Knox county, and to them was born one son, Cyrus A. Miller, who is a resident of Alliance, Nebraska. From his first wife he secured a legal separation and afterward wedded Mary Jane Myrick, a widow and the sister of John Buffington.

They lived together* for nineteen years but at length decided to separate and in 1890 Mr. Miller was again married, his third union being with Mrs. Nancy (Adkins) Tucker, the widow of Josiah Tucker, and also a native of this county, her parents having been among the pioneer settlers here. Daniel C. and Nancy (Adkins) Miller became the parents of two children. Nellie C, the elder, married Hal Bachus, who is a decorator in Galesburg. They have two children, Louis C. and Helen I., the former born April i, 1909, and the latter February 13, 1911. Daniel C. Miller, Jr., is living at home with his parents. He possesses much musical talent and has been a member of the Knoxville band for three years, playing the cornet horn.

Mr. Miller has had many vicissitudes in life. He has met with hardships, trials and privations and has felt the sting of base ingratitude from those from whom he should have received love and assistance. However, his lines have at many times fallen in pleasant places and he is now well established in business, is surrounded by a happy and contented family and has in this county many friends.

William O'R. Bradley

The medical profession of Galesburg has a prominent and worthy representative in Dr. William O'R. Bradley, who in the practice of medicine and surgery has demonstrated his wide knowledge of the scientific principles that underlie his work and his ability to apply his knowledge in the arduous and difficult task of checking the ravages of disease. He opened an office in this city in 1891 and in the intervening period of twenty years has firmly established himself in the public regard not only as a capable physician but also as a man and citizen. He was born in Rochester, New York, October 14. i86i, his parents being Dr. Thomas and Anna G. (Maloney) Bradley, the fprmer a native of Belfast, Ireland, and the latter of Rochester, New York. The paternal grandfather. Dr. Hugh Bradley, was a successful physician of Belfast for many years, but eventually sought the opportunities of the new world and on coming to America established his home in Rochester, New York, where he practiced for a considerable period. His death there occurred in 1882, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-nine years. His family numbered two sons, Patrick and Thomas, and a daughter who died in early girlhood.

Dr. Thomas Bradley, coming to America during his boyhood days, was graduated from the Geneva Medical College, of Geneva, New York. He afterward located for practice in Rochester and was well established in business when, in 1866, he passed away at the age of forty-six years. In early manhood he had wedded Anna G. Maloney, a daughter of Henry Maloney, and she passed away September 15, 1879, at the age of forty-two years. Both were members of the Catholic church. In addition to his private practice Dr. Bradley had served as surgeon of the New York state militia with the rank of major. In the family were two children who lived to maturity, the daughter being Marie, who was a Sister of the Catholic church in the order of the Sacred Heart. She was known as Madam Bradley and died in the old City of Mexico in 1901.

Dr. William O'R. Bradley was reared in Rochester and attended its public schools. Subsequently he became a pupil in the Canisius College of Buffalo and later attended St. Michael's College in Toronto, Canada. He then returned to Buffalo and was graduated from the medical department of the University of Buffalo with the class of 1883, having determined to make the practice of medicine his life work. Following his graduation he opened an office in Rochester, New York, where he remained for a year and a half, and then went to Washington, Kansas, where he resided until 1891. That year witnessed his arrival in Galesburg, where he has since practiced, and his pronounced ability has been the means of bringing him a large practice, in the conduct of which he has been very successful, reading and study keeping him in close touch with the advancement in medical science. . ' ; i '-- ^;-^ ." C j -

On the 22(1 of July, 1884, Dr. Bradley was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Rivers, who was born in Rochester, New York. Dr. and Mrs. Bradley now have three children, William Rivers, Marie and Anna. Dr. Bradley gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is a prominent worker in its ranks, because of his belief that its principles are most conducive to good government. He served as mayor of Galesburg for one term and gave to the city a business-like and progressive administration. His fraternal relations are with Alpha Lodge, No. 155, A. F. & A. M., Galesburg Chapter, R. A. M., and Galesburg Commandery, K. T. He has also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of Mohammed Temple of the Mystic Shrine and in his life he exemplifies the beneficent and benevolent spirit of the craft. In strictly professional lines his association is with the city, county and state medical societies and the American Medical Association. He holds to high ideals in his chosen life work and conforms strictly to a high standard of professional ethics. ,

William H. Spinner hardly needs an introduction to the readers of this volume for he is widely and favorably known, both because of the extent and activity of his business interests and by reason of his entertaining powers as a chalk talker. He was born in Deal, County Kent, England, March 15, 1859, and his parents, Henry C. and Elizabeth A. (Lass) Spinner, were also natives of that country, where the father was born in 1830, while his wife's birth occurred in November of the same year. He was a farmer and dairyman and a dealer in live stock. He remained a resident of England until called to his final rest, as did his wife. His religious faith was that of the Church of England, while Mrs. Spinner was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist church. Fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was at one time noble grand in the local lodge. His family numbered two sons and four daughters: Annie, now deceased; William H. ; Ellen S., who is living in Kent, England; Elizabeth L., the wife of Charles Miller, of Galesburg; Fanny M., of England; and Frank, deceased. - - :

William H. Spinner was only seven and one-half years of age when brought by his uncles Eb and John Lass, to the new world and then on to Galesburg, to the home of William S. Lass, his foster father. He attended the public ' schools here and began earning his own living by working for the Burlington Railroad Company in the telegraph office as messenger. Gradually he worked his way upward, his capability and fidelity winning him promotion, until he became chief clerk. He then had charge of the Western Union wires and was - wire chief. He afterward became chief clerk for the division superintendent and later in the general superintendent's office and in September 1888, was appointed , :. to the responsible position of ticket agent at Galesburg, which position he filled - until the i6th of February, 1904. Mr. Spinner for many years held the sole agency of all Atlantic steamship lines and many European tourists and emi- ': grants bear tribute to his efficiency and his painstaking work in carefully planning -I their trips over the ocean. In 1904 he became general agent for the New York ; . Life Insurance Company, having full control of all of its business and interests : in this part of the state. This is still his connection and he has made for himself an honored name and position in the field in which he is now operating. : - Mr. Spinner is also known as a chalk talker and cartoonist, in which connec- -- '- tion he has given many entertainments in which amusement and instruction are ;, well balanced features. He draws rapidly with charcoal and colored chalks, - illustrating his speech, and in the twinkling of an eye can change a gay face to . one of great seriousness or supplement an expression of sorrow with one of joy. : He has received many favorable press notices and his work on the platform has vbeen highly commended.

Mr. Spinner is pleasantly situated in his home life, having been married on '.' the 4th of December, 1883, to Miss Florence B. Rice, a daughter of Augustus and Susan (Grant) Rice, of Lewistown, Illinois. Her father, a druggist of Fulton county, Illinois, and a son of Dr. E. D. Rice, was of New England ancestry. . . Her mother was a daughter of Professor Innes Grant, of Scotch descent, who at one time was professor of languages of the faculty of Knox College. Unto - - Mr. and Mrs. Spinner have been born three children : Harold R., born December 3, 1885; Delia Grant, February 7, 1889; and Mary, May 22, 1895.

In his political views Mr. Spinner is a republican but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attractions for him. He can find ample opportunity to use his time in different directions and is especially well known as an active member of the Central Congregational church, having for twenty years served as superintendent of its Sunday school. He belongs also to the Young Men's Christian Association of Galesburg, of which he was a director until a few years ago. He likewise belongs to the Masonic Lodge and the Galesburg Club. Throughout his life he has always been the same genial, courteous gentleman, whose ways are those of refinement and whose worth no man can question.

Jacob H. Schryver, who maintains a shoemaking establishment in Knoxville, has been a resident of Knox county for forty-four years, during which time he has noted its wonderful development along the various lines of human activity. He was born in Sag Harbor, New York, on the 5th of June, 1833, and is a son of George and Nancy (Conant) Schryver, natives of Pennsylvania. The father, who was a farmer in his early manhood, removed with his wife and family from Pennsylvania to the Mohawk valley. New York, subsequently locating in Sag Harbor, where he remained for many years. From there he went to Ontario, Canada, and engaged in the lumber business, continuing to make his residence in that country until his death. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Schryver consisted of five sons and six daughters, all of whom with the exception of our subject, are now deceased.

The youthful years of Jacob H. Schryver were spent in Sag Harbor, where he received his schooling. When old enough to become self-supporting he followed various occupations until 1865, when he engaged in the shoemaker's trade. From New York he went to Maine, but later went to Massachusetts, and in 1867 he came to what at that period was termed the west, locating in Galesburg. There he established a shop that he successfully conducted for many years. He has always been a skilful and painstaking workman and as he employed only the best of materials in executing his orders enjoyed a very good patronage. After the death of his wife, Mr. Schryver located in Abingdon for a few years, but has for some time now been making his home in Knoxville. During the period of his residence here he has at all times been found dependable and thoroughly trustworthy in his business obligations and as a result enjoys the respect of all with whom he has had transactions.

In 1855, at the age of twenty-two years, Mr. Schryver was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Myers, who was born and reared in Canada, but passed away in Galesburg in 1891. Her parents were natives of Germany, but in their early life they emigrated to Canada, where the father followed farming during the entire period of his active career. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Schryver there were born four children, two of whom are living: Mary Ellen, the wife of O. T. Martin, of Iowa, and James S., who makes his home in Greeley, Colorado.

In matters of faith Mr. Schryver is an Episcopalian. Although being in his eightieth year Mr. Schryver still leads an active life, and takes an interest in all that is going on about him. . '- -;. , ^^ ':"'

Captain George W. Reynolds, a retired farmer owning one hundred acres of land in the corporation of Victoria, belongs to a family that was prominent in the early development of Victoria township. He was born July 15. 1826, in Milton. Massachusetts, which is now within the city limits of Boston. His grandfather, Wincept Reynolds, was born in New Hampshire, of English parentage, and was a private in the Revolutionary war. In early life Wincept - Reynolds married a Miss Locke, a daughter of John Locke, a miller of Barrington, New Hampshire. His keen sense of justice and upright life had won for him the title o'f "Honest John Locke." The children of Wincept Reynolds were five in number, of whom George F., the father of Captain George W. Reynolds, was the fourth in order of birth, the others being: Wincept, who died in Boston ; Jacob ; Job, who died in New Hampshire ; and Mrs. Elizabeth , Weeks, who died in Farmington, New Hampshire. Wincept Reynolds was killed by a falling tree in 1832 and buried on his farm in New Hampshire, where he had spent the greater part of his life. His wife died in 1846. They were members of the old-time Presbyterian church. An interesting heirloom that has come to Captain Reynolds is the cane that was used by his grandfather,- Wincept Reynolds.

George F. Reynolds, the father of Captain Reynolds, was bom in Barring- - \^ ton. New Hampshire, in 1799. He married Abigail Locke, a dau^ter of "Honest John Locke, Jr.," and to this union were born four children, of whom George W. Reynolds was the eldest. The others were : Charles C., who died , ; in Andalusia, Illinois; John W., who died in Victoria, Illinois; and Mrs. Julia A. Hammond, who passed away in Victoria township. Soon after his marriage George F. Reynolds went to Milton, Massachusetts, where he worked for four - years for Judge Robbins, and then, in June, 1835, removed to Peru, Illinois, at ; ' which time there was only one house on the site of the present city. Owing to A sickness in his party Mr. Reynolds left Peru and went to Pleasant Grove, Taze- V well county, where he remained one and one-half years, coming in the summer . of 1836 to the farm, on which Victoria now stands. His farm originally covered one hundred and thirty acres but owing to the growth of the town he - gradually sold off lots until at the time of his death only eighty acres were left, '-':'. most of which was cut up into town lots. In 1837 he built the first house that >. was erected on the road in that section, and in the same year the postoffice at -.' Victoria was established, the only one in that part of the country, and he was ; , made postmaster. Mr. Reynolds was a lifelong republican. He took a very - - active part in the early development of the county, helped to organize the township, was trustee of the school fund and was justice of the peace. He was an - ; earnest worker in the Congregational church and was known for years as Deacon Reynolds. He died in 1892, at the age of ninety-two and one-half years. His ;> ' wife had died in 1876 and they are both buried in Victoria cemetery.

Captain George W. Reynolds was reared in Victoria and educated in the '-. public schools there. Later he attended school in Galesburg for three winters. He served all during the Civil war as captain of Company K, Eighty-third Regi- ; ment of Illinois Infantry, under Colonel Smith. After the war he returned to his farm at Victoria. He was twice married. In 1846 he wedded Mary Hotch- ' kiss, a native of New York, and after her death he married, in 1859, Elizabeth Swickard, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Jonathan Swickard. Captain Reynolds has one son by his first marriage, Lewis M., who resides in Colorado, and one daughter by his second marriage, Jennie R., the wife of James Mc- Master, of Victoria township. Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Noah Swickard, her -'; . sister-in-law, were the only two ladies from these parts who accompanied their . husbands into the Civil war, and both were present on the field of the battle of ''- Fort Donelson. It is very interesting to hear her recount reminiscences of - : this memorable occasion. She is a venerable old lady, who is greatly beloved ! by all who come in contact with her and appreciated as a bright and entertaining ' companion. Captain Reynolds, who has resided on his present farm since 1836, is widely and favorably known throughout the county, and the worthy couple is esteemed highly by all. Both are members of the Congregational church, of which he serves in the capacity of trustee. Fraternally, he is identified with P. G. Tait Post, No. 869, G. A. R. He has been active in local politics all his life, always working for the republican party. He has served as school treasurer and trustee, and was for nineteen years village treasurer. His life might be termed one of long service to the country at large and, especially, to his community and county. -' , ^fj. . , '

Prominent among the representatives of the medical profession in Galesburg is Dr. John Howard Bryant, who has wisely and conscientiously used the talents that have been given him in his preparation for the onerous duties that devolve upon him in connection with his chosen life work. His extensive practice is the best evidence of his ability, and his success has its root in a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles that underlie his work together with careful diagnosis. Dr. Bryant was born in Princeton, Illinois, May 27, 1876, a son of Elijah and Laura (Smith) Bryant, both of whom were natives of Bureau county, Illinois The Bryant ancestry in this country can be traced back to Sir Guy Bryant, who came from England in 1632, his ancestry also runs back eight generations to John Alden and Priscilla Mullens of the Mayflower. Elijah Bryant was a son of John Howard Bryant, who was born in Cummington, Massachusetts, and was a brother of William Cullen Bryant, the distinguished American poet. In the year 1831 John Howard Bryant came to Jacksonville, Illinois, with one of his brothers by way of the Erie canal and Ohio river, and in the spring of 1832 he rode horseback to Bureau county, settling on the present site of Princeton, where he took up a section of land which he improved, bringing the farm under a high state of cultivation. He was followed in a few years by two other brothers, all four of whom made Princeton their permanent home, William Cullen being the only brother remaining in the east. He acquired other property in that district, becoming one of the large landowners. There he spent his remaining days and not only took active part in the promotion of agricultural interests but likewise became an active factor in the public life of the community. He was closely associated with those who were instrumental in the creation of Bureau county out of Putnam county and throughout all the active period of his life did much toward shaping its formative policy and guiding its destiny. Under appointment of President Lincoln he filled the office of internal revenue collector and for three or four different terms he represented his district in the general assembly, his active support of various measures proving a potent element in guiding legislative enactment during that period. He took the greatest pride in his work in financing and establishing the Princeton township high school, which was the first school of that character in the state. His influence was always on the side of progress and advancement and he was justly accounted one of the most prominent citizens of Bureau county. He regarded it the duty as well as the privilege of every man to exercise his right of franchise and support the political principles which he believed most conducive to good government. During the greater part of his life he was a stanch advocate of the republican party and at no time was his position regarding any vital question an equivocal one. He married a Miss Wiswall in 1834 and to them were bom two sons, Henry who died at the age of nineteen and Elijah. J. H. Bryant reached the venerable age of ninety-five years, while his wife passed away at the age of eighty-one. -''.'.-'- --:-:v-y'vv >='.'---/-'' '- :'-...-V; ; vvS - S"''v-;^.'-'!^;.l^

Elijah Bryant, father of our subject, was born in Bureau county, Illinois, during the pioneer epoch in the history of that district and was there reared and educated. As he grew to manhood he became his father's assistant and gradually more and more assumed the management of the estate, to which he devoted his entire life. He married Laura Smith, who was also born in Bureau county and was a daughter of Sidney P. Smith, who removed from New Hampshirte to this state. He established his home just outside of Princeton, upon a farm which he carefully developed and improved. He married a Miss Doolittle, of Princeton, and both died in Bureau county when well advanced in years. The Smiths, like the Bryants, were of English descent. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney P. Smith were five children who reached mature years: Lucy, now the wife of A. C. Cutler; Emily, the wife of James Smart, of Chicago; Elizabeth, who married H. H. Curtis, of Chicago ; Sidney P., living in Athol, Massachusetts ; and Laura, who became Mrs. Bryant. The death of Elijah Bryant occurred in 1892, when he was fifty-six years of age. He had held a number of local offices and in a more quiet but none the less effective way had carried on the work which his father instituted for the development and upbuilding of the county. His widow still survives him and is numbered among the faithful members of the Congregational church, with which she has long been identified. Of their family of six children five are yet living: Frances, the wife of J. C. Bannister, of Kewanee, Illinois ; Kate, the wife of W. E. McVay, of Los Angeles, California; William C., living in Princeton; Sue, the wife of A. H. Ferris, also of Princeton, Illinois ; and John H., of this review.

Dr. Bryant spent his youthful days in his native city and the public and high schools afforded him his early educational privileges, his course being continued there until his graduation from the high school with the class of 1897, and spent the following summer traveling in Europe. During the two succeeding years he lived in Los Angeles, California, where he was employed as a bookkeeper in a bank. In the summer of 1899 he returned to Illinois and took up the study of medicine in the Northwestern University Medical School of Chicago, therein completing a four-years' course by graduation in 1903. To his theoretical training he added the broad practical experience of hospital practice as an interne, being thus engaged until July, 1904. In the fall of that year he was married and on the ist of January, 1905, established his home in Galesburg, where he has since remained, gradually building up a practice which has now assumed extensive proportions. He keeps in touch with the progress of the medical fraternity through his perusal of the latest and most valued contributions to medical literature and his sound judgement enables him to select that which is best and most valuable and use such for the benefit of his patients. He is now serving on the Galesburg Hospital staff and is a member of the city, county and state medical societies and the American Medical Association.

On the 26th of October, 1904, Dr. Bryant was married to Miss Lillian R. \V^arfield, a native of Princeton and a daughter of Jacob H. and Mary (Qark)

Warfield. Her father was born in Uniontown, Ohio, and her mother's birth occurred near Princeton. Mr. Warfield passed away in 1890 but his wife is still living. They were parents of six children : George C. ; Andrew A. ; Lydia, the wife of W. C. Bryant ; Charles W. ; Lillian, the wife of J. H. Bryant ; and John J. To Dr. Bryant and his wife has been born two daughters, Frances Warfield and Grace Adele. The parents are members of the Central Congregational church and Dr. Bryant gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He manifests unfaltering devotion to his chosen life work and his success is based not alone upon broad scientific attainments but also upon humanitarianism, which is one of the salient elements in his character.

Among the few soldier boys of '6i still regularly engaged in the discharge .. of active duties must be mentioned Sheldon C. Ayres, who for forty-two years has been running out of Galesburg as a passenger conductor on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. His birth occurred at Andover, Henry county, Illinois, on the 5th of July, 1843, his parents being John A. and Mary B. (Wash- - burn) Ayres. The father was a native of Connecticut and the mother of Maine, but they were married in Andover. John A. Ayres was reared and educated in his native state and there he also received his agricultural training. In 1835 he came to Illinois, settling on a farm in Henry county that he industriously culti- ' vated for twenty-two years. In 1857 he withdrew from the work of the fields - and went to Galva where he engaged in business for four years. He disposed of this in i86i, removing to a farm three miles west of Kewanee and there resided for twelve years. At the expiration of that time he sold his property and to- . gether with his wife removed to David City, Nebraska. He invested his money '.. in lands in that vicinity but lived in the town, continuing to make that his home, .; as did also the mother, until death. He was a deacon in the Baptist church, in which they both held membership, and in politics he was a republican, but never . held any office save that of school director. Nine children were born unto Mr. / and Mrs. Ayres, as follows : Charlotte B., who is deceased ; Sheldon C., our 4 subject ; William, who is also deceased ; John, who is living in Nebraska ; James, of Greenleaf, Kansas ; Elizabeth, who is deceased ; Edwin, a resident of Fairbury, Nebraska ; Frank, who lives at David City, Nebraska ; and Clifford, who is deceased.

The early years in the life of Sheldon C. Ayres were in no way unusual, but very similar in every respect to those of other lads of that period who were reared in the more sparsely settled communities. When old enough to begin . his education he entered the public schools of Andover, completing his course in those of Galva. Thrilled with the patriotism that dominated so many of the youths at that time, when the call came for soldiers in the early days of the war ;; he responded by enlisting as a private in Company D, Seventeenth Illinois Vol- : unteer Infantry. He remained at the front for three years and one month, : participating during that time in many of the most notable conflicts of the Rebellion. Among the battles in which he was engaged mention should be made '.

of Frederickstown, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, both sieges of Corinth, luka, Holly Springs, .Old River near Lake Providence, Clinton, Mississippi, Jackson, Meridian, Canton, Yazoo City, and the siege and capture of Vicksburg. He was discharged at Springfield, and immediately resumed the duties of civil life as a farmer, following this occupation until he attained his majority. Subsequently he joined an engineer corps that was surveying for the American Central from Galva to New Boston, and in 1866 he entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company in the capacity of a freight brakeman. He was later promoted to the position of conductor and on the 2ist of April, 1869, ^^ was assigned a passenger train. For many years he has been passenger conductor on the Galesburg and Quincy division, and is well and favorably known to all of the company's employes on this section.

Atkinson, Henry county, Illinois, was the scene of the marriage of Mr. Ayres to Miss Ellen E. Nichols, a daughter of Ziba and Mathilda (Smith) Nichols, the event being celebrated on the 2d of September, 1869. Three daughters were born to them: Nellie, Elizabeth and Mary, all of whom are now deceased.

Fraternally Mr. Ayres is a Mason, having joined the order at Kewanee in 1865, where he took the degrees of the blue lodge, and in 1867 he affiliated with the commandery at Galesburg. He is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, and both he and Mrs. Ayres belong to the Presbyterian church. His allegiance in political matters is accorded to the republican party, but he has never sought public honors, although he takes an active interest in all municipal questions and always goes to the poles on election day. On November 9, 1900, Mr. Ayres was appointed by Governor John R. Tanner of Illinois, one of the commissioners to ascertain and mark the position of the Illinois troops in the battle of Shiloh. Mr. Ayres is one of those who can be depended upon to meet the requirements of citizenship by giving his services and cooperation whenever needed, his efforts being characterized by the same fortitude and endurance as well as determination of purpose that distinguished him on the battlefields of the south. ' - -' -''^.- .-''--/^-^'"- '"''^ ' - ' V/"^ ;--:-',;-.- -^'^ <-.:.--':.- -:'^- 'v^'--''^.--

Frank Lauren Conger, a Lombard man, whose educational training has been used to good purpose in a successful and progressive business career, is now cashier of the First National Bank of Galesburg, his native city. He was bom December 9, 1873. the elder of two children of Seth B. and Ella (Ohnsted) Conger. The younger son is Dr. G. P. Conger, now practicing in Oak Park, Illinois. His paternal grandfather was Lauren C. Conger, a native of the state of New York, who married Amanda Hasbrook and came to Knox county at an early day, settling at Cherry Grove. Both he and his wife lived to old age and here reared their family of two sons, Seth B. and Fred H. The former, born in Illinois, was reared in this county and became one of the early students in Lombard College when that institution was known as Liberal Institute. His education completed, he afterward devoted some time to the cultivation of his father's farm lying west of the city. Later he took up the grocery business in which he continued for several years and subsequently removed to Missouri, living in Carroll county, that state, for about fifteen years. Returning to Galesburg he entered business circles here as a lumber dealer under the firm name of Conger & Hinchcliflf and subsequently was engaged in the hardware and implement business in Knoxville for four or five years. During the last year and a half of his life he lived retired in Bradentown, Florida, where he passed away in 1910. In early manhood he wedded Ella Olmsted, also a native of this state and a daughter of Silas and Emily (Ward) Olmsted, who were natives of New York. They became early residents at Olmsted's Mills, north of Monmouth, Illinois, where the matern'al grandfather of our subject operated a fiour mill and also carried on farming. At length he removed to Galesburg where he engaged in merchandising until his death, which occurred when he was past middle age. His wife long survived, reaching the advanced age of eighty-nine years. In their family were four children : Ophelia, the wife of Lyman West ; Flora E., the wife of John T. Avery ; Ella A. ; and Professor Everett Ward Olmsted, now of Cornell University at Ithaca, New York. It was the daughter Ella who became the wife of Seth Conger and the mother of F. L. Conger of this review. She still survives her husband and is now living in Galesburg, where she has a wide acquaintance. She holds membership in the Universalist church of which Mr. Conger also was a member.

Frank L. Conger was only a year old when his parents removed from this city to Missouri where he spent the succeeding fifteen years of his life upon his' father's farm. He then returned to his native city and entered Lombard University from which he was graduated with the class of 1895. He afterward worked for a year in the lumberyard owned by his father and then pursued a year's course of study in pharmacy in the University of Illinois, School of Pharmacy. Later he opened a drug store at the corner of Main and Seminary streets in Galesburg, continuing in active connection with mercantile interests until he sold out to enter the field of banking. In 1898 he became collector of the First National Bank and has been gradually promoted through intermediate positions until he has now filled the position of cashier for more than six years. He has thoroughly acquainted himself with the banking business in every particular and is therefore well qualified for the onerous and responsible duties that devolve upon him in this connection. He is regarded as a most courteous and obliging bank official and his policy as well as his business ability contribute to the success of the bank.

On the 1 3th of February, 1900, Mr. Conger was married to Miss Mabel Dow, a daughter of Andrew G. and Flora (Prindle) Dow, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Michigan. They became early residents of Galesburg where Mrs. Conger was born. Her father died in 1905 when more than sixty years of age and her mother is still living. They have two children, the younger daughter being Edna, now the wife of James Moir, of Burlington, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Conger have one daughter, Barbara Lois. They hold membership in the Universalist church and Mr. Conger also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, serving for one year as exalted ruler of the local lodge. He likewise holds membership in the Galesburg Business Men's Club and is not only interested in its social features but is also a cooperant factor in its work for the improvement and upbuilding of the city and the extension of its commercial relations. In politics he is a republican and filled out an unexpired term as city treasurer but has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business interests which have been of constantly developing importance. He is a worthy representative of one of the oldest families of Knox county, his great-grandfather having settled here as a pioneer when the seeds of civilization were just being planted in this district. Like his forefathers before him he takes an active and helpful interest in all projects for the progress of city and county along material, intellectual, social and moral

Albert J. Cline, of the dine & Shaw Fuel Company, of Galesburg, was born in Peoria county, Illinois, October i6, 1871. He is a son of Peter S. and Miranda E. (Matteson) Cline, natives of the state of New York, the father having been born in Oswego county, in 1831, while the mother's birthplace was Troy. Peter S. Cline came west locating on a farm in Radner township, Peoria county. There he engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death in October, 1882. He was a democrat in his politics and served for eight years as a supervisor in his township. Five children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cline, of whom our subject is the fourth in order of birth. The others are as follow : Alice C., the wife of E. E. Kendall, of Victoria, Illinois; Fred C., who is deceased; Arthur R., who is residing in Galesburg; and Jessie C., the wife of Edwin Thommasson of Lefbridge, Alberta county. The family always attended the Presbyterian church in which the mother held membership.

Reared on the farm where he was born Albert J. Oine first attended the common schools of Akron township, Peoria county. His education was later supplemented by study in the Chillicothe high school, and a course in Brown's Business College at Galesburg. Although he had early been trained in agricultural pursuits, when ready to select his life vocation he decided that he preferred a business career. His first position was in the offide of I. R. Green, a well known coal dealer of Galesburg, by whom he was employed for a year. Later he became associated with R. N. Shaw in purchasing this business, which at that time only supplied the retail trade. Under their capable direction this enterprise flourished in a most gratifying manner and they later extended the scope of their activities by the addition of a wholesale department. Their offices are located in the Holmes building, suite 201 to 205, this city. They do a wholesale coal business and also handle sand, gravel and crushed rock. The business has increased in a most satisfactory manner and they now have a well established and constantly increasing patronage. They are incorporated for fifteen thousand dollars with Mr. Cline as president; A. R. Cline, vice president; and R. N. Shaw, secretary and treasurer.

On the 3 1st of October, 1900, Mr. Cline was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Brown, a daughter of James A. and Ellen (Spence) Brown, of Good Hope, Illinois. They were both natives of Pennsylvania, the father having been born in the vicinity of Pittsburg, and the mother at Sunbury. In the early years of their domestic life they came to Illinois, locating on a farm at Good Hope, to the further improvement of which the father devoted his ener- -; gies until his death. The mother is still living and now makes her home at Macomb, Illinois. In religious faith Mr. Brown was a Presbyterian, and his widow still holds membership in that church. The birth of Mrs. Cline occurred ^. on the old family homestead at Good Hope, on the 3d of September, 1877, and there she was reared to womanhood. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cline, Margaret A., whose birth occurred in Galesburg, on September 25, 1905. ::

Fraternally Mr, Cline is an Odd Fellow and both he and Mrs. Qine belong to the Presbyterian church, and politically he is a republican. He has never sought political honors, however, always preferring to give his undivided atten- .'; tion to the further development of his business. ... >

Dr. Louis Becker is not only rendering service of value to his fellow townsmen in the practice of medicine and surgery but is also filling the office of mayor of Knoxville. He was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, October 15, 1864, a son of Lothar and Mary (Smith) Becker. The father was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, and was a son of Franz Becker, who followed the milling business in the city of Hahnhofen, where he died when past middle life. Lothar Becker was one of a large family and was reared in his native country, until he participated in the war which sought to obtain greater liberties for the people of the fatherland. The revolutionists, as they were called, were not successful and, like Carl Schurz and many other eminent men of the country, he was obliged to leave Germany and accordingly sought the liberty of the new world. On coming to America he settled in the old town of Henderson, Knox county, Illinois, where he conducted a flouring mill in connection with Henry White under the firm name of White & Becker. There Mr. Becker continued until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when he offered his services to the government and commanded a company of Illinois artillery until the cessation of hostilities. He then returned to Knox county and for some years operated a flouring mill at Galesburg belonging to Judge Knowles. Subsequently he was owner and superintendent of the coal mines at Soperville and in 1876 he went to Galveston, Texas, where he conducted a flouring mill until his death. In early manhood he had wedded Mary Smith, a native of Vermont and a daughter of Loren and Eliza (Bemis) Smith. Her father was also born in the Green Mountain state, of English descent and a farmer by occupation. At an early day he came with his family to Galesburg, Illinois, where he died at the advanced age of eighty-five years, while his wife reached the age of eighty-four years. They had four daughters who g^ew to womanhood: Betsey, the wife of M. D. Cook ; Laura, the wife of Henry White ; Ursula, the wife of Charles Norton; and Mary, who became the wife of Lothar Becker. She has also departed this life. She was a member of the Universalist church, while her husband held membership in the Catholic church. In politics he was a republican and at one time served as alderman of Galesburg from the second ward.

Their children were four in number: Fred, ^deceased; Frank, now living in Galveston, Texas ; Louis ; and Pauline, the widow of Louis Weber, of Knoxville.

Dr. Becker, although born in Tennessee, has been a resident of Knox county since 1865, save for the period of three years spent in Galveston, Texas. He was only a year old when the family came to Knox county and was reared in Galesburg, pursuing his education in the public schools there and in Knox Academy and Knox College. A review of the various avenues of business to .which an individual might direct his energies, led him to the determination to make the practice of medicine his life work and he at once began studying, spending a year in the medical department of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor and two years in the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago. He then began practicing in Knoxville in 1888 and has remained here continuously since. He is now doing private practice and is also physician at the County House and at St. Mary's and St. Martha's schools.

Dr. Becker was married October ii, 1888, to Miss Addie Rearick, a native of Beardstown, Illinois, and a daughter of Frank H. and Helen (Shaw) Rearick. Her father was born in Germany and her mother in Massachusetts and they were married in Beardstown, Illinois. Mr. Rearick is now engaged in the hardware business in Galesburg but his wife is deceased. They had a family of six children : Harry F. ; Walter S. ; Fannie, the wife of W. B. Barnes, of Fort Madison, Iowa; Mrs. Becker; Allen C., of New York city, who is an attorney; and Herbert C., deceased.

Dr. and Mrs. Becker are the parents of four children, Harry F., Frances Marjorie, Louis Dunster and Edwin Shaw. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, in which Dr. Becker is serving as an elder. He holds mem- ' bership in Pacific Lodge, No. 66, A. F. & A. M. ; Raboni Chapter, R. A. M. ; and Illinois Council, No. i, R. & S. M. In politics he is a republican and in the spring of 1911 was elected to the office of mayor, so that he is now officially directing the affairs of the city. He was for many years a member of the school board. In strictly professional lines he is connected with the county and state medical societies and the American Medical Association. The greater part of his time and attention have been given to his professional duties, and yet he has found some opportunity for cooperation in public work.

Upon the basis of a broad classical course in college Dr. Elmira F. Hertig built the superstructure of her professional knowledge and is today recognized as one of the well informed and capable members of the medical fraternity of Galesburg, her success being evidenced in the extensive practice now accorded her. She is a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth Ann (Schowalter) Hertig. The father was a native of France and after coming to America engaged in teaching in Pennsylvania for a number of years. It was in that state that he was married, his wife being a native of Pennsylvania. There the family home was established and Dr. Hertig pursued her early education in the public schools of Fayette county and later continued her studies in Waynesburg College of Pennsylvania. Her professional training was received in Chicago where she entered the Woman's Hospital and Medical College, being graduated therefrom with the class of 1885. She received the A. M. degree from Waynesburg and her M. D. degree upon her graduation in Chicago. For two years she continued in practice in that city and in 1887 came to Galesburg, where she has since remained, successfully following her chosen life work here. She is familiar with the science of medicine in all of its branches and has remained a close student thereof, keeping in touch with the advanced thought of the profession and with all of the discoveries which are continuously promoting knowledge and adding to the efficiency of the practitioner. She belongs to the Knox County Medical Society and also the American Medical Association. Aside from any professional connection she is widely known and is a lady of innate culture and refinement, whose broad reading has made her familiar with the current topics and interests of the day.

The history of Galesburg in its financial connections would be incomplete and unsatisfactory, were there failure to make prominent reference to Philip N. Granville, who for more than twenty years has served as cashier of the Bank of Galesburg, which he aided in organizing in 1889. Throughout all the intervening period he has made a close study of the problems of finance and the questions which arise in connection with the conduct of banking institutions and his efficiency and ability have continually increased, while his labors have contributed in full measure to the success of the institution, with which he has so long been connected. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Knox county, his birth having occurred in Abingdon on the I7th of July, 1855. His parents, John and Bothilda Granville, were born in County Kristianstad, Sweden. The paternal grandparents passed away in that country, but John Granville, the father, who was a shoemaker by trade, crossed the Atlantic to the United States about 1851 and came direct to Victoria, Knox county, Illinois. He subsequently located in Abingdon, where he worked at his trade, and in 1865 he took up his abode in Galesburg. where he established a shoe business in partnership with Olaf Johnson. He was afterward in partnership with Victor Velander until 1869, after which he conducted the business practically alone until about 1889, when he retired on account of failing health. He had won success during his many years of connection with the shoe trade and the last years of his life were spent in honorable retirement, his demise occurring November 17, 1893, when he had attained the age of sixty-eight years. During the period of his residence in this county, covering more than four decades, he had won an extensive circle of friends and his death was therefore the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His wife survived him for only one month, being seventy-seven years old when called to her final rest on the I2th of December, 1893. Both passed away in the faith of the Methodist church. They were the parents of five children, two of whom are yet living, namely: Philip N., of this review; and Emily C., the wife of C. T. Holmes, of Galesburg. . . , -: her studies in \Vaynesbiirg College of Pennsylvania. Her professional training was receivetl in Chicago where she entered the Woman's Hospital and Medical College, heing graduated therefrom with the class of 1885. She received the A. M. degree from \\'ayneshurg and her ]\I. D. degree upon her graduation in Chicago. I-'or two years she continued in practice in that city and in 1887 came to Galesburg, where she has since remained, successfully following her chosen life work here. She is familiar with the science of medicine in all of its branches and has remained a close student thereof. kee])ing in touch with the advanced thought of the profession and with all of the discoveries which are continuously promoting knowledge and adding to the efficiency of the practitioner. She belongs to the Knox County Medical Society and also the American Medical Association. Aside from any professional connection she is widely known and is a lady of innate culture and refinement, whose broad reading has made her familiar with the current tojjics and interests of the day.

The history of Galesburg in its financial connections would be incomplete and unsatisfactory, were there failure to make ])roininent reference to Philij) X. Granville, who for more than twenty years has served as cashier of ths P.aiik of Galesburg, which he aided in organizing in 1889. Throughout all the intervening period he has made a clo-^e study of the problems of finance and the cjuestions which arise in connection with the conduct of banking institutions and his efficiency and ability have continually increased, while his labors have contributed in full measure to the success of the institution, with which he has so long been connected. lie is numbered among the worthy native sons of Kno.x county, his birth having occurred in Abingdon on tlie ijth of July, 1855. His parents, John and P.othilda Granville, were born in County Kristianstad, Sweden. The paternal grandj)arents ])assed away in that country, but John Granville, the father, who was a shoemaker by trade, crossed the Atlantic to the United States about 1851 and came direct to X'ictoria, Knox county, Illinois. He subsequently located in Abingdon, where he worked at his trade, and in 1865 he took up his abode in Galesburg, where he established a shoe business in partnership with Olaf Johnson. He was afterward in ])artnershi]) with \ ictor X'elander until i8rx), after which he conducted the business practically alone until about 1881;, wben he retired on account of failing health. He had won success during liis many years of connection with the shoe trade and the last years of his life were spent in honorable retirement, his demise occurring Xovember 17, i8<>3, when he had attained the age of si.xty-eight years. During the period of his residence in this county, covering more than four decades, he had won an extensive circle of friends and his death was therefore the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His wife survived him for only one month, l>eing seventy-seven years old wheii called to her final rest on the I2th of December. 1893. P>oth passed away in the faith of the Methodist church. They were the parents of five children, two of whom are yet living, namely : Philip X., of this review; and Emily C., the wife of C. T. Holmes, of Galesburg. ; .

Philip N. Granville has resided in Galesburg continuously since 1865 with the exception of about a year spent in Evanston. In the acquirement of an education he attended the public schools and Knox Academy and at intervals was employed in different dry-goods stores. At various periods he was in the service of O. T. Johnson and other dry-goods merchants as bookkeeper for a couple of years. After permanently putting aside his text-books he went to Evanston, where he entered the hardware establishment of Lindgren & Wigren, remaining there for nearly a year. He then returned to Galesburg and entered the service of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, first as clerk in the roundhouse and afterward in the roadmaster's office. Subsequently he was in the office of the master mechanic and still later, leaving the railroad company, became connected with the Covenant Mutual Benefit Association as cashier. He severed his connection with that company when elected city treasurer in 1887 for a term of two years. When about to retire from the office he was asked by J. R. Lindgren, by whom he had been employed while in Evanston and who had embarked in the banking business in Chicago in connection with Mr. Haugan, to establish a branch bank in Galesburg under the name of the Bank of Galesburg, Haugan & Lindgren, proprietors. Mr. Granville selected Axel Gabrielson, a bank officer of experience at that time connected with The Farmers & Mechanics Bank of Galesburg, to become cashier, while he assumed the duties of the assistant cashiership. He also selected H. E. Olson, an insurance man, to become bookkeeper and also take charge of the insurance department of the bank. The new institution opened its doors for business and entered upon a successful career. On the 3d of October, 1891, this bank was incorporated as 'a state bank with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, and the following officers were then elected : A. M. Craig, president ; Peter Nelson, vice president; Axel Gabrielson, cashier; P. N. Granville, assistant cashier and director ; with H. E. Olson as bookkeeper and P. N. Granville as secretary of the board of directors. In September, 1892, Mr. Gabrielson resigned and Mr. Granville then became cashier of the bank, which position he has since continued to occupy. The bank has grown continuously, its capital has been increased to one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars and its cash surplus has reached three hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. It owns its bank building, which at present is being remodeled, being converted from a three-story to a five-story building, with more commodious rooms for its banking business. For two decades Mr. Granville has been cashier of the institution and has proved a most capable and f>opular official, whose labors in conjunction with those of the president, A. M. Craig, a far-sighted, conservative business man of substantial means, have been a potent factor in promoting and strengthening the bank and increasing its surplus and capital.

On the 1st of November, 1903, Mr. Granville was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Olson, a native of Galesburg, Illinois, and a daughter of Michael and Cecelia Olson, who were bom in Bergen, Norway, and took up their abode among the early settlers of Galesburg. Mr. Olson is still living here but lost his wife on the 6th of May, 1911, when she had attained the age of eighty-four years. Three of their children still survive, as follows: Mrs. Granville; Anna C., the wife of George F. Eckstrand ; and Dr. J. C Olsen, a doctor of chemistry and an expert on foods, who is at present connected with the Polytechnic Invoi. n - B

Scandinavian Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F., and is identified with the encamp- -;!.'.,- ment and the canton. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the

Knox county has been signally favored in the class of men who have usually occupied her public offices. On the whole they have been called from among the best citizenship and with loyal and patriotic spirit have discharged the duties that have devolved upon them. In this connection George J. Eastes deserves mention, for at the present writing he is capably filling the position of county treasurer. He was born in Galesburg, on Christmas day of 1868, a son of Jabez and Maria S. (Porter) Eastes. The family is of English lineage and the paternal grandfather, John Watson Eastes, a native of England, was an old seaman and for many years a pilot on the English channel. He died in his native land at a venerable age and his wife also traveled far on life's journey before called to her final rest. They had a large family, including John, Samuel, Henry, Jabez, Richard. Alfred, Mary Ann and Cynthia. The maternal grandfather of George J. Eastes was Benjamin Porter, a native of Massachusetts, who devoted his life to farming. His wife died in early womanhood but he lived to a ripe old age. In their family were three children, George, Maria S. and Mary.

Jabez Eastes, father of our subject, was born in Kent county, England, while the mother was a native of Massachusetts. He spent his youthful days to the age of ninteen years in his native country and pursued his education there. Desirous of having better advantages than could be secured in the old world, he sailed for America and in 1849 became a resident of Galesburg, where he has since lived, being today one of the oldest residents of the city, having made his home within its borders for sixty-two years. He has, therefore, been a witness of its growth from early villagehood and is also cognizant with many events which have left deep impress upon the history of central Illinois. For many years he engaged in bookkeeping but some years ago retired from busi- ness life. He holds membership in the Congregational church, as did his wife, who died in 1873, when about thirty-eight years of age. They were the parents of six children who lived to maturity, John W., Edward P., Fannie M., Eliza B., George J. and Carrie A.

'; : In taking up the personal history of George J. Eastes we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Galesburg, where he has spent his entire life. His history stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, for in the city of his nativity he has been called to positions of prominence, indicative of the confidence and trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen, among whom he has always made his home. Entering the public schools at the usual age, he passed through consecutive grades until graduated from the high school with the class of 1887. He then turned his attention to railroading, being first connected with the service as a clerk, while later he was fireman for sixteen years and engineer for two years. He left the road in 1906, when called to the office of city treasurer, which he filled for two years. In the fall of 1910 he was elected county treasurer and is now serving in that capacity, promptly and systematically discharging the duties of the office that devolve upon him.

On the 2 1st of r>ecember, 1899, Mr. Eastes was married to Miss Ada Vinecke, a daughter of Christian J. and Catharine (Case) Vinecke. Mrs. Eastes was born in New York, near Buffalo, and her parents were also natives of that state. They became residents of Galesburg in 1888 and here Mrs. Vinecke is still living, but the father passed away in 1907, at the age of sixty-six years. Unto them were born five children, Elmer, Carrie J., Hattie, Ada, and Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. Eastes have one son, George Vinecke. The parents hold membership in the Episcopal church and Mr. Eastes is well known in fraternal circles, being esF>ecially prominent in Masonry. His membership is in Des Moines Lodge, No. I, A. F. & A. M. ; Iowa Chapter, No. i, R. A. M. ; St. Omar Commandery, No. 15, K. T., of Burlington, Iowa; Zarephath Consistory, A. A. & S. R., of Davenport, Iowa; and Kaaba Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also connected with Galesburg Lodge, No. 142, I. O. O. F., and with the Galesburg lodge of Elks. His political allegiance has always been given the republican party and he has been an earnest worker in its ranks. In office he is making a most creditable record, his work receiving the commendation of all who know aught of the actual labor that is connected with the position. "

- During the years of his residence in Knox county Hon. Henry McCall Sisson was well known as an educator, farmer, breeder of fine stock and later as a retired citizen whose activity in former years well merited rest and prosperity which crowned the evening of his life. He was also prominent in public affairs and although many positions of trust and responsibility were accorded him, he never betrayed this trust in the slightest degree. He was born in Clinton, New York, September 29, 1829, and his parents. Pardon and Abba (McCall) Sis- son, were both natives of New England. They were married September 30, 1827, in Lebanon, Connecticut, and afterward removed to Oneida county. New York, where they resided for fifteen years prior to their arrival in Galesburg in 1842. The ancestral line on the maternal side has been traced back through thirty-seven generations to Egbert, who became king in the year 802 A. D., and was styled Rex Anglorum, or the King of the English. One of the greatgrandfathers of Henry McCall Sisson was Captain Veach Williams, a man of considerable prominence in his day, who was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, April 23, 1727. He came of the same family as Ephraim WiUiams, the founder of Williams College, and of William Williams, who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and speaker of the colonial congress. , -

Henry M. Sisson enjoyed the educational advantages offered by his native town and made wise use of his time and talents. He was a lad of thirteen years when the family came to Galesburg and after continuing his studies for a time in the district schools here he entered Knox Academy in the fall of 1843. He became very proficient in Latin and in mathematics was a particularly apt pupil. When only sixteen years of age he had made such advancement that he was chosen as teacher in the public schools, his broad intelligence well qualifying him for the position. For thirteen years he remained a resident of Galesburg but in 1855 removed to his farm in Henderson township and during the greater part of his life was connected with general agricultural pursuits.

In addition to tilling the fields Mr. Sisson engaged quite extensively in the raising of fine stock in which he was very successful. He was also an excellent judge of stock, his opinions being accepted as authority upon their value. His business affairs were most capably managed and the energy and industry, sound judgment and sagacity which he displayed constituted effective forces in winning for him the success which crowned his labors.

Mr. Sisson not only won for himself a creditable position in business circles but also enjoyed the confidence of his fellowmen in a large degree and by them was called to fill many positions of public trust. He was elected supervisor of Henderson township in 1869 and was again called to that office in 1876, at which time he remained in the position for three years. Again in 1885 he was chosen supervisor and served altogether for eleven years. After establishing his home in Galesburg he was elected to the office and continued therein for several terms. He was likewise school trustee, road commissioner and in other connections proved his loyalty to the best interests of the community. Moreover he was identified with many organizations for the advancement of progress along agricultural and other lines. He was a member of the farmers congress at the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago and was a delegate to the farmers national convention held in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1898. He was president of the National Poland China Swine Association and for ten years was president of the American Poland China Record Company. He was president of the Knox County Farmers Institute and his labors constituted a potent force in advancing agricultural interests in this part of the state and in stimulating progress throughout the country. He held to the highest possible standards and believed that everything should be done for the improvement of conditions and methods.

On the 25th of December, 1860, Mr. Sisson was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Jane Miller, a daughter of John and Jane A. (Crane) Miller, who were residents of Chicago. In fact her father was one of the honored pioneers of that city, having served as one of the first trustees when Chicago was a village. The family have a facsimile of the resolutions adopted at that meeting. Mr. Miller had previously been engaged in business in La Porte, Indiana, and removed thence to Chicago where he acted as overseer in the building of houses. He made his home there from 1845 until three years before his death, which occurred in 1858, in Galesburg, Illinois. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Sisson are six children, as follows: Mrs. W. H. Cooper, of Denver, Colorado; Mrs. William J. Pringle, of Chicago ; Mrs. A. H. Stephens, residing in New York city ; Mrs. E. P. Robson, of Wataga, Illinois; and Mrs. E. R. Everett and Miss Anna Sisson, of Galesburg.

Mr. Sisson was ever a great reader and kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day and on all the topics of general interest. He was familiar with the history of his country and its politics and also thoroughly informed concerning the history of Illinois. At the time of his death he was the president of the Old Settlers Association of Knox county and not only was a witness of the important events which have here occurred but was an active participant in many. He long attended the Presbyterian church and possessed a nature free from dishonesty and equally free from ostentation and display. He was a lover of home and friends and it would be difficult to find one who had more warm friends in Knox county than Henry M. Sisson. His death occurred on the 29th of May, 1905. His life had been a useful one, well spent and fruitful of good results. He not only made continuous advancement himself but stimulated and inspired the progress of others and was particularly well known throughout the country in connection with stock-raising interests. No history of Knox county would be complete without a record of his life which constitutes a creditable chapter in the annals of this section. . : v ;../..

"^-A^..^:-'v-.::- ::^V:V->^":.. . ;v:;v'>v;^-;>v.:'/ John Z. Cams, who for the past eleven years has been president of the Farmers' National Bank of Knoxville, has spent the entire period of his business career in this institution, where he was first employed in the capacity of assistant cashier. His birth occurred in Knoxville on September 8, 1858, and he is the only child born of the marriage of John W. and Sarah (Zook) Cams. The father was born in Staunton, Augusta county, Virginia, on the 22d of May, 1808, and there he lived until he wa's eight years of age. Jacksonville, Illinois, became his home in i8i6, and there he completed his schooling and learned the tailor's trade, which he followed for some years. In 1836 he left Jacksonville and came to Knoxville where he became associated with John Eads in establishing a grocery and dry-goods store. This undertaking proved to be very successful and they later extended the scope of their activities by opening a clothing store. Their eflforts met with increasing prosperity and Mr. Cams became one of the substantial citizens of the town. He was a man of unusual energy and ambition and continued to be identified with the commercial activities of Knoxville until 1879, when he retired. Mr. Cams was twice married, his first union having been with Miss Eleanor York, to whom he was united on October 8, 1834. She was born in Kentucky on the 28th of July, 1817, and passed away in Knoxville, on August 8, 1851. Unto them were born three children, two of whom are still living : Mary, the wife of John Brewer, of Monmouth ; and Sarah Elizabeth, the widow of O. N. Barnhart, also of Monmouth. On the 7th of September, 1857, Mr. Cams was married to Miss Sarah Zook, who was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the 6th of March, 1819.

After the completion of his preliminary education John Z. Cams entered Knox College, at Galesburg. At the age of twenty-seven years, in 1885, he began his business career, and entered the bank, with which he has ever since been identified, in the capacity of assistant cashier. He attentively applied himself to the thorough mastery of his various duties, at the same time acquiring a broader knowledge of finance, thus qualifying himself for the responsibilities of a higher position. In 1887 he was promoted to the office of cashier in which he continued until 1899 when he was elected president. During the long period of his connection with the banking interests of Knox county, Mr. Cams has proven himself to be unusually well qualified for the position he now holds. His clear judgment, foresight and conservative policy well adapt him for the head of a financial institution, and the Farmers' National Bank of Knoxville is one of the strongest and best established banks of the county.

In Knoxville on September lo, 1890, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cams and Miss Nellie Pierce. She is a daughter of Charles A. and Ellen P, Pierce. The father, who was a native of the state of New York, is now deceased, but the mother is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Cams there has been born one daughter, Marie, whose birth occurred on October 26, 1892.

His political allegiance Mr. Cams gives to the republican party and the past twenty-five years he has been a member of the local school board, and he has also served in the capacity of city treasurer. He is one of the more progressive citizens of the town, and is always ready to give his cooperation or indorsement to any movement that is inaugurated for the purpose of promoting the com-, munity welfare, along all lines of general interest. ; .. .--.:; upon him in his capacity as superintendent of the Knox County Almshouse, at v Knoxville. Bom in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. December ii, 1834, he is having been with ^liss Eleanor York, to \vhom he was united on October 8, 1834. She was born in Kentucky on the 28th of July, 1817, and passed away in Knoxville, on August 8, 1851. Unto them were born three children, two of whom are still living: !Mary, the wife of John Brewer, of Monmouth; and Sarah Elizabeth, the widow of O. N. Barnhart, also of Monmouth. On the 7th of September, 1857, Mr. Cams was married to Miss Sarah Zook, who was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the 6th of March, 1819.

After the completion of his preliminary education John Z. Cams entered Knox College, at Galesburg. At the age of twenty-seven years, in 1885, he began his business career, and entered the bank, with which he has ever since been identified, in the capacity of assistant cashier. He attentively applied himself to the thorough mastery of his various duties, at the same time acquiring a broader knowledge of finance, thus qualifying himself for the responsibilities of a higher position. In 1887 he was promoted to the office of cashier in which he continued until 1899 when he was elected president. During the long period of his connection with the banking interests of Knox county, Mr. Cams has proven himself to be unusually well qualified for the position he now holds. His clear judgment, foresight and conservative policy well adapt him for the head of a financial institution, and the Farmers' National Bank of Knoxville is one of the strongest and best established banks of the county.

In Knoxville on September lO, 1890, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cams and Miss Nellie Pierce. She is a daughter of Charles A. and Ellen P. Pierce. The father, who was a native of the state of New York, is now deceased, but the mother is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Cams there has been born one daughter, !Marie, whose birth occurred on October 26, 1892.

His political allegiance ^Ir. Cams gives to the republican party and the past twentv-tive vears he has lx;en a member of the local school board, and he has also served in the capacity of city treasurer. He is one of the more progressive citizens of tlie touii. and is always ready In give his ccjoporation or indorsement to any movement that is inaugurated for the purpose of promoting the community welfare, along all lines of general interest.

John Cooke. '

At the age of seventy-seven years John Cooke is still full of active intercut in his work, being absorbed in the varied duties and responsibilities which devolve upon him in his capacity as superintendent of the Knox Countv . \lmshouse, at Knoxville. r.orn in Fayettc county, Pennsylvania, December ii, 1834, he is a son of Thomas and Eliza A. (Fraxicr) Cooko, both of whom we're natives of Pennsylvania. 1 he father was a miller by occupation and operated a mill in Fayette county for many years, continuing in this employment until his death. The family consisted of two sons and one daughter, of whom John Cooke is the only one now surviving. His sister died when she was thirteen months old and his brother, Frazier L. Cooke, passed away at the age of twenty-two years.

John Cooke obtained his education in the common schools of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and when a young man learned the miller's trade, which he fol- lowed in Pennsylvania until 1866. In that year he came to Knox county, Illinois," and engaged in farming, continuing in this pursuit until 1892, never residing more than two miles from Knoxville. He then retired, having received the appointment to the position of superintendent of the Knox County Almshouse on December i, 1891, and has served in this capacity since that time. He is well fitted for this place, being ever merciful and possessing the utmost sympathy for those who have been less kindly dealt with by fortune, and is regarded with sincere loyalty by those who have come to find a home within his gates.

On October 2, 1856, the marriage of Mr. Cooke and Miss Martha M. Forrey was solemnized. She was born in Pennsylvania on January 17, 1836, a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Lenhart) Forrey, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They had thirteen children, of whom Mrs. Cooke and two others are now living.

Mr. and Mrs. Cooke hold membership in the Christian church, of which the former has been an elder for the past thirty-five years. In his fraternal relations he is connected with the Masonic brotherhood, being a member of Pacific Lodge No. 66, A. F. & A. M., in which he has occupied all but one of the chairs. Politically he is in sympathy with the principles of the republican party. Conscientious in the discharge of his duties, he believes and practices the Christian ideal of the Brotherhood of Man and has won the respect of all who know him. .

'. Franklin H. Hooker is filling the office of deputy sheriff of Knox county and was formerly its sheriff. He makes his home in Galesburg at No. 337 South Cherry street and is a native of the county, his birth having occurred near Abingdon, May i, 1865. His parents were William Chauncey and Rowena C. (Robinson) Hooker, both natives of Nicholas county. West Virginia. The former was a son of John L. Hooker who was likewise born in West Virginia and made the occupation of farming his life work. He came to Illinois some time in the '6os but afterward removed to Kansas and passed away at Smith Center that state, at an old age. His wife bore the maiden name of Nancy' Bruffey and they were the parents of three sons and two daughters. William C.. John H., Edward, Catharine and Elizabeth. The maternal grandfather of F. H. Hooker was also a native of West Virginia and devoted his life to farming and merchandising. He died in Summersville, that state, when about sixty- ' five years of age. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, Benjamin H., Rowena C., Betsey, Julia, Hammond, Joseph, Samuel H. and Lola.

After spending his youthful days in West Virginia William Hooker came to Knox county, Illinois, about 1862, settling about two miles northwest of Abing- ' don. He was a civil engineer and in this county devoted much time to inventions, bringing out a number of useful devices while at the same time he carried on his farm work. He died in Abingdon, in February. 1909. at the age of sixty-seven years, and his wife still survives him. Mrs. Hooker is a member of the Methodist church and is well known in her home locality. By her marriage to Mr. Hooker she became the mother of four children, all now liv- ing: Franklin H., of this review; Marguerite, of Abingdon ; Nannie, the wife of Charles A. Reynolds, of Galesburg; and John L., of Abingdon.

Franklin H. Hooker was reared in this county and has spent practically his entire life in Abingdon up to the last eight years. He was a pupil in the public schools there and after putting aside his text-books began work at the carpenter's trade which he followed in the employ of others or as a contractor for ten or twelve years. He then turned his attention to merchandising-, conducting a grocery store in Abingdon for four years. On the expiration of that period he came to Galesburg, being appointed deputy sheriff under C. F. Hurburgh, in which office he continued for four years. Later he became deputy under R. G. Matthews and filled the office until the death of the latter, when Mr. Hooker was elected sheriff in 1908, remaining as the incumbent of that position until the fall of 1910. He then became deputy sheriff under the newly elected sheriff, F. F. Seaman, and is thus numbered among Knox county's office-holders of the present day.

In February. 1895, Mr. Hooker was married to Miss Nellie Foreman, who was born south of Berwick in Warren county, Illinois, a daughter of Frank and Mary (Levvis) Foreman. Her father was of Canadian birth and her mother was born near Berwick but both are now deceased. They had two children, the younger being a son, Frank L. Foreman. Mr. and Mrs. Hooker hold membership in the Methodist church and are loyal to its teachings. Fraternally he is connected with Abingdon Lodge, No. 185, A. F. & A. M., and also with the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he has always been a republican and years ago served as city marshal of Abingdon while for two years he was collector of Cedar township. He has made a creditable record in business and in office and in the discharge of the duties of his present position has ever been faithful, fearless and loyal, a fact which is indicated by his long connection with the sheriff's office.

One of the enterprising men of Knox county and well known for the excellent, character of his work is James Wilks, who is a painter, paper hanger and decorator and is also proficient in the brick and stone-mason's trade. He was born in Gloucestershire, England, April 17, 1845, his parents being George and Susan (Aston) Wilks, natives of the same locality. His father was for many years a gardener but later learned the stone-mason's trade. The mother, who was skilled in the use of roots and herbs, practiced her art of medicinal cures with much success throughout her life. In 1849 the family, which consisted of nine children, left their home in England and crossed the Atlantic, landing in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, after a tediously drawn-out journey of sixteen weeks. They remained in Pottsville for a brief period, removing thereupon to Mount Savage, Maryland, where they resided for four years. In 1853 the father came to Knox county, Illinois, and made a close survey of this locality with a view to settling and the following year brought his family from Maryland to their new home in Wataga. During their residence in that town Mr. Wilks and his two sons James and Thomas went to Iowa for a time and bought a tract of land in Jasper county, where they began the development of a coal bank. Later he traded ; this tract for land near Wataga and opened up the first coal bank that was ever : operated in Knox county. The parents both passed away in Wataga, the father in 1887 and the mother in 1879. Only four children of the family survive, of whom Thomas is the eldest and possesses an interesting record of service during the Civil war. He enlisted from Wataga in Company K, of the Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, one of the leading regiments, and served all through ; , the war, p>articipating in about forty engagements. Among these was the siege . . of Vicksburg, in which he was one of the three that performed the daring deed of carrying the torches that ignited the fuse which blew up the city. He was severely wounded in this battle but continued his military' service as soon as he recovered. James Wilks also has two sisters : Mrs. Elizabeth Mallin, of Galesburg; and Hattie, of Canton, Illinois. His twin brothers. Job and John, are both ! deceased.

During the residence of the Wilks family in Maryland James Wilks began his education in the schools of Mount Savage and after their removal to Wataga, ' Illinois, completed his education. During the progress of the Civil war he - enlisted for one hundred days from Wataga in Company B, One Hundred and thirty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and was mustered in at Quincy, but not found old enough to go to the front. He reenlisted, however, and was /^ mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, serving six months. At the close of the war he returned to his home in Wataga and learned the stone and brick-mason's \ trade, which he has followed ever since, making a specialty of building cisterns, y He worked at his trade for a time in Abingdon and in Galesburg, coming to . Knoxville twenty-six years ago. In addition to the trade which he originally : learned, he mastered the methods employed in painting, paper-hanging and - decorating, evincing great skill in these allied departments of the building trade. He has the distinction of being the first in Galesburg to decorate a room, having f>erformed the contract for Henry Gart. .

On October 20, 1868, Mr. Wilks was united in marriage to Miss Mary Isabel Laird, born in Pennsylvania in 1846. Her parents, Matthew and Isabel Laird, came to Illinois in 1855, their family being the first to settle in Woodhull, where ' her father followed the shoemaker's trade. Mr. and Mrs. Laird are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilks five children were born, four daughters and a son. Charlotte is the wife of Wilson Hitchens, an engineer in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and resides in Manitou, Colorado. . , They are the parents of two daughters and a son, Maude, Earl and Ellen. Valetta, the second in order of birth in the family of Mr, and Mrs. Wilks and now deceased, was the wife of Charles Rogers. They were the parents of three children, Geneva, Charlotte and Forrest. Nellie, deceased, was the wife of Homer Jones. Martha, the wife of John Schwensen, an engineer in the employ of the '- Santa Fe Railroad, lives in Kansas. Fred, living in Galesburg. where he is employed by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, is married to Catherine -' Sikes and has one child, Richard.

: Mr. and Mrs. Wilks are members of the Presbyterian church, to which they give their loyal and helpful support. Mr. Wilks is a member of Knoxville Post, ', ,

No. 239, G. A. R., of Knoxville, in which he has been past lieutenant commander. All those who know James Wilks - and his acquaintance is a wide one - hold him in high esteem for his honest, upright character and his industrious mode of life. He is still actively engaged in the pursuit of his calling and finds his greatest joy in doing well the tasks of each passing day.

A native of New England, Dean C. Hurlbutt inherited from his New England ancestors those stern qualities of self-denial and unremitting industry which seldom fail to produce success and win the rewards that belong to honest toil. He is the owner of a tract of land comprising one thousand acres in Knox county and lives retired at his home in West Main street, Yates City, Illinois, where he devotes himself to the numerous business and financial interests which claim his attention. He was born in Coos county. New Hampshire, February 13, 1834, a son of Asa and Mary (Jones) Hurlbutt. The father was born, in 1800, in Waterford, Vermont, where he received his education in the common schools. He was married in New Hampshire, where Mary Jones was born in 1805, and lived in the east for a number of years. In 1853 he brought his family to Illinois, first settling in Truro township and later in Elba township, where he entered eighty acres from the government. He resided there until his death at the age of sixty years, being buried in Jones cemetery in Elba township, beside his wife, who preceded him in death at the age of forty-six years. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom all have died except Dean C. Hurlbutt and his sister, Mrs. Sarah E. Griffin, who resides in Linn county, Missouri. Mr. Asa Hurlbutt was a republican in politics but never sought for the honors of office. He and his family belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church.

Dean C. Hurlbutt was educated in the public schools of New Hampshire and early in life was trained in agricultural duties. He accompanied the family when his father came to Knox county, in 1853, and two years after engaged in farming for himself. He began by renting a piece of land for a year and then bought eighty acres on section 6 in Elba township, where he pursued general farming and the breeding of blooded stock. He improved the place greatly and erected two separate sets of buildings, but after some time removed to a farm which he bought on section 17 in Elba township, continuing his labors in the fields until 1907, when he retired and took up his residence in Yates City. He is by no means idle, however, since he is a director of the Farmer's Telephone Exchange of Yates City, the president of the company being O. B. West, the secretary and treasurer, William Faulds, and the manager, Fred Conover. It is a thriving company having installed thus far one hundred and twenty-five telephones in local homes and business places, and offers connected service with the Galesburg Union Telephone Company. . <.

In 1855 Mr. Hurlbutt was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth Ann (Lambert) Butts, a native of Indiana. She was a daughter of Isaac Lambert and the widow of Stuart Butts, by whom she had two children, Alvertis and Stuart

Xo. 239, C;. A. R.. of Knoxvillc, in \vhich lie has been past lieutenant commander. All those \vho know James \\'ilks - and his aajuaintance is a wide one - hold him in high esteem for his honest. u]5right character and his intlustrious mode of life. He is still actively engaged in the pursuit of his calling and finds his greatest j<\v in doing well the tasks of each passing day.

Deax C. Hurlbutt

A native of Xew England, Dean C. Hurlbutt inherited from his X'ew England ancestors those stem qualities of self-denial and unremitting industry which seldom fail to produce success and win the rewards that belong to honest toil. He is the owner of a tract of land comprising one thousand acres in Knox county and lives retired at liis home in West Main street, Yates City, Illinois, where he devotes himself to the numerous business and financial interests which claim his attention. Tie was born in Coos county. Xew Hampshire. February 13. 1834. a son of Asa and Mary (Jones) Hurlbutt. The father was born, in 1800. in Waterford. \'ermont. where he received his education in the common schocjls. lie was married in X'ew Hampshire, where Mary Jones was bom in 1805. and lived in the east for a number of years. In 1853 he brought his family to Illinois, first settling in Truro townshi]) and later in Elba township, where he entered eighty acres from the government. He resided there until his death at the age of sixty years, being buried in Jones cemetery in Elba township, lieside his wife, who preceded him in death at the age of forty-six years. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom all have died except Dean C. I lurlbutt and his sister, Mrs. Sarah E. Griffin, who resides in Linn county, Missouri. .Mr. .\sa Hurlbutt was a rejiublican in politics but never sought for the honors of office. He and his family belonged to the ^Methodist Episcopal church.

Dean C. Hurlbutt was educated in the public schools of Xew Hampshire and early in life was trained in agricultural duties. He accomjjanied the family when his father came to Knox county, in 1853, and two years after engaged in farming for himself. He began by renting a ])iece of land for a year and then bought eighty acres on section 6 in Elba township, where he pursued general farming and the breeding of blooded stock. 1 le improved the place greatly and erected two separate sets of l)uildings. but after some time removed to a farm which he bought on section 17 in Elba township, continuing his labors in the fields until 1907. when he retired and took u]) his residence in Yates City. He is by no means idle, however, since he is a director of the Farmer's Telephone Exchange of Yates City, the president of the company being O. 15. West, the secretary and treasurer. \\'illiam I'aulds. and the manager. Fred Conover. It is a thriving comi)any having installed thus far one hundred and twenty-five telephones in local homes and business places, and offers connected sen'ice with the Galesburg L'nion Telepbone Company.

In 1855 ]\rr. Hurlbutt was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth .A.nn (Lambert) Butts, a native of Indiana. She was a daughter of Isaac Lambert and the widow of Stuart Butts, by whom she had two children, Alvertis and Stuart