Knox County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 32 of 56)

,' Orrin Nash, the father of Dr. Nash, accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois when a youth of thirteen, the family home being established in Chicago, where he grew to manhood and completed his education. In April, 1862, he joined the Union army as a private, serving until the cessation of hostilities with the Chicago Mercantile Battery, Artillery. After the close of the war he went to Louisville, Kentucky, and followed bridge building in part- nership with his brother for a number of years. After returning to Chicago he was elected to various county offices and acted as committee clerk of the board of commissioners for about thirty years. At the present time he makes his home in Boston. He is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity and both he and his wife are Universalists in religious faith. They have two sons: Wilmar, living in Boston; and Edwin, of this review. . ';. - 1'

The latter was reared in the city of his nativity and is a graduate of the Oak Park high school. After leaving that institution he entered the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College and was graduated therefrom in 1900. Subsequently he spent eighteen months as interne in the Cook County Hospital and then devoted another year to study in Rush Medical College, of which institu- :5 tion he is likewise a graduate. He first located for practice in Chicago but in 1904 came to Galesburg and has here since remained, his patronage steadily increasing as he has demonstrated his skill and ability in coping with the intricate '- problems which continually confront the physician in his efforts to restore health and prolong life. Through his membership in the Knox County Medical Society and the Illinois State Medical Society he keeps in close touch with the progress which is constantly being made by the profession. '-

; On the 2d of October, 1902, Dr. Nash was united in marriage to Miss Jessie ^ Scofield, a native of Rock county, Wisconsin, and a daughter of George and Sarah (Hurd) Scofield, who were also born in that state. The father passed away in Janesville, Wisconsin, but the mother still survives and makes her home at that place. They had seven children, namely: Mitta, Clara, Willis, :; Elma, Jessie, Bertha and Floy. Silas Hurd, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. . Nash, was a native of New York, became a farmer and miller by occupation .;- and took up his abode among the early settlers of Rock county, Wisconsin. Dr. ; and Mrs. Nash have two children, Edwin and Lois.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Dr. Nash has supported the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. In religious faith both he and his wife are Universalists. Though yet a young man, he has already attained a creditable position in professional circles, while the salient characteristics of his manhood are such as have brought him the warm regard of those with whom he has been otherwise associated. '.

- Edison P. Metcalf, deceased, who during his active business life was associated with farming interests in Knox county, was born in the state of New - York on the 8th of July, 1838, his parents being Jonathan G. and Phoebe ' (Fountain) Metcalf, who were likewise natives of New York. There the father V" followed the occupation of farming until he removed westward with his family, , settling in Knox county at an early period in its development and improvement. .; He took up his abode upon a tract of land east of Knoxville and continued to engage in the cultivation of the fields until his life's labors were ended in death. - His diligence and reliability in business made him a valued citizen and one ; worthy the regard uniformly g^ven him. In the family were the following children, but the only one now living is Mrs. Mary Ferry, of Knoxville. Sarah, Edison P., Rufus and Mrs. Harriet Vermillion are deceased, u Edison P. Metcalf was a young lad when he accompanied his parents on their removal westward to Knox county. He pursued his early education in the district schools and afterward continued his studies in the schools of Knoxville. He was trained to the work of the farm and took up farming on his own account when a young man. He continued to engage in agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life and became the owner of a well developed property, the fields being brought under a high state of cultivation, while substantial improvements were made upon the farm in the shape of substantial buildings and well kept fences.

On the 1 8th of December, 1862, Mr. Metcalf was united in marriage to Miss Marion Gould, who was bom in Adams county, Illinois, February i6, 1840, a daughter of William and Sallie Ann (Mapes) Gould, natives of New Hampshire and Vermont respectively. This section of Illinois was still largely undeveloped when they came to the state, taking up their abode in Adams county, where the father devoted his attention to farming. He was also a carpenter by trade and his skill with tools enabled him to keep everything about his farm in excellent condition. He remained in Adams county for some time and then removed to Knox county when Mrs. Metcalf was a small child but during the fall before she was thirteen the family went to Morgan county, Missouri, where the mother died and was buried. The family afterward returned to Knox county, Illinois, and here the father lived until called to his final rest. They were the parents of nine children, of whom five died in infancy, while four reached years of maturity, namely : John, now deceased ; Mrs. Metcalf ; William, who is living in this county; and Mrs. Samantha Metcalf, who resides northeast of Knoxville.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf there were born seven children. Marietta, the eldest, became the wife of Stephen M. Turner but is now deceased. In their family were eight children : Geneva ; Oran ; Eva ; Gertrude ; Lee ; Maude ; and Merle and Pearl, twins. Melissa Ann, the second of the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Edison Metcalf, is the deceased wife of Charles A. Ramp, of this county, and of their five children two died in infancy, the others being Alice G., Inez L. and Lavon. Emma Metcalf is the wife of Charles M. Hawley, a resident farmer of this county, and they had seven children, of whom Robert C. and Lessie are deceased, the others being Sylva S., Selma M., Ray, Roy and Allie. Ellen Mae became the wife of William Armstrong but both have passed away. They are survived by three living children : Bessie R., Minnie J. and Aileen M. Charles W. Metcalf makes his home near London Mills, FuUon county. Alma A., the next of the family, died in infancy. Alice G. is the wife of Franklin Sargent and they reside in Knoxville, Illinois. They have four living children : Charles E. ; Celia Mae and Cecil Merle, twins ; and Vivian. They have lost their first daughter, Catherine M. Geneva Turner married Frank Howalter, of Knox county; and Eva Turner became the wife of Thomas Davidson. ; The death of Mr. Metcalf occurred in 1906 when he had reached the age of sixty-eight years. He was a member of the United Brethren church and his wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. His political allegi- ance was given the republican party and he was always loyal to his honest belief. Those who knew him, and he had a wide acquaintance, entertained for him warm regard. He was devoted to the welfare and happiness of his family, was progressive and public-spirited in citizenship and loyal in friendship, and because of his many sterling traits of character he left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. , , .. - - '.'

Almost three decades have passed since Edward Richmond Adams was called to his final rest, and yet his memory is enshrined in the hearts of many who knew him and who entertain for him the warmest regard because of his individual traits of character and the important part which he played in the public life of Galesburg. He figured prominently here for many years as a merchant and in matters of citizenship his influence was always given on the side of progress, reform and improvement. He was born in Stoughton, Massachusetts, February 5, 1809, and traced his ancestry back to Henry Adams who, on coming from England in 1632, settled in Braintree, Massachusetts, where the family home was maintained until the Rev. Jedediah Adams was called to a pastorate in Stoughton after 1733. Dr. Peter Adams, the father of Edward R. Adams, was born in Stoughton, June 3, 1756, and was graduated from Harvard College in 1778. He studied medicine and was the first regularly settled physician in Stoughton. In 1805 he wedded Sarah Johnson, a daughter of Lewis and Mary (May) Johnson of that place. The father died in 1832 and the mother passed away the following

Edward R. Adams pursued his education in the common schools, but remained throughout life a broad reader of the best literature and kept well informed upon all topics of general and vital interest. After leaving his native town he engaged in business in Boston until 1836 when he removed westward to Illinois, settling first in Henderson county where he engaged in buying all kinds of produce which he shipped to New Orleans. In 1854 he came to Galesburg and about 1855 he established a business that constituted the nucleus of the present saddlery and hardware establishment of Adams & Johnson Company. About 1855 he built the stores at Nos. i and 3 Main street, and throughout the period of his residence in Galesburg, covering almost three decades, was prominently, closely and honorably associated with its business activities and its upbuilding. He always followed constructive methods, never taking advantage of the necessities of another, and his enterprise, diligence and honorable dealing brought him well merited success. He was one of the original incorporators of the Farmers' & Merchanics' Bank, and served as a member of its board of directors until he resigned in September, 1882.

Mr. Adams was married twice. He first wedded Miss Mahala Choate, of Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1842. Her death occurred the following year and on the I2th of August, 1846, he wedded Miss Nancy Gilbert Thomas of New Haven, Connecticut, a daughter of Lewis and Mary (Gilbert) Thomas. There were seven children of this marriage, of whom four died in infancy or in childhood. while three survived their parents. They are: Edward Quincy, who was mar- ance was given the republican party and he was always loyal to his honest belief. Those who knew him. and he had a wide acquaintance, entertained for him warm regard. He was devoted to the welfare and happiness of his family, was progressive and public-spirited in citizenship and loyal in friendship, and because of his many sterling traits of character he left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. - .

Edward Richmoxd Adams

Almost three decades have passed since Edward Richmond Adams was called to his final rest, and yet his memory is enshrined in the hearts of many who knew him and who entertain for him the warmest regard because of his individual traits of character and the important part which he played in the public life of Galesburg. He figured prominently here for many years as a merchant and in matters of citizenship his infiuence was always given on the side of progress, reform and improvement. He was born in Stoughton, Massachusetts, February 5, 1809, and traced his ancestry back to Henry Adams who, on coming from England in 1632, settled in Braintree, Massachusetts, where the family home was maintained until the Rev. Jedediah Adams was called to a pastorate in Stoughton after 1733. Dr. Peter Adams, the father of Edward R. Adams, was born in Stoughton, June 3, 1756. and was graduated from Harvard College in 1778. He studied medicine and was the first regularly settled physician in Stoughton. In 1805 he wedded Sarah Johnson, a daughter of Lewis and Mary (May) Johnson of that place. The father died in 1832 and the mother passed away the following year. . , ," . : , | .

Edward R. Adams pursued his education in the common schools, but remained throughout life a broad reader of the best literature and kept well informed upon all topics of general and vital interest. After leaving his native town he engaged in business in IJoston until 1836 when he removed westward to Illinois, settling first in Henderson county where he engaged in buying all kinds of produce which he shipped to Xew Orleans. In 1854 he came to Galesburg and about 1855 he established a business that constituted the nucleus of the present saddlery and hardware establishment of Adams & Johnson Company. About 1855 he built the stores at Xos. i and 3 Main street, and throughout the ])eriod of his residence in Galesburg, covering almost three decades, was ])roininently, closely and honorably associated with its business activities and its upbuilding. He always followed constructive methods, never taking advantage of the necessities of another, and his enterprise, diligence and honorable dealing brought him well merited success. He was one of the original incorporators of the Farmers' & .Merchanics' Dank, and served as a member of its board of directors until he resigned in September, 1882.

Mr. Adams was married twice. He first wedded Miss Mahala Choate, of Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1842. Her death occurred the following year and on the I2th of August, 1846, he wedded Miss Xancy Gilbert Thomas of Xew Haven, Connecticut, a daughter of Lewis and Mary (Gilbert) Thomas. There were seven children of this marriage, of whom four died in infancy or in childhood, while three survived their parents. They are: Edward Quincy, who was mar- ried in 1885 to Miss Helen L. Gay, of Easton, Massachusetts, and has two children; Katherine Amelia, the wife of Wallace S. Johnson, whom she married in 1884 and by whom she has two children ; and Harriett Marsh, living at Galesburg. The death of Mr. Adams took place on October 2, 1883.

Mr. Adams was the possessor of an unusually fine tenor voice and was a member of the two oldest musical societies in the country, the Stoughton Musical Society, which was formed in 1756 and of which his father. Eh*. Peter Adams was a charter member, and the Handel & Hayden Society of Boston which was founded in 1815. While not a menriber, Mr. Adams was a generous contributor to and constant attendant of the services of the Congregational (brick) church and the Universalist church in which he had been reared, his grandfather, the Rev. Jedediah Adams having been the first regularly settled minister of that faith in Stoughton. Mr. Adams was recognized as a man of high moral character whose devotion to his duty was unquestioned, and who ever sought those infiuences and aids which are of the most value in promoting individual and community progress. He was devoted to his home and family, was always a generous friend and gave freely of his means to those who needed assistance. Many testify as to his generosity and his kindly spirit, and the name of Edward Richmond Adams is yet an honored one in Galesburg where he so directed his labors as to make his work of lasting benefit to the city.

George Freeman Conley, who for the past fourteen years has been representing the fourth ward in the city council, is one of the well known residents of Galesburg. He was born on a farm in the vicinity of Wataga, Knox county, on the 22d of July, 1853, the only child of Linzley and Catherine (Anderson) Conley. The father was born in Glasgow, Barren county, Kentucky, on June i6, 1827, while the mother's birth occurred in Hancock county, Indiana, May 6, 1830. When he was a lad of three years Linzley Conley came to Illinois with his father, Levey P. Conley, who had been given a grant for one hundred and sixty acres of land in Knox county, eighty for services rendered in the Black Hawk war and eighty on account of the war of 1812. For many years Levey P. Conley devoted his entire time and attention to the further development and improvement of his farm, and there he passed away on January 4, 1870, at the age of seventy-eight years, while his wife died November lo, 1864. His son, Linzley Conley, was reared and educated on the old homestead, where he also received his agricultural training. When he had attained his majority he left the parental home and began working for himself, continuing to follow farming. At the breaking out of the Civil war, in i86i, he enlisted in Company K, Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry as a private and went to the front where he remained for nearly three years. The hardships and privations incident to army life completely undermined his health, and he returned to the old farm practically an invalid. He again turned his attention to the cultivation of the fields, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits until 1868. In the latter year he gave up farming and came to Galesburg, and from that period until his mother had passed away many years before on the farm, her demise occurring on April 27, 1854. They were married, June 22, 1851. They were members of the Baptist church, and the father also belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. In his political views he was a republican and while residing at Galesburg served as constable. .:]:-;-."--,

The early years in the life of George Freeman Conley were spent on the old farm, in the work of which he assisted while pursuing his studies in the common schools of Wataga. On the loth of June, 1870, at the age of seventeen years, he began work as a section hand on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. He had higher aspirations, however, and on October 13, 1872, began braking on a freight train. In the discharge of his services he was both efficient and satisfactory and on the 2Oth of June, 1876, he was promoted to the position of conductor. He continued in this capacity for twenty years, at the expiration of which period he was given a passenger train. He is now and has been for some time on the Peoria and Galesburg division of the road. In years of continuous service he is one of the oldest men in the employ of the company, having been with them for over forty-one years. -. - v''^/-:'V -;;'/:-:.)..'-'-.

On the 2Oth of March, 1875, Mr. Conley was married to Miss Mary Matthews, a native of Scott county, Iowa, who passed away on February 25, 1885. One daughter was born unto them, Grace W., who is at home with her father. On October 19, 1889, .Mr. Conley married Mrs. H. H. McSkinnens, whose death occurred on June 12, 1908. 'I

- charged his duties in a highly satisfactory manner is evidenced by the length of his period of service. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge, council and commandery, and he is also a member of the Fraternal Reserve, Court of Honor, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Elks Club. He is a member of the legislative committee for the state of Illinois, of the Order of Railway Conductors and has held all of the chairs. Mr. Conley possesses a high sense of honor, and always discharges any duty assigned him with a conscientious appreciation of his responsibility.

Persistence of purpose and unfaltering energy have been strong forces in winning success for S. A. Wagoner and thorough training in his especial line has also constituted a feature in the establishment of his present prosperous business which is conducted under the name of the Wagoner Printing Company at Galesburg. The business was established in 1897, and since that time Mr. Wagoner has been active in its control and management. He is one of Wisconsin's native sons, his birth having occurred near Viroqua, March 25, 1863, his parents being Alexander and Hannah (Bahr) Wagoner. The father was born near Watertown, Jefferson county. New York, and when a young man came to Wisconsin. He was a farmer by occupation and at one time engaged in the conduct of a meat market in Laporte City, Iowa. He afterwards spent six years as a minister in connection with the Evangelical Association and then returning to commercial life became manager for a lumber company in Duluth, Minnesota, and now resides at Tower, Minnesota.

It was in i86i that he married Hannah Bahr, who was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and they became parents of two children, Simon Alvey and Wil- Ham E., both residents of Galesburg. The father is a republican in his political views and in his fraternal relations is connected with the Independent Order . of Odd Fellows. Simon A. Wagoner was educated in the public schools in his native state and also in the high school at Red Oak, Iowa. He was only fourteen years of age when he began learning the printing business at Anita, Iowa, where he remained for two years. He then returned to Laporte City, Iowa, where he followed his trade for nine years, and during his residence in that place established the Laporte City Review in connection with a partner with whom he remained for nine years. While there he made the acquaintance of A. D. Thurston, night telegraph operator, and they formed a partnership for the publication of the monthly paper called the Railroad Telegrapher. These two men called a meeting of the telegraph operators of the United States at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in July, 1886, and one hundred delegates from a number of different states assembled in convention there and established the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, Mr. Thurston becoming the first grand chief telegrapher of the order. Mr. Wagoner remained the editor and manager of the paper which was printed at Laporte City, Iowa, until 1888, when he removed to Vinton, Iowa, where he remained for three years and in November, 1891, he came to Galesburg as superintendent of the printing plant of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, of which he was in charge until it was removed from Galesburg five years later. At the same time he conducted a small fruit farm near the city, and in 1897 he established his present business in which he was joined by W. E. Wagoner and G. H. Mehler. They began business in a small way on the third floor of the Bank of Galesburg building on Main street where they continued until 1901 when they consolidated their interests with the job-printing department of the Evening Mail, called the Mail Printing Company. The business was incorporated for thirteen thousand dollars with S. A. Wagoner, as president, F. H. Sisson, vice president, E. S. Tobey, secretary and C. H. May, treasurer. They removed to the Mail building on Cherry street, and there continued until 1909 when the business was reincorporated under the style of the Wagoner Printing Company and capitalized for twenty thousand dollars, with S. A. Wagoner as president and manager, H. W. Lass, vice president and E. S. Tobey secretary and treasurer. They employ thirty-five people and conduct a general printing business, a complete system of direct-connected individual motors to all machines forming a part of the equipment of the plant. The business has steadily grown until it amounts to seventy-five thousand dollars annually, two thirds of which comes from outside the city. They make a specialty of college and fraternity printing and keep in touch with the most modern and advanced styles of the printing art.

On the 25th of November, 1885, Mr. Wagoner was married to Miss Emma R. Fischer, a daughter of Henry Erhardt and Catherine (Freiberger) Fischer, of Laporte City, Iowa. Her parents were natives of Darmstadt, Germany, and came to the United States in the '505, settling in Ondaga county, New -- York, where the father followed the occupation of farming and also as a representative of the ministry of the Evangelical Association engaged in preaching in Utica and in Troy, New York. He died in Manlius, New York, in 1868, after which his widow came to the west, settling in Cedar Falls, Iowa, while later she became a resident of Laporte City, Iowa, where she married the Rev. George Fckhard. He died November 28, 1910. Mrs. Eckhard still survives and ' : now makes her home in Cedar Falls. Her daughter, Mrs. Wagoner, was bom ' in Utica, Ondaga county. New York, March 28, 1865, and by her marriage has : become the mother of two daughters but the younger, Helen R., who was born in Galesburg, died when but eighteen months old. The elder daughter, Nora M., was born in Laporte City, Iowa.

Frank Sears Bartlett, a representative of an old and prominent family of Knox county, is successfully engaged in business as a member of the real-estate and insurance firm of Bartlett '& Robbins and is likewise the secretary of the Mutual Loan & Building Association of Galesburg. His birth occurred in this county, on the 4th of December, 1855, his parents being Erasmus Almon and Helen J. (Sears) Bartlett, both of whom were natives of the state of New York. The paternal grandfather, John D. Bartlett, was bom in Vermont and when four years of age was taken by his parents to Genesee county. New York, where he g^ew to manhood and conducted a hotel in Alexander. In 1842 he visited Illinois on horseback and two years later brought his family here, purchasing land in Rio township. He passed away at the age of seventy-eight years, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Pryor, was about eighty-two years when called to her final rest. Their children were five in number, namely : Livona, who gave her hand in marriage to E. C. Field; Loamma M.; Erasmus A.; Sarah, who became the wife of E. R. Rhoades; and John D., Jr. William Sears, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Cortland county. New York. He and his wife, Mrs. Caroline (Vaile) Sears, became pioneer settlers

- of Knox county, Illinois, locating at Henderson, where Mr. Sears conducted a hotel, a flouring mill and a sawmill and also engaged in farming. In 1869 he

- Rio township. He died in 1908, when seventy-eight years of age, passing away . in the faith of the Universalist church. The period of his residence in this county covered more than six decades and he was well known and highly esteemed within -- its borders. He served as a school director and held various township offices. - His first wife, the mother of our subject, passed away in 1869 at the compara- ,: tively early age of thirty-six. She was the mother of eight children, of whom .: Frank Sears is the only one now living. For his second wife Erasmus A. Bartlett chose Mrs. Elizabeth A. Edwards, by whom he had two children : Charles E., of Rio township; and Sarah A., who died at the age of thirty-two years.

. Mrs. Bartlett, were early settlers of Knox county and passed away here, the for- ; mer when about eighty-four years of age and the latter when about fifty years -^' old. Unto them were born five children: Jesse J. ; William L. ; John and Henry, ;' twins ; and Stephen F. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett were also born five children, ..- as follows: Alice Helen, living in Aurora, Illinois, who is the wife of M. T. : - Bruner, by whom she has two daughters, Lois and Helen ; John D., a physician ;;, and surgeon by profession, who wedded Miss Ethel Booker and has one son.

John D. ; William A., who married Miss Maude Shussler and is engaged in the real-estate business at Galesburg; Walter L., who died when a youth of thirteen years ; and Winfield Franklin, who is attending school.

In politics Mr. Bartlett is a republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to several positions of public trust. He served as a member of the board of education for twelve years, was alderman of the fourth ward for one term and acted as a member of the board of supervisors for two terms. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Vesper Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Galesburg Chapter, No. 46, R. A. M. ; and Galesburg Commandery, No. 8, K. T. He serves as trustee and treasurer of the Universalist church, to which his wife also belongs. They have spent their entire lives in Knox county and enjoy an extensive and favorable acquaintance within its borders. . .. . ,, . - - - -

An enumeration of the residents of Galesburg who have won honor and distinction and at the same time whose records have been an honor to the city, would be incomplete and unsatisfactory were there failure to make prominent reference to George Churchill. His work in behalf of public education would alone entitle him to distinction and yet in other relations of life his labors were equally commendable and were crowned with far-reaching and beneficial effects. Progress and patriotism might well be termed the keynote of his character, prompting his active cooperation in every movement for the public good and his loyal support of the salient features of good citizenship.

Dr. Churchill was born in Herkimer county. New York, April 2, 1829, a son of Norman and Ann (Eggleston) Churchill. The father first visited Illinois early in the fall of 1836, at which time he purchased ten acres of land on West Main street in Galesburg which is still known as the Churchill home. To this he removed in 1839 and remained thereafter an active and honored resident of this city where he passed away on the 2Oth of September, 1886, at the age of eighty-seven years. He was born in Hubbardton, Vermont, Novemb^r 5, 1799, the son of the Rev. Jesse Churchill. -

George Churchill was a lad- of only ten years when the family home was established in Galesburg and from that time until his death he was an interested witness of the changes which here occurred and the growth that wrought the present prosperity of the city. He entered Knox College as a student in the preparatory department in the first year of its history and when other preparations had qualified him for advanced study, he entered the college class and was graduated in 1851. He then crossed the threshold of the business world, spending a year as civil engineer in connection with the construction of the Central Military Tract Railroad, which later became a part of the main line of the Burlington. However, his interest in the cause of education had been aroused and he was giving much time and thought to the study of the publicschool system. He recognized the fact that the schools in Galesburg and vicinity were inadequate to the needs of a community that was g^rowing rapidly and he

John D. ; \\'illiaiii A., who married Miss Maude Shussler and is engaged in the real-estate business at Galesburg; Walter L., who died when a youth of thirteen years: and Winfield Franklin, who is attending school. '-

In politics Mr. llartlett is a republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to several positions of public trust. He served as a member of the board of education for twelve years, was alderman of the fourth ward for one term and acted as a member of the board of supervisors for two terms. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Vesper Lodge. F. & A. M. ; Galesburg Chapter, Xo. 46, R. A. M. : and Galesburg Commandery. Xo. 8. K. T. He serves as trustee and treasurer of the Universalist church, to which his wife also belongs. They have spent their entire lives in Knox county and enjoy an extensive and favorable acquaintance within its borders. . . ,

An enumeration of the residents of Galesburg who have won honor and distinction and at the same time whose records have been an honor to the city, would be incomplete and unsatisfactory were there failure to make j^rominent reference to George Churchill. His work in behalf of public education would alone entitle him to distinction and yet in other relations of life his labors were equally commendable and were crowned with far-reaching and beneficial effects. Progress and ])atriotism might well be termed the keynote of his character, prompting his active coojieration in every movement for the public good and his loyal sup])ort of the salient features of good citizenship.

Dr. Churchill was born in Herkimer county. Xew York, April 2, 1829, a son of Xorman and Ann (Eggleston) Churchill. The father first visited Illinois early in the fall of 1836, at which time he purchased ten acres of land on West Main street in Galesburg which is still known as the Churchill home. To this he removed in 1839 and remained thereafter an active and honored resident of this city where he passed away on the 2oth of Se])tember, 1886, at the age of eighty-seven years. He was born in Hubbardton, \'ermont, Xovember 5, 1799, the son of the Rev. Jesse Churchill.

George Churchill was a lad of only ten years when the family home was established in Cjalesburg and from that time until his death he was an intere.sted witness of the changes which here occurred and the grtiwth that wrought the present prosperity of the city. He entered Knox College as a student in the preparatory department in the first year of its history and when other preparations had (|ualified him for advanced study, he entered the college class and was graduated in 1851. He then crossed the threshold of the business world, spending a year as civil engineer in connection with the construction of the Central Military Tract Railroad, which later became a part oi the main line of the Burlington. However, his interest in the cause of education had been aroused and he was giving much time and thought to the study of the publicschool system. He recognized the fact that the schools in Galesburg and vicinity were inadecjuate to the needs of a community that was growing rapidly and he desired to supplant that system by an improved one. This desire took him to Europe in order that he might make a most thorough inspection of the schools of Prussia. He carried with him letters from the United States secretary of state which enabled him to gain an accurate knowledge of the system of instruction of the country which he visited. He gained many valuable ideas which his practical ability enabled him to adapt to the needs of the Galesburg schools and upon returning to this city he at once undertook the task of arousing public sentiment in favor of an improved school system. He not only gave generously of his time and energies but his work also made large inroads upon the small salary that he received as a teacher. He did not hesitate, however, in the accomplishment of his purpose and called to his assistance the Hon. Henry Barnard, of Connecticut, who afterward received the first appointment as commissioner of education for the United States. His determined perseverance finally resulted in procuring a special charter by which the former district schools were consolidated and the foundation of the present system was laid. The board of education has shown a just appreciation of Dr. Churchill's services by naming one of the grammar schools in his honor and by adopting, on the 1 4th of January, 1896, special resolutions commending him for his work. He may well be termed the father of the public-school system of Galesburg, for it received its impetus toward improvement from his untiring labors and practical, far-reaching methods. For thirteen years he was a member of the board of education and labored untiringly to arouse the standard of the schools.

This by no means comprised the extent of Dr. Churchill's public service or indicates the limit of his usefulness. For twenty-two years he served as city engineer and in other public oflSces labored for the welfare and upbuilding of the city. For two terms he was alderman, for eight years was a member of the board of park commissioners and for twenty-three years or until the time of his death held a position on the library board. For forty-four years he was one of the professors of Knox College, and that institution, ever regarded as one of the strong and stable educational forces of the state, owes to him a debt of gratitude which can never be paid. Far beyond any pecuniary recompense that could be made him were his labors in behalf of the college. He never lowered the high standard which he set up but sought ever to work toward it and his own enthusiasm and zeal constituted an inspiration to fellow teachers and pupils. Of him it was written: "He was born to be useful; he was born to be good; he was born especially as an educator of the youth." While he always strove to attain high ideals his methods were ever practical and he proved his worth and force in business circles as well as along professional lines. He became one of the directors and the just president of the Mechanics Homestead & Loan Association, occupying this position from its organization in 1882. Its assets and disbursements in 1899 amounted to two and a half million dollars.

Dr. Churchill was married three times. He first wedded Clara A. Hurd and to them was born a son, Milton F.. who is now professor of Pomona College at Qaremont, California. His second wife was Ada H. Hayes and they had one daughter and two sons: Mary H., now deceased; Charles F., an attorney of Montclair, New Jersey; and George B., of Galesburg. For his third wife Dr. Churchill chose Ellen Sanborn Watkins, who died five years ago, and they had one son, William David. By a former marriage Mrs. Churchill also had a daughter, Mrs. Nellie Sanborn (Watkins) Wetherbee. It was in 1851 that Mrs. Churchill came with her parents from Bronfield, Illinois, to Knox county. Previously they had been residents of Vermont. Her father, David Sanborn, after coming to Galesburg, was engaged in the dry-goods business and later became president of the Second National Bank. He was also prominently connected with public affairs, at one time serving as postmaster of Galesburg, and was active in the establishment of the Burlington railroad. He married Sophie A. Ramsey and continued his residence in Galesburg until his death, which occurred April 9, 1883. Their daughter, Mrs. Churchill, was first married to Albert T. Watkins, who removed from New York to Illinois when twenty years of age and died at the age of thirty years. He was engaged in the grocery business in Galesburg and also owned and operated one of the first presses for baling hay, selling his product to the army during the Civil war. He afterward aided in organizing the Second National Bank and was a very prominent and influential business man and citizen here, but death terminated his career at an early age.

The death of Dr. Churchill occurred in September, 1899. As a man and citizen he was very popular, readily winning the friendship of those with whom he came in contact while his sterling traits of manhood enabled him to retain their high regard. Added to his keen intelligence and strong manhood was a most amiable and cordial disposition. He was reported as a man of strong character and marked individuality and it was known that his position was never an equivocal one. He was always a friend to the poor and gave generously of his means where assistance was needed. At the age of sixteen years he became a member of the First Congregational church and later placed his membership with its successor, the Central Congregational church. He was a member of the building committee of the new church. From the time that he identified himself with a religious organization he took an active part in church work, serving for fourteen years as deacon, for twenty-five years as superintendent of the Sunday school and for more than a half century as leader of the choir. One of the local papers said : "There is scarcely a department inaugurated for the improvement of the city or for the betterment of the conditions of its people without a trace of his handiwork. He has been part and parcel of the city of Galesburg and of Knox College almost from their inception and his life record is inseparably interwoven with their history." A review of his life indicates that he was ever faultless in honor, 'fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation.

William Allen Robbins, who has maintained his residence in Knox county for forty-five consecutive years, is one of the prominent and esteemed citizens of Galesburg and since 1906 has been engaged in the real-estate and insurance business as a member of the firm of Bartlett & Robbins. His birth occurred in the old town of Oxford, Henry county, Illinois, on the loth of April, 1851, his parents being Edward S. and Temperance (Allen) Robbins, both of whom were natives of the state of New York. The paternal grandfather, Levi Rob- bins, was a native of Massachusetts. Both he and his wife, Mrs. Dinah (Goodenough) Robbins, passed away in Copenhagen, Lewis county. New York. He was an agriculturist by .occupation and enjoyed an enviable reputation as a prominent, popular and highly esteemed citizen of his community. At the time of his demise he was one hundred years and five months old. His first wife, the grandmother of our subject, was more than seventy years of age when called to her final rest. Their children were as follows: Austin. Edward, Levi, Orrin and Chloe. The maternal great-grandfather of our subject was Ebenezer A. Denison, son of Daniel, and was born on the 26th of January, 1760. In 1784 he wedded Mrs. Elizabeth (Spencer) Jones, with whom he resided in Berne, Albany county. New York. The founder of the Denison family in the United States was William Denison, who came to America in 1631, settling at Roxbury, Massachusetts. The maternal grandparents of William A. Robbins were William and Catharine (Denison) Allen, the former born at Groton. Connecticut, on the 3ist of October, 1782, and the latter in 1786. Both died in Lewis county. New York, William Allen passing away in the '7os and his wife at the age of eighty-seven years. Unto them were born eleven children who lived to maturity and had families; Avery, Eliza, Temperance, Ebenezer, Ephraim. Elizabeth, Ira, Hannah, Orpha, Paulina and Lydia.

Edward S. Robbins, the father of Mr. Robbins of this review, was reared on a farm in Lewis county. New York, and in 1836 located among the earliest settlers of Knox county, taking up government land near Log City, where he began farming. Subsequently he spent a number of years in Sparta township and later removed to a farm in Henry county. Disposing of the property, he took up his abode in Galesburg, on the 8th of March, 1866, and here passed away at the age of seventy-eight years. The death of his wife occurred when she was eighty-two years old. They were originally Baptists in religious faith but at the time of their demise and for many years prior were identified with the Second Adventists. Edward S. Robbins successfully practiced medicine for a number of years. Unto him and his wife were born five children, as follows: Edward C. D., who died while serving as a captain in the Civil war and was buried in the Vicksburg National Cemetery ; Mildred E., who first wedded Albert T. Boyd and is now the wife of George H. Hotaling, of Grant City, Missouri; Orpha C., who is the widow of Joseph Pine and resides in Galesburg; William A., of this review; and Levi, who died in infancy.

William Allen Robbins, whose name introduces this review, remained on his father's farm in Henry county until fifteen years of age and then came to Knox county, within the borders of which he has since resided. He began his education in the country schools and later spent two years in the public schools of Galesburg. When a youth of seventeen years he put aside his textbooks and entered the grocery store of Dunn & Kingsbury, serving as a clerk for three years. He then spent about a year, in 1871, with the Frost Manufacturing Company and next became an employe of George D. Crocker, whom he served in the capacity of clerk for about seven years. On the expiration of that period he became a partner of his employer and the relation was maintained with mutual pleasure and profit for twenty-six years. In 1893-4 Messrs. Crocker and Robbins erected the Arlington Hotel. Mr. Robbins was the pioneer in the pure- food movement in this section. In 1906, one year after severing his business connection with Mr. Crocker, he became a partner of Mr. Bartlett in the real-estate and insurance business and has since enjoyed a gratifying clientage as a member of the firm of Bartlett & Robbins. He owns farm lands in Cass and Steele counties, North Dakota, and has followed general agricultural pursuits there for six years, maintaining his residence, however, in Galesburg.

On the I3th of October, 1874, Mr. Robbins was united in marriage to Miss Nettie E. Carr, a daughter of Dr. M. S. and Susan M. (Espy) Carr. They had two children, namely: Elizabeth, who gave her hand in marriage to E. L. Tilden and resides in Buffalo, New York; and Elmer A., who died at the age of ten years. -'kvv- -!

In politics Mr. Robbins is a stanch republican, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party. He was a deacon of the First Baptist church for twenty-seven years and acted as chairman of the board for seventeen years. His wife is likewise a devoted and faithful member of that church. His career has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor and today he is numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of his county.

Charles A. Malcolm, an agriculturist now residing in Ontario township, was born on the 22d of April, 1866, in Safsjo, in the central part of Sweden, his parents being John and Johanna (Charlotta) Malcolm, both of whom are natives of Sweden, the former having been born there on the 2gth of January, 1837. In his native land John Malcolm was engaged in farming until he set out for America, in 1868, with his family, locating first near Andover, Henry county, Illinois. The trip across the country from Genoa to Andover was made with teams in a heavy hail and rain storm, this being but one of the many hardships which the travelers in those early days encountered. Because of his lack of experience Mr. Malcolm was forced at first to accept inferior employment, his first work being plowing corn at fifty cents per day. But earnest and persistent labor always leads to better fortunes and Mr. Malcolm was soon ready to undertake the cultivation of a small tract of land and later purchased a small piece of property for himself. After ' fourteen years he added twenty acres and subsequently purchased forty acres of timber land, which he cleared and started to farm. Disposing of the various holdings, he bought one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, upon which he resided for twenty-seven years before removing to his present farm. At one time he held three hundred and twenty acres of land in the county and eighty acres in Henry county, but he is now living retired, having sold all of his property to his children. His home is now called Malcolmville and the other farm which he at one time owned was called Malcolm Dandy. Mrs. Malcolm passed away on the 23d of February, 1909, in Knox county, at the age of seventy-two years.

Charles A. Malcolm received his education in the common schools and spent much of his youth in assisting his father on the home farm, here having his first experience in the occupation he was to make his life work. Desiring to start out business connection with Mr. Crocker, he became a partner of Mr. Bartlett in the real-estate and insurance business and has since enjoyed a gratifying clientage as a member of the firm of Bartlett & Robbins. He owns farm lands in Cass and Steele counties, North Dakota, and has followed general agricultural pursuits there for six years, maintaining his residence, however, in Galesburg.

On the I3th of October, 1874, Mr. Robbins was united in marriage to Miss Nettie E. Carr. a daughter of Dr. M. S. and Susan M, (Espy) Carr. They had two children, namely : Elizabeth, who gave her hand in marriage to E. L. Tilden and resides in Buffalo, New York; and Elmer A., who died at the age of ten years.

In politics Mr. Robbins is a stanch republican, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party. He was a deacon of the First Baptist church for twenty-seven years and acted as chairman of the board for seventeen years. His wife is likewise a devoted and faithful member of that church. His career has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor and today he is numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of his countv.

Charles A. Malcolm, an agriculturist now residing in Ontario township, was born on the 22d of April, 1866, in Safsjo, in the central part of Sweden, his parents being John and Johanna (Charlotta) Malcolm, both of whom are natives of Sweden, the former having been born there on the 29th of January, 1837. In his native land John Malcolm was engaged in farming until he set out, for America, in 1868, with his family, locating first near Andover, Henry county, Illinois. The trip across the country from Genoa to Andover was made with teams in a heavy hail and rain storm, this Ijeing but one of the many hardships which the travelers in those early days encountered. Because of his lack of experience Mr. Malcolm was forced at first to accept inferior employment, his first work being plowing corn at fifty cents per day. But earnest and persistent labor always leads to better fortunes and Mr. .^lalcolm was soon ready to undertake tbe cultivation of a small tract of land and later purchased a small piece of property for himself. After fourteen years he added twenty acres and subsequently jnirchased forty acres of timber land, which he cleared and started to^ farm. Disposing of the various holdings, he Ixiught one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, upon which he resided for twenty-seven years before removing to his present farm. At one time he held three hundred and twenty acres of land in the county and eighty acres in Henry county, but he is now living retired, having sold all of his property to his children. His home is now called Malcolmville and the other farm which he at one time owned was called Malcolm Dandy. Mrs. Malcolm passed away on the 23d of February, 1909, in Knox county, at the age of seventy-two years. . ' | - .

Charles A. Malcolm received his education in the common schools and spent much of his youth in assisting his father on the home farm, here having his first experience in the occupation he was to make his life work. Desiring to start out independently, he farmed for six years in Henry county and then for seven years just south of his present location. In January, 1909, he removed to his present farm and has since been engaged in general farming and raising hogs. His property is known as "Fairview farm."

On the 25th of December, 1895, Mr. Malcolm was married to Miss Delphia C. Walgreen, a daughter of John P. and Anna (Fredericks) Walgreen, who have been connected with the agricultural interests of Knox county for many years. At present Mr. Walgreen is residing in Altona, where he is living retired. He is one of the oldest settlers of the county, having come here over fifty years ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm seven children have been born. Violet E. J., Germaine I. W., Weslye W., Ludella V. G., Curtis C., Myrna A. C., and Pauline 1. M.

In politics Mr. Malcolm gives his support to the republican party, taking an active interest in all the measures proposed for political welfare. He also holds membership in the Swedish Lutheran church and is interested in the incorporated bank of Galva and in the elevators at Oneida and Nekoma. In connection with the development of his property he has exercised good judgment and under his management it is yielding profitable crops in return for the labor expended upon it, and as a citizen he is highly estemed in the community where he has always resided. . , . - .. - .. .. v.. .,,..., ,.

William Lorenzo Belden is a retired farmer of Galesburg, who for many years was associated with general agricultural pursuits in Orange township and also engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery. The success which crowned his labors enables him at the present time to enjoy the comforts of life without further recourse to business activity. He was born at Cayuga Lake, New York, in 1836, a son of Alonzo and Hannah (Swartz) Relden, who were also natives of the Empire state. They removed to Ohio when their son William was a lad of seven years and in 1850 came to Knox county, Illinois. The father was a plasterer by trade and spent his last years in this county, while his wife died in Nebraska, where she had gone after the death of her husband. In their family were seven children, of whom William L. and a brother, George C., are the only ones now living. Two of the brothers served as soldiers in the Union army during the Civil war, George C. and Charles, who was killed by the notorious Rand at Gilson.

After spending the first seven years of his life in the state of New York, William L. Belden accompanied his parents to Ohio and for about seven years was a resident of Marion county, that state. He came to Knox county, Illinois, when a lad of fourteen years and for more than six decades has resided within its borders, witnessing the many changes which have occurred as the work of development and improvement has been carried forward. Settling in Orange township, near Knoxville, he began farming and from a timber tract developed a richly improved farm of eighty-eight and three-fourths acres. He made all of the improvements upon the place, set out an orchard, erected substantial buildings and built good fences. Year after year the work was carried steadily forward and, as the result of early spring plowing and planting, good crops were gathered in the autumn. The methods which he pursued in the development of his land were both practical and progressive and his crops found a ready sale on the market. He continued to make his home upon his farm until 1911, when he left the care of the property to others and took up his abode in Galesburg, where he is now living. He still owns the old home place and while residing thereon he engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery.

In 1865 Mr. Belden was united in marriage to Miss Emily Hawley, who was born in Orange township, this county, and is a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Westerfield) Hawley. Her father came to Illinois from New York and established his home in Orange township, where he carried on farming throughout his remaining days. To him and his wife were born eight children, of whom two sons and two daughters yet survive, all being residents of Knox county. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Belden are : Henry A., who follows farming in Kansas; Nellie, the wife of Charles Miller, of Iowa; Loretta, the wife of Milo Brown, also of Kansas ; Mrs. Mattie Bowhay, who likewise makes her home m the Sunflower state; and Zenana, yet at home.

On attaining his majority William L. Belden proudly cast his first vote for republican candidates and has since stanchly supported the party. He has served as road commissioner and in other local offices but has not sought or desired political preferment. From the age of fourteen years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has guided his life by its teachings, ever endeavoring to follow the Golden Rule. Undoubtedly he has made mistakes - as who has not - but they have been of judgment rather than of intention, for at all times he has sought to do to others as he would have them do unto him. He has now reached the advanced age of seventy-five years and during sixty-one years of this time has been a resident of Knox county, so that he has witnessed much of its progress and improvement, aiding at different times in work that has contributed to its growth and development. He has personal knowledge of many things which are to others matters of history and his memory recalls many interesting events of the early days. -- ; --

Loren Stevens had for seven years occupied the responsible position of cashier in the First National Bank when he retired to private life to enjoy the fruits of his labor. He now gives his supervision only to his investments which include loans and real-estate interests. He was born in Chittenden county, Vermont, May 25, 1845, the younger of the two sons of Cassius P. and Clamentia (Smith) Stevens, both of whom were natives of Vermont. He comes of ancestry represented in the Revolutionary war, his great-grandfather having been Abram Stevens, who was born in Killingsworth, Connecticut, and at the age of sixteen years joined the Continental army under the valorous leader of the Vermont troops. General Seth Warner. He afterward became colonel under Montgomery and for many years lived to enjoy the fruits of liberty, his death occur-' ring in 1830. He was a native of England and had come to the new world with two brothers. His son, Alonzo Stevens, was born in Vermont and served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812, while later he became colonel in the state militia. He devoted his life tQ farming and died at the age of seventy years, having long survived his wife. They were the parents of two sons and six daughters, Cassius P., Alonzo J., Lucia, Mary, Almira, Louisa, Cornelia and Rosamond. The maternal grandfather of Loren Stevens was Thomas Smith, who was born on November lo, 1765. He spent his entire life in the Green Mountain state, devoting his time and energies to farming. His death occurred May 17, 1837, and his wife, Mrs. Mollie Smith, who was born July 24, 1768, died on the 1 3th of January, 1834. Their family numbered ten sons and a daughter, Repline, Hiram, Philemon, Loren, Orrin, Roswell, Sidney, Ceylon, Loyal, Loudon and Clamentia.

: : Like others of the family Cassius P. Stevens devoted his life to farm work, owning and cultivating a tract of land in Chittenden county, Vermont, where his worth as a business man and citizen was widely acknowledged. Both he and his wife were consistent and faithful members of the Methodist church, closely following its teachings. His death occurred in 1892, when he was seventyseven years of age and his wife passed away in 1876 when sixty-one years of age. Their eldest son, Byron A., died in 1895, leaving Loren Stevens the only surviving member of the family.

^ During the first twenty years of his life Loren Stevens remained a resident of Vermont, residing on his father's farm until seventeen years of age. During that period he attended the district school and for a short time pursued an academical course. After leaving home he engaged in driving a team for one summer and during the following fall entered the employ of the Central Vermont Railroad Company but gave up that position to attend business college when eighteen years of age, recognizing how necessary is educational training for success in life. After completing his course he was offered and accepted the position of teacher in the same institution, there remaining for a year and a half, but thinking that the west offered better and broader opf>ortunities he made his way to Ohio, where he spent the fall and winter of 1865. In the spring of 1866 he came to Galesburg, where he has now lived for more than forty-five years. Here he entered the office of the Brown Cornplanter Works with which he was connected for a year and later spent two years in the office of Benjamin Lombard, Jr., as bookkeeper. The head man of the Brown Works died in the meantime and Mr. Stevens was then offered the vacant position, remaining there as secretary of the company for seventeen years, or until 1886. He then turned his attention to buying and selling real estate and making loans and that business together with traveling occupied his time for ten years. He next entered the First National Bank as cashier, continuing in the position for seven years, when he retired from active business save that he still makes loans, his keen discrimination and sound judgment largely preventing the possibility of loss in that direction. He also owns a large orange orchard at Riverside, California.

Mr. Stevens was married. May 25. 1870, on his twenty-fifth birthday and exactly four years after his arrival in Galesburg, to Miss Lizzie C. Simmons, who died on the 26th of March, 1911, when nearly sixty-three years of age. She was a member of the Universalist church. Mr. Stevens has traveled quite extensively, visiting every state in the Union, as well as the West Indies, old Mexico and the Hawaiian islands, besides various parts of Canada from Vancouver to Quebec. He was a charter member of the Galesburg Club and is also a member of the Country Club. His political allegiance has ever been given to the republican party and for two years he served as mayor of the city, having been elected in the spring of 1889. He has ever been recognized as a public-spirited citizen whose aid and cooperation can be counted upon to further progressive public measures. A review of his life indicates that he has made wise use of his time and opportunities, has utilized the chances for careful and remunerative investment and now as a result of his labors, intelligently directed, he stands among the prosperous residents of his adopted city. -.. - -

Oley C. Nelson, who owns a farm adjacent to Knoxville that he is now operating, has been a resident of this county for fifty-nine years. He was born .' in Sweden, on the i4th of November, 1836, and is a son of Carl and Hannah (Ingamonson) Nelson, for some years numbered among the farming people of ' this county. Carl Nelson, who was born in 1813, engaged in agricultural pur- ,' suits in his native land until 1852, when he disposed of his interests there and together with his wife and family took passage for the United States. They landed in New York city seven weeks later and came from there directly to Knox county, which was their destination. Here the father subsequently bought some land, to the further cultivation and improvement of which he devoted his attention until his death in September, 1854, at the age of forty-two years. The mother survived until 1885. Their family consisted of three sons and one daughter, of whom our subject is the eldest, the others being as follows : Swan, who is deceased ; John, who is living in Knoxville ; and Sarah, the widow ; of Ola Peterson, who was living in Essex, Iowa. Oley C. Nelson was a youth of sixteen years when he emigrated to the United States with his parents and acquired his education in the schools of his native land, the course there pursued being later supplemented by one term's study in the district schools of ' Knox county in the winter of 1855, for the benefit of his English. Long before leaving Sweden he had begun to assist his father in the fields, his energies . ever since having been devoted to agricultural pursuits with the exception of ten years, when he prospected in Colorado. At the expiration of that period he returned to Knox county and again engaged in farming, locating on the place where he now resides. Mr. Nelson has met with a fair degree of success in his undertakings, being an industrious and enterprising man of practical' ideas and thrifty habits.

Knoxville was the scene of Mr. Nelson's marriage, on the 6th of October, 1867, to Miss Hannah Erickson, who was born in the southern part of Sweden, on February 3, 1851. She is a daughter of Ola and Ellen (Johnson) Erickson, who emigrated to the United States in 1852, locating on a farm a mile and a half from Knoxville, where they passed the remainder of their lives, the father passing away in 1904, at the age of ninety-two years and the mother in 1908.

eighty-three years of age. By a former marriage Mrs, Erickson had one son, John Nelson, who now lives in Knox county, and Mr. and Mrs. Erickson had in their family beside Mrs. Nelson, their eldest daughter, the following in order of birth : Emma, the deceased wife of Michael E. Schuck, of Pennsylvania ; Erick, who is living in Kansas ; Joseph, who passed away in that state ; Jacob, who is also a resident of Kansas ; Olaf , who lives in Knoxville ; Emanuel, living in Kansas and one who died in infancy. Mr. and ^rs. Nelson have become the parents of eight children, three of whom are now deceased. August, who is living in Knoxville, married Mary Anderson and they have four children: Naomi, Howard, Sterling and Lorenz. Rosie, who is the only living daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, is the wife of William Carlson of Knoxville and the mother of two sons, Laverne and Francis. Albert, who is a resident of Wataga, chose for his wife Mattie E. Foster and they have two children. Alberta and Oliver, and eight grandchildren. Oscar and Joseph, the two youngest members of the family, are living at home with their parents.

The family are all members of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church, and number among its congregation many friends. Mr. Nelson, who is now seventy-five years of age, is one of the highly esteemed citizens that Sweden has contributed to Knox county, where his energy and application has numbered him among the successful agriculturists.

Henry Emrich, president of the Plaindealer Printing Company, was born January 26, 1844, in a little village in Hesse-Darmstadt, five miles from Bingenon-the-Rhine, Germany. His mother died in 1850 and two years later Mr. Emrich, with his father and brother, came to the United States, living in New York city until 1856, when with his father he came to Galesburg. In December, 1858, he entered the Free Democrat printing office as an apprentice and in 1862, when just eighteen years of age, he enlisted in Company H of the Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, participating with his regiment, or on special duty, in nearly every campaign in southeastern Missouri, northeastern Arkansas, the capture of Little Rock and the operations in and around central and southeastern Arkansas. After the capture of Little Rock in September, 1863, and some special duty as orderly at the headquarters of Major General Eugene A. Carr, Mr. Emrich was permanently attached as orderly at the headquarters of the First Brigade, First Division, Seventh Army Corps, General Samuel A. Rice commanding, and in that capacity took part in what is known as "the Camden trip," during which General Rice was twice wounded, the second wound proving fatal, while Captain Townsend, one of General Rice's aids, was killed and another aid's horse and Adjutant John F. Lacey's horse were wounded. Mr. Emrich's horse was struck twice in the same moment by canister shot on April 2d and his eyes injured by an exploding shell on the loth of April, 1864. The death of General Rice dissolved the "headquarters family," Major Lacey being attached to the headquarters of Major General Fred Steele, commanding the Seventh Army Corps, and a few days later Mr. Emrich was attached to the same headquarters for special duty, thus serving to the end of his enlistment.

Being mustered out of the service in 1865, Mr. Emrich returned home and resumed the printer's trade in the office of the Quincy Herald, but a few months later returned to Galesburg and took a position in the office of the Free Democrat, in which he had learned his trade some years before. ,

In 1867 Mr. Emrich, was married to Miss Caroline Rulf and to them five children were born. In 1870, in connection with Joe Prior, Mr. Emrich began the publication of the Galesburg Republican and in 1872 he went to Quincy, - ., where he again entered the Herald office, remaining there until December, v- ;^.; - 1879, when he returned to Galesburg and purchased an interest in the Plain- ';' dealer, which paper is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. ' :

: In politics Mr. Emrich has always been a republican, taking an active part - '.- personally and editorially in every campaign during the past thirty -three years. He and the Plaindealer presented General P. S. Post to the republicans of the ;>/ then tenth congressional district as a candidate for congress in 1886, the General . , - ,' being elected and remaining in congress until his death in 1893, when Mr. r.; .:. Emrich and the Plaindealer presented the Hon. George W. Prince as his sue- vV'-; : cessor and he has represented the district ever since. In city affairs Mr. Em- , \ .,- rich has also taken an active part, always striving -for good municipal govern- . ;..:^ ment and the advancement of the material prosperity of the city. He is a :'v ^V member of the Central Congregational church, taking an active interest in the V X- - conduct and work of that institution. As a citizen and business man he stands .^ :-.";; well in the community and his personal friends are many. He is a member of ',, ; the Galesburg Club and of Post No. 45, G. A. R., having been commander of - . ,v , that post and junior vice commander of the Department of Illinois and a fre- :--.':.. quent delegate to the national encampments. ; ; , ... .

John C. Fahnestock is well known in the business circles of Galesburg, having handled land and immigration interests for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and at present conducting a general insurance and real-estate business. He is now in the seventy-fourth year of his age but is yet very active, and such a record should put to shame many a man of much younger years who has grown weary of the struggles of life and wishes to relegate to others the burdens that he should bear. Mr. Fahnestock was born October 20, 1838, in Warren, Qiester county, Pennsylvania, his parents being William and Ann Elizabeth (Ernst) Fahnestock. He traces his ancestry back to Diedrich and Margarette Fahnestock, who emigrated from Prussia in 1726 and settled near Ephrata, Pennsylvania, where representatives of the name have since been found. J . rv ; ;',

John C. Fahnestock was educated at Blair Hall in his native county and, entering business life, became connected with the sale of books and stationery. He has been a resident of Galesburg since 1865, conducting a book and stationery business for several years, after which he acted as land and immigration agent for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad for ten years. His time is now the Seventh Army Corps, aiul a fe\v tlays later Mr. Emrich was attached to the same headquarters for special duty, thus serving to the end of his enlistment. .

Being mustered out of the service in 1865, Mr. Emrich returned home and resumed the printer's trade in the office of the Quincy Herald, but a few months later returned to Galesburg and took a position in the office of the Free Democrat, in which he had learned his trade some years before. j

In 1867 Mr. Emrich was married to Miss Caroline Rulf and to them five children were bom. In 1870, in connection with Joe Prior, Mr. Emrich began the publication of the Galesburg Republican and in 1872 he went to Quincy, where he again entered the Herald office, remaining there until December, 1879, when he returned to Galesburg and purchased an interest in the Plain- ; dealer, which paper is mentioned elsewhere in this volume.

In politics Mr. Enu'ich has always been a republican, taking an active part personally and editorially in every campaign during the past thirty-three years. He and the Plaindealer presented General P. S. Post to the rei)ublicans of the then tenth congressional district as a candidate for congress in 1886, the General being elected and remaining in congress until his death in 1893, when Mr. Emrich and the Plaindealer presented the Hon. George W. Prince as his successor and he has rei)resented the district ever since. In city affairs Mr. Emrich has also taken an active ])art. always striving -for good municipal government and the advancement of the material prosperity of the city. He is a ' member of the Central Congregational church, taking an active interest in the conduct and work of that institution. As a citizen and business man he stands well in the community and his personal friends are many. He is a member of the Galesburg Club and of Post Xo. 45, G. A. R., having been commander of that post and junior vice commander of the Department of Illinois and a fre- . quent delegate to the national encampments. ,

John C. Falinestock is well known in the business circles of Cialesburg, having handled land and immigration interests for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and at present conducting a general insurance and real-estate business. He is now in the seventy-fourth year of his age but is yet very active, and such a record should ])Ut to shame many a man of much younger years who has grown weary of the struggles of life and wishes to relegate to others the burdens that he should bear. .Mr. Fahnestock was born October 20, 1838, in Warren, Chester county, Pennsylvania, his parents being \\illiam and Ann Elizabeth (Ernst) Fahnestock. He traces his ancestry back to Diedrich and Margarette I'ahnestock, who emigrated from Prussia in 1726 and settled near Ejjhrata, Pennsylvania, where rei)resentatives of the name have since been found,

John C, Fahnestock was educated at IMair Hall in his native county and, entering business life, became connected with the sale of books and stationery. He has been a resident of Galesburg since i8r»5, conducting a book and stationery business for several years, after which he acted as land and immigration agent for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa I'e Railroad for ten years. His time is now fully occupied by his real-estate and insurance business, and these different lines are well managed by reason of his sound judgment, his earnest purpose and his wise use of opportunities.

: On the 7th of November, 1878, in Galesburg, Mr. Fahnestock was married to Miss Grace D. Carr, a daughter of Clark M. and Fanny L. Carr, of this city. She is the only sister of General Eugene A. Carr, now deceased. Colonel B. O. Carr, Rev. Horace M. Carr, Hon. Clark E. Carr and Captain George P. Carr, whose early death by accident, occurred in 1871. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fahnestock were born two children: Fanny E., who married Alfred Williams and died May 12, 1906; and Grace, the wife of Dr. Thomas F. Birmingham, of Galesburg.

Mr. Fahnestock gives his political allegiance to the republican party and, while never an aspirant for office, has always been loyal to its principles and a supporter of its activities. His social connections are with the Galesburg Club and his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He is well known in this city, where sterling traits of character have placed him in a high position in public regard. V - '

In a h'story of the successful men of Galesburg mention should be made of Henry P. Burgland, who is now living retired. Industry, unfaltering and persistent, has been the basis of hi.' , success, enabling him to work his way gradually upward. He was born in Sweden, April 20, 1834, and was reared and educated there, after which he entered business circles as a dealer in live stock and sold meat from a market place, as was the custom at that time. He came to America in 1854, then a young man of twenty years, hoping that he would here find better business opportunities than could be secured in the old world. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made his way at once into the interior of the country with Galesburg as his destination. Afterward he resided for a time in Bishop Hill, Avon and Monmouth but returned to this city where he has since made his home, living here for more than half a century, during which period he has witnessed much of its growth and development and to a considerable extent, in a quiet way, has aided in its progress. Embarking in business here, he opened a meat market which he conducted for many years, carrying always a good line, which in combination with his straightforward and honorable dealing, brought to him constantly growing success. He likewise bought and shipped live stock and both branches of his business proved profitable. He early recognized the fact that energy and determination are the basis of advancement, and by reason of these qualities he has worked his way steadily upward. On account of illness years ago he retired from business for a time and made two trips to Sweden for the benefit of his health, there visiting the friends of his youth and the scenes among which his bo)'hood days had been passed. For a quarter of a century he has lived retired, enjoying the fruit of his former toil. After ceasing to carry on the meat market, he continued to buy stock for some time but ultimately withdrew from all trade connections.

Matilda Nelson and they became the parents of six children, of whom three ; are now living: Jennie B., who is the widow of Charles A. Peterson, who for ! many years conducted a shoe store ; Amanda, at home ; and Edward O, The parents are both members of the First Swedish Fvangelical Lutheran church and for a long period Mr. Burgland was regarded as one of its leading repre- : sentatives, serving for many years as a trustee and taking an active and helpful interest in all of the church work. His religious belief has fostered those principles which constitute the basis of honorable manhood and citizenship, and while he has never sought to figure prominently in public affairs, his life, ever '; straightforward in all its relations, has commended him to the respect and : good- will of those with whom he has come in contact. In looking back over his past he can experience no great feeling of regret that he left his native land. He found a welcome on the free soil of America and in her avenues of commerce he found a field for his abilities that the old country might not have afforded. j

- who has been associated in the conduct of the business with his cousin, Erick M. Burgland, since 1893, conducting the market. They have one of the oldest

; ; markets in the city and do a large business. ; - : r /,.v,v ;?; . >; v. ; v ) - ; '. .; Edward O. Burgland was married September 14, 1899, to Miss Minnie Esther Fredericks, a native of Galesburg township, Knox county, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis F. Fredericks, who were natives of Sweden but became early residents of this county and are now living in Galesburg. For some years her father was identified with agricultural interests in this part of the state. In the Fredericks family were but two daughters, the younger, Julia, being the wife of Forrest L. Hallin, a prominent merchant of Kewanee, Illinois.

Like his father, Edward O. Burgland has always given his political allegiance : to the republican party, supporting its principles continuously since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He possesses much natural musical i . '; talent and his ability in that direction has brought him many pleasant hours. : - For some years he was connected with the Galesburg Military Band and for - : the past two years has had charge of and directed the orchestra of the First %- Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church of this city. He has followed closely in the footsteps of his father in relation to church work as well as in other '- lines and is serving as one of its trustees. The name of Burgland has ever : been an honored one in Galesburg since Henry P. Burgland came from Sweden to try his fortune in the new world.

George Craig, of the firm of Craig & Harris, monument manufacturers, located at 132 East Simmons street, Galesburg, was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, on the ist of February, 1865. He is a son of Robert and Janet (Smith) Craig, natives of Scotland, the father having been born in Edinburgh, on March

22, 1823, and the mother in Glasgow, on Christmas day, 1834. Robert Craig remained in the country of his birth until he was twenty-four years of age. After completing his education he learned the granite cutter's trade and also served for a time in the English army. In 1847, he took passage for the United States, and upon his arrival located at Quincy, Massachusetts, where about three years later he was married to Miss Smith. He followed his trade there for many years, but subsequently removed to Richmond, Virginia, where he resided for a year or two, when he returned to Quincy, where he passed away at the age of sixty-three years. The mother is still living and continues to make her home in Quincy. In matters of faith they were both conformists in the old country, and always affiliated with the Episcopal church after coming here. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Craig numbered twelve, as follows : John E. and William Wallace, both of whom are deceased ; Isabella, the widow of William Jones, of Quincy, Massachusetts; Robert Alexander, who is deceased; James, who is living in Quincy ; Janet, who married Henry Wilson, also of Quincy; George, our subject; Angus Grant, living in Buffalo, New York; Charles Henry, of Newark, New Jersey ; Walter, who is living in Batavia, New York; Arthur, who is deceased; and Frank D., who is a resident of New York city.

In the acquirement of his education George Craig attended the public schools of his native city until he had mastered the common branches. He then laid aside his text-books and entered his father's shop for the purpose of learning the stone-mason's trade. When he attained his majority he left the parental home and began working for himself. His first position was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he followed his trade for a time and then went on the road, selling monuments. He made Philadelphia his headquarters for five years thereafter, when he removed to St. Louis, continuing to sell monuments until the spring of 1891. In June of the latter year he located in Kewanee, Illinois, and went into business. In April of 1893 they first came to Galesburg to do the stone work on the Baptist church, for which they had been awarded the contract. Although they employed twelve men in the work, the building was some time in the course of construction, and during that period they became quite familiar with conditions here and felt convinced that there was a good opening for a business such as they are now conducting. They continued their establishment at their present stand, still continuing to take building contracts. During the eighteen years that have elapsed since then, they have practically withdrawn from contracts of this nature and now give their entire attention to the manufacture of monuments and ornamental stone work. They have a spacious building, which they erected for the purpose, fully equipped with pneumatic tools and all modern inventions and conveniences required in the business. At the present time they have five men in their employ, all firstclass, skilled mechanics, and are being favored with a very good patronage. Each piece of work that leaves their factory is passed upon by both Mr. Craig and Mr. Harris, his partner, who give their personal supervision to every detail of the business. They have a high standard to which they rigidly adhere, and no order is ever permitted to leave their shop unless they feel that it reflects credit upon the industry. Thus they have established a reputation for highclass work as well as trustworthiness and reliability, and both as a firm and individually are accorded the respect of all with whom they have had transactions. Their enterprise has prospered from the first and they are now firmly established with a constantly increasing patronage, and every assurance of success. On the 27th of September, 1894, Mr. Craig was united in marriage to Miss Alice Broadbent, a daughter of William and Martha (Prince) Broadbent, of Kewanee, Illinois. Six children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Craig, as follows: Robert Sidney and Leonard George, both of whom are deceased; Wilbur and Kenneth, both of whom are at home; Martha, who is deceased; and Alice Janet. '^^:? :-;:..;---- v^ -¥.'-, v ' 'j^ .^t^'' '

Both Mr. and Mrs. Craig hold membership in the Episcopal church, and fraternally he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. He also I belongs to the Galesburg and Country Clubs, and politically he is a republican. In local elections, however, he casts an independent ballot, giving his support to such men and measures as he deems best qualified to protect the interests of the majority. Mr. Craig is a business man of sagacity and foresight, as he has demonstrated during the period of his residence in Galesburg, and in matters of citizenship he is progressive and enterprising, taking an active interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the community. ;-.;. . :

John L. Bradburg spent the first fourteen years of his life in his native country and during that period pursued his education in the schools of Sweden while later he continued his studies in Galesburg. He afterward worked in the nursery of Hunt & Mason for a time and later was employed by L. L. Gibson for five years. On the expiration of that period he beg^n working in , . the lumberyard of Sargent & Lewis, with whom he continued for two and a

- half years, when they sold out and he spent the succeeding year with C. H: . Bogue. He was afterward connected with Anthony & Myers for seven years

- several years and is now with the W. O. Houghton Lumber Company. He has / thus long been connected with the lumber trade in this city and is widely known

. Lottie Peterson, a daughter of A. P. and Mathilda Peterson, of Galesburg, who were natives of Sweden and on coming to the new world, in 1857, first settled ./, i in the east but several years ago they came to this city. Here the father was employed in the freight house of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad until his death. His wife still survives and is now making her home with Mr. ' and Mrs. Bradburg. Mr. Peterson was a republican in his political affiliations -, \ and he belonged to the Swedish Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Bradburg , was born in Sweden and was brought to the United States with her parents ': when but a year and a half old, so that she was reared and educated in this ;. country. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bradburg are loyal in their relations to the English Lutheran church, in which they hold membership, and politically he is . well known as a republican although he has never sought nor desired office. Fraternally he belongs to both the subordinate lodge and encampment of Odd Fellows and has passed through all of the chairs. -,':.-. '' ' ,?- - ^:: c

John Brandt was born in Sweden, December 8, 1817, and departed this life in Knoxville on the 2Oth of October, 1899, when almost eighty-two years of age. During his active connection with business affairs he had devoted many years to the painting and decorating business and in trade circles as in other relations of life had commanded the confidence and good-will of his fellowmen. His parents were Swan and Bengta (Swanson) Brandt, who were likewise natives of Sweden, in which country the father passed away. John Brandt was connected with the Royal Swedish army in his native land, serving for thirteen years as an officer in the same. His education had been acquired in the military schools and his wise home training qualified him for the practical and responsible duties which later devolved upon him. In 1853, accompanied by his mother, he carne to America, attracted by the broader business opportunities of the new world. They made their way direct to Knoxville, where Mrs. Brandt continued to reside until her death, which occurred in 1872, when she had reached the age of eighty-five years. The family numbered five sons and two daughters, namely : Mrs. Inga Larson, who died in Sweden ; Swan, who has also passed away ; John, of this review ; Hakon and Andres, both now deceased ; Nilla A., the wife of John Holcomb, of Altona, this county; and Peter, who came to America and died in Minnesota.

In his native land John Brandt learned the trade of painting and decorating and after coming to Knoxville followed that pursuit, remaining for a time in the employ of others and later engaging in contracting along that line on his own account. His excellent workmanship and honorable dealing won for him a substantial return for his labors, a liberal patronage being accorded him so that he was enabled to provide his family with all of the comforts of life.

Ere leaving his native land Mr. Brandt was united in marriage in 1853 to Miss Bengta Swanson. Her parents never came to America, spending their entire lives in Sweden. In their family were seven children, five sons and two daughters, namely: Swan, deceased; Mrs. Hannah Basser, of Knoxville, now deceased ; Nels and Jens, both of whom have passed away ; Mrs. Brandt ; Ola, deceased ; and John, who is the twin brother of Ola and is living in Elsmore, Kansas. To Mr. and Mrs. Brandt were born three children but the eldest, Franz G., died at the age of two years. The daughter, Carrie, is the wife of Alexander Peterson, of Knoxville, and the second son, Frank August, died at the age of seven years.

In his political views Mr. Brandt was a republican, always voting for the men and measures of the party yet never seeking nor desiring office for himself. He lived a busy and useful life, being ever an industrious, painstaking and thoroughly reliable man who merited success by reason of the good work which he did and his straightforward dealings. These qualities, too, won him the regard of those with whom he was associated and he had a wide acquaintance in Knoxville and this part of the state. ::' - ^-;^^ ;; . :' - '.

Robert E. Ervin is now living retired in Galesburg, his activity and enterprise in former years bringing him a comfortable competence that enables him at this time to rest from further labors in the enjoyment of the fruits of his previous toil. He lived for a long period in Wenona, Illinois, before his removal to the city which is now his home. He was bom, however, near Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1841, a son of Newton S. and Jane (Jones) Ervin, both of whom were natives of Virginia. They lived for a time in Ohio and when their son Robert was seven years of age removed to Illinois, where the father engaged in farming until 1868, in which year he became a resident of Missouri.

Robert E. Ervin has spent the greater part of his life in this state and in its public schools acquired his education, while his vacation periods were devoted to work in the fields. He had but recently attained his majority when, on the 9th of August, 1862, he offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of Battery A, of the Third Illinois Light Artillery. He was enrolled at Wenona and went into camp at Camp Butler, from which point the regiment proceeded to the front. The first battle in which he engaged was at Little Rock, Arkansas, and later he participated in the battles of Prairie I>am and Oklahoma, after which he returned to Jenkins Ferry. In the spring of 1865 he was again at Little Rock and on the 3Oth of June of that year was mustered out at Springfield. He had held the rank of sergeant all through the war and had proved himself a loyal soldier, never faltering in the performance of any duty whether it called him to the firing line or stationed him at the lonely picket line.

After the war was over Mr. Ervin engaged in farming near Wenona and also made stock raising an important branch of his business. Year by year he

-- carefully tilled the fields, which responded readily to the care and labor which he bestowed upon them, yielding to him rich crops. In 1882, however, he left his farm and took up his abode in Wenona, where at different times he was

- connected with various business enterprises, conducting an implement business, : later a livery stable and afterward engaging in the manufacture of cultivators. . Whatever he undertook he carried forward to successful completion and as the