Knox County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 36 of 56)

William Burdette Moore is classed with the enterprising business men of Altona where he is engaged in dealing in harness and saddlery. He was bom - in the town, December lo, 1867, and comes of English ancestry. His father, William Moore, was born in England, July 4, 1833, and was only a child when he came with his parents to America, the family locating in VVilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where the grandfather and his wife spent their entire lives. Their son, William Moore, took up the trade of harness making and when a young man came to Altona, arriving in this county in 1857. He then abandoned his trade and engaged in farming for several years but afterward returned to the harnessmaking business. On the 25th of May, i86i, only a few weeks after the outbreak of the Civil war, he enlisted for service as a private, joining Company D, Seventeenth Illinois Infantry, at Altona for a period of three years. Later he reenlisted as principal musician of the One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment, on the 28th of January, 1865. He had been ruptured during the period of his first enlistment so that at his second enrollment in the service he was assigned to less arduous duty as drum major. Following the war he returned home and engaged in the harness business in Altona up to the time of his death, which oc- > curred May 13, 1907. He was a prominent Mason and was a citizen whose military service was indicative of the loyalty which he always displayed to his adopted country and her welfare. He married Mrs. John Bemis, who is now living at the age of seventy-nine years. She was married twice, her first hus- . band having been John Bemis, who died, leaving one son, J. L. Bemis, who is now in the mail service and resides in Galesburg. Unto Mrs. Moore's second marriage there were born three children : William Burdette ; Abbie, the wife of C. E. Linney; and Daisy, the wife of W. Alexander, master mechanic with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

After acquiring a public-school education William B. Moore assisted his .: father in the harness business until 1888, when he left Illinois for Concordia, ' Kansas, where he engaged in clerking in a dry-goods store for two years. He afterward spent four years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, devoting two years of that time to service as bill clerk for the North Western Railway Company. He afterward became fireman on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad and later returned to Altona and joined his father as a partner in the harness-making business. This association was maintained until 1900, when Mr. Moore purchased his father's interest, the latter retiring at that time. William B. Moore still continues his harness and saddlery establishment and enjoys a good trade. He has worked up a satisfactory business as the owner of an extensive apiary ^ and is one of the prominent representatives of bee culture in this part of the , state. That he is regarded as authority upon the subject and is prominent in this field of activity is indicated by the fact that he is now first vice president of the Illinois State Bee Keepers Association.

Mr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Mary O. Bigger, who was born August 17, 1870, in southern Illinois, a daughter of Robert and Angeline (Cut- --; right) Bigger. Her father is a Civil war veteran and is now at the Soldiers' - Home, in Quincy, Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Moore have been born five chil- .. dren, Donald Chase, Faith Angeline, Harriet Inez, Hazel Mary and Abbie Bell.

Mr. Moore is a member of the Methodist church, in the work of which he is actively interested, serving at the present time as one of the church trustees. He also belongs to the Masonic lodge and the Maccabees at Altona and is a prominent and influential worker in the ranks of the republican party. Since 1904 he has served as village clerk and his worth, fidelity and capability in office , was indicated by the fact that he has served in this position for seven years. He has a wide acquaintance in this part of the county and is accounted one of the leading and representative citizens because of his business activity and progress and his devotion to the political and religious principles in which he believes.

Heber Gillis, who for more than half a century has been a resident of Knox county, is now living retired on his farm, which is situated in Rio township. He was born in Argyle, Washington county. New York, September 8, 1837, his par- -- ents being Dr. George and Mary (Shepard) Gillis, the father a native of Argyle,- . born November 6, 1798, and the mother of Clinton county, born in September, ,

1809. The family originally came irom Scotland, the grandfather, Alexander Gillis, being a native of that country, who was allotted by the British government a tract of land in New York, where he settled in a community of people of his own religious faith. Dr. Gillis was reared in his native state and received his professional education in the New York City Medical College, after which he practiced in his native state until 1858. In that year he removed to Illinois, settling near the village of Rio, in Rio township, where he intended to live retired.but his calls were so numerous that he continued in practice until his deach, which occurred March i, 1871. He had thus been in active practice over fortyfive years. The mother, Mary (Shepard) Gillis, belonged to a family that origmally came from Connecticut. Her father, who was a merchant, was killed in the war of 1812. After his death she and her mother resided with an uncle, who was a prominent lawyer in his time. He was also an extensive slave owner but later became an' abolitionist. His son was the founder of Oberlin Collie at Oberlin, Ohio.

Heber Gillis, who was reared in his native state, began his education in an academy there, later attended Union College and subsequently began fanning. In 1856 he came to Knox county, where he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres and has resided on the same ever since. He engaged in general farming and also raised quite extensively thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. He has been very successful in his farming interests and is now living retired.

In October, 1872, Mr. Gillis was married to Miss Medora Milton, who was a daughter of George and Mary A. Milton, of Ontario township. The father was a farmer by occupation and came from Indiana to Knox county, Illinois, in the early '308, settling in Ontario township. His daughter, a sister of Mrs. Gillis, was the first white child bom in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Gillis have become the parents of three children: Nellie; James; and Myra, who is now the wife of Dr. Arthur £. Gammage, of Chicago.

Mr. Gillis is a republican in politics and has taken an active interest in local party work. He has now resided in Rio township on his present farm for over fifty-five years and has been an interested witness to the growth and development of this section of the country. He has here, both in the business and social world, a host of friends to whom his life record is well known and who regard him as a man of genuine worth and sterling integrity. ';! "o-.' - ': ;

Closely associated with the financial interests of Knox county is the name of Andrew Borland Anderson, senior member of the firm A. B. Anderson & Son, of Oneida. Of Scotch ancestry he was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, September lo, 1832. His father, James Anderson, a son of John Anderson, was a blacksmith by trade, following this occupation all his life in his native country. In 1860 he came to America and made his home with his son in Knox county. He died here in 1865. Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Mary Borland and they were the parents of nine children. ;::- .' ; : ;- - . .: -: :: -' :;v - - -'-.'." ;

Andrew Borland Anderson was educated in Scotland in the common schools ,'.--/ and in a private institution. He was trained at the forge and became a black- - .': smith but did not work at this occupation long before he resolved to go to Amer- -; ica and seek larger opportunities for making his fortune and wider fields for his ' activities. In 1850 he landed on this side of the Atlantic and settled in Paris, . : Ontario, Canada. In the spring of 1853 he crossed the border and found his J' ; way to Illinois, locating in Victoria, Knox county, where he followed his trade :;,;;:- for a few years. In 1857 he purchased a building in Oneida and twenty years ''-'.^- later engaged in the banking business here in partnership with Frank Murdoch. /-. , Good judgment in financial matters and in investments as well as a liberal busi- - ness policy soon proved Mr. Anderson and his partner efficient business managers, ^;- who were successful in building up a banking institution that is a great credit to > :' . Oneida. In 1908 Mr. Murdoch died and thereupon Mr. Anderson's son John, . y who had been a bookkeeper up to this time, was taken into the company and the . firm style became A. B. Anderson & Son. Besides this chief business interest .^ ;- Mr. Anderson owns six hundred acres of land in Knox county and other holdings in various counties, and he is a stockholder in the Galesburg National Bank. He : ; is an enterprising man and despite his advanced years is energetic and keen in - business transactions. ,/;

The marriage of Mr. Anderson and Miss Mary McQuie occurred in Decem- iV ber, 1860. Three children were born of this union: William H., who lives on ;: his father's farm, is married and has six children ; John H., who is married :,- - and is in partnership with his father in the bank; and Mary Ella, the wife of . T Dr. Stewart of Oneida, who lives with her father and has one boy.

In his political views Mr. Anderson is a democrat, believing in the principles - , of that party and voting for its men and supporting its measures. He served in the office of treasurer of the township for twenty years. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows of Oneida and with the local lodge of the Masonic . v, order, in which he has held all the offices. Those who know Mr. Anderson - ^and ? - his acquaintance is a wide one, extending beyond the confines of Knox county - V . esteem him for his lofty sense of honor and his unfailing integrity.

John R. Parkinson, cashier of the Bank of Wataga, is one of the enterprising young men of Sparta township, of which he is a native, his birth having here ' . occurred on June 19, 1893. He is the only child born of the union of Samuel R. '. and Elizabeth (Campbell) Parkinson, prominent in Knox county and a sketch of " . whom appears elsewhere in this volume. -

Reared amid the environments of a good home, in the acquirement of an - education John R. Parkinson was sent to the public school at the usual age, re- -. maining a student there until he completed his course at sixteen. From his > earliest boyhood principles of thrift and industry were inculated in his youthful , . mind, and while yet a young lad he began preparations for a useful business .;, career by assisting his father, who in addition to his various other interests was - engaged in the general mercantile business. After completing his education he -, entered the bank as clerk and general bookkeeper, in which capacity he served with such efficiency that he is now cashier. He is an industrious, enterprising young man, whose abilities and opportunities should enable him to become one of the foremost business men of this section of the county.

Mr. Parkinson lives at home. He is not yet old enough to cast a ballot, while his church connection is that of the Roman Catholic. He represents the third generation of his family in this township, in the upbuilding of which they have been important factors. ,;,-. - - - .v.v.. . > -;-...:. .. . - - =: . . .-..,.-./

Carl Warner Merrill

Carl Warner Merrill, manager of the Terry Lumber Company was born in La Porte, Indiana, on the Qth of October, 1865, the youngest child of Joseph H. and Nancy J. (Wadsworth) Merrill. They were both natives of the state of New York, the father's birth having occurred at Lebanon Springs, Columbia county, February 17, 1828, and that of the mother in Randolph, Cattaraugus county, on the 24th of August, 1832. Joseph H. Merrill, who was a son of John Merrill, a native of Connecticut, and the fourth child in a family of ten, was reared in the town of his birth, where he received a meager education, after which he apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade under an uncle for three years for the sum of one hundred dollars. He completed his period of service in 1844 and immediately thereafter went to La Porte, Indiana, entering the employment of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway Company, with whom he remained for six years. Later he engaged in contracting in connection with which he also conducted a meat market for a time, continuing to reside in La Porte until 1868. On the 26th of March of that year he located in Wataga, where he resumed his contracting, this business engaging his attention until 1900. During that time he became associated with W. H. Wood in the lumber business, of which enterprise he subsequently became the sole owner. In 1880 he purchased and removed to the present location of C. L. Tomkins, where he continued to be engaged in the lumber business until 1905, when he sold his interests to Terry & Lewis, now W. E. Terry & Ccwnpany, living retired until his death on the 24th of March, 1910. Joseph Merrill was twice married, his first union having been with Miss Rena J. Wadsworth, who died in 1851. She was a daughter of Samuel Fenn Wadsworth, while her mother prior to her marriage was a Miss Wheeler. For his second wife Mr. Merrill chose his sister-in-law, Miss Nancy J. Wadsworth, who passed away on the 1 2th of October, 1906. Three children were born of this union: Leroy, who is deceased; Cora, of Watag^ ; and Carl Warner, our subject. Fraternally Mr. Merrill was a member of the Masonic order, belonging to Wataga Lodge, No. 291, A. F. & A. M. and the Order of the Eastern Star. He was also affiliated with the Odd Fellows, holding membership in Wataga Lodge, No. 598, I. O. O. F. and the Rebekah Lodge. Both he and his wife were united with the Baptist church, and politically he was a republican. He always took an active interest in all municipal affairs and served for eight years as president of the village board.

- . Wataga has been the home of Carl Warner .Merrill since he was a child of three years. At the usual age he entered the public schools, where he mastered the common branches, until seventeen years of age. For three years thereafter he worked as a laborer, during which time he also assisted his father about the lumberyard. In 1892 he engaged in painting and paper hanging, following this vocation continuously for eleven years. Mr. Merrill assumed the management of the Terry Lumber Company in October, 1906, and has ever since been identified with this position. ' i

- Miss Alice E. Milroy, whose birth occurred on the loth of January, 1868. Mrs. . Merrill is a daughter of John E. and Rachel (Waffle) Milroy, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of the United States and of English descent. : Unto Mr. and Mrs. Merrill has been born one child who died in infancy.

His allegiance in matters politic Mr. Merrill gives to the republican party - and has always been a prominent factor in the government of the municipality,

- . having long been a member of the board of aldermen, while for thirteen years he 'V was village clerk. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, holding membership in Wataga Lodge, No. 291, A. F. & A. M.; and Oneida Chapter, No. 173, R. A. M. He also belongs to the Woodmen of America, being affiliated with Wataga Camp, No. 3229, and the Odd Fellows, his local connection being with Wataga Lodge, No. 598. Mr. Merrill is widely known in and about

Albert Herman Allen is now living retired, save that he is financially interested in some business projects, a life of well directed energy and thrift having brought him to his present substantial position, which renders further active 'labor unnecessary as a means of support and comfort. He is one of Galesburg's native sons, his birth having here occurred, June 9, 1841. His parents, Sheldon William and Fidelia (Leach) Allen, were both natives of Oneida county. New York, and the former was a young man when he removed westward to Knox county, Illinois, making the journey across the country with a team and wagon, accompanied by his wife and their one child, James S. Allen, who was then a year and a half old. At length they arrived in Log City, Knox county, in June, 1837, and there resided until 1838, when they came to Galesburg, the father erecting a house at the corner of Mulberry street and Allen avenue, which residence is still the property of his son Albert. The father was a farmer by occupation and also followed the butchering business but retired several years prior to his death. In all of his business affairs he was very successful, never allowing difficulties or obstacles to bar his path if they could be overcome by honorable and persistent effort. He donated to the city the land which is now called Allen avenue. He was the owner of twenty acres between Main and South streets and also of forty acres at the corner of Main and Farnum streets. He platted this land into city lots, calling it the S. W. Allen addition, and through

Albert H. Allkx

Wataga has been the home of Carl Warner .Merrill since he was a child of tliree years. At the usual age he entered the public schools, where he mastered the common branches, until seventeen years of age. For three years thereafter lie \vorked as a laborer, during which time he also assisted his father about the lumberyard. In 1892 he engaged in painting and paper hanging, following this vocation continuously for eleven years. Mr. Merrill assumed the management of the Terry Lumber Company in October, 1906, and has ever since been identified with this ix>sition.

On the 15th of June. 1892. was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Merrill and Miss Alice E. ^lilroy, whose birth occurred on the loth of January, 1868. Mrs. Merrill is a daughter of John E. and Rachel (Waffle) Milroy, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of the United States and of English descent. Unto Mr. and Mrs. [Merrill has been lx>rn one child who died in infancy.

His allegiance in matters ix)litic Mr. Merrill gives to the republican party and has always been a prominent factor in the government of the municipality, having long been a member of the board of aldermen, while for thirteen years he was village clerk. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, holding membership in Wataga Lodge, Xo. 291, A. F. & A. -M.; and Oneida Chapter, No. 173, R. A. M. He also belongs to the \\'oodmen of America, being affiliated with Wataga Camp, No. 3229, and the Odd Fellows, his local connection being with Wataga Lodge, Xo. 598. Mr. Merrill is widely known in and about \\'ataga, where he has many friends, the majority of whom were the comrades of his lx)vhood, their lovaltv being a tribute to his character.

Albert Herman Allen is now living retired, save that he is financially interested in some business projects, a life of well directed energy and thrift having brought him to his present substantial position, which renders further active labor unnecessary as a means of support and comfort. He is one of Galesburg's native sons, his birtli having here occurred, June 9, 1841. His parents, Sheldon William and Fidelia (Leach) Allen, were both natives of Oneida county. New York, and the former was a young man when he removed westward to Knox county, Illinois, making the journey across the country with a team and wagon, accompanied by his wife and their one child, James S. Allen, who was then a year and a half old. At length they arrived in Log City, Knox county, in June, 1837, and there resided until 1838. when they came to Galesburg, the father erecting a house at the corner of Mulberry street and Allen avenue, which residence is still the property of his son Albert. The father was a farmer by occupation and also followed the butchering business but retired several years prior to his death. In all of his business affairs he was very successful, never allowing difficulties or obstacles to bar his ])ath if they could be overcome by honorable and persistent effort. He donated to the city the land which is now called Allen avenue. He was the owner of twenty acres between Main and South streets and also of forty acres at the corner of Main and Farnum streets. He platted this land into city lots, calling it the S. W. Allen addition, and through the sale of real estate added materially to his income. He was always a stanch republican in politics but never aspired to office, preferring to concentrate his -. V energies upon his business affairs, which ultimately brought him a_ gratifying ".,. .. ^ return. Both he and his wife were members of the old First church and their ; ,-V: influence was a substantial factor in the moral development and progress of :\...; :. the community. They were married in Oneida county. New York, in 1834, and y : . became the parents of eleven children: James Sherman, now living in Gales- .v. : ' .' burg; Sheldon Oberlin, who died in 1901, leaving a widow, who resides at No. .-' . .

1416 North Broad street; Albert Herman; Henry Alonzo, who is living in Sum- V - '= t merville, Tennessee; Norman T., of Galesburg; Chester Ephraim, who makes ...-.-.-- his home at the corner of Mulberry and Pearl streets; Mary Fidelia, the deceased V.,',.. ,. . wife of John H. Wyckoff, of Canton, Illinois; John Stebbins, a practicing physi- .:;.' cian of Keithsburg, Illinois; Frank S., a resident of Los Angeles, California; v.:;. ' v Lida, the wife of Adam Kiefner, of Aspen, Colorado; and Fred S., who is liv- ;.'';; .' .- ing in St. Augustine, Florida. . V

When he had mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools ^; . - of Galesburg, Albert H. Allen continued his education in Madison University, ''.}.-.-'' at Hamilton, New York. He worked upon his father's farm until 1867 and .

ing with success in that undertaking whereby he was enabled at length to live ... retired. He was diligent and determined and carried forward to completion ; . .- whatever he undertook. In his trade transactions he was always thoroughly ' . reliable yet watchful of the details of his business, while sound judgment was /"^. ,

Miss Mary Agnes Leach, a daughter of Daniel and Agnes (Baird) Leach, of \; , Marine City, Michigan. The children of that marriage are: Rose Agnes, who ^ ~.

first became the wife of Felix M. Katar, her second marriage being with Captain -' : - J. R. Basiger, of Auburndale, Florida; Jennie Leach, at home; and Daniel .' '.-vv. Ephraim, of Galesburg. The wife and mother passed away, January 19, 1876, ; . ' Vj and on the 26th of December, 1899, Mr. Allen was married to Miss Lillian v- . - v Goddard, a daughter of George C. and Agnes (Friend) Goddard, of Lamed,/. :» . - .-- Kansas. Her father was bom in New York city, February 7, 1824, and his ; : ^-v wife's birth occurred in Washington county, Maryland. July 27, 1829. He ' ; came to Illinois in the early '4Os, settling in Fulton county, where he followed farming, but in 1863 he removed to Canton, Illinois, in order to better educate - ' :, factor in his life. His wife, who died February 12, 1906. was also a member ' -.',.-. of that church. Their daughter, Mrs. Allen, was born January 25, i86i, near

Canton. Mr. Allen also has several grandchildren, namely: Lillian Leah Katar. - , . . ' born January 15, 1894; Violet Josephine Allen, born April 25, 1896; Glenn Hubert , '- . -v

Throughout the entire period of his residence in Galesburg and this part of the state Mr. Allen has been deeply interested in public projects and those movements which have direct bearing upon the welfare and progress of the community. He has always voted with the republican party yet has never been an aspirant for public office. For three years he was a member of the Galesburg Fire Department and served as its chief. He attends the First Methodist Episcopal church and at all times has been interested in those projects which have contributed to the material, intellectual, social and moral welfare of the community. His life record proves that success is not a matter of genius, as held by some, but is rather the outcome of clear judgment, experience and indefatigable energy, for those qualities have been salient factors in the success which has crowned his labors, enabling him now to live retired in the enjoyment of comforts won by his former toil. - . V " ' -

Andrew Oliver Lindstrum needs no introduction to the citizens of Galesburg, for he is well known in its business circles as a prominent representative cf insurance and commercial interests, being at the head of the Lindstrum Insurance Agency, secretary of the Provident Savings Association and president of the Lindstrum-West Drug Company. His record as an enterprising, progressive and reliable business man is a credit to Illinois, his native state. He was born, twenty-six miles northeast of Galesburg, at Bishop Hill, May 29, 1873, and is a son of Erick and Breta (Oleson) Lindstrum. The father was born in Westmanland, Sweden, December 24, 1822, and the mother's birth occurred in Helsingland, Sweden, August 5, 1827. Both were members of the Bishop Hill Colony. The former came to the United States in 1850, and was a farmer by occupation. After the dissolution of the colony he engaged in tilling the soil until his death, which occurred at Bishop Hill, March 8, 1889. His wife had passed away on the 27th of December, 1887. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal church and took active and helpful part in its work. Mr. Lindstrum serving on the board of trustees and as treasurer of the board. His political views were in harmony with the principles of the republican party and he capably filled a number of township offices. His wife had come to the United States in 1845, ^"d at Bishop Hill the parents of our subject were married. Unto them were born five children: Caroline, Eric, Charlotte, Albert and Andrew, of this review.

The last named pursued his early education in the schools of his native town and afterward entered Knox College, completing the scientific course with the class of 1895. He then went to Geneseo, Illinois, and in company with James H. Andrews established a daily paper, which they conducted for about a year. Mr. Lindstrum then sold his interest to his partner and aided in organizing the Kewanee Daily Courier, which he published for a year. He next went to Chicago and worked on the Chicago Post for a few months. On the 1 7th of October, 1897, he came to Galesburg and began working on the Evening Mail in the business department, with which he was connected foi three years. He filled the office of deputy county clerk under Frank Adams for two years and then became publisher of the Evening Mail, continuing at the head of that paper from 1903 until the ist of November, 1907, when he purchased the Holmes & Chase Insurance Agency, which he still carries on in the Holmes building. In this connection he represents the Continental, Fidelity- Phenix, Fire Association, Franklin, Hamburg-Bremen, Liverpool & London Globe, North British & Mercantile, Philadelphia Underwriters, Royal, Springfield, Svea, The Ocean Accident & Guaranty Corporation, Fidelity & Deposit Company, Standard Live-Stock Insurance Company, and Bankers Like of Lincoln, Nebraska. On the ist of January, 1910, Mr. Lindstrum organized the Provident Savings Association and was elected its secretary, in which position he still continues. His agency is one of the largest in this part of the state and he also has voice in the management of other business projects. Today he is a stockholder of the Lindstrum- West Drug Company, and other Galesburg institutions.

On the 3d of October, 1898, Mr. Lindstrum was united in marriage to Miss Sybil Winifred Chaiser, a daughter of John P. and Betsy (Linbbeck) Chaiser, of Bishop Hill, who received her schooling in Knox College, graduating in 1898. Her father was born in Balinge Parish, in Upland, Sweden, January I, 1844, and on coming to America in 1850 joined the Bishop Hill Colony. In early life he followed the cooper's trade for some time but afterward engaged in the grain and lumber business and also acted as agent for the Rock Island & Peoria Railroad Company for a number of years. In 1888, with a handsome competence acquired from his labors, he retired from active life. His political allegiance is given to the prohibition party. .Mrs. Chaiser was bom in Gefleborg, Sweden, May 24, 1848, and came to America in 1849. They were married February 5, 1870, and became parents of three daughters: Alice E., S. Winifred and Juna C.

To Mr. and Mrs. Lindstrum has been born a son, Herbert James, whose birth occurred at Galesburg, June 3, 1906. In his political views Mr. Lindstrum has always been a republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and while he has not sought nor held political office he has been especially interested in the welfare and progress of the city and has coop>erated in many movements for the general good. From 1907 until 1910 he was a member and secretary of the library board. Mr. and Mrs. Lindstrum are both members of the Central Congregational church. His business record has been characterized as honorable and upright and he deserves classification with the leading business men of the city. '-V;'-^.\/--- ' / ''^:-"^'''^ -C'-'-^;'' ^r' -' -^^'.- 1.'- ' -'' -^---''

Thomas Junk, a retired farmer and stock-raiser and at one time an artisan in the carpenter trade, resides in Henderson village, Knox county, Illinois. He is a native of Union Town, Fayette county, Pennsylvania. The date of his birth is March 27, 1833. As noted in his brother's sketch, he is of Gennan origin on his father's side, his grandfather having been born in Germany. His mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Lincoln, was a second cousin of Abraham Lincoln. His father was bom in Pennsylvania to which state his people had come after a short residence in New Jersey where they had settled on coming to this country. He followed the pursuit of farming in Pennsylvania all his life, passing away in 1877, when he was seventy-six years of age. He was a stanch democrat in politics and in his religious predilections was a Presbyterian.

Thomas Junk was educated in the district schools of his native locality. When old enough to handle a plow he began to farm, first as hired help and then for himself. In 1856 when twenty-three years of age he came west, locating in Knox county where he learned the carpenter trade, following this calling for some years. Then, wishing to engage in farming, he gave up the trade in which he had been trained and bought a farm of eighty acres in Knox county. This he operated with much success, raising abundant crops, hogs and cattle. Some years ago he retired and removed to a residence in Henderson village.

Thomas Junk's marriage to Miss Maria Kilgore took place November lo, 1859. She was a daughter of David Kilgore, for years an agriculturist in Franklin county, spending his winter months teaching school, but who left Pennsylvania and became one of the famous "forty-niners" in the days of the California gold boom. There were seven children born of this union. Jessie Louise, the wife of John Nisley, a farmer in Nebraska, is the mother of five children. Some of these are married and have children of their own, thus giving Thomas Junk the distinction of being a great-grandfather. Frances is living at home. James E. is married and operates a farm in Stuart, Iowa. W. S. is living in Knox county on the farm where he was born. He is married and the father of four children. Minnie is the wife of Jasper Strode, a farmer in Ktiox county. She is the mother of five children. Edith is the wife of Charles Sears, connected with mercantile interests in Loveland, Colorado. She is the mother of two children. David died at the age of twenty-three. \ . --

Although keenly interested in the political welfare of his community and of the state and nation, Mr. Junk has never been bound by party ties. He votes for the man who in his judgment is best fitted to discharge the duties of the office for which he is a candidate. He has served as trustee of his township and as school director. In religious allegiance he and his wife subscribe to the faith of the Reorganized church of Latter Day Saints. Mr. Junk is living a comfortable, care-free life in the village of Henderson, is in good health, and from all indications seems to possess the grace of providence granting him the enjoyment of many added years. ;- - ' v -'--'' ^;;"''--;f'' '-''':-:

Dr. John Bowen Vivion was a distinguished physician, honored by the profession throughout the state. Study and close application constantly promoted his ability and gave him prominent place in the ranks of the medical fraternity in Illinois. He was born in Clark county, Kentucky, October 23, i8io, a son of Henry and Mildred (Ryan) Vivion, both of whom were natives of Virginia, being reared upon farms in the vicinity of Alexandria, that state. They re- whose maiden name was Elizabeth Lincoln, was a second cousin of Abraham Lincoln. His father was born in Pennsylvania to which state his people had come after a short residence in New Jersey where they had settled on coming to this country. He followed the pursuit of farming in Pennsylvania all his life, passing away in 1877. when he was seventy-six years of age. He was a stanch democrat in politics and in his religious predilections was a Presbyterian. Thomas Junk was educated in the district schools of his native locality. When old enough to handle a plow he began to farm, first as hired help and then for himself. In 1856 when twenty-three years of age he came west, locating in Knox county where he learned the cari>enter trade, following this calling for some years. Then, wishing to engage in farming, he gave up the trade in which he had been trained and bought a farm of eighty acres in Knox county. This he operated with much success, raising abundant crops, hogs and cattle. Some years ago he retired and removed to a residence in Henderson village.

Thomas Junk's marriage to Miss Maria Kilgore took place November lo, 1859. She was a daughter of David Kilgore, for years an agriculturist in Franklin county, spending his winter months teaching school, but who left Pennsylvania and became one of the famous "forty-niners" in the days of the California gold boom. There were seven children born of this union. Jessie Louise, the wife of John Nisley, a farmer in Nebraska, is the mother of five children. Some of these are married and have children of their own, thus giving Thomas Junk the <listinction of being a great-grandfather. Frances is living at home. James E. is married and operates a farm in Stuart, Iowa. W. S. is living in Knox county on the farm where he was born. He is married and the father of four children. Minnie is the wife of Jasper Strode, a farmer in Knox county. She is the mother of five children. Edith is tlie wife of Charles Sears, connected with mercantile interests in Loveland, Colorado. She is the mother of two children. David died at the age of twenty-three.

Although keenly interested in the political welfare of his community and of the state and nation, Mr. Junk has never been bound by party ties. He votes for the man who in his judgment is best fitted to discharge the duties of the office for which he is a candidate. He has served as trustee of his township and as school director. In religious allegiance he and his wife subscribe to the faith of the Reorganized church of Latter Day Saints. Mr. Junk is living u comfortable, care-free life in the village of Henderson, is in good health, and from all indications seems to possess the grace of providence granting him the enjoyment of many added years.

Dr. John Mowen \ ivion was a distinguished physician, honored by the profession throughout the state. Study and close application constantly promoted his ability and gave him jjrominent place in the ranks of the medical fraternity in Illinois. He was born in Clark county. Kentucky. October .23, i8io, a son of Henry and Mildred (Ryan) \'ivion. both of whom were natives of Virginia, being reared upon farms in the vicinity of Alexandria, that state. They re-

Dk. John 15. Viviux

- K preceptorship of Drs. Frasier and Vivion. He next attended lectures in the ' medical department of Transylvania University at Lexington, Kentucky, and on the ist of May, 1836, began practice in Dover, Missouri, thereafter following . his profession for more than sixty-five years. For thirty-five years he practiced . in accordance with the tenets and principles of the allopathic school, but in 1866 . - became an advocate and practitioner of homeopathy, winning a diploma in Hahne- ; , mann College. In 1851 he removed from Dover to Waverly, Missouri, and two ' years later purchased a farm about two miles from Dover, on which he resided . . for seven years, practicing all that time. In 1860 he sold this property and went : to College Mound, Missouri, while in 1865 he became a resident of Ursa, Illinois. Three years later, or in 1868, he came to Galesburg, where he continued to reside until his death, which .occurred on July i, 1902. His work in his ;, profession was most serviceable and throughout the period of his practice his ; skill and ability increased because of his wide reading and study, and his broad ;. experience. His standing among his professional brethren is indicated by the fact that he was honored with the presidency of the State Medical Association, . " but resigned in favor of a younger man.

; Maria Jane Atkinson, and for a half century they traveled life's journey together but were separated through the death of the wife, on the 25th of August,

G., deceased; and Edward L. On the i6th of May, 1888, Dr. Vivion was again married, his second union being with Lucy Xeely, a daughter of James Xeely, who came to Galesburg after the arrival of "the colony'' from the state of New York. For ten years he resided at Log City and then removed to Center Point, where he followed farming until his death. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sabrina Arnold, was also from the Empire state. His brother, Abram Xeely, came to Knox county at a very early day and owned a mill upon the present site of the Santa Fe depot and also a great deal of land on what is now Broad street.

Dr. Vivion gave his early political allegiance to the whig party and following its dissolution he joined the democratic party in 1856 and remained thereafter one of its strong supporters. He filled a number of local positions, serving as health commissioner of Galesburg for several years, as city health officer for two years and as city physician for five years. He was also prominent in church work and in 1843 was elected an elder of the Qiristian church, which position he filled throughout the remainder of his days. Church services were held in his office in Galesburg and the Lord's Supper was administered there until 1871, when his denomination built a church in this city. He afterward filled the pulpit much of the time until 1890. when a regular minister was secured. His life was ever characterized by high and honorable principles, his course conforming to his religious professions. He was always kind and generous to the poor and was a loyal, devoted friend. His entire life was characterized by progress, whether in the field of his profession, in public service or in church relationships, and certainly the world is better for his having lived.

George Louis Newberg, the present mayor of Wataga, has always devoted his energies to general farming and stock-raising, in both of which occupations he has met with a goodly degree of success. He is one of Knox county's native sons, his birth having ocurred in Copley township, on the 7th of January, 1862, the pioneer period, being members of the Bishop Hill Colony. By trade Mr. Newberg was a charcoal and lime burner, which occupation he followed in connection with his farming in Copley township. He was very successful, being a thrifty, hard-working man and at the time of his demise was one of the leading men of the community. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Newberg there were born five children, four of whom are living, our subject being the second in order of birth, while the others are as follows: Mathilda, the wife of William Hedstrum, of Copley township; Johanna, the wife of Harvey Larson, of California; and Christiana, who married Samuel Sambo, also of California. The father passed away at the venerable age of eighty-four years, on the 5th of May, 1899, but the mother had only reached an age of forty at the time of her demise on the 25th of January, 1875.

: The district schools in the vicinity of his home provided George Louis Newberg such educational advantages as he enjoyed, his student days being terminated at the age of sixteen. During the succeeding five years he gave his undivided at- tention to the operation of the home farm under the supervision of his father. At the expiration of that period he left the parental roof to make his own way in the world, first engaging in farming in Copley township, but later he removed to Oneida, where he remained until 1905, when he became a citizen of Wataga. In connection with general farming, Mr. Newberg made a specialty of raising and shipping stock, activities proving to be very remunerative under his capable management. He has always been an energetic man, who considers that anything worthy of engaging his efforts, is deserving of the best of them and has so directed his endeavors.

For his wife and helpmate Mr. Newberg chose Miss Anna C. England, who was born in Persifer township, this county, in May, 1864. Mrs. Newberg is a daughter of George England, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1826, a son of William England. He was reared to manhood in his native state and there , he later married Miss Susie Webb, who was also born in the Keystone state. Their domestic life was begun in Pennsylvania, but they removed to Illinois it! 1856, locating in Knox county. Mr. England was one of those who responded to his nation's call during the Civil war and enlisting in Company A, Thirty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in 1864 went to the front, being mustered out on the 15th of March, 1865. He passed away in 1911, at the age of eighty-five years, but the mother is still living in her seventy-second year. To Mr. and Mrs. Newberg have been born five children: Ivan, a farmer of Wataga, aged twenty-two years, who married Ethel Edwards; Mary, a young woman of twenty ; John, who is eighteen ; Nathan, now fourteen ; and James, who is eight. Martha, a niece, is a little maid of four years and makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Newberg.

The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church of Wataga, in whidi the parents hold membership, and Mr. Newberg is also an Odd Fellow and a Mason, being identified with the lodges of Wataga; he is a member of Oneida Camp of the Modern Woodmen of America and Lxxige No. 671, of the Mystic Workers of the World. His political support is given to the men and measures of the republican party and he takes a deep interest in all municipal affairs. He served as school director for several terms and in 1910 was elected mayor of Wataga, the responsibilities of which office he is discharging in a manner highly pleasing to the community and most creditably to himself.

Charles Brown is manager and superintendent of the Farmers' Elevator Company, of Wataga, where he has resided for the past fourteen years. He is a native of Sweden, having been bom in Halland, on April 7, 1856, a son of Xels Johnson and Johanna (Johnson) Brown. Both parents spent their entire lives in the old country, the father, who was born in i8io, devoting his energies to farming until his demise, which occurred in 1892. Three children, born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, are living, as follows: Charles, our subject; Hetta, who is living at home; and August, who is operating the home farm.

Charles Brown was reared and educated in his native land to the age of fourteen years when he went to Denmark, where he worked for two years at the jewelry trade. In 1877 he emigrated to the United States, locating in Chicago, where for twelve years he followed the barber's trade. At the expiration of that period he came to Wataga and bought out a barber shop that he operated until 1903, then withdrew to become manager and sup>erintendent of the Farmers' Elevator Company. During the succeeding six years he has been successfully identified with this enterprise, the business of which has develoi>ed in a most gratifying manner during the period of his connection with it.

For his wife and helpmate Mr. Brown chose Miss Maggie S. Campbell, who was born in 1873, a daughter of William H. and Mary Ann Campbell, now residents of Wataga, but natives of Ireland, whence they emigrated to the United States in 1867.

Mr. Brown votes the republican ticket but he has never been an office seeker. He is a member of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, and a charter member of the Mystic Workers of the World, Wataga Lodge, No. 671. Although he has always led a somewhat unobtrusive life, never having actively participated in the public affairs of the municipality, Mr. Brown can always be depended upon to indorse every movement that is at all likely to promote the interests of the community.

Many of Sweden's native sons have sought the broader opportunities of the , ' ,:, new world, bringing with them the unremitting energy and perseverance char- --' -- acteristic of that nation, and in the great majority of cases they have attained '- ; . . success in the management of varied business affairs. Such is the record of ;. , 'y Frank O. Rylander, who was bom in Smaland, Sweden, on the 23d of October, ,. 1864, a son of Johanas and Clara (Johnson) Johnson. The parents were both ' ;\ born in Sweden and there spent their entire lives, the father engaging in farm- :' ing as a life occupation. Both are now deceased, the father's death occurring ; ;- . ; in 1899, while the mother died in 1903. They were consistent members of the ':". Swedish Lutheran church. : :

In the common schools of his native land Frank O. Rylander acquired a v : ;~ good education and after laying aside his text-books he assisted in the work .V ,: of the farm for a while. Later he spent two years in Stockholm, working at - ' , ' the cooper's trade, and then, on the I5th of May, 1887, he came to the /; United States, attracted by the business opportunities which he heard were ' ' here offered. He made his way direct to Illinois, locating in Oneida, Knox .!; county. From there he went to Davenport, Iowa, where he was employed as T - v a carpenter until September, 1887, when he began working out by the month. *.. .'?'C' He was thus engaged for several years and in 1893 took up agricultural pur- ;- ' suits in Ontario township, Knox county, Illinois. Meeting with success in this - . , venture he was able in 1907 to purchase a farm upon which he might engage in farming independently and he now owns a fine tract of one hundred and sixty ' , ^ . acres on section 21, Ontario township. Here his time is fully occupied with the . - ' various phases of agriculture and in addition to the cultivation of the fields he makes a sf>ecialty of feeding hogs, in both of which lines he is meeting with well merited success.

It was on the 29th of March, 1893, that Mr. Rylander was married to Miss Anna C. Halstead, a daughter of John P. and Christiana (Carlson) Halstead, both of whom were of Swedish descent. The father, a farmer by occupation, was killed by a train at Oneida, his death occurring on the 29th of April, 1899. His widow still survives and makes her home in Woodhull, Henry county, Illinois. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Rylander are seven children, namely, George E., Clara A., Ottis R., Mildred L., Frances M., Robert L. and Everett Lester, all of whom are yet at home. In the various relations which go to make up the public life of the community Mr. Rylander is deeply interested and he is recognized as one of the representative citizens of Ontario township. He holds membership in the Ontario Congregational church and fraternally belongs to Oneida Camp, No. 555, M. W. A., at Oneida, and to the Mystic Workers. A review of the political question of the country led him to give his support to the republican party and since becoming an American citizen he has never faltered in his allegiance to the principles of that organization. He has never sought nor desired public office, however, the only position which he has ever filled being that of school director, as which he has served for nine years. He has never regretted the step which he took when he sought a home in the United States, for here he has found good opportunities for business advancement and in their utilization has won a substantial degree of prosperty. Illinois, also, has found in him a valued citizen for he has ever manifested admirable traits of character and exhibited a public-spirited devotion to the best interests of his adopted land.

A well known retired farmer of Sparta township is David P. Niles, who is the oldest pioneer in point of years of continuous residence now living in this district. He was born in Hillsdale, Columbia county. New York, on October 20, 1824, and is a son of Sill and Louisa (Olmstead) Niles. The mother passed away in 1852, but the father survived until 1871, his demise occurring at the age of seventy-six years. The paternal grandfather, Thomas Niles, who was a veteran of the Revolution, was a blacksmith by trade, in connection with which he also engaged in farming. He was a native of Connecticut as was Steven Olmstead, the maternal grandfather. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Sill Niles numbered eight, those beside our subject being as follows : Eliza, the wife of Charles D. Loomis, of Columbia county. New York ; George F., who is deceased ; Charles H., deceased, who also was a resident of Columbia county ; Helen C., now Mrs. Kane, of Columbia county; Martha, the widow of H. Ten Broeck, of Columbia county ; and two who died early in life. ,.; .;

In his early boyhood David P. Niles attended the district schools in the vicinity of his father's farm in the acquirement of an education, subsequently giving his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits until 1856. He then decided to remove to the west and three years later became a resident of Wataga, making his home with a family by the name of Smith. He purchased the old Wataga mill that he successfully operated for seven years, when he bought three hundred acres of land and engaged in farming. Agriculture at that period involved much more drudgery than at the present, many tasks, that then required days to do by hand, now being performed by the aid of modern machinery in a few hours. Despite the hard work and discouragements he encountered, Mr. Niles p)ersisted in his undertakings and eventually became one of the largest landowners in the county. In connection with the operation of his fields he made a specialty of raising and feeding stock, both proving to be most lucrative under his capable direction. During the long years of his efficient management of his affairs, he so intelligently concentrated and directed his efforts that he acquired a competence that enabled him to retire, and he is now renting his property and enjoying the ease and comfort awarded the well spent years of his early life.

For his wife Mr. Niles chose Miss Helen C. Johnson, who was born in Sweden in 1849. Of this union there was born one child, who is now deceased.

During his early years Mr. Niles was a whig but when this party merged into the republican he gave his support to the men and measures of the latter body. Although he never prominently participated in the political activities of his township he served as road commissioner, the duties of which office he discharged in a highly creditable manner. Mr. Niles has now p>assed the eightyseventh milestone on life's journey, but despite his many years his eyesight is remarkably good and his faculties as acute as those of a man years his junior. He is still able to look after his own business affairs and takes a lively interest in all public questions. During his long period of residence here he has been the interested observer of the development of the country as it kept pace with the progress of civilization, and many are the interesting reminiscences he relates of the pioneer days.

Dr. James Champion McMurtry, a former citizen of Knox county and. until his death, devoting himself unselfishly to the service of others in the practice of his profession, was bom in Crawford county, Indiana. February 3, 1829. His parents were William and Ruth (Champion) McMurtry, both natives of Kentucky. He was a descendant of ancestors distinguished in the service of their country for generations. The great grandfather of Dr. McMurtry, whose name was John McMurtry. was a Revolutionary war hero, killed in the battle of Cowpens. The father, William McMurtry, was a ranger in the Black Hawk war.

On November i. 1829. the year in which Dr. McMurtry was born, his father removed his family to Knox county, Illinois. Before this they had resided in Indiana, where William McMurtry was active in politics besides carrying on agricultural pursuits. He served as lieutenant governor under Governor French, of Illinois. He was state senator of Illinois for many years. Mr. McMurtry, descended of French Huguenot origin, was a man of superior mental qualities possessing an excellent education, and made many friends through his genial manner and magnetic personality. He was an intimate friend of Stephen A. Douglas and occupied a prominent position in the democratic party in Illinois when the political battle was growing in intensity before the final triumph of President Lincoln and the newborn republican party. Dr. McMurtry's father was a captain in the Sixty-seventh Regular Militia of Illinois and a colonel of the One Hundred and Second Volunteer Infantry of Illinois. In 1846, he was made a member of the Henderson Lodge, F. & A. M.

Unlike most youths of his time Dr. McMurtry had every educational advantage that could prepare him adequately for the profession of his choice. He began with a common-school education, supplementing this by a course at Knox College and at Union College in Schenectady, New York. After this liberal education he narrowed down the field of his studies and devoted himself to medicine as his specialty. For this purpose he entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which he received his degree. He then returned to his home county, where he established a practice for himself in which he continued till death terminated his activities. He was one of the leading practitioners in this section of the country, noted for his kindness in the treatment of his patients and for his generous acts of charity towards those who were less able to meet the heavy financial tax which illness entails. He was a splendid athlete devoted to indoor exercises and outdoor sports, and was modern in his mode of living and his views of life. ;^ ^ ^ ;^ 'V :- -- ^-'''.r'^'.''

The marriage of Dr. James McMurtry and Miss Caroline Nelson, of Warren county, Illinois, occurred June 9, 1855. Her parents were Andrew and Susan (Hawley) Nelson. Mr. Nelson was a merchant, coming originally from Amherst, Massachusetts. On July 3, 1843, he settled in Henderson, Knox county, where he engaged in business.

Five children were born to Dr. and Mrs. McMurtr}'. James W. is an attorney at law in Elk City, Oklahoma. He is the father of seven children. Franklin H. died in infancy. Susan H. lives on the home farm in Henderson township. She is a graduate of Knox College, of the class of 1886. Caroline is the wife of H. B. Conyers, a jeweler in Urbana, Ohio, and is the mother of one child. She is also a graduate of Knox College, of the class of 1886. Mary is at home supervising the place and managing the estate. She, too, was graduated from Knox College, in 1886.

Dr. McMurtry died March 29, 1903. He was well-to-do, owning at the time of his death a very fine farm of three hundred and thirty acres of land, devoted to general farming. Fraternally he was connected with a number of organizations in which he took an active 4)art. He was a member of Hiram Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M., of Henderson, and was worshipful master for twenty-two years. In 1855, he became a member of Horeb Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M., at Knoxville, Illinois. He held the office of grand pursuivant in the grand lodge of Illinois, in 1855, 3^nd grand marshal of the grand lodge of Illinois, from 1880 till 1884. He was elected to all the offices in the Grand Chapter, R. A. M., of Illinois. He was chosen high priest in 1877 and for a number of years was grand representative of Georgia in the Grand Chapter of Illinois. Since 1862 he was a member

In politics Dr. McMurtry was a republican. He voted for Lincoln for his second term, although he was up to that time a loyal democrat. He was a man of political influence and a strong party leader. He was the founder of the Union League of Henderson township and served as the first president of that organization. Large-minded in his convictions and of a powerful personality, he possessed in a marked degree many of the characteristics which distinguished his father before him, clear-sighted vision, the faculty of foreseeing the consequences of a situation or of an action long before those consequences occurred. Among the many residents of Knox county who knew Dr. McMurtry intimately he possessed the friendship of a large number of people and the warm regard of all.

William S. Cameron, who has been a resident of Galesburg for more than a quarter of a century, is a prominent factor in industrial circles as the president of the Frost Manufacturing Company, to which office he was elected in 1900. His birth occurred near Elgin, Scotland, on the I7th of January, 1864, his parents being Robert and Elspit (McBeth) Cameron, who were likewise natives of that country. The paternal grandfather, Alexander Cameron, was also born in Scotland and became a mason contractor. Unto him and his wife were born the following children : William, John, Peter, Robert, Jane and Annie. William McBeth, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was likewise a mason contractor and passed away near Elgin, Scotland, when seventy-eight years of age. His wife, Mrs. Ann (Proctor) McBeth, was seventy-six years old when called to her final rest. Their children were as follows : James, William, Robert, Jane, Annie, Elspit and Helen. -' ' ':^ - '"^' .--^:: - '-: ;r .;!

Robert Cameron, the father of William S. Cameron, grew to manhood in the vicinity of Elgin, Scotland, and largely devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. He lived retired for a number of years prior to his demise, which occurred at Rothes, on the lOth of July, 1911, when he had reached the age of eighty-four years. His wife passed away in 1871, when only twenty-seven years of age. Both were faith' ful members of the Established church. Unto them were born five children, namely : William S., of this review ; James, who is a resident of Elgin, Scotland ; Ann, who died in infancy; Alexander, who died when a young man of twentyone years ; and Nellie, living at Elgin, Scotland.

William S. Cameron obtained his education in the schools of St. Andrews, Lhanbryd and Elg^n and remained in his native land until nineteen years of age. After putting aside his text-books he served an apprenticeship in the general contracting business. In 1884, wishing to test the truth of the many favorable reports which he had heard concerning the opportunities and advantages of the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and settled in Galesburg, Illinois, where he has remained almost continuously since. He was first employed by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company for two years and then entered the service of the Frost Manufacturing Company, taking charge of the pattern department. In 1900 he was chosen president of the concern and has remained its chief executive officer to the present time. The Frost Manufacturing Company was established in 1851 and has manufactured principally engines, boilers and dry pans. Its products are sold in all parts of the United States and a number of foreign countries. Three hundred people are employed in the plant, which consists of the following departments : machine shop, boiler shop, forge shop, foundry, pattern shop and flange shop. As the head of this extensive and important industry Mr. Cameron has displayed splendid executive ability and keen discernment. Intricate business problems he comprehends with rare quickness and the solution which he proposes almost invariably proves to be the correct one.

On the 27th of September, 1888, Mr. Cameron was married to Miss Margaret S. Davidson, a native of Alves, Scotland, and a daughter of Peter McL. and Margaret (Bremner) Davidson, who were likewise born in that country. Emigrating to the United States, they settled in Galesburg, where Mrs. Davidson passed away in 1909 at the age of fifty-eight years. Peter Davidson, a contractor and builder, still survives. He was the father of six daughters, namely: Margaret, Isabel, Elsie, Grace, Delia and Genevieve. Samuel and EUsie (Mc- Conachie) Davidson, the paternal grandi>arents of Mrs. Cameron, had eig^t children: James, Samuel, William, John, Peter, George, Elsie and Jessie. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Cameron had the following children: Alexander, James, David, Margaret and Annie. Unto our subject and his wife were born three children: Robert LeRoy, bom on April 13, 1890, who died at the age of six years ; Margaret Mae, born on March 27, 1892, a graduate of the Galesburg high school, who is now attending St. Mary's school at Knoxville, Illinois ; and William Ray, born on December 22, 1897, a public school student.

Fraternally Mr. Cameron is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he is also a member of the Galesburg and Soangetaha Clubs. His wife is a devoted member of the Presbyterian church. They are prominent in the social circles of Galesburg and their own home is a favorite resort with many friends. Coming to the new world in early manhood, Mr. Cameron utilized his opportunities to the best advantage and now enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the most prosperous and esteemed citizens of his community. .,

George L. Stephenson was the sixth of a family of eight children of whom one died in infancy. He received the usual education available in a country school and when able to support himself took up agriculture until 1863. He then came to Oneida village, engaging in the grocery business for two years, which position he gave up for clerking, remaining, however, only for a short time in this vocation, when he went into another department of the mercantile business with C. F. Matteson, who was conducting a clothing and men's furnishings establishment. Three or four years later he saw his chance of opening a profitable business on his own account and became the owner of a general store carrying dry goods, clothing, men's furnishings and the usual stock in trade, and he has been properously engaged in this enterprise ever since. He has also ably acted in the capacity of auctioneer for over forty years.

On October 26, 1866, Mr. Stephenson was united in marriage, in Copley township, to Miss Grace L. Stewart, a native of Scotland, her father being engaged in the furniture business in Glasgow. Five children were born of this union:. Frank S., a farmer in Walnut Grove township, who is married and has five children, three boys and two girls ; Milton J., who is married and employed as a railroad man in Chicago and has had a high-school education; Grace, the wife of David N. Olson, an undertaker and embalmer, who lives in Evanston, Illinois ; Jessie, who lives at home and takes care of her mother ; and Harry H., a graduate of Knox College, who died August 15, 1907.

Mr. and Mrs. George L. Stephenson are members of the Presbyterian church of Oneida. In his political sympathies Mr. Stephenson votes with the republicans and, his townspeople recognizing in him a citizen well qualified to hold public office, have called him to serve again and again. He was mayor of the village for ten years, and acted on the council for a number of years, while he filled the position of town supervisor for seventeen years, during ten of which he presided as chairman. He is active in the Masonic order, being a member of the Oneida Lodge, F. & A. M., and was a member of the Galesburg Chapter, but withdrew from there and helped organize the Oneida chapter. He is an ardent worker in the Galesburg Commandery, and is associated with the Medinah Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Chicago. Mr. Stephenson is a man of strong personality and has a gift for making friends, in whose aflfections he holds a high place and by whom he is regarded as a man of absolute integrity.

For more than forty years Albert L. Squires has been associated with agricultural interests in Knox county. He was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, February 25, 1845, his parents being Ira and Caroline (Stewart) Squires. Passing his boyhood in his native land, he was scarcely out of school, when he was fired with enthusiasm at the outbreak of the Civil war and enlisted in Ashtabula county, Ohio, with Company I, Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Corps, Second Division, sen'ing under General

Hooker, for three years. His company, of which James J. Smith was the captain, fought with General Meade in the battle of Gettysburg. He was honorably discharged in 1865, at the close of the war, and returned to his home in Ohio, assisting with the work of the fields for several years. In 1868 he came to Knox county, Illinois, to visit his sister, Mrs. Alexander Gehring. Being pleased with the agricultural prospects in Knox county, he remained here and engaged in farming, which he has pursued ever since.

In 1865 Mr. Squires was united in marriage to Miss Jane Howland, a daughter of Fred Howland, originally from Connecticut, but later a resident of Ohio. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Squires. Mary Luella, residing in Cherry Valley, Ohio, is the wife of David Robinson, a farmer, and has eight children. Kate, a resident of Niles, Ohio, is the wife of George Champlain, a carpenter, and has seven children. The wife of Mr. Squires i>assed away in 1908, at the age of sixty-seven years. He is a member of the .Methodist Episcopal church of Wataga, Illinois. Fraternally he is associated with Lodge No. 589, I. O. O. F., of Wataga, and J. D. Shields Post, No. 45, G. A. R., of Galesburg. Ever faithful in the performance of his duties, he has found much enjoyment in his work and in the pleasant home of his sister, .Mrs. Gehring, he passes his life quietly and with contentment of spirit. ; , s ,..-;,

John Magnus Applegren, who has long been successfully identified with the commercial activities of Wataga. was born in Alfta, Gefieborg Laen, Sweden, on October lo, 1848. His father, Johann Frederick Applegren, was born on the loth of August, 1826, was one of the prominent and well known men in his province. All his life he was connected with the op>eration of a tannery on his ancestral estate, where he was living when he passed away at the age of eighty-five years. He organized in his native town an insurance company of which he was secretary for forty-five years, and upon his retirement was presented by the members of the company and the policyholders with a loving cup valued at one thousand dollars. He was a member of the Lutheran church and a representative of the government for his province. He was married three times, his first union being with Miss Elizabeth Lunn, a daughter of J. Lunn, an officer in the Swedish army. She passed away in 1851, leaving two children : John Magnus, our subject ; and Peter Fred Applegren. For his second wife Mr. Applegren chose Miss Karen Johnson, who died in 1858. Of this union there was born one son, Andrew Gustave, a wholesale merchant in Sweden. Mr. Applegren's next marriage was with Miss Anna Elizabeth Sorling, and unto them were born four children : Anna, Johanna, Breta and Maria, all of whom are residents of Sweden. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Johann Magnus and Margaret Applegren. The former, who was a native of Falun. Sweden, passed away in 1854 at the age of fifty-five years, but his wife, whose birth occurred in 1797, lived until 1887. He was the founder of the large tannery on his estate, which is still owned and operated by the family. .-.::'. :-.-.-..-:.-. --. .-.:.-.'.-.'.--. ,\. :.;;::-,- v .- v-- --v. ---/-- . .:,'- --:.--,---

The school days of John Magnus Ap^legren, who was reared at home, were terminated at the age of fifteen years when he was sent out by his father to buy and trade leather and hides. Later he assisted in the general store maintained and conducted for the benefit of the employes of their factory, serving in this capacity until he was nineteen when he took passage for America. Upon his arrival in this country he made his way inland to Wataga, and here engaged in farming until 1874, when he entered the store of H. P. Woods. He remained there for ten years and then went to work in the railway carshops, but after following this for two years returned to his former employment. After being identified with this business for another decade he made a trip to Sweden and upon his return together with a Mr. Sundberg bought a mercantile establishment in Wataga. This connection continued until 1902, when Mr. Applegren bought his partner's interest and took his son into the business.

In 1874 was celebrated the marriage of -Mr. Applegren to Miss Mary Peterson, who was born on the I5th of April, 1853, a daughter of Jonas and Christina (Hedman) Peterson, the father one of the pioneer settlers of Knox county, where for many years he engaged in farming. Both parents are now deceased, the mother having passed away in 1904. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Applegren there has been born one son, Fred, whose birth occurred on May 2, 1875. He is unmarried and has been associated in business with his father for nine years. He belongs to the Masonic order, being a member of Wataga Lodge, No. 291, A. F. & A. M., of which he was secretary in 1910, and he is also affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America Camp, No. 3229, Wataga, and served several years as clerk of the local order.

Mr. Applegren gives his political support to the men and measures of the democratic party, the policy of which he fully endorses, but he has never been an office seeker, always having preferred to concentrate his energies upon the development of his personal interests, in which he has met with a goodly degree of success. . . -/ - - ... ;-;-:-;;-. :;.---.

Ames A. Barlow has become well known in real-estate circles in Galesburg, handling both city and farm property. His intellect early grasped the eternal truth that industry wins, and industry became the beacon light of his life. It has prompted him to become thoroughly acquainted with every phase of the business in which he engages and to have a knowledge of all the property that is upon the market and the valuation thereof. Because he has done this he has been enabled to negotiate many important realty transfers and now has a large and gratifying clientage.

Mr. Barlow is a native of Lafayette, Stark county, Illinois, bom February 25, 1857, although he has lived in Knox county ever since he was three years old. His parents were Gideon A. and Martha B. (Peterson) Barlow. The father was born in Sullivan county. New York, July i8, 1833, while the mother's birth occurred in Sweden, October 8, 1837. The former was a son of Nathan Barlow, who was likewise born in the Empire state and was a farmer by occupa-

Ames A. Barlow

The school days of John Magnus Applegren, who was reared at home, were terminated at the age of fifteen years when he was sent out by his father to buy and trade leather and hides. Later he assisted in the general store maintained and conducted for the benefit of the employes of their factory, serving in this capacity until he was nineteen when he took passage for America. Upon his arrival in this country he made his way inland to VVataga, and here engaged in farming until 1874, when he entered the store of H. P. Woods. He remained there for ten years and then went to work in the railway carshops, but after following this for two years returned to his former employment. After being identified with this business for another decade he made a trip to Sweden and upon his return together with a Mr. Sundberg bought a mercantile establishment in Wataga. This connection continued until 1902, when Mr. Applegren bought his partner's interest and took his son into the business.

In 1874 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Applegren to Miss Mary Peterson, who was born on the i5th of April, 1853, ^ daughter of Jonas and Christina (Hedman) Peterson, the father one of the pioneer settlers of Knox county, where for many years he engaged in farming. Both parents are now deceased, the mother having passed away in 1904. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Applegren there has been born one son, Fred, whose birth occurred on May 2, 1875. He is unmarried and has been associated in business with his father for nine years. He belongs to the ^Masonic order, being a member of Wataga Lodge, Xo. 291, A. F. & A. 'M., of which he was secretary in 1910. and he is also affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America Camp, Xo. 3229, Wataga, and served several years as clerk of the local order.

Mr. Applegren gives his political support to the men and measures of the democratic party, the policy of which he fully endorses, but he has never been an office seeker, always having preferred to concentrate his energies upon the development of his personal interests, in which he has met with a goodly degree of success.

Ames A. I'.arlou- has become well known in real-estate circles in Galesburg, handling both city and farm property. His intellect early grasped the eternal truth that industry wins, and industry became the beacon light of his life. It has i)romptecl him to become thoroughly acquainted with every phase of the business in which lie engages and to have a knowledge of all the ])roperty that is upon the market and the valuation thereof. P.ecause he has done this he has been enabled to negotiate many important realty transfers and now has a large and gratifying clientage.

Mr. P.arlow is a native of Lafayette, Stark county. Illinois, bom February 25, 1857. although he has lived in Knox county ever since he was three years old. His parents were Gideon A. and Martha B. (Peterson) Barlow. The fatlier was born in Sullivan county, Xew York, July i8, 1833, while the mother's birth occurred in Sweden, October 8. 1837. The former was a son of Xathan Barlow, who was likewise born in the Empire state and was a farmer by occupa- tion. In the year 1844 he removed westward with his family, establishing^ his home in Illinois when his son Gideon was but eleven years of age. The latter worked on his father's farm through the period of his minority and afterward took up the same line of business on his own account, following that occupation until he retired, a few years prior to his death. He worked diligently and persistently to cultivate his fields and make them productive and in time they returned to him a substantial competence. He passed away, December lo, 1898, in Galva, Illinois, where his widow is still living. There he was recognized as a valued and representative citizen and enjoyed the respect and good-will of all with whom he came in contact. In politics he was always a republican for he came to his majority about the time that the republican party sprang into existence. He filled a number of township offices and in all connections of vital interest to the community manifested a public-spirited devotion to the general good. He was a member and trustee of the Baptist church, to which his wife also belongs. They were married on the 2Oth of May, 1856, and became the parents of eight children : Ames A., Frederick W. and Gideon B., who are residents of Galva ; Ada L., the wife of John W. Swickard, of Galesburg; Edgar Sherman, who is living in Kewanee, Illinois ; John F., a resident of Kansas City, Missouri ; Forest S. and Lewis W., both of Galva.

Ames A. Barlow pursued his education jn the Galva schools and after he had finished the high-school course there, pursued a commercial course in Davenport, Iowa. He then became an active factor in the further development and improvement of his father's farm and so continued until the 2d of December, 1902, when he entered the county treasurer's office to serve for a period of four years. He proved a faithful custodian of the public funds, carefully and systematically discharging the duties of his position, and upon the expiration of his term of office he received the commendation of all concerned. He then began operating in the field of real estate, in which he still continues, handling both city property and farm lands, together with realty in Florida. He brings to bear a most enterprising and progressive spirit and is largely regarded as an authority upon anything pertaining to real estate in Knox county.

On the I7th of August, 1879, Mr. Barlow was married to Miss Celinda S. Hathaway, a daughter of Arthur F. and Jane (Mowatt) Hathaway, of Galva. Her father was a native of Salem, Massachusetts, born October 21, 1821, and her mother's birth occurred in Montreal, Canada, Mr. Hathaway became a lumber dealer of Galva, where he took up his abode in 185^, remaining actively in business there until he retired, about twenty years prior to his death, which occurred on the 8th of August, 1894. He had for two years survived his wife, who died in 1892. He voted with the republican party and served as supervisor and in other township offices ; but whether in office or out of it he was always loyal to the best interests of the community and gave his active cooperation to many projects for the general gtx)d. Unto him and his wife were born four children : Mrs. Barlow, whose birth occurred in Galva, July lo, 1856; Abbie, who was born November i6, 1860, in Galva, where she is still living; Jeptha B., born in ' Galva, March 23, 1863 ; and Jennie, born in Galva, October 5, 1865. The two younger daughters are still residents of their native town. Mr. and Mrs. Barlow are the parents of three children: Lawrence W., who was born in Galva, I>ecember 14, 1880, resides in Galesburg and is married and has one daughter,

Grace. Mabel M., born in Galva, April i, 1883, is the wife of S. R. Scott, of Galesburg, and has two children, Maxine and Genevieve ; Abbie A., born in Galva, July 24, 1894, is yet at home with her parents. . ;.' - j '. >

Politically Mr. Barlow is a republican, having continuously supported the party since attaining his majority. The only office he has held for many years was that of county supervisor and he is never remiss in the duties of citizenship and when his aid and cooperation are sought for the benefit of the community they are freely given. He has attained high rank in Masonry, being a member of the Knight Templar Commandery, the Woodmen and the Elks Lodges. He is also a member of the Elks Qub and of the Galesburg Club, and is ever appreciative of the social amenities of life. In manner he is genial and cordial and his many attractive qualities have won for him an extensive circle of warm friends.

Dr. Albert Chester Keener has become well known because of his connection with educational interests in central Illinois and his present connection with the medical profession as a practitioner at Altona. He was born July 23, 1873, in Biggsville, Henderson county, this state, and represents one of the old families of this section. His grandfather was Marton Keener, who married Miss Meyers and came with his family to Illinois in 1868, settling near Biggsville, where he followed the occupation of farming. His son, James T. Keener, the father of the Doctor, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, and in his boyhood days devoted his time to the acquirement of an education in the country schools in his native state and also to the work of the fields on the home farm. During the period of the Civil war he drove a team on the canal near the Susquehanna river, being thus employed until the removal of the family to Illinois. His wages were four dollars per month and he frequently tells interesting tales of how he rode the mules many a night upon the tow path. He came with his parents to this state in 1868 and in early manhood learned the plasterer's trade which he followed for a time, but afterward returned to the occupation of farming which he followed until his labors had brought to him a substantial competence that he regarded as sufficient to supply him with the necessities and comforts of life throughout his remaining days. He then retired and is now living in Biggsville at the age of sixty years. He married Eliza Jane Edwards, who is now fifty-six years of age. In their family were five children : Charles Lester, a resident of South Dakota ; Mary Blanch. the wife of P. Stevenson, of Monmouth, Illinois ; John Creston, living on the home farm ; and Maud, who is with her parents.

The other member of the family is Dr. Keener, of this review, who in his boyhood days attended school in Biggsville, Illinois, and afterward took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for eight years and three months following his graduation at Biggsville. He proved a capable educator and made steady progress in this profession until his ability was recognized and he was elected county superintendent of schools. His election furthermore was a notable compliment as he is the only democrat that has been elected to this office in Henderson county, a fact which indicates his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him. He filled the office for four years but two months before the close of his term he entered the Northwestern University Medical School at Chicago, having determined to engage in practice as a life work. There he pursued a four years' course and was graduated in June, 1910, being president of his class in the senior "year. In September of the same year he removed to Tower Hill where he entered upon the active practice of his profession but in the following March bought out the practice of Dr. J. H. Conwell, of Altona, where he is now located and is well established in his chosen life work.

On the loth of June, 1896, Dr. Keener was married to Miss Nannie Magee, who was born in Henderson county, Illinois, February 12, 1873. They have become parents of two children. Alberta Faye and Darcy Dale, aged respectively fourteen and eleven years. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church of Altona and are well known socially in the town, having gained many warm friends during the brief period of their residence here. Dr. Keener belongs to the Masonic lodge at Carman, Illinois, and formerly to the Woodman camp at Biggsville but has transfered his membership to Altona. He was also identified with the Mystic Workers at Biggsville and his political support is given to the democratic party. He holds membership with the Phi Qii fraternity and belongs also to the County Medical and State Medical Societies. Through the proceedings of those bodies as well as by private reading and study he keeps in touch with the advanced work being done by the medical profession and in his private practice he holds to high ideals, performing his work with a sense of conscientious obligation.

Andrew Rylander, who is an enterprising farmer of Ontario township, was bom in Sweden, September 19, 1862. His parents were Johanas and Clara (Johnson) Johnson, who spent all their lives in their native country, where the father was engaged in farming. They were zealous members of the Swedish Lutheran church. The father died in 1899 and the mother in 1903.

Andrew Rylander was reared and received a common-school education in his native country and at the age of fifteen began working on a farm there, where he remained until 1882. At that date he came to America and in the fall of the same year located in Knox county, where he was employed on a farm for eight years. In 1890 he rented a place in Ontario township and engaged in farming it for eighteen years. In 1905 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres and moved on it in 1908. He engages in general farming and makes a specialty of raising hogs and cattle.

On the 1 5th of January, 1897, Mr. Rylander wedded Miss Jennie Holcomb, who was brought from Sweden to America in 1869 by her parents, Haukin and Elsie (Martin) Holcomb, both natives of Blekinge, Sweden, when she was SIX years of age. The parents located in Knox county, where they later pur- chased a farm and where the father died in 1884. The mother is now living with a daughter in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Rylander have become the parents of three children, all of whom are residing at home. They are: Clell V., who was graduated from a business college ; Floyd E. ; and Carl Milo.

In politics Mr. Rylander is a republican, and fraternally he is a member of Oneida Lodge, No. 555, M. W. A. He is greatly interested in the cause of education and has served as school trustee for six years. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church at Altona. He possesses keen discernment and in the years of his residence in EJIOX county has gained a handsome measure of success, placing him with the prosperous farmers in this portion of the state.

George G. Stearns, deceased, was for some time connected with the agricultural interests of Knox county, but prior to his death retired from business, spending the evening of his life in well earned rest. He was bom in Conway, Massachusetts, February 9, 1836, a son of George and Fannie (Arms) Steams,- who were also natives of Conway and spent their entire lives in the east where the father followed the occupation of farming and thus provided a good living for his family. Both he and his wife were consistent and faithful members of the Baptist church and his political indorsement was given to the republican party. In their family were seven children: Isabelle, George G. and Henry, all now deceased ; Clara, the wife of Tyler Harding, of Des Moines, Iowa ; Harriet, who has also passed away ; Fannie, who married John Holcomb, of Conway, Massachusetts ; and Jennie, deceased.

In the public schools of his native town George G. Stearns pursued his education and was reared to the work of the farm, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. On leaving New England he removed westward to Indiana, where he lived for a year, and in 1858 came to Knox county, turning his attention to farming in the vicinity of Knoxville. There he resided until i86i, when his patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union and he joined the army, enlisting as a private in the First Illinois Cavalry, with which he served for four years. He was then mustered out with the rank of captain of Company A, of the Seventy-seventh Illinois Infantry. He had served for one year as orderly sergeant and was captured and for nine months was held as a prisoner of war. His valor and courage won him promotion until he was given command of the company and as its head his personal bravery inspired and encouraged the men who served under him. When the war was over he resumed the pursuits of private life and once more engaged in farming, continuously following that pursuit until about twelve years prior to his death, when he retired to private life and made his home in Knoxville. He always gave stalwart support to the republican party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and which he ever believed to be the party of reform and progress. He held membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and thus maintained chased a farm and where the father died in 1884. The mother is now living with a daughter in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Rylander have become the parents of three children, all of whom are residing at home. They are: Clell V., who was graduated from a business college ; Floyd E. ; and Carl Milo. [ .

In politics Mr. Rylander is a republican, and fraternally he is a member of Oneida Lodge. Xo. 555, M. W. A. He is greatly interested in the cause of education and has served as school trustee for six years. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church at Altona. He possesses keen discernment and in the years of his residence in Knox county has gained a handsome measure of success, placing him with the prosperous farmers in this portion of the state.

George Gardxer Stearxs. ' .'

George G. Stearns, decease<l, was for some time connected with the agricultural interests of Knox county, but prior to his death retired from business, spending the evening of his life in well earned rest. He was born in Conway, ^Massachusetts, February 9, 1836, a son of George and Fannie (Arms) Stearns,- who were also natives of Conway and spent their entire lives in the east where the father followed the occupation of farming and thus provided a good living for his family. Pioth he and his wife were consistent and faithful members of the liaptist church and his political indorsement was given to the republican party. In their family were seven children : Isabelle, George G. and Henry, all now deceased : Clara, the wife of Tyler Harding, of Des Moines. Iowa : Harriet, who has also passed away ; Fannie, who married John Holcomb. of Conway, Massachusetts ; and Jennie, deceased.