Knox County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 37 of 56)

In the public schools of his native town George G. Steams 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 Xew 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 f)ursuit 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 L'nion 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 pleasant relations with the boys in blue. He was also an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity and his religious faith was evidenced in his membership in the Presbyterian church. He died August 8, 1898, and in 1906 his widow removed to Galesburg, where she still lives.

It was on the 2d of October, 1865, soon after his return from the war, that Mr. Stearns was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Runkle, a daughter of Eldirt and Nancy (Bowen) Runkle, of Knoxville, who were natives of New York and were married in the Empire state. Her father was a mill man by occupation and came to the west when this region was still a pioneer district, settling at Knoxville in 1835. There he followed the occupation of farming until his death, which occurred in June, 1865, and during the intervening period of thirty years his labors constituted an element in the substantial development and progress of the locality in which he lived. He was a republican in his political views and in his religious faith was a Presbyterian. His wife long survived him and died in October, 1890, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. In their family were six children but only Mrs. Stearns, who was born in Knoxville, is now living. She was the fourth in order of birth. The others were Elizabeth, James, Mary H., George and Frank.

To Mr. and Mrs. Stearns there were born five children, namely: George E., of Olympia, Washington; Arthur D., residing in Galesburg; Fred R., of Omaha. Nebraska; Fannie, the wife of Henry Carl, of Hatfield, Massachusetts; and Mary, who married Fred Holloway, their residence being at 997 North Broad street, Galesburg. ' Mr. Stearns was nearly sixty-two years of age when called to his final rest. He had lived an active, -busy and useful life and his death was the occasion of deep regret to many who knew him as well as to his immediate family. He was always reliable in business affairs and straightforward in his dealings and in matters of citizenship he was as true and loyal to his country as when he followed the old flag upon the battle fields of the south.

Frank C. Hopkins is well known as a representative of the grain trade in Knox county, being manager of the Altona Grain Company. He was bom January 12, 1885, in the town which is still his home, and is a representative of one of the old families of the county, his grandmother, Mrs. Samuel Hopkins, having been one of the first hotel proprietors of Altona. His father, Samuel Hopkins, resided in Altona for many years and in early life engaged in teaming but afterward became connected with grain buying. At one time he was employed in connection with the elevator at this place and for fifteen years was very prominent as a grain merchant, conducting a large and profitable business. He figured as one of the leading citizens of the town by reason of the extent and importance of his business activities and connections. He married Harriet Pierce, a daughter of D. A. and Sylva Pierce. She had been previously married, however, and by her first union had one child. Lulu, now the wife of Harry Gehring, a resident fanner of Walnut Grove township, and the mother of one child, Mary Frances Gehring. By her second marriage Mrs. Hopkins became the mother of six children, all of whom are yet living, namely: Frank, Mabel, Ermma and Blanch, at home ; Arthur, who is following the painter's trade in Altona; and Earl, who is engaged in clerking in Altona. The father died in 1905 at the age of forty-six years ancl the community lost a valued and representative citizen and business man and the family a devoted husband and father. Mrs. Hopkins now makes her home with her son Frank C. and is forty-six years of age.

Frank C. Hopkins was a pupil in the public schools of Altona through much of the period of his youth, and started out in the business world as a clerk in his native town, being employed in connection with hardware and grocery stores for ten years. He then turned his attention to the grain trade, becoming a buyer for G. S. Dole, whom he thus represented for three years. He afterward spent a similar period as buyer for the Jackson Grain Company and, in igio, became associated with the Altona Grain Company at Altona as manager. The officers of this company are D. N. McMaster, president ; C. C. Sawyer, secretary; and C. S. Nelson, treasurer. Mr. Hopkins, with varied previous experience, is well qualified to handle the business at this place as general manager and keeps in close touch with the grain market. The company finds him an efficient and trustworthy representative and in this connection he has become well known in business circles although one of the younger business men of the county. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is also well known socially in his native town and the surrounding country and many admirable traits of character have made him popular.

Henry Frank Willis, president of the Willis Manufacturing Company, man- . - ufacturers of architectural sheet-metal goods, was bom in P'reeport, Ohio, Au- - gust 24, 1854. He is descended in the paternal line from English ancestry al- ; though the family was founded in America at an early day. His grandfather was Isaac Willis, a native of New Jersey, who married Martha Humpers and removed to Ohio, settling in Harrison county where he died when well ad- ' vanced in years. Among his children were George, John, Elizabeth, Alexander, Amos F., Isaac, Charlotte E., William and Joseph. His wife was a daughter of Alexander Humpers, a native of New Jersey, who served as lieutenant in , : the Revolutionary war, enlisting in the Fifth New Jersey Regiment and afterward reenlisting in the Fifth New York Regiment.

had a family of three sons and two daughters, of whom two died in early childhood. The others were: John Montgomery, who died in 1869; Anna Ruhamy, - . -; the deceased wife of William E. Ladd; and Henry Frank, of this review. ;.

Henry Frank Willis spent his boyhood days in Ipava and Havana, Illinois, . . ; having been but two years old when his parents removed to Ipava. He is in- : ;-. debted to the public-school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed and - , after putting aside his text-books, in 1872, learned the harness-maker's traxle at Canton, Illinois, following that pursuit until 1891, when he came to Galesburg and joined his cousin, I. H. Willis, in establishing his present business under the --, name of the Willis Manufacturing Company. In 1900 he took over his cousin's :- . interest and is now president and chief stockholder in the concern. He has {" - since established with him in the business his sons, I. R., J. D., and R. B. ;

Willis. The company manufactures all kinds of architectural sheet-iron goods and they employ about twenty-five or thirty people, shipping their output to all -. parts of the United States and also to Mexico and Canada. The business is constantly developing in its ramifying trade interests for the modern methods of manufacture employed and the reliable dealings of the house constitute ; ' features in business growth and success. ; -. . . ; '

Mr. Willis has been married twice. On the I3th of August. 1879, he wedded s^- , ' Miss Mary Fmma Gamble, who was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania. ;:. and was the daughter of John Gamble. Her father was of Scotch-Irish descent ' { and was born in the north of Ireland, whence he came to America in his boyhood . v/ days. Both he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in Crawford ' '"' county, Pennsylvania, and reared a family of twelve children all of whom reached f . . years of maturity. This number included Mary Emma, who became the wife ' : of Mr. Willis, by whom she had five children. The eldest. Isaac Ralph, now . . vice president of the Willis Manufacturing Company, married Beatrice Irene r " Hagarty and they have two children, Henry Frank and Beatrice Jean. John D.. treasurer of the Willis Manufacturing Company married Irene Park Camp- . ! bell. Robert Bruce, secretary of the company, married Genevieve Davidson. -' ; Jessie Ann died at the age of two years and Emma Frank, the youngest, is :, ... the wife of Park N. Williams, a resident of Wilcox, Canada. The mother of /, these children died January 30. 1902, at the age of fifty-one years, in the faith :?;. of the Presbyterian church of which she had been a devoted member. On the > ^ 7th of March, 1907, Mr. Willis married Miss Mary Eva Wood, who was born .

at Ipava, Illinois, August 19, 1872. and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. . ;-. Oliver Wood, who were natives of Ohio and became early settlers of Ipava. Her father was a soldier in the Civil war. going to the front as musician but .; .- returning as hospital steward. He is still living at Ipava but Mrs. Wood, who ;. - ; in her maidenhood was Miss Sarah Elizabeth Farquhar, died there in i88i. > Their children were Joseph Russell, Ann Elizabeth, Mary Eva, Katharine and :' ' Susanna. The death of Mrs. Mary Eva Willis occurred December i6th, 1910, - ; when she was but thirty-eight years of age. She left one child, a daughter, y Sarah Louise, born October 21, 1908.

Mr. Willis is a member of the Presbyterian church, as were both of his his wives, and in the work of the church he is much interested, contributing generously to its support. He belongs to Veritas Lodge, I. O. O. F., also to ^ the Modern Woodmen Camp. His position concerning political questions has never been an equivocal one. He is a republican and while residing in Fulton county he served as village clerk of Ipava and was city treasurer of Astoria and also supervisor from Astoria township. There have been no spectacular phases in his life. He has pursued the even tenor of his way, quietly and capably conducting his business interests, his energy, careful management and determination constituting salient forces which have brought him substantial success. At the same time he belongs to that class of citizens who promote the public prosperity in advancing individual interests. . :.;- - '>.'-:;! 1' ;';-''.

G. W. Dunbar is one of the successful and progressive farmers of Hender- , son township. He was born in La Fayette, Stark county, Illinois, March 8, 1846, his parents being George and Millie (Collins) Dunbar, both natives of Kentucky, who came to Illinois in 1826 and settled in Stark county on a farm which they had previously purchased. Twenty-two years later they removed to Knox county and again engaged in agricultural pursuits, continuing here up to the time Mr. Dunbar retired from active life. His death occurred in Galesburg in 1903.. In politics he was a republican and looked upon the policies of that party as being most conducive to efficient government. In religious faith he was a member of the Free Methodist church.

G. W. Dunbar received his education in the common schools, and in March, . 1864, enlisted in Company K, Eighty-third Regular Illinois Volunteers, serving until the close of the war. He was discharged at Springfield, Illinois, in July, 1865, and immediately engaged in farming. At the age of twenty-one years he started upon his indef>endent career by purchasing the farm upon which he still resides and which comprises one hundred and thirty acres. He carries on general farming and also raises cattle and hogs. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, for thirty years he has engaged in the machine and threshing business. The well developed condition of his farm and the profitable crops which he harvests annually attest to his ability as an agriculturist. ,>l . '

Mr. Dunbar has been twice married. In September, 1867, occurred his marriage to Nancy Hogan, the daughter of William and Martha Hogan, natives of Knox county, where Mr. Hogan owned a sawmill. They are both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar were the parents of three children, only one of whom survives, Mrs. Eva Henderson, who is engaged in the dressmaking business. Mrs. Dunbar died in 1871. In 1873 occurred Mr. Dunbar's marriage to Eva McElhaney, the daughter of James and Rose (Dubbs) McElhaney, both de- . ceased. Mr. McElhaney was a harness maker by trade and resided in Knox county. To Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar three children were born, namely: Vema, who is the wife of Henry Barr, a coal miner, and resides in Mathersville, Illinois; Lola, who is the wife of R. E. Davidson, a merchant of Henderson, by whom she has one child, Doris; and Archie, an agriculturist, who is married and resides in Henderson. .<.,'-'

Mr. Dunbar is a republican, and is a member of the Methodist church. His activities have always been along the lines of progress, and the well developed condition of his farm is indicative of his successful agricultural methods. Having been a resident of Knox county during practically his whole life, he has been identified with many of the plans for improvement in the county and in every undertaking has proven his worth and ability.

E. Dunn, who is living retired on his farm located on section 24, Rio township, was born in Lewis county. New York, on the 24th of May, 1852. He is a son of Frederick J. and Susan P. (Wetmore) Dunn, who were born and reared in Oneida county, New York, the father's natal day being May 22, 1819. They were married 1847 or 1848, continuing to make their home in the Empire state until 1853, when they came to Knox county, locating on a farm in Ontario township. When they first settled here the father worked in a sawmill in Rio township, but he subsequently purchased a farm to the further development of which he devoted his energies for many years. He was given the advantages of a good education and taught school during his younger days both in his native state and Knox county. During the war he was collector in the country and after the close of hostilities he entered the ministry of the United Brethren church, but continued to operate his farm. In the early '6os he was ordained and thereafter gave his entire attention to his ministerial duties. Mr. Dunn, who has attained the venerable age of ninety-three years, now makes his home in Knoxville, where he has been residing since 1907. The mother, however, died on March 24, 1864 and in 1865, the father married Maria Rine, of Henderson township, this county. She was a native of Pennsylvania and of German parentage. She passed away in February, 1894, and in 1896, Mr. Dunn was united in marriage to his present wife, formerly Miss Maggie Wolloch. Four children were born to Mr. Dunn and his first wife, our subject being the second in order of birth, and two of his second marriage. The paternal grandfather was David Dunn, who was born in the Empire state on Noveniber 14, 1791. He came to Knox county in 1853 and passed the rest of his life in this county, where he engaged in farming. :-.--;'.-'

As he was only a child one year of age when his parents brought him to Knox county, the memories of William E. EKinn's entire life are associated with the scenes familiar to his manhood. He was educated in the district schools, and immediately after laying aside his text-books gave his entire attention to farming. Agricultural pursuits have ever engaged his attention with the excep>- tion of three years, when he worked on the railroad and also followed the carpenter's trade. He is now living on the old home farm, containing eighty acres, which is being operated by his son. Here for many years, Mr. Dunn engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and was extensively engaged in the feeding and marketing of hogs.

On the 5th of March, 1885, he was united in marriage to Miss Addie C. Haskins, a daughter of Cyrus and Harriet (Case) Haskins. The maternal grandparents were Erastus and Parmelia (Graf ton) Case, who came west and passed their latter days with Mr. and Mrs. Haskins. The families originally came from Vermont, whence they removed to Illinois, Mr. and Mrs. Raskins locating on a farm in Ontario township, Knox county, in 1853. Two sons have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Dunn. Roswell E., who received a high-school education, married Hattie Carr of Ontario township, a daughter of the Rev. James S. Carr, minister of the Ontario Congregational church, and they have two children : Maurice and Ralph. Oark A., who is the younger, is living at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Dunn hold membership in the Congregational church of Ontario township, and fraternally he is a member of Oneida Lodge, No. 337, F. & A. M. and also the Knights of Pythias. His political support he gives to the republican party and has always taken an active interest in affairs of the township. He was school director for fifteen years and trustee for three, while for five he discharged the duties of assessor. Mr. Dunn continues to live on the farm but has retired from the active work of the fields, which are now being cultivated by his eldest son. The greater part of his life has been passed in the immediate vicinity of his present home, where he enjoys a large and favorable acquaintance. : ..^: ; -':... "i.:. :.;-

A prominent citizen of Abingdon and one whose family name has been con- ; , nected with the history of this locality for four decades past, is Israel John Harris, ^ ; a member of the firm of Craig & Harris ; stone cutters and dealers in monuments. ^^ >' He traces his lineage back five generations to colonial days in the early part of .--,';, the eighteenth century and to the days of the American Revolution, when one .? of his ancestors brought luster to the family name by his unfaltering devotion to ' ' the American cause and his prowess throughout the struggle. Israel John Harris was the son of Joseph and Matilda C. (Hart) Harris. His father, Joseph : Harris, was a son of James and Rebecca C. (Jennings) Harris, a grandson of Israel and Betsy (Mead) Harris, a great-grandson of Israel and Sarah (Morse) Harris, and a great-great-grandson of John and Rachel (Moss) Harris. Of / - these antecedents Israel Harris, the great-great-grandfather of the present member of the family bearing this name, was born at Cornwall, Connecticut, on February i6, 1746. Concerning his participation in the war of the Rebellion the Old Northwest, a genealogical quarterly, of April, 1898, has the following to : say: "In May, 1775, he joined the famous body of young patriots afterwards known as the Green Mountain Boys and, as orderly sergeant, assisted in the daring rush to and the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, serving with Seth Warner and probably sharing later in the outlawry of the leaders of the regiment which by its success opened the way for the ill-fated expedition of Montgomery and furnished supplies for the siege of Boston. He was still with Warner's forces when that commander joined General Stark near Bennington, Vermont, in the late summer of 1777 and defeated the efforts of Colonel Baum to seize the supplies laid up at that place for the patriot forces, a defeat which caused the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga two months later. Early in 1778 he was made lieutenant and for bravery on the battlefield given his commission as captain in the Old

Continentals in 1779. In October, 1780, owing to complete disability, the result of wounds and exposure, he was honorably discharged and returned to his former home where he remained until 1782, when he removed to Rutland, Vermont. His record as a brave soldier and, above all, his connection with the most famous band of partisan troops the north could boast of, made him an instant leader in that village and one of its most influential citizens."

Israel J. Harris, the subject of this bic^raphy, who is justly proud of the honorable record of his illustrious forefathers, was born in Elba township, Knox county, Illinois, October 24, 1857. His father was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, April 17, 1827, and his mother was bom in Preble county, Ohio, August 6, 1829. They were married in Rochester, Peoria county, Illinois, where his mother was living at the time, having accompanied her parents thither when she was a child. His father came to Illinois in 1853, when a young man, and located on the west half of section 21, in Elba township, Knox county, where he bought three hundred and twenty acres of land which he cultivated. From time to time he increased his holdings by additional purchases until he owned at one time five quarter sections. Here he resided until the fall of 1868 when he removed to a farm west of Abingdon, living there one year. Then he came to Abingdon to reside, remaining there until his death April 20, 1883. His wife died October 13, 1901. His father was a republican in politics and served one term as justice of the peace in 1856. He voted for Lincoln when elected for the first term. He was a member of the Christian church and, while the war was in progress, on account of his rigid religious scruples, came to the stern conviction that war was wrong. Having taken this stand, he went one step further and, feeling his opposition to the national policy of union even at the cost of war, he voluntarily denied himself the right of the ballot. For this reason he did not vote again for a federal officer until Garfield's campaign when, influenced by the noble Christian life of Garfield, he felt justified in voting for him.

Israel J. Harris was reared at home and began his schooling in the Elba Center district school. For certain reasons it seemed best to his parents, however, to keep him at home. Consequently he was withdrawn after three days at school and his mother undertook his training and education at home. At the end of the school term it was found that he had advanced in his studies far beyond his sister who had been attending the district school. His mother therefore taught both children after that until their removal to Abingdon, when Israel, then in his twelfth year, was fitted to enter old Abingdon College. During his career in this institution his studies were frequently interrupted on account of ill health, so that he was not quite able to complete the course. As a variation from studying he beg^n to teach in 1876, at the age of nineteen, and continued teaching at intervals and attending school until his father's death in 1883. He then took charge of the operation of the farm and pursued agricultural occupations till 1889 when he returned to the schoolroom, teaching until the spring of 1896 when he was stricken with a complete nervous breakdown making him an invalid for four years. At the end of this time, his health being once more restored, he engaged in his present business of monument dealing and became identified with the firm of Craig & Harris. - '

The marriage of Mr. Harris and Miss Emma Nelson was solemnized September I, 1887. She was a daughter of Swan Nelson, a resident of Knoxville but later a farmer of Cedar township near Abingdon, and now deceased. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Harris and they are in order of their births: Joseph Victor, graduated from the Abingdon high school with the class of 1906, who is a reporter on the Galesburg Mail; Vema Pernella, graduated from the Abingdon high school with the class of 1911, who will enter the teaching profession this fall; Olive Caroline, a member of her sister's class, graduated in 1911, who will either teach or enter college this fall ; Yerda Thresa, who is a student - in high school ; and Israel J., Jr., the youngest in the family.

Mr. Harris gives his political allegiance to the republicans but has strong prohibition and anti-saloon proclivities. He served for two terms as alderman from the second ward. In his earlier years he was a member of the Christian church, the faith in which he was brought up, but a schism in the church in 1883 caused him to leave it. Later he and his family became members of the Congregational church, in which he is a deacon at the present time. For a num- . ber of years he was the superintendent of the Sunday school and on his retire- . ment in 1909 was presented by the school with a handsome silver loving cup which he prizes very highly. He was president of the Knox County Sunday School Association for two years and is now the vice-president of this association.

The house in which Mr. Harris and his family are now residing and which ; he remodeled in 1902 is the original Harris homestead bought by his father, j Joseph Harris, in 1869. The old Harris farm west of Abingdon has for the most part been laid out in town lots and is now known as the Harris addition of Abingdon. Throughout his career Mr. Harris has been an exponent of a high ' code of business as well as social ethics, living an exemplary life that makes him conspicuously deserving of the public trust placed in him as one of Abingdon's leading citizens.

Charles C. Reynolds

Charles C. Reynolds was born in Ontario township, on the I4th of June, . ;:> ;^ ..' 1870, his parents being Alvah and Susan (Hayden) Reynolds. The father, who -' : was a carpenter by trade, was born on the 22d of May, 1830, at Bedford, West- V ' .<!' Chester county. New York, and the mother's birth occurred in Indiana in 18^39. '----;.'. Alvah Reynolds, who has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, followed the '-;;., carpenter's trade for thirteen years after starting to earn his own livelihood ;; .. at the age of sixteen. His marriage occurred in Illinois, on the loth of May, .;/. 1859, to Susan Hayden, a daughter of Jonathan and Hulda (Reeves) Hayden, .;'.:. of Henry county, where they settled in 1853. He began his independent agri- . V: | v cultural career by purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in Ontario .!- -. ' , township and was the owner of seven hundred and twenty acres upon his re- ^ ; .;' . tirement. In 1893 he gave eighty acres of land to each of his children and dis- :C continued active farming. He had been most successful in stock-raising and ,'- had brought his farm under a high state of cultivation. In politics he is a - ,' republican and has served as school director of his district for thirty-six years. --.,;;--;

Charles C. Reynolds received his education in the common and high schools i v'':V of Oneida, the Abingdon Normal school and Hedding College. After discern- ;^ tinuing his studies he engaged in agricultural pursuits and has followed this occupation ever since, at first being employed by his father and later working independently.

Mr. Reynolds was married on the 25th of December, 1901, to Miss Edith Ward, a daughter of Frank and Nellie (Abernathy) Ward. Mrs. Ward, who was of Scotch descent, belonged to one of the pioneer families of the county, the father having come while the Indians were still here. Mrs. Reynolds' brother Frank is a resident of the township and Amos Ward, who came to the county in 1838, served as county commissioner and as justice of the peace. To Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds four children were bom, Nellie B., M. Ward, Birdice L. and Helen E. Mrs. Reynolds' death occurred in May, 1896, on the home place.

In politics Mr. Reynolds is a stanch republican, believing that the policies of that party are most conducive to good government. He also holds membership in the Christian church of Ontario township and has served as school director in his district. He is one of Ontario township's enterprising men and has contributed much toward the general welfare of the community, where he is held in high esteem and is numbered among its substantial agriculturists and representative citizens. Vr; ;:. v';^

Harman J. Kurrkel, who owns and operates the largest gristmill not only in Knox county but in this section of the state, is one of Wataga's self-made men, having begun here in his early youth with no capital save his untiring energy and determination. He was born in Cashtown, Adair county, Pennsylvania, on the 27th of October, 1872, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Smith) Kunkel, both of whom are now deceased, the father having passed away in 1877 and the mother in 1879. Joseph Kunkel, who was a veteran of the Civil war, was a blacksmith by trade but he had been educated for a music teacher, which vocation he sometimes followed while he also engaged in farming. Five of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kunkel are still living, those beside our subject being as follows : Sarah, the wife of George Kadel. now deceased, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania; Mary, the wife of Harry E. Smith, of Knoxville; John, who is a resident of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; and Irwin, who is living in Wellsville, Pennsylvania.

Left an orphan at the age of seven years, Harman J. Kunkel was reared in the county of his birth, whose common schools he attended until he was thirteen, during which time he also worked on a farm. After laying aside his text-books he apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade, serving for three years, at the expiration of which period he came west. He was only a youth of sixteen when he came to Knox county and first located at Wykofif, near Wataga, where he worked at his trade for fifty cents per day. He subsequently went to Galesburg, where he engaged as carpenter for two years, returning to Wataga, where he farmed until his marriage in 1893. During the succeeding five years he operated a farm in the vicinity of Wataga, but later he bought a place which he has sold, on moving to Wataga, where he is now residing. In

1907 he purchased a flour and feed mill here and soon thereafter withdrew from his agricultural pursuits, giving his undivided attention to the operation of his mill. This proved to be a very lucrative undertaking and on the 3Oth of March, ' 1911, he extended the scope of his activities by becoming the owner of the mill belonging to the estate of Warden & Son. He has one of the finest plants in this part of the state, the capacity being far greater than that of any other mill in his vicinity, while it is fully equipped with all modern machinery. Mr. Kunkel has been very successful in all of his undertakings and in addition to his mill -'. is the owner of the electric light plant in Wataga, which he installed in May, 1909. > Such success as has come to him has been the result of his own intelligently directed effort and unceasing application, as he began his career in Knox county ; without either capital or influence, but he possessed those qualities that invariably win : industry and determination of purpose.

Mr. Kunkel's plans for a home of his own had their culmination in his - marriage, in October. 1893. to Miss Minnie A. Morgan, of Wataga. Illinois. Mrs. Kunkel is a daughter of Abram and Elizabeth Morgan, both of whom are now deceased. The father was a coal miner. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Kunkel there have been born the following children: Sarah Elizabeth, who is sixteen ; Mary Frances, now fourteen ; John Morgan, who is thirteen ; Beulah Fern, nine years of age ; Harry, who is six ; and George Harman, who has passed . the fourth anniversary of his birth. . ' :- - .J , ^"V

The family attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the mother is a member, and Mr. Kunkel is an active member of a large num- , ber of fraternal organizations. He is afliliated with the Masonic order through his membership in Wataga Lodge, No. 291, A. F. & A. M. ; and he is an Odd Fellow, his local connection with this society being through Wataga Lodge, No. 598, L O. O. F., and he also belongs to the Odd Fellows encampment at . Galesburg. The Mystic Workers ; Brotherhood of American Yeomen ; and United Commercial Travelers, Galesburg Lodge, No. 269, claim his affiliation : also. Political activities have never occupied much of Mr. Kunkel's attention his entire time and thought having been concentrated upon the development of his personal interests, in which he has met with notable success. However, he is always ready to g^ve his cooperation or indorsement to any movement he deems qualified to advance the community or to promote municipal enterprises. ;

Alexander Gehring, a well known and successful farmer and stock- raiser of , Sparta township, Knox county. Illinois, is still engaged in cultivating the farm '". on which he has lived for nearly forty-six years. His birth occurred in Baden, Germany, on the ist of EXecember, 1844. His father, Anthony G., was born ., March 12, 1821, and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Mosier, was ' born June 24, 1823. They came to America and settled in Sparta township in - 1857. His paternal grandparents were Bennett and Elizabeth (Closman) Gehr- ;. ing and his great-grandparents were Mathias and Susan Gehring. His maternal C grandparents were Jacob and Mary Mosier. Alexander Gehring was the oldest ./

Alexander Gehring began his education in Germany, continuing his studies for a little time after coming to this country. When a mere boy, at the age of fourteen, he commenced to work on the farm, first for his father and later hiring out to a neighbor. At twenty-one he began to work for himself and in 1867, after his marriage, took possession of the farm which he is now operating. In addition to general fanning he devotes much time to stock-raising in which pursuit he has been very successful. Bom to his calling he loves his work and the interests which fill a farmer's life and has no wish to retire while his farm yields him the comfortable income \yhich he now enjoys.

The marriage of Alexander Gehring to Miss Jerusha Squires, of Trumbull county, Ohio, occurred May 30, 1867. Her father, Ira Squires, was bom in Ireland in iSiS and came to America when six years old. Her mother, Caroline Stewart was born in 1820 of Scotch parentage. When Mrs. Alexander Gehring was three years old her parents died whereupon she was reared by Isaac and Sarah (Hillergast) Baker. She was the granddaughter of Jason and Dorothea (Tew) Squires. Mrs. Gehring has one brother, Albert Squires, who lives at her home.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Gehring were four children. Carrie, who remained single and was living at home, died in August, 1911, at the age of thirty-four, at Greenville, Pennsylvania, while on a visit. She was a very devout woman and an untiring worker in the Methodist Episcopal church. She was an offi-cer in the missionary society of her church and a member of the Epworth League. Alice, the wife of James Parkinson, a farmer in Kansas, is the mother of five children. Sarah Luella, the wife of Benjamin Morgan of Wataga, Illinois, has four children. Ira Anthony, married to Effie Richmond, lives in Galesburg and is the father of two children.

The Gehring family holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Wataga, Illinois, in which Mr. Gehring is a steward and a trustee. In hjs political views he is a republican and has always been an ardent worker for his party. He served as roadmaster for several terms and was on the school board three terms. Coming to this locality more than fifty years ago, Alexahder Gehring has not only witnessed the agricultural growth and development of Knox county but has been a large contributor to the prosperity for which this community is noted. , ,y ;- ^ . v :-:, -:--., ...... .--..-.-: ',- .-. ;.:. -.-

'' Oliver Swanson was bom on the i6th of February, 1853, at Solvesborg, a town in the southern part of Sweden, his parents being Swan and Kama (Person) Olson. The father, whose birth occurred in 1825, engaged in agricultural pursuits in Sweden until his death, which occurred when his son Oliver was a child of but two years. Both mother and father spent their entire lives in Sweden. Oliver Swanson received his education in the common schools of his native land and at the age of eighteen years, after having assisted on the home farm, came

' . ' In politics Mr. Swanson gives his support to the men and measures of the republican party and has served as road commissioner and is assessor at the present time. In religious faith he holds membership in the Lutheran church of Altona. By his earnest work and diligent application to his agricultural pursuits and by his interest and furthering of all measures pertaining to the higher social and moral development of the community, Mr. Swanson has become recognized as a citizen of substantial and honorable worth.

Dr. Franklin Pierce Tyler, engaged in the general practice of medicine in Galesburg, was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, June 21, 1854, his parents being Dr. Truman Murray and Mary Ann (Cutler) Tyler. The family home was first established in Galesburg in 1862. The father was bom in the state of New York in 1804 and the mother's birth occurred in Massachusetts in i8io. In early manhood he prepared for the practice of medicine and for a time followed his profession in Ohio, after which he came to Illinois, settling in Illinois City. His next place of residence was in Edgington, this state, and afterward he lived for a time at Rock Island, coming to Galesburg in 1862. Here he opened an office and continued in active practice until his life's labors were ended in death twenty-one years later. He was widely known as a capable physician whose scientific knowledge was supplemented by broad humanitarian principles, thus making his work of great worth in the world. His widow survived him and died at the home of her son. Dr. Tyler, in Clifton, Kansas. Dr. Truman Tyler, Sr., was a democrat in his political views and fraternally was connected with the Masons, which order found him an exemplary representative. Both he and his wife were members of the Universalist church and were people of kindly purpose and of high principles. In their family were three children, Stella Louise, the elder, who died in 1908; and Christopher C., who like our subject is also a resident of Galesburg.

Dr. F. P. Tyler

to America settling at Woodhull. For a time he worked out by the month and then came to Ontario township where he settled on a farm in i88i. In 1893 he came to his present home. This property consists of eighty acres and has been his residence ever since. Although he devotes his time and energy principally to general farming, he also raises shorthorn cattle and feeds hogs and cattle for the market. In these various branches he is meeting with the success, which is the reward of persistent and diligent labor. On the i2th of April, 1879, Mr. Swanson was married to Marie Anderson, a resident of Knox county, and a daughter of Anders and Anna (Johnson) Anderson, both of whom were natives of Sweden, where they were engaged in farming. The father died in Sweden and the mother came to Henry county, in 1875. They were the parents of five children. To Mr. and Mrs. Swanson three children have been born: Hattie S., who is the wife of William Sebastian, a resident farmer of Henry county; Hartwick, whose birth occurred in 1884 and who died in January 1905; and Florence, who is attending high school in Altona, Illinois.

In politics Mr. Swanson gives his support to the men and measures of the republican party and has served as road commissioner and is assessor at the present time. In religious faith he holds membership in the Lutheran church of Altona. By his earnest work and diligent application to his agricultural pursuits and by his interest and furthering of all measures pertaining to the higher social and moral development of the community, Mr. Swanson has become recognized as a citizen of substantial and honorable worth. .

Dr. Franklin Pierce Tyler, engaged in the general practice of medicine in Galesburg, was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, June 21, 1854, his parents being Dr. Truman Murray and Mary Ann (Cutler) Tyler. The family home was first established in Galesburg in 1862. The father was born in the state of New York in 1804 and the mother's birth occurred in Massachusetts in i8io. In early manhood he prepared for the i)ractice of medicine and for a time followed his profession in Ohio, after which he came to Illinois, settling in Illinois City. His next place of residence was in Edgington, this state, and afterward he lived for a time at Rock Island, coming to Galesburg in 1862. Here he opened an office and continued in active practice until his life's labors were ended in death twenty-one years later. He was widely known as a capable physician whose scientific knowledge was supplemented by broad humanitarian princi])les, thus making his work of great worth in the world. His widow survived him and died at the home of her son. Dr. Tyler, in Clifton. Kansas. Dr. Truman Tyler, Sr., was a democrat in his political views and fraternally was connected with the Masons, which order found him an exemjilary representative. P>oth he and his wife were members of the L^niversalist church and were people of kindly purpose and of high jirinciples. In their family were three children, Stella Louise, the elder, who died in 1908; and Christopher C., who like our subject is also a resident of Galesburg.

Dr. Tyler, Jr., whose name intrcxluces this record, was a lad of but eight years when the family removed to this city, so that his education was largely acquired here. After attending the public schools, he entered Lombard University, where he pursued his more specifically literary course. His professional training was received in Rush Medical College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1885. He then went to Clifton, Kansas, where he opened an office and continued in active practice for twelve years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Galesburg, where he still follows his profession as a general practitioner, having comprehensive knowledge of the principles of medicine and surgery, while his broad and extended exf>erience has added greatly to his efficiency.

On the I2th of October, 1886, occurred the marriage of Dr. Tyler and Miss Emilia Brewer Laux, a daughter of Professor Carl Rupert Laux, of Galesburg. The children of this marriage are : Carl Rupert, who was bom in Clifton, Kansas, in September, 1887; and Cecil May, also a native of Clifton. Both are still at home. Mrs. Tyler is a member of the First Congregational church and Dr. Tyler holds membership with the Modem Woodmen of America and the Knights and Ladies of Security. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party but without desire for office, his ballot merely expressing his approval of the policies and principles of the party. He belongs to the city and county medical societies and is ever deeply interested in anything that tends to bring to man the key to the mystery of life. He is extremely careful and conscientious in all of his professional work and his ability has gained for him a liberal patronage.

The commercial activity of Altona finds a worthy representative in Benjamin Thomas Hart, who is now proprietor of a drug store. He has conducted this for three years and is accorded a good patronage. He was born at Camp Point, Illinois, December 3, 1877. The early ancestral history of the family has been lost. It is supposed, however, that the great-grandfather was stolen by the Indians and was carried to Kentucky. The grandfather, Thomas W. Hart, was a native of that state. He married Miss Wheeler and they became parents of a son, George M. Hart, who was born in Frankfort, Kentucky, January 29, 1837. When a boy of six years he accompanied his parents on their removal to Quincy, Illinois, where his boyhood days were i)assed. He leamed and followed the cooper's trade and from Quincy removed to Camp Point, Illinois, being at that time twenty years of age. This was some time prior to 1859. ^^ the early '6os he walked from Quincy to Denver, Colorado, starting with an emigrant train that traveled by way of Leavenworth. At length he returned to Camp Point, Illinois, where he engaged in the cooperage business for many years but is now living retired. He married Rhoda Bryant, who also survives and is now sixty-eight years of age, her birth occurring on the 2Oth of July, 1843, in Kentucky. She was a daughter of Moses Bryant. Unto him and his wife were born six children of whom Benjamin T. Hart and two sisters are now living. The sisters are: Elitha May, the wife of Charles H. Montgomery, of Council Bluffs, Iowa ; and Hazel Gertrude, who is teaching in the Loraine high school. Three of the children died in infancy.

: Benjamin Thomas Hart spent his youthful days in his parents' home and after his education was over, began clerking in a drug store at Camp Point on the ist of March, 1892. For two years he attended the Chicago College of Pharmacy and, in May, 1899, came to Altona where he conducted a drug business for two years. He then returned to Chicago where he finished his course of study with the class of 1902. On locating in Altona he engaged in clerking where he now carries on business for himself. He also spent a year in Burt's drug store in Galesburg and in August, 1904, purchased his present drug store at Altona. ' He has also been engaged in the restaurant business at Altona since 1908 and both branches have proven profitable. He has a well appointed and well conducted establishment and his business methods are such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.

On the 2Oth of April, 1902, Mr. Hart was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Updike, who was born in Altona, February 12, 1879, and is a daughter of Josiah W. and Edith (Van Scyok) Updike, the father a pioneer resident of this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hart have been born two children : Harry Worth, who was born February 8, 1903 ; and Marjory Lois, born December 20, 1905. Mr. Hart and his wife are members of the Methodist church of Altona and at the present time he is financial secretary of the church. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Altona Lodge, No. 330, F. & A. M. He also holds membership with Altona Camp. No. 3737, -M. W. A., of which he is past consul, and he likewise belongs to the Illinois Pharmaceutical Association. He is a young man and yet, in business and in social life, he has made a record which is creditable and enviable, gaining for him the respect and admiration of his fellowmen.

Trained in the printing trade and in editorial work, Frank C. Krans is well qualified to fill the position which he now occupies as editor and manager of the Oneida News, a weekly paf>er published in Oneida, Knox county, Illinois. During a period covering more than twenty years he has gained his experience in Illinois, in Nebraska, Oregon and V/ashington, coming in contact with newspapermen and printers from every section of the country, since the members of this fraternity are of a roving disposition fond of seeking new scenes for their field of labor. Frank C. Krans was born July 6, 1870, in Galva, Illinois, a son of O. and Christiana (Aspequist) Krans, natives of Sweden. The father came to America with his parents when he was a young man and made his way to a Swedish settlement at Bishop's Hill, walking all the way from Chicago. When a boy he assisted in hauling the lumber from Bishop's Hill to Galva when the first building was erected in the latter town. At the outbreak of the war he enlisted in Company D, of the Fifty-seventh Volunteer Infantry of Illinois, from Princeton. At the close of the war he returned to Galva, Illinois, where he followed his trade as painter and decorator until ten years ago when he removed to Altona, Illinois, and has resided there ever since, still actively interested in his work. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic of Galva.

Reared at home Frank C. Krans was educated in the common schools and in the high school of Galva. He prepared himself for his career by acting as assistant on the Galva News learning the many varied features of the work. He then went to Altona where he took charge of a paper started by C. F. Mc- Donough and continued in the management of the same for two years, when he decided to gratify his desire to move farther west and secured employment in Ogalalla, Nebraska. A year later he went to the Pacific coast and remained there, working at the printer trade for five years. In the fall of 1893 he returned to Illinois and purchased the Altona Record which he conducted until 1906 when he sold it to Mills & Company. Thereupon he went to Kewanee, Illinois, where he held a responsible position on the Star Courier and labored there until 1911, serving one term of this time as president of the Typographical Union of Kewanee. During the current year he bought an interest in a stock company in Oneida, organized in 1900, which publishes a weekly, the Oneida News, and of this he became editor and manager. He is spirited and enthusiastic in his work and in the brief period since coming to this position has already demonstrated his eflfkiency.

The marriage of Mr. Krans and Miss Anna Olson, of Altona, was celebrated October 2, 1898. She is a daughter of Peter Olson and obtained her education in the grammar and high schools of Altona and the Normal school of Bushnell, after which she followed the vocation of teaching for a number of years. She gave that up, however, and entered the Hospital Training School at Galesburg where she was fitted for the profession of nursing and after her graduation was given a position on their staff. Mr. and Mrs. Krans are the parents of three children : Kenneth, who is attending school, and two younger ones, John and Walton.

Mr. Krans is a republican in his political affiliation^ and served as town clerk for five years during his residence in Altona and also as village clerk for an equal period of time, while as a member of the council he gave his efforts to the advancement of the welfare of the community. He is a member of the Masonic order, being connected with Lodge No. 320, F. & A. M., of Altona and the Knights of Pythias, of Oneida, whose beneficent principles he tries to follow in all the relations of his daily life. ----M .; - .v, . - .- ... - , .. .

Henry Welch, who is a resident of Ontario township, has been connected with agricultural interests in Knox county throughout his life. He was born in Rio township, March 6, 1871, and is the son of John and Ann Welch, the former, whose birth occurred May 28, 1836, a native of Kings county, Ireland, and the latter a native of New York. John Welch, whose parents, John and Sarah rClarke) Welch, were agriculturists in Ireland and there resided all their life, worked on the farm and received a common-school education while at home, and after emigrating to this country, in 1850, continued in agricultural pursuits. Going to Galesburg in 1857, he worked out by the day until he removed to Rio township in 1862, at which time he rented a farm. After cultivating this for some time, he purchased two hundred acres of land near by and has ever since made that farm his home although he now rents it and lives retired. This farm is a high tribute to his ability and labor and stands as evidence of his rise from a day laborer, husking corn at fifty cents per day to a successful agriculturist, who has acquired a competence sufficient to provide for a comfortable retired life. Mr. and Mrs. Welch have been the parents of six children, namely : Mrs. Mary Stafford, a widow, who is the mother of two children, Clare and William ; Henry, the subject of this sketch ; Charles, who is married to Winiferd Barry, the daughter of James Barry, and who is the mother of one child, Anna May, of Sparta township; Margaret, who is the wife of J. H. Rittenhouse, a traveling salesman of Galesburg and to whom two children, Neal and Ruth, have been born; Nellie, the wife of Ira Rice, who conducts a general store at Wataga; and Edward, deceased.

Henry Welch received a common-school education and then worked on his father's farm until he started in life for himself, at the age of twenty-seven years. He began his independent career on a farm in Rio township, which he cultivated for ten years, and, in 1900, he came to Ontario township and purchased the one hundred and fifty-three acres of land comprising his present farm, which is all under high cultivation and returning profitable yields to the labor expended upon it. Mr. Welch is raising grain and general farm products and is also engaged in cattle and hog-raising for the western markets.

On February 2, 1898, occurred Mr. Welch's marriage to Lucy Barry, the daughter of James and Frances (Edwards) Barry, who have long been residents of Knox county. To Mr. and Mrs. Welch three children have been born, Maurice E., Francis M. and Florence L.

- Mr. Welch is a democrat and is a member of the Roman Catholic church of Woodhull. In these, as in other relations he is consistently loyal, living in accordance with the highest ideals of citizenship. .. , . . ;^

The consensus of public opinion places the name of Orange Lowell Campbell high on the roll of representative and honored residents of Knoxville, where he is now filling the position of postmaster. This is his native town, his birth having here occurred, March 7, 1852. His parents were Elisha and Mary A. (Lowell) Campbell. The father was born in Gallipolis, Ohio, in 1825, and was a son of Dr. John and Mary (Webb) Campbell, both of whom were natives of Virginia, where the grandfather engaged in the practice of medicine, becoming recognized as a prominent member of the profession and a prolific writer who made valuablue contributions to medical literature. His father had been a native of Scotland and Dr. John Campbell displayed in his life many of the sterling characteristics of his Scotch ancestry. At an early day he removed from Virginia to Ohio, settling in Gallipolis, and subsequently he came to Illinois, after emigrating to this country, in 1850, continued in agricultural pursuits. Going to Galesburg in 1857. he worked out by the day until he removed to Rio township in 1862, at which time he rented a farm. After cultivating this for some time, he purchased two hundred acres of land near by and has ever since made that farm his home although he now rents it and lives retired. This farm is a high tribute to his ability and labor and stands as evidence of his rise from a day laborer, husking corn at fifty cents per day to a successful agriculturist, who has acquired a competence sufficient to provide for a comfortable retired life. Mr. and Mrs. Welch have been the parents of six children, namelj : .Mrs. 'Mary Stafford, a widow, who is the mother of two children, Clare and William; Henry, the . subject of this sketch; Charles, who is married to Winiferd Barry, the daughter - of James Barry, and who is the mother of one child, Anna May, of Sparta township; Margaret, who is the wife of J. H. Rittenhouse, a traveling salesman of Galesburg and to whom two children, Xeal and Ruth, have been born ; Nellie, the wife of Ira Rice, who conducts a general store at Wataga; and Edward, deceased.

Henry Welch received a common-school education and then worked on his father's farm until he started in life for himself, at the age of twenty-seven years. He began his independent career on a farm in Rio township, which he cultivated for ten years, and, in 1900, he came to Ontario township and purchased the one hundred and fifty-three acres of land comprising his present farm, which is all under high cultivation and returning profitable yields to the labor expended upon it. Mr. Welch is raising grain and general farm products and is also engaged in cattle and hog-raising for the western markets.

On February 2, 1898, occurred Mr. Welch's marriage to Lucy Barry, ; the daughter of James and Frances (Edwards) Barry, who b.ave long been residents of Knox county. To Mr. and Mrs. Welch three children have been bom, Maurice E., Francis M. and Florence L.

Mr. Welch is a democrat and is a member of the Roman Catholic church of \\'oodhull. In these, as in other relations he is consistently loyal, living in accordance with the highest ideals of citizenship. . .

Orange Lowell Campbell

The consensus of public opinion places the name of Orange Lowell Campbell high on the roll of representative and honored residents of Knoxville, where he is now filling the position of postmaster. This is his native town, his birth having here occurred, March 7, 1852. His parents were Elisha and Mary A. (Lowell) Campbell. The father was born in Gallipolis, Ohio, in 1825, and was a son of Dr. John and Mary (Webb) Campbell, both of whom were natives of Virginia, where the grandfather engaged in the practice of medicine, becoming recognized as a prominent menil)er of the ])rofession and a prolific writer who made valuablue contributions to medical literature. His father had been a native of Scotland and Dr. John Campbell displayed in his life many of the sterling characteristics of his Scotch ancestry. At an early day he removed from X'irginia to Ohio, settling in Gallipolis, and subsequently he came to Illinois, establishing his home in Quincy, where he lived to the time of his death. When a young man he not only practiced medicine but also engaged in the practice of law and, at the time of the war of 1812, manifested his patriotic loyalty to his country by active service in the field. His wide reading made him a well informed man and as a ready writer he discussed through the press many questions of widespread interest.

The maternal grandparents of O. L. Campbell were natives of England, while the paternal grandmother, Mrs. Mary (Webb) Campbell, was of German lineage. Elisha Campbell, the father of O, L. Campbell, spent his youthful days under the parental roof and in early manhood took up the profession of teaching, which he followed successfully in Ohio until his removal to Illinois. He also learned the plasterer's and mason's trades and thus became well qualified for the attainment of success along different lines of activity. It was in 1848 that he became a resident of this state and in May, 1850, he was married in Knoxville to Miss Mary A. Lxjwell. On coming to the Mississippi valley he had spent a short time in St. Louis, Missouri, and thence made his way to Peoria, Illinois, where he also remained for but a brief period. On the expiration of that time he came to Knoxville, where he followed his trade and also engaged in teaching school. His life was thus busily passed until August, 1862, when he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting here as a member of Company E, Eighty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years. He was appointed corporal of his company and later was advanced to the rank of sergeant. On account of the wounds which he had sustained, he was assigned to a position in the recruiting service, as he was unfit for active field duty, and as such, enlisted a company of negro soldiers at Fort Donelson. Following the close of the war he returned to Knoxville, but afterward became a resident of Council Bluflfs, Iowa, where he died in 1880, the interment being made, however, in Red Oak, Iowa. His wife survived him until June 2, 1900, passing away at Omaha, Nebraska, and her grave, too, was made at Red Oak. In their family were ten children, five sons and five daughters, as follows: Orange L., who is the eldest in the family ; Almira, the second of the family, who was for twenty-one years a teacher in the public schools of Omaha ; Qara ; Charles, engaged in business in Los Angeles, California ; Lloyd, mechanic of Detroit, Michigan, acting as foreman of the paint department of the Chalmers Automobile Company of that city ; John and George, both of whom died in infancy ; Emma and Louise, twins, deceased ; and Ella, also deceased. The first two were teachers in the public schools of Iowa.

Orange L. Campbell pursued his education in the public schools of his native town and, passing through consecutive grades, was eventually graduated from the high school. When a young man he learned the printing trade, which he followed during the summer seasons while continuing his education in the winter months. His first work was in the office of the Knox County Republican, with which paper he continued during the period of the Civil war and until he had completed eight years' service in that connection. He then went to Watseka, Illinois, where he remained for a year, after which he secured a position on one of the leading papers at Quincy, Illinois. Returning to Knoxville, he purchased in 1876 the Knox County Republican, which he edited until 1910, making it one of the progressive country papers of this part of the state, with a good circulation and large advertising patronage. He put aside private busi- : ness affairs, however, to enter upon public office, being first appointed post- -'.: master under President Harrison and later by Presidents McKinley and Roose- ' velt. while at the present time he 'is filling the position by appointment of Pr<!;si- : , dent Taft. His administration of the office has always been business like and systematic, his course winning the approval of the many patrons of this office. In 1887 he was elected to the position of town clerk and served for eight years. He was also the first secretary and clerk of the public library and for eight years was secretary of the board of education. During seventeen years he served as secretary of the Knox County Agricultural Association and was the first secretary of the Knox County Farmers' Institute, which position he filled for eight years. He is an honored member of the Knox County Old Settlers' Associa- , tion and has been its secretary for twenty-seven years. His activities have . , touched the general interests of society along many lines and in every connec- . V tion he has been found faithful to the trust reposed in him. _;. '. ., Fraternally Mr. Campbell is connected with Pacific Lodge, No. 66, A. F. & A. M., of which he has been the secretary. He belongs also to Raboni . Chapter, No. 95, R. A. M., and to Illinois Council, No. i, which was the first lodge of this kind in the state. He became one of the organizers of the Fraternal Reserves and was its first state vice president. He likewise has membership : with the Modem Woodmen of America, with the Sons of Veterans of Galesburg and for two terms was captain of the Knoxville Sons of Veterans, having also been one of the organizers of this society. He is the vice president of the Fifteenth Congressional District Postmasters' Association and is president of the Military Tract Association. All of his varied interests have brought him a wide acquaintance and everywhere he is held in high regard.

On the igth of June, 1873, in Knoxville, Mr. Campbell was united in marriage to Miss Aug^ista Stowe Bull, who was born in Milford, Connecticut. -'., July 2, 1851, a daughter of Captain William and Phoebe (Stowe) Bull. Her father came to Knox county at an early day, purchased a farm and resided thereon until his death in 1862. Her mother died in 1909, at the age of eighty- ; nine years, having spent her last days in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Campbell. The Stowe family of which Mrs. Campbell is a representative in the maternal line came from Milford, Connecticut, and from the same ancestry descended ' Harriet Beecher Stowe. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Campbell was a soldier _ of the Revolutionary war under General Washington. Unto Captain and Mrs. But there were bom seven children, of whom the Rev. Cornelius Bull was the eldest. He is a minister of the Free Methodist Episcopal church and resides in - Fullerton, Kansas. The other members of the family were: Mrs. R. J. Overstreet, of Galesburg ; I. T. Bull, living in Shenandoah, Iowa ; John S., of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Philip H., of Galesburg; and one, who died in infancy. Mrs. S Campbell, also a member of this family, has become the mother of three children, of whom the eldest. Sterling H., now resides in St. Louis, Missouri, being ; sales agent for the American Railway Equipment Company, in which connec- ' tion he travels all over the United States. He is a graduate of St. Alban's , ;'; School of Knoxville. Charlotte W. is vice principal and teacher of language and literature in St. Mary's school. Mary, the youngest, is now a student in that school. Both Mr. and Mrs. Campbell hold membership in the Presbyterian church and he is a member of its choir. Their daughters, Charlotte and Mary, are members of the Episcopal church. In the religious organization to which he belongs Mr. Campbell has always taken an active interest and has served as secretary and treasurer of the Presbyterian Sunday school. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has ever been a stalwart champion of its principles. He is also much interested in music, possessing considerable natural talent and ability, and for six years he has been a member of the Galesburg Musical Union. Mr. Campbell has a very wide acquaintance not only in Knox county but in other parts of the state and his sterling worth has won him high regard, while his geniality and cordiality have gained for him enduring friendships. He is popular wherever known and everywhere is spoken of in terms of good-will, confidence and respect.

' John Schwarz, one of the successful farmers and dairymen of Sparta township, Knox county, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 4th of December, 1866. He is a son of John George Schwarz, who spent the first forty-five years of his life in the fatherland, his birth there occurring on November 14, 1827. His parents were John and Margaret Schwarz, who sp/ent their entire lives in their native land, where they were identified with agricultural pursuits. Left an orphan at the age of seven John George Schwarz was reared by an elder brother until old enough to become self-supporting. For his wife he chose Rosina Moessner, a daughter of Matthew Moessner, a school teacher in Germany. She was also a native of Wurtemberg, her birth occurring on January 3, 1827. Five of the children born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Schwarz are living, those beside our subject being as follows : Leonard, who is a cooper, Mathias and Michael, all residents of St. Clair county; and Anna Margaret, the wife of Conrad A. Fritz, of Belleville, Illinois. Together with his wife and family John George Schwarz emigrated to the United States in 1872, locating in St. Clair county. There for a time he worked as a laborer, but later by means of his thrift and unceasing energy he was able to buy a small farm that he cultivated until his death on June i6, 1882. The parents were both members of the German Lutheran church and assisted in the organization of the church in the vicinity of their home, Mr. Schwarz being one of the trustees until his death. Although he became a citizen of the United States he never actively participated in political affairs, devoting his entire attention to the development of his personal interests.

Having been only a lad of six years when he emigrated to the United States with his parents John Schwarz obtained practically his entire education in the district schools of St. Clair county, which he attended until he was thirteen years of age. His energies were then directed toward assisting his father in the cultivation of the home farm, where he continued to live until twenty-three years of age. He then came to Knox county, and during the first two years of his residence here he worked as a laborer on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. After his marriage he rented the farm where he is now living, so in- telligently directing his efforts in its cultivation that he acquired the means to purchase it in 1890. Mr. Schwarz takes great pride in his homestead and its appearance, giving his personal supervision to everything about his place. His fields are carefully tilled and annually yield abundant harvests in return for his labor, while his dairy business is also proving most lucrative.

Mr. Schwarz has been ably assisted in his efforts by his wife, whose maiden name was Wilhelmina Schultz. She is a native of Galesburg, her birth there occurring on the 22d of October, 1871. Her parents are William and Margaret (Sauter) Schultz, both of whom are still living. The father, who is a blacksmith, was for many years actively engaged in his trade, but having attained the age of sixty-seven is now living retired. The mother is a daughter of Jacob and Dorothea (Zeller) Sauter, the former still living at the venerable age of eighty-seven, but the wife passed away in 1873, when she was fiftyeight. She was a daughter of Christoph and Katherine Zeller, the father a laborer of Lauterberg, Germany, while the parents of Jacob Sauter were Johann and Anna Margaretha (Maier) Sauter. Johann Sauter passed away in 1850 at the age of seventy-eight. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Schwarz there have been born seven children : George William, who is nineteen and living at home ; Dorothea Paulina, who is seventeen ; Rosa, fourteen ; Carolina, who is twelve ; Wilhelmina, aged nine; Anna Margaretha, who is seven; and Ruth Irene, aged three weeks.

The family manifest their religious views through their membership in the Lutheran church, while his political support Mr. Schwarz gives to the republican party. He takes an active interest in all matters pertaining to the township and served for thirteen years as a member of the school board, while at the present time he is serving in the capacity of road commissioner. He is held in high esteem in his community where he is known as a straightforward upright man, whose business transactions are always conducted in a fair and honorable manner. . ' . ; -,-'-':-- : - ;:f

John McMaster, who is now living retired in Altona, Illinois, is one of the men whom his fellow citizens regard with honor and respect because his life exemplifies all that is commendable and in accordance with high principles. He was an earnest and diligent laborer and his integrity in any business dealing has never been questioned. He was born on the I5th of May, 1827, at Daldillan, parish of Sorn, Ayrshire, Scotland, and in 1852 came to America with his parents, John and Ann (Struthers) McMaster, the latter being a daughter of James and Mary (Watson) Struthers. The father was the only son of John McMaster, who was an agriculturist of Scotland, his death having occurred at the age of ninety-two years, in 1868, Mrs. McMaster having passed away ten years previous, at the age of eighty-five years. They were the parents of : David, who is living retired in Copley township; George, a resident of Henry county; Thomas, who is living in Walnut Grove township ; and John, the subject of this sketcli. The McMasters made the trip from their native land in company with the Struthers family and went direct to Chicago and thence overland with teams to Peoria, from which place they set out for Copley township, Knox county. There they built the first log house which was erected in that district on eighty acres of land, which Mr. McMaster and his children brought under such a state of cultivation that it was suitable for a home.

At the age of fourteen years John McMaster began his active career on the home farm. Subsequently he purchased a team of horses and by hard labor and constant saving was soon able to make a home for his parents. After his marriage he bought eighty acres in Walnut Grove township but disposed of it two years later, when he purchased one hundred and sixty acres, which formed the nucleus of the more extensive farm he owned at the time of his retirement in

Mr. McMaster was married on the 22d of August, i86i, to Miss Lorinda Helen Multer, who is a daughter of Captain Joseph and Susan (Becker) Multer and whose birth occurred at South Worcester, Ostego county. New York, on the loth of May, 1838. Captain Multer was a veteran of the war of 1812. Mrs. Multer was a daughter of Louis Becker, of Germany, and Joseph Multer was of Dutch descent, his father having been the royal family's physician. Mrs. Mc- Master came to Knox county to visit her brother in 1860 and was one of thirteen children, her two surviving sisters being : Catherine, the wife of E. Daily, of New York ; and Susan, who is the widow of George Payne, of New York. Mr. and Mrs. McMaster became the parents of five children : Chauncey J., who is married to Frances Reed and is living in Walnut Grove township ; David N., a resident of Walnut Grove township, who married Miss May Thompson ; Anna, who is the wife of Frank Brown, of Galesburg, and has one child, Margaret; John E., also residing in Walnut Grove township, who married Minnie Lock and has two children, Lola M. and Bequeeth ; and Mary E., the wife of William Thomson, of Walnut Grove township, and the mother of two children, Helen A., and Mary M. :'V- "';\'^; '-,.;-'

On the 22d of August, 1911, Mr. and Mrs. McMaster celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, an occasion which gave one hundred and seventy-five of their friends, who had assembled from various parts of the United States and even as far as India, an opportunity to show the regard and esteem in which this worthy couple is held. They were the recipients of the hearty congratulations of their neighbors and of many substantial and valuable gifts. The following poem, which was written and read by J. W. McQueen, gives an idea of the affection felt for Mr. and Mrs. McMaster:

;' In politics Mr. .McMaster has always given his support to the republican party and has frequently held township offices, thus having opportunity to serve his community. Mrs. MoMaster holds membership in the Methodist church, in the work of which she takes an active and helpful interest. They have passed their entire married life in this vicinity and by their kindly spirit, charitable disposition and generous acts have won the affection and regard of all who know them.

This country is in a large measure indebted for its civilization and institutions to the sturdy natives of Scotland who have been prominent in stimulating the march of progress and in directing affairs along safe and conservative lines. Alan McQuarrie, who passed away December 29, 1903, and was well known in Copley township, Knox county, is a native of that country, his birth having occurred in Ayrshire, near Glasgow, December 31, 1814. He was the descendant of a family which can trace its ancestry far back in the annals of the Highland Scotch race and at the present time the family has in its possession a tartan worn by one of the earliest generations.

Mr. McQuarrie began his active career in his native land, first engaging in agricultural pursuits, but later he became the owner of coal lands which gave promise of valuable mineral beds and also contracted with his government to drain a section of the adjacent lowlands. These undertakings were all of the kind calling for hard labor and yet would not yield immediate profits and America seemed to him to offer greater opportunities to the man who was willing to sacrifice and labor. Accordingly, he set out for the United States with his wife and two children, in 1851, and came directly to Knox county, where he located upon the Copley township property which is the present McQuarrie homestead. That he was one of the earliest pioneers to enter the district is seen in the fact that his was the first log house built. Throughout his life the greater part of his time and attention was given to dealing in land and farming, although he was engaged in contracting and railroad grading near Altona, Illinois. At various times he bought and sold tracts of land in Iowa.

Mr. McQuarrie was married June 15, 1849, to Miss Mary Watson McMaster, who was born in Scotland, on the 2Oth of August, 1824, and died on the 29th of January, 1895, at the age of seventy years. She was a daughter of John McMaster, also a native of Scotland, who came to the United States in 1850, locating in Copley township, Knox county, where his death occurred at the age of ninety-two years. He was married to Ann Struthers, who was a daughter of James Struthers, whose death occurred in 1868, at the age of ninety-five years. Mr. and Mrs. McQuarrie became the parents of five children. Margaret, who is the wife of J. Gordon, was born in 1852. She is residing in Altona. Mary Watson was born on the ijth of January, 1855, on the home farm and has devoted her entire life to her parents. She is a member of the Presbyterian church and is at present residing on the home farm. Alan John, whose birth occurred on the 3Oth of April, 1859, in the old log cabin, has engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life. He casts his vote with the democratic party but has never taken an active interest in politics. Agnes Florence is married to Albert Erickson, of Walnut Grove township. Ann Struthers became the wife of Alexander .Morgan and both are now deceased.

In politics Mr. McQuarrie was a democrat and, although he was not an active politician, he was always interested in public affairs and contributed his influence and support toward securing the election of those candidates whom he thought would be most efficient in promoting measures which would be to the interest of public welfare. He was a man of high moral character, industrious and enterprising, and his honesty and uprightness always merited the confidence and respect of his neighbors. --,......-:-, - . :<, ,-...'...--,.

;' Stewart J. Cox, an agriculturist residing on section i6, Ontario township, was bom on the 3d of October, 1876, upon the farm where he is now living. He is a son of L. J. and Elizabeth (West) Cox, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume.

Stewart Cox received his education in the common schools and has since assisted in the cultivation of the farm. In 1895 he began farming independently and now is the owner of two hundred and ten acres of land, which he devotes to general farming and to feeding hogs for market purposes. In his agricultural 'pursuits he has gained the success which is the reward of hard labor and persistent effort conscientiously carried on, even though the start is made without capital.

On the 3d of October, 1900, Mr. Cox was married to Miss Mildred White, a daughter of John and Mary (Barrer) White, the father being engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Cox have become the parents af three children: Stewart - Garrett, Minnie E. and James Richard. In his political allegiance Mr. Cox retains an independent attitude, casting his vote for the man or measure which he .- thinks will be most effective for good government rather than according to the dictates of any party. He holds membership in the subordinate lodge of the Odd , Fellows and the encampment of the Modern Woodmen of America, of Woodhull. In all life's relations, whether as a business man, citizen or in fraternal af- - .! fairs, he is progressive and believes that the individual should continually advance through the recognition and improvement of opportunities which present :;-: ^ themselves. - :.::-'---'. -::-'' -',---'. -

George Behringer, who has long been identified with the agricultural interests of Knox county, being engaged in general farming and stock-raising in Sparta township, was born in Galesburg, on the 4th of November, 1856. His father, Michael Behringer, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, on March 5, 1824, and there he passed the first twenty-five years of his life. He was in the government service, being employed in the capacity of mail driver and express courier, but early recognizing that there was little possibility of his ever attaining such a position as he aspired to, he determined to leave his native land and come to America. In 1849 he took passage for the United States, coming directly to Chicago, where he remained for three years. Almost immediately upon his arrival he obtained a position with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, continuing in their service during the remainder of his life. Being entirely unfamiliar with the language and customs of the country, as well as with railroading his early duties were of a minor nature. He proved to be an efficient and trustworthy employe, however, and was promoted from time to time to jMJsitions of greater responsibility and for many years was overseer of the freight yards, and during the cholera year was placed in charge of the coaches in transit wherein were placed those stricken with this fatal disease. For his wife Mr. Behringer chose Miss Helen Schmidt, also a native of Wurtemberg, her birth there occurring on March 24, 1824, and a daughter of Daniel Schmidt, a fruit-grower and a manufacturer of wine. The paternal grandfather, Michael Behringer, was a weaver by trade. Both of the parents were members of the Lutheran church and for many years the father discharged the duties of trustee. Four of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Behringer are still living, our subject being the eldest of the family. The others are as follows: Daniel .M., who is a merchant in Nebraska; William, who lives in Sparta township; and Helen C., the vnic of N. E. Olson, a farmer in the vicinity of Galesburg.

George Behringer was reared in Galesburg and educated in the common schools. When old enough to qualify himself for a life vocation, he entered the* machine shops of the "Q" at Galesburg, but after being there employed for three years, he decided he preferred agricultural pursuits, so turned his attention to farming. He subsequently located on the place where he is now living, meeting with such excellent success in his undertakings that he ultimately became owner of the property. The place was well improved when he purchased it, but during the period of his occupancy he has effected various changes and installed some modern conveniences, that have greatly added to its appearance. As he is energetic and capable, Mr. Behringer has met with good success in both his farming and stock-raising and is known as one of the prosperous citizens of Sparta township. He was one of the organizers of the Wataga State Bank, of which he is now vice president, and he is interested in various other local enterprises.

On the 3d of March, 1887, Mr. Behringer was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Benson, who was born in Warren county, Illinois, on the 25th of October, 1866, and is a daughter of Tufve and Catherine (Allison) Benson, the father a native of Sweden. The mother passed away on the iSth of November, 1909, at the age of sixty-eight years. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Benson, as follows: Samuel, a retired real-estate dealer of Galesburg; Carrie, the wife of H. Gehring, now retired, also of Galesburg; Mrs. Behringer; Ira, a plumber of Maplewood, Missouri ; Harvey, a farmer of Salem, Illinois ; Jeannette, who married Charles Harpman, a teacher at Pittsburg, Kansas ; Hazel, who is at home; and Edith, who is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Behringer have three children:: Dessa, who is twenty-two years of age, now attending Lombard College ; Frank Lloyd, who will soon attain his majority, and Herald, a youth of twelve years, are both at home.

Mr. Behringer is a member of the Lutheran church and Mrs. Behringer of the Congregational, being affiliated with the Ladies' Aid Society and for three years president of this organization. Fraternally he is identified with the Wataga camp of the Modern Woodmen of America, and he also belongs to the Mystic Workers of the World. His political allegiance he has never accorded any one body, but gives his support to such men and mezisures as he considers best adapted to protect the highest interests of the majority. Although he takes a deep interest in all public affairs, Mr. Behringer has had neither time nor inclination to seek political honors, preferring to give his undivided attention to the development of his business affairs. -.-v"V-;.:;-----;-\'- :v.'/: 'S'-v': '.,--..'--;:'-:-:;'-' .. , :-".--'.. "-.v. --.-->--

Dr. George Hill Smith, engaged in the practice of dentistry in Galesburg, was born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1874, a son of Robert Starrett and Sarah (Hill) Smith. The ancestry is traced back through several generations to Robert and Mary (Starrett) Smith, who were the great-grandparents in the paternal line. There is a strain of Scotch on the paternal side of the family and of Scotch-Irish on the maternal. Robert Smith, the grandfather of Dr. Smith, was a native of Franklin township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, bom November 19, 1799. He was a farmer by occupation and devoted his entire life to that pursuit. He married Rosetta Shotwell, also a native of Franklin township, and a daughter of John and Sarah (Skanklin) Shotwell. The ancestors of John Shotwell came from Scotland and settled in New Jersey, in 1680. The name was originally Shadwell, but upon witnessing the skill in markmanship of one of them the king exclaimed: "Well done, Shotwell," since which time this family has been known as Shotwell. Robert Starrett Smith, son of Robert and Rosetta (Shotwell) Smith, was born in Franklin township, January 20, 1837, pursued his education there and afterward engaged in teaching school for a time. Later he took up the occupation of farming, which he followed at Brownsville, Pennsylvania, until his removal to the middle west in 1879, when he settled near Galva, Illinois, where he carried on farming until 1894. In that year he retired and came to Galesburg, where he is still living. In early manhood he wedded Sarah Hill, who was born in East Liberty, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, November I, 1841, and was a daughter of Colonel Alexander McClelland and ^lary (Johnston) Hill. Her father was born in 1802 and died March 17, 1863, while her mother, whose birth occurred in 1805, passed away on the nth of January, 1863. Alexander McClelland Hill was colonel of a Pennsylvania regiment and was twice a member of the state legislature, representing the district of Fayette and Westmoreland counties (1851-52) and was prominent in the public life of his locality. He was among the pioneers of the coke manufacture in this country and an earnest advocate of the extension of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad through Fayette county, and labored hard to effect it. He was a son of Rev. George and Elizabeth (McClelland) Hill, the latter being a daughter of Alexander McClelland, of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Rev. George Hill was born in York county, Pennsylvania, March 13, 1764, and was ordained as the Presbyterian pastor of Wheatfield on the I3th of November, 1792, later accepting the charge of Legonier, Westmoreland county, where he continued to serve until the time of his death, June 9, 1822. Mrs. Sarah (Hill) Smith was educated in the east, attending Blairsville Seminary, which school was founded by her cousin, George Hill, D. D., who was a grandson of Rev. George Hill of Legonier, Pennsylvania. It was on the 27th of December, 1860, that Robert S. Smith and Sarah Hill were married, and unto them were born six children : Alexander, who died in infancy; Mary Rosetta, the wife of Charles E. Eldridge, of Sioux City, Iowa; Annetta P.; Alice J. at home; David Wilson, deceased; and George Hill.

Dr. George Hill Smith spent his youthful days under the parental roof and was educated in the Galva high school and in Knox College. He then entered the Northwestern University Dental School, of Chicago, from which he was graduated with the class of 1902. He first located for practice in Ottawa, Illinois, where he remained for three years and then came to Galesburg in July, 1905. He has since continued in this city and his ability is attested by the liberal patronage now given him. He has a well appointed office, splendidly equipped with all modern dental appliances, and his work is highly satisfactory, for, added to his scientific knowledge, is superior mechanical skill, which is one of the requisites of successful dentistry. He belongs to the Knox County Dental Association, in which he has held all of the offices, having been honored with election to the presidency two years ago.

On the 29th of June, 1903, Dr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Lou Foster, a daughter of Julian Albert and Huldah Elizabeth (Parker) Foster, cf Salem, Wisconsin. Mrs. Mabel (Foster) Smith was graduated from the Cumnock School of Oratory, Northwestern University, with the class of 1902. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution through the service of

Asa Parker, whose grandfather was one of the five Parker brothers who came to Haverhill, Massachusetts, from Macclesfield, England, about 1640 and later settled in Andover, Connecticut. Her grandparents on the paternal side, Andrew William and Prudence (Cornwall) Foster, were among the early settlers of Kenosha county, Wisconsin, making the trip in wagons from Oswego, New York, in 1841. Both Dr. and Mrs. Smith have many friends in Galesburg, occupying an enviable position in social circles. He also belongs to the Supreme Chapter of Delta Sigma Delta, a dental fraternity, and to a number of societies and clubs. He is an. exemplary representative of Vesper Lodge, No. 584, A. F. & A. M., and also of the Modern Woodmen camp, and he likewise holds membership in the Galesburg Club. He is true to his home teaching in religious matters for his parents are members of the Presbyterian church, to which the Doctor and Mrs. Smith also belong, and in politics he has followed in the footsteps of his father, being a stanch republican, his mature judgment sanctioning the policy and principles of that party. The skill and ability which he has displayed in his profession have placed him in a prominent position in the ranks of the dental fraternity in Galesburg and his personal qualities and sterling worth have assured him high position socially.

Thomas Peter Main, who is residing on his farm in Walnut Grove township, Knox county, was born in the old Main homestead, on the 2Oth of March, 1873, his parents being Elias and Mary Ann (Huntington) Main. The father was a native of Otsego county. New York, but spent the greater part of his active career in Knox county, where he engaged principally in the wagon-making trade.

Thomas Main's entire life has been spent in Knox county, and he has done much to further agricultural interests of the county during the last twenty years. His methods have always been practical and scientific, and his application has been so constant that he has met with the success which is due to the energetic and persistent worker.