Knox County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 42 of 56)

A. C. Williams resides on section 4 of Victoria township, where he and his brother Walter engage in general farming and stock-raising on a farm of one hundred and fifty-four and three-fourths acres, that was formerly the property of their father. He was born in England on the I2th of May, 1850, and is a son of Thomas and Emma Williams, who emigrated to the United States with their family in 1852. Upon their arrival in this country they came directly to Knox county, where the father acquired the farm now owned by his sons. This was partially improved but Mr. Williams made many changes during his life time, erecting some new buildings and bringing the fields under higher cultivation. Here he engaged in general farming and stock-raising until his death, which oc- - curred at the age of sixty-three years. He was survived for several years by the mother, who had passed the sixty-seventh anniversary of her birth at the time of her demise. They were both buried on the family lot in the cemetery at Galva. His political allegiance Mr. Williams accorded the democratic party and in matters of faith he and his wife were Episcopalians. He always took much interest in all public affairs, particularly those of a governmental nature, but

As he was only a child of two years when he accompanied his parents on " . their emigration to the United States, A. C. Williams was reared and educated in Victoria township. He received his agricultural training on the farm, where he now resides, under the capable direction of his father, during his boyhood and "youth. After the latter's death the three sons, George, Walter and A. C., continued to operate the farm but the two latter subsequently bought the interest of -' . their brother and have ever since continued alone. They have directed their operations along the lines generally adopted by the modem agriculturist and . their efforts have been correspondingly rewarded. Their fields are carefully ' - tilled and devoted to those cereals that are best adapted to the soil, and they annually reap abundant harvests. During the period of their ownership they have installed many modern conveniences and improvements and now have one of the . well equipped farms of the township. In 1905 they tore down the old house that had done service for many years, and erected a comfortable country-residence, that has greatly added to the general appearance of the place. They keep the fences and buildings in good repair, ample sheds are provided for their implements and machinery and their stock is well housed, in short everything about their farm evidences capable management and thrift. ,. | , - -

Mr. Williams married Miss Sarah J. Sornborger and they have become the parents of seven children, as follows : E. B. ; Helen, who is deceased ; and Altha, Alfred, Bertha, Ruth and Bryan. He accords his political support to the . : democratic party, as does also his brother, but they have never aspired to the emoluments of office or public honors. Mr. Williams has passed fifty-nine of the sixty-one years of his life in Victoria township, where both he and his brother are widely known and held in high esteem, by reason of their upright principles and honorable business methods, manifested in all of their transactions. '^ ' :

Frank H. Olson, who is proprietor of one of the leading mercantile establishments of Altona and also the postmaster of the town, was born in Ontario township, Knox county, November 25, 1873. His father. Peter Olson, who died December 12, 1911, in Walnut Grove township, reached the age of eighty-one years. He came as a young man to America and took up farming, which he followed for some time but later turned his attention to merchandising at Woodhull, Illinois. For a number of years he carried on business with a fair measure of success and eventually sold out. He lived up to his death retired near Altona, making his home upon a farm which he owned. His only surviving brother is a resident of Seattle, Washington. Peter Olson married Hannah Matson, who is also deceased. They became the parents of seven children: Oscar, who is nowliving in North Dakota; Edith, the wife of Charles Johnson, of Ontario township; Frank H., of this review; Emma, the wife of H. L. Peterson, a merchant of Altona; Hilda, at home; Arthur, who is following farming in Canada; and Harry, who has charge of the old home farm. v '

After his school days were over, Frank H. Olson engaged in clerking in Oneida, Illinois, for J. N. Conger, spending two years in that way. He afterward entered the Burlington Business College, where he studied for a term and then went to Chicago, where he was employed by Marshall Field & Company. He afterward returned to Oneida, where he embarked in business on his own account, becoming a partner with Metcalf Brothers in the ownership and conduct of a grocery store. After three years he sold out and removed to Altona, where he joined C. J. McMaster in the conduct of a grocery and hardware business. Three years later he became connected with C. E. Cowles in a business that was carried on for two years and later he formed a partnership with G. A. Johnson, which association was maintained for three years. Mr. Olson then purchased his partner's interest in the business and is now conducting a hardware and grocery store, carrying a well selected line of goods in each department and meeting with success in their sale. His business is well managed and his familiarity with the trade enables him to buy judiciously and sell at a fair profit, thus gaining the success which is the legitimate reward of all honorable endeavor. /' '^ '~: - V

Mr. Olson was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Bristol, a daughter of Frank Bristol, who was a carriage manufacturer of Oneida but is now deceased, as is his wife, Mrs. Emma Bristol. They were early residents of Oneida and were widely and favorably known there. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Olson has been bom a son, Frank Bristol, now fourteen years of age. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they are actively and helpfully interested, Mr. Olson serving as one of the church trustees. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of America as a member of Camp No. 3737. His political support is given to the republican party and he held the office of town clerk until appointed postmaster of Altona on the i6th of March, 1908. He is still filling that position and in office has made as creditable a record as he has in business. He is justly accounted one of the representative and public-spirited citizens of Altona, accomplishing what he undertakes whether for his own benefit or for the progress and welfare of the community at large, -.. ; . :... . . . .

John H. Shear, who is residing on his farm in Walnut Grove township, Vas born on the 22d of April, 1847, in Otsego county. New York, and is a son of Henry D. Shear, whose father was the first of the family to come to America from Holland. The father was born in New York state, April lo. 1813, and after he finished his early schooling learned the carpenter's trade. Subsequently he came with his brother to Illinois, locating in 1857, near Galesburg, Knox county, Illinois. After farming for ten years near Galesburg he purchased the farm upon which William McMaster is now residing. His death occurred upon this place, September 22, 1901. On the 3Oth of November, 1834, he was married to Eliza A. Multer, of Summit, New York. She was born April 6, 1813, and her death occurred on the loth of September, 1895. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are now living: Joseph, of Buxton, North Dakota ; Moses Aaron, of Clay county, Nebraska ; Julia, the wife of George McMasters, of Walnut Grove township ; and John H., who is the subject of this sketch. Two sons, Cyrus M. and George A., died during the Civil war while enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment of Illinois Infantry.

John H. Shear began his active career at the early age of twelve years, when he began assisting his father on the home farm. He remained there until his marriage, when he removed to the farm upon which he is now residing and engaged in general farming and stock-raising. For a few years following 1876, he also conducted a mercantile business in Altona, Illinois, but soon gave this up to devote his whole attention to agricultural pursuits.

.;-;- On the 5th of August, 1891, Mr. Shear was married to Miss Maud White, whose birth occurred June i6, 1871, in Belmont county, Ohio. She was a daughter of Philander and Hannah Jane (Roby) White, the former having passed away on the i6th of March, 1900, and the latter living in Altona. The parents came to Knox county in 1890 and settled near Altona, where Mr. White was engaged in farming until his retirement a short time previous to his death. Mrs. Shear's grandfather, Thomas White, was one of the early settlers of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. White six children were born, four of whom survive : Edwin, of Newton, Kansas ; Alice, who is the wife of O. McGrew, of Altona ; Sally, who is the widow of F. Lester and is residing with her mother ; and Mrs. Shear. Mr. and Mrs. Shear are the parents of three children : Walter W., whose birth occurred July 31, 1892; John Wesley, who was born on December i, 1896; and Bertha, whose birth occurred April i. igoo.

In politics Mr. Shear gives his allegiance to the republican party and has been elected to office by that party. In religious faith he is a member of the Methodist church of Altona and is at present serving as one of its trustees. His success in life has been due entirely to his own efforts and to diligent and persistent labor. He ha^ displayed many of the praiseworthy traits which he has inherited from his stalwart Dutch ancestry and stands as one of the substantial and valued citizens of his community.

August Peterson, who has been engaged in agricultural pursuits in Knox county and is at present conducting a livery stable, was born in Altona, on the 2ist of July, 1887, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Victor Dahlgreen. The father's death occurred in 1905 and the mother passed away when her son was but four years of age. - '

From that time August Peterson was reared in the home of N. A. and Christina (Lundgren) Peterson, of Galva. August Peterson remained there until farm upon which \\'illiam McMaster is now residing. His death occurred upon this place. September 22, I'joi. On the 3Oth of November, 1834. he was married to Ehza A. Muher, of Summit. New York. She was born April 6. 1813. and her death occurred on the loth of September, 1895. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are now living: Joseph, of Buxton, North Dakota: Moses Aaron, of Clay county, Nebraska: Julia, the wife of George McMasters, of \\'alnut drove township: and John H., who is the subject of this sketch. Two sons. Cyrus M. and George A., died during the Civil war while enlisted in Com])any F. One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment of Illinois Infantry.

John II. Shear began his active career at the early age of twelve years, when he began assisting liis father on the home farm. He remained there until his marriage, when he removed to the farm u])on which he is now residing and engaged in general farming and stock-raising. For a few years following 1876, he also conducted a mercantile business in Altona. Illinois, but soon gave this up to devote his whole attention to agricultural pursuits.

On the 5th of August. i8<ji. Mr. Shear was married to Miss Maud White, whose birth occurred June i6. 1871, in P.elmont county. Ohio. She was a daughter of Philander and Hannah Jane (Roby) White, the former having passed away on the \(ii\\ of March, igoo. and the latter living in Altona. The parents came to Knox county in i8go and settled near Altona, where Mr. \\'hite was engaged in farming until his retirement a short time previous to his death. Mrs. Shear's grandfather. Thomas \\'hite. was one of the early settlers of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. \\'hite six children were born, four of whom survive: Edwin, of Newton. Kansas: Alice, who is the wife of O. Mc(jrew, of Altona: Sally, who is the widow of F. Lester and is residing with her mother : and Mrs. Shear. Mr. and Mrs. Shear are the jjarents of three children : \\'alter \\'.. whose birth occurred July 31. 1892: John \\'osley. who was born on December i. 1896; and Bertha, whose birth occurred Ai)ril i, i<x>o.

In politics Mr. Shear gives his allegiance to the republican ])arty and has been elected to office by that party. In religious faith he is a member of the Methodist church of Altona and is at present serving as one of its trustees. His success in life has been ilue entirely to his own efforts and to diligent and persistent labor. He has displayed many of the praiseworthy traits which he has inherited from his stalwart Dutch ancpstry and stands as one of the substantial and valued citizens of his communitv.

August Peterson, who has been engaged in agricultural jnirsuits in Knox county and is at present conducting a livery stable, was born in Altona, on the 2ist of July, 1887. his ])arents being Mr. and Mrs. \'ictor Dahlgreen. The father's death occurred in 1905 and the mother jjassed away when her son was but four years of age.

From that time Atigiist Peterson was reared in the home of N. A. and Christina (Lundgren) Peterson, of Galva. August Peterson remained there until he was eighteen years of age. In his youth he attended the common schools and also assisted his foster father in agricultural pursuits. Suhsequently he was employed by a railroad for two years and during that time, on the i8th of March, 1908, he met with an accident which incapacitated him for further manual labor of that sort. Having been trained to habits of thrift, he had by this time accumulated sufficient money that on the I2th of October, 1908, he was able to engage in the livery business at Altona. He conducts a modern establishment and his treatment of his patrons and his reasonable prices have secured him a good patronage.

In the family of August Peterson were two brothers, George and David, George was brought up by a Mrs. Smith, of Altona, but he died in 1905. David, the other brother, was reared by a Mrs. Krohnland, who lived in Altona. Later the family removed to Colorado and David accompanied them to that state. He has now established his permanent residence in Denver and is still living with ^ the Krohnland family.

Mr. Peterson is not particularly interested in politics, having given the greater part of his attention to his business undertakings. His religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Lutheran church of Altona. He is well known in business and social circles and has many warm friends, whose high regard has been gained by reason of his sterling worth.

. : Charles Wesley Main, who is a resident agriculturist of Altona, Knox county, was bom on the 2ist of March, 1856, his parents being Elias and Mary Ann (Huntington) Main. The father, who was born in Otsego county. New York, was a son of Peter Main, and came to Illinois for the first time in 1847, locating at Belvidere, where he engaged in farming for two years before returning to New York state. His trip westward, which was made in company with a brother, was taken over the Great Lakes route to Fort Dearborn, Chicago. When they arrived in Chicago they were offered fifteen acres of land where Lake street now is, for fifteen dollars per acre. This instance shows how remarkable the growth of Chicago has been, and how little investors realized its future greatness. The return trip eastward was also made on ship board, and one of its interesting incidents was the race which took place between two vessels during a heavy storm. So great was the interest in the contest that even a wagon belonging to Mr. Main was used for firewood in order to keep up the necessary amount of steam. His brother, a sailor, attended to the sounding of the depths of the water. After a short visit to the east the father returned west, to Altona, and at that time built the home in which he is now residing, having procured the lumber in Rock Island. The trip from Belvidere to Victoria was made in wagons at the time the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway was being graded. In his early days he had learned the wagon-maker's trade, and throughout the greater part of his life he was engaged in various kinds of wood construction work. In addition to building wagons he also made caskets. As he was the only manufacturer of these in his district he received a large patronage and usually charged fifteen dollars apiece for them. He was married to Mary Ann Huntington, whose birth occurred July 7, 1817, in Otsego county, New York. Her death occurred on the nth of July, 1887, in the old homestead, and Mr. Main passed away in 1901 at the age of eighty-six years. He held membership in the Methodist church, being one of the original members and founders of this church at Altona. Throughout its existence he was one of its most generous and enthusiastic supporters. So great was his interest in its welfare and progress that, at the time of his death, he left a provision in his will which stated that the Methodist church of Altona was to receive an annual contribution of one hundred dollars to be used toward the pastor's salary, this provision to be operative for ten years. His charitable spirit was also shown by the fact that he also provided for a three hundred dollar annual donation to Abingdon College. To Mr. and Mrs. Main the following children were born : David E. and Dewitt C., both deceased ; Delos S., who is living in Lebanon, Illinois ; Mary J., deceased ; Ella, a widow, who was the wife of William Stockdale, a pharmacist of Altona, Illinois; Emma L., who is married to R. Henderson, a resident of Houston, Texas ; Joseph T., who is living in Galesburg; and Charles W. Main, who is residing in Altona and is the subject of this sketch.

Charles Wesley Main has lived an active and useful life, and has done his share in developing the agricultural interest of Knox county, a county which depends so greatly upon its soil for its resources. His spirit of citizenship has been such that he has won the regard and respect of his fellow citizens.

Samuel V. Stuckey, cashier of the Farmers & Mechanics Bank, to which position he was called in December, 1908, was born in Altona, this county, September 6, 1865. His father, John A. Stuckey, was a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, born in April, 1832, and in his youthful days he came to Illinois, settling in Knoxville, where he engaged in farming. A few years later he became connected with the hardware business in Altona and was prominently associated with its commercial interests for an extended period, occupying an enviable position as a reliable merchant and progressive business man. He is also prominent in local political circles and, in 1880, was elected sheriff of Knox county, to which position he was reelected, serving in all for six years. He afterward went west to California and is now engaged in business in Rosemond, Kern county. His fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In his political views he is a republican and in addition to the office of sheriff he filled a number of township positions, discharging his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. In early manhood he wedded Margaret Norris, who was born near Baltimore, Maryland, about 1835. She died in 1899 in the faith of the Congregational church of which she had long been a faithful member. In their family were four children : George N., now a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Samuel V.; Nellie, the wife of William T. Walsh, of Los Angeles, California ; and John H., who is living in the same city.

Samuel V. Stuckey pursued his education in the schools of Altona and Gales-' burg, supplementing his early school course by study in Brown's Business College. In 1883 he was appointed deputy sheriff under his father, being at that time a youth of eighteen years, and continued in the office until the Qth of February, 1890. On that day he became clerk of the circuit court, which position he filled until December, 1908. In the previous February he had entered financial circles, having accepted the position of cashier of the Fanners & Mechanics Bank, with which he is still connected. He had previously been a director of the bank for ten years and was then called to the office of cashier, which position he has since capably filled, proving a popular bank official, always courteous in his treatment of the bank's patrons and at the same time careful in protecting the interests of the institution which he represents.

.V On the 22d of September, 1887, Mr. Stuckey was united in marriage to Miss Martha M. Clay, a daughter of Alonzo C. and Lovina M. (Derby) Qay, of Galesburg, both of whom were natives of Andover, Vermont, and in 1836 the father came to Knox county with his father, John T. Clay. He became a farmer and in 1849, during the gold excitement, was one of the originators of the party that left Galesburg, in January, 1849, overland by ox wagon, for the gold fields of California, crossing the great American desert, but in a few years returned, devoting many years to general agricultural pursuits. His wife came to Knox county in January, 1850, and died in February, 1890. Mr. Clay gave his political allegiance to the democratic party, filled a number of township offices and was also county supervisor, serving as chairman of its building committee at the time of the erection of the county jail. He was a Universalist and both he and his wife displayed many sterling traits of character. His death occurred December 27, 1898. Their daughter, Mrs. Stuckey, was born in Galesburg, June 9, 1863. The other member of the family was diaries C. Clay, who died May 5, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Stuckey are well known in Galesburg where they have an extensive acquaintance. He has made a creditable record in office and in financial circles and his ability constitutes one of the factors in the capable management and successful control of the Farmers & Mechanics Bank. - .

- Leo Preston Baird, general manager and principal stockholder of the Abingdon Light & Power . Company, who is also successfully conducting a thriving insurance agency, is one of the most enterprising and progressive young business men of the town. He is a native of Knox county, his birth having occurred in Elba township on the isth of July, 1885, and a son of B. P. and Josie (Gray) Baird, who are mentioned at greater length elsewhere in this work. The father, who is one of the prominent and influential residents of Abingdon, is a native of Qinton county, Pennsylvania, while the mother was born and reared in Knox county. Five children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Baird, our subject being the second in order of birth. The others are as follows: William Lemuel, who was educated in Hedding College, now engaged in agricultural pursuits in this county ; Lois Irena, a graduate of Hedding College, who for the past three years has been teaching in the high school at Winfield, Iowa ; Eva Lena, also a graduate of Hedding College, now principal in the schools at Whitehall, Michigan; and Forest Gray, who is a senior at Hedding. Mr. Baird had one son by a previous marriage, Newton Homer, who was educated at Knox College and is now conducting a cattle ranch in the vicinity of Denver, Colorado, where he owns twentyfour hundred acres of land.

Reared amid the refining influences of a cultured home, Leo Preston Baird was given the social and educational advantages that prove most helpful, if they are not essential, in the successful pursuit of any vocation. He received his introduction to the elements of English learning in the district school in the vicinity of his boyhood home, continuing to pursue his studies through the public schools of Abingdon until his graduation from the high school with the class of 1902. In the following autumn he matriculated at Hedding College, where he studied for two and a half years, then entered the Illinois State University at Urbana, being awarded the degree of B. A. with the class of 1907. After the completion of his collegiate course he turned his attention to teaching, his first position being that of assistant principal in the schools of Atwood, Illinois. He remained there only one year, then took the principalship of the schools at Princeville, which he resigned at the end of two years. In the Autumn of 1910 he announced his candidacy for the office of superintendent of schools in Peoria county, receiving the nomination on the republican ticket. Although Mr. Baird was only twentyfive years of age, and was not very widely known in the county, during the brief period of his connection with the profession he had manifested those qualities that made him recognized as one well qualified for the office. His opponent on the democratic ticket was a man much his senior, who was not only widely known in the county but had the additional advantage of being connected with several influential families. Nevertheless, although he was the youngest candidate who ever sought the office, Mr. Baird carried Peoria by five hundred majority, and lost the election by only ninety-one votes, which were cast in precincts in the outlying country where he was not known. Despite the fact that he lost the office it was such a close contest in face of his opposition that Mr. Baird's friends looked upon it almost as a victory, having felt from the first that his chances of winning were very small. His opponent later told him that had he been better known he would have carried the vote by a large majority. Following this episode Mr. Baird returned to Abingdon and purchased a third interest in the Abingdon Light & Power Company, of which he has ever since been general manager. Feeling that he wanted to further extend his activities he later bought the insurance business of Strawther Givens and is conducting this in connection with his other duties. A young man of high principles and engaging personality, Mr. Baird has the happy faculty of successfully carrying through anything he undertakes, his affability and enthusiasm no less than his integrity and keen sense of honor winning him recognition among all classes. He has not only succeeded in retaining the many patrons of Mr. Givens, but has increased his business until his clientage is second to that of no other agency in the city. He is one of the more recent acquisitions to the business circles of Abingdon, where he is making marked progress, and although his father's influence has unquestionably been of assistance to him he possesses the faculties that would attain success despite obstacles and defeats. . . .

On the 3ist of July, 1907, Mr. Baird was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Perle Edwards, a daughter of W. F. Edwards of Galesburg, and to them has been born one child, Richard Bruce, whose natal day was the igth of June, 1908.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Baird attend the Methodist Episcopal church, toward the support of which organization he is a liberal contributor, and fraternally he is affiliated with Princeville Lodge, No. 360, A. F. & A. M. He also belongs to the Gamma Zeta Chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, which he joined while at the university. Mr. Baird has a large circle of friends, who are watching with interest the progress of his career, feeling assured of his success.

Grant Gibbs, whose death occurred April 21, 1911. in the Augustana Hospital, Chicago, was for many years a resident agriculturist of Sparta township. His birth occurred in Knox township, on the 27th of February, 1867, his parents being Nelson and Sarah (Henshaw) Gibbs, formerly residents of Athens county, Ohio. Subsequently they removed to Adams county and later to Knox county, where they purchased a farm, upon which they resided for a short time. After disposing of this they located in Knox township and engaged in agricultural pursuits until their deaths, which occurred in Knoxville. The paternal grandfather, Simeon Gibbs. also settled in Knox township, where he spent the greater part of his active life in agricultural pursuits.

Grant Gibbs was married to Nettie Amanda Lane, who is a daughter of Inman Herbert Lane and was born on the 27th of November, 1867, in Linn county, Kansas. Her paternal grandfather, Lorenzo Lane, of Ohio, was married to Julia Ann Wise, of New York, and they were among the early settlers of Persifer township. The father was born in Persifer township and spent his early Iffe on the farm previous to enlisting for service in the Civil war. After four years' service he returned home and left for Linn county, Kansas, immediately after his marriage, where he farmed for five years previous to removing to Rice county and engaging in stock-raising for five years. Subsequently he went to Linn county and then to Edwards county, where he conducted a grocery and meat market. After a short residence in Hutchinson, Kansas, he removed to California and entered upon agricultural pursuits, giving the greater part of his attention to stock-raising. His death occurred in February, 1910, and was due to the effects of injuries received in a train wreck. He was married to Miss Lamonia Celissa Eldridge, a daughter of Gardner and Parmelia (Meecham) Eldridge, the latter of Scotch-Irish descent. The Eldridge family were among the early settlers of Copley township, Gardner Eldridge being its first representative, residing there until his death. Mrs. Eldridge died on the 21 st of April, 1876, at the age of thirty-three years. Mr. Lane was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also the Grangers lodge in Rice county, Kansas. To Mr. and Mrs. Lane five children were born, Mrs. Gibbs being the only one surviving. At the age of eight years, after her mother's death, she removed to the home of her grandfather, Lorenzo Lane, until she went to live with her father in Kansas, when she was fourteen years of age. She resided there for four years previous to returning to Illinois, where she was married in 1888 to Grant Gibbs. To this union five children were born, the only surviving one being Charles William, of Wataga, whose birth occurred August 21, 1893. Mr. Gibbs was an active and enthusiastic republican and held many offices in this district, being constable and village police of Wataga for four years previous to his death. He also held membership in the Congregational church of Wataga, the Modern Woodmen of America of Wataga, the Royal Neighbors of Wataga and the Yeomen of Galesburg. Mrs. Gibbs holds membership in the Royal Neighbors of Wataga, the Yeomen of Galesburg and the Ladies Aid Society of the Congregational church of Wataga. Mr. Gibbs' career was a commendable one and was one of the many evidences of what patience and perseverance can do in overcoming difficulties, surmounting discouragements and achieving success. He was an upright man, interested not only in the agricultural but also in the social standing of his community, and he acquired the confidence and respect of his neighbors both 'as a substantial farmer and a useful citizen.

Edward W. Goldsmith, a well known agriculturist of Sparta township, was born on the place, where he now resides, on the 2Oth of October, 1867. He is a son of Edward H. and Ann Maria (Whiteford) Goldsmith, both natives of the state of New York. The father was born in Orange county on December 22, 1834, but at the age of twenty years he came to Illinois with his father, who located in Knox county. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Schuyler H. and Katherine (Howell) Goldsmith; the former passed away in Knox county and the latter in New York, where she was also buried. In later years her son brought the body to Knox county and placed it in the family lot in the Robbins cemetery. Schuyler H. Goldsmith subsequently married Mary Carley, and to them were bom two children: Helen, the wife of A. McGill, of Kansas; and Schuyler, who is a resident of Corning, Kansas. Schuyler H. Goldsmith, Sr., came to Illinois with his .family in 1854, locating in Sparta township, where he followed farming until his death in i86i. Having been given the advantages of a very good education, after leaving school Edward H. Goldsmith taught during the winter months in the various districts in this vicinity until 1877, devoting his summers to agricultural pursuits. During the early years of his domestic life he settled on the farm, now operated and owned by his son, and here he passed away on July 7, 1900, at the age of nearly sixty-six years. The mother of our subject was born at Lodi, Seneca county. New York, on the i2th of June, 1834, a daughter of William and Margaret (Williams) Whiteford. The father, who was a farmer, passed away when he was fifty and when his daughter Ann Maria was a child of but four years. She was reared by B. C. Osbom, a merchant of Burdett, New York, and his wife, Malinda (Winter) Osborn, a native of New Jersey, continuing to make her home with them until her marriage. Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Whiteford two are now living: Mary E., the widow of Lynn E. Harris, of Nevada; and James, who is a resident of Elmira, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Edward H. Goldsmith were to returning to Illinois, ulic're she was married in 1888 to Grant Gibbs. To this union five children were bom. the only surviving one being Charles \\'illiam, of \Vataga, whose Ijirth occurred August 21, 1893. Mr. Gibbs was an active and enthusiastic republican and held many offices in this district, being constable and village police of \\'ataga for four years previous to his death. He also held niembershi]) in the Congregational church of Wataga, the Modern \\'oodmen of America of \\'ataga. the Royal Neighbors of \\'ataga and the Yeomen of Galesl)urg. Mrs. Gibbs holds membershij) in the Royal Neighbors of Wataga. the Yeomen of Gidesburg and the Ladies Aid Society of the Congregational church of Wataga. Mr. Gibbs' career was a commendable one and was one of the many evidences of what i)atience and perseverance can do in overcoming difficulties, surmounting discouragements and achieving success. He was an ujiright man, interested not only in the agricultural but also in the social standing of his community, and he ac(|uired the confidence and respect of his neighbors both as a substantial farmer and a useful citizen.

Edward W. Goldsmith, a well known agriculturist of Sparta township, was born on the j)lace. wliere he now resides, on the 2Oth of October. 1867. Me is a son of Edward H. and Ann Maria (Whiteford) Goldsmith, both natives of the state of New York. The fatlier was born in Orange county on Decemljer 22, 1834, but at the age of twenty years he came to Illinois with his father, who located in Knox county. The ])aternal grandparents of our subject were Schuyler H. and Katherine (Houell) Goldsmith; the former passed away in Knox county and the latter in New York, where she was also l)uried. In later years her son brought the body to Knox county and i)laced it in the family lot in the Robbins cemetery. Schuyler H. Goldsmith subse(|uently married Mary Carley, and to them were born two children: Helen, the wife of A. McGill. of Kansas; and Schuyler. who is a resident of Corning. Kansas. Schuyler 1 1. ( ioldsmith, Sr., came to Illinois with his family in 1854. locating in Sparta township, where he followed farming until his death in i8f)i. Having been given the advantages of a very good education, after leaving school l-'dward II. Goldsmith taught during the winter months in the various districts in this vicinity until 1877. devoting his summers to agricultural i)ursuits. During the early years of his domestic life he settleil on tlie farm, now ojjerated and owned by his son, and here he passed away fm July 7, \f)OO, at the age of nearly sixty-six years. The mother of our subject was born at Lodi, Seneca county. New ^'()rk, on the I2th of June. 1834, a daughter of \\'illiam and Margaret (U'illiams) \\'hiteford. The father, who was a fanner, passed away when he was fifty and wlien his daughter .\nn Maria was a cliihl of but four years. She was reared by 15. C. Osborn. a merchant of I'.urdett. New "S'ork. and his wife, Malinda ( \\'inter) Osl)orn. a native of Now Jersey, continuing to make her home with them until her marriage. Oi the six children born to 'Mr. and Mrs. \\'hiteford two are now living: Mary E., the widow of Lynn E. Harris, of Nevada: and James, who is a resident of Elmira. New York. Mr. and Mrs. Edward H. Goldsmith were married in New York, in March, 1859, but later settled on the farm now owned and operated by their son, Edward W. They were the parents of two daughters and one son, but the former are both now deceased. In matters of faith they were Congregationalists and for twenty-four years Mr. Goldsmith was secretary of the church at Watag^. In politics he was a republican, but he never held office. The later years of his life were entirely devoted to agricultural pursuits, in which he met with a goodly degree of success.

Reared on the farm, where he is now living in the acquirement of his early education, Edward W. Goldsmith attended the schools of the vicinity. After mastering the common branches he enrolled in the academy of Knox College at Galesburg, where he. studied for three years. Upon laying aside his textbooks he returned to the farm, assisting his father in its further improvement and cultivation until he attained his majority, when he was taken into partnership, receiving a share of the yearly dividends. This arrangement continued until the death of Edward H. Goldsmith when the son came into the property, being his father's sole heir. Enterprising and progressive in whatever he undertakes, Mr. Goldsmith has met with more than average success in his farming and stock-raising, and now owns one of the attractive and well equipped farms of the community. ' -".- :^ ".- /^:.'':^^': . ^^:

For his life companion Mr. Goldsmith chose Miss Minnie L. French, who was born in Sparta township, on the iith of January, 1868, and is a daughter of Hugh and Louisa (Schroeder) French. Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmith have three children; Frank F., who is now seventeen years of age, attending Galesburg high school ; Anna I^., who is fifteen and a student of the Galesburg high school ; and George S., aged twelve years.

His political support Mr. Goldsmith accords to the republican party, and for twenty-two years he has served as school director, having taken an active interest in all matters of an' educational nature. He is one of the public-spirited citizens and capable business men of Sparta township, where he represents the third generation of his family, whose various members have always been held in high esteem.

A well known agriculturist of Sparta township, who has passed practically his entire life in the vicinity of his present farm is Jesse Wilmot. Brought here as an infant during the early pioneer days he has watched with interest the development of the country, as the vast forests and prairies have been converted into productive farms, and thriving towns and villages have sprung up where the Indian's tepee used to stand.

He is a native of New York, his birth having occurred in Steuben county, on the I7th of February, 1836, and a son of Amos and Betsey (Crawford) Wilmot. His father was born in Connecticut in 1803, and there he was reared and educated. In his early manhood Amos Wilmot went to New York, locating in Brown county, where he followed the shoemaker's trade until his marriage. Soon after this event he located on a farm in Steuben county, and assiduously applied himself to its further improvement and cultivation for seven years. At the expiration of that period, in 1836, together with his wife and family he came to Illinois, locating in Sparta township, which at that time contained scarcely an inhabitant. Here he erected a log cabin and he and his family assumed the hardships and privations of pioneering. About them were vast forests and great expanses of unbroken prairie, the woods abounded with game of all kind and now and then an Indian was seen prowling about. Their nearest neighbors were located a mile away and Peoria was the most convenient trading post, while theirs was the first log house erected in the township and they were likewise its first citizens. But both Mr. and Mrs. Wilmot were young and full of courage, and cheerfully bore the many privations and discomforts that devolved upon them, passing the remainder of their lives on the farm, where they reared their family. The mother, who was a native of the state of New York, had attained the age of seventy years at the time of her death in 1878. Their family was as follows : Sidney L., the eldest, who is mentioned at greater length elsewhere in this volume ; Sarah, the wife of Thomas Manfield, both now deceased, who celebrated their golden wedding on the I7th of February, 1902; Hannah, the wife of Elmer Bennett, both of whom are now deceased; Jesse, our subject ; Emma, the deceased wife of Edward Taylor ; Bradley, who is living in Carroll county, Missouri ; Rebecca, who married J. R. Shull of Carroll county, Missouri ; and Lydia, the wife of J. Rogers, of Lincoln, Nebraska. The father was a member of the Congregational church of Ontario, and his political allegiance he gave to the whigs until that party was merged into the republican, after which he gave his support to their candidates. He was a public-spirited man with high standards of the duties of citizenship and always took an active interest in all township affairs.

Jesse Wilmot was only an infant when brought to Sparta township by his parents on their removal to this county, and the greater part of his life has been passed in the immediate vicinity of his present home. Educationally he was afforded only the meager advantages of the district schools of that period, and at the age of ten years assumed his share of the duties connected with the operation of the farm. He remained at home with his people until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began working for himself. Having been reared in the country, remote from a town or settlement of any kind, he had been given little choice in selecting a vocation, so naturally he continued to follow agricultural pursuits, which was the only career with which he had a chance to become acquainted. He first settled on a place west of Wataga, but two years later he came to his present place and here he has ever since resided. Farming fifty years ago involved much more drudgery and hard, wearing labor than today, when machinery at a comparatively small outlay will do in a few hours the work that formerly consumed days to accomplish, and it is that period which Mr. Wilmot recollects so vividly. In 1864, with his wife and family he started across the country in an emigrant wagon to the eastern border of Kansas, but as the Indians were giving considerable trouble upon their arrival in Worth county, Missouri, they changed their course, going to Council Bluffs, Iowa. From there they went to Webster City, that state, but after two years residence there returned to Knox county.

- . 1842. She is a daughter of Russell and Margaret Jane (Teller) Firkins, natives : of the state of New York, the father's birth having occurred in i8io. and that .- of the mother in i8i6. They came to Illinois in 1837 and were among the first / settlers of Henderson. From there they later removed to Sparta township, but

- Firkins, who are, with the exception of two sons and four daughters, deceased. :' In the paternal line Mrs. Wilmot is of English extraction, her grandfather, soldiers, who found him concealed in a barrel on the vessel, but he managed to V make his escape and came to America, where he enlisted in the army. He passed ' away in 1858, at the venerable age of ninety-three years, and his wife, whose

Wilmot numbers nine, as follows : Elizabeth, who first married George Wil- ' . Hams, by whom she had one daughter, Minnie, and after his death became the

North Dakota ; Winfield, of Sparta township, who married Fay Bloomfield and ; has three children; Harry, also of Sparta township, who married Delia Swadley - and has one son, George; Laura, the wife of Edward Fi-ampton, of Rio town- ,. ship, by whom she has had two children; and Olive E., the deceased wife of

Wilmot. They also have three great-grandchildren, Laura and Carl Peterson, .,^^ the daughter and son of Minnie Williams, who married Emil Peterson, and

- Virgil Miller. On the 6th of September, 1909, Mr. and Mrs. Wilmot celebrated :. their golden wedding, at which occasion there were present ninety-two members held an office, having preferred to give his attention to the development of his V. personal interests. He is one of the well known representatives of a highly

-: Thomas McClure, who is a well known agriculturist of Lynn township, Knox county, was born on the 25th of July, 1852, at Stranraer, Scotland. He is a son of Andrew and Jane (Carnahan) McClure. the former of whom passed away in Scotland. Subsequently the mother came to America in 1867 with her three children, Thomas, Robert and John, and settled in Walnut Grove town- ship, this county, where she entered upon agricultural pursuits. Later she married Simeon Collinson, who died in 1895, at the age of eighty years. To their union one child was born, Ernest Collinson, who is in the insurance business in Galva.

Thomas McClure attended the district schools for a short time and subsequently was bound out to Henry G. Collinson, until he became of age, when he started out for'himself on his mother's farm, upon which he now resides. He has been engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his active career and has met with the success which the persevering, energetic farmer wins in this rich agricultural district. He possesses the salient characteristics of the Scotch race which form such a valuable asset to the enterprising citizen of this country. In addition to general farming he also engages in stock-raising to a considerable extent, and this undertaking has become as profitable as farming.

On the loth of March, 1880, Mr. McClure was married to Miss Louise Collinson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Collinson of this county. To their union eight children have been born : Henry Franklin, born October 3, 1880; Bell, whose birth occurred on the 25th of December, i88i, and who is the wife of Albert Oark, of Oklahoma; John, born February 21, 1884, who is a bank cashier at Oklahoma ; Andrew Thomas, born May 27, 1886, who is married to Myrtle Callahan, and is residing in Walnut Grove township ; Arthur Earl and Clara May, born February 12, 1891, and August 19, 1893, respectively; and Ernest and Mary Jane, born April 28, 1895, and March 31, 1898, both of whom are residing at home and attending school. .--,'-'' -;)-

Mr. McClure is a democrat, giving his support to the democracy because of his firm belief that its platforms are best suited for producing a practical and able government. He has held the office of highway commissioner for three years. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist church of Victoria, and he is one of its trustees. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America of Victoria and of the Fraternal Reserve Life Association of Galesburg, of which his wife is also a member. He has never regretted the fact that he left Scotland to make his career in a country which offers equal opportunities to all its citizens, and he has become a most loyal citizen to the country of his adoption.

John C. Nelson, who follows farming on section 32, Knox township, is one of the substantial citizens that Sweden has furnished to this country and in his life he exemplifies many of the sterling traits of his race. He was born in Sweden, October 29, 1841, and his parents. Carl and Hannah (Ingeman) Nelson, were natives of the same country. With their family, numbering five children, they came to America and made their way at once across the country to Knoxville, where Mr. and Mrs. Carl Nelson resided until called to the home beyond. The father was one of the cholera victims of 1854 and the mother, long surviving him, passed away in 1891. Their children were: Olie C. ; Swan, who died in Jefferson City, Indiana, in 1862 ; John C. ; Mrs. Sarah Peterson ; and

Carl, who died in infancy. The father was a carpenter by trade and built the first Swedish church in Knoxville but his active life was cut short not long after the arrival of the family in the new world.

John C. Nelson began his education in the schools of his native country and - afterward continued his studies in the public schools of Knox county. He has always followed farming and gardening and now devotes his attention largely to horticultural pursuits, conducting a berry and fruit farm and also raising . much garden produce. He plans not only to produce fruit of excellent size but ' also of superior flavor and the fine varieties which he raises insures for him a -' ready sale on the market. ... S-^;;;: v;.;.- ';,<.?..,,;

In March, 1872, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Inga Rumbeck, - who was born in Sweden, April 9, 1848, a daughter of Carl and Johanna Rumbeck, who came to America in 1869, while Mrs. Nelson arrived the following year. They settled in Knoxville, where the father later passed away but the mother - now lives with her son in Kewanee, Illinois. Their family numbered seven - ; children, of whom four are living: George, who makes his home in Elsmore, - Kansas ; Olaf , of Kewanee ; John, who is living in Amherst, Nebraska ; and y Mrs. Nelson. By her marriage Mrs. Nelson became the mother of eight chil- '; dren, of whom one died in infancy. The others are: Amanda, now the wife of Oscar Hoarven, of Galesburg, by whom she has two children, Arnold and : Edna ; Qara, who is the wife of Alden Carlson, of Knoxville, and has six - children. Hazel, Ralph and Harold, twins, Raymond, Sullivan and Dorothy; William H., who married Julia Carlson, of Knoxville, and has two children, Qifford and Roland; Minnie; Carl; Eben ; and Nellie, all yet at home. The parents are members of the Swedish Lutheran church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful part, Mr. Nelson now being trustee and treasurer of the church. He has occupied his present farm since 1854 and his residence '- was erected by his father. His land is valuable because of its high cultivation '^ and the improvements he has made upon it. It constitutes one of the fine and : - well developed farms of Knox township and the passing years bring him good harvests as the reward for the care and labor he bestows upon his fields. '.v .f

Robert E. Davidson is identified with the business interests of Henderson through his conduct of a general merchandising establishment, in which he is meeting with merited success. He is a native of Knox county, born in Henderson township, March i8, 1876, a son of G. W. and Serepta (Baer) Davidson, the former of Irish descent, born near Springfield, Illinois, and the mother also bom near that city. The father was for many years engaged in farming but he is now living retired in Henderson. More extended mention of him is made on -another page of this volume. ,.-...-.-;--..--,.- - .-r^.. ;

Robert E. Davidson acquired his education in the common schools and when he reached years of manhood engaged in farming, the occupation to which he had been reared. After a few years, however, he abandoned agricultural pursuits and opened a general merchandising establishment, which has claimed his time and attention to the present time. He carries a stock of goods of the best quality and this, combined with his moderate prices and courteous treatment of his patrons, has built up a good business and made this one of the best known enterprises in this section of the county. :

Mr. Davidson was married, September 29, 1898, to Miss Lola Dunbar, a daughter of G. W. and Eva (McElheny) Dunbar, old settlers of Knox county, the father being engaged in farming and he also operates a threshing machine in the summer seasons. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Davidson has been born one daughter, Doris.

Politically Mr. Davidson is independent. A public-spirited citizen, he has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill various positions of trust and responsibility, having served two terms as supervisor of the township, while he has also acted as township and village clerk of Henderson. Although yet a young man he has already achieved success in his chosen field of labor and undoubtedly the future holds in store for him still greater success.

Jeptha Beals Hathaway, who is one of the most progressive agriculturists of Lynn township, was born March 23, 1860, in Galva, Illinois, his parents being Arthur Fields and Jane (Mowatt) Hathaway, the former a native of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and the latter a native of Dundee, Scotland. The father's birth occurred on the 2ist of October, 1820, and he came west at the early age of fifteen years with the intention of living with his brother in Michigan. Upon his arrival there he engaged in various occupations until 1850. In that year he left St. Joseph, Missouri, on the 8th of May with several friends from Pennsylvania for the west, arriving at Weavertown, California, on the 8th of August, 1850. In 1852, however, he returned east, going by way of the isthmus of Panama to New York city. Subsequently he went to Michigan, where he engaged in the lumber business with the J. Beidler & Brother Lumber Company, with headquarters at Muskegon. It was while he was thus engaged in business that on the loth of May, 1855, he married Jane Mowatt and, on January 12, of the following year, left for Galva, Illinois. Here he engaged in the lumber business for eighteen years previous to removing with his family to Lynn township, Knox county, in 1874, where he farmed until 1883, when he returned to his late residence at Galva, where he si>ent the remainder of his life, his death occurring August 13, 1894. Mrs. Hathaway left her native country with her parents when she was but one year old and settled in Brockville, Canada. She was a daughter of John and Mary Mowatt and her death occurred at the age of sixty-five years, December 28, 1890. Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway three besides the subject of this sketch survive : Celinda, who is the wife of Amos Barlow ; Abbie ; and Jane. All are residents of Galva.

After laying aside his text-books Jeptha B. Hathaway worked for his father on the home farm until the latter's death and subsequently, with Amos Barlow, his brother-in-law, he continued the cultivation of the home place. After his marriage he removed to the old loghouse which still exists on the father's farm time and attention to the present time. He carries a stock of goods of the best (juality and this, combined with his moderate prices and courteous treatment of his patrons, has built up a good business and made this one of the best known enterjjrises in this section of the county. I . .

Mr. Davidson was married, September 29, 1898, to Miss Lola Dunbar, a daughter of G. \V. aud Eva (McElheny) Dunbar, old settlers of Knox county, the father being engaged in farming and he also operates a threshing machine in the summer seasons. I'nto Mr. and Mrs. Davidson has been born one daughter, Doris.

Politically Mr. Davidson is independent. A public-spirited citizen, he has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill various positions of trust and responsibility, having served two terms as supen'isor of the township, while he has also acted as township and village clerk of Henderson. Although yet a yoiuig man he has already achieved success in his chosen field of labor and undoubtedly the future holds in store for him still greater success.

Jeptha Pieals Hathaway, who is one of the most progressive agriculturists of Lynn township, was born March 23. 1860, in Galva. Illinois, his parents being Arthur Fields and Jane (Mowatt) Hathaway, the former a native of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and the latter a native of Dundee, Scotland. The father's birth occurred on the 2ist of October, 1820, and he came west at the early age of fifteen years with the intention of living with his brother in Michigan. Upon his arrival there he engaged in various occupations until 1850. In that year he left St. Joseph, Missouri, on the 8th of May with several friends from Pennsylvania for tlie west, arriving at Weavertown, California, on the 8th of August, 1850. In 1852, however, he returned cast, going by way of the isthmus of Panama to Xew York city. Subse(|uently he went to Michigan, where he engaged in the lumber business with the J. I'eidler & Brother Lumber Company, with headquarters at Muskegon. It was while he was thus engaged in business that on the lOth of May, 1855, he married Jane Mowatt and, on January 12, of the following year, left for Galva, Illinois. Here he engaged in the lumber l)usiness for eighteen years previous to removing with his family to Lynn township, Knox county, in 1874. where he farmed until 1883, when he returned to his late residence at Galva, where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring .August 13, 1894. Mrs. Hathaway left her native country with her parents when she was but one year oM and settled in Brockville, Canada. She was a daughter of John and Mary Mowatt and her death occurred at the age of sixty-five years, December 28, i8(/). Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway three besides the subject of this sketch survive: Celinda, who is the wife of Amos Barlow; Abbie : and Jane. All are residents of Galva.

After laying aside his text-books Jeptha B. Hathaway worked for his father on the home farm until the latter's death and subsequently, with Amos Barlow, his brother-in-law, he continued the cultivation of the home place. After his marriage he removed to the old loghouse which still exists on the father's farm and after nine years' residence there spent a year at Galva until the family estate was settled. At that time he came to his present farm, which is one of the most completely and modernly equipped and cultivated farms in this section. Among the many unusual improvements which he has added is his own electric power plant.

On the 2d of March, 1886, Mr. Hathaway was married to Miss Edith Jones, whose birth occurred June 15, 1862, and who died March 30, 1902. She was a daughter of Walter N. and Adeline (James) Jones, both natives of England. The father, who is now deceased, after arriving in this country spent his life in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were the parents of seven children : Charles, an agriculturist of Galva ; James, who is residing on his farm in Lynn township ; Lotta, the wife of C. Mason, of St. Joseph, Missouri; George N., an auctioneer and stock-raiser of Lynn township ; Hortense, who married F. Mason, of St. Joseph, Missouri ; William, also residing in St. Joseph ; and Edith, who was Mrs. Hathaway.

;. Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway were the parents of three children: Alta Adeline, whose birth occurred July i, 1894; Howard Raymond, who was born August 27, 1899; ^"d Walter Field, whose death occurred in infancy. Mr. Hathaway gives his political support to the republican party and, although he is thoroughly alive to the issues of the day and interested in all the measures and policies of his party, he has never desired office. He holds membership in the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Yeomen, all of Galva. He has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and has gained a satisfactory reward. His life is exemplary in all respects and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of highest commendation.

easy to consider the laying out of a farm, where the soil is rich, and of improving the land and reaping rich harvests, but those who faced the problem in the days, when lack of good roads and facilities for transportation were huge obstacles to contend with, will appreciate the tremendous efforts attending the success of the early fanner. Mr. Robertson, however, had an added obstacle to handicap him early in his struggle, one that might have disheartened many a young man. Beginning with nothing he worked his way up until at length he was able to acquire possession of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land. After making his last payment on this, he had to forfeit the same for no fault of his own except over-confidence in a friend who betrayed his trust. Several other experiences of a similar nature taxed his courage and patience, but in the end success came to him and today his income permits him to live not only comfortably but in affluence. He spends his winters in California and his summers in Abingdon. He is a member of the Christian church and in politics is a stanch republican. Because of unforeseen circumstances that made it difficult for him to leave home, he did not enlist during the Civil war but hired a substitute who served for him. His wife, formerly Miss Louisa Richie, of German and French parentage, was born in New York city. Coming west she was married in Warren county, where she resided up to her death. She died in 1879 and was buried at Meriden. Eleven children were born by this union : Elizabeth, wife of Clinton Scoby, of St. Frances, Kansas ; Emma F., the wife of Donald Lyman, of Abingdon ; C. W. Robertson ; Bailey, whose tragic death occurred in the Indian Territory, where his boat capsized while crossing the Spring river on a hunting and fishing trip and he was drowned ; Glen I., who was kicked by a horse and killed, when only five years old ; E. B., a ranchman in St. Frances, Kansas ; L. H., a stockman living in Abingdon ; Etta, the wife of G. B. Walker, of Warren county, Illinois ; Lena, wife of Frank Marks, of Abingdon, Illinois; Alta, wife of Howard Smith, of Long Beach, California; and one child who died in infancy.

C. W. Robertson received his education in the district schools of Warren county and remained at home until he was twenty-four years of age. He then engaged in farming in Warren county, first on Pretty Prairie, where he remained six years ; from there he went to Floyd township ; and lastly settled on a farm in Berwick township. In 1900, he came to Abingdon to reside and now lives here during the winter, spending part of his summers on the Berwick farm. This is a large tract of valuable farm land consisting of four hundred and ninety acres utilized for purposes of raising stock and grain. In the summer of 1910, Mr. Robertson was cited to appear, in Washington, D. C., before the senatorial committee, headed by Senator Lodge, which was investigating the high cost of living. His testimony was desired in regard to the comparative cost of producing beef and pork during the last ten years, and, beside himself, there was only one other cattle feeder from Illinois invited before the committee. The senators were greatly appreciative of Mr. Robertson's clear and concise answers and figures, pertaining to the subject under investigation and heartily complimented him thereon. -, - ' ' ^ - , - .- 'V- :-.' ' ----.'--/-. - ''^~' ^'^^-\-

In 1883, C. W. Robertson was united in marriage to Miss Addie Murphy, a native of Warren county. They are the parents of one son, born October 7, 1894, who is attending high school in Abingdon. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are members of the Christian church. Mr. Robertson is actively interested in politics

Mr. Collinson is married to Miss Mary A. Murray, whose birth occurred on the I4th of March, 1852, in Abingdon, Illinois. She is a daughter of George W. and Eliza (Thompson) Murray, the former of whom was killed in the battle of Stone River in 1862, while he was serving as a member of Company G, in the Eighty -ninth Illinois Regular Volunteer Infantry. The mother's death occurred in 1907 when she was seventy-two years of age. They were the parents of one child, Mrs. Collinson. To Mr. and Mrs. Collinson five children have been born : Nettie B., who is the wife of John Keck, of Oklahoma, and who is the mother of three children ; Mrs. Myrtle Riner, who is now the wife of John Goflf of Lynn township, and who has three children ; Isabell, who is married to George Goff, of Copley township and who has two children ; Nellie, who married Phil Weinrich, of Winfield, Kansas ; and Pearl, who is residing at home.

Mr. Collinson gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and he has been one of its active members and enthusiastic supporters since the rights of franchise were bestowed upon him. He held the office of assessor for two terms, being first elected in 1878, and he has served for three terms as justice of the peace of Lynn township. The prosperity which he now enjoys is due to his own untiring efforts and to his substantial industrious habits. He is known among his neighbors as a man who is ever willing to do not only that which will increase his own prosperity, but also that which will aid in the development and general welfare of the community.

P. E. Tennery, who is one of the capable agriculturists of Elba township, Knox county, owns and operates a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres located four and a half miles northeast of Yates City. His birth occurred on this place in 1869, his parents being N. H. and Samantha (Williams) Tennery. The father was one of the pioneer settlers having located in Knox county in 1852, and here he engaged in farming during the entire period of his active life. During the early years of his residence he operated a place a little below the homestead of our subject. Subsequently he located here and spent the remainder of his life on this place, his death occurring on the I5th of February, 1911, at the age of eighty-eight years. He met with gratifying success in his undertakings and made many and extensive improvements on his property, while he brought the land under high cultivation. Of the marriage of Mr. and ^Irs. N. H. Tennery there were born ten children, six of whom are living. ;

The education of P. E. Tennery was obtained in the common schools of Yates City, and while pursuing his studies he was also assisting with the work of the farm. After leaving school he gave his entire attention to the cultivation of the home farm, first under the supervision of his father, but later he assumed the management of the place, which he subsequently purchased. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of productive land that he devotes to general farming, and as he is practical and progressive in his methods he is meet-

Mr. Collinson is married to Miss Mary A. Murray, whose birth occurred on the I4th of March. 1852. in .\bingilon. Illinois. She is a daughter of George \V. and Eliza (Thompson) Murray, the former of whom was killed in the battle of Stone River in i8r)2. while he was serving as a member of Com])any G. in the Eighty-ninth Illinois Regular \'olunteer Infantry. The mother's death occurred in Kp/ when she was seventy-two years of age. They were the jiarents of one child. Mrs. Collinson. To Mr. and Mrs. Collinson live children have been born: Xettie 15. . who is the wife of John Keck, of Oklahoma, and who is the mother of three children; Mrs. Myrtle Riner. who is now the wife of John Ciotf of Lynn township, and wlio lias tlirce children; Isabell. wlio is married to George Goff. of C'ojjley township and who has two children; Xellie. who marriefl Phil \\'einrich. of \\'infield. Kansas; and Pearl, who is residing at home.

^Ir. C'ollinxm gives his ])olitical allegiance to the democratic party and he has been one of its active members and enthusiastic sujiporters since the rights of franchise were bestowed upon him. I le held tlie office of assessor for two terms, being first elected in 1X78. and he has .-erved for three terms as justice of the i)eace of Lynn township. The jirosperity which he now enjoys is due to his own untiring eft'orts and to his substantial industrious habits. He is known among his neighbors as a man \vh') is ever willing to do not only that which will increase his own prns])erity. but also that which will aid in the development and general welfare of the community.

P. E. Tennery. who is one of the c;i])able agriculturist-^ of Elba township, Knox county, owns and operates a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres located four and a half miles northeast of "S'ate-; City. His birth occurred on this place in 1869, his parents being X. H. and Samantha (U'illianis) Tennery. The father was one of the jiioneer settlers having located in Knox county in 1852. and here he engaged in farming during the entire period of his active life. During the early years of his residence he operated a place a little belo\v the homestead of our subject. Subse(|uently he located here and si)ent the remainder of his life on this place, his death occurring on the I3th of Eebruary. i<;ii. at the age of eighty-eight yc;irs. Me met with gratifying success in his undertakings an<l made many and extensi\-e ini])rovcments on his j)ro|ierty. while he brought the land luider high cultivation. Of the marriage of Mr. and ]\Irs. X. H. Tennery there were born ten children, six of whom are living.

The education of P. E. Tennery was obtained in the common schools of Yates City, and while i)ursuing his studies he was also as<i>ting with the work of the farm. .After leaving school he gave his entire attention to the cultivation of the home farm, first under the supervision of his father, but later he assumed the management of the place, which he sul)sec|uently purchased. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of productive land that he devotes to general farming, and as he is i)ractical and progressive in his methods he is meet- ing with good results. In connection with the cultivation of his fields he is breeding and raising stock, which undertakings result in remunerative returns.

For his wife and helpmate Mr. Tennery chose Miss Minnie Phares of Brimfield township, Peoria county, and they have become the parents of two children, George Edgar and Geneva May.

Fraternally Mr. Tennery is a member of the Woodmen and his wife attends the Methodist Episcopal church. In his political views he is a democrat, and is no.w discharging the duties of clerk of the school board. He has spent his entire life in the community where he is now residing and is held in the highest respect both as a business man and a citizen, as the principles governing him in both his public and private relations have ever been found to be above question.

Among the foreign-born residents of Knox county, Illinois, who during the dark days of the Civil war came loyally to the support of their adopted country is numbered Andrew Maholland, who throughout the period of his residence in the United States has ever manifested the same loyalty to her welfare in his citizenship. He is a native of Ireland, his birth occurring in Port Stewart, County Derry, and his parents were Andrew and Jane (Stewart) Maholland. At an early day the family emigrated to Glasgow, Scotland, and there four members of the family, the mother, two daughters and a son, passed away as the result of cholera. Shortly afterward the father with his three remaining sons crossed the Atlantic to America, landing at Quebec, Canada, where they resided for a year. At the expiration of that period they crossed the border into the United States and came direct to Knox county, Illinois, where Andrew Maholland, Sr., carried on fanning until his death. V ; /'

When yet a lad in years Andrew Maholland, of this review, took up farming on his own account and he was thus engaged until the outbreak of the Civil war, when, on the loth of August, i86i, he enlisted for service as a private in Company D, Seventh Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, with which he served until February 14, 1863, when he was honorably discharged and returned home. Not content to remain there, however, while the country still needed his services, he reenlisted in the same company in January, 1865. He continued with his command until, being wounded, he was taken to the hospital, and was finally mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee. He had served in many important engagements, including the battle of Corinth, and his was a most honorable and creditable military record.

After the close of his military service Mr. Maholland returned to Knox county, and with the exception of five years spent in Missouri has since continued to make this county the field of his business activity. His entire attention has been given to agricultural pursuits, and that substantial success has attended his efforts is indicated by the excellent condition of his home place which, under his wise direction and capable management, has been brought under a high state of cultivation. He has equipped his farm with modern con- veniences and accessories and the up-to-date and progressive methods which he employs is an indication of the fact that he keeps abreast of the advancement which is being made in this line of activity as well as along other lines of business endeavor.

, On the 7th of November, i88i, Mr. Maholland was united in marriage to Sarah Ogden, who was born in Ohio, a daughter of David and Rachel (Freeze) Ogden. The parents, who are both deceased, came to Illinois at an early day and here the father was engaged as a millwright throughout his remaining .days. The religious belief of Mr. Maholland is that of the Methodist church, while his fraternal relations are with Abingdon Post, No. 58, G. A. R. In politics he has ever been a republican, remaining a strong advocate of the party which was the support of the nation during the dark days of the Civil war. His life has been actuated by a public-spirited interest in his adopted country and its welfare, and in all matters pertaining to the upbuilding and development of the immediate community in which he resides, his influence is ever upon the side of progress and advancement. With him industry, diligence and perseverance have constituted the guiding posts of life, bringing him to the creditable position which he now occupies among the prosperous and substantial residents of Cedar township. . . : - = .

Mrs. Anna O. Brink Krans is the widow of George E. Krans, who was a farmer of Walnut Grove township, where he died January 13, 1908. The family has long been prominent in this part of the county and Mrs. Krans is well known here. She was born September 19, 1851, in Uggelbo, Sweden, and came to America when eighteen years of age, taking up her abode upon the farm on which she now resides. She was employed as a domestic in the neighborhood until her marriage and in 1869 she became the wife of George E. Krans, who was born in Uggelbo, Sweden, August 19, 1847, a son of Eric and Anna (Olson) Krans. It was in the year 1855 that his grandfather came with his wife and family to Illinois, settling first in Wataga. The members of the family followed farming all their lives, first at the little town then called Log City. They later came to Walnut Grove township in 1864, settling upon a tract of land which was then improved with a small log house. A short time later he replaced this by a frame residence, to which he afterward added and further improved. In time he converted his land into rich and productive fields and resided upon that place almost to the time of his death. He was born June 13, 1807, and died in 1897 at the venerable age of ninety years. On the 4th of March, of the same year, his wife passed away, being then eighty-five years of age. Both were members of the Lutheran church and they were honored and respected because of their sterling worth and also by reason of the fact that they were numbered among the pioneer settlers of the township, who contributed much to its development and improvement.

Their son, George E. Krans, shared with the family in the usual experiences, hardships and trials of pioneer life and aided in the arduous task of developing new land. He had had broad and practical experience as a farmer, when he was married and began fanning on his own account. He and his wife began housekeeping upon what is still known as the Krans homestead with the grandparents, who two years before their death removed to Altona, where they passed away, being laid to rest in Walnut Grove cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Krans worked earnestly, diligently and indefatigably to gain a start, and success eventually crowned their labors, making them owners, of one of the fine farms of the northern part of the county. As the years passed by, several children were added to the household. The first son, Victor, born March ii, 1871, is now manager of a creamery at Victoria, Illinois. He married Esther Carlson and they have two sons. Carl and Paul. Theodore Charles, born March 6, 1873, 'S a carpenter of Victoria. John Alf, born February 25, 1875, in Lynn township, married Emily Hallerstrum and they have three children, Harold, Donald and Franklin. Oscar Peter, born October 7, 1877, manages the home farm. He is well known in the community as an enterprising young business man, also as a faithful member of the Methodist church of Victoria and as a stalwart supporter of the republican party. David and Jonathan were twins, born April 23, i88i ; the former a resident of Wheaton, Minnesota, was married in 1911. Julius, born July ii, 1888, Lawrence Otto, born March 25, 1890, and Laura Ottilia, the twin sister of Lawrence, are all at home and the last named is managing the household for her mother. She is a member of the Epworth League. One child, Mandel R., born May 25, 1893, died on the 8th of August of the same year. George E. Krans gave his political allegiance to the republican party and held some of the township offices. He was very active as a worker for his party, for he believed firmly in its principles and earnestly sought its success. He served for three terms as a member of the school board and was a stalwart champion of the cause of education. The greater part of his life was passed in Illinois, for he was only eight years of age when brought to Knox county. For fifty-three years he lived to witness its growth and development and was always interested in what was accomplished and in as far as possible aided in the work of progress and improvement. He was always straightforward and honorable in his business dealings and his fellow townsmen learned to know that what he promised he would do. The Krans family has long been a leading one in the northern part of the county and their friends are many.

> Silas Potts, one of the very successful agriculturists of Indian Point township, was born in Fulton county, Illinois, on May lo, 1859. He is a son of Lewis and Emily (Bodwell) Potts, natives of Ohio, who were married in Illinois. When he first came to this state Mr. Potts located in the vicinity of London

> Mills, Fulton county, where he engaged in farming until his death in 1895. The " mother passed away in 1903. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Potts numbered eight children : Alexander and Caroline, both of whom are deceased ; Silas and Cyrus, twins, the former our subject, and the latter a resident of Abingdon, Illinois;

- Florence, the wife of Sidney Smith, of Fulton county, Illinois; Cora, who is unmarried and living at London Mills ; and two who died in infancy.

The early years in the life of Silas Potts were passed in the unvaried routine that characterizes the rural districts. His winters were largely devoted to pursuing his education in the common schools located in the vicinity of his home, while the summer months were occupied with such tasks as devolve upon the farmer lad, his duties and responsibilities increasing with the passing years.

- practical farming when he had attained his majority, he left the parental roof .; and began to make his own fortune. For nine years thereafter he followed the

- vocation of farming in his native county and then removed to Knox county. He first located near Abingdon, where for eleven years he farmed as a renter.

- has been greatly enhanced by the substantially constructed and well kept build- : ings erected upon it and is one of the most attractive farms in the township.

^:- Progressive in his methods, yet conservative in his ideas, Mr. Potts' efforts have always been so intelligently directed that he has succeeded in realizing substan-

; tial returns upon the expenditure of his energies. He is now recognized as one of the prosperous and capable agriculturists of the community, whose suc- . cess is the well merited reward of personal endeavor.

Mr. Potts' plans for a home of his own had their consummation in his marriage in 1888 to Miss Mary C. Childs, who is a native of Fulton county, this state. One son, Raymond, now twenty-two years of age has been bom of this union. After completing the common-school course, he entered Brown's Business College of Galesburg, from which institution he was subsequently gradu-

Both Mr. and Mrs. Potts hold membership in the Christian church, and fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, being affiliated with the St. Augustine Lodge, and the Royal Americans. His political rights Mr. Potts has always exercised in support of the men and measures of the democratic party, but he has never been an office seeker. During the twentytwo years of his residence in Knox county he has become quite well known and numbers among its citizens many loyal friends.

The superiority of business opportunities and advantages in America is fully realized by Edward Davison, who, on coming to the new world when a young man, worked earnestly and persistently and eventually gained a competency that now enables him to live in honorable retirement in a comfortable home in Henderson. Mr. Davison was born in Northumberland county, England, Septem-

- of the republican party. He has taken an active part in public affairs, having for more than thirty years served as township treasurer, a fact which is indicative of his honesty and trustworthiness. He also filled the office of supervisor for more than five years and served as highway commissioner for a decade, while at the present time he is serving as assessor for the town. Through his public and private life he has exerted an immeasurable influence in the community in which he has so long made his home and to know him is to respect and honor

Charles Abrahamson, foreman for the Chicago. Burlington & Quincy Railroad, residing at Altona. was born November 20. 1851. in Jonkoping Ian, Sweden. His grandfather. Swan Abrahamson, was a miller by trade and also served as custodian of the parish church and leader of the church choir. His father. Swan Abrahamson, Jr., was born in Sweden in 1805 ^"d there learned the miller's trade, but during the greater part of his life followed farming in Sweden and also acted as custodian of the Swedish Lutheran church. He married Tina Morganson, who was born in i8io and was a daughter of Swan Morganson. The death of Swan Abrahamson, Jr., occurred in 1874, while his wife survived him until 1879. In their family were eight children, of whom three are now living: Charles; John, who is a resident of Kewanee, Illinois; and Stena, the wife of John Johnson, of Iowa.

The educational opportunities of Charles Abrahamson were quite limited owing to the necessity of providing for his own support at an early age. He followed the miller's trade for four years, working in the employ of others, and in 1872, upon attaining his majority, came alone to the new world, making his way to Bureau county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming for three years. He then took up railroading, which he followed for seven years, and in 1882 he came to Altona. He has been in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad for thirty-six years and has been foreman for twenty-nine years. He is one of the oldest in the service of the company on the Illinois division and his faithfulness and capability are indicated in his long retention

Mr. Abrahamson was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Swanson, who was bom in the same part of Sweden as her husband, her natal day being May 4, 1847. She was a daughter of Swan Peterson and came to America a year after the arrival of Mr. Abrahamson, settling in Bureau county, Illinois, where they were married. Unto them have been born six children. August, who is now a train dispatcher at Aurora, Illinois, married Teckla Thumrod, of Sterling, Illinois, and has two children, Ruth and Malcolm. Helma is the wife of Alf Norene and has three children, Edna, Theodore and Harold. Oscar, an operator at Galesburg, lost his first wife, Mrs. Grace Abrahamson, who died leaving a son, Clarence, who has been reared by his grandfather, while the father married again, Frances Winrod, of Galesburg, becoming his wife. Herbert, who is an operator on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy at Galesburg, married Delia Hanson and has three children, Arthur, Delos and Erma. Albert, the youngest of the family, is now nineteen years of age. Emma died when but nine months of age.

The parents are members of the Swedish Lutheran church of Altona and are prominent representatives of the people of their nationality who have done so much for the upbuilding and improvement of the northern part of the county.

Equally capable of pursuing business enterprises and farming, Edwin P. Williamson has established for himself a reputation that is known throughout Knox county. Agriculturists know him for his success both in general farming and stock-raising. He was born March 13, 1870, on the old homestead, where he now resides and where the old home still stands. His father, William Williamson, was a native of Sweden, born October lo, 1833. When seven'teen years old he accompanied his parents, Olof and Margaret Olofson to America.

miller's trade, but during the greater part of his life followed farming in Sweden and also acted as custodian of the Swedish Lutheran church. He married Tina Morganson. who was born in i8io and was a daughter of Swan Morganson. The death of Swan Abrahamson. Jr., occurred in 1874, while his wife survived him until 1879. In their family were eight children, of whom three are now living: Charles; John, who is a resident of Kewanee, Illinois; and Stena, the wife of John Johnson, of Iowa.

The educational opportunities of Charles Abrahamson were quite limited owing to the necessity of providing for his own support at an early age. He followed the miller's trade for four years, working in the employ of others, and in 1872, upon attaining his majority, came alone to the new world, making his way to Bureau county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming for three years. He then took up railroading, which he followed for seven years, and in 1882 he came to Altona. He has been in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad for thirty-si.x years and has been foreman for twenty-nine years. He is one of the oldest in the service of the company on the Illinois division and his faithfulness and capability are indicated in his long retention by the company. ' :

Mr. Abrahamson was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Swanson, who was born in the same part of Sweden as her husband, her natal day being May 4, 1847. She was a daughter of Swan Peterson and came to America a year after the arrival of Mr. Abrahamson, settling in Bureau county, Illinois, where they were married. Unto them have been born six children. August, who is now a train dispatcher at .Aurora, Illinois, married Teckla Thumrod, of Sterling, Illinois, and has two children, Ruth and ^Malcolm. Helma is the wife of Alf Xorene and has three children, Edna, Theodore and Harold. Oscar, an operator at Galesburg, lost his first wife, Mrs. Grace Abrahamson, who died leaving a son, Clarence, who has been reared by his grandfather, while the father married again, Frances Winrod, of Galesburg, becoming his wife. Herbert, who is an operator on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy at Galesburg, married Delia Hanson and has three children, Arthur, Delos and Erma. Albert, the youngest of the family, is now nineteen years of age. Emma died when but nine months of age.

The parents are members of the Swedish Lutheran church of Altona and are prominent representatives of the people of their nationality who have done so much for the upbuilding and improvement of the northern part of the county.

Equally capable of pursuing business enterprises and farming, Edwin P, Williamson has established for himself a reputation that is known throughout Knox county. Agriculturists know him for his success both in general farming and stock-raising. He was born March 13, 1870, on the old homestead, where he now resides and where the old home still stands. His father, William Williamson, was a native of Sweden, born October lo, 1833. When seven'teen years old he accompanied his parents, Olof and Margaret Olofson to America.

William Williamson was one of six children that grew up, namely: Jonas, who -; . ^. died in 1893; Peter, who lives at Chariton, Iowa; Margaret, the wife of W. C. -; ' -'

Olson; Moses, who lives in Galesburg; and John, who died in the Civil war, a --rVsoldier from Knox county. They located in Sparta township, Knox county, j. Illinois, in 1850, where the father engaged in farming. In 1854 William Wil- . lianison bought a part of the farm on which his son Edwin now lives and which . ;. - has remained in the family ever since. He was a remarkable man, a fact patent ' ; ' ^ " enough, when one considers the manifold business and commercial enterprises :^ ;S in which he was the prime initiator and which were closely connected with the ; development and growth of the economic life of varied and widely scattered '/. ' communities at various times. He conducted a general mercantile business in Moline, Illinois; he owned a flour mill at Qay Center, Kansas; in partnership -'v - ' with his brother he owned the Wataga Flour Mill, one of the oldest flour mills . ':, .

in Knox county; he was a stockholder in the Galesburg National Bank and in ':;.:; the Bank of Galesburg ; with his son, L. O. Williamson, he managed a store at Galesburg and gave liberally for the encouragement of other business enter- . : " prises. He was a charter member of the Swedish Lutheran church at Wataga. : >.- In politics he was a loyal worker for the republican party and served as school I ; trustee and as commissioner of highways. In 1903 he removed from the farm ^; . / : in Sparta township to Wataga, where he died on February 13, 1906. His wife, - -> , the mother of Edwin P. Williamson, was formerly Katharine Olson, who was .; - ' bom in Sweden, April 7, 1836, and died December ii, 1908. Her father, Lars ' :V - Olson, brought his family to America in 1849 and settled in Sparta township. . '

Mrs. Williamson was one of a family of four, namely: Martha, the wife of ?:; Oliver Stream, of Sparta township; Lars W. Olson, who died in 1907; and ' '

On September 28, 1855, William Williamson married Katharine Olson, a « . ' daughter of Lars and Katharine Olson, and to them were born ten children, of '.,'' = whom only five are living at the present time. Mary J. was married to A. B. .