Knox County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 45 of 56)

Mr. Youngdahl has been twice married, his first union being to Miss Cora ;; Anderson, a daughter of C. J. and Mary (Riegel) Anderson. To this union one child was born, Ruth, who is fifteen years of age. The mother died in 1901, at the age of twenty-seven years. Mr. Youngdahl was again married in 1906, his second union being with Miss Margaret Johnson, who was born in 1868 and is a daughter of Mons and Amelia (Ewalt) Johnson, the latter residing in Princeton, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were the parents of seven children: Mrs. Margaret Youngdahl; Ellen, who is the wife of William Linn, of Princeton; and Rachel, Matilda, Minnie, Hugh and Hattie, all residing at home.

Politically Mr. Youngdahl gives his support to the republican party. He is serving as highway commissioner of the township for a second term. He be- ; . longs to the Lutheran church of Altona and is a man whose high moral character, industry and straightforwardness, together with his interest in the general welfare of the community, have given him high standing in the township. '^ ' .

William Nicholas Buck, who is successfully engaged in stock-raising in Haw Creek township, was born in the vicinity of Greenfield, Highland county, Ohio, on May 28, 1854. His father, Thomas Buck, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but was reared in Highland county, Ohio, and there he married Miss Mary Lowman. Mrs. Buck was a native of Pike county, Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob Lowman. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Buck began their domestic life in the Buckeye state, where they resided until 1874 when they came to Illinois, first locating in Maquon township, Knox county, but later removing to Haw Creek township. The father, who had always engaged in farming, continued to devote his energies to agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred at the age of sixty-five years. The mother was sixty-three when she died and was laid to rest beside her husband in the Maquon cemetery. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Buck numbered six : William Nicholas, our subject ; Edgar, who married Arzella McWilliams, now residing in Galesburg; Austin, who married Flora Smith, residing in Haw Creek township ; Elmer, who married Alta Connor, living in Gilson, Illinois ; Tillie, the wife of Charles Smith, of Maquon township ; and Carrie, the wife of Amos McWilliams, of Elba township. The family was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church, in which the parents held membership, while his political allegiance Mr. Buck gave to the republican party but has never sought public office.

As he was a youth of twenty when he removed to Illinois with his parents William Nicholas Buck had already acquired his education, in pursuit of which he attended the common schools of his native state. Reared on a farm, he was at that time familiar with practical agricultural methods as well as the care of stock. During the first year of his residence in Illinois he lived in Maquon township, but subsequently removed to Haw Creek township. After his marriage he beg^n farming for himself as a renter on the Daniel Housh place, where he remained for three years. From there he went to the Mary Ann

West farm, the cultivation of which engaged his energies for eight years. His efforts had proven so lucrative that at the expiration of that period he had accumulated sufficient capital to buy eighty acres in this township. After cultivating this tract for four years, however, he disposed of it to Frank Nelson and removed to the T. Humst^d farm, where he remained for a year. He again invested his capital in the purchase of his present farm, which contains eightytwo acres of fertile land, located on section 32, Haw Creek township, on the east and west road between that and Maquon township. Mr. Buck takes great pride in his homestead as well as its appearance, and during the period of his occupancy has erected a number of good, substantial outbuildings, at the same time putting those already on the place in repair. Everything about his farm suggests thrift and prosperity, the fences are in good condition, ample provision is made for housing both the stock and machinery, while the grounds about his residence are given careful attention. Stock-raising has always been Mr. Buck's specialty and he breeds and raises high-grade horses, cattle and hogs, and is meeting with success in his undertaking.

Mr. Buck married Miss Rozina Guderkirk, whose birth occurred on the farm where she is now residing, on the 6th of September. i86i. She is a daughter of John Guderkirk, who was born in New York state, whence he came with his parents to Maquon township, in 1835, when a child eight years of age. The paternal grandfather was a blacksmith, but upon locating here bought a quarter section of land that has ever since been in the possession of some member of the family. He paid for this one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, and met with great difficulty in meeting his payments. It was here that John Guderkirk was reared and educated, and upon attaining his maturity he married Caroline Jones, a native of the state of New York. Gf this union there were born the following children : Mary, who married Milton Housh of Maquon township ; Ellen, who became the wife of Leslie Howard, of the same township ; Charles, who is deceased ; Ada, who died when an infant ; Rozina, now Mrs. Buck; Louisa, a resident of Maquon township, the widow of Philip Selby, who succumbed to typhoid fever; and Cassie, the wife of Silas Dennison, a resident of Maquon township. Grandfather Guderkirk died in Haw Creek township, in 1846, and was buried in the cemetery at Maquon.

His political allegiance Mr. Buck has always accorded to the republican party and has served as school director and trustee in his township. The greater part of Mr. Buck's life has been spent in the vicinity where he is now residing and among the citizens of which he numbers many loyal friends.

Frank Pgplett

In the early development and improvement of Knox county the Poplett family has borne an active part and is numbered among the pioneer settlers. Here Frank Poplett was born on the 28th of May, 1851. His parents, John and Sophia (Davis) Poplett, were natives of Kentucky, the father settling in Knox county with his people in 1835, after having lived for some time in Indiana, the mother accompanying her people to Knox county when they settled here in

1834. The paternal grandfather, Thompson Poplett, bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Sparta township on his arrival. This land he farmed for twelve years when he removed to Peoria county and lived there until his death in 1868. The grandmother died before Frank Poplett was bom. John Poplett, fhe father, lived with his people in Peoria county assisting his father with the work on the homestead. He died leaving his son Frank, who was one year of age, and his widow to mourn him. Mrs. ' Poplett subsequently married David Henderson, of Henderson township, Knox county. She is still living on the farm, a widow, her husband having died some years ago. 1 "-'

At the usual age Frank Poplett entered the district school in the vicinity of his home and acquired a practical education. On leaving school he worked on the home farm until twenty-one years of age and then set out to cultivate the soil for his own benefit. For this purpose he rented eighty acres of land which he operated for three years. At the expiration of this time he engaged in mercantile life, conducting a store in Henry county. This he discontinued after three years and returned to farming. In 1883 he purchased the place on which he lives at present, eighty acres in Henderson township, Knox county. He was a practical fanner and during the twenty-eight years of his management of the homestead improved it greatly and was very successful in all departments of general farming. He was progressive in his methods and owns a farm of which he can be justly proud.

Mr. Poplett was married in July, 1872, to Miss Laura Rowe, a daughter of Laurenza and Narcissa (Goff) Rowe, who were natives of New York and Kentucky, respectively, but became residents of Knox county at an early date, where Mr. Rowe was engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mrs. Poplett lived to be forty-one years of age, her death occurring in March, 1890. Of the four children bom of this union two died in infancy. Ella, the surviving daughter,, is the wife of J. M. Findley, of Henderson township, where they rent a fine farm. They are the parents of six children, namely : Giles, Geneva, Edith, Inez, Frank and May. Elmer F. Poplett, the surviving son, is operating the home farm which he rents of his father. He is married and has two children, William and Dale.

Mr. Frank Poplett accumulated a sufficient income to enable him to withdraw from the management of his farm. He makes his home with his son, living retired on the place where his labors have borne their fruit for many years.

R. J. McKeighan, one of the successful representatives of the farming and stock-raising interests of Knox county, is the owner of a finely improved property of three hundred and twenty acres located on sections 21 and 22, Salem township, known as Willow Row Grain & Stock Farm. He was born in Fulton county, Illinois, on the 2ist of March, 1849, and is a son of the late James Mc- Keighan, one of the well known and successful agriculturists of Salem township. The father was born, reared and educated in the north of Ireland, remaining a resident of his native land until he had attained the age of thirty-three

1834. The paternal grand fatlier, Thompson Poplett, bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Sparta township on his arrival. This land he farmed for twelve years when he removed to Peoria county and lived there until his death in 1868. The grandmother died before Frank Poplett was born. John Poplett, the father, lived with his people in Peoria county assisting his father with the work on the homestead. He died leaving his son Frank, who was one year of age. and his widow to mourn him. Mrs. Poplett subsequently married David Henderson, of Henderson township, Kno.x county. She is still living on the farm, a widow, her husband having died some years ago.

At the usual age Frank Poplett entered the district school in the vicinity of his home and accjuired a practical education. On leaving school he worked on the home farm until twenty-one years of age and then set out to cultivate the soil for his own benefit. For this purpose he rented eighty acres of land which he ojierated for three years. At the expiration of this time he engaged in mercantile life, conducting a store in Heury county. This he discontinued after three years and returned to farming. In 1883 he purchased the place on which he lives at present, eighty acres in Henderson township, Kno.x county. He was a practical farmer and during the twenty-eight years of his management of the homestead improved it greatly and was very successful in all departments of general farming, tie was progressive in his niethods and owns a farm of which he can be justly proud.

Mr. Poplett was married in July, 1872, to Miss Laura Rowe, a daughter of Laurenza and Xarcissa (Goff) Rowe, who were natives of Xew York and Kentucky, respectively, but became residents of Knox county at an early date, where Mr. Rowe was engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mrs. Poplett lived to be forty-one years of age, her death occurring in March, 1890. Of the four children born of this union two died in infancy. Ella, the surviving daughter, is the wife of J. M. Findley. of Henderson townshij), where they rent a fine farm. They are the parents of si.x children, namely: Giles, Geneva, Edith, Inez, Frank and May. Elmer F. Poplett, the surviving son, is operating the home farm which he rents of his father. He is married and has two children, \\'illiam and Dale.

Mr. Frank Poplett accumulated a sufficient income to enable him to withdraw from the management of his farm. He makes his home with his son, living retired on the place where his labors have borne their fruit for many years.

R. J. McKeighan, one of the successful representatives of the farming and stock-raising interests of Knox county, is the owner of a finely improved i)roperty of three hundred and twenty acres located on sections 21 and 22, Salem township, known as \\'illow Row Grain & Stock Farm. He was born in Fulton county, Illinois, on the 21 st of March, 1849, and is a son of the late James Mc- Keighan, one of the well known and successful agriculturists of Salem township. The father was born, reared and educated in the north of Ireland, remaining a resident of his native land until he had attained the age of thirty-three years, when he emigrated to the United States. Upon his arrival in this country Mr. McKeighan made his way to Illinois, locating at Farmington, where he followed various occupations until he had acquired sufficient capital to begin business for himself. Believing that farming offered a safer investment and more lucrative returns than anything else, he then invested his small savings in some land three miles southwest of Farmington and industriously applied himself to its improvement and cultivation. He subsequently returned to the Emerald isle for a visit and while there was married to Miss Elizabeth Cunningham, also a native of northern Ireland. Returning to the United States with his bride he settled on his farm in Fulton county, continuing to live there until 1855, when he removed to a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land on section 22, Salem township, Knox county, which he and his brother, Alexander McKeighan, purchased in 1853 for one thousand dollars. In 1854 James McKeighan paid his brother a thousand dollars for his half interest in the property. Soon afterward he succeeded in selling his Fulton county farm and with the proceeds bought eighty acres of land on section 21, Salem township. As he was both capable and energetic he met with excellent success in his efforts and subsequently extended the boundaries of his farm by the addition of another eighty, making the aggregate of his holdings three hundred and twenty acres. This is now the property of his son R. J., having been in the family for over fifty-six years. Mr. McKeighan made a sp>ecialty of raising corn, and today our subject and his .son are among the most noted raisers of seed corn in this part of the country. McKeighan's Golden Dent corn has many points of excellence, being a heavy yielder, of very deep grain, early maturing, shells high per cent of corn, has no superior for feeding purposes and is adapted to different soils and climatic conditions. James McKeighan always continued to -be more or less actively connected with the operation of his farm until he passed away at the age of eighty-three years. He was laid to rest in the cemetery at Farmington, as was also his wife, who was seventy-seven years of age at the time of her demise. Their family numbered six, of whom our subject is the eldest. The others in order of birth are as follows : Rachel, the wife of Rev. W. H. Clatworthy, of Yates City; Elizabeth, who married Robert R. Steck, of Salem township; James and Margaret, who died in infancy; and Emma, the deceased wife of D. F. Lawrence, of Salem township. The parents were both earnest members of the Presbyterian church and the father gave his political support to the republican party but was never an office seeker. He was one of the prosperous agriculturists of the county and for a short time during the early days was identified with the Yates City Bank.

As he was only a child of six years when he removed with the family to Knox county, R. J. McKeighan obtained the greater portion of his early education in the district schools of Salem township, the course therein pursued being later supplemented by study in the schools of Farmington and Monmouth. Having been accustomed to agricultural pursuits from his earliest boyhood, upon attaining his majority he began operating the home farm on the shares, continuing this for two years. Following his marriage he located with his bride on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 17, Salem township, which he cultivated for three years, at the expiration of that time returning to the old homestead, where he is now residing. During the period of his occupancy he has erected all of the buildings now standing upon his farm with the exception of the house and the horse barn, both of which were built by his father. Mr. McKeighan is one of the capable agriculturists of the county and annually reaps abundant harvests from his fertile fields, which are cultivated under his personal supervision. In connection with his general farming he has always made a specialty of raising Hampshire sheep, while he keeps a fine herd of thoroughbred Jersey cows for dairy purposes. His interests have spread beyond the boundaries of his farm and stock-raising and he was one of the organizers of the Ideal Telephone Company, of which he was president for about six years and likewise a member of the board of directors.

In 1877 Mr. McKeighan completed his plans for a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Ximena Corey, a native of Maryland and a daughter of J. M. and Martha Corey. To them were born two sons, the younger of whom, John, died in infancy. James Leslie, their surviving son, is residing on the home farm with his parents, assisting his father in its operation. He married Sarah Rice, a daughter of Amos Rice, of Mattoon, Illinois, and they have three children: Martha Lorene, James Rice and Anna Katherine. f. ' - ' ; I ' r -'

The entire family affiliate with the Presbyterian church at Yates City, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. For over forty years Mr. McKeighan was an elder of the church, while for ten years his wife has been treasurer of the Home Missionary Society, and their son is now an elder in the church and superintendent of the Sunday school. Both father and son give their political support to the republican party, but they have never aspired to official honors although the former has for some years been a member of the board of school directors. Mr. McKeigban is not only one of the prosperous but one of the highly respected men of his community, ever having conducted his business transactions in a manner to preclude all possibility of adverse criticism, his honor and integrity being above question.

Levi J. Cox

Levi J. Cox, deceased, who passed his life, spanning three score years and one, within the confines of Knox county, was born, here January i, 1849. His parents, James and Emma (Pittard) Cox, were both natives of Somersetshire, England, who lived there until after their marriage, Mr. Cox being engaged in farming as a tenant on an English estate. They crossed the Atlantic in 1848 and found their way to Ontario township, Knox county, where they settled on a farm. Later he removed to Oneida and since 1880 lived retired. In 1884 the mother passed away and eleven years later the father's death occurred, on May 13, 1895. .- '"---- I. -

Reared at home Levi J. Cox obtained his education in the rural schools jn the vicinity and in the Oneida high school. At the age of nineteen years he engaged in farming for himself but almost at the outset met with a serious accident that retarded his progress for a time in no slight degree. He was out hunting prairie chickens with a party of friends, when he was shot by the accidental discharge of a gun. For fourteen years he cultivated eighty acres of land on section 28, after which he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Sparta township, operating this farm for a number of years. He disposed of this property and went east, remaining in Hartford, Connecticut, long enough to leam the butcher trade, which he followed on his return to Knox county. After a time he sold out his interests in this business and again took up farming, confining his labors first to a tract of forty acres and later increasing this to one hundred and sixty acres. He acted as poundmaster for a period of twelve years. On March 4, 1902, he retired to live a quiet life in Oneida village. He passed away just eight years from that time, dying from injuries received in an automobile accident in 1910. Mr. Cox was a man of industrious habits and by his thrift and good management was able to multiply his income and at his death bequeathed to his wife and children four hundred and ninety acres of land in the county. He belonged to Oneida Lodge, No. 337, F. & A. M.

Mr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth West, a daughter of Samuel and Kathryn (Anderson) West, the father a native of England and the mother of Scotland. The story of the emigration of the West family from their native shores is a narrative filled with the most thrilling incidents. The grandfather, John West, was sold in Scotland to an American living near New ... York and when the Revolutionary war broke out he gave his services to the cause of freedom. He was shipwrecked on his voyage to America and passed sixteen years before he finally reached our shores. Mr. and Mrs. Cox were the parents of three children : Arthur B., who operates a farm of one hundred and ; sixty acres in Ontario township, given him by his father, is married to Maude Houghton and has three children living, Laverne, Joseph Elishier and Levi Charles, while one child, Maude, is deceased. Stewart lives on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which his father gave him and is married to Mildred White. They have three children, Garrett, Minnie E. and James. Asa, the youngest in the family, has passed away.

Mrs. Cox gives her helpful support to the Presbyterian church and is also an enthusiastic worker in the Order of the Eastern Star of Oneida. She is at woman of much charm of manner and has many close friends to whom she has always been loyal. , ... . ,^ ^ . , . ...

Swan J. Thuline, who owns and operates a farm in Walnut Grove township, Knox county, was born in Kristianstad, Skona, Sweden, on the gth of Septem- . ber, 1848, his parents being John and Lissa (Swanson) Olson. He was the grandson of Olaf Olson and Swan Peterson. In his early life he engaged in agricultural pursuits and continued in this industry for the greater part of his active career and was also employed in a gristmill. His birth occurred in 1813, and he was one of seven children, five of whom now survive: O. J., of Galesburg; Swan, who is the subject of this review; Ellen, who is the wife of Mr. Johnson of Chicago; Magdalena, who is living in Sweden; and Hannah, who married L. N. Lundgren of Chicago.

After attending the public schools and assisting his father in farm work Swan J. Thuline, desiring to start out upon his independent career in a country which offered great opportunities to all, set out for America at the age of nineteen years. He came direct to Knox county, and after residing in Galesburg, removed to Walnut Grove township, where in 1905 he purchased the property which is his present home. During these years he engaged in general farming and stock-raising and met with the success which has been the reward of so many of the thrifty sons of Sweden who have come to this rich agricultural district. . -/ .V ^-V,;. -;

In 1882 occurred the marriage of Mr. Thuline to Thilda Johnson, whose birth occurred on the 23d of May, 1862, in Sweden. She was the daughter of Johann and Burgda (Nelson) Talkelson, who are agriculturists. Her grandfather was a soldier in his native country in the war of 1812 and died in 1872 at the age of ninety years. In addition to Mrs. Thuline one other daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson has come to America and is living in Galesburg. Mrs. Thuline came to America at the age of twenty years and went direct to Galesburg, where she met Mr. Thuline, who had sent for her. To Mr. and Mrs. Thuline the following children have been born : Joel, who is twenty-eight years of age and married to Jennie Plem, by whom he has had one child, Irene ; David, agfed twenty-seven, who is engaged in farming; Winfred, aged twenty-five, who is residing in Rock Island; Carl, who is twenty- four years of age and is farming; Edwin. Esther and Ruth, aged twenty-two, twenty and eighteen respectively, all residing at home; Mabel, aged seventeen, who is in Galesburg; Walther, Robert, Mary and Alice, aged sixteen, thirteen, eleven and ten respectively, all living at home ; Roy, who is eight years old and residing at home ; Lilly, who is also at home and seven years of age ; and Gladys, who is a girl of but five years.

In politics Mr. Thuline gives his support to the republican party, and although he does not seek office for political reasons he is at present highway commissioner of the township because of his interest in the development of his home district. His parents were members of the Lutheran church and his family are being brought up in the same faith. He has never had occasion to regret leaving his native land, for in America he has found the opportunity for which he sought - the opportunity to win success by honorable and industrious methods.

E. H. Broadfield, deceased, for many years well known in Peoria and Knox 'J-.; counties, where he was identified with agricultural interests, was a native of England, having beei. born in Stourport, Worcestershire, May 8, 1831. His father, Edward H. Broadfield, was born in Shropshire. England, February 21, : 7 i8io; his mother, whose maiden name was Ann Rowley, was a native of Wor- p' ; cestershire, England, born June 6, 1806, and died September 22, i88i.

A resident of England until he was twenty-four years of age, E. H. Broadfield acquired his education in the night schools of Manchester, where for four years he was employed in the lithographic and printing business. In 1855 he

After attending the public schools and assisting his father in farm work Swan J. Thuline, desiring to start out upon his independent career in a country which offered great opportunities to all, set out for America at the age of nineteen years. He came direct to Knox county, and after residing in Galesburg, removed to Walnut Grove township, where in 1905 he purchased the property which is his present home. During these years he engaged in general farming and stock-raising and met with the success which has been the reward of so many of the thrifty sons of Sweden who have come to this rich agricultural district. , I

In 1882 occurred the marriage of Mr. Thuline to Thilda Johnson, whose birth occurred on the 23d of ^^ay, 1862, in Sweden. She was the daughter of Johann and Burgda (Nelson) Talkelson, who are agriculturists. Her grandfather was a soldier in his native country in the war of 1812 and died in 1872 at the age of ninety years. In addition to Mrs. Thuline one other daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson has come to America and is living in Galesburg. Mrs. Thuline came to America at the age of twenty years and went direct to Galesburg, where she met Mr. Thuline, who had sent for her. To Mr. and Mrs. Thuline the following children have been born : Joel, who is twenty-eight years of age and married to Jennie Plem, by whom he has had one child, Irene : David, aged twenty-seven, who is engaged in farming; Winfred, aged twenty-five, who is residing in Rock Island; Carl, who is twenty- four years of age and is farming; Edwin. Esther and Ruth, aged twenty-two, twenty and eighteen respectively, all residing at home ; Mabel, aged seventeen, who is in Galesburg ; Walther, Robert, Mary and Alice, aged sixteen, thirteen, eleven and ten respectively, all living at home ; Roy, who is eight years old and residing at home ; Lilly, who is also at home and seven years of age; and Gladys, who is a girl of but five years. ;

In politics Mr. Thuline gives his support to the republican party, and although he does not seek office for jwlitical reasons he is at present highway commissioner of the township because of his interest in the development of his home district. His parents were members of the Lutheran church and his family are being brought up in the same faith. He has never had occasion to regret leaving his native land, for in America he has found the opportunity for which he sought - the ojjportunity to win success by honorable and industrious methods.

E. H. Broadfield, deceased, for many years well known in Peoria and Knox counties, where he was identified with agricultural interests, was a native of England, having bee;, born in Stourport, Worcestershire, May 8, 1831. His father, Edward H. Broadfield, was born in Shropshire. England, February 21, i8io; his mother, whose maiden name was Ann Rowley, was a native of Worcestershire, Fngland. born June 6. 1806, and died September 22, i88i.

A resident of England until he was twenty-four years of age, E. H. Broadfield acquired his education in the night schools of Manchester, where for four years he was employed in the lithogra])hic and printing business. In 1855 he

?.- ;/ r crossed the Atlantic, hoping to find larger opportunities for obtaining a liveli- /; \;,^ hood in America. Settling in Peoria county he lived there until 1864, when he . ;'C removed to Knox county, where he tilled the soil until his death December 19, -y '':. 1903, having attained the age of seventy-two years, seven months and eleven /:--;;- days. Ever industrious and faithful in the performance of his duties, his labor^ }; ,' J were rewarded by an ample competence derived from his farm of a hundred and 's.;'\i sixty acres, so that he was enabled tp leave his family well provided for. ;,.--'';. Mr. Broadfield was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Crandall, a daughter

V- ,\ of Zane and Mary (Johnson) Crandall, at Peoria, Illinois, on April 12. 1864. ' - Ten children were born of this union, Edward H., Walter, William R., Arthur. '. -X- Frank, John, Lyman, George H., Ada, and Nellie. Mr. Broadfield was inde- ; ' pendent in his political convictions and served for a number of years as commissioner of highways. Mrs. Broadfield, who is in her sixty-eighth year, her ^ r .; birth having occurred in Peoria county on March 22, 1844, owns the farm of ; - one hundred and sixty acres which her husband cultivated for many years. Here she lives a quiet life surrounded by her family and friends, ever occupied in ;' the service of others believing that this is the only way to the attainment of . ' ?'- true happiness. :.':; -'\'- ;."S-'. ;--;<:/' v'. :;' ->^-'V'- --.'^V'-'^Vv;''; '^ - v '-.'.';:''% "'K:-;'.^ ;-"

Elias Wilhelm Norene. who is an agriculturist of Walnut Grove township, Knox county, was .born May 29, 1868, on the old Norene homestead in this county, his parents being Hans and Anna (Erickson) Norene. The father was bom in Sweden and came to America at an early age, settling in Knox county iff 1856, where he spent practically his entire active career, with the exception of one winter, during which he followed agricultural pursuits in southern territory. He was a son of Hans and Kate (Olson) Johnson. He returned for a visit to Sweden, after which he rented a farm for a year and in 1866 purchased the homestead, where he resided until 1878. In that year he bought a farm, on which he lived until his retirement in 1895. He died February 3, 1907, at the age of seventy-five years, but Mrs. Norene is still living in Altona, being seventy-one years of age. She was born October 27, 1840, and came to America when she was twenty-four years of age, making the trip on the same steamer on which her husband was traveling. She is a daughter of Eric Pearson, an agriculturist of Sweden, who died in 1867, at the age of sixty-eight years. His widow, Mrs. Martha Olson Pearson, came to America and lived with her daughter until she returned to Sweden shortly before her death, which occurred at the age of eighty-six years. The grandfather, Peter Larson, was also an agriculturist. Mrs. Norene was one of six children, five of whom are living: Olaf Erickson, of Nebraska; Pear Erickson, of Sweden; Carrie, who is the wife of Peter Norborg, of Nebraska; and Martha, who is the wife of N. Nordestrom, also of Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Norene were married in Knoxville, Illinois, on March 15, 1865, but they later resided in Walnut Grove township on the farm, where the youngest son now lives. Subsequently he purchased the present home of his older son. Both Mr. and Mrs. Norene were members of the

Swedish Lutheran church and were among the prominent citizens of Walnut Grove township. They were the parents of three children: Alfred T., an agjriculturist ; Josephine C., who is the wife of Carl A. Nybladh, of Galesburg ; and Elias W., who is the subject of this review. I ';.

After attending school Elias W. Norene remained at home with his father assisting in the farm duties until he entered the Galesburg Business College. After completing his course in that institution he again returned home and has since been the manager of the property upon which he is now residing. He is one of the most modern and scientific farmers in Walnut Grove township and is winning profitable returns for the careful management and the industrious labor which he is giving to his undertakings.

On June 26, 1905, Mr. Norene was married to Miss Bertha S. Linderholm, a daughter of H. L. and Hedwig (Johnson) Linderholm, who are both residing in Altona and were among the pioneer settlers of Knox county. Mrs. Norene's birth occurred on the I5th of April, 1874, in Knox county. She is one of eleven children; the others are as follows: Latimer B., of Galesburg; Martin, of Farmington, Iowa ; Otto Herman, deceased ; Hannah, who is the wife of David Anderson; one, who died in infancy; Theresa Amelia, who is married to J. A. Boland ; Harrison B. and Hattie P., twins, the former residing in Pomona, California, and the latter deceased; Ernest Arthur, of Chicago; and Lilly Cornelia, -the wife of Thomas Chinn, a resident of Pasadena, California. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Norene : Lula Florinda, born May 4, 1896; Mabel Pemilla, born April 8, 1898; Frances Lilly Wilhelmina, bom November 12, 1901 ; and Maurice Elias, born December 19, 1908.

Mr. Norene gives his political support to the republican party and is at present a member of the school board, having served for twenty-two years in that capacity. In religious faith he is a Lutheran, holding membership in the Swedish Lutheran church of Altona. He is one of the native sons of Knox county, who has made a successful career for himself in the new world by displaying the persistency, energy, industry and thrift which are so characteristic of the Swedish people. : ., . ... .... , .

Nathan Milroy, who has been a lifelong resident of Knox county, is residing upon his farm in Copley township. His birth occurred on the i6th of December, 1851, in the old log cabin which is near his home today. He is a son of Samuel and Margaret (McNish) Milroy and a grandson of Samuel and Agnes (Forsyth) Milroy. The father was born in Wigtonshire, Scotland, and came to America with his family in 1851. Immediately upon their arrival in this country they settled in Copley township and were among the first settlers in this part of Knox county. His death occurred in 1887, at the age of sixty-nine years. He was one of three children born to his father's first marriage, his two sisters both having also passed away. Of a second union there was bom to Samuel Milroy, Sr., one daughter, Isabel, who is the wife of Hugh McCorniick, and living at Creston, Iowa. Mrs. Milroy, who was bom January 22,

, 1815, and was a daughter of Nathaniel and Jane (McGoch) McNish, died '-.'- October 3, 1903, at the age of eighty-eight years. Her brother is residing in

: No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Nathan Milroy in his boyhood and youth. He attended school and assisted

. 2d of April, 1854, and who is a daughter of James and Agnes (Stein) Cook, the former having been born on October 24, 1815, and the latter now residing in Galesburg. The Cook family removed to Knox county in 1845, coming from Ross county, Ohio. The grandparents, Robert and Jeannette (Lochie) Cook, came originally from Roxburghshire, Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Milroy were the parents of seven children, six of whom survive : Mary Ellen, who became the wife of M. Gibbs, of Victoria township, and is the mother of two children. Dale M. and Dean M. ; William Morris and Samuel Stein, both of whom are residing at home; Edna Grace, who is the wife of G. Gibbs, of Victoria; and Archie Nathan and James N., both of whom are at home.

. most active in promoting its policies and working for its best interests. He has held the office of road commissioner for fifteen years and has been a member of the school board for the past twenty-one years, being one of the oldest

. school directors in the county and having succeeded his father to that office. He is a member of the John Knox church, as his father had also been, and has held the office of trustee for many years. During his residence here he has helped to improve the agricultural districts of the county and is justly accounted one of the progressive farmers of Copley township. His labors have been a cooperant factor in many movements which have been of value to the community, bringing Copley township from its position as an uncultivated prairie to a leading place among the developed agricultural regions of Illinois. - . .. :.;-- ,

A. J. Victor Johnson is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on the place, where he was born on the 2d of February, 1883. His father, Jonas Johnson, was born on the ist of March, 1839, in Norbo-Ockelba-Soken Ageveleborg Ian, Sweden, where he spent his boyhood and youth. The grandparents were Jonas and Martha Johnson, the former dying in 1870, at the age of eighty years. They came to America in 1864 and lived with their son, Jonas Johnson, in Knox county until their death. Jonas Johnson left his native land in 1857 and came direct to Altona, where he resided until after his marriage to Christina Olson, whose birth occurred on the 25th of December, 1843. Subsequently he removed to Sparta township and later purchased the property which is the present homestead. Mrs. Johnson was a daughter of Olaf Peterson, who came to

America with his family in 1857 and after residing in Altona removed to Moline, Illinois, where he died in July, 1858, at the age of sixty-three years, and the mother in 1870, at the age of seventy-nine years. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Johnson there are still living besides our subject, three daughters, as follows : Minnie, who married P. Stromberg, a farmer of Sparta township ; Amanda, the wife of Andrew Lindstrom, of Altona, Illinois ; and Rosa, who married Herman Smith, of Altona.

The business career of A. J. Victor Johnson was begun in a grocery store at Altona, where he accepted a clerkship soon after leaving school. He remained there for two years, then pursued a commercial course in Brown's Business College at Galesburg, after which he went to Aberdeen, Washington. There he successfully engaged in the grocery business for two years, but at the end of that time he returned to Galesburg, where for a year he was associated in business with J. A. Peterson. In 1908 he returned to the old homestead and has ever since devoted his attention to the tilling of the fields and the raising of stock. Mr. Johnson is directing his efforts along the more progressive methods and is meeting with success, his diligence and enterprise being prominent factors in promoting his prosperity.

On the 27th of April, 1904, at Altona, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Johnson and. Miss Goldie Holmes. She was born in Galesburg, on September l8, 1885, the only child of H. H. and Mattie (Burkhard) Holmes. The father, who is an engineer on the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad, is still living but the mother passed away in 1892, at the age of twenty-six. Mrs. Holmes was a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Rogers) Burkhard, who were among the pioneer settlers of Knox county. The father was a native of Pennsylvania. After their daughter died Mr. and Mrs. Burkhard brought up Mrs. Johnson, who made her home with them until her marriage. Her grandfather Holmes was killed in the Civil war, having enlisted and gone to the front from this state. Mrs. Johnson is connected with some of the oldest families of the county, her great-grandfather Rogers having erected the first frame house in Galesburg, which was located on the present square. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson there has been born one son. Freeman, whose birth occurred in Aberdeen, Washington, on January 29, 1905.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnson belong to the Methodist Episcopal church of Altona, and she also belongs to the Ladies Aid Society. He does not take an active interest in politics and has never affiliated with any party, giving his support to the man he thinks is best qualified for the office.

in 1830, but he was reared and educated in Ohio, having removed there when a child with his father, James Daughmer, who spent the remainder of his life in the Buckeye state. When he had attained the age of twenty-two years, N. George Daughmer left the parental roof and started westward, making the journey across the prairies to Illinois with a buggy and team of horses. He was accompanied by his first wife, Lamenta Huey, a native of Ohio. They located in the vicinity of Maquon, Haw Creek township, where Mrs. Daughmer subsequently passed away and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Maquon. Mr. Daughmer, who was married three times, took for his second wife Miss Harriet Lindzey, our subject's mother, who also passed away in Haw Creek township, while his third union was with Miss Hattie Lawrence. He disposed of his Haw Creek farm about 1874 and removed to Douglas, locating on the farm now owned by his son, Frank U., in Salem township. He industriously applied himself to the cultivation of this property which he improved by the erection of good, substantial buildings, making it one of the valuable places of this section. Much of his time and attention were directed to the raising of thoroughbred Polled Angus cattle, that he exhibited at the fairs and fat stock show in Chicago and also sold at public auctions in this vicinity. In connection with this he also raised and fed Shorthorn cattle for the market, but gave less attention to this during the latter years of his life. He passed away on his homestead on the 24th of May, 1908, and was buried in the cemetery at Maquon. In politics Mr. Daughmer was a republican, but he had never held any office in either the township or the county. He was one of the very prosperous farmers of Salem township and numbered among its residents many warm friends by whom he was held in the highest esteem. : .^ .-'';-;---:,-

Frank U. Daughmer was reared from the age of six years on the farm, where he now resides, attending the public schools of Douglas in the acquirement of his early education. He subsequently spent one year at Knox College and also attended the Agricultural College at the University of Illinois, at Urbana. for a similar period. At the expiration of that time he returned to Douglas and turned his attention to the cultivation of his father's homestead and to stock-raising. Following his marriage he located on the old home farm, where he has ever since resided. He has made quite extensive improvements during the period of his occupancy, having erected a number of new buildings and repaired and remodeled the old ones. The land, which is in a high state of cultivation was thoroughly drained during his father's lifetime and given the careful attention that has made it possible to keep it in its present state of productivity with comparative ease. He is conducting his operations very much as did his father, making a specialty of the breeding and raising of the thoroughbred Polled Angus cattle, always keeping a herd of about forty-five, and he also raises and feeds high-grade cattle for the market. Mr. Daughmer is meeting with a gratifying degree of prosperity in his undertakings and is recognized as one of the most capable and successful agriculturists and stockmen in Salem township. He is a progressive business man to whose practical ideas and well organized system of directing his energies must be attributed the success of his efforts. ',

On the 2d of September. 1902, Mr. Daughmer was united in marriage to Miss Bertha H. Bronson, who was born in Peoria county, Illihois, on the 6th of January, 1878. She was a daughter of D. L. T. and Nina (Gue) Bronson. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Daughmer there has been born one daughter, Bernice Violet, who is attending school in Douglas. The first year of their domestic life they spent in Douglas, but at the end of that time they located on the farm, where they now live.

Mr. Daughmer is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church of Douglas, in which his wife also holds membership. His political allegiance he gives to the republican party and has for several years been a member of the central committee, and he is also now serving as a school director. Mr. Daughmer leads a very busy life as is evidenced by the attractive and well kept appearance of his farm and the abundant harvests annually yielded by his fertile fields.

B. P. Baird, a prominent and prosperous resident of Abingdon, has made extensive speculations in lands and now has large property holdings not only in Knox county but in the states of Iowa and Wisconsin. His birth occurred in Pennsylvania, on the iQth of March, 1855, his parents being William H. and Elizabeth J. (Farwell) Baird, who were born, reared and married in the Keystone state. The father, who was for some years engaged in the timber business, came west to Illinois in 1856, locating in Elba township, Knox county, where he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. In the conduct of his farming interests he won a gratifying measure of prosperity, owning three hundred and sixty acres of land at the time of his demise and after having given property to each of his sons. Conservative, reliable and honorable, he enjoyed the high esteem of all who knew him. Though a generous contributor in the interests of religion and charity, he was not identified with any denomination. Prior to the Civil war he gave his political allegiance to the democracy but after the close of the conflict championed the prohibition cause and was the first man in Elba township to vote that ticket. The cause of education also found in him a stanch friend and for possibly thirty years he served as a member of the school board. He acquired a good education in his youth and for about three years during his early manhood taught school in his home district in Pennsylvania. Throughout his entire life he read broadly, thus constantly augmenting his knowledge. He passed away in 1890, when seventy years of age, and his demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he was everywhere recognized as a man of sterling integrity and worth. His wife, whose natal year was 1830, was called to her final rest in May, 1906.

B. P. Baird was reared under the parental roof and supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the district schools, by a course of study at Hedding College. In the spring of 1877, when twenty-two years of age, he began farming on his own account as a renter. In the following fall he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Ellen Oberholtzer, a daughter of Joseph Oberholtzer, one of the early settlers of Knox county. In the spring of 1878 Mr.

of January, 1878. She uas a daughter of D. L. T. and Nina (Gue) Bronson. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Daughmer there has been born one daughter, Bernice Violet, who is attending school in Douglas. The first year of their domestic life they spent in Douglas, but at the end of that time they located on the farm, where they now live.

Mr. Daughmer is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church of Douglas, in which his wife also holds membership. His political allegiance he gives to the republican party and has for several years been a member of the central committee, and he is also now serving as a school director. Mr. Daughmer leads a very busy life as is evidenced by the attractive antl well kept appearance of his farm and the abundant harvests annually yielded by his fertile fields.

r>. p. Baird, a prominent and prosperous resident of Abingdon, has made extensive speculations in lands and now has large property holdings not only in Knox coimty but in the states of Iowa and Wisconsin. His birth occurred in Pennsylvania, on the iQth of March, 1855, h'^ parents being William H. and Elizabeth J. (Farwell) Baird, who were born, reared and married in the Keystone state. The father, who was for some years engaged in the timber business, came west to Illinois in 1856, locating in Elba township, Knox county, where he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. In the conduct of his farming interests he won a gratifying measure of prosperity, owning three hundred and sixty acres of land at the time of his demise and after having given property to each of his sons. Conservative, reliable and honorable, he enjoyed the high esteem of all who knew him. Though a generous contributor in the interests of religion an<l charity, he was not identified with any denomination. Prior to the Civil war he gave his political allegiance to the democracy but after the close of the conflict championed the prohibition cause and was the first man in Elba township to vote that ticket. The cause of education also found in him a stanch friend and for possibly thirty years he served as a member of the school board. He acquired a good education in his youth and for about three years during his early manhood taught school in his home district in Peniisylvania. Throughout his entire life he read broadly, thus constantly augmenting his knowledge. He passed away in 1890. when seventy years of age, and his demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he was everywhere recognized as a man of sterling integrity and worth. His wife, whose natal year was 1830. was called to her final rest in May. 1906.

B. P. P>aird was reared under the parental roof and supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the district schools, by a course of study at Hedding College. In the si)ring of 1877, when twenty-two years of age, he began farming on his own account as a renter. In the following fall he was joined in wedlock to 'Miss Mary Ellen Oberholtzer, a daughter of Joseph Oberholtzer, one of the early settlers of Knox county. In the spring of 1878 Mr.

.'.;.;-. Mr. Baird gives his political allegiance to the republican party, believing that :.;,.,;- its principles are most conducive to good government. He is a worthy exemplar . :'. . of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Abingdon Lodge, No. 185, A. F. & A. M.

He is a steward and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife and children also belong. Mr. Baird is a man of undoubted integrity in business, of progressive spirit and marked enterprise, a man whose popularity and prosperity have been won through his many good qualities and his well directed effort. . . - .

Samuel Robert Parkinson, a resident of Wataga, early recognized the fact that success has its foundation in persistent, honorable and intelligently directed labor and has worked his way upwards until he is now one of the largest landowners in Knox county and is also well known as a prominent representative of its agricultural, stock-raising and banking interests. He was born on the 3d of November, 1866, in Sparta township, Knox county and is the son of John Parkinson. The father, bom in 1828, is a native of England and in 1856 came to America locating in Knox county, where he has since resided, giving his time and attention to farming and mining. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is conversant with the leading issues of the day. He has served as road commissioner and also as a member of the school board and is a man of strict integrity and worth, and has the confidence and regard of the entire community. He was married to Ann Taylor, who was also a native of England and the daughter of James Taylor. Although she has reached the advanced age of eighty-six years she is still enjoying life and is a comfort to her family. They became the parents of seven children, namely : Elizabeth, the wife of M. Gehring, of Sparta township, Knox county, Illinois ; Ellen, who is married to A. Simmons of Adair county, Nebraska; Mattie, who is the wife of Arthur Mayse, a resident of Greenfield, Iowa ; James, who is a resident of Morris county, Kansas; Sadie, the wife of Elder Ecknam, of Morris county, Kansas ; Samuel R., the subject of this sketch ; and Erank E., of Sparta township.

After spending a few years in the near-by district schools he remained at home till twenty-one years of age. He began farming and continued in this occupation for five years, when he engaged in the meat-market and grocery business. He conducted this enterprise for seventeen years, at the same time looking after the farm, which he had previously acquired. Because of his close application and his persistent effort to develop his business along lines of modem improvements abreast of the times, Mr. Parkinson secured an extensive patronage and realized a success which was as remunerative as it was gratifying. In 1909 he purchased a one-half interest in the Bank of Wataga, of which he is now ably serving as vice president. In this as in his previous undertakings the accrued profits have increased his capital and thus enabled him to make further investments. At the present he <s the owner of one thousand acres of land in Knox county, which he devotes to crops and stock. His buying-in and market transactions show rare judgment and inevitably financial results of enviable proportions. ; -.; , \ -"I .-^":;i . ' I', , ;'

Mr. Parkinson was married in 1802, to Elizabeth Campbell, whose birth occurred on the 29th of November, 1871. She is the daughter of Robert and

Catherine Dolan Campbell, the former of whom died December lo, 1911, at the age of seventy-six, while Mrs. Campbell is surviving and now in her eightieth year. Mr. and Mrs. Parkinson are the parents of one son.

In politics Mr. Parkinson casts his vote with the republican party, and has been honored by his fellow citizens with the office of president of the village board which he has competently administered for thirteen consecutive years. He holds membership in Wataga Lodge, No. 291, A. F. & A. M.

Mr. Parkinson's enterprise and industry have carried him into important relations with business affairs and he has won for himself a most creditable repu- . tation by his enterprise and reliability in every one and all matters, with which he has come in contact. ,.,.-, . _. ., , .. , - ..

Robert Gibbs, who is the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land in Copley township, which he devotes to farming and stock-raising, was born in Lynn township, December 30, 1874. He is a son of Joseph E. and Margaret (Speck) Gibbs. The mother is a daughter of E. Speck, a soldier of the Civil war, who died at Andersonville prison. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs are now living retired in La Fayette, Illinois. The father's birth occurred in Pittsburg. The grandparents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Goetzinger) Gibbs, removed to Lynn township, Knox county, with their three children and settled on the old Gibbs farm, where he passed the remainder of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Gibbs were the parents of four children: Helen, who is the wife of W. Craig, of Victoria township ; Florence, who was married to Harrj' Thomas, also of Victoria township ; Frank L., who is living in Stark county, Illinois ; and Robert, the subject of this sketch.

After finishing school Robert Gibbs remained at home and assisted his father in the cultivation of the farm until twenty-one years of age. After this he began upon his independent agricultural career in Lynn township on the farm of his grandfather. Subsequently after three years' residence there, he removed to La Fayette and engaged in the meat-market business for the following two years. . After disposing of this he purchased his present home and is now farming four hundred and eighty acres of productive land, which is under a high state of cultivation and equipped with modern and substantial buildings. In all of his work he is progressive, employing the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields, while his careful study of cattle-raising has given him accurate knowledge concerning the best methods of raising stock.

-V settlers of Copley township, having passed away in 1897, at the age of fifty-six years, and the latter now residing at the age of seventy-one years on the old

- homestead. To them ten children were bom: Julia, who is the wife of S. Col- : ; linson, of Victoria township; John, of Lynn township; Marvin, a resident of

George, a resident of Copley township ; MBS. Gibbs ; Charles, who is living at home ; Louis, of Victoria township ; Maggie, who became the wife of Fred Mc- Ilvray, of Victoria township ; and Leona, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs are the parents of four children : Milo, whose birth occurred on October 24, 1896 ; Mary Margaret, who was born July 9, 1899; George Reed, bom January 5, 1900; and Robert Russell, who was born Aug^ist 3, 1906.

Mr. Gibbs' political allegiance is given to the republican party and in 1909 he was elected supervisor. He belongs to the Masonic lodge of Victoria, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Royal Neighbors and the Mystic Workers of the World. He cooperates in many movements for the general good and is particularly interested in everything pertaining to the agricultural development of the county. He is known as a reliable and public-spirited citizen and stands high in the regard of all who know him. - ; , ;, : -

David Merry Simpson, who is living retired on his farm in Walnut Grove township, was bom in Sorn Point, Ayrshire, Scotland, on the I5th of October, 1835, his parents being Hugh and Janette (Murdock) Simpson. The grandfather was George Simpson and was the father of twelve children, of whom David and Robert K., of Glasgow, Scotland, are the only surviving members. George Simpson was active in his duties as a member of the United Presbyterian church. The father was a shoemaker by trade and was engaged in this business throughout his life, his death occurring in 1852 at the age of sixty-five years. The mother was the daughter of John and Mary Murdock, the former a weaver by trade. Mrs. Simpson's death occurred in 1872 at the age of eighty-four years.

David Simpson attended the district schools in his native country until twelve years of age and then entered into agricultural pursuits, assisting his brother. For the following two yea^s he was engaged in the tile and brick business and subsequently after his father's death, he went to the coal regions and engaged in mining, but in 1857, desiring to seek his fortune in the new world, he came to America, going directly to Oneida, Illinois, arriving there on the i6th of April, 1857. For the next three years he fanned out by the month and then began farming for himself. Subsequently he removed to his present farm which was at that time all prairie land, and Mr. Simpson now has the distinction of being the only living old settler in this township. When he had acquired one hundred and twenty acres of land he established his present home, and has constantly added improvements and conveniences until he now has one of the well equipped and modern farms in the township.

Mr. Simpson was married in i86i, to Lavina (Garland) Hawk, a native of Virginia, her parents being Thomas and Mildred (Moon) Garland. The father was a planter and slave owner until he removed to Ohio, where he spent the latter part of his life and where his death occurred. Mrs. Simpson had been previously married to Jacob Hawk, and was the mother of four children, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have become the parents of eight children, of whom three died in infancy. Of those living, Hugh C., the eldest, was born on the I4th of December, i86i, and is engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Ada McLaughlin, by whom he had five children : Leola, Milo, James and David, and one, the eldest, who died in childhood. Mildred Lavina was bom June 5, 1864, and is living at home, where she is keeping house for her father. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is very active in its various societies, being one of the prominent members of the Ladies' Aid Society. Janette M., who was born November 19, 1866, is the wife of Ed N. Suydam, of Galesburg, and has four children : Marie, Fern, Edna and David, who died, when three years of age. Amanda Ellen was born October 19, 1868, and is the widow of William Mead, of Oneida. David J. was born January 13, 1872, and is a traveling salesman residing in Peoria, Illinois, and is a widower.

Mr. Simpson is an active supporter of the policies of the republican party, doing all in his power to promote its measures and to influence his fellow citizens in their support. He has served as central committeeman, highway commissioner and as member of the school board. He also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Altona and in the Methodist church of Altona. In his social, fraternal and political relations he has won for himself the same esteem and regard, which he has won in the industrial circles, and has lived in accordance with the teachings of high principles, continually extending the circle of his friends who almost comprise all his acquaintances.

William N. Thomas, who is operating a blacksmith shop in Wataga, has been a resident of Knox county for over fifty-two years. He was born in Wayne county, Indiana, on the I4th of May, 1842, and is a son of Edward and Maria (Kit well) Thomas. The father was a native of Wabash county, Indiana, and there he was also reared and educated, after which he entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church, his first field being in the vicinity of his early home. His labors were terminated by death some nine years later, however, his demise occurring in 1850. The mother, who passed away in 1876, at the age of sixtytwo years, was a daughter of J. H. and Maria Kitwell, natives of Kentucky. The paternal grandfather of our subject, J. H. Thomas, was prominent in promoting and spreading the Universalist belief and for many years devoted his entire time and attention to advocating his views, traveling throughout the country and lecturing wherever he could obtain a hearing. He also owned and operated a printing establishment and emphasized his personal work by scattering broadcast essays and lectures of himself and others on the theme of universal salvation. He was a native of Kentucky. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Thomas there were born five children : William N., our subject ; James E., who is living in Prairie City, Iowa; W. H., a resident of Dodgeville, Wisconsin; Maggie, the wife of W. H. Moon, also of Prairie City, Iowa ; and Mrs. J. H. Gregg, of Missouri.

The eldest child of his widowed mother, William N. Thomas left school at the age of twelve and during the succeeding eight years devoted his energies to the operation of their farm. In 1859 he came to Galesburg, continuing to fol- low agricultural pursuits until the breaking out of the war in i86i, when he enlisted as a musician in Company A, Fifty-Ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and went to the front under General Post of the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Stone River, Chickamauga, Atlanta and Nashville, having been wounded in the latter engagement. He had enlisted at Knoxville for three years but upon the expiration of his period of service reenlisted until the close of the war. After the close of hostilities he went to San Antonio, Texas, where he was retained for nine months, being mustered out on September 19, 1866. Upon his return to Galesburg he gave his attention to the carriage manufacturing business, for about three decades, when he came to Wataga and opened a blacksmith and general repair shop which he is still operating.

-'-'-- For his wife Mr. Thomas chose Miss Frances A. Gibbs, a daughter of Nelson and Adelia Gibbs, the father a farmer of Knox county, where Mrs. Thomas has spent the greater part of her sixty-five years. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas there were born two sons: W. H., a resident of Galesburg, who married Ada Tulson and has one child ; and A., living in Oneida, who is married and has two children.

Fraternally Mr. Thomas is a member of the Masonic order, being affiliated with Wataga Lodge, No. 291, A. F. & A. M., and he also belongs to the Odd Fellows, holding membership in Galesburg Lodge, No. 142, I. O. O. F. His political support he gives to the democratic party and he has several times been called to public office, having served as mayor and marshal for two terms each, and as constable for three. In all of his relations of life Mr. Thomas has ever exhibited the loyalty and efficiency that characterized him on the battlefield, the details of every responsibility he assumes being discharged with conscientious exactitude. . > -. .

C. p. Smith, representing agricultural interests in Knox county, lives half a mile east of Elba Center on the farm and in the same house where he first beheld the light of day, fifty years ago, his birth having occurred July 9, i86i. His father, Ira A. Smith, was a pioneer settler of Illinois, coming here from New York state in 1850, when a young man, and carried on farming. He bought the present homestead and lived here for many years until his death in January, 1907, when he was eighty-four years old. He married Sarah A. Rose, whose grandfather. Stephen Rose, was one of the original settlers of Knox county, taking up his residence here in 1830. There were eleven children in the Smith family, of whom seven are still living: Mrs. Donnelly, of Kansas; Alfred A., of Iowa; Salem, of Kansas; C. P., the subject of this biography; W. T., of Texas, and Mrs. Barry of Nebraska, the last two being twins ; and Mrs. Ramp, of Nebraska.

Upon the old homestead C. P. Smith spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and in the local district schools he obtained a fair education. He began work on the home place and has remained here ever since with the exception low agricultural pursuits until the breaking out of the war in i86i. when he enlisted as a musician in Company A. Fifty-Xinth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and went to the front under General Post of the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in the battles of Pea Ridge. Stone River, Qiickamauga, Atlanta and Nashville, having been wounded in the latter engagement. He had enlisted at Knoxville for tliree years but upon the expiration of his period of service reenlisted until the close of the war. After the close of hostilities he went to San Antonio, Texas, where he was retained for nine months, being mustered out on September 19, 1866. Upon his return to Galesburg he gave his attention to the carriage manufacturing business, for about three decades, when he came to \\'ataga and opened a blacksmith and general repair shop which he is still operating.

For his wife Mr. Thomas chose Miss Frances A. Gibbs, a daughter of Nelson and Adelia Gibbs. the father a farmer of Knox county, where Mrs. Thomas has spent the greater part of her sixty-five years. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas there were born two sons: W. H.. a resident of Galesburg, who married Ada Tulson and has one child : and A., living in Oneida, who is married and has two children.

Fraternally Mr. Thomas is a member of the Masonic order, being affiliated with \Vataga Lodge, Xo. 291, A. F. & A. M., and he also belongs to the Odd Fellows, holding membership in Galesburg Lodge, Xo. 142, I. O. O. F. His political support he gives to the democratic party and he has several times been called to public office, having served as mayor and marshal for two tenns each, and as constable for three. In all of his relations of life Mr. Thomas has ever exhibited the loyalty and efficiency that characterized him on the battlefield, the details of every responsibility he assumes being discharged with conscientious exactitude. . . .

C. P. Smith, rejjresenting agricultural interests in Knox county, lives half a mile east of Flba Center on the farm and in the same house where he first beheld the light of day. fifty years ago, his birth having occurred July 9, i86i. His father, Ira A. Smith, was a ])ioneer settler of Illinois, coming here from New York state in 1X50, when a young man, and carried on farming. He bought the present homestead and lived here for many years until his death in January, i</)7. when he was eighty-four years old. He married .^arah .\. Rose, whose grandfather. Stephen Rose, was one of the original settlers of Knox county, taking up his residence here in 1830. There were eleven children in the Smith family, of whom seven are still living: Mrs. Donnelly, of Kansas: Alfred A., of Iowa : Salem, of Kansas ; C. P., the subject of this biography : W. T., of Texas, and Mrs. Piarry of Nebraska, the last two being twins: and Mrs. Ramp, of X'ebraska.

L'pon the old homestead C. P. Smith spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and in the local district schools he obtained a fair education. He began work on the home place and has remained here ever since with the exception

Mr. Smith was married to Miss Harriett Miller and they became the parents of a son, Elmer, who was bom in 1890 and passed away in 1907. In 1894 . :: Mrs. Harriett Smith was called to her final rest and on June 12, 1907, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Julia Rausch, a daughter of Gustavus ' . and Bertha Rausch, of Galesburg, where her father occupied the position of '.'-:''-.' minister in the Evangelical church. She was one of five children in her family. Mr. Smith belongs to the Masonic order and in his political convictions is . . not bound by party ties, preferring to vote independently for the man rather \..'-'- than according to the dictates of the party. He was elected to the office of constable and for four years served as justice of the peace. Fraternally he is : ' connected with the Masonic order. Ever faithful in adhering to his ideals, he , has unflinchingly performed the duties which have fallen to his lot and in the , success which has attended his efforts has found his reward. .;:-.--.;'"

' Fred C. Bearmore, president of the First National Bank of Maquon, has long been prominently identified with the commercial and financial enterprises of this village, of which he has been a resident for thirty years. He was born in Monmouth county. New Jersey in 1853, and is a son of David T. and Rebecca (Conover) Bearmore, natives of the same state. The father was a wagon and carriage maker but also engaged in the operation of a farm in connection with his trade. The parents spent their entire lives in their native state, both passing away at the age of about seventy-five years, the father's demise occurring near the town of Freehold, and that of the mother at Lakewood. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Bearmore numbered three, of whom our subject was the eldest, the others being as follows : David, a real-estate man of Emporia, Kansas, who married Harriet Emma Hall and has one daughter, Edna; and Elnora, who is the wife of Joseph W. Thorn, of Farmingdale, New Jersey.

The early life of Fred C. Bearmore was spent in the village where he was bom, and to whose schools he is indebted for his education. After acquiring such knowledge as was deemed essential to enable him to assume the heavier responsibilities of life he laid aside his text-books and operated his father's farm. He had from his earliest youth been trained in those qualities of integrity and industry that tend to develop men of enterprise and high principle, his ideals ever having been of the highest type of manhood. At the age of twentyeight he left the parental roof and came west and entered into the mercantile and banking business with William Swigart. This venture proved to be very lucrative and they were associated together in this business in Maquon for twentytwo years. In 1903 Fred C. Bearmore established a private bank that he operated for three years and then reorganized and established as a national bank, the institution since 1906 having been known as the First National Bank of Maquon. It has a paid-up capital of thirty-five thousand dollars and is recognized as one of the most substantial and conservative financial organizations of this section of the state. Mr. Bearmore is the president; John Wolf, vice president; and A. S. Potter, cashier. All are men of high standing and well known integrity and business ability.

For his wife and helpmate Mr. Bearmore chose Miss Sarah Swigart, a daughter of William Swigart, their marriage being celebrated in 1885. Six children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Bearmore. Freda, who married Glen McGirr and has two children, is living on a farm south of Maquon. Ella, the second daughter became the wife of Ralph White and resides in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Fay, who is unmarried, is teaching in the schools of Hinsdale, Illinois. William, the only son, is living at Minot, North Dakota. The two youngest members of the family, Genevieve and Marian, the latter born on the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of the parents, are both at home.

The political views of Mr. Bearmore coincide with the principles of the democratic party, in support of whose candidates he casts his ballot. Though he has never been prominently identified in municipal politics, he served most capably as supervisor. During the long period of his residence in Knox county Mr. Bearmore, by reason of his honorable transactions, trustworthiness and absolute reliability on any and all occasions, as well as his regard for his word, has at all times had the full confidence of his fellow citizens and has manifested those characteristics which are among a business man's greatest assets. His name connected with any business enterprise is recognized as a guaranty of its reliability and assurance of its stability - . \^. -- ; '

Professor Arthur Clark Butler, who has served as superintendent of the city schools of Abingdon since 1904, is one of the well known educators of northern Illinois and has long been a prominent and valuable factor in educational circles in this part of the state. His birth occurred in Morgan county, Illinois, on the nth of April, 1848, his parents being James L. and Oletha Parker (Sargent) Butler, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. In early manhood the father journeyed westward to Ohio and thence to Indiana and in 1840 removed to Morgan county, Illinois, being there married and purchasing a farm near Jacksonville. In 1862 he left the place and took up his abode on a farm which he purchased in'Macon county, where he remained until 1870, when he removed to Neosho county, Kansas. There he continued to reside until called to his final rest on the 29th of July, 1891. James L. Butler was an ardent worker in the cause of temperance and also labored eflfectively in advancing the interests of education in his community. While living in Morgan county he was a prime factor in the erection of one of the best country schoolhouses to be found in the state. He was always an advocate of good public schools and worked earnestly for their establishment and keeping up their standard. Both he and his wife were devoted and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Butler, who was still but a girl when she accompanied her parents on their removal to Morgan county, passed away on the 27th of May, 190x3. Her father, William L. Sargent, there became a well known figure in state politics at an early day. He was a whig and a strong anti-slavery man, his home being one of the stations on the underground railway. He served as a member of the state legislature from his district and was one of the influential factors in the organization of the republican party. All of his sons, six in number, served throughout the Civil war and returned home after the cessation of hostilities. The only one still living is Henry, an inmate of the Soldiers' Home at Quincy, , Illinois. .

Arthur C. But4er was reared under the parental roof and obtained his early education in the public schools of Morgan county, Illinois. Subsequently he pursued the full course and also did an additional year's work in the State Normal School at Bloomington, Illinois, being graduated from that institution with the class of 1878. Later Dr. Richard Edwards, who has been president of the State Normal School, became president of Blackburn University at Carlinville and, having recognized Mr. Butler's efficient work in the normal school as an institute instructor and writer, recommended him to the university for the degree of Master of Arts, which was accordingly conferred upon him. Subsequently Mr. Butler took a correspondence post-graduate course from the University of Chicago, which completed his schooling. Five years prior to his graduation' from the State Normal School he had taken up teaching as a vocation and during his normal course continued teaching at intervals. Following his graduation he was made principal of the schools at Normal, Illinois, where he remained for two years. On the expiration of that period he accepted the principalship of the schools at Virginia, Cass county, Illinois, there remaining for a similar length of time. He was next offered and accepted the position of superintendent of the Beardstown (111.) schools, in which capacity he served for nine years. At the end of that time he went to Taylorville and organized the Taylorville township high school, formulated the course of study and presided over the schools for three years. In 1894 he left that place to become superintendent of the schools at Kewanee, Henry county, Illinois, where he remained for ten years. In 1904 he came to Abingdon as superintendent of the schools here and has held that responsible position continuously since. He is a broad-minded man and an able educator and for several years past has been a regular contributor to the School News and has also written extensively for other educational publications. He has recently completed a series of articles for the School News and has beg^n another. "Persimmons" and "Gala Day Stories," two books of which he is the author, have won him merited fame. The former publication is very popular and has enjoyed an extensive sale. Miss Caroline Grote, formerly county superintendent of Pike county, Illinois, said : "I am frequently asked to name a collection of books for a school library. Whether the collection is to be a large or a small one I always name Persimmons among the first." This is only one of scores of testimonials from nearly every state in the Union. Professor Butler was a charter member of the Schoolmasters' Club, which has done much toward shaping the educational policy pursued in the northern part of the state. He is recognized as an able institute instructor and in 1911 was chosen to teach advanced-grade reading at the teachers' institute of Knox county.

On the I5th of June, 1871, Professor Butler was united in marriage to Miss Eliza H. Eaton, of Stonington, Christian county, Illinois, by whom he had three children, one son and two daughters. The son and one of the daughters are now deceased. Gazelle is the widow of Frank B. Newell and resides at home.

Professor Butler gives his political allegiance to the republican party, where national questions and issues are involved, but at local elections casts an independent ballot. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Abingdon Lodge, No. 185, A. F. & A. M. He is a member of the official board of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. Association with him means elevation and expansion, for his interests have always been in touch with those broadening processes which bring a wider, higher knowledge of life and enable the individual to place a correct valuation upon the things which go to make up life's activities and interests.

. A. S. Potter, who is cashier of the First National Bank, is a native son and a representative of one of Maquon's pioneer families. His birth occurred on May 31, 1862, his parents being Dr. Alvin H. and Eliza (Moore) Potter. They were the parents of two sons, of whom our subject is the elder, the other, A. G., now being a resident of Oklahoma. The latter married Miss Hattie Simpkins, a daughter of Dean and Harriet Simpkins, who at that time were residents of Knox county, but now make their home in Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Potter also have two sons : Alvin, who married Miss Iva Simpkins, a daughter of G. L. and Jane Simpkins, and has two children ; and Forrest.. Dr. Potter came to Maquon in his early manhood and engaged in the practice of medicine, continuing to be actively identified with this profession for about forty years. His demise occurred in this town, where he had resided for many years, when he was about sixty-five. : -/ \ ^ .: '- -'. I - .:

Reared at home, A. S. Potter spent his boyhood and youth in Maquon, obtaining his education in the public schools. In his sixteenth year he left the parental roof and went to Osceola, Nebraska, where he began his business career as a clerk in a mercantile house. He subsequently became the owner of this establishment, spending nineteen years in the business, as employe and proprietor. Mr. Potter took an active and helpful interest in the public life of the western town where he resided for so long, later spending four years as deputy in the office of the county clerk and two in that of the county treasurer of Buffalo county, Nebraska, while for three years he was city assessor of Kearney, Nebraska. In 1895 he returned to Maquon and during the succeeding five years; turned his energies to farming. In 1900 he again became identified with mercantile pursuits, when he took the position of cashier of the First National Bank, prior to which he had been one of the directors of this institution. 1. ';".:

For his wife Mr. Potter chose Miss Mauda E. Housh, a daughter of James O. and Ann Eliza (Strong) Housh, residents of Knox county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Potter there have been born four children : Lydia Garnett, who married DeWitt DePue, of this county; Oliver Sheldon, who is living in southern Texas; Florence Ethyl; and Opal, both of whom are living at home. .

Mr. Potter has always been a stanch republican, considering that the policy :> of that party is best adapted to subserve the interests of the majority. Frater- , nally he is a member of the Masonic order, Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America, while both he and his wife hold membership in the Central Congregational church, in the work of which they take an ' earnest interest. :.-;:;-.-' ."--.-''-' --'--V'^ -';'-'.;'' - - :-:":^--.' -"-'.'

W. G. Lehman, who has ably filled the office of postmaster of Yates City since October i; 1897, is one of the spirited and ambitious business men of Knox county, having an active interest in a number of flourishing enterprises which advance the well-being and the commercial standing of the community. He is the proprietor of a general store carrying staple articles, school supplies and feed. In addition to this business he is one of the men who were chiefly instrumental in securing the installment of a local telephone exchange, operating under the name Ideal Telephone, of which he is the director and manager. This company was organized September, 1901, beginning with sixty-five members. From the sixty-five telephones which they put in at that time they have expanded their territory until now they have one hundred and eighty-five telephones on their system and are connected with the Bell Telephone and the local exchange covering the surrounding country. Mr. Lehman was educated in the public schools and attended business college at Quincy, Illinois, but his real training he received under Mr. -Garrison of Yates City, whose good judgment and progressive methods gave him his keen insight into the practical ways of conducting business. He has an up-to-date store that bespeaks prosperity and employs three clerks, his wife assisting also in the store and the postoffice.

Mr. Lehman was married to Miss Stella M. Boyes, a native of Yates City and a daughter of Robert Boyes. They are the parents of one child, Lloyd B., who lives at home. In his political sympathies Mr. Lehman is a republican and has been elected to the office of town clerk for two terms and has served as mayor for one term. He is a man of energetic temperament not afraid to take a hazard in a business venture and through the exercise of good judgment has made a success of whatever he undertook. ;v' --.'--=- -"'-'.' --':.' ':.:-- ' ' ^.- ' :^

The late Thomas A. Clark, who for many years was successfully identified with the agricultural interests of Knox county, was born in the vicinity of Gilson, in September, 1847, and was a son of the Rev. W. M. Clark. '

The youngest son in the family, Thomas A. Qark was reared at home, obtaining his preliminary education in the public schools of this county after which he pursued a course at Hedding College. After the completion of his education he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, locating on the farm that his widow now owns. This contained three hundred and twenty acres of land, well improved and highly cultivated. Here Mr. Clark successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising until his demise in 1900, being considered , one of the most capable and efficient agriculturists in the community. He was widely known and highly esteemed, possessing those personal qualities that enabled him not only to win but retain the respect and regard of those with whom he came in contact.

For his wife and helpmate, Mr. Clark chose Mrs. Salina Thurman, a daughter of P. Selby. She was the widow of Franklin Thurman, by whom she had two children : Mary, who married Elmer Kromer and is living in Maquon ; and Florence, who is living in Alabama. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Clark there were born four children : Jean, the wife of Charles Burnside, of Maquon ; William E. and Kathryn, both of whom are at home ; and Fred A., who is living in Idaho. ~ ' '. > ; '-;'-.'-::--;-- :"l- v

Mr. Clark was a republican in politics and always took an active interest in all township affairs, having served as road commissioner and in some of the other township offices. Fraternally he belonged to the Knights of Pythias and in faith he was a Methodist, his widow also being a member of that church. Mrs. Clark still owns two hundred and forty acres of their farm which she now rents, having moved to Maquon and built a nice residence in 1904 and has ever since made this her home. Mr. Clark was one of those who so strongly impress their personality upon the community in which they reside that they are not readily forgotten and although more than a decade has passed since his death, he is often thought of and kindly mentioned by those who knew him well and held him in high regard in Maquon township, where he so long resided.

Among those who contributed to the agricultural growth and development of Knox county, M. S. Lemon must be given a prominent place since his energy and zeal were devoted to the cultivation of the fields for a period of forty-two years. He was born August i, 1847, '" Highland county, Ohio, and is a son of Samuel and Nancy (Shields) Lemon, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer all his life and died in Ohio in 1848, his wife departing this life a year later.

Reared on the home farm M. S. Lemon obtained his education in the public schools near by and began to assist his father when barely old enough to handle a plow, remaining in Ohio until some time during the war when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving not quite a full year. In 1865 he arrived in Galesburg, Illinois, and purchased eighty acres of land in the county. This he improved and operated, increasing his holdings by additional purchases until he now owns a tract of four hundred and thirty acres. Through industry and thrift he transformed the raw prairie land into a flourishing farm yielding abundant crops. He is progressive in his methods and believes in utilizing the soil to its fullest extent, conforming to scientific principles of intensive farming instead of the old-fashioned manner that his \vi(lc)\v no\v owns. This contained three hundred and twenty acres of land, well improved and highly cultivated. Here Mr. Clark successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising until his demise in ujoo, being considered one of the most capable and efficient agriculturists in the community. He was widely known and highly esteemed, possessing those personal qualities that enabled him not only to win but retain the respect and regard of those with whom he came in contact.

For his wife and helpmate, Mr. Clark chose Mrs. Salina Thurman, a daughter of P. Selby. She was the widow of Franklin Thurman, by whom she had two children: Mary, who married Flmer Kromer and is living in !Maquon ; and Florence, who is living in Alabama. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Clark there were born four children: fean, the wife of Charles lUirnside, of Maquon ; \\'i!liam F. and Kathryn, both of whom are at home ; and Fred A., who is living in Idaho. . - | ' -

Mr. Clark was a rej)ublican in politics and always took an active interest in all township affairs, having served as road commissioner and in some of the other townshij) ofifices. I-Vaternalh- he belonged to the Knights of Pythias and in faith he was a Methodist, his widow also being a member of that church. Mrs. Clark still owns two hundred and forty acres of their farm which she now rents, having moved to Macjuon and built a nice residence in 1904 and has ever since made this her home. Mr. Clark was one of those who so strongly impress their personality upon the community in which they reside that they are not readily forgotten and although more than a decade has passed since his death, he is often thought of and kindly mentioned by those who knew him well and held him in high regard in Ma(|uon township, where he so long resided.

Among those who contributed to the agricultural growth and development of Knox county, M. S. Lemon must be given a prominent place since his energy and zeal were devoted to the cultivation of the fields for a period of forty-two years. He was born August T, 1847, in Highland county, Ohio, and is a son of Samuel and Xancy ( Shields) Lemon, botb natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer all his life and died in Ohio in 1848, his wife departing this life a year later.